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I approached this book much like April, unsure of what to expect at Hummingbird House. Would the neighbours be friendly? Would the flat (accepted after a virtual visit only) live up to expectations? Was Hummingbird House the place to heal her heartbreak? Okay, so this latter issue was April’s only, but you get my drift 😉

April busies herself bringing the flat up to her standard, lovingly adding her own personal touches as she had done in her previous home � the one now up for sale after her recent break-up. Sorting the flat out is therapeutic for her, but she can’t help wondering about her neighbours. The Landlord, Dai, seems somewhat aloof, Paul next door has OCD, and Betty downstairs is the resident cakemaker. Yet what they all seem to have in common is that they genuinely care about each other. And now they’re happy to welcome April into their happy home � except not everyone is in a happy place right now. While April tries to better understand them, she’s well aware of the protective ring the other residents form around their friend and neighbour.

In essence, this story isn’t simply about April getting over her ex and moving on, it’s more than that. It’s a glimpse behind the closed doors of her neighbours too as the reader is invited inside to get to know them, warts and all. It’s soon clear that April’s first impressions are somewhat flawed as individual stories are revealed that perfectly explain everything. Their backstories are told with a delicate touch yet the pain is palpable. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of lighter moments that will make you laugh and smile, reflect and appreciate, as well as a hint of romance.

The Landlord at Hummingbird House tells the story of random strangers who have become “family� to each other, whose experiences have been shared and supported. It’s very real and relatable as well as poignant and witty � and there’s a sweet twist at the end that adds the proverbial icing to one of Betty’s cakes.