We often say “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” but when it comes to actually picking a book, let’s be honest…the cover plays a big part. I was walking around my favorite place, Half Price Books, when I happened to look over and noticed a gorgeous little book on display. Me being me, I bought it. (I’m going to have to stop going there so much, I’m slowly going broke lol) And while the cover was the reason I started it, this book held its own. The inside of The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange is as beautiful as the outside.

After a tragic accident resulting in the death of a family member, Henry and her family moved from London to the English countryside during the summer of 1919.  With Henrietta’s mother ill from grief and her father working far away, she is left with Nanny Jane and her little sister, Piglet. But when strange things start happening around the house and in the surrounding woods she feels she cannot trust anyone. Especially the creepy Dr. Hardy who is keeping Henry from seeing her mother. Will she find out what is truly happening at Hope House in time to keep her family together?

This book is marketed as a middle grade novel however I think that any age would appreciate it’s beautiful message. The way it demonstrates that everyone grieves in their own way is needed in this day and age. If I’m honest this book made me cry in front of my whole family… 

I’ve seen some reviews saying that the fact that Strange references other books to support her story makes the writing seem weak, but honestly it was one of my favorite parts. Henry using her favorite childhood books to cope with her situation is something I can definitely relate to, though I get that my experience is different from others. Additionally the fact that this is only Strange’s debut novel is more than impressive to me.

I’m so glad that I decided to purchase this beautiful flower of a book!