Neighbours Become Friends
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.
JULIA WILSON
Searching for Sandra (a novella)
Make yourself at home in Hummingbird House with this heartwarming new novella.
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 lessons:
- Keep an open mind and a well-stocked pantry
- Sometimes meddling is not such a bad thing
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.
Purchase Links
Author Bio –
Jane Harvey is a pen name. ‘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 beautiful island of Jersey, CI, and lives with two males and a dog.
Social Media Links –
Jane Harvey – Novelist | Facebook
Jane Harvey Novelist (@jane_harvey_novelist) • Instagram photos and videos
Twitter: @dreenac
https://www.tiktok.com/@dreenawriting/
