A lovely, dreamy story, based around the aftermath of a classic fairy tale. Very enjoyable. ( )

This novella is a pure delight. It's based on a well-known fairy tale, but it was so subtlety incorporated that I didn't realize which tale until it became quite clear at the end. The setting of 19th century Russia is well-used and quite fascinating. Cheney is masterful at writing realistic banter and relationships, and that is especially evident here. Yes, it's a romance, and yes, you know things will likely end in a happily ever after, but the journey to that end is full of surprises. ( )

The Sparrow in Hiding is a short novella set in a post-Napoleonic Russia where magic is real, even if society doesn't believe in it anymore. Irina believes that her mother is a tree, even if her father and brother don't. She comes to the dacha to escape society's glare every summer. One summer she discovers that her brother has hired a new worker with a mysterious past for the aviary. Just who is Evgeny and what is the story of his past. Irina can't help but try to figure it out.

A short novella with good plotting that feels like it ends a bit too suddenly for my taste. If you've liked Cheney's other work or have an interest in historical fantasy set in Russia, then you'll want to pick this one up. Otherwise, you may want to start with her Portuguese novels or Saratoga Springs-set short stories to get a feel for her good stuff first. ( )