England, in the 1820s: young widow Anella Hebb confronts many challenges to keep her Wiltshire farm afloat. At first, one of these challenges appears to be Major Eade Jameson, the imposing local landowner. However, after initial suspicion on both sides, a friendship begins to develop. Could it prove to be more than friendship? And what of the Major's mysterious employee and friend, Mantel Buchanen, who comes to work at Anella's farm? Combining narrative drive with fine characterisation and impressive period detail, Sue McGregor's Song of the Nightingale is a stirring tale of love, passion, tragedy and recovery.