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The Christmas Hummingbird
In the ultimate Christmas comfort book for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn returns to the kindhearted coastal town of Miramar Bay for a moving story of second chances, Christmas blessings, and the beauty of nature, as a single mom and her extraordinary son open their hearts to a newcomer who’s lost everything in a nearby wildfire.
Ryan Eames is a policewoman and single mother dedicated most of all to her lonely, uniquely gifted son. Stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, Christmas cheer feels as far away as a distant carol on a winter night. Until duty draws her into the life of a stranger.
Ethan Lange is alive because Ryan reached his canyon home before the blaze. Christmas is only days away, and Ethan has lost everything. A man reckoning with a painful past, it’s not the first time he’s been forced to start over. At least now it’s in the redeeming embrace of Miramar Bay.
Forging an animal rescue operation, Ryan and Ethan first unite by their cause and the rally of a close-knit community. But it’s Ryan’s extraordinary child who draws them into something deeper and surprising. Something to be thankful for. Now with every beat of their hearts, Christmas in Miramar Bay looks to be a season of love, healing, and sweet mercies that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Ryan Eames is a policewoman and single mother dedicated most of all to her lonely, uniquely gifted son. Stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, Christmas cheer feels as far away as a distant carol on a winter night. Until duty draws her into the life of a stranger.
Ethan Lange is alive because Ryan reached his canyon home before the blaze. Christmas is only days away, and Ethan has lost everything. A man reckoning with a painful past, it’s not the first time he’s been forced to start over. At least now it’s in the redeeming embrace of Miramar Bay.
Forging an animal rescue operation, Ryan and Ethan first unite by their cause and the rally of a close-knit community. But it’s Ryan’s extraordinary child who draws them into something deeper and surprising. Something to be thankful for. Now with every beat of their hearts, Christmas in Miramar Bay looks to be a season of love, healing, and sweet mercies that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Audible Audio
First published October 24, 2023
165 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
112 books1,039 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
November 18, 2022
In a Nutshell: A contemporary romance cum drama cum mystery. (!?!?) Contains diabetes-inducing levels of sweetness. I might have loved it two decades ago. Right now, I am too pessimistic to accept this plot with ease.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
🔥 I’ve never read a story with hummingbirds in a prominent role. The animal lover in me was mighty pleased with everything related to animals, but especially the hummingbirds.
🔥 I was aware of the frequent forest fires in California, but just to what extent they cause damage and how untethered they are in reality was revealed to me through this story. This is the first time ever I read a fictional novel on this natural disaster, and it was an enlightening and sobering experience to see how life is lived with a raging fire in the background.
🔥 Whenever a male author writes a female character without focussing on her generous anatomical attributes, it deserves a plus point. The writing doesn’t focus on the physical appeal of the characters at all while still giving us enough information to picture them in our minds.
🔥 As a second-chance romance, the book proceeds well. There is no instant attraction between Ryan and Ethan, but a connection that grows from acquaintance level and progresses slowly. I liked this mature portrayal of their relationship.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
💥 It is set around Christmas but the story doesn't use the festive season at all, except if you consider the feel-good elements as part of the holiday spirit. The title made me expect a lot more of Christmassy content.
💥 Many situations are highly exaggerated and unrealistic. Ethan is supposed to be the Vice-President at a bank, while also dabbling as a set designer and a voluntary firefighter. Regardless, he still finds spare time to spend whole days with Ryan and her son Liam. Ryan seems to use the police vehicle for her personal reasons quite often. Also, why would she refer her ex as “my ex” even when she is musing alone?
💥 Related to the above but deserving of a separate point: While the relationship between Ethan and Ryan grows slowly, the connection between Ethan and Liam accelerates from zero to hundred in no time. It feels weird how Ryan has no issues with a stranger getting so close to her only son in hardly any time and spending so much time alone with him. I might have oohed and aahed at this behaviour in my early twenties, but as a mom, I just felt creeped out.
💥 The main characters are too perfect and goody-goody. Even Christmas stories need a Scrooge or a Grinch to be truly memorable.
💥 There are too many elements packed into this little 200 page novel: natural disaster, romance, drama, mystery, parenting struggles,… It handles the content decently but the plot feels directionless because of the kitchen sink approach.
💥 There are way too many conversations in the book! Luckily, the audiobook narrator was great, so understanding the flow wasn’t tricky.
💥 Okay, no offence to any woman with the name ‘Ryan’, but I have heard only of men named ‘Ryan’. It was very tough for my brain to remember that Ryan was a woman. This might sound like a silly point, but I kept confusing myself while listening because of this new-to-me nomenclature.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at about five and a half hours, is narrated by Graham Winton. He does a nice job, voicing the characters individually. I appreciate him not using a whiny or nasal tone to voice the female characters. If you want to read this, the audiobook is a good bet.
This book is supposedly part of the Miramar series. Though I haven’t read the rest, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything jumping straight to this title.
Overall, it was a good enough story, but it didn’t go the way I had expected. Ambitious in its plot, scattered in its flow, and too perfect in its characters. The lack of Christmassy feels didn’t help. But if you want to read a story that will teach you about forest fires and hummingbirds, this is a nice enough option.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the audio and for the hummingbirds.
My thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Christmas Hummingbird”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Ethan Lange has recently lost his house and everything he owns to a forest fire. The only reason he escaped alive is that police officer Ryan Eames reached his house before the blaze did. Ryan and Ethan bond over shared trauma of the past and also over Ryan’s young son Liam, who is an artist just as Ethan is in his part time. The trio come closer when they end up planning an animal rescue operation. All this while still dealing with the fires. And also a mystery about the cause of the fires.
(I am not too happy with my story synopsis this time, but the plot is such that it goes all over the place!)
Where the book worked for me:
🔥 I’ve never read a story with hummingbirds in a prominent role. The animal lover in me was mighty pleased with everything related to animals, but especially the hummingbirds.
🔥 I was aware of the frequent forest fires in California, but just to what extent they cause damage and how untethered they are in reality was revealed to me through this story. This is the first time ever I read a fictional novel on this natural disaster, and it was an enlightening and sobering experience to see how life is lived with a raging fire in the background.
🔥 Whenever a male author writes a female character without focussing on her generous anatomical attributes, it deserves a plus point. The writing doesn’t focus on the physical appeal of the characters at all while still giving us enough information to picture them in our minds.
🔥 As a second-chance romance, the book proceeds well. There is no instant attraction between Ryan and Ethan, but a connection that grows from acquaintance level and progresses slowly. I liked this mature portrayal of their relationship.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
💥 It is set around Christmas but the story doesn't use the festive season at all, except if you consider the feel-good elements as part of the holiday spirit. The title made me expect a lot more of Christmassy content.
💥 Many situations are highly exaggerated and unrealistic. Ethan is supposed to be the Vice-President at a bank, while also dabbling as a set designer and a voluntary firefighter. Regardless, he still finds spare time to spend whole days with Ryan and her son Liam. Ryan seems to use the police vehicle for her personal reasons quite often. Also, why would she refer her ex as “my ex” even when she is musing alone?
💥 Related to the above but deserving of a separate point: While the relationship between Ethan and Ryan grows slowly, the connection between Ethan and Liam accelerates from zero to hundred in no time. It feels weird how Ryan has no issues with a stranger getting so close to her only son in hardly any time and spending so much time alone with him. I might have oohed and aahed at this behaviour in my early twenties, but as a mom, I just felt creeped out.
💥 The main characters are too perfect and goody-goody. Even Christmas stories need a Scrooge or a Grinch to be truly memorable.
💥 There are too many elements packed into this little 200 page novel: natural disaster, romance, drama, mystery, parenting struggles,… It handles the content decently but the plot feels directionless because of the kitchen sink approach.
💥 There are way too many conversations in the book! Luckily, the audiobook narrator was great, so understanding the flow wasn’t tricky.
💥 Okay, no offence to any woman with the name ‘Ryan’, but I have heard only of men named ‘Ryan’. It was very tough for my brain to remember that Ryan was a woman. This might sound like a silly point, but I kept confusing myself while listening because of this new-to-me nomenclature.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at about five and a half hours, is narrated by Graham Winton. He does a nice job, voicing the characters individually. I appreciate him not using a whiny or nasal tone to voice the female characters. If you want to read this, the audiobook is a good bet.
This book is supposedly part of the Miramar series. Though I haven’t read the rest, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything jumping straight to this title.
Overall, it was a good enough story, but it didn’t go the way I had expected. Ambitious in its plot, scattered in its flow, and too perfect in its characters. The lack of Christmassy feels didn’t help. But if you want to read a story that will teach you about forest fires and hummingbirds, this is a nice enough option.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the audio and for the hummingbirds.
My thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Christmas Hummingbird”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
November 24, 2022
Ethan Lange is forced to start over when a wildfire in Miramar Bay took everything just days before Christmas. Ryan Eames is a policewoman, divorcee, and mom to a gifted eleven-year-old artist, Liam. Liam hardly speaks but he warms up to Ethan over hummingbirds and art. Meanwhile, Ryan seeks assistance from Ethan over burglaries after the fire.
"The Christmas Hummingbird" is a story about healing and second chance. A heartwarming story with likable characters. I was expecting a bit more festive vibe and strong emotions but didn't quite get that. The hummingbird was the best part for me.
Graham Winton did a fine job with the narration.
Thank you RB Media, Recorded Books, and Netgalley for this DLC.
"The Christmas Hummingbird" is a story about healing and second chance. A heartwarming story with likable characters. I was expecting a bit more festive vibe and strong emotions but didn't quite get that. The hummingbird was the best part for me.
Graham Winton did a fine job with the narration.
Thank you RB Media, Recorded Books, and Netgalley for this DLC.
October 31, 2022
This is a Women's Fiction book. I do not think this is a Christmas story, but there is a little Christmas in it. I did enjoy the characters in this book. I felt the story in this book was super sweet. I just found this story was slow to get going, and I also felt that there was too much going on at times in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
April 5, 2024
This heart-stirring novel set in Miramar Bay, an idyllic seaside town in California, highlights one of nature’s smallest birds, the hummingbird.
This is my second novel by this author, and I was impressed with his ability to appeal to my emotions while delivering a suspenseful and heartwarming story. While wildfires and the heroes who fight them were a part of this story, Bunn was able to highlight 3 things in his book that parallel lessons I’ve learned from hummingbirds.
Firstly, Bunn drives home the warning to not let perceived limitations hold you back. The hummingbird is so small, yet it can fly backwards, forwards, sideways and upside down. Ryan Eames has a lot on her plate with her career as a police officer and single handedly raising a son who needs extra care and attention. She learns to capitalize on her strengths rather than her limitations. In doing so, she finds love.
Secondly, Bunn shows us the inner strength of his characters as they learn to stand their ground. The hummingbird doesn’t know it’s small so when its territory is invaded it is aggressive. Ryan takes note of this inspiration, and her courageous heart helps her stand up for what she needs for her family and her community. You’ll read about the courage and unconditional acceptance she finds when she surrounds herself with those who understand her. You’ll be rooting for her to find happiness and love. Besides the destruction, Bunn highlights an accompanying negative side of wildfires and evacuations - opportunistic thieves. Like the hummingbird, the police force brought in to protect the vacation homes, stands their ground and serves the community.
Thirdly, Bunn reminds us that staying flexible and ‘going with the flow’ are essential to survival. A hummingbird chooses a variety of food sources and can change their course in an instant. Ethan Lange and his friend Noah are intuitive and are able to adapt to unexpected roadblocks in their journey. You’ll read about how Ethan faces devastation a few weeks before Christmas and admire his flexibility and attitude.
My heart was captured with the sections featuring Liam and Trevor. Sometimes the smallest things take up the biggest room in your heart.
With everyone pulling together, it becomes a wonderful Christmas.
I was gifted this advance copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is my second novel by this author, and I was impressed with his ability to appeal to my emotions while delivering a suspenseful and heartwarming story. While wildfires and the heroes who fight them were a part of this story, Bunn was able to highlight 3 things in his book that parallel lessons I’ve learned from hummingbirds.
Firstly, Bunn drives home the warning to not let perceived limitations hold you back. The hummingbird is so small, yet it can fly backwards, forwards, sideways and upside down. Ryan Eames has a lot on her plate with her career as a police officer and single handedly raising a son who needs extra care and attention. She learns to capitalize on her strengths rather than her limitations. In doing so, she finds love.
Secondly, Bunn shows us the inner strength of his characters as they learn to stand their ground. The hummingbird doesn’t know it’s small so when its territory is invaded it is aggressive. Ryan takes note of this inspiration, and her courageous heart helps her stand up for what she needs for her family and her community. You’ll read about the courage and unconditional acceptance she finds when she surrounds herself with those who understand her. You’ll be rooting for her to find happiness and love. Besides the destruction, Bunn highlights an accompanying negative side of wildfires and evacuations - opportunistic thieves. Like the hummingbird, the police force brought in to protect the vacation homes, stands their ground and serves the community.
Thirdly, Bunn reminds us that staying flexible and ‘going with the flow’ are essential to survival. A hummingbird chooses a variety of food sources and can change their course in an instant. Ethan Lange and his friend Noah are intuitive and are able to adapt to unexpected roadblocks in their journey. You’ll read about how Ethan faces devastation a few weeks before Christmas and admire his flexibility and attitude.
My heart was captured with the sections featuring Liam and Trevor. Sometimes the smallest things take up the biggest room in your heart.
With everyone pulling together, it becomes a wonderful Christmas.
I was gifted this advance copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 30, 2022
The lovely cover immediately attracted me to this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that despite its fiery topic, this is a beautiful, heartwarming story of courage, love, and unconditional acceptance.
Artist and banker, Ethan Lange’s home burns completely down twelve days before Christmas and he loses everything. He’s just been approached by a friend, Noah, to help revive a seven-book series, the Elvin Child series into more modern stories, and those books just happens to be Ethan’s favorite childhood books. He’s thrilled to be a part of the team!
Ryan Eames is an over-worked police officer. She has an 11-year old son, Liam, who’s a special child—quiet and artistic—he rarely speaks or makes friends. When Ryan is required to ask Ethan if he will help officers try to trap or outwit the professional thieves who are possibly starting fires deliberately then robbing the wealthy homeowners, he agrees, and is deputized. The hours are harsh, and the work dangerous. Ethan begins to spend a lot of time with Ryan and Liam.
Ethan has a love for hummingbirds, and often dreams of them while sleeping. He finds a small hummingbird and he and Liam take care of the dainty creature, naming it Trevor. Ethan and Liam form an immediate bond over their interest in art, and Ethan is amazed at the eleven year olds incredible talent. Ethan is a gentle, loving man, and he understands Liam.
The suspense in the story is mixed well with the characters lives and the plot is easy to follow. The characters are likable and caring and the story draws you in and moves quickly. I didn’t want to stop reading to do anything else.
An elaborate plan is set up between several law enforcement agencies. The climactic capture of the robbers in action is awesome! Ryan, Liam, and Ethan have the best Christmas ever. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Artist and banker, Ethan Lange’s home burns completely down twelve days before Christmas and he loses everything. He’s just been approached by a friend, Noah, to help revive a seven-book series, the Elvin Child series into more modern stories, and those books just happens to be Ethan’s favorite childhood books. He’s thrilled to be a part of the team!
Ryan Eames is an over-worked police officer. She has an 11-year old son, Liam, who’s a special child—quiet and artistic—he rarely speaks or makes friends. When Ryan is required to ask Ethan if he will help officers try to trap or outwit the professional thieves who are possibly starting fires deliberately then robbing the wealthy homeowners, he agrees, and is deputized. The hours are harsh, and the work dangerous. Ethan begins to spend a lot of time with Ryan and Liam.
Ethan has a love for hummingbirds, and often dreams of them while sleeping. He finds a small hummingbird and he and Liam take care of the dainty creature, naming it Trevor. Ethan and Liam form an immediate bond over their interest in art, and Ethan is amazed at the eleven year olds incredible talent. Ethan is a gentle, loving man, and he understands Liam.
The suspense in the story is mixed well with the characters lives and the plot is easy to follow. The characters are likable and caring and the story draws you in and moves quickly. I didn’t want to stop reading to do anything else.
An elaborate plan is set up between several law enforcement agencies. The climactic capture of the robbers in action is awesome! Ryan, Liam, and Ethan have the best Christmas ever. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2026
3.5 stars. This is a sweet, lovely holiday story. Not as much mystery as I would have liked per the description. But still a cozy little novel that's a super fast read.
November 15, 2022
The Christmas Hummingbird is a very different sort of Christmas book. The story takes place around the holiday season but is not your typical Christmasy romance novel. Instead, what we have is a sweet, heartwarming and inspiring story about bonds created between people and animals and helping them start afresh with kindness and compassion. A clean, lovely, emotional and feel good book.
I listened to the audiobook. The pace is slow moving but it suits the story and overall I had a pleasing time listening to it. The narration by Graham Winton is done well and suits the tone of the book. I also got to know a bit more about hummingbirds!
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher RB Media/Recorded Books and the author Davis Bunn for the audio Arc of the book. Since Goodreads doesn't have the audiobook edition, I am leaving my review under the hardcover edition of the book.
I listened to the audiobook. The pace is slow moving but it suits the story and overall I had a pleasing time listening to it. The narration by Graham Winton is done well and suits the tone of the book. I also got to know a bit more about hummingbirds!
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher RB Media/Recorded Books and the author Davis Bunn for the audio Arc of the book. Since Goodreads doesn't have the audiobook edition, I am leaving my review under the hardcover edition of the book.
November 25, 2022
I have always enjoyed Davis Bunn's writing, but this book really touched my heart in so many ways. Although it is not truly a Christmas book, the love and caring and commitment of people were a touching theme as Christmas approached.
Ryan Eames is a divorced single mother who is also a police officer. Her 11 year old son, Liam, is a talented artist but also an extreme introvert who talks little. When windstorms bring fire to the small town of Miramar Bay, many lose everything including Ethan Lange. Due to the small police department, Ethan Lange is deputized to assist during the continued fires. Both he and Ryan believe that something more than just the fire is going on, but how will they prove it? Liam, Ryan's son, connects with Ethan as they both love art and sketching. Will Ethan be the person that finally breaks through Liam's reticence? But the star of the story was, of course, the hummingbird they named Trevor that Ethan and Liam rescued that became the heart of the story as he and Lima rescued more animals from the fire.
Beautifully written book that I highly recommend as a Christmas read.
Ryan Eames is a divorced single mother who is also a police officer. Her 11 year old son, Liam, is a talented artist but also an extreme introvert who talks little. When windstorms bring fire to the small town of Miramar Bay, many lose everything including Ethan Lange. Due to the small police department, Ethan Lange is deputized to assist during the continued fires. Both he and Ryan believe that something more than just the fire is going on, but how will they prove it? Liam, Ryan's son, connects with Ethan as they both love art and sketching. Will Ethan be the person that finally breaks through Liam's reticence? But the star of the story was, of course, the hummingbird they named Trevor that Ethan and Liam rescued that became the heart of the story as he and Lima rescued more animals from the fire.
Beautifully written book that I highly recommend as a Christmas read.
November 17, 2022
The Christmas Hummingbird by Davis Bunn [T. Davis Bunn]
5h 24m narrated by Graham Winton, 264 pages
Miramar Bay series (6.5)
Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction
Featuring: California, Fires, Single Mother, Police Investigation, Story Within Story
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🎄
My thoughts: 📱18% 58:18 Ch. 8 - This story is off to a slow start. I'm waiting for the pieces to come together. I didn't know it was part of a series.
📱53% 2:52:01 Ch. 20 - I'm very surprised this book hasn't improved. It's active quite dull. It reminds me of the non-fiction social studies story about wildfires in California, except that story was more interesting.
📱74% 3:59:31 Ch. 26 - I feel like this is supposed to be the part where the rising action hits the climax, but for me, it's borderline boring, the elf story isn't flowing well, the investigation is slow, and the argument the characters had might as well of been in Greek.
I honestly wanted to give this book a higher rating but I just could not do it. If I'm honest with myself this book was all over the place didn't really have a solid plot, was extremely unrealistic, and I just did not connect with anyone. I am not even sure I truly know what happened because it was so broken up and didn't flow well. There wasn't much Christmas for a Christmas book.
Recommend to others?: Nope. This story was boring and confusing, but that's just my opinion.
5h 24m narrated by Graham Winton, 264 pages
Miramar Bay series (6.5)
Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction
Featuring: California, Fires, Single Mother, Police Investigation, Story Within Story
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🎄
My thoughts: 📱18% 58:18 Ch. 8 - This story is off to a slow start. I'm waiting for the pieces to come together. I didn't know it was part of a series.
📱53% 2:52:01 Ch. 20 - I'm very surprised this book hasn't improved. It's active quite dull. It reminds me of the non-fiction social studies story about wildfires in California, except that story was more interesting.
📱74% 3:59:31 Ch. 26 - I feel like this is supposed to be the part where the rising action hits the climax, but for me, it's borderline boring, the elf story isn't flowing well, the investigation is slow, and the argument the characters had might as well of been in Greek.
I honestly wanted to give this book a higher rating but I just could not do it. If I'm honest with myself this book was all over the place didn't really have a solid plot, was extremely unrealistic, and I just did not connect with anyone. I am not even sure I truly know what happened because it was so broken up and didn't flow well. There wasn't much Christmas for a Christmas book.
Recommend to others?: Nope. This story was boring and confusing, but that's just my opinion.
December 5, 2022
The Christmas Hummingbird is an interesting and enjoyable story. It is set in Miramar Bay right around Christmas time, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a Christmas story. Ryan Eames is the chief of police in the small coastal tone and a single mother to her lonely, uniquely gifted eleven year old son. She is stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, along with a series of thefts in the vacation homes in the fire area. When it appears the fire was intentionally set to be able to carry out the heists, Ryan is convinced to deputize Ethan Lange. Ethan was burnt out in the fires and he is now starting over. He is an artist, works at a bank and is quite good at following clues and coming up with plans. Ryan feels some kind of connection to Ethan, who she invites to dinner and miraculously, watched Liam and Ethan connect in a way that she has not seen before. When Ethan finds a hummingbird who is sick and possibly dying from smoke inhalation, he rescues it and teaches Liam, Ryan and others how to care for it. This leads to Liam coming up with a plan to save the hummingbirds and it pulls the whole town together. With other animals to be saved, more robberies occurring, the fire spreading and Ryan, Liam and Ethan developing relationships, this is a beautiful story.
I really enjoyed this story set at Christmas, that uses the magic of Christmas to solve a mystery, catch some bad guys, save some animals and bring a bullied little boy into his own and become part of the community. I really liked all the characters in this story, especially Liam and Ethan. Their relationship was wonderful and I loved watching Liam blossom. Ryan is a wonderful mother and police officer, but I'm not sure how the decision to hire Ethan actually came about. "The Christmas Hummingbird" is a story about healing and second chances, as well as how anyone can step up to help save the environment or those that live in our world. It looks like this might become a series and I will definitely read or listen to the next one in the series, if that happens. The audiobook is narrated by Graham Winton, who is a good choice as the book is told from Ethan's POV. I have listened to other books he has narrated and enjoyed them as well. I recommend this one in either format if you enjoy romance, stories of family, mystery and crime.
I really enjoyed this story set at Christmas, that uses the magic of Christmas to solve a mystery, catch some bad guys, save some animals and bring a bullied little boy into his own and become part of the community. I really liked all the characters in this story, especially Liam and Ethan. Their relationship was wonderful and I loved watching Liam blossom. Ryan is a wonderful mother and police officer, but I'm not sure how the decision to hire Ethan actually came about. "The Christmas Hummingbird" is a story about healing and second chances, as well as how anyone can step up to help save the environment or those that live in our world. It looks like this might become a series and I will definitely read or listen to the next one in the series, if that happens. The audiobook is narrated by Graham Winton, who is a good choice as the book is told from Ethan's POV. I have listened to other books he has narrated and enjoyed them as well. I recommend this one in either format if you enjoy romance, stories of family, mystery and crime.
November 16, 2022
Narrated by Graham Winton ⭐⭐⭐
Story by Davis Bunn ⭐⭐⭐
This was a very short and sweet story.
The characters were likeable, some times a little unrealistic with their absolute niceness, but if your looking for a drama free read this book is definitely it.
Story by Davis Bunn ⭐⭐⭐
This was a very short and sweet story.
The characters were likeable, some times a little unrealistic with their absolute niceness, but if your looking for a drama free read this book is definitely it.
November 26, 2022
A Hummingbird, a Boy, and a Great Story
Davis Bunn writes marvelous stories. In this one, he takes three wounded humans, an almost dead hummingbird, and a town in grave danger and creates the stuff of lasting memories. Davis crafts his word art like no other author I’ve read. And his characters are so real, I want to be friends with them and have them over for dinner. I regret there aren’t six stars to be awarded.
Davis Bunn writes marvelous stories. In this one, he takes three wounded humans, an almost dead hummingbird, and a town in grave danger and creates the stuff of lasting memories. Davis crafts his word art like no other author I’ve read. And his characters are so real, I want to be friends with them and have them over for dinner. I regret there aren’t six stars to be awarded.
June 3, 2022
Having personally lived through multiple fire seasons in Southern California, including evacuations and the loss of a close friend’s home, I appreciated the author’s ability to capture the physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual costs of these devastating wildfires. This story is so much more than the impact of these fires – it touches on love, loss, loneliness, renewal, family, and community with a touch of suspense.
The setting is Miramar Bay, a historical, coastal town in central California. Ryan Eames, a police officer, is single-handedly raising her son, Liam, whose quiet, introspective manner is not appreciated by his classmates. She meets Ethan Lange, a banker and part-time artist, when a wildfire requires immediate evacuation of his neighborhood. He subsequently loses his home and all his possessions. Gradually a personal and professional relationship develops which means each must confront their emotional barriers to love and establishing a bond as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming book and was engaged from the first page to the last. While I found Ryan and Ethan both likeable and relatable, the stars of the book were Liam and his relationship with Trevor, a rescued hummingbird. Additionally, the author pays homage to the dedication and bravery of the police and fire personnel who battle these blazes, often at great personal expense. Overall, this is a read well worth the investment of time and energy.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The setting is Miramar Bay, a historical, coastal town in central California. Ryan Eames, a police officer, is single-handedly raising her son, Liam, whose quiet, introspective manner is not appreciated by his classmates. She meets Ethan Lange, a banker and part-time artist, when a wildfire requires immediate evacuation of his neighborhood. He subsequently loses his home and all his possessions. Gradually a personal and professional relationship develops which means each must confront their emotional barriers to love and establishing a bond as a family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming book and was engaged from the first page to the last. While I found Ryan and Ethan both likeable and relatable, the stars of the book were Liam and his relationship with Trevor, a rescued hummingbird. Additionally, the author pays homage to the dedication and bravery of the police and fire personnel who battle these blazes, often at great personal expense. Overall, this is a read well worth the investment of time and energy.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 4, 2022
Ethan is a beautiful and broken human being. I love the glimpses into his heart the story slowly reveals. The phrase Ethan's friends use is 'tiene muchos trasfondos' - many hidden depths - also means you're carrying baggage.
I especially adore the small town Christmas Hallmark movie vibe I get from this main character. The miniatures artist and the police officer. And the connection to nostalgic Christmas books and films was definitely perfect!
"The fires define the season." Well, it's Christmas in Miramar, California, after all. And as the plot builds to a crescendo, it's clear that the baggage of both Ethan and love interest Ryan are not the biggest fires faced in this story.
And the hummingbird? Did you know hummingbirds are only native to North America? And that they're incredibly vulnerable to smoke, due to their tiny, fragile lungs? And that they're territorial, fiercely independent birds? The perfect symbol for Ethan (and Ryan).
"Ethan considered California Christmases to be rainbow events - explosive colors fashioned from the locals' various heritages. Even this year, when wildfires streaked the sky with dark ribbons and everyone worried about the future of their town."
"He felt as if he'd never noticed Christmas lights before. The air still tasted of old smoke, but for once he did not mind. Hummingbird feeders were strung on lampposts, doorframes, shop signs. Little flashes of life, scarcely larger than ornaments on a Christmas tree, darted in and away."
The imagery in this lovely book will take your breath away.
I especially adore the small town Christmas Hallmark movie vibe I get from this main character. The miniatures artist and the police officer. And the connection to nostalgic Christmas books and films was definitely perfect!
"The fires define the season." Well, it's Christmas in Miramar, California, after all. And as the plot builds to a crescendo, it's clear that the baggage of both Ethan and love interest Ryan are not the biggest fires faced in this story.
And the hummingbird? Did you know hummingbirds are only native to North America? And that they're incredibly vulnerable to smoke, due to their tiny, fragile lungs? And that they're territorial, fiercely independent birds? The perfect symbol for Ethan (and Ryan).
"Ethan considered California Christmases to be rainbow events - explosive colors fashioned from the locals' various heritages. Even this year, when wildfires streaked the sky with dark ribbons and everyone worried about the future of their town."
"He felt as if he'd never noticed Christmas lights before. The air still tasted of old smoke, but for once he did not mind. Hummingbird feeders were strung on lampposts, doorframes, shop signs. Little flashes of life, scarcely larger than ornaments on a Christmas tree, darted in and away."
The imagery in this lovely book will take your breath away.
June 7, 2022
A lot to like here: likeable main characters, a special little boy and his hummingbird and phenomenal talent, good dialogue, good storyline, good ending. Some elements of Christmas here but not a lot. One big issue though: perhaps I am a bit too sensitive but I am not sure I would let a relative stranger spend so much time alone with my child. It's a good thing Ethan is such a great guy!
Squeaky clean romance and language, as expected from Davis Bunn, which is a big plus for me.
All in all, not a bad book though I was less immersed in it.
3 and a half stars for me.
Squeaky clean romance and language, as expected from Davis Bunn, which is a big plus for me.
All in all, not a bad book though I was less immersed in it.
3 and a half stars for me.
June 25, 2022
This is a beautiful, uplifting story that can be read at Christmas time or anytime.
It has a warm, family, friendship feel that you will not want to miss!
My favorite character of all time is the famous soul named Trevor! Truly brings the story and characters together to open up the plot.
Well done !
Thank you to #Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review of this wonderful book!
It has a warm, family, friendship feel that you will not want to miss!
My favorite character of all time is the famous soul named Trevor! Truly brings the story and characters together to open up the plot.
Well done !
Thank you to #Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review of this wonderful book!
June 3, 2022
With Christmas in the title I really expected more of a Christmas story. What I got was a story about someone doing so much for others. It’s a nice feel good book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
June 7, 2022
I received an ARC of The Christmas Hummingbird, by Davis Bunn. Such a sort and sweet story. Ryan and Ethan are good characters.
February 25, 2023
What a wonderful, satisfying read! I have read and enjoyed each of Bunn's Miramar Bay series, but this is my favorite so far. A gentle romance, a stressful mystery, the beauty of hummingbirds, the opening to love of a very special child - this book has it all.
From the summary: In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn returns to the kindhearted coastal town of Miramar Bay for a moving story of second chances, Christmas blessings, and the beauty of nature, as a single mom and her extraordinary son open their hearts to a newcomer who’s lost everything in a nearby wildfire.
Ryan Eames is a policewoman and single mother dedicated most of all to her lonely, uniquely gifted son. Stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, Christmas cheer feels as far away as a distant carol on a winter night. Until duty draws her into the life of a stranger.
Ethan Lange is alive because Ryan reached his canyon home before the blaze. Christmas is only days away, and Ethan has lost everything. A man reckoning with a painful past, it’s not the first time he’s been forced to start over. At least now it’s in the redeeming embrace of Miramar Bay.
Forging an animal rescue operation, Ryan and Ethan first unite by their cause and the rally of a close-knit community. But it’s Ryan’s extraordinary child who draws them into something deeper and surprising. Something to be thankful for. Now with every beat of their hearts, Christmas in Miramar Bay looks to be a season of love, healing, and sweet mercies that will be remembered for a lifetime.
From the summary: In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn returns to the kindhearted coastal town of Miramar Bay for a moving story of second chances, Christmas blessings, and the beauty of nature, as a single mom and her extraordinary son open their hearts to a newcomer who’s lost everything in a nearby wildfire.
Ryan Eames is a policewoman and single mother dedicated most of all to her lonely, uniquely gifted son. Stretched thin by double shifts and grappling with an out-of-season coastal wildfire, Christmas cheer feels as far away as a distant carol on a winter night. Until duty draws her into the life of a stranger.
Ethan Lange is alive because Ryan reached his canyon home before the blaze. Christmas is only days away, and Ethan has lost everything. A man reckoning with a painful past, it’s not the first time he’s been forced to start over. At least now it’s in the redeeming embrace of Miramar Bay.
Forging an animal rescue operation, Ryan and Ethan first unite by their cause and the rally of a close-knit community. But it’s Ryan’s extraordinary child who draws them into something deeper and surprising. Something to be thankful for. Now with every beat of their hearts, Christmas in Miramar Bay looks to be a season of love, healing, and sweet mercies that will be remembered for a lifetime.
December 17, 2022
The Christmas Hummingbird by Davis Bunn is a wonderful tale of people finding their way forward despite the fires, the smoke, and the uncertainty in life. The setting of the book is Miramar, a town on the coast of California that offers hope and help to many. The novel introduces us to three people. Ryan, the hard nosed police woman and her nearly silent son, Liam and Ethan Lange, the quiet banker.
Ryan saved Ethan Just before his house went up in flames. Ethan has to start over again in his new world and he meets Ryan again. IT is through Ryan and Ethan making a connection that Ethan meets Liam, her son. Liam is a gifted artist and very very shy, but Ethan seems to bring out the best in him. Together they save a hummingbird from certain death and this leads them to saving more.
Meanwhile Ryan and Ethan are working on finding the people who are stealing from houses just before they go up in flames. This has lead to a very interesting mystery on top of the growing relationship between Ryan and Ethan.
I find reading Davis Bunn’s books, I am transported to a world of a caring, small town. The characters he writes are all interesting and yet very real with troubles and foibles. I love the gentle nature of the stories and always look forward to reading the next one. The books have a quiet unfolding of the characters allowing the reader to enjoy the story. While this book (and several others) are all part of the Miramar series, they also can be read as a stand alone novel.
The Christmas Hummingbird was a good read!
Ryan saved Ethan Just before his house went up in flames. Ethan has to start over again in his new world and he meets Ryan again. IT is through Ryan and Ethan making a connection that Ethan meets Liam, her son. Liam is a gifted artist and very very shy, but Ethan seems to bring out the best in him. Together they save a hummingbird from certain death and this leads them to saving more.
Meanwhile Ryan and Ethan are working on finding the people who are stealing from houses just before they go up in flames. This has lead to a very interesting mystery on top of the growing relationship between Ryan and Ethan.
I find reading Davis Bunn’s books, I am transported to a world of a caring, small town. The characters he writes are all interesting and yet very real with troubles and foibles. I love the gentle nature of the stories and always look forward to reading the next one. The books have a quiet unfolding of the characters allowing the reader to enjoy the story. While this book (and several others) are all part of the Miramar series, they also can be read as a stand alone novel.
The Christmas Hummingbird was a good read!
October 24, 2022
Loved this book!
One could say that Ryan and Ethan's relationship was forged in fire, because had it not been for a fire that destroyed Ethan's house, they might never have met. Liam, Ryan's son, may never have learned about hummingbird and elvens.
Ryan rescued Ethan from home during a fire, and then the two of them continue to bond over saving others' belongings from being looted after fires. They make a great pair, both professionally and personally, and the bond that forms between Ethan and Liam is beautiful.
I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about this book.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
One could say that Ryan and Ethan's relationship was forged in fire, because had it not been for a fire that destroyed Ethan's house, they might never have met. Liam, Ryan's son, may never have learned about hummingbird and elvens.
Ryan rescued Ethan from home during a fire, and then the two of them continue to bond over saving others' belongings from being looted after fires. They make a great pair, both professionally and personally, and the bond that forms between Ethan and Liam is beautiful.
I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about this book.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
November 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook. Everything is my own thoughts opinions and feelings.
This was a cute book. A man lives in a small town. Theres wild fires raging in his community. He ends up losing everything to the fire. One of the police officers that comes to warn him to get out now happens to be a single mom who he falls for. Well as all good stories go they need a hero. The police and fire are looking for a volunteer to help with what seems to be the fires are actually arson. So he is teamed up with the amazing police woman. He falls for her slowly and he is great with her son. The man and the son end up saving the hummingbird
This was a cute book. A man lives in a small town. Theres wild fires raging in his community. He ends up losing everything to the fire. One of the police officers that comes to warn him to get out now happens to be a single mom who he falls for. Well as all good stories go they need a hero. The police and fire are looking for a volunteer to help with what seems to be the fires are actually arson. So he is teamed up with the amazing police woman. He falls for her slowly and he is great with her son. The man and the son end up saving the hummingbird
November 23, 2023
Book club pick for December. I liked it more than I expected. Quick easy read. Main character reminded me of my husband…a really good man. I recommend it.
December 18, 2023
I had no idea this was book 7 out of 8. ooops. Anyway - it was a sweet story w/ a bit of adventure and a sensitive quiet boy.
December 23, 2024
This was a gorgeous story. I could see myself reading it every year at Christmas.
November 11, 2022
I'm going to preface my review by saying that I loved the characters in this story and the hummingbird passages that were really well done. However, this might have been one of the most scattered books I've ever read. It was incredibly hard for me to get into and it kept flitting around - like a literal hummingbird. Plus, the crazy idea that random folks just get deputized by the sheriff's office to help was a big stretch. There was so much good here that I did actually finish the story. But I can't recommend it because it made my brain hurt to remember all the details and keep everything straight. I can't recommend something that is so hard to read. Honestly, I think it needs to go back to the editing board and made more cohesive so that it flows better. Its a good story but it doesn't read smoothly at all.
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received this temporary complimentary E-book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
December 15, 2025
a beautiful story the love of humming birds,a town worth saving. a young boy needing attention to find himself. so heart felt. loved it
November 28, 2022
This type of book isn't usually what I read, so I may not give it enough credit. Ethan is a solid man, an artist, and a sweet soul that the community loves. Ryan is a single mother with a child that is misunderstood, and she is very protective. What helps them unite? A humming bird. The story takes several twists, and I found myself lost a few times, but the ends tie up and it has a wonderful meaning. Only problem...no snow!
November 25, 2022
When I saw the title 'The Christmas Hummingbird' I knew I had to start reading this book right away. Hummingbirds rarely ever make it into a book title, as there are so many other animals that usually get that status. I like to root for the little ones like hummingbirds!
Honestly, the first few chapters didn't reel me in like I wanted to be. The wildfire added an interesting element to the plot; actually it added a ruggedness to an otherwise kind-of-cozy type story. The wildfire brings in other things in the story, involving the police force investigations and cooperation with the fire department.
After I was introduced to the main characters, Ethan (banker and artist) and Ryan (policewoman), I started to become more interested in seeing what would happen, and how a Christmas hummingbird would come into play (which I inevitably enjoyed).
All in all, it's a lovely story. I believe it belongs in a Davis Bunn series, but I found that it read great as a standalone novel.
Audiobook listeners: The audio version is narrated well. Suits the tone of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Honestly, the first few chapters didn't reel me in like I wanted to be. The wildfire added an interesting element to the plot; actually it added a ruggedness to an otherwise kind-of-cozy type story. The wildfire brings in other things in the story, involving the police force investigations and cooperation with the fire department.
After I was introduced to the main characters, Ethan (banker and artist) and Ryan (policewoman), I started to become more interested in seeing what would happen, and how a Christmas hummingbird would come into play (which I inevitably enjoyed).
All in all, it's a lovely story. I believe it belongs in a Davis Bunn series, but I found that it read great as a standalone novel.
Audiobook listeners: The audio version is narrated well. Suits the tone of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
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