What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hummingbird Sanctuary
Enjoy your vacation at the Hummingbird Sanctuary, Colorado’s hottest resort destination. Come for the mountains, stay for the charm, and enjoy the drama as Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet figure out their lives, their loves, and the meaning of true friendship.
Owning and operating the Hummingbird Sanctuary was supposed to be the best time of Olive Zyntarski’s life. She was going to tackle the future with eyes wide open and forget about her guilty conscience. All that changes when a chance meeting with a mysterious new guest has Olive’s long-buried secrets bubbling to the surface.
As marketing director, Eleanor Fitzwallace knows how to present everything in its best light, everything except her nonexistent love life. When her high school heartbreak unexpectedly saunters into the Sanctuary’s restaurant, Eleanor’s determined to ignore her. She wants real love, and people don’t change, do they?
After hitting rock bottom, Harriet Marshall made a promise to herself: no more one-night stands that make her feel bad about herself. She’s determined to turn her life around, and that means focusing on keeping the Sanctuary’s restaurant and bar hip, trendy, and booked solid. So, of course, she meets the most gorgeous woman ever, and everything changes.
Owning and operating the Hummingbird Sanctuary was supposed to be the best time of Olive Zyntarski’s life. She was going to tackle the future with eyes wide open and forget about her guilty conscience. All that changes when a chance meeting with a mysterious new guest has Olive’s long-buried secrets bubbling to the surface.
As marketing director, Eleanor Fitzwallace knows how to present everything in its best light, everything except her nonexistent love life. When her high school heartbreak unexpectedly saunters into the Sanctuary’s restaurant, Eleanor’s determined to ignore her. She wants real love, and people don’t change, do they?
After hitting rock bottom, Harriet Marshall made a promise to herself: no more one-night stands that make her feel bad about herself. She’s determined to turn her life around, and that means focusing on keeping the Sanctuary’s restaurant and bar hip, trendy, and booked solid. So, of course, she meets the most gorgeous woman ever, and everything changes.
266 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
About the author
Erin Zak
18 books321 followersErin Zak is a sapphic contemporary romance writer who loves older women, imperfect people, and beautiful places. She’s a bit dorky and quirky and tries to make sure every single one of her characters has those same qualities. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @erinzakwrites. You can also listen to her podcast, The Weekly Wine Down, where she gets tipsy with her best friends while discussing any and everything.
www.erinzak.com
www.erinzak.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 24, 2022
Women's sanctuary.
This one isn't how I usually like my stories so I'm pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it. The story revolves around three women - Olive, Eleanor and Harriet - who are best friends and also co-owners of a resort that's designed to be a sanctuary for women. There are three POVs and multiple romance storylines involving the journalistic team that arrives to interview them, most of which feel unrealistically insta. But I didn't mind that because those romances are key to the characters discovering more about themselves and especially since the character arc is pretty well written.
This is my first book by Erin Zak. I like it. And I'm looking forward to exploring some of her other books.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one isn't how I usually like my stories so I'm pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it. The story revolves around three women - Olive, Eleanor and Harriet - who are best friends and also co-owners of a resort that's designed to be a sanctuary for women. There are three POVs and multiple romance storylines involving the journalistic team that arrives to interview them, most of which feel unrealistically insta. But I didn't mind that because those romances are key to the characters discovering more about themselves and especially since the character arc is pretty well written.
This is my first book by Erin Zak. I like it. And I'm looking forward to exploring some of her other books.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2022
Damn, this book… Ever since I started reading Erin Zak’s books (I still have two of her earliest to read), she’s never failed to make me feel. Like, a lot. And that’s fantastic since as I keep saying, this is why I read, to feel.
As one character puts it, this book is about “a group of six women who are all clearly fighting battles inside themselves”. Over the course of a weekend, all their lives will change. Three of these women – Mabel, Judy, Sunny – are visiting the resort, The Hummingbird Sanctuary, which the other three – the main characters – own together.
First is Olive, a fifty-year-old widow, who imagined a resort geared toward women and got her best friends to help her turn the dream into reality. Eleanor, 47, has been in love with Olive for the fifteen years they’ve known each other, resigned to the idea that Olive is straight and not interested in her that way. To quote Hattie, the third best friend, “she’s such a Pisces (…) Artistic, funny, loves her naps, and will cut someone right out of her life if they become too much for her to handle”. At thirty-five, Hattie is the youngest of the three best friends and the only one who isn’t a complete mess, even though meeting Judy shatters her to some extent. But only so that she can build something new, something unexpected. She’s a Leo, she’s flamboyant, she likes to show off, she knows her worth. She’s also a Black woman surrounded by white women.
Three women – each strong, independent, vulnerable in her own way –, three journeys. And three romance arcs at once. And because there are three stories, all intertwined, Zak can break the rules, mix tropes, take her characters on all sorts of roads. Nothing is written in advance because yes, there’s romance, but there’s not only one romance. With two MCs, you know you’ll get a HEA or at least HFN. With three + three? Anything is possible.
All three MCs are fantastic, complex, flawed, exciting. Zak tells the story from each MC’s POV, in first person. And each voice is distinct, each character has a very recognizable personality. When I had to put the book down mid-chapter and picked it back up hours later, I never had any doubt about who was talking. They’re all different, unlikely friends in this way life has of bringing together people who, on paper, shouldn’t fit but are actually perfect for one another. Among other things, these three are tied by their shared grief over losing their mothers. Zak’s The Road Home was never far from my thoughts, this story feels like what happens after.
I feel like I say this often too but I love when authors write their books in the same universe, even if all they do is mention a place or a person from a former book. There are a few Easter eggs here that made me feel at home right from the start.
Despite a few things that escaped proofreading in the ARC I read – a character has two different last names, 2021 is mentioned even though everything else is in 2022… – and that were hopefully fixed in the final version, despite the instalove that I chalked up to the place being magical (which it is, in a non-paranormal way), my heart says this book deserves 5 stars. And I tend to follow my heart, at least when it comes to books.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
As one character puts it, this book is about “a group of six women who are all clearly fighting battles inside themselves”. Over the course of a weekend, all their lives will change. Three of these women – Mabel, Judy, Sunny – are visiting the resort, The Hummingbird Sanctuary, which the other three – the main characters – own together.
First is Olive, a fifty-year-old widow, who imagined a resort geared toward women and got her best friends to help her turn the dream into reality. Eleanor, 47, has been in love with Olive for the fifteen years they’ve known each other, resigned to the idea that Olive is straight and not interested in her that way. To quote Hattie, the third best friend, “she’s such a Pisces (…) Artistic, funny, loves her naps, and will cut someone right out of her life if they become too much for her to handle”. At thirty-five, Hattie is the youngest of the three best friends and the only one who isn’t a complete mess, even though meeting Judy shatters her to some extent. But only so that she can build something new, something unexpected. She’s a Leo, she’s flamboyant, she likes to show off, she knows her worth. She’s also a Black woman surrounded by white women.
Three women – each strong, independent, vulnerable in her own way –, three journeys. And three romance arcs at once. And because there are three stories, all intertwined, Zak can break the rules, mix tropes, take her characters on all sorts of roads. Nothing is written in advance because yes, there’s romance, but there’s not only one romance. With two MCs, you know you’ll get a HEA or at least HFN. With three + three? Anything is possible.
All three MCs are fantastic, complex, flawed, exciting. Zak tells the story from each MC’s POV, in first person. And each voice is distinct, each character has a very recognizable personality. When I had to put the book down mid-chapter and picked it back up hours later, I never had any doubt about who was talking. They’re all different, unlikely friends in this way life has of bringing together people who, on paper, shouldn’t fit but are actually perfect for one another. Among other things, these three are tied by their shared grief over losing their mothers. Zak’s The Road Home was never far from my thoughts, this story feels like what happens after.
I feel like I say this often too but I love when authors write their books in the same universe, even if all they do is mention a place or a person from a former book. There are a few Easter eggs here that made me feel at home right from the start.
Despite a few things that escaped proofreading in the ARC I read – a character has two different last names, 2021 is mentioned even though everything else is in 2022… – and that were hopefully fixed in the final version, despite the instalove that I chalked up to the place being magical (which it is, in a non-paranormal way), my heart says this book deserves 5 stars. And I tend to follow my heart, at least when it comes to books.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2022
Featured presentation: Hummingbird Sanctuary by Erin Zak
Ladies, retreat to the mountains in Colorado and surrender to the serenity of the Hummingbird Sanctuary.
Cast: Olive Zyntarski. Eleanor Fitzwallace. Harriet Marshall. Friends and co-owners of the Hummingbird Sanctuary. Three unique women.
The Plot: Olive, Eleanor and Harriet (Hattie for short) started the Hummingbird Sanctuary to cater to the relaxation needs of women. Their combined strengths have catapulted their resort into the spotlight. Things start to unravel when three women arrive to do a feature on the Hummingbird Sanctuary. Will their friendship be strong enough to overcome their individual weaknesses and secrets?
The blazing: The story is told from a first person perspective that switches between the three main characters. At first this had my head spinning, but Ms Zak created each character with such finesse that the differences quickly became obvious. We really get to know these ladies’ secrets, hopes and fears, but it doesn’t come easily. Olive and Eleanor are slightly older (50 and 47) than Harriet in her mid-thirties and they all have a lot of baggage which cannot simply be dumped on the reader. Each character is slowly revealed to us through their interactions with others as well as their thoughts.
The bright: The pacing of the story fluctuates – sometimes everything seems to happen too fast or too many things at once, whereas other times the story seems to drag a bit. This gave a realistic feel to the events at the Hummingbird Sanctuary. It also heightened the sense of the women’s fears and their resulting actions or indecisiveness, especially Olive’s.
The three women that arrive to do a feature for On the verge magazine are gorgeous characters in their own right. They perfectly add to the drama and character development of the three MCs. Sunny especially shines – exactly like her name suggests…
The bleak: Hattie and Judy (one of the On the verge trio) immediately hits it off. Their relationship evolves way too fast for it to be truly believable when you take Hattie’s one-night-stand/never-been-in-love type of past into consideration.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into an emotional revelation of friendship, unrequited love and the unparalleled strength of the human spirit if nourished and allowed to prosper – all surrounded by the spectacular Colorado Mountains.
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
Ladies, retreat to the mountains in Colorado and surrender to the serenity of the Hummingbird Sanctuary.
Cast: Olive Zyntarski. Eleanor Fitzwallace. Harriet Marshall. Friends and co-owners of the Hummingbird Sanctuary. Three unique women.
The Plot: Olive, Eleanor and Harriet (Hattie for short) started the Hummingbird Sanctuary to cater to the relaxation needs of women. Their combined strengths have catapulted their resort into the spotlight. Things start to unravel when three women arrive to do a feature on the Hummingbird Sanctuary. Will their friendship be strong enough to overcome their individual weaknesses and secrets?
The blazing: The story is told from a first person perspective that switches between the three main characters. At first this had my head spinning, but Ms Zak created each character with such finesse that the differences quickly became obvious. We really get to know these ladies’ secrets, hopes and fears, but it doesn’t come easily. Olive and Eleanor are slightly older (50 and 47) than Harriet in her mid-thirties and they all have a lot of baggage which cannot simply be dumped on the reader. Each character is slowly revealed to us through their interactions with others as well as their thoughts.
The bright: The pacing of the story fluctuates – sometimes everything seems to happen too fast or too many things at once, whereas other times the story seems to drag a bit. This gave a realistic feel to the events at the Hummingbird Sanctuary. It also heightened the sense of the women’s fears and their resulting actions or indecisiveness, especially Olive’s.
The three women that arrive to do a feature for On the verge magazine are gorgeous characters in their own right. They perfectly add to the drama and character development of the three MCs. Sunny especially shines – exactly like her name suggests…
The bleak: Hattie and Judy (one of the On the verge trio) immediately hits it off. Their relationship evolves way too fast for it to be truly believable when you take Hattie’s one-night-stand/never-been-in-love type of past into consideration.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into an emotional revelation of friendship, unrequited love and the unparalleled strength of the human spirit if nourished and allowed to prosper – all surrounded by the spectacular Colorado Mountains.
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
March 30, 2022
I’m not a big fan of first person POV novels. I accept that many readers love this format so I’m the outlier. Three main characters, Olive, Eleanor and Harriet, give us three first person points of view in alternating chapters. My biggest challenge in this read was keeping straight whose viewpoint I was reading. I would figure it out but it kept pulling me out of the story which was unfortunate because I did end up enjoying this book. The author takes her time fleshing out her three main characters allowing us to feel like we really know them before throwing three secondary characters into the mix. The ensuing drama, great sex scenes, foodie bliss and general upheaval of friendships made for a fascinating read.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars thanks to Erin Zak’s writing talent showing us it’s possible to discover new facets to our personalities when we let go of guilt and remorse.
A copy of this book was given to me by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars thanks to Erin Zak’s writing talent showing us it’s possible to discover new facets to our personalities when we let go of guilt and remorse.
A copy of this book was given to me by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
April 16, 2022
It has been a while since this author published a book, as she says in the acknowledgments, it was hard for her to write during the pandemic. I’m glad that she finally found her groove and now she’s back with a vengeance to the delight of all her fans.
Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet have been best friends for years and now they own a resort in Colorado called The Hummingbird Sanctuary. When a group of three women comes to stay to write an article for a magazine, their lives will be upended…
I’m keeping the blurb vague because I think that the less you know before starting reading this novel, the better the surprise factor and the enjoyment will be. Feel free to read the official blurb, it doesn’t give away much either. As a matter of fact, the blurb wording is quite clever which is refreshing considering that sometimes book synopsis act as spoilers.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary isn’t a traditional romance. I would put it more in the drama category. There’s relationship drama, friendship drama, personal drama. If you ask me, the amount of drama is enough to last my whole reading year. But if unlike me, you like angst, you are going to love this one.
I have to admit that at the beginning of the story I wasn’t feeling it. To the point that I almost gave up and didn’t finish it. I couldn’t warm up to one of the main characters, I found her obnoxious and selfish. But with time, as the author slowly reveals her story, I was able to empathise and even like her. After that, my overall enjoyment increased exponentially.
Another issue I had at the beginning was that I couldn’t see where the book was going. This is because it’s not a traditional romance following the classic formula despite that the publisher puts it in the romance category. To start with, there are three, not two protagonists. The story is told in first person from the point of view of each one of them and friendship and working relationships are as important as romantic ones. For a while, many things seem disconnected but slowly the loose ends begin to make sense and what was my initial displeasure turned out to be a surprise factor that I really enjoyed.
I’m glad I kept reading as it finally pays off, including in the romance department. As usual, Ms. Zak’s sex scenes were super hot. Let me say that Ms. Zak is very brave for writing a book that departs from the norm and that might not be a crowd-pleaser. I hope this book gets the praise it deserves.
If you are looking for an unconventional story with angst and drama, this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet have been best friends for years and now they own a resort in Colorado called The Hummingbird Sanctuary. When a group of three women comes to stay to write an article for a magazine, their lives will be upended…
I’m keeping the blurb vague because I think that the less you know before starting reading this novel, the better the surprise factor and the enjoyment will be. Feel free to read the official blurb, it doesn’t give away much either. As a matter of fact, the blurb wording is quite clever which is refreshing considering that sometimes book synopsis act as spoilers.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary isn’t a traditional romance. I would put it more in the drama category. There’s relationship drama, friendship drama, personal drama. If you ask me, the amount of drama is enough to last my whole reading year. But if unlike me, you like angst, you are going to love this one.
I have to admit that at the beginning of the story I wasn’t feeling it. To the point that I almost gave up and didn’t finish it. I couldn’t warm up to one of the main characters, I found her obnoxious and selfish. But with time, as the author slowly reveals her story, I was able to empathise and even like her. After that, my overall enjoyment increased exponentially.
Another issue I had at the beginning was that I couldn’t see where the book was going. This is because it’s not a traditional romance following the classic formula despite that the publisher puts it in the romance category. To start with, there are three, not two protagonists. The story is told in first person from the point of view of each one of them and friendship and working relationships are as important as romantic ones. For a while, many things seem disconnected but slowly the loose ends begin to make sense and what was my initial displeasure turned out to be a surprise factor that I really enjoyed.
I’m glad I kept reading as it finally pays off, including in the romance department. As usual, Ms. Zak’s sex scenes were super hot. Let me say that Ms. Zak is very brave for writing a book that departs from the norm and that might not be a crowd-pleaser. I hope this book gets the praise it deserves.
If you are looking for an unconventional story with angst and drama, this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
March 31, 2022
Olive, Harriet and Eleanor are best friends. They are also the owners of The Hummingbird Sanctuary, an idyllic resort in Colorado for women. The women love each other but Olive's control freak tendencies and overspending are causing issues. The arrival of a reporter who is doing a story on the sanctuary and her two friends turns the women's lives even more upside down.
I love every last thing about this book. The story is told from three points of view, which I really enjoyed. I love to get into the mind of the characters I'm reading about. Harriet or Hattie, as she prefers to be called, is a force of nature and my favorite character in the book. She has been a player for a long time, but things have begun to shift, and Judy arrives at the perfect time. After Olive's husband's death, opening the Hummingbird Sanctuary becomes her primary focus. She is a self-described pain in the ass and a complete control freak. She has a secret that's tearing her apart. And then there's Eleanor. She's the resorts marketing director, she's classically beautiful. After having her heart broken years ago, she wants nothing more than to find happiness.
These three women are more than best friends, They're family. It doesn't matter how much they argue or how much they may disagree, the love they feel for each other is a constant. The arrival of the reporter and her friends threatens to tear them apart. Olive, Eleanor and Hattie are all well- crafted characters. Erin Zak does a wonderful job of developing these characters and they all evolve so beautifully throughout the story. The secondary characters of Mabel, Judy and Sunny are fabulous. I would happily read a story featuring any of these as a main character.
This is my favorite Erin Zak book. I love how she featured lesbian, bisexual and ace characters. It's so refreshing to see a book with so much representation. I really want to be friends with these women. I want Hattie to cook for me, I want to do some meditating with Olive to calm her down and, frankly, I just want to swoon over Eleanor. I recommend you book a stay at The Hummingbird Sanctuary as soon as possible.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes via NetGalley for an honest review.
I love every last thing about this book. The story is told from three points of view, which I really enjoyed. I love to get into the mind of the characters I'm reading about. Harriet or Hattie, as she prefers to be called, is a force of nature and my favorite character in the book. She has been a player for a long time, but things have begun to shift, and Judy arrives at the perfect time. After Olive's husband's death, opening the Hummingbird Sanctuary becomes her primary focus. She is a self-described pain in the ass and a complete control freak. She has a secret that's tearing her apart. And then there's Eleanor. She's the resorts marketing director, she's classically beautiful. After having her heart broken years ago, she wants nothing more than to find happiness.
These three women are more than best friends, They're family. It doesn't matter how much they argue or how much they may disagree, the love they feel for each other is a constant. The arrival of the reporter and her friends threatens to tear them apart. Olive, Eleanor and Hattie are all well- crafted characters. Erin Zak does a wonderful job of developing these characters and they all evolve so beautifully throughout the story. The secondary characters of Mabel, Judy and Sunny are fabulous. I would happily read a story featuring any of these as a main character.
This is my favorite Erin Zak book. I love how she featured lesbian, bisexual and ace characters. It's so refreshing to see a book with so much representation. I really want to be friends with these women. I want Hattie to cook for me, I want to do some meditating with Olive to calm her down and, frankly, I just want to swoon over Eleanor. I recommend you book a stay at The Hummingbird Sanctuary as soon as possible.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 6, 2022
I’ve read a few other books by Erin Zak but this was my favorite. Eleanor, Harriet and Olive are best friends and co owners of the Hummingbird Sanctuary. Their Colorado resort is unique in that they market exclusively to women. The idea came about after they each lose their mothers and find themselves looking for comfort and their next step in life. They each have their own quirks but have learned to deal with each other over long years of friendship. When a journalist comes to town with friends in tow and throws a wrench in their plans they find they don’t know each other as well as they thought. They also find that life may just give you what you need, even if it isn’t what you thought you wanted. These three are adorable and I love seeing these lasting friendships portrayed among a group of women. They are each so human in their actions and feelings, unlike most books where characters are usually just a bit too perfect. These three made me alternate through happiness, anger, understanding, confusion and back again throughout and I loved every minute of it!
March 26, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a Zac fan, but this just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
So the premise of this is that the three MCs, Olive, Eleanor and Harriet, all run a women’s sanctuary together. They’re having a big opening of their latest venue and being interviewed for this. Olive is somewhat recently widowed, and has the largest share and manages the place. Eleanor is the business manager and Harriet is the chef. The interview set up allows the other three characters to arrive, Mabel, the journalist doing the article, and her two friends, Sunny, a B-list actress and Judy, who I didn’t realise til part way through was the character I couldn’t stand from Falling into Her, and I honestly didn’t enjoy her character any more here.
So, the three newcomers pair off with our existing ladies, Olive, who up til now has thought she was straight hits it off with the asexual Sunny; Harriet and Judy experience insta-lust/love; and Mabel is actually Eleanor’s high school girlfriend who stomped her heart into a million pieces. There’s also the other complication of Eleanor also having been in love with Olive for years.
There’s a lot going on in this book, too much really, there’s just not enough time to give proper weight to everything that happens. For the first half of the book I wondered why Zac hadn’t written this as a trilogy (like Brayden’s Tangled Valley series) to give the relationships some space, but towards the end I could see why that wouldn’t have worked. I still think the Harriet/Judy storyline could have either been left out, or made its own book to give the other storylines more breathing room.
The main issue I had with this was that I didn’t find any of the MCs or supporting trio particularly engaging, and I found Olive very hard to take, so couldn’t see why either woman wanted her. For all that the MCs were supposed to be close, I actually found their relationships with each other kind of toxic. Sunny was my favourite character and I’d actually like to read more about her.
I can’t really say any more without giving away what happens, but I wasn’t particularly enamoured with the way any of the relationships ended up. First time I’ve read a book with multiple pairings where I haven’t liked any of the HEAs. 3 stars
I’m a Zac fan, but this just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
So the premise of this is that the three MCs, Olive, Eleanor and Harriet, all run a women’s sanctuary together. They’re having a big opening of their latest venue and being interviewed for this. Olive is somewhat recently widowed, and has the largest share and manages the place. Eleanor is the business manager and Harriet is the chef. The interview set up allows the other three characters to arrive, Mabel, the journalist doing the article, and her two friends, Sunny, a B-list actress and Judy, who I didn’t realise til part way through was the character I couldn’t stand from Falling into Her, and I honestly didn’t enjoy her character any more here.
So, the three newcomers pair off with our existing ladies, Olive, who up til now has thought she was straight hits it off with the asexual Sunny; Harriet and Judy experience insta-lust/love; and Mabel is actually Eleanor’s high school girlfriend who stomped her heart into a million pieces. There’s also the other complication of Eleanor also having been in love with Olive for years.
There’s a lot going on in this book, too much really, there’s just not enough time to give proper weight to everything that happens. For the first half of the book I wondered why Zac hadn’t written this as a trilogy (like Brayden’s Tangled Valley series) to give the relationships some space, but towards the end I could see why that wouldn’t have worked. I still think the Harriet/Judy storyline could have either been left out, or made its own book to give the other storylines more breathing room.
The main issue I had with this was that I didn’t find any of the MCs or supporting trio particularly engaging, and I found Olive very hard to take, so couldn’t see why either woman wanted her. For all that the MCs were supposed to be close, I actually found their relationships with each other kind of toxic. Sunny was my favourite character and I’d actually like to read more about her.
I can’t really say any more without giving away what happens, but I wasn’t particularly enamoured with the way any of the relationships ended up. First time I’ve read a book with multiple pairings where I haven’t liked any of the HEAs. 3 stars
April 4, 2022
The Hummingbird Sanctuary, a novel by Erin Zak, is a unique and enchanting love story times three. This book came along at exactly the right time and was just what I wanted and needed to read.
The novel is a character-driven story about three ladies who open a women-centered resort in a remote, but gorgeous area in Colorado. Besides being best friends for years, Olive Zyntarski, Eleanor Fitzwallace, and Harriet Marshall have something else in common…they’ve all lost their mothers. That is why they dedicated the resort to their moms and made the place for women to come, relax, and rejuvenate. Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet do have secrets they’ve kept for years. Those secrets could be revealed when a journalist and her two friends come to write a piece about the place and its owners in a major magazine.
This tale is told in first person through the eyes of the three main characters. That can sometimes be confusing if the POV is switched often as it is in this book. The author did a good job of keeping the reader informed about who they were seeing the story through. The setting is really important to the story, and it is well described. I want to find a real life resort like the Hummingbird Sanctuary. I could really use a vacation like that. The characters are what make this novel so special though. They are very true to life. The story is heartwarming with a fair amount of angst.
I’m very glad I got the chance to read Hummingbird Sanctuary. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The novel is a character-driven story about three ladies who open a women-centered resort in a remote, but gorgeous area in Colorado. Besides being best friends for years, Olive Zyntarski, Eleanor Fitzwallace, and Harriet Marshall have something else in common…they’ve all lost their mothers. That is why they dedicated the resort to their moms and made the place for women to come, relax, and rejuvenate. Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet do have secrets they’ve kept for years. Those secrets could be revealed when a journalist and her two friends come to write a piece about the place and its owners in a major magazine.
This tale is told in first person through the eyes of the three main characters. That can sometimes be confusing if the POV is switched often as it is in this book. The author did a good job of keeping the reader informed about who they were seeing the story through. The setting is really important to the story, and it is well described. I want to find a real life resort like the Hummingbird Sanctuary. I could really use a vacation like that. The characters are what make this novel so special though. They are very true to life. The story is heartwarming with a fair amount of angst.
I’m very glad I got the chance to read Hummingbird Sanctuary. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
I love Erin Zak, I don't need to know anything about a book, just slap the name on and I'll read it. That's how I started reading this one as well. Oh and don't forget the cover, it's fabulous!
Of course, when you start reading a book without any information, like reading a blurb upfront, you might get surprised. You can be surprised as well even if you read the blurb of a book. So I was surprised by this book. Why? Because it's about three women, maybe even six, but 3 main characters - Olive, Eleanor (Ellie) and Harriet (Hattie). They are best friends a run a resort for women, by women, female empowerment is a big theme in this book. The three friends are a bit off-kilter by the arrival of a group of 3 friends from LA and the imminent opening of their newest venue. The ladies from LA - Mabel, Judy and Sunny - are invited VIP guests, Mabel is a journalist and it just so happens to be she knows Ellie from way back. Mabel broke Ellie's heart and had a hand in the horrible outing of her in high school. Zak writes the pain and trauma of that so well, she has a talent of writing these big emotions so you experience them as well. It's a little disturbing to be honest, a good disturbing if that even makes sense. Mabel and Ellie work through the past experience while Ellie is also fighting her love for Olive. She's been in love with her forever. To say the friendships shared in this book are messy is a bit of an understatement, but it feels authentic.
Hattie is matched up with Judy. This is such an instalove story. It had me rolling my eyes but I loved it at the same time? I feel so confused about it. I mean proposing after 5(!!) days? Sure why not... Normally that would just turn me off the entire story but somehow it was sorta fine.
Sunny seems like the light-hearted vehicle that is there to brighten Olive up and open her eyes. I think Olive is intended to be displayed as demisexual although this term is never used, asexual is. I think in the end Zak intended it to be all cute and sweet but the HFN/ HEA felt a little forced and too much.
Erin Zak delivered some excellent character work in this character-driven story, especially the pains and struggles are superbly written. At times the story moves a little to fast and other times it just falls a little flat, it's a bit of a strange rollercoaster. Maybe it's because of the switching POV, each chapter is written in first person from one of our three leading ladies. These characters are so different that it might give you whiplash, I liked it. I liked how messy and real it feels. I think this is a book you need to read to understand all the feelings and really experience it, a review can't do it justice. To me, this is another Zak masterpiece.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Of course, when you start reading a book without any information, like reading a blurb upfront, you might get surprised. You can be surprised as well even if you read the blurb of a book. So I was surprised by this book. Why? Because it's about three women, maybe even six, but 3 main characters - Olive, Eleanor (Ellie) and Harriet (Hattie). They are best friends a run a resort for women, by women, female empowerment is a big theme in this book. The three friends are a bit off-kilter by the arrival of a group of 3 friends from LA and the imminent opening of their newest venue. The ladies from LA - Mabel, Judy and Sunny - are invited VIP guests, Mabel is a journalist and it just so happens to be she knows Ellie from way back. Mabel broke Ellie's heart and had a hand in the horrible outing of her in high school. Zak writes the pain and trauma of that so well, she has a talent of writing these big emotions so you experience them as well. It's a little disturbing to be honest, a good disturbing if that even makes sense. Mabel and Ellie work through the past experience while Ellie is also fighting her love for Olive. She's been in love with her forever. To say the friendships shared in this book are messy is a bit of an understatement, but it feels authentic.
Hattie is matched up with Judy. This is such an instalove story. It had me rolling my eyes but I loved it at the same time? I feel so confused about it. I mean proposing after 5(!!) days? Sure why not... Normally that would just turn me off the entire story but somehow it was sorta fine.
Sunny seems like the light-hearted vehicle that is there to brighten Olive up and open her eyes. I think Olive is intended to be displayed as demisexual although this term is never used, asexual is. I think in the end Zak intended it to be all cute and sweet but the HFN/ HEA felt a little forced and too much.
Erin Zak delivered some excellent character work in this character-driven story, especially the pains and struggles are superbly written. At times the story moves a little to fast and other times it just falls a little flat, it's a bit of a strange rollercoaster. Maybe it's because of the switching POV, each chapter is written in first person from one of our three leading ladies. These characters are so different that it might give you whiplash, I liked it. I liked how messy and real it feels. I think this is a book you need to read to understand all the feelings and really experience it, a review can't do it justice. To me, this is another Zak masterpiece.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 29, 2022
EDIT TO REVIEW: If you see this on your goodreads page again, I accidently deleted my review the first time trying to move it off my TBR to my read after the review got auto added to goodreads from netgalley. So oops. Here it is again:
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
So before last year I hadn't read any of Erin Zak's books, but when I found her writing I consumed several of her books and became a big fan of her writing- particularly her two books Breaking Down Her Walls and The Road Home. The way Zak writes loneliness and pain really hits me and gets me in my feelings, and her resolutions are satisfying. So I was excited to read her first book since I found her work- The Hummingbird Sanctuary.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary follows three best friends Olive Zyntarski, Eleanor Fitzwallace, and Harriet Marshall. Each of them are battling their own private demons while running a luxury resort in Colorado's Rocky mountains. One weekend changes everything when another trio of guests visits the Sanctuary, each of them throws Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet off in their own unique ways.
I think the best way to think of The Hummingbird Sanctuary is three novellas all together, and told chronologically. The chapters will jump around the POV character so we can get the perspective of all three main characters as they interact with each other and their guests. Each character knowing the others so well helps with giving depth to all three mains.
I did enjoy all three stories told here, though as a second chance romance fan I did love Eleanor's storyline the most. But all three are really interesting- and Zak brought real emotion out of the characters which is what she does best in her writing.
I really did enjoy this book. Part of me wonders what an individual book for each character would look like and this be a series instead of it all in one, but I think this works well too. 4.25/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
So before last year I hadn't read any of Erin Zak's books, but when I found her writing I consumed several of her books and became a big fan of her writing- particularly her two books Breaking Down Her Walls and The Road Home. The way Zak writes loneliness and pain really hits me and gets me in my feelings, and her resolutions are satisfying. So I was excited to read her first book since I found her work- The Hummingbird Sanctuary.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary follows three best friends Olive Zyntarski, Eleanor Fitzwallace, and Harriet Marshall. Each of them are battling their own private demons while running a luxury resort in Colorado's Rocky mountains. One weekend changes everything when another trio of guests visits the Sanctuary, each of them throws Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet off in their own unique ways.
I think the best way to think of The Hummingbird Sanctuary is three novellas all together, and told chronologically. The chapters will jump around the POV character so we can get the perspective of all three main characters as they interact with each other and their guests. Each character knowing the others so well helps with giving depth to all three mains.
I did enjoy all three stories told here, though as a second chance romance fan I did love Eleanor's storyline the most. But all three are really interesting- and Zak brought real emotion out of the characters which is what she does best in her writing.
I really did enjoy this book. Part of me wonders what an individual book for each character would look like and this be a series instead of it all in one, but I think this works well too. 4.25/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2022
A lesson learnt about friendship, love, and life: live without regrets
I feel like I just took a vacation, and my head is still dizzy from all the memories of my two days spent reading The Hummingbird Sanctuary by Erin Zak. What a funny and touching reading it has been. I felt like I was part of this community of women, Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet, and I totally let myself guide in a sort of mindfulness and appreciation of this hidden resort in the middle of Colorado.
This book is a breath of fresh air and the best part of it, it’s the author’s skill in entwining three different POVs, depicting three totally different women, which entertain you so much that you totally lose yourself, and you start cheering for them, aching when they are aching and most of all, you have no idea what they will do! Because the best part of The Hummingbird Sanctuary is that the plot is not so obvious as you might think. There will be twists, coming backs, interesting developments and most of all, a lot of final revelations.
The pace of the novel is quite fast, or maybe it was me who made it even faster, because I couldn’t put it down, and I was so eager to know what was going to happen. I could see this novel turning into a TV series and me binge watching it in one day. So addicted I was to it!
Olive, Eleanor and Harriet have been best friends for a long time, and when Olive’s husband died, and she suddenly found herself with a lot of money at hand, she decided to partner with her friends, creating a “Sanctuary” for all women, who needed to get again in touch with themselves, forget their worries, forget their role of mothers, wives, sisters, lovers, daughters, and let Nature and beautiful surroundings take care of them. The Sanctuary built in memory of their mothers, who they all lost at young age, and a place where they cemented their friendship and love of good laughter, food, and people.
I don’t know which of the three women I liked the most, Olive and her struggle to keep herself together, the perfectionist, the micromanaging mother goose; Eleanor the stunning, broody, and anxious soul, whose heart has been broken so many times that she can count, and Harriet, the player, who seems so chill and at ease with who she is.
When the Sanctuary’s fate seems to head towards a scary freefall into oblivion, and the arrival of three notorious guests, Mabel, Judy and Sunny, shakes the equilibrium of Olive, Eleanor and Harriet’s friendship, everything starts moving even faster.
Sometimes it takes an unbiased person to make you realize what you always knew but were scared to say out loud.
This book is an ode to friendship between women, to women’s body in all shapes, to the strength, sensibility, wit, intelligence, humor, and beauty that every single woman holds. It’s also a statement to the many shapes of love, to the bond that sometimes links us to other people. No matter how some people hurt you, you can’t stay mad at them forever, because you love them more than anything. Because they are part of who you are as a human being. Because they will always be there for you with all the good and the bad.
It has been a total pleasure to read the Hummingbird Sanctuary. I closed the e-book having all the good vibes. I loved the humor and the banter in it, the clumsiness and pining of Eleonor, the steamy scenes with Harriet, and the sudden middle age awakening of Olive. I loved her being in the 50’s and questioning if everything that was happening with her was because of menopause. I laughed so hard. Body positive book for sure! And an advice to face your past, take control of your present, if you want have a happy future.
On another note…. Where can I book a stay at the Hummingbird Sanctuary? I wouldn’t mind at all going 100% mindfulness there. Live in the present, carpe diem, as the book says. A Fantasy Island-like retreat only for women? Sign me up now!
I feel like I just took a vacation, and my head is still dizzy from all the memories of my two days spent reading The Hummingbird Sanctuary by Erin Zak. What a funny and touching reading it has been. I felt like I was part of this community of women, Olive, Eleanor, and Harriet, and I totally let myself guide in a sort of mindfulness and appreciation of this hidden resort in the middle of Colorado.
This book is a breath of fresh air and the best part of it, it’s the author’s skill in entwining three different POVs, depicting three totally different women, which entertain you so much that you totally lose yourself, and you start cheering for them, aching when they are aching and most of all, you have no idea what they will do! Because the best part of The Hummingbird Sanctuary is that the plot is not so obvious as you might think. There will be twists, coming backs, interesting developments and most of all, a lot of final revelations.
The pace of the novel is quite fast, or maybe it was me who made it even faster, because I couldn’t put it down, and I was so eager to know what was going to happen. I could see this novel turning into a TV series and me binge watching it in one day. So addicted I was to it!
Olive, Eleanor and Harriet have been best friends for a long time, and when Olive’s husband died, and she suddenly found herself with a lot of money at hand, she decided to partner with her friends, creating a “Sanctuary” for all women, who needed to get again in touch with themselves, forget their worries, forget their role of mothers, wives, sisters, lovers, daughters, and let Nature and beautiful surroundings take care of them. The Sanctuary built in memory of their mothers, who they all lost at young age, and a place where they cemented their friendship and love of good laughter, food, and people.
I don’t know which of the three women I liked the most, Olive and her struggle to keep herself together, the perfectionist, the micromanaging mother goose; Eleanor the stunning, broody, and anxious soul, whose heart has been broken so many times that she can count, and Harriet, the player, who seems so chill and at ease with who she is.
When the Sanctuary’s fate seems to head towards a scary freefall into oblivion, and the arrival of three notorious guests, Mabel, Judy and Sunny, shakes the equilibrium of Olive, Eleanor and Harriet’s friendship, everything starts moving even faster.
Sometimes it takes an unbiased person to make you realize what you always knew but were scared to say out loud.
This book is an ode to friendship between women, to women’s body in all shapes, to the strength, sensibility, wit, intelligence, humor, and beauty that every single woman holds. It’s also a statement to the many shapes of love, to the bond that sometimes links us to other people. No matter how some people hurt you, you can’t stay mad at them forever, because you love them more than anything. Because they are part of who you are as a human being. Because they will always be there for you with all the good and the bad.
It has been a total pleasure to read the Hummingbird Sanctuary. I closed the e-book having all the good vibes. I loved the humor and the banter in it, the clumsiness and pining of Eleonor, the steamy scenes with Harriet, and the sudden middle age awakening of Olive. I loved her being in the 50’s and questioning if everything that was happening with her was because of menopause. I laughed so hard. Body positive book for sure! And an advice to face your past, take control of your present, if you want have a happy future.
On another note…. Where can I book a stay at the Hummingbird Sanctuary? I wouldn’t mind at all going 100% mindfulness there. Live in the present, carpe diem, as the book says. A Fantasy Island-like retreat only for women? Sign me up now!
April 15, 2022
Erin Zak never fails to disappoint! This book gives you the ‘feels’. The characters had me howling with laughter with the banter between them. The storyline is entertaining and different to what I've read in the past. What more do you need?
I've given the hummingbird sanctuary a 4/5
I've given the hummingbird sanctuary a 4/5
April 12, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. The epilogue made it great. It was hard for me to get into it at the beginning and that changed at the 75% mark.
This was a very good book and very well written by Erin Zak. It started out as an ok read and by the time the epilogue came around it became exceptional
It took several chapters to get into the swing of 3 main characters and three 1st person points of view. Sometimes I would need to scan back to figure out which character was speaking.
The three main characters are Olive, Eleanor and Harriet. We learn about each of their pasts and how they have all suffered heartache. They are great friends in Chicago and decide to pool their money and build and create a sanctuary for women in Colorado. The hummingbird becomes there symbol of freedom and peace. They grow as people throughout the story and each finds their true love
ARC received for an honest and voluntary review.
This was a very good book and very well written by Erin Zak. It started out as an ok read and by the time the epilogue came around it became exceptional
It took several chapters to get into the swing of 3 main characters and three 1st person points of view. Sometimes I would need to scan back to figure out which character was speaking.
The three main characters are Olive, Eleanor and Harriet. We learn about each of their pasts and how they have all suffered heartache. They are great friends in Chicago and decide to pool their money and build and create a sanctuary for women in Colorado. The hummingbird becomes there symbol of freedom and peace. They grow as people throughout the story and each finds their true love
ARC received for an honest and voluntary review.
March 21, 2022
This book had me feeling every single emotion but an overarching theme of hope and joy.
‘The Hummingbird Sanctuary’, sounds like such an ambitious book from the outset, detailing the stories of three, independent women. Olive, Eleanor and Harriet have united to create a resort in Colorado in memory of their mothers. The successful business has become known as a safe haven for primarily women, where they can let loose and relax. The symbol of the hummingbird represents many positive aspects such as joy, healing and good luck; themes that Zak effortlessly ties into all of the women’s journeys across the book.
I love a novel with a great character arc; I want to see growth and evolution and this is present in abundance! At the beginning all three women have certain aspects of their lives under control, they are talented, confident and beautiful in their own rights. I adore the way Zak crafts Olive, Eleanor and Harriet individually as there is balance and equal representation for all of them. This is one of the trends I have picked up on from reading several books by Zak; she always celebrates all women and lifts them up in her writing.
One personal aspect I really especially admired in ‘Hummingbird’ was the inclusion of lesbian, bi and ace characters; it is so rare to find a romance with a realistic journey of acceptance of asexuality anywhere on the spectrum. Zak expresses it beautifully and weaves it into an ending that I didn’t realize I was rooting for all along. On top of juggling all of these plot devices and characters, the inclusion of a set of secondary characters really sets Olive, Eleanor and Harriet onto their individual paths to healing their past emotional scars and fulfilling their own happiness.
I found this book full of unflinchingly, flawed women. I left the sanctuary inspired and optimistic that from pain comes growth, and after the darkness always comes the light.
‘The Hummingbird Sanctuary’, sounds like such an ambitious book from the outset, detailing the stories of three, independent women. Olive, Eleanor and Harriet have united to create a resort in Colorado in memory of their mothers. The successful business has become known as a safe haven for primarily women, where they can let loose and relax. The symbol of the hummingbird represents many positive aspects such as joy, healing and good luck; themes that Zak effortlessly ties into all of the women’s journeys across the book.
I love a novel with a great character arc; I want to see growth and evolution and this is present in abundance! At the beginning all three women have certain aspects of their lives under control, they are talented, confident and beautiful in their own rights. I adore the way Zak crafts Olive, Eleanor and Harriet individually as there is balance and equal representation for all of them. This is one of the trends I have picked up on from reading several books by Zak; she always celebrates all women and lifts them up in her writing.
One personal aspect I really especially admired in ‘Hummingbird’ was the inclusion of lesbian, bi and ace characters; it is so rare to find a romance with a realistic journey of acceptance of asexuality anywhere on the spectrum. Zak expresses it beautifully and weaves it into an ending that I didn’t realize I was rooting for all along. On top of juggling all of these plot devices and characters, the inclusion of a set of secondary characters really sets Olive, Eleanor and Harriet onto their individual paths to healing their past emotional scars and fulfilling their own happiness.
I found this book full of unflinchingly, flawed women. I left the sanctuary inspired and optimistic that from pain comes growth, and after the darkness always comes the light.
March 31, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Three best friends Olive, Harriet and Eleanor who are totally different are owners of The Hummingbird Sanctuary for women. After the death of husband Olive has put everything into the resort which causes conflict with her friends because of her spending but she carrying something that tearing her apart. Eleanor heart has been broken but it doesn’t stop her for trying find happiness Hattie is a force to be reckon with but her life is about to shift inform of Judy. I love that we got three pov with each characters and how they grown this was a good read,
Three best friends Olive, Harriet and Eleanor who are totally different are owners of The Hummingbird Sanctuary for women. After the death of husband Olive has put everything into the resort which causes conflict with her friends because of her spending but she carrying something that tearing her apart. Eleanor heart has been broken but it doesn’t stop her for trying find happiness Hattie is a force to be reckon with but her life is about to shift inform of Judy. I love that we got three pov with each characters and how they grown this was a good read,
Read
October 6, 2022Ugh I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I feel like my latest reviews have not been very positive. Maybe I need to take a long break from lesfic, maybe I'm jaded, maybe I need to start taking E before reviewing, I don't know! But this was a DNF from me.
I have somewhat of a loose rule, that if by 50% I am not gripped or intrigued by characters or plot, there are plenty of other books available for me to delve into. And this one had me struggling. As mentioned in my update, the swearing. Why. Why so much. Every character, and almost every paragraph had F-bombs a plenty. Don't get me wrong, I love a good F descriptor, but this was way overdone for no reason. The flow was wrecked.
Second, the characters, I didn't like any of them. None drew me in at all. Why were they friends? They seemed to bicker all the time, didn't show much compassion, yet they owned a business AND lived together? And their age ranges were 35-50+? Am I the only one that found this highly unrealistic? I have two handfuls of best friends that I treat a helluva lot better than this, and I would NOT live with them. And I love them (hi friends!).
Third, maybe Big Stuff Happens in the 50-100% part, but where was the story going? I had no hook.
I see that other reviewers said that waiting it out was worth it, that things came together, something about an epilogue tying things up? Life's too short man, for me to read a long book for the epilogue. Maybe I gotta delve into some horror and crime for awhile to get my mojo back. Recommendations welcome. :(
I have somewhat of a loose rule, that if by 50% I am not gripped or intrigued by characters or plot, there are plenty of other books available for me to delve into. And this one had me struggling. As mentioned in my update, the swearing. Why. Why so much. Every character, and almost every paragraph had F-bombs a plenty. Don't get me wrong, I love a good F descriptor, but this was way overdone for no reason. The flow was wrecked.
Second, the characters, I didn't like any of them. None drew me in at all. Why were they friends? They seemed to bicker all the time, didn't show much compassion, yet they owned a business AND lived together? And their age ranges were 35-50+? Am I the only one that found this highly unrealistic? I have two handfuls of best friends that I treat a helluva lot better than this, and I would NOT live with them. And I love them (hi friends!).
Third, maybe Big Stuff Happens in the 50-100% part, but where was the story going? I had no hook.
I see that other reviewers said that waiting it out was worth it, that things came together, something about an epilogue tying things up? Life's too short man, for me to read a long book for the epilogue. Maybe I gotta delve into some horror and crime for awhile to get my mojo back. Recommendations welcome. :(
April 24, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
While there was many things about this book that I liked, there were far more that I did not. To start with the positives: it was primarily well-written, a quick read, with an interesting cast of characters who were primarily women (a preference of mine).It features three main characters, ranging in age from mid-thirties to fifty, which is an underrepresented section of the queer woman population in literature in my experience.
That said, the first character you’re introduced to, Olive, is absolutely insufferable. I don’t understand how one person was interested in her, much less two or three. She goes on a journey to better understand her sexuality when she’s introduced to the idea of asexuality, but if wasn’t handled well in my opinion, because towards the end of the book she “discovers the feelings she’s never had before.” The pop culture references ranged from potentially dating the book to downright cringy. My biggest issue however, was how the author wrote poc. The two non-white characters were specifically written with stereotypical dialogue. The Hispanic director of maintenance, Juan, which is a red flag in general, peppers in Spanish within his conversations with Olive, which makes it seem the author has never spoken to a bilingual person. Olive’s black business partner, Hattie, randomly uses AAVE, such as when she is sleeping with a woman who says “aunt Flo is with her” and Hattie replies “"Why she always gotta ruin shit?”
While this may be a novel others will enjoy, there were too many moments when I cringed for me to have marked this up as a good read.
While there was many things about this book that I liked, there were far more that I did not. To start with the positives: it was primarily well-written, a quick read, with an interesting cast of characters who were primarily women (a preference of mine).It features three main characters, ranging in age from mid-thirties to fifty, which is an underrepresented section of the queer woman population in literature in my experience.
That said, the first character you’re introduced to, Olive, is absolutely insufferable. I don’t understand how one person was interested in her, much less two or three. She goes on a journey to better understand her sexuality when she’s introduced to the idea of asexuality, but if wasn’t handled well in my opinion, because towards the end of the book she “discovers the feelings she’s never had before.” The pop culture references ranged from potentially dating the book to downright cringy. My biggest issue however, was how the author wrote poc. The two non-white characters were specifically written with stereotypical dialogue. The Hispanic director of maintenance, Juan, which is a red flag in general, peppers in Spanish within his conversations with Olive, which makes it seem the author has never spoken to a bilingual person. Olive’s black business partner, Hattie, randomly uses AAVE, such as when she is sleeping with a woman who says “aunt Flo is with her” and Hattie replies “"Why she always gotta ruin shit?”
While this may be a novel others will enjoy, there were too many moments when I cringed for me to have marked this up as a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
The idea of a sanctuary geared toward women was very appealing. Definitely a place I would want to go to and hang out (especially since it is located in colorful Colorado. The three women at the center of the Hummingbird Sanctuary, are Harriet Marshall, chef extraordinaire, Eleanor Fitzwallace, marketing director extraordinaire, and Olive Zyntarski, finance extraordinaire. With their talents how could the venue not be a success. I thought the naming of the sanctuary was sweet and touching.
Each of the owners are dealing with personal challenges that need to be resolved so they can shed the baggage and fully embrace life. At the start, I had to get use to the three perspectives and sometimes got lost with who was speaking and who were they speaking to. I liked that all of the women were older (although Harriet was not quite as old as Eleanor and Olive). Olive had a weight on her that she needed to talk about so she could gain some perspective. Eleanor needed to deal with past love so she could move on. Harriet needed to appreciate the present and not keep reaching for something that is not there. As each women processed and dealt with their challenge whether they wanted to or not, the reader is pulled into the turmoil. Although I was confused at times, I really enjoyed reading about three women dealing with day-to-day life, relationships, and love.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Each of the owners are dealing with personal challenges that need to be resolved so they can shed the baggage and fully embrace life. At the start, I had to get use to the three perspectives and sometimes got lost with who was speaking and who were they speaking to. I liked that all of the women were older (although Harriet was not quite as old as Eleanor and Olive). Olive had a weight on her that she needed to talk about so she could gain some perspective. Eleanor needed to deal with past love so she could move on. Harriet needed to appreciate the present and not keep reaching for something that is not there. As each women processed and dealt with their challenge whether they wanted to or not, the reader is pulled into the turmoil. Although I was confused at times, I really enjoyed reading about three women dealing with day-to-day life, relationships, and love.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
April 25, 2022
I wish I had more adequate words to describe how this book made me feel. It’s been several days since I closed the last page and yet I’m still stuck in the Hummingbird Sanctuary. (Which isn’t a bad thing!) Erin has created such a vivid place with such wonderful characters that I simply don’t want to leave.
The three main characters are each so well written. Hattie can whisk me off my feet and make me dinner anytime she wants. And Olive? And Ellie? Pieces of my soul I found in this book. Olive and Ellie storylines are so personal to me that I was torn between screaming at them and crying for me.
Overall this book is a top book of all time. I know I will be going back to the Sanctuary, again and again. If you haven’t been already, I highly recommend you do.
The three main characters are each so well written. Hattie can whisk me off my feet and make me dinner anytime she wants. And Olive? And Ellie? Pieces of my soul I found in this book. Olive and Ellie storylines are so personal to me that I was torn between screaming at them and crying for me.
Overall this book is a top book of all time. I know I will be going back to the Sanctuary, again and again. If you haven’t been already, I highly recommend you do.
April 3, 2022
The Hummingbird Sanctuary is about 3 women - Olive, Eleanor and Hattie - who are best friends and co-owners of a luxury women-focused resort, and how their lives are collectively shaken up by the arrival of three guests - a journalist and her two friends, a producer and an actress.
This was a great cast of characters - both loveable and flawed, very human, and at times exasperating, and this story does a brilliant job of exploring both the highs and lows of human interaction and connection.
Olive, Eleanor and Hattie's friendship and love for each other is messy and imperfect but real. The one downside to this is that at times it was perhaps a little too real, making it frustrating to read, as they seemed to spend a lot of the book arguing or at odds with each other.
The journalist, Mabel, turns out to be an old school friend/lover of Eleanor's, who then contributed to her being outed, and Zak does a great job of capturing how raw and painful those memories were even year later, as well as Eleanor's complicated feelings towards Mabel and her lack of closure. I actually much preferred the relationship between Eleanor and Mabel to the one between her and Olive (though I didn't necessarily think they should have ended up together either.) Eleanor's love for Olive felt a little like we were being told she was in love with her but not really shown.
I really loved Hattie as a character and her relationship with Judy, the producer, was probably my favourite in the book. It was perhaps a little insta-lovey but it worked, as the two have great chemistry throughout.
I have mixed feelings on Olive as a character. I symphasised with her greatly throughout the book, however, I have some issues with how her potential asexuality was depicted. I wasn't expecting ace rep going in, so it was a pleasant surprise to begin with (and I am all for more ace characters in books!) but how it was presented here didn't quite sit right with me. I appreciate that the book tried to explore the complexities of the ace spectrum, how some aces experience sexual attraction in some form, and are sex-favourable, and discover their asexuality later in life, and Olive's questioning her asexuality really rescinded with me.
However, to me it felt like Olive getting to experience some sexual attraction towards Eleanor at the end was written as though that experience was a part of her getting a happy ending, and it's presented like it would have been a little less of a happy ending if she hadn't wanted to sleep with her. It had a 'you'll find the right person eventually, and when you do you'll want to have sex with them' ring to it. I don't think this was the author’s intention, I think she was trying to depict demiseuxality/greysexuality (neither word is used, so I can't say for certain) but having it presented in such a way, so tied up with their HEA/HFN, made me a little uncomfortable.
On a related note, the other ace character, Sunny, was probably the least developed of the 6 main characters. It felt like she was just there to be matched up with Olive and be the sound piece for the advice Olive needed to hear.
Overall, this was a book with some great moments and some excellent character work, but some of it feel flat or left me uncomfortable. If you're a fan of WLW romances you might still enjoy it, but it didn't quite work entirely for me.
I received a free copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great cast of characters - both loveable and flawed, very human, and at times exasperating, and this story does a brilliant job of exploring both the highs and lows of human interaction and connection.
Olive, Eleanor and Hattie's friendship and love for each other is messy and imperfect but real. The one downside to this is that at times it was perhaps a little too real, making it frustrating to read, as they seemed to spend a lot of the book arguing or at odds with each other.
The journalist, Mabel, turns out to be an old school friend/lover of Eleanor's, who then contributed to her being outed, and Zak does a great job of capturing how raw and painful those memories were even year later, as well as Eleanor's complicated feelings towards Mabel and her lack of closure. I actually much preferred the relationship between Eleanor and Mabel to the one between her and Olive (though I didn't necessarily think they should have ended up together either.) Eleanor's love for Olive felt a little like we were being told she was in love with her but not really shown.
I really loved Hattie as a character and her relationship with Judy, the producer, was probably my favourite in the book. It was perhaps a little insta-lovey but it worked, as the two have great chemistry throughout.
I have mixed feelings on Olive as a character. I symphasised with her greatly throughout the book, however, I have some issues with how her potential asexuality was depicted. I wasn't expecting ace rep going in, so it was a pleasant surprise to begin with (and I am all for more ace characters in books!) but how it was presented here didn't quite sit right with me. I appreciate that the book tried to explore the complexities of the ace spectrum, how some aces experience sexual attraction in some form, and are sex-favourable, and discover their asexuality later in life, and Olive's questioning her asexuality really rescinded with me.
However, to me it felt like Olive getting to experience some sexual attraction towards Eleanor at the end was written as though that experience was a part of her getting a happy ending, and it's presented like it would have been a little less of a happy ending if she hadn't wanted to sleep with her. It had a 'you'll find the right person eventually, and when you do you'll want to have sex with them' ring to it. I don't think this was the author’s intention, I think she was trying to depict demiseuxality/greysexuality (neither word is used, so I can't say for certain) but having it presented in such a way, so tied up with their HEA/HFN, made me a little uncomfortable.
On a related note, the other ace character, Sunny, was probably the least developed of the 6 main characters. It felt like she was just there to be matched up with Olive and be the sound piece for the advice Olive needed to hear.
Overall, this was a book with some great moments and some excellent character work, but some of it feel flat or left me uncomfortable. If you're a fan of WLW romances you might still enjoy it, but it didn't quite work entirely for me.
I received a free copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
Deeply moving story about love and friendships
This book was a deeply moving story about the loving but often complicated relationships between three friends who own a business together. Some might find this book too full of angst for their liking but IMO it’s not a traditional romance (so know that right off the bat) and the angst is appropriate and at the right level. In reality any type of business partnerships with a friend or family member is going to have this but what’s unique about this story is in spite of all that the goal that brings them all back together is the desire to lift up women with a place especially catered to them. One of the main characters is deeply, deeply flawed see sawing from one emotion to another from kind, loving and humble to deceptive, judgmental and controlling and I applaud the author for writing such a character at the risk of the readers ire and ultimate dislike of the book because of it. It’s a real life situation a lot of people are in with a relative or friends who annoy them but they still love them. Plus If people are into the ice queen trope I don’t see the difference. I’m ok with being annoyed with or not liking a character, it won’t stop me from reading or finishing a book. It’s The authors choice of words and phrasing as each character described their thoughts and emotions was beautifully communicated. There are three love stories here, a couple involving a couple secondary characters, all very different. I enjoyed the deeper look at the characters outside their circle of three. They were individually sweet and sad and angsty and hopeful but ultimately beautiful. It’s evident the author put a lot thought and emotion into this book and I’m sure it wasn’t easier so I hope it gets the recognition it deserves, I would recommend this book.
This book was a deeply moving story about the loving but often complicated relationships between three friends who own a business together. Some might find this book too full of angst for their liking but IMO it’s not a traditional romance (so know that right off the bat) and the angst is appropriate and at the right level. In reality any type of business partnerships with a friend or family member is going to have this but what’s unique about this story is in spite of all that the goal that brings them all back together is the desire to lift up women with a place especially catered to them. One of the main characters is deeply, deeply flawed see sawing from one emotion to another from kind, loving and humble to deceptive, judgmental and controlling and I applaud the author for writing such a character at the risk of the readers ire and ultimate dislike of the book because of it. It’s a real life situation a lot of people are in with a relative or friends who annoy them but they still love them. Plus If people are into the ice queen trope I don’t see the difference. I’m ok with being annoyed with or not liking a character, it won’t stop me from reading or finishing a book. It’s The authors choice of words and phrasing as each character described their thoughts and emotions was beautifully communicated. There are three love stories here, a couple involving a couple secondary characters, all very different. I enjoyed the deeper look at the characters outside their circle of three. They were individually sweet and sad and angsty and hopeful but ultimately beautiful. It’s evident the author put a lot thought and emotion into this book and I’m sure it wasn’t easier so I hope it gets the recognition it deserves, I would recommend this book.
March 23, 2022
Erin Zak knocks sets the bar Rocky Mountain High with this novel. This is a complex story about three women, best friends and business partners all near fifty. Olive, Eleanor and Harriet left Chicago three years earlier to establish a resort on the western slopes (west of the continental divide) of Colorado. The resort is run by women for women (and some men) to come and refuel, relax, rest and renew themselves. Olive runs the resort, Eleanor is in charge of marketing and Harriet is a master chef and runs the restaurant. All three women still are searching for what they want in their lives. They live together and know each other thoughts almost before they are spoken and don’t hesitate to call out each other on things. The story follows them during a week when the resort is opening a new event amphitheater and has a magazine writer interviewing them for a major article. The writer and her two friends are three VIPs for the week and causes each of the owners to rethink their lives, futures, friendships and loves.
I’m not going to give specifics and spoil the storyline but at times each of these women are a hot mess and other times wonderfully supportive and kind. Zak gives representation to lesbians, bi and ace characters. And there is plenty of steaminess too. I didn’t love every decision or action made by the main characters but I was rooting for everyone to find happiness. This characters are so much richer than I was expecting. It is a wonderful mix of women’s fiction with emphasis on romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)
I’m not going to give specifics and spoil the storyline but at times each of these women are a hot mess and other times wonderfully supportive and kind. Zak gives representation to lesbians, bi and ace characters. And there is plenty of steaminess too. I didn’t love every decision or action made by the main characters but I was rooting for everyone to find happiness. This characters are so much richer than I was expecting. It is a wonderful mix of women’s fiction with emphasis on romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)
April 7, 2022
This was such a beautiful story, I feel quite bereft that I have finished it. I want nothing more than the hummingbird sanctuary to be a real place. This is lesfic at its finest, the perfect blend of romance, captivating plots and steamy sexual encounters. It’s also always a treat to see bisexual representation in the novel too - I’m really passionate about bi-erasure and love it when authors provide clear representation. That said, I enjoyed that 99% of the characters were women and women in powerful and diverse career roles - love to see that. 100% recommend!
March 23, 2022
This is a PERFECT read for Spring! The cover is gorgeous and it is cohesive to Hummingbird Sanctuary resort. This is a multi POV story of 3 best friends Olive, Ellie, and Hattie who purchased and run a Colorado Resort together. One weekend with guests will changes everything! I laughed and cried! (I absolutely wish this resort was real because I would totally book a trip!) This is a LGBTQIA read and it was absolutely enjoyable! Did I mention they have a cute retriever named Lizzie! Oh, and Ellie's favorite books are Handmaid's Tale and Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo...so we are practically best friends!
October 8, 2022
Zak always writes decent stories. Quality is fine. I just rarely click with any of them.
Several friends open up a sanctuary. I didn't care for any of the characters, which made it hard for me to get invested in the book.
Several friends open up a sanctuary. I didn't care for any of the characters, which made it hard for me to get invested in the book.
April 9, 2022
Make sure to hone your emotional vulnerability skills before turning a single page of this book. The cover maybe eye catching in its simplicity, but the story within is as multifaceted as they come. Erin Zak knows how to tell a story and boy is this a good one.
Zak is fast becoming an author i look out for. Despite not being an avid romance reader, there is something in the way that Zak creates her stories that draws me in. They are often beautifully layered, featuring strong and yet simultaneously vulnerable women. Her characters are always on a personal journey; journeys that Zak knows exactly how to make a reader feel, truly and deeply.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary is no different. At times turning the pages of this book, felt like slowly peeling an onion right down to its naked core.
Those layers enclose the individual stories of the protagonists; Olive, Eleanor and Harriet. Told in the first person but from three different view points, readers are introduced to the three best friends, each of which are owner/operators of The Hummingbird Sanctuary. A creation through which to honour their mothers and women everywhere.
As a new resort in Colorado and with the grand opening of a new events arena looming , Olive, Eleanor and Harriet are resigned to hosting a journalist from On the Verge, namely the successful Mabel Sommers and her two friends, Judy and Sunny. The trio’s arrival heralds an avalanche of secrets and self discovery, old wounds are forced open (as if they were ever truly closed) and for one unsuspecting individual true love beckons. Friendships and relationships may never be the same again, but there’s no turning back now.
The complexity and depth of The Hummingbird Sanctuary can’t be convincingly conveyed in a review, it is a story that needs to be read in order to experience the emotional journey that Zak expertly crafts for each of her protagonists. The inner turmoil that pours from Olive, Eleanor and Harriet as they each struggle with their own pain and vulnerability is at times chaotic and yet unquestionably true to real life. After all human emotions are anything but straight forward an aspect that Zak showcases perfectly throughout.
Aside from my love of the very realness of this story, credit is always due to authors who work to include a diverse range of characters in their stories. In this book Zak celebrates diversity with characters who are bisexual, asexual, people of colour and/or curvaceous. In doing so readers are presented with an opportunity to further their own learning and understanding, if they so wish.
My one and only niggle, was the inclusion of a plot point in relation to the death of Olive’s husband Paul, which from a readers perspective seemed to have been crafted to induce a moment of conflict between Olive and Eleanor. However as Olive and Eleanor were already individually creating their own internal conflict regarding their feelings for each other, i felt that this could have been used as the point of conflict just as effectively. As such the plot point regarding the aftermath of Paul’s death seemed surplus to requirements from my perspective.
I received an ARC of this book for review from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Zak is fast becoming an author i look out for. Despite not being an avid romance reader, there is something in the way that Zak creates her stories that draws me in. They are often beautifully layered, featuring strong and yet simultaneously vulnerable women. Her characters are always on a personal journey; journeys that Zak knows exactly how to make a reader feel, truly and deeply.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary is no different. At times turning the pages of this book, felt like slowly peeling an onion right down to its naked core.
Those layers enclose the individual stories of the protagonists; Olive, Eleanor and Harriet. Told in the first person but from three different view points, readers are introduced to the three best friends, each of which are owner/operators of The Hummingbird Sanctuary. A creation through which to honour their mothers and women everywhere.
As a new resort in Colorado and with the grand opening of a new events arena looming , Olive, Eleanor and Harriet are resigned to hosting a journalist from On the Verge, namely the successful Mabel Sommers and her two friends, Judy and Sunny. The trio’s arrival heralds an avalanche of secrets and self discovery, old wounds are forced open (as if they were ever truly closed) and for one unsuspecting individual true love beckons. Friendships and relationships may never be the same again, but there’s no turning back now.
The complexity and depth of The Hummingbird Sanctuary can’t be convincingly conveyed in a review, it is a story that needs to be read in order to experience the emotional journey that Zak expertly crafts for each of her protagonists. The inner turmoil that pours from Olive, Eleanor and Harriet as they each struggle with their own pain and vulnerability is at times chaotic and yet unquestionably true to real life. After all human emotions are anything but straight forward an aspect that Zak showcases perfectly throughout.
Aside from my love of the very realness of this story, credit is always due to authors who work to include a diverse range of characters in their stories. In this book Zak celebrates diversity with characters who are bisexual, asexual, people of colour and/or curvaceous. In doing so readers are presented with an opportunity to further their own learning and understanding, if they so wish.
My one and only niggle, was the inclusion of a plot point in relation to the death of Olive’s husband Paul, which from a readers perspective seemed to have been crafted to induce a moment of conflict between Olive and Eleanor. However as Olive and Eleanor were already individually creating their own internal conflict regarding their feelings for each other, i felt that this could have been used as the point of conflict just as effectively. As such the plot point regarding the aftermath of Paul’s death seemed surplus to requirements from my perspective.
I received an ARC of this book for review from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2022
Erin Zak writes books as if she's felt every single thing her characters are feeling, as if she's made a mental note of every facial feature, expression and experience she's ever seen and been through. She looks at things and listens to people and then she writes it all down. It's clear she loves her characters and she wants you to love them, too. And don't worry. You will.
"...she has this aura about her that screams I’m ready to take a breath." Erin Zak has always been able to describe the emotions people are feeling but this sentence shows her attention to nuance in these women.
Harriet, Olive and Eleanor have known each other for years and years. Through a stroke of luck, they are able to open The Hummingbird Sanctuary, a space for women to heal and rejuvenate on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
The Universe has its eye on these three women and it sees that they all need a nudge, so the Universe brings them all together to a small spot on the high desert of western Colorado. It gets them in a circle and drops a boulder in the middle of the circle. They scatter, but not in a panic. Their emotions scatter and then settle and become what they should have always been, as it turns out.
I could tell you all about the plot of this book, but then this would be a really long review. If you know Zak's work, you don't need me to tell you how magnificent this book is. If you don't know her work, this would be the perfect book to introduce yourself to her work. Either way, you'll win and you'll win big.
"...she has this aura about her that screams I’m ready to take a breath." Erin Zak has always been able to describe the emotions people are feeling but this sentence shows her attention to nuance in these women.
Harriet, Olive and Eleanor have known each other for years and years. Through a stroke of luck, they are able to open The Hummingbird Sanctuary, a space for women to heal and rejuvenate on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
The Universe has its eye on these three women and it sees that they all need a nudge, so the Universe brings them all together to a small spot on the high desert of western Colorado. It gets them in a circle and drops a boulder in the middle of the circle. They scatter, but not in a panic. Their emotions scatter and then settle and become what they should have always been, as it turns out.
I could tell you all about the plot of this book, but then this would be a really long review. If you know Zak's work, you don't need me to tell you how magnificent this book is. If you don't know her work, this would be the perfect book to introduce yourself to her work. Either way, you'll win and you'll win big.
April 13, 2022
This book was challenging at the beginning as I always struggle to remember which character is which and this book has 3 MC's. So the first chapters it was mainly me navigating and trying to keep up who was telling the chapter and what their part was at the sanctuary.
After that it was a smooth sailing as all 3 characters are so very endearing despite being so very different. It also shows why the sanctuary works so well, they compliment each other, not only at work but also personally.
Eleanor has my heart as she is such a sweet loyal person.
Now where do I go to book my reservation at this resort? I would love to go there.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After that it was a smooth sailing as all 3 characters are so very endearing despite being so very different. It also shows why the sanctuary works so well, they compliment each other, not only at work but also personally.
Eleanor has my heart as she is such a sweet loyal person.
Now where do I go to book my reservation at this resort? I would love to go there.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
There’s this quote from the book that sums up my experience of reading this romance, -“the Hummingbird Sanctuary is special, because it’s so far from ordinary”. Normally when you have a 3 friends scenario it turns into a 3 books series but not this time. No, this is a series in one and that makes it fast paced and exciting. Not your ordinary setup but I enjoyed reading it immensely and I definitely recommend a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews