The Landlord of Hummingbird House

by Jane Harvey

5 out of 5

Synopsis

When April moves into Hummingbird House, she is intrigued by her mysterious landlord, Dai.

With a bruised heart and a distinct lack of furniture, she spends the summer getting to know the other occupants. As she smartens up her home and makes peace with her recent past, she befriends Paul, a solitary ex-chef, and Betty, an elderly lady who lives in the basement flat.

But Hummingbird House holds many secrets, and the relationships of the tenants are not as straightforward as they seem. April learns some shocking truths one eventful night, and realises that victims and villains can look the same.

The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a contemporary novel exploring unlikely friendships, unexpected love interests, and family relationships. Here, everyone is in need of a second chance - and appearances can be deceptive.

Review

After the breakdown of a relationship, April finds herself having to rent again. Hummingbird House is affordable, and helps to heal her broken heart.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

April thought her life was set - she owned a London flat with the man she loved, had a job she enjoyed, teaching kids. But she now finds herself alone for the first time in her life; and back to square one in her thirties.

I really enjoyed this book. It was surprisingly sweet, and I love how it focusses on the importance of friends, and unexpected friendships.

How the group of people renting the flats that make up Hummingbird House create their own dysfunctional family; and help each other with their failed attempts at adulting.

I found it really easy to connect with April - her past is... normal. A normal relationship, with normal faults. But it was still riveting to read. It was relatable - how much April sacrificed herself for the relationship, and how lost she feels having to go solo.

I liked how April has a strong relationship with her sister - who isn't afraid to call April out when she veers from defensive to mean.

There is a hint of prospective romance, but I really liked that it didn't overwhelm the rest of the story.

Overall, this was a very sweet book, and I look forward to reading more of Jane Harvey's work.

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