Review of Nightingale by Susan May Warren

The story starts off with a nurse named Esther and a patient named Charlie. He is wanting to jump off a ledge at the hospital. Esther is trying to tell him not to, that his life is worth living. "Charlie, don't think for a moment that I-that those guys haven't stood on this ledge and wished to fly away, to escape the moments that hold us captive, the people we see in the mirror... God isn't laughing at the way our lives turned out... Maybe he's even crying"

Esther thought her fiance Linus died in the war. Thought he didn't suffer.  We find out Charlie did end up jumping. Esther had mixed thoughts about Linus. She had a daughter with Linus but didn't want the war to end. Hopes her fiance doesn't come home. Because she stole Linus from Rosemary. She might escape from living with Linus parents in the middle of the night. 

Maybe Linus didn't want her. Maybe she will meet the guy she is writing letters to named Peter. She first received a letter saying Linus is dead. Then a letter from Linus saying he felt nothing for his daughter. She sets out to see Peter. She couldn't handle meeting him so she runs back home. Doesn't think she can see him again. 

Once Linus's mother thinks he is dead, she kicks Esther and Sadie out. She re meets Peter and kisses him. He is in prison for being a Jew during the time of the Nazi's. 

We find out Linus is really alive. He comes back with nightmares. In the dreams he acts out and hits Esther, bruising her.  Peter shows up beaten, tried to escape prison. Linus later confides in Peter that he doesn't want to marry Esther, even though Esther thinks it's the right thing to do.  Peter finally gets out of the hospital. 

Sadie went to see Linus and saw him in bed with Rosemary.  Then Peter came to stop the wedding. Linus agrees not to marry. Esther is free to leave with Sadie.  Linus finally tells the truth to his parents. Esther moves into her friend's house. Peter and Esther keep writing letters to each other.