Nightingale's Nest, Nikki Loftin. Little John's life is falling apart. His younger sister, Raelynn, died when falling from a tree. Money is tight and what little money dad earns with his tree removal business, is often drunk, away, and leaving no money for the rent. Little John's mom has not been the same since Raelynn's death and he gets no comfort from her. Gayle, the orphan living with the dysfunctional Cutlin family, has a voice that sings in harmony with the birds and heals hurts. Bruises, bumps and  busted limbs are healed with her singing and she is the only one that brings Little John comfort. Mr. King, the richest man in the county, offers to pay Little John $500 to bring Gayle to him so he can record her voice. He does and her voice leaves her. Little John refuses to take the money because of his betrayal, but his dad nabs the money, putting it away for the rent. Little John feels it wrong to keep the money so he takes it and gives it to Gayle, who uses it to fluff the nest she builds high up in a tree. Jeb Cutlin, their cunning neighbor, witnessed the transaction and steals the money from the nest. The eviction notice on the door brings more shame to Little John, as he was trusted to pay the rent. To earn the rent money, Little John must cut down the tree with the nest, that he promised Gayle he would never do in order to keep his family in their home.

This is lovely story about a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and the girl with a voice that heals.