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The Dawnland Chronicles #1
The Hummingbird and the Sea
How far will a person go to gain freedom?
Set in 1717, The Hummingbird and the Sea tells the story of four people whose lives are inexorably linked when an enigmatic Englishman seeks shelter in the small, Puritan enclave of Eastham, Massachusetts.
His brief presence upsets the balance of the close-knit town and sets in motion a series of events that overturns lives and forces even the most constant and devout to rebel against everything they held sacred. Loyalties are tested and families are divided as individuals battle to deliver themselves from hardship, prejudice and injustice.
Based on a true story of Puritans and pirates, The Hummingbird and the Sea is a powerful tale of love, faith, hidden passions and the eternal search for freedom.
Set in 1717, The Hummingbird and the Sea tells the story of four people whose lives are inexorably linked when an enigmatic Englishman seeks shelter in the small, Puritan enclave of Eastham, Massachusetts.
His brief presence upsets the balance of the close-knit town and sets in motion a series of events that overturns lives and forces even the most constant and devout to rebel against everything they held sacred. Loyalties are tested and families are divided as individuals battle to deliver themselves from hardship, prejudice and injustice.
Based on a true story of Puritans and pirates, The Hummingbird and the Sea is a powerful tale of love, faith, hidden passions and the eternal search for freedom.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2021
228 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Bond
13 books16 followersJenny Bond is an author of historical fiction whose novels have been published in Australia, New Zealand and Europe and whose non-fiction titles have been published in Australia and the USA.
Jenny, an English teacher and an accomplished copywriter and researcher, is currently working on her third novel, expected to be finished early late 2020.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Jenny earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education at Macquarie University. Prior to her reinvention as a writer, she held the position of Head of English at Eaton House The Manor in London’s Clapham Common. Jenny also taught English and Drama for eight years at a selective high school in Sydney.
"I have not spent even one day without a book by my side, so slipping from the act of reading into the act of writing didn't actually seem that much of a change," she says. "I get a little bit lost in the research and writing process and now I couldn't actually imagine life without it. The characters are fascinating to live with and sometimes it can be difficult to finally admit the book is finished, to actually send the manuscript away to the publisher."
Jenny has long been a fan of great historical fiction writers such as Hilary Mantel and Kate Atkinson but also spends quality time with books by authors from other genres such as Jane Harper and Adrian McKinty
Jenny enjoys keeping fit and loves to travel. She lives with her husband in Canberra where they enjoy spending time with their two young sons and their very lively dog.
Jenny, an English teacher and an accomplished copywriter and researcher, is currently working on her third novel, expected to be finished early late 2020.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Jenny earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education at Macquarie University. Prior to her reinvention as a writer, she held the position of Head of English at Eaton House The Manor in London’s Clapham Common. Jenny also taught English and Drama for eight years at a selective high school in Sydney.
"I have not spent even one day without a book by my side, so slipping from the act of reading into the act of writing didn't actually seem that much of a change," she says. "I get a little bit lost in the research and writing process and now I couldn't actually imagine life without it. The characters are fascinating to live with and sometimes it can be difficult to finally admit the book is finished, to actually send the manuscript away to the publisher."
Jenny has long been a fan of great historical fiction writers such as Hilary Mantel and Kate Atkinson but also spends quality time with books by authors from other genres such as Jane Harper and Adrian McKinty
Jenny enjoys keeping fit and loves to travel. She lives with her husband in Canberra where they enjoy spending time with their two young sons and their very lively dog.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 20, 2021
Outstanding book
This is the best book that I have read in a long time. The story pulled me in from the first few pages. It isn't often I have stumbled across books about the Puritan people who settled Massachusetts. This book was incredible and told the story of a seaman from England who fell in love with a young Puritan woman. His request for her hand in marriage was spurned by her father. Determined to make his fortune and win her hand he departed Massachusetts for Florida to salvage a shipwreck.
The story unfolds with much heartbreak. It will hold you in it's grips from begging to end. It was very well written and Jenny Bond is a talent to be reckon with. First rate!
This is the best book that I have read in a long time. The story pulled me in from the first few pages. It isn't often I have stumbled across books about the Puritan people who settled Massachusetts. This book was incredible and told the story of a seaman from England who fell in love with a young Puritan woman. His request for her hand in marriage was spurned by her father. Determined to make his fortune and win her hand he departed Massachusetts for Florida to salvage a shipwreck.
The story unfolds with much heartbreak. It will hold you in it's grips from begging to end. It was very well written and Jenny Bond is a talent to be reckon with. First rate!
October 5, 2021
Wow! What an adventure in love and life.
This is a beautifully written story of real-life pirate 'Black Sam' Bellamy, and the matters of the heart that drove him to become one of history's most successful, and feared, seafarers.
It begins with Bellamy landing in the small, Puritan hamlet of Eastham Massachusetts and falling in love with Maria Hallett. When her pious, penny-pinching father refuses to allow the relationship to blossom, Bellamy realises the only way he can win her family's approval is with riches, and so he takes to the sea.
In the meantime, Maria and her sister Leah must face the wrath of the town's God-fearing men. The sisters navigate politics and patriarchy as dangerous as anything Bellamy is facing at sea.
The most exciting fact about this amazing novel is that it's the first in a series. I love finding a new author and series I can lose myself within. I've already bought the next two.
Jenny Bond is bound for great things in the world of books.
This is a beautifully written story of real-life pirate 'Black Sam' Bellamy, and the matters of the heart that drove him to become one of history's most successful, and feared, seafarers.
It begins with Bellamy landing in the small, Puritan hamlet of Eastham Massachusetts and falling in love with Maria Hallett. When her pious, penny-pinching father refuses to allow the relationship to blossom, Bellamy realises the only way he can win her family's approval is with riches, and so he takes to the sea.
In the meantime, Maria and her sister Leah must face the wrath of the town's God-fearing men. The sisters navigate politics and patriarchy as dangerous as anything Bellamy is facing at sea.
The most exciting fact about this amazing novel is that it's the first in a series. I love finding a new author and series I can lose myself within. I've already bought the next two.
Jenny Bond is bound for great things in the world of books.
October 10, 2021
The Hummingbird and the Sea
A very interesting and enjoyable story to read. Strange to think the age of Puritanism and pirates could co exist and even interact.
A very interesting and enjoyable story to read. Strange to think the age of Puritanism and pirates could co exist and even interact.
October 12, 2021
The perfect balance of action and romance inspired by true events.
Maria and Sam’s fleeting courtship is really overshadowed by Leah Williams and her pursuit of truth and justice in the face of those who would ‘hide’ behind their faith.
Leah is the real hero of this novel!
Highly recommend for lovers of the likes of Outlander and anyone interested in the fascinating intersection of Puritan and Pirate history!
Maria and Sam’s fleeting courtship is really overshadowed by Leah Williams and her pursuit of truth and justice in the face of those who would ‘hide’ behind their faith.
Leah is the real hero of this novel!
Highly recommend for lovers of the likes of Outlander and anyone interested in the fascinating intersection of Puritan and Pirate history!
April 21, 2022
Be sure to have tissues on hand for when you are reading this fictitious account of life in a small Puritanical town. According to the author only a couple of the character's were real life people-
It was not always an easy life-and people can be cruel-but had it's bright moments. Sensitively written-with all that happens, and there is a lot, you will want to finish this in one sitting. There is a sort of partially sad and partially happy cliff hanger at the end. I really want to read the second in this series to see if it has a truly happy ending at least for a couple of the main players.
It was not always an easy life-and people can be cruel-but had it's bright moments. Sensitively written-with all that happens, and there is a lot, you will want to finish this in one sitting. There is a sort of partially sad and partially happy cliff hanger at the end. I really want to read the second in this series to see if it has a truly happy ending at least for a couple of the main players.
October 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book but didn't especially like the whole pirate-like aspect of the plot - that went on too long. I did enjoy reading about the Puritan aspects of life and how the town was often controlled by the minister. I did like how the female characters took many matters into their own hands and "took care of business". They were especially brave for their time.
Some of the characters' issues were not resolved but don't think that is Book 2.
Although I liked the book, I'm not that interested in reading addit'l books in the series.
Some of the characters' issues were not resolved but don't think that is Book 2.
Although I liked the book, I'm not that interested in reading addit'l books in the series.
July 11, 2024
Evocative settings form a backdrop to this novel of Puritan Massachusetts, where a runaway Englishman is loved by a Puritan girl, and romance falls victim to necessity and greed. Pirates and Puritans, strong women, and real history combine to give a solid base to the story, and to truly intrigue the reader. I’d be interested to read more and learn how the stories end, but I may not go back to it straight away.
Dsclosure: I got it on a deal
Dsclosure: I got it on a deal
November 10, 2022
unsuspecting great read
I love pirates. My Jeep is a pirate theme. So this story intrigued me. It’s romantic that Black Sam loved Maria so and set off and became a pirate. I wish we knew more historical details, but Jenny Bond did a great justice to his story by weaving fiction with factual events. I would recommend.
I love pirates. My Jeep is a pirate theme. So this story intrigued me. It’s romantic that Black Sam loved Maria so and set off and became a pirate. I wish we knew more historical details, but Jenny Bond did a great justice to his story by weaving fiction with factual events. I would recommend.
November 14, 2025
This book irked me. I didn't like the back and forth between POV's.
I cannot believe some of the actions of these characters. I mean, Sam seems to be the only one who actions I can understand, somewhat. But Leah's husband?? Um, NO. The townsfolk, Maria, Silas WTF!!!??
Leah by far was the strongest character and I hurt for her. What a crazy story!
I cannot believe some of the actions of these characters. I mean, Sam seems to be the only one who actions I can understand, somewhat. But Leah's husband?? Um, NO. The townsfolk, Maria, Silas WTF!!!??
Leah by far was the strongest character and I hurt for her. What a crazy story!
November 23, 2021
Couldn't put it down
This would have been a good read if it hadn't been based on real people. That made it really special. The descriptions of not only the people but the villages and land took me right in to the story.
This would have been a good read if it hadn't been based on real people. That made it really special. The descriptions of not only the people but the villages and land took me right in to the story.
January 24, 2022
4.5. The clash of the pirate and Puritan cultures made for a very interesting read.
February 22, 2022
This book was not at all what I expected, but I am so glad I read it. Super interesting to learn about pirates and Puritans from this perspective.
April 16, 2022
I found it a bit slow at first, but it wasn’t long before the book became a page tuner. I was way more I invested in the Puritan world, and the plight of the women more so than the pirates.
June 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, from start to finish. I would’ve liked to known more about Maria’s fate at the end, but it was a very good read.
August 22, 2025
I may have enjoyed this more if I had known it was about a real pirate, but I just wanted to know what happened to Marie, not the pirates. I couldn't finish it.
September 2, 2025
Interesting and intriguing read. Look forward to more of this series.
November 1, 2025
Read ebook on Kindle app.
Although I kept coming back out of interest, I don't believe I'll go on in the series.
Although I kept coming back out of interest, I don't believe I'll go on in the series.
June 30, 2021
I do love a good historical novel and this is exactly what you get with Jenny Bond's book as the narrative moves between characters who are based in the Massachusetts' town of Eastham and those who are in the Caribbean in the years of the early 1700s.
Based on the real story of pirate "Black Sam", the book begins in Eastham where we are introduced to all of the main characters: Leah and Palgrave Williams are happily married but struggling financially whilst Leah's sister Maria Hallett meets a handsome newcomer to town called Samuel Bellamy and becomes captivated by him, much to the consternation of her friend, Silas Dent who harbours hopes of betrothal. Sam and Palgrave then make a decision that changes all of their lives forever and we embark on a tale of pirates and opportunity on the high seas.
Bond is a competent writer who creates clearly delineated characters from the opening scene of the book. The small town atmosphere of Eastham with the close scrutiny provided by certain higher status residents on the behaviour of others is presented with tension, which only increases as the action of the book progresses. The attitudes that pervaded the period, of superstition, with the emphasis on the role of godliness being an indicator of evil, augments this, especially in juxtaposition with the looser, more lawless lifestyle of the Caribbean.
The troubles that beset the women while the menfolk are away seem apt for the period and the plot is fairly convincing although I felt sometimes like certain events could have been made more dramatic and the lead up to them developed a little more. However, the plot reveals itself at a good pace, reads convincingly and ends solidly.
Taking a real life character of notoriety, as a writer, means that you are, to a degree, constrained by facts and faced with the challenge of making your creation credible, with what is known from the time. I think that pirates have to be fictionalised with a certain charisma that fits with our perceived idea of them as well as a sense of danger because they had men follow them into lives that are high reward but high risk and Bond balances this fairly well in her depiction of Bellamy, helped by incorporating the contrast of Edward Teach, the infamous Blackbeard.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this will satisfy.
This review was first published on Reedy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
Based on the real story of pirate "Black Sam", the book begins in Eastham where we are introduced to all of the main characters: Leah and Palgrave Williams are happily married but struggling financially whilst Leah's sister Maria Hallett meets a handsome newcomer to town called Samuel Bellamy and becomes captivated by him, much to the consternation of her friend, Silas Dent who harbours hopes of betrothal. Sam and Palgrave then make a decision that changes all of their lives forever and we embark on a tale of pirates and opportunity on the high seas.
Bond is a competent writer who creates clearly delineated characters from the opening scene of the book. The small town atmosphere of Eastham with the close scrutiny provided by certain higher status residents on the behaviour of others is presented with tension, which only increases as the action of the book progresses. The attitudes that pervaded the period, of superstition, with the emphasis on the role of godliness being an indicator of evil, augments this, especially in juxtaposition with the looser, more lawless lifestyle of the Caribbean.
The troubles that beset the women while the menfolk are away seem apt for the period and the plot is fairly convincing although I felt sometimes like certain events could have been made more dramatic and the lead up to them developed a little more. However, the plot reveals itself at a good pace, reads convincingly and ends solidly.
Taking a real life character of notoriety, as a writer, means that you are, to a degree, constrained by facts and faced with the challenge of making your creation credible, with what is known from the time. I think that pirates have to be fictionalised with a certain charisma that fits with our perceived idea of them as well as a sense of danger because they had men follow them into lives that are high reward but high risk and Bond balances this fairly well in her depiction of Bellamy, helped by incorporating the contrast of Edward Teach, the infamous Blackbeard.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this will satisfy.
This review was first published on Reedy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
October 4, 2023
A wonderful combination of emotions, including anger, joy, sadness, grief, disbelief, hope… I thoroughly enjoyed the historical information as well as the humanity of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews