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Searching for Sandra
Make yourself at home in Hummingbird House with this heart-warming new novel.
In 1968, the summer of love seems long gone. Hummingbird House has a new batch of residents, and Betty is settled in a comfortable – though unexpected – form of domestic bliss. Life may not have worked out as planned, but she is determined to make the best of it.
Yet as the months go on, she realises she still has much to learn. With one tenant missing and another threatening to sweep her off her feet, she begins to worry that her happy home could fall around her once more.
***
In 2022, Betty has established a comfortable routine. She weeds the front yard. Listens to the radio. Makes cake. At the age of 83, she knows what – and who – she likes, plus just how much she can manage before her arthritis begins to complain.
She lives by simple rules gleaned from hard-learnt But when an old friend finally makes an overdue appearance, those guidelines start to take on a new meaning.
Just how much should we do for absent friends? And when is it right to take a chance on love?
Searching for Sandra follows the lives of the characters in books one and two of the Hummingbird House series – showing what happens next and the unexpected impact of friendships and neighbourly love.
Praise for The Landlord of Hummingbird House (Book One):
Eyelands International Awards Published Novel of the Year , 2021.
"An honest and heartfelt novel of personal connection, layer by layer. Jane Harvey’s The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a story of the quiet yet biting sense of imposter syndrome... cosy and warm while addressing real discomforts, regrets, and traumas. From heartbreakingly empathetic characters to descriptive settings, this novel will tingle your senses and stir up your sympathy." Independent Book Review
In 1968, the summer of love seems long gone. Hummingbird House has a new batch of residents, and Betty is settled in a comfortable – though unexpected – form of domestic bliss. Life may not have worked out as planned, but she is determined to make the best of it.
Yet as the months go on, she realises she still has much to learn. With one tenant missing and another threatening to sweep her off her feet, she begins to worry that her happy home could fall around her once more.
***
In 2022, Betty has established a comfortable routine. She weeds the front yard. Listens to the radio. Makes cake. At the age of 83, she knows what – and who – she likes, plus just how much she can manage before her arthritis begins to complain.
She lives by simple rules gleaned from hard-learnt But when an old friend finally makes an overdue appearance, those guidelines start to take on a new meaning.
Just how much should we do for absent friends? And when is it right to take a chance on love?
Searching for Sandra follows the lives of the characters in books one and two of the Hummingbird House series – showing what happens next and the unexpected impact of friendships and neighbourly love.
Praise for The Landlord of Hummingbird House (Book One):
Eyelands International Awards Published Novel of the Year , 2021.
"An honest and heartfelt novel of personal connection, layer by layer. Jane Harvey’s The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a story of the quiet yet biting sense of imposter syndrome... cosy and warm while addressing real discomforts, regrets, and traumas. From heartbreakingly empathetic characters to descriptive settings, this novel will tingle your senses and stir up your sympathy." Independent Book Review
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
82 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Jane Harvey
5 books23 followers*Winner - Published Novel, Eyelands International Awards, 2021.* Jane Harvey is a pen name (shhh). ‘Jane’ crafts fun fiction for the thinking woman, where she enjoys exploring unexpected friendships and writing happy endings. This is lucky, because in real life her (prize-winning) fiction is a little bleaker.
She was born and raised on the island of Jersey, and lives with two males and a dog.
She was born and raised on the island of Jersey, and lives with two males and a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 26, 2023
While all the characters that populate The Landlord of Hummingbird House and its sequel, Buttercup in the Basement, are well-drawn some stay with you and Sandra is one. If I had been asked to chose who should be the linchpin of book three I would have chosen Sandra. I’ve throughly enjoyed meeting her again and learning about how life is treating her. After ending book 2 on a cliffhanger the story picks up as if it the most natural thing in the world. Once more Harvey has drawn true to life characters in realistic situations you can come to care about. The juxtaposition of modern day life and the swinging sixties is skilfully handled. A worthy addition to the series.
June 25, 2023
By Part three of this series, anyone who has read the two earlier books will be quite familiar with the characters. If you haven't read them, I would recommend doing so first as the relationships and dynamics between them have evolved through the books. At the centre of the story is Hummingbird House and its inhabitants. Owned by Betty, you follow the m over the years. This volume concentrates on the elusive Sandra who has been such a vivid character in previous volumes. In this, her absence speaks loudly.
The book alternates between Hummingbird House in 1968 and the present day. The different timelines are handled well and it never becomes confusing. There are subtleties in Betty's relationships with her tenants which add to the enjoyment and at times, you feel they are keeping an eye on her as much as she on them.
In short: lost friendships and new relationships
Thabks to the author for a copy of the book
The book alternates between Hummingbird House in 1968 and the present day. The different timelines are handled well and it never becomes confusing. There are subtleties in Betty's relationships with her tenants which add to the enjoyment and at times, you feel they are keeping an eye on her as much as she on them.
In short: lost friendships and new relationships
Thabks to the author for a copy of the book
June 26, 2023
A sweet addition to the Hummingbird House series of books. It was wonderful seeing Betty again in her home, looking after her tenants and their stories. I’m a fan of dual timelines and this one is seemlessly done to link Betty, Arthur and Sandra in the past and present. Relationships and friendships are looked at in a warm and caring manner just like the atmosphere created by Betty in Hummingbird House.
July 5, 2023
Another captivating dip into the goings on of the residents of Hummingbird House. Written with Harvey's usual mix of detailed descriptions, relatable characters and just enough intrigue to keep you hooked to the end. I couldn't put it down and have been left wondering what will happen next. I am already looking forward to the next instalment.
January 11, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series! Now on to the Christmas novella.
May 16, 2023
Jane Harvey's third book in the Hummingbird House series features the return of fabulous Betty. Following book two we are once again in two time periods linked and deftly moved between.
I love Harvey's writing it's like listening to an old friend telling you stories. Betty is one of my favourite fictional characters. I want to sit with her and have tea and cake. I read this in less than a day because I'd settled in and didn't want to leave till I knew EVERYTHING.
No spoilers. This is a treat for Betty fans (and of course Harvey fans, me being both). Bravo Jane Harvey you've done it again (not that I'm surprised). I'd love more from the residents of Hummingbird House.
I love Harvey's writing it's like listening to an old friend telling you stories. Betty is one of my favourite fictional characters. I want to sit with her and have tea and cake. I read this in less than a day because I'd settled in and didn't want to leave till I knew EVERYTHING.
No spoilers. This is a treat for Betty fans (and of course Harvey fans, me being both). Bravo Jane Harvey you've done it again (not that I'm surprised). I'd love more from the residents of Hummingbird House.
January 24, 2025
Engaging, Intriguing, Entertaining
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Searching For Sandra: A Novella - Book 'Three of The Hummingbird House' series by Jane Harvey - Novelist 🔑 👱♀️👩🦳
Sandra had always been a free spirit never one to stay in one place for very long, hated to feel restricted in her choices (which could be fairly transitory, but then it was the 1960's) and objected to anyone who attempted to limit her boundaries. How then, would they all have expected her to react to this confining, life altering change? She wasn't even certain of how she felt, let alone entertaining the thought of sharing her muddled thoughts with others.
The real trouble with Sandra was, that, the event in 1969, hadn't appeared to have taught her anything, and some 55 years later, her default was still to deal with her troubles inwardly and introspectively. She had always been that way, not giving thought to others concerns, but not wanting to be an encumbrance.....it was therefore, her son who felt the responsibility of his mother's inability to cope with life's challenges independently, and yet her complete ability to shut everyone out.....
Book Three is as evident from the title, focused mainly on Sandra, but also events in the lives of other characters. I had been really looking forward to this instalment after the bombshell dropped at the end of book two. However, although it was as delightful as ever to return to this fabulous series, and the group of assorted characters who I have come to love reading about each month, this book didn't quite hit the spot like the first two. This could have been because it was a Novella as apposed to a Novel. I enjoy the in-depth feel of a chunky read and feel that I only skim the surface of a story with anything less. Maybe it was because there were various changes introduced within Hummingbird House, such as new dynamics in the casts circumstances and associations. I've never been one for change in the real world, and apparently I struggle with it in Fiction too. However it was good to get a little more insight into Rosie and Joy, and I was pleased with the end, and that Jonty's decision not to leave his mother in her current circumstances, was solved in a much more creative way than originally suggested, solving not one, but two predicaments. I also continue to love the bond between Betty and her two long standing wonderfully entertaining male tenants. 👱👦
I am certainly intent on reading The Hummingbird House series for as long as Jane wants to keep writing it, and look forward to the next book which I believe is also a Novella. I have also just read that there is a notebook related to the series which I shall be purchasing!! 🙆🏻♀️
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Searching For Sandra: A Novella - Book 'Three of The Hummingbird House' series by Jane Harvey - Novelist 🔑 👱♀️👩🦳
Sandra had always been a free spirit never one to stay in one place for very long, hated to feel restricted in her choices (which could be fairly transitory, but then it was the 1960's) and objected to anyone who attempted to limit her boundaries. How then, would they all have expected her to react to this confining, life altering change? She wasn't even certain of how she felt, let alone entertaining the thought of sharing her muddled thoughts with others.
The real trouble with Sandra was, that, the event in 1969, hadn't appeared to have taught her anything, and some 55 years later, her default was still to deal with her troubles inwardly and introspectively. She had always been that way, not giving thought to others concerns, but not wanting to be an encumbrance.....it was therefore, her son who felt the responsibility of his mother's inability to cope with life's challenges independently, and yet her complete ability to shut everyone out.....
Book Three is as evident from the title, focused mainly on Sandra, but also events in the lives of other characters. I had been really looking forward to this instalment after the bombshell dropped at the end of book two. However, although it was as delightful as ever to return to this fabulous series, and the group of assorted characters who I have come to love reading about each month, this book didn't quite hit the spot like the first two. This could have been because it was a Novella as apposed to a Novel. I enjoy the in-depth feel of a chunky read and feel that I only skim the surface of a story with anything less. Maybe it was because there were various changes introduced within Hummingbird House, such as new dynamics in the casts circumstances and associations. I've never been one for change in the real world, and apparently I struggle with it in Fiction too. However it was good to get a little more insight into Rosie and Joy, and I was pleased with the end, and that Jonty's decision not to leave his mother in her current circumstances, was solved in a much more creative way than originally suggested, solving not one, but two predicaments. I also continue to love the bond between Betty and her two long standing wonderfully entertaining male tenants. 👱👦
I am certainly intent on reading The Hummingbird House series for as long as Jane wants to keep writing it, and look forward to the next book which I believe is also a Novella. I have also just read that there is a notebook related to the series which I shall be purchasing!! 🙆🏻♀️
May 21, 2023
Searching for Sandra
This third book in Jane Harvey’s Hummingbird House series engages us even more deeply in the lives of Betty and her diverse ‘family’ of tenants, both then and now.
Harvey’s world is filled with wonderful characters for the reader to love, smile at, or be furious with (not talking about anyone’s mother of course!) In my review of the second book, Buttercups in the Basement, I said ‘Jane Harvey brings us a story of complex, relatable characters and their relationships with each other – and with themselves.’ This holds true in book three as we watch our now (mostly) familiar characters deal with new challenges, especially our leading lady, Betty.
In 1968 Betty has accepted the oddity of her married life, with an absent husband but plenty of company with her brother and his family settled in the top floor flat. But there’s a new tenant - the delightfully odd but appealing Arthur, who appears to be everything Betty’s husband isn’t: attentive, thoughtful, and he even cooks.
When Betty’s friend and former tenant, the vivacious but fragile Sandra, goes missing, Arthur insists he and Betty search for her, and Betty learns more on this journey than simply where her friend is.
In the present day, Jonty is concerned about his mother, this same Sandra, who has gone missing, again. Jonty dithers about looking for her. His mother is her own person, always has been, and you’d never call her the perfect mum (my heart broke at one briefly told incident of their history). But he loves her, and when his husband insists on making the trip to Sandra’s village, they discover they are just in time, and a lot more …
In both the past and the now, Searching for Sandra is about maturing, about understanding your own feelings, and about dealing sympathetically with the troubles of loved ones, with great examples of how and how not to. Not only does Harvey have a knack for bringing these ordinary characters with their ordinary problems to life, but she does so in settings which are deftly portrayed. Loved 1968 London – park anywhere!
Searching for Sandra leaves our protagonists where they should be, for now. But I have a lot of questions about What Happens Next to this diverse crew and eagerly await answers!
This third book in Jane Harvey’s Hummingbird House series engages us even more deeply in the lives of Betty and her diverse ‘family’ of tenants, both then and now.
Harvey’s world is filled with wonderful characters for the reader to love, smile at, or be furious with (not talking about anyone’s mother of course!) In my review of the second book, Buttercups in the Basement, I said ‘Jane Harvey brings us a story of complex, relatable characters and their relationships with each other – and with themselves.’ This holds true in book three as we watch our now (mostly) familiar characters deal with new challenges, especially our leading lady, Betty.
In 1968 Betty has accepted the oddity of her married life, with an absent husband but plenty of company with her brother and his family settled in the top floor flat. But there’s a new tenant - the delightfully odd but appealing Arthur, who appears to be everything Betty’s husband isn’t: attentive, thoughtful, and he even cooks.
When Betty’s friend and former tenant, the vivacious but fragile Sandra, goes missing, Arthur insists he and Betty search for her, and Betty learns more on this journey than simply where her friend is.
In the present day, Jonty is concerned about his mother, this same Sandra, who has gone missing, again. Jonty dithers about looking for her. His mother is her own person, always has been, and you’d never call her the perfect mum (my heart broke at one briefly told incident of their history). But he loves her, and when his husband insists on making the trip to Sandra’s village, they discover they are just in time, and a lot more …
In both the past and the now, Searching for Sandra is about maturing, about understanding your own feelings, and about dealing sympathetically with the troubles of loved ones, with great examples of how and how not to. Not only does Harvey have a knack for bringing these ordinary characters with their ordinary problems to life, but she does so in settings which are deftly portrayed. Loved 1968 London – park anywhere!
Searching for Sandra leaves our protagonists where they should be, for now. But I have a lot of questions about What Happens Next to this diverse crew and eagerly await answers!
June 17, 2023
Searching For Sandra by Jane Harvey is a charming dual timeline novel and the third book in the Hummingbird House series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous books first for maximum enjoyment and to see the character progression.
The story is set in 1968 and present day. Fledgling friendships in 1968 stand the test of time as neighbours become friends.
In both time periods a character seems to have fallen off the grid. And in both time periods, a concerned friend is looking for her.
The landlord of Hummingbird House has a huge heart and a caring nature. If you live in Hummingbird House, you soon become part of the family under the watchful eye of an octogenarian in present day.
In both time periods there are unmarried mothers to be. We witness the difference in attitudes. In 1968 to be an unmarried mother was seen as shameful. The expectant mother could be bamboozled by family into courses of action they did not want. In present day babies are seen as a gift and a cause for celebration whatever your circumstances are. The reader is so thankful that attitudes have moved on.
I absolutely adore the Hummingbird House series. I always receive a warm welcome and it feels as if I am among friends. I look forward to more visits to Hummingbird House.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story is set in 1968 and present day. Fledgling friendships in 1968 stand the test of time as neighbours become friends.
In both time periods a character seems to have fallen off the grid. And in both time periods, a concerned friend is looking for her.
The landlord of Hummingbird House has a huge heart and a caring nature. If you live in Hummingbird House, you soon become part of the family under the watchful eye of an octogenarian in present day.
In both time periods there are unmarried mothers to be. We witness the difference in attitudes. In 1968 to be an unmarried mother was seen as shameful. The expectant mother could be bamboozled by family into courses of action they did not want. In present day babies are seen as a gift and a cause for celebration whatever your circumstances are. The reader is so thankful that attitudes have moved on.
I absolutely adore the Hummingbird House series. I always receive a warm welcome and it feels as if I am among friends. I look forward to more visits to Hummingbird House.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2023
As a frequent visitor to Hummingbird House, I was delighted to see what had happened to Betty and her friends/tenants in more recent times. True to form, this short (for me, too short and over too quickly) novella is a dual timeline glimpse at Betty, now in her 80s and still in her “happy place” at Hummingbird House, and a look back to 1968 and her good friend Sandra whose errant habits are the subject of this story. It’s like one of those moments when you catch up with old friends and it feels like only yesterday you last saw them.
A slower-paced story than most of the books I’ve read later, this has a subtler feel to it, as though Betty is personally telling you a story over a pot of tea in the garden. With familiar faces flitting in now and then, story focuses much more on Sandra and her relationships, particularly with her own mother and son. Betty is in a more reflective mood as she searches Sandra and is reminded of a prior search back in the 60s when she came to understand Sandra better and caught a some real insight in to a world with which she – unlike her companion of the time, Arthur, was naively unfamiliar.
In the present day story, it is Sandra’s son Jonty who must learn something about his mum, and it’s an opportunity for them all to reflect and reconsider how their life changes and adapts to meet new challenges as they occur. Nothing is ever too difficult that it cannot be made easier with the help of good friends and strong family bonds. Another heart-warming tale from Jane Harvey and I look forward to more stories about other residents in thefuture.
A slower-paced story than most of the books I’ve read later, this has a subtler feel to it, as though Betty is personally telling you a story over a pot of tea in the garden. With familiar faces flitting in now and then, story focuses much more on Sandra and her relationships, particularly with her own mother and son. Betty is in a more reflective mood as she searches Sandra and is reminded of a prior search back in the 60s when she came to understand Sandra better and caught a some real insight in to a world with which she – unlike her companion of the time, Arthur, was naively unfamiliar.
In the present day story, it is Sandra’s son Jonty who must learn something about his mum, and it’s an opportunity for them all to reflect and reconsider how their life changes and adapts to meet new challenges as they occur. Nothing is ever too difficult that it cannot be made easier with the help of good friends and strong family bonds. Another heart-warming tale from Jane Harvey and I look forward to more stories about other residents in thefuture.
April 15, 2025
In this third book in the Hummingbird series, more of Betty’s past life is unlayered and new characters are introduced. Secrets are slowly being revealed but still the reader is kept guessing. The dual timeline is well worked and through it all, the indomitable spirit of the marvellous Betty, despite with her fears and insecurities, shines through.
August 28, 2023
The book switches seamlessly between 1968 and present day as the characters we’ve grown to love come to grips with the fact that no one has seen Sandra for quite some time. Lovely read about a small community that truly cares for each other.
December 30, 2023
I'm glad I read Buttercups in the Basement and Searching for Sandra in the same day. This book read like a lovely conclusion to book 2, to both Betty's past and for the present day residents of Hummingbird House.
July 12, 2023
I enjoyed the first two books much more than this one.
April 11, 2024
Betty
Betty cares for everyone , friend her friend Sarah disapears.Betty travels to find her with a man who is basically a stranger.
Betty cares for everyone , friend her friend Sarah disapears.Betty travels to find her with a man who is basically a stranger.
February 11, 2025
Searching for Sandra..Hummingbird book 3
A quick novella, in the characters of Hummingbird House, in my opinion this would have made a nice little mini series..
A quick novella, in the characters of Hummingbird House, in my opinion this would have made a nice little mini series..
April 12, 2024
Engaging, Intriguing, Entertaining
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Searching For Sandra: A Novella - Book 'Three of The Hummingbird House' series by Jane Harvey -
Novelist 🔑 👱♀️👩🦳
Sandra had always been a free spirit never one to stay in one place for very long, hated to feel restricted in her choices (which could be fairly transitory, but then it was the 1960's) and objected to anyone who attempted to limit her boundaries. How then, would they all have expected her to react to this confining, life altering change? She wasn't even certain of how she felt, let alone entertaining the thought of sharing her muddled thoughts with others.
The real trouble with Sandra was, that, the event in 1969, hadn't appeared to have taught her anything, and some 55 years later, her default was still to deal with her troubles inwardly and introspectively. She had always been that way, not giving thought to others concerns, but not wanting to be an encumbrance.....it was therefore, her son who felt the responsibility of his mother's inability to cope with life's challenges independently, and yet her complete ability to shut everyone out.....
Book Three is as evident from the title, focused mainly on Sandra, but also events in the lives of other characters. I had been really looking forward to this instalment after the bombshell dropped at the end of book two. However, although it was as delightful as ever to return to this fabulous series, and the group of assorted characters who I have come to love reading about each month, this book didn't quite hit the spot like the first two. This could have been because it was a Novella as apposed to a Novel. I enjoy the in-depth feel of a chunky read and feel that I only skim the surface of a story with anything less. Maybe it was because there were various changes introduced within Hummingbird House, such as new dynamics in the casts circumstances and associations. I've never been one for change in the real world, and apparently I struggle with it in Fiction too. However it was good to get a little more insight into Rosie and Joy, and I was pleased with the end, and that Jonty's decision not to leave his mother in her current circumstances, was solved in a much more creative way than originally suggested, solving not one, but two predicaments. I also continue to love the bond between Betty and her two long standing wonderfully entertaining male tenants. 👱👦
I am certainly intent on reading The Hummingbird House series for as long as Jane wants to keep writing it, and look forward to the next book which I believe is also a Novella. I have also just read that there is a notebook related to the series which I shall be purchasing!! 🙆🏻♀️
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Searching For Sandra: A Novella - Book 'Three of The Hummingbird House' series by Jane Harvey -
Novelist 🔑 👱♀️👩🦳
Sandra had always been a free spirit never one to stay in one place for very long, hated to feel restricted in her choices (which could be fairly transitory, but then it was the 1960's) and objected to anyone who attempted to limit her boundaries. How then, would they all have expected her to react to this confining, life altering change? She wasn't even certain of how she felt, let alone entertaining the thought of sharing her muddled thoughts with others.
The real trouble with Sandra was, that, the event in 1969, hadn't appeared to have taught her anything, and some 55 years later, her default was still to deal with her troubles inwardly and introspectively. She had always been that way, not giving thought to others concerns, but not wanting to be an encumbrance.....it was therefore, her son who felt the responsibility of his mother's inability to cope with life's challenges independently, and yet her complete ability to shut everyone out.....
Book Three is as evident from the title, focused mainly on Sandra, but also events in the lives of other characters. I had been really looking forward to this instalment after the bombshell dropped at the end of book two. However, although it was as delightful as ever to return to this fabulous series, and the group of assorted characters who I have come to love reading about each month, this book didn't quite hit the spot like the first two. This could have been because it was a Novella as apposed to a Novel. I enjoy the in-depth feel of a chunky read and feel that I only skim the surface of a story with anything less. Maybe it was because there were various changes introduced within Hummingbird House, such as new dynamics in the casts circumstances and associations. I've never been one for change in the real world, and apparently I struggle with it in Fiction too. However it was good to get a little more insight into Rosie and Joy, and I was pleased with the end, and that Jonty's decision not to leave his mother in her current circumstances, was solved in a much more creative way than originally suggested, solving not one, but two predicaments. I also continue to love the bond between Betty and her two long standing wonderfully entertaining male tenants. 👱👦
I am certainly intent on reading The Hummingbird House series for as long as Jane wants to keep writing it, and look forward to the next book which I believe is also a Novella. I have also just read that there is a notebook related to the series which I shall be purchasing!! 🙆🏻♀️
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews