The Landlord of Hummingbird House : First Impressions and Second Chances (The Hummingbird House Series Book 1)

If you feel in need of a pick-me-up then read this book. It’s like having a chat with a good friend or relaxing retreat away from the demands of the daily grind. It soothes and restores with vivid descriptions and quirky, likeable characters who are all starting over in some way or another. I loved the domesticity detail, the descriptions of Hummingbird House and the underlying thread that drives the plot - what's the deal with the moody, good looking landlord? A well-written and thoughtful book. Highly recommend!

I don't usually read this kind of literature, that is to say, 'chick lit' (if the author will forgive me for calling it this). I'm also not a huge fan of romance novels. However, and this is important - I *really* enjoyed this book. Despite my preconceived notions, I found TLOHH to be a well-told tale of moving on, coming to terms, and discovering new friendships. It drew me in. I found I wanted to know what happens next, not only to the main character but all of the characters. I wanted her neighbours to be mine. I wanted her flat. I want the recipe for Bettie's cake! There's no washy, soppy stuff in Jane Harvey's writing, which I was eternally grateful for. A well-conceived, well-written story that many can relate to.

Jane Harvey's debut novel is a well balanced mix of romantic and women's fiction. April is hurting, on her own for the first time and, in her early 30s, feeling she's back to square one. What has she got to show for her life so far? When she moves into a flat in Hummingbird House she discovers she's not the only one with problems. More, she discovers a resilience in herself which allows her to help others. The romance in this story is very much a side issue - it would have worked without it, as this is not about 'getting the (a) man' but about April's own climb back to self-confidence and getting on with things. How she gets there, and who else is involved, is a twisty little tale where the unveiling of secrets one by one - right up to the last line - holds our interest throughout the journey.Harvey's characters are tightly written, and all the more life-like for it. The troubled Dai, the 'holding it together' Paul, and the wise, gentle Betty form a brilliant supporting cast in Hummingbird House, while characters such as the exhausted sister and her sweet daughter, and friends Rosie and Joy, add to the range of humanity so wonderfully portrayed. It does indeed take all kinds.This is not a long book at 200 pages, but it's a 'complete' book, which left me satisfied. I believe there have been requests for a sequel. I'd really like to know Rosie and Joy's story please...

There was a time when this sort of fiction was all I read. It started to become too predictable, I took a few risks, tried new stuff and never looked back. I was drawn to this book by the blurb. I decided to take a chance figuring an indie grown up with a prize winning history (in another genre with another name) might have something more to offer the genre than my previous reads and I wasn't wrong. Jane Harvey rolled into town with her collection of relatable characters and well written story and I got hooked. Stories that have a romantic element generally focus strongly on that and everything else falls into place once the people get together. This is a much more realistic story about people with a touch of romance in the mix. I love the unpredictably and the non stereotype characters. Sequel please Jane, maybe more than one, there are people in the cast I want to know more about. April's story could go a little further too I would say. Bravo for bringing more to the table than your average easy reading book. This is indeed a book for the thinking woman. I can see Harvey's books being on my must read list for some time to come.

What a wonderful novel. I was totally invested in all the characters from the outset. The descriptive writing is beautiful and there are hints of therapeutic elements to the interactions between the characters. I can’t wait for the second part and Betty’s story to be released and am very keen to hear all about the other characters too. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book, my first from this author. It is a nice gentle read with well rounded characters. The story built well and kept my interest throughout. I would love to know how life carries on for this bunch of people.

I got it for free and decided to make it a light read between books I normally read. Unfortunately after 1/4 into the book I realised its a book without a purpose exactly in a same way like chit-chats. A women moves in to a flat and meets neighbours , thats it ;so I doubt something shocking or exciting happens later in a book.

First impressions and second chances are the only clues Jane Harvey gives the reader about her debut novel but, The Landlord of Hummingbird House is so much more than that.Jane Harvey tantalising drips feeds the past lives of the occupants of Hummingbird House. The characters are relatable, true to life, and their struggles are real. However, as Jane reveals their innermost thoughts and emotions, insecurities and ambitions, it becomes clear that some of the tenants are hiding darker secrets than others.First impressions may not always be correct, but second chances can happen when you least expect them.I am sure Hummingbird House, and its occupants, have more stories to tell, and I very much hope that Jane Harvey explores that possibility in her follow-up novel.