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Hummingbird
A bandit and a gentleman both vie for the heart of pretty Abigail McKenzie--and force her to make a choice that no woman should ever have to make...
This New York Times Bestselling Author... "will leave you breathless!" (Affaire de Coeur)
"An enthralling book, with a love story as feisty and romantic as a Tracy/Hepburn movie."--Lisa Gregory
"Bawdy, witty, touching, delightful."--Francine Rivers
This New York Times Bestselling Author... "will leave you breathless!" (Affaire de Coeur)
"An enthralling book, with a love story as feisty and romantic as a Tracy/Hepburn movie."--Lisa Gregory
"Bawdy, witty, touching, delightful."--Francine Rivers
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
48 people are currently reading
3,063 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
102Ìýbooks1,525ÌýfollowersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
November 8, 2012
HUGE 5 stars
They don't write romance like this anymore!
Hummingbird is one of the most delightful, engaging, sweep you off your feet and make you smile romances I've read to date. I now understand why this is one of LaVyrle Spenser's more beloved books.
I could gush on and on about the wonderful and richly developed characters, the hilarious and brilliant plot, the overwhelming sexual tension, and the beautifully written prose that overflows in this story. But what I really want to do, however, is find the time to read this wonderfully witty, slightly angsty, and endearing book again. I think that says it all.
They don't write romance like this anymore!
Hummingbird is one of the most delightful, engaging, sweep you off your feet and make you smile romances I've read to date. I now understand why this is one of LaVyrle Spenser's more beloved books.
I could gush on and on about the wonderful and richly developed characters, the hilarious and brilliant plot, the overwhelming sexual tension, and the beautifully written prose that overflows in this story. But what I really want to do, however, is find the time to read this wonderfully witty, slightly angsty, and endearing book again. I think that says it all.
September 5, 2011
This is my second book by this author and I loved everything about it! How have I missed this amazing talent? The copy I just finished is a loan from the Library, dog-eared, tattered with yellow, crinkling paper held together by tape! The printing date is May 1983! But this one is timeless and I would never have known it’s age if I hadn’t looked! Where have I been not to have read some of her books? To think I could have missed this wonderful gift if my GR friend Jill had not recommended her Morning Glory!
Thank you sooo much Jill!:) Also, I gotta thank Tammy � so glad you jumped in “with arms waving� convincing me to read this one next:)...LOL
The 9:50 R.M.R. is late and the entire town of Stuart’s Junction, Colorado is anxious to know why. We soon learn we have a foiled robbery leaving the bandit seriously injured and the gentleman rescuer with a minor injury. The immediate dilemma is who will volunteer to help with their care. Of course, Abigail, being short on funds and rising to the occasion, volunteers and as soon as her patients are removed to her home, I didn’t want to put this one down.
This is another great read that drew me in within a few pages and didn’t make me wade through half the book before I was completely engaged! This book appealed to me in so many ways. First and foremost was the chemistry between the H/h. It was remarkable and I loved it!
Miss Abigail McKinzie, thirty-three year old spinster, has lived her entire life in the small town of Stuart’s Junction, Colorado. Prim, proper, with impeccable manners, always perfectly dressed and with her flawless vocabulary she has a strict code that she follows having been taught at an early age by her mother what is acceptable. Everyone knows she is a lady, was a devoted daughter, reliable, virtuous, orderly and precise. But few in this small town know of her lifetime of loneliness.
Jesse, smoldering-hot-sexy with his good looks and hard muscular body is one of those alpha males oozing sex appeal. With his laid-back personality and having little patience for society’s rules, he drives Abbie crazy. Abigail’s strict code of propriety is constantly challenged and she admits to experiencing every emotion that’s been forbidden her entire life! There is teasing, arguing, cuddling, talking and always simmering is this hot, sensual desire for each other. One of the things I loved so much about Jesse is his longing to free Abbie from her own self-induced restrictions. I liked his jealousy and his protectiveness.
The banter between these two is so good and I found myself laughing quite often! I’m talking laugh-out-loud moments! I actually had to get up and walk out of my doctor’s waiting room! I was laughing out loud while people were looking at me like I was strange! But I couldn’t help myself. Jesse’s lifestyle is completely opposite from Abbie’s and there is nothing prim or proper about him! He lives by his own set of rules! Added to this mix is the perfect gentleman rescuer, Mr. David Melcher, whose values are much the same as Abbie’s and the sparks do fly!
Filled with humor yet touching on serious emotions, this is an unforgettable love story that held me within its spell! There is so much more about this book and it's characters that I haven’t included for fear of spoilers. A favorite & a keeper to be purchased and read again and again!
A few quotes
---She’d had so little love, he thought, I will drown her in it for the rest of her life.
--- “She writhed between him and the door and he moved his mouth to her ear, whispering hoarsely, "Abbie, I'm going to take you to that bed and make love to you like you never imagined you'd be made love to again.�
Added 9/7/2011 - an interesting fact that I discovered while researching more by this author
Spencer's second novel, Hummingbird, was rejected by her editor at Avon and also by another editor at Jove, although Jove later published the novel in 1983. Both publishing companies faulted the book for having too much humor and for being too narrow in scope, as the bulk of the book was set within a single house. Spencer opined that "drama happens within, in the emotional impact on the characters," and refused to dramatically rewrite the book.
Thank you sooo much Jill!:) Also, I gotta thank Tammy � so glad you jumped in “with arms waving� convincing me to read this one next:)...LOL
The 9:50 R.M.R. is late and the entire town of Stuart’s Junction, Colorado is anxious to know why. We soon learn we have a foiled robbery leaving the bandit seriously injured and the gentleman rescuer with a minor injury. The immediate dilemma is who will volunteer to help with their care. Of course, Abigail, being short on funds and rising to the occasion, volunteers and as soon as her patients are removed to her home, I didn’t want to put this one down.
This is another great read that drew me in within a few pages and didn’t make me wade through half the book before I was completely engaged! This book appealed to me in so many ways. First and foremost was the chemistry between the H/h. It was remarkable and I loved it!
Miss Abigail McKinzie, thirty-three year old spinster, has lived her entire life in the small town of Stuart’s Junction, Colorado. Prim, proper, with impeccable manners, always perfectly dressed and with her flawless vocabulary she has a strict code that she follows having been taught at an early age by her mother what is acceptable. Everyone knows she is a lady, was a devoted daughter, reliable, virtuous, orderly and precise. But few in this small town know of her lifetime of loneliness.
Jesse, smoldering-hot-sexy with his good looks and hard muscular body is one of those alpha males oozing sex appeal. With his laid-back personality and having little patience for society’s rules, he drives Abbie crazy. Abigail’s strict code of propriety is constantly challenged and she admits to experiencing every emotion that’s been forbidden her entire life! There is teasing, arguing, cuddling, talking and always simmering is this hot, sensual desire for each other. One of the things I loved so much about Jesse is his longing to free Abbie from her own self-induced restrictions. I liked his jealousy and his protectiveness.
The banter between these two is so good and I found myself laughing quite often! I’m talking laugh-out-loud moments! I actually had to get up and walk out of my doctor’s waiting room! I was laughing out loud while people were looking at me like I was strange! But I couldn’t help myself. Jesse’s lifestyle is completely opposite from Abbie’s and there is nothing prim or proper about him! He lives by his own set of rules! Added to this mix is the perfect gentleman rescuer, Mr. David Melcher, whose values are much the same as Abbie’s and the sparks do fly!
Filled with humor yet touching on serious emotions, this is an unforgettable love story that held me within its spell! There is so much more about this book and it's characters that I haven’t included for fear of spoilers. A favorite & a keeper to be purchased and read again and again!
A few quotes
---She’d had so little love, he thought, I will drown her in it for the rest of her life.
--- “She writhed between him and the door and he moved his mouth to her ear, whispering hoarsely, "Abbie, I'm going to take you to that bed and make love to you like you never imagined you'd be made love to again.�
Added 9/7/2011 - an interesting fact that I discovered while researching more by this author
Spencer's second novel, Hummingbird, was rejected by her editor at Avon and also by another editor at Jove, although Jove later published the novel in 1983. Both publishing companies faulted the book for having too much humor and for being too narrow in scope, as the bulk of the book was set within a single house. Spencer opined that "drama happens within, in the emotional impact on the characters," and refused to dramatically rewrite the book.
April 17, 2009
This is my favorite book by LS. It's funny, when I read this book, I had not discovered the appeal of the 'bad boy' yet. I was thinking that Abigail was better off with the nice guy she was nursing. But she ends up falling for Jesse, and so do I. This book was steamy but in a different way from nowadays. The steam was the sexual tension that did not rely on descriptive love scenes, but the attraction between the characters.
Reading LS is an experience because you don't get out of her books without your heart being tugged on. This book is no different.
Reading LS is an experience because you don't get out of her books without your heart being tugged on. This book is no different.
October 17, 2012
I'm all for bickering that leads to hot sexual tension but the bickering here made Jesse seem like an a-hole and Abbie like an impatient shrew. I was however okay with looking over that because I really enjoyed and this book was so highly rated I thought I might be too sensitive so I kept going. I eventually had to drop this book because my biggest pet peeve in romance books is the "kiss her and feel her up until she submits and has sex with you because she'll like it she just doesn't know it" route. The dude pulled a gun on her and forced her to kiss him!! I didn't see that as a cute funny trick- it made me really hate him but even THEN I STILL didn't drop the story... until he basically forces himself on her later on. I don't know how far he got at that point and I really dont care because he got too far from what I read and no matter how much she might have eventually given in it still felt disturbing so I lost all hope for the hero at that point. The dude is a photographer-- not a gunslinger, not a cowboy, not a typical bad boy even, so I dont understand why he kept going after her and never thanking her for everything she did. I didn't understand why he felt like it was his job to "break" her to begin with-- he didn't even like her!
When you lose respect for a main character thats when you know its time to stop reading so I did.
When you lose respect for a main character thats when you know its time to stop reading so I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2015
Both were wounded in the same train robbery in frontier Colorado and left on Abigail McKenzie's doorstep to nurse back to life.
Gentle, loving David, promising her a happiness she'd lost hope of finding, was all a lady could wish for.
Jesse stood for everything she hated: he was rude, violent, roughly handsome and disturbingly sensual.
But it was Jesse's mocking mouth that troubled her dreams, Jesse who made her feel a hundred things a lady should never know, Jesse who challenged her every waking hour. She fought him with all the stiff propriety her stubborn will commanded ... but in her burned the aching embers of love too long denied--love that would force her to a choice no woman should ever have to make.
Oh, it was a treat to deal with the prim and proper Miss Abigail and the rough and tough Jesse. How they rubbed each other the wrong way. Him with his devil-may-care attitude and her with her modest, maidenly ways.
"I do not allow profanity in this house."
"Oh, I've seen your kind before - bound up so tight with corset stays that you've got indigestion."
What was it about Abigail McKenzie that got under his skin?
"I've brought some bed clothes of my father's. Put them on and leave them on. I'm sick and tired of looking at your hairy legs and chest."
"So you say." He puffed out the chest in question and rubbed its furred surface as if it were spun gold.
Abbie, Abbie, he thought, my little hummingbird, what are you doing to me?
"Do I haunt you, Abbie?"
December 15, 2013
I unearthed this book at the back of a closet the other day, which I thought was a funny place for me to put a book. I vaguely remembered not liking it all that much, but I figured it couldn't be too bad because it's by LaVyrle Spencer, so I started reading it again. By the time I got to chapter 7 or thereabouts, I remembered exactly why I had chucked it into a closet the first time around.
Jesse, the hero, is an asshole of the first order. Abigail was a little irritating and prissy at first, but she had my full sympathy after Jesse woke up and started talking. He's rude. He's ungrateful. He provokes her for no reason and pins her to beds and kisses her even when she says 'No, seriously, stop' like six times. I spent most of the book wishing his wound would suddenly turn septic and kill him, and then the rest of the story would be about Abbie realizing David is actually a really sweet guy who respects her and values her opinions and would never hold her at gunpoint over fucking pork chops. Jesse is awful.
I'm going to go read "Morning Glory" or "The Endearment" and try to forget about this. The book is going right back in the closet, and Jesse DuFrayne can go fuck himself.
Jesse, the hero, is an asshole of the first order. Abigail was a little irritating and prissy at first, but she had my full sympathy after Jesse woke up and started talking. He's rude. He's ungrateful. He provokes her for no reason and pins her to beds and kisses her even when she says 'No, seriously, stop' like six times. I spent most of the book wishing his wound would suddenly turn septic and kill him, and then the rest of the story would be about Abbie realizing David is actually a really sweet guy who respects her and values her opinions and would never hold her at gunpoint over fucking pork chops. Jesse is awful.
I'm going to go read "Morning Glory" or "The Endearment" and try to forget about this. The book is going right back in the closet, and Jesse DuFrayne can go fuck himself.
May 20, 2010
This is the first book by Lavyrle Spencer that I've ever read. I'm a long time romance reader, but I incorrectly got the impression that Spencer's work was "old". I remember seeing a book of hers that my grandma was reading when I was in Jr High. The image stuck with me, so I haven't until now, given her the "respect" that she so obviously deserves.
Hummingbird was so many things.....It was very funny yet it dealt with serious emotions. It was very fictional yet it also felt very real. I really can't say enough about it.
I'm not going to rehash the plot but I'll give you my two cents on what I loved about this book.
1. The witty bantering and fighting that exists between Abigail and Jesse is some of the funniest and best that I've ever read. They truly dislike each other at times....or at least it seemed that way.....
2. Jesse is a hero I love because he brings out the very best, and worst, of Abigail. He encourages her to be herself and not what her parents and the town expects her to be. Her gradual liberation is so good to see.
3. The love triangle between Jesse, Abigail, and Mark was the low point of the book. It really wasn't a triangle at all...there was no contest...Abigail and Jesse were destined to be.
Read this book....despite the fact that your grandma may have read it!
IT IS TIMELESS!
Hummingbird was so many things.....It was very funny yet it dealt with serious emotions. It was very fictional yet it also felt very real. I really can't say enough about it.
I'm not going to rehash the plot but I'll give you my two cents on what I loved about this book.
1. The witty bantering and fighting that exists between Abigail and Jesse is some of the funniest and best that I've ever read. They truly dislike each other at times....or at least it seemed that way.....
2. Jesse is a hero I love because he brings out the very best, and worst, of Abigail. He encourages her to be herself and not what her parents and the town expects her to be. Her gradual liberation is so good to see.
3. The love triangle between Jesse, Abigail, and Mark was the low point of the book. It really wasn't a triangle at all...there was no contest...Abigail and Jesse were destined to be.
Read this book....despite the fact that your grandma may have read it!
IT IS TIMELESS!
January 12, 2012
Everyone was shocked when LaVyrle Spencer retired from writing a few years ago at the top of her game (and the top of the bestseller lists), but she left behind a rich legacy of books. YEARS (with its grown-up LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE vibe) is another one of my favorites but HUMMINGBIRD is the ultimate gunfighter/schoolmarm Western. There are plenty of opportunities for delicious and romantic encounters as gentle, prim Abigail McKenzie nurses wounded gunfighter Jesse back to life...and love. (Alternate: YEARS, TWICE LOVED.)
October 30, 2023
Want to read one of the best enemies to lovers HR's ever written? 🤔📚
Congrats! 👋 You found it.
This book oozes sexual tension, laugh out loud witty dialogue and wraps you in its' captivating spell...never to be forgotten. No one writes HR with these kinda chops anymore. This is the Great stuff.
Brilliant. Classic. Right on to the keeper shelf.
Congrats! 👋 You found it.
This book oozes sexual tension, laugh out loud witty dialogue and wraps you in its' captivating spell...never to be forgotten. No one writes HR with these kinda chops anymore. This is the Great stuff.
Brilliant. Classic. Right on to the keeper shelf.
September 4, 2016
The heroine Abigail single-handedly ruined the entire book for me. Morning Glory is such a wonderful novel by LaVyrle Spencer that I feel bad about giving Hummingbird a low rating:( RTC...
April 3, 2017
Thank God, at last I could have finished the book. I'm not sure how I am feeling about the book. I am in contradictory sentiments. :)
First of all, I like author's writing style and her ability to develop everyday's life events so naturally in her story. Although sometimes these events seemed boring, I admit that they were needed for the sake of characterization and story progress.
I thought quit reading a few times, yet I couldn't find it in me to do it to this book/author. On the other hand, I had difficulties to understand Jesse's some attitude towards Abiagail (heroine). If he wasn't a hero and I had already known he was a good guy, I could hate him. Imo, his some behaviours were very offensive and not nice at all.
Also, I don't like ending. Maybe I didn't like David much and I was sure he was not for Abigail, though he didn't deserve this result. In addition, it was not fit Abigail's character at all.
I have mostly told about my complaints but of course the book had very nice parts too. I like how author could manage to picturize two opposite characters could fall in love and while they were fighting constantly, also they could talk and share their thoughts and feelings so well.
Abigail's dilemma about living her life and choosing the right partner etc.
I'm not sure that if I'll ever recommend this book to anyone, I didn't like it that much. However, it was a well written, good story that at least deserved an avarage rating and didn't get a mark DNF for my part.
First of all, I like author's writing style and her ability to develop everyday's life events so naturally in her story. Although sometimes these events seemed boring, I admit that they were needed for the sake of characterization and story progress.
I thought quit reading a few times, yet I couldn't find it in me to do it to this book/author. On the other hand, I had difficulties to understand Jesse's some attitude towards Abiagail (heroine). If he wasn't a hero and I had already known he was a good guy, I could hate him. Imo, his some behaviours were very offensive and not nice at all.
Also, I don't like ending. Maybe I didn't like David much and I was sure he was not for Abigail, though he didn't deserve this result. In addition, it was not fit Abigail's character at all.
I have mostly told about my complaints but of course the book had very nice parts too. I like how author could manage to picturize two opposite characters could fall in love and while they were fighting constantly, also they could talk and share their thoughts and feelings so well.
Abigail's dilemma about living her life and choosing the right partner etc.
I'm not sure that if I'll ever recommend this book to anyone, I didn't like it that much. However, it was a well written, good story that at least deserved an avarage rating and didn't get a mark DNF for my part.
September 9, 2011
Stuart's Junction, Colorado. The morning run from the Rocky Mountain Railway shows up very late, and with two injured men to boot - one of them allegedly attempted to rob the train and the other heroically saved the day. Doc needs someone to tend the two men, and since no one wants a dangerous criminal in their home the railroad's going to have to pay for it, and Miss Abigail definitely could use the money. Miss Abigail lost her one chance at happiness at twenty when she committed to caring for her father and her fiance headed for greener pastures. In the following years Miss Abigail has set the tone for all things prim and proper in Stuart's Junction.
"The woman had starch in everything to her bloomers to her backbone, and it was amusing trying to make it crackle."
Mild mannered shoe salesman David Melcher is the man who *saved* the train and takes a bit of a shine to Miss Abigail, while meantime she's locking horns with the more seriously wounded Jesse who bears all the physical traits of a notorious outlaw - tall, dark and handsome and looks pretty darn good with his shirt off. David's wound is less severe and he's soon packed off to sell more shoes. Miss Abigail is left caring for bed-ridden Jesse until he's well enough to be turned over to the railroad company for trial and let's just say that sparks continue to fly,
"They eyed one another like two bighorns deciding whether to butt or back off."
Will Jessie work his way into Miss Abigail's heart? Or will the ever-so-dull David Melcher return to win her heart? Is David Melcher really the down home all around good guy he appears to be? Is Jesse really a black-hearted train robbing scoundrel, or is there more under the surface? Will her corset and bloomers stay forever laced?
This was my first Lavyrle Spencer romance and won't likely be my last. It was a quick and easy read and I had a lot of fun watching Jesse and Abigail and their fiery mating dance, but I did find Jesse's methods of courting Abigail a bit too heavy-handed at times. I don't want to spoil by going into specifics, but it may be a turn off some readers - YMMV. The's also some sex, and while tamer than what you can find in today's romances does go into a bit more description and goes on for quite a few pages, so those readers who prefer their sex scenes taking place behind closed doors might want to prepare to skim a bit. 4/5 stars.
"The woman had starch in everything to her bloomers to her backbone, and it was amusing trying to make it crackle."
Mild mannered shoe salesman David Melcher is the man who *saved* the train and takes a bit of a shine to Miss Abigail, while meantime she's locking horns with the more seriously wounded Jesse who bears all the physical traits of a notorious outlaw - tall, dark and handsome and looks pretty darn good with his shirt off. David's wound is less severe and he's soon packed off to sell more shoes. Miss Abigail is left caring for bed-ridden Jesse until he's well enough to be turned over to the railroad company for trial and let's just say that sparks continue to fly,
"They eyed one another like two bighorns deciding whether to butt or back off."
Will Jessie work his way into Miss Abigail's heart? Or will the ever-so-dull David Melcher return to win her heart? Is David Melcher really the down home all around good guy he appears to be? Is Jesse really a black-hearted train robbing scoundrel, or is there more under the surface? Will her corset and bloomers stay forever laced?
This was my first Lavyrle Spencer romance and won't likely be my last. It was a quick and easy read and I had a lot of fun watching Jesse and Abigail and their fiery mating dance, but I did find Jesse's methods of courting Abigail a bit too heavy-handed at times. I don't want to spoil by going into specifics, but it may be a turn off some readers - YMMV. The's also some sex, and while tamer than what you can find in today's romances does go into a bit more description and goes on for quite a few pages, so those readers who prefer their sex scenes taking place behind closed doors might want to prepare to skim a bit. 4/5 stars.
October 6, 2010
The author spends the majority of the book concentrating on the developing romance between Jesse and Abigail. They start out absolutely despising each other, they bicker - constantly - but it's not annoying bickering, it's funny (I laughed out loud more than once) and it's believable, then over the course of the book they become friends. This was a close to perfect book but it wasn't perfect because it was about 80 pages too long, IMO. About three-quarters of the way through the book Jesse is healed and takes a back seat in the action as the author explores the conflicting emotions in Abigail's head as she considers a proposal from David, the perfect bore, umm, I mean, gentlemen. Fortunately, the last few chapters were definitely worth hanging in there for. The historical details were great, I really felt like I was whisked back to 1879, and the dialogue was down-to-earth. There were so many lines that made me melt, here's one:
"She'd had so little love, he thought, I will drown her in it for the rest of her life". This from an alpha hero! How can you resist?
Comical, touching and wonderful. Despite my little complaints, I'm very glad I finally read this book.
"She'd had so little love, he thought, I will drown her in it for the rest of her life". This from an alpha hero! How can you resist?
Comical, touching and wonderful. Despite my little complaints, I'm very glad I finally read this book.
July 5, 2022
This one's another love triangle romance by Ms Spencer. I think that Ms Spencer has a habit of treating the other nice guy (not the one that the heroine chooses) shabbily. It reminds me a bit of . The heroine usually goes for the rakish one in the end (I'd noticed it's a trend in her books). I wasn't too happy with how David (the nice one) got to know about Abby and Jesse. That was an awful scene, and thank god it happened right in the end, or I would have stopped reading there and then. David isn't a bad guy. Just a tad too respectable (can you ever be too respectable?) and with a stick up his ass. Abby should have just refused his suit.
I'm not too crazy about some of her plot points. However, there is something magical about her writing. In her deft hands, the town and the town's people were brought to life . One of Ms Spencer's significant strengths is the ability to capture and write about the characters' emotions. When it comes to emotions, she is unparalleled. This book was a long read, but it was a page-turner.
She tends to include OW/OM drama in her books (not my favourite trope). Although the main characters' actions weren't great, but I couldn't give this less than 4 stars due to the beauty of the writing. I also have to give her props for the memorable plot. Ms Spencer is definitely one of a kind. Would I recommend this book? A resounding yes, if you don't mind the OM drama.
I'm not too crazy about some of her plot points. However, there is something magical about her writing. In her deft hands, the town and the town's people were brought to life . One of Ms Spencer's significant strengths is the ability to capture and write about the characters' emotions. When it comes to emotions, she is unparalleled. This book was a long read, but it was a page-turner.
She tends to include OW/OM drama in her books (not my favourite trope). Although the main characters' actions weren't great, but I couldn't give this less than 4 stars due to the beauty of the writing. I also have to give her props for the memorable plot. Ms Spencer is definitely one of a kind. Would I recommend this book? A resounding yes, if you don't mind the OM drama.
January 20, 2019
DNF at page 108.
Extremely disappointing. I’ve read three LaVyrle Spencer books before, and I loved them all, Morning Glory especially. I expected another well-written romance that would quietly tuck itself into my heart and surprise me with the intensity of emotions it would evoke.
What I got instead was a mess of forced, inconsistent “banter� (an insult to the word, honestly) and characters that made no sense. Jesse was awful from the start, but I tried to keep going, sure it would get better. And then Jesse forced Abigail to kiss him (not a peck - a three-page-long ordeal) by freaking PULLING A GUN ON HER, and I had to put the book aside in disgust and disappointment.
“But this was written in the 80s!� you argue. “The heroines were always kissed into submission against their will.�
And yes, to a point. Usually, I go into books written in this time period with certain expectations. When those scenes occur, I read them, uncomfortable, but knowing it’s a stage the romance genre went through to get to where we are today.
But there are limits to things I will not tolerate, regardless of publish date.
This was not a ~she put up a token resistance but almost immediately became an enthusiastic participant~ situation. Not only did he use a weapon to force her into the act (and basically verbally threatened to do more at a later date), at the end of the ordeal, she feels “filthy� and “violated,� not only from the assault but because she eventually started to enjoy it a little toward the end.
I wanted to retch reading that.
And to make it EVEN WORSE (that would have been enough, but this is the piece that just makes it even more incomprehensible to me), Jesse ISN’T EVEN THE VILLAIN train robber he’s accused of being. He is a photographer. Just a regular guy. Who?? Thinks this is okay?? And then LAUGHS after she leaves the room, his own private joke because only he knows that the gun has been empty the whole time.
Spencer can do a million times better. That saying, “I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed,� comes to mind, but it wouldn’t be true. I am extremely disappointed, as evidenced by how many times I’ve used that word in this review, but I’m mad, too.
If you like the premise of this book, read The Outsider by Penelope Williamson.
If you want quality Spencer, read Morning Glory.
Whatever you are looking for in a romance, I sincerely doubt you’ll find it in this book.
Extremely disappointing. I’ve read three LaVyrle Spencer books before, and I loved them all, Morning Glory especially. I expected another well-written romance that would quietly tuck itself into my heart and surprise me with the intensity of emotions it would evoke.
What I got instead was a mess of forced, inconsistent “banter� (an insult to the word, honestly) and characters that made no sense. Jesse was awful from the start, but I tried to keep going, sure it would get better. And then Jesse forced Abigail to kiss him (not a peck - a three-page-long ordeal) by freaking PULLING A GUN ON HER, and I had to put the book aside in disgust and disappointment.
“But this was written in the 80s!� you argue. “The heroines were always kissed into submission against their will.�
And yes, to a point. Usually, I go into books written in this time period with certain expectations. When those scenes occur, I read them, uncomfortable, but knowing it’s a stage the romance genre went through to get to where we are today.
But there are limits to things I will not tolerate, regardless of publish date.
This was not a ~she put up a token resistance but almost immediately became an enthusiastic participant~ situation. Not only did he use a weapon to force her into the act (and basically verbally threatened to do more at a later date), at the end of the ordeal, she feels “filthy� and “violated,� not only from the assault but because she eventually started to enjoy it a little toward the end.
I wanted to retch reading that.
And to make it EVEN WORSE (that would have been enough, but this is the piece that just makes it even more incomprehensible to me), Jesse ISN’T EVEN THE VILLAIN train robber he’s accused of being. He is a photographer. Just a regular guy. Who?? Thinks this is okay?? And then LAUGHS after she leaves the room, his own private joke because only he knows that the gun has been empty the whole time.
Spencer can do a million times better. That saying, “I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed,� comes to mind, but it wouldn’t be true. I am extremely disappointed, as evidenced by how many times I’ve used that word in this review, but I’m mad, too.
If you like the premise of this book, read The Outsider by Penelope Williamson.
If you want quality Spencer, read Morning Glory.
Whatever you are looking for in a romance, I sincerely doubt you’ll find it in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2010
Lavyrle Spencer is, in my opinion, the best romance writer of all the ones out there I have come across... her books take place in many places throughout America, in various time frames, yet always come across as current and applicable to any woman, anywhere, at any point in time... Her ability to create rich characters filled with human flaws is what appeals to me most. None of them are perfectly gorgeous, with fabulous lives and not all of them have happy endings in the way we think of, or expect from a romance novel, making them incredibly relate-able... If you love a beautiful romance story with characters who are as less than perfect as most of us, and are willing to accept realistic twist and turns rather than the expected "they lived happily ever after" ending, then you will love this, or any, of her books. �
April 27, 2020
Oh, how I wish Audible would publish an audiobook for this story and for . Not abridged!! Pleaaaase. I loved this book. Smile on my face. Laughter. Tears. Hopes. Dreams. Just beautiful. Mmm..Mmm.
My favorite by Spencer is Morning Glory, but this book is totally wondrous, too. Spencer speaks to the heart.
My favorite by Spencer is Morning Glory, but this book is totally wondrous, too. Spencer speaks to the heart.
March 31, 2015
I am going to be one of the unpopular ones and say that.... I did not like this book at all. The heroine Abby was a prissy, cold shrew. The hero Jesse was a supposed train robber that constant bellowed or roared demands at her. They were constantly in the midst of hateful arguments. He kept trying to kiss her, she would respond after semi-forced kisses with "I hate you". Real nice warm, fuzzy romance story....
May 25, 2024
Best ending ever! 🔫
June 5, 2024
I was quite feeling like a book like this and it didn't disappoint. This was my first book by this author.
I like the premise of this book. And for the first half of the book I wondered if the town people had gotten the roles of the two men reversed.
I like abigail. I liked Abby even more, and how her layers and experiences were stripped back or shown to her in a different light. Her feelings throughout the whole book towards the two men were very well laid out, realistic and valid. Her feelings and care for David sweet and real in the moment. And her feelings for Jesse were raw and hard one.
I got to the point in the book where I thought I knew what was going to happen. Then that situation with Jesse and David happened. At the time as a reader I was frustrated, but in hindsight, Abigail would have always wondered what would have been. I did like her and David together mostly and how the town reacted was nice, but Jesse had a point when he pointed out how unfair it was for the town to have written her off as a spinster at 20, that she didn't owe them her consideration. Also David's attitude towards Bones was petty, and as soon as that came up I knew Bones was going to get him back by a nonchalant bomb. Mr Bones wondered what Abigail saw in David.
Doc was another great side character. He likes Jesse and even at the start of Abigail and David spending time together, made some cryptic remarks that Abbie wondered if they alluded to her relationship with Jesse.
"When I'm done here, I'm going to shoot down that goddamn sign that's got your name on it with his."
The ardor in his tone made the word goddamn almost an endearment. Then his pants, too, were gone.
"Signifying nothing," she murmured with a slow smile.
"Like hell," he said gruffly, reaching to untie the string at the waist of her camisole, then sliding a hand inside, up, up, over her ribs as he sat on the bed and stretched his long, dark limbs toward Abbie.
Her nostrils widened and her breath came jagged.
"You don't think it's significant that I'm taking back what I once gave away so foolishly?" he asked possessively.
I love the little honeymoon/ home that Jesse created for them.
I like the premise of this book. And for the first half of the book I wondered if the town people had gotten the roles of the two men reversed.
I like abigail. I liked Abby even more, and how her layers and experiences were stripped back or shown to her in a different light. Her feelings throughout the whole book towards the two men were very well laid out, realistic and valid. Her feelings and care for David sweet and real in the moment. And her feelings for Jesse were raw and hard one.
I got to the point in the book where I thought I knew what was going to happen. Then that situation with Jesse and David happened. At the time as a reader I was frustrated, but in hindsight, Abigail would have always wondered what would have been. I did like her and David together mostly and how the town reacted was nice, but Jesse had a point when he pointed out how unfair it was for the town to have written her off as a spinster at 20, that she didn't owe them her consideration. Also David's attitude towards Bones was petty, and as soon as that came up I knew Bones was going to get him back by a nonchalant bomb. Mr Bones wondered what Abigail saw in David.
Doc was another great side character. He likes Jesse and even at the start of Abigail and David spending time together, made some cryptic remarks that Abbie wondered if they alluded to her relationship with Jesse.
"When I'm done here, I'm going to shoot down that goddamn sign that's got your name on it with his."
The ardor in his tone made the word goddamn almost an endearment. Then his pants, too, were gone.
"Signifying nothing," she murmured with a slow smile.
"Like hell," he said gruffly, reaching to untie the string at the waist of her camisole, then sliding a hand inside, up, up, over her ribs as he sat on the bed and stretched his long, dark limbs toward Abbie.
Her nostrils widened and her breath came jagged.
"You don't think it's significant that I'm taking back what I once gave away so foolishly?" he asked possessively.
I love the little honeymoon/ home that Jesse created for them.
Read
October 6, 2022Update: A little essay about how
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Jessie is an (alleged) train robber with a Mustache of Distinction. David is "The Gentleman" and yes it's as boring as it sounds. When they are both injured in a train robbery they are put in the care of Abigail, the town spinster. Abigail is pretty, but she's a bit of a snob, and after spending her 20s taking care of her ill father she's not really anybody's romantic prospect.
But now she has two men in her house, and she begins a gentle courtship with David that is dry and boring. Meanwhile she and Jessie fight.
I was so invested in liking this that when it nosedived in the second half I took it personally. I'm kind of reevaluating how I talk about books before I finish them, because I'm a bit embarrassed to have such a public about-face, but I guess that's just how it goes sometimes?
__________________________________
Jessie is an (alleged) train robber with a Mustache of Distinction. David is "The Gentleman" and yes it's as boring as it sounds. When they are both injured in a train robbery they are put in the care of Abigail, the town spinster. Abigail is pretty, but she's a bit of a snob, and after spending her 20s taking care of her ill father she's not really anybody's romantic prospect.
But now she has two men in her house, and she begins a gentle courtship with David that is dry and boring. Meanwhile she and Jessie fight.
I was so invested in liking this that when it nosedived in the second half I took it personally. I'm kind of reevaluating how I talk about books before I finish them, because I'm a bit embarrassed to have such a public about-face, but I guess that's just how it goes sometimes?
September 28, 2010
Very enjoyable romance.
There were some scenes that had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters. It was fun to see how fighting added spice to the relationship and the characters looked forward to their spats. It was well done. I'm going to try more from this author. Sexual content: mild.
There were some scenes that had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters. It was fun to see how fighting added spice to the relationship and the characters looked forward to their spats. It was well done. I'm going to try more from this author. Sexual content: mild.
December 2, 2010
5 stars, again. OMG, I love this book.
May 26, 2024
I almost DNF this book. An Incident in chapter 7, and then another similar Incident in chapter 9, knocked me sideways and I had to put the book down for a couple of days until I cooled down.
It was particularly galling because I was head over heels for this book until then. Hummingbird was my first LaVyrle Spencer, and honestly I was not expecting to love it. My mom read her in the 90s, so I was familiar with the lattice-and-florals aesthetic of her covers and didn’t think they would be for me.
But man, can LaVyrle WRITE. And man, can she write some hot scenes.
So, to back up: Hummingbird is the story of Miss Abigail McKenzie, a tightly wound spinster who lives in her dead parents� old house in a railroad town in Colorado. Her bank account is almost empty, so she accepts a job nursing two men who were shot during a train robbery � one of whom is the robber. The other is a gentleman named David Melcher. Guess who our hero is?
During the course of the book, we get to see Abigail unwind, slowly and haltingly, as she learns to cast off the stultifying rules her mother lived by and that she absorbed to her detriment.
The catalyst for this metamorphosis is of course the train robber, whose name we learn is Jesse. Their relationship is spiky, heated, frustrating and occasionally tender.
The writing is so good � it’s omniscient third person and Spencer paint such a vivid picture of Abigail and Jesse, her home (where much of the story takes place) and, more broadly, the town of Stuart’s Junction, which has played its own role in Abby’s life. It’s such an intimate book, with so many lovely quiet scenes, as well as many loud scenes where Jesse and Abby attempt to claw each other’s eyes out.
The ending was masterful and incredibly sexy, and my heart wanted to give the book five stars � but if I’m honest with myself, it’s a four or just over. It was truly an incredible book and I’ll read it again, but it had two flaws: one big and one small.
The big flaw is in chapters 7 and 9 � shocking moments like those can done well and add to a story and its character development, but here it didn’t feel right, possibly because Spencer didn’t quite know how to write it. The second flaw was in the last half, where a chapter or two dragged a little.
While I can’t gloss over them, I can say this was an incredible book and you should read it.
It was particularly galling because I was head over heels for this book until then. Hummingbird was my first LaVyrle Spencer, and honestly I was not expecting to love it. My mom read her in the 90s, so I was familiar with the lattice-and-florals aesthetic of her covers and didn’t think they would be for me.
But man, can LaVyrle WRITE. And man, can she write some hot scenes.
So, to back up: Hummingbird is the story of Miss Abigail McKenzie, a tightly wound spinster who lives in her dead parents� old house in a railroad town in Colorado. Her bank account is almost empty, so she accepts a job nursing two men who were shot during a train robbery � one of whom is the robber. The other is a gentleman named David Melcher. Guess who our hero is?
During the course of the book, we get to see Abigail unwind, slowly and haltingly, as she learns to cast off the stultifying rules her mother lived by and that she absorbed to her detriment.
The catalyst for this metamorphosis is of course the train robber, whose name we learn is Jesse. Their relationship is spiky, heated, frustrating and occasionally tender.
The writing is so good � it’s omniscient third person and Spencer paint such a vivid picture of Abigail and Jesse, her home (where much of the story takes place) and, more broadly, the town of Stuart’s Junction, which has played its own role in Abby’s life. It’s such an intimate book, with so many lovely quiet scenes, as well as many loud scenes where Jesse and Abby attempt to claw each other’s eyes out.
The ending was masterful and incredibly sexy, and my heart wanted to give the book five stars � but if I’m honest with myself, it’s a four or just over. It was truly an incredible book and I’ll read it again, but it had two flaws: one big and one small.
The big flaw is in chapters 7 and 9 � shocking moments like those can done well and add to a story and its character development, but here it didn’t feel right, possibly because Spencer didn’t quite know how to write it. The second flaw was in the last half, where a chapter or two dragged a little.
While I can’t gloss over them, I can say this was an incredible book and you should read it.
June 21, 2013
Re-read June 2013
I loved the book even more the 3rd time. I had to give the book another star- definitely more of a 5 star read for me then a 4 star read. I found that I really liked Jesse even more this re-read, if that was even possible. And, I loved Abigails lesson in the book which was that sometimes what you think you need and what you actually need can be two entirely different things. Still an amazing book!! Lavyrle needs to come out of retirement!!!!!
October, 2010
I really liked it! Jesse was an uber-alpha and I loved every minute of it!!! Well, did I like the gun stunt...no....but Jesse was a bit rough around the edges. I love a fictional bad boy, but thats me.
I love the fact that Lavyrle's characters seem so real, they're never one dimensional. Here you think all of these things about Jesse and find out the complete opposite, which includes all that passion under a steely exterior (love that!). The same for Abigail- she's a bit too prim and proper, but after meeting Jesse--she changes a bit--yearning for more out of life.
I would recommend it, but with a warning...the characters aren't perfect, nor should they be. That was part of what I loved about them.
My fourth Lavyrle book and she's quickly becoming addictive. If you like historicals and haven't read one of her historicals, treat yourself!
I loved the book even more the 3rd time. I had to give the book another star- definitely more of a 5 star read for me then a 4 star read. I found that I really liked Jesse even more this re-read, if that was even possible. And, I loved Abigails lesson in the book which was that sometimes what you think you need and what you actually need can be two entirely different things. Still an amazing book!! Lavyrle needs to come out of retirement!!!!!
October, 2010
I really liked it! Jesse was an uber-alpha and I loved every minute of it!!! Well, did I like the gun stunt...no....but Jesse was a bit rough around the edges. I love a fictional bad boy, but thats me.
I love the fact that Lavyrle's characters seem so real, they're never one dimensional. Here you think all of these things about Jesse and find out the complete opposite, which includes all that passion under a steely exterior (love that!). The same for Abigail- she's a bit too prim and proper, but after meeting Jesse--she changes a bit--yearning for more out of life.
I would recommend it, but with a warning...the characters aren't perfect, nor should they be. That was part of what I loved about them.
My fourth Lavyrle book and she's quickly becoming addictive. If you like historicals and haven't read one of her historicals, treat yourself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
Hot damn. I have no qualms about giving this book 5 stars.
What I thought would be a LoooOOooong, drawn out story, turned out to be a surprising page-turner.
The author did such a wonderful job pulling me in and keeping me in. There was never a "brick wall" point in this story. I was excited to keep turning the page. Or.. well.. clicking the next page button on my Kindle.
Jesse was soo yummy and had such a rousing rapport with our heroine Abbie. Very likable characters. Their back and forth bickering and fighting "mating ritual" dynamic is terribly enjoyable.
And the ending! ...you'll just have to read it.
What I thought would be a LoooOOooong, drawn out story, turned out to be a surprising page-turner.
The author did such a wonderful job pulling me in and keeping me in. There was never a "brick wall" point in this story. I was excited to keep turning the page. Or.. well.. clicking the next page button on my Kindle.
Jesse was soo yummy and had such a rousing rapport with our heroine Abbie. Very likable characters. Their back and forth bickering and fighting "mating ritual" dynamic is terribly enjoyable.
And the ending! ...you'll just have to read it.
August 7, 2012
Favorite book ever.
September 6, 2016
Closer to a 3.5 rating. I like it pretty well. It definitely had its good points and I liked Spencer's writing, but I had some issues with the hero that were probably mostly a function of the book being published in 1983. He was sexually aggressive with the prim, inhibited heroine in a way that would make a lot of readers in 2016 a little uneasy.
Also, the story dragged on longer than it should have, and I found some of the later chapters -- in which the relationship between the hero and heroine is put on hold while the heroine explores another, much less interesting relationship -- tedious to get through. But I liked it enough (and have fond enough memories of another of her books, ) that I'll give LaVyrle Spencer's other romance novels a try at some point.
Also, the story dragged on longer than it should have, and I found some of the later chapters -- in which the relationship between the hero and heroine is put on hold while the heroine explores another, much less interesting relationship -- tedious to get through. But I liked it enough (and have fond enough memories of another of her books, ) that I'll give LaVyrle Spencer's other romance novels a try at some point.
August 16, 2010
I think I'm becoming obsessed with old LaVyrle Spencer novels. They are incredible! She is the queen of angst romance and "Hummingbird" is one of her best! The conflict between Jessie and Abigail was bite-your-nails, edge-of-your-seat, I-can't-believe-he/she-did-that, riveting until the very last page was turned.
November 21, 2008
Aahhhhhh Jesse!! hahaha I love this book. Love this author. Love the historical setting. Love the characters. Great one.
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