HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES by Amanda Cox, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Exceptional story about the effects of a hurting mom on her two daughters. The author captures the lack of emotional stability of the three women and how each is working through their anxieties.

 

As a beekeeper, Beckett sees parallels to her own life in the actions of her bees and their apiary. Callie still feels responsible for her mother and wants to see her heal. I liked the scenes with her therapist and how she helped Callie work through her turmoil. A bright spot was Fern, a child visiting on a neighboring farm to Beckett. She is also hurting but imagines herself as an alien encountering Earth and Earthlings. Quite an intelligent and imaginative girl who helps Beck with the bees and they both benefit from the friendship.

 

With a light romance for both ladies, the men, while very different, are mature, sensitive and a stabilizing influence in their lives. Luke points out to Callie: “Beauty comes from the light. Dust does not change itself. The light does that.” You can make a spiritual application from that.

 

“It is possible for treasured things to come out of the brokenness. Even if it does not happen the way any of us would have wanted. Even if it comes through loss.” The emotional and spiritual struggles come across in a realistic way. It was satisfying to see the progress in the lives of the characters. Ms Cox is an accomplished author and I have enjoyed each of her books.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"If anything ever happens to me, tell the bees . . . They need to know or they'll die too."

Apparently there were things that Beckett Walsh's father should have told her, as well. Upon his death her simple, solitary life was completely upended by a name on her father's will that meant nothing to her, and yet had the ability to take away everything Beckett held dear. Could she survive apart from Walsh Farm? . . . she couldn't.

Miles away another young woman's life was equally disrupted after seeing her name appear on that document. Overwhelmed with expanding her own business while trying to navigate a life-changing decision, Callie Peterson is standing in the middle of a road she never knew existed. Could an inheritance be the answer to all of her problems . . . or just the first of many questions?

Casting a wide net of appeal, this story immediately prompts a desire to share it with someone else. Its probing, plodding, unpretentious manner of carefully and tenderly pulling back layers may very well re-expose some pretty raw experiences (dysfunctional families can leave very deep scars), while providing a solid reminder that providence resides in a Person, whose ways are always higher than our own.
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Uncovering long-held family secrets may sting at first--but the result can be sweeter than honey

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

Revell Publishing, August 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Buy HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House