My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis
Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they've grown into skilled beekeepers--and lovely, sought-after young women . . .
Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn't really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that's why she's all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood--unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he's back in town after two years away--and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive--and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily's forgiveness--and her heart. But can he convince her--not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi--that despite the past, her future lies with him?
My Review
I'm such a fan of this author's writing style- vibrant characters with a wonderful sense of humor woven throughout as well as thoughtful and subtle life lessons. My dad had beehives so this aspect of the story appealed strongly to my sentimental side- there's nothing like fresh honeycomb! I loved that the sisters made so many tasty things with their honey. Lily is capable and compassionate with helping raise her sisters and running the farm with her aunt, but her vulnerabilities are holding her back with her boyfriend's manipulative behavior. It was frustrating to see her in that kind of relationship, but the author skillfully shows how she is caught in his web of emotional manipulation. Dan's determination and perseverance is admirable, and I loved his positivity and the light he brought to Lily's daily life. It really created a contrast that she couldn't ignore. Her supportive aunt and sisters have distinct and individual personalities, so I was excited to continue reading the series. A mystery of vandalism at the farm isn't resolved, but becomes an overarching subplot of the series.
Disclosure
statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from
a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley,
OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from
Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not
required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Synopsis
Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community--where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . .
Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn't about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family's farm. She's been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl--no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontranger insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn't need his interference now, especially since he's made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn't stop helping her find the culprit--and growing humble and remorseful--she'll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love--maybe for a lifetime…
My Review
Poppy is such a fun character- fiercely loyal to her sisters, determined to accomplish tasks she's told she can't or shouldn't do, and enjoys needling Luke and his ego. Somehow their mutual dislike gradually and naturally shifts to an unlikely friendship, then stronger feelings, but the path to love is anything but smooth for them, and plenty of conflict kept me glued to the pages as I read. There's something so satisfying about Luke's shift that leaves him desperate for Poppy's approval and affection. They have great chemistry! The vandalism at the farm increases even as Dan, Luke, and their friend Josiah become frequent visitors to help repair the damage and attempt to protect the sisters. Aunt Bitsy is a favorite- sassy and blunt and unpredictable, keeping the boys on their toes. Even the cats have vibrant personalities, and the humor woven throughout kept me smiling and chuckling, but never veered into slapstick territory.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Synopsis
Affectionately dubbed The Honeybee Sisters in their Wisconsin Amish community, the three Christner girls are devoted beekeepers who are coming-of-age—and discovering the sweet surprise of love…
Shy, skittish Rose Christner is more comfortable tending to the beehives on the family farm and keeping her aunt’s unruly cats in line than attending social gatherings with the rest of the die youngie. A childhood trauma and secret shame keep her heart under lock and key, and Rose just can’t accept the sweet attention she’s receiving from a handsome neighbor. But the more she shies away from Josiah Yoder, the more their families sneakily plot to bring them together. And when a vandal who’s been plaguing the Honeybee Farm starts targeting Rose, Josiah’s steadfast protection—and patience—just may lead her into his waiting arms…
My Review
We don't fully understand why Rose is so withdrawn and nervous to the degree she is around others besides her family until this third book, and it was quite revealing. Josiah is the perfect match for her- endlessly patient, gentle and kind as he waits for her to be ready for his love. It was so sweet how he slowly develops a friendship with her, but her metal blocks prevent her from moving past her trauma and feelings of crippling guilt. Her aunt provides wisdom as Josiah learns the difference between sheltering Rose and supporting her. The suspense grows as the farm vandals grow bolder, and the climax brought more surprises and a resolution I didn't expect. This final book was more emotional and I loved the healing and empowerment Rose discovers within herself.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
