This was not exactly the picture of this book I had planned, but I went with it! 😂 My beloved 16-year-old kitty, Coley, decided to save me from myself and implant her cuteness on the set!
My Thoughts:
The Beekeeper’s Promise by Fiona Valpy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 character-driven stars to The Beekeeper’s Promise 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝
This book came highly recommended by my friend, Marialyce! Thanks for another wonderful read!
Told in two timelines, The Beekeeper’s Promise includes the story of Abi, who has a broken heart and is looking for a fresh start. She takes a job at the Chateau Bellevue. Abi hopes for healing more than anything.
Also included is the story of Eliane, who in 1938 takes care of the beehives at the same chateau. She falls in love with Mathieu, but with the war looming she joins the Resistance, which ultimately tests her relationship in ways she could not have predicted.
These are bold, resilient women from different generations with two memorable stories to tell. The writing is smooth and absorbing, as the characters rebuild their lives after overcoming struggle and strife. The Beekeeper’s Promise is a mesmerizing, all-consuming, and tantalizing story.
Thank you to Fiona Valpy, Lake Union Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Beekeeper’s Promise is available now!
Synopsis:
Heartbroken and hoping for a new start, Abi Howes takes a summer job in rural France at the Château Bellevue. The old château echoes with voices from the past, and soon Abi finds herself drawn to one remarkable woman’s story, a story that could change the course of her summer—and her life.
In 1938, Eliane Martin tends beehives in the garden of the beautiful Château Bellevue. In its shadow she meets Mathieu Dubosq and falls in love for the first time, daring to hope that a happy future awaits. But France’s eastern border is darkening under the clouds of war, and history has other plans for Eliane…
When she is separated from Mathieu in the chaos of German occupation, Eliane makes the dangerous decision to join the Resistance and fight for France’s liberty. But with no end to the war in sight, her loyalty to Mathieu is severely tested.
From the bestselling author of Sea of Memories comes the story of two remarkable women, generations apart, who must use adversity to their advantage and find the resilience deep within.
I am super thrilled that you liked it, Jennifer!
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Me, too, Marialyce!
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Wonderful review for an interesting book Jennifer! 💕
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Thanks, Berit! 💜
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Clay enhances the picture for sure! Lol.
Sounds like a beautiful setting for a story.
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Lol Thank you! She thanks you too! The author really brought the setting to life! 💕
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Coley!!! I spelt it correct the first time… autocorrect! 🙄😄
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It’s ok! I knew it was autocorrect! ♥️
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Great picture and review. I will put on my tbr list. Happy Memorial day weekend!
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Thank you! Happy Memorial Day to you too! ♥️
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Is it sad that I kind of want to read this one because of the bee keeping?? I’ve ALWAYS wanted bees!! Am I crazy?… MAYBE!
P. S. your kitty is adorable and looks exactly like my Buddy! 🐱🐱
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Thank you! 🐱 Not sad about the bees! As long as they aren’t stinging me, I love bees! I have a couple friends who are beekeeping now. Really fascinating and they are learning a lot! 🐝
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Awesome review ❤
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Thank you, Priyasha! 💕
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I’m happy that your reaction to this novel was so positive as I have this title for review.
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Thank you, Fictionophile! I’m excited to read your thoughts on it!
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The pic looks like Coley was intentionally put there. Beautiful!! I have a 17 1/2 year old boy, Kit-Kat. 😊
Nice review!!
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Aww, thank you! I recently lost my other 16 yr old kitty, so am grateful to hear about your sweet Kit-Kat’s vitality! ♥️
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I’m so sorry you lost your 16 yr. old. kitty. 😔
Our Kit-Kat almost died when he was 16 too, and he’s aged considerably since then. He no longer has tone and I think he feels achy, but he’s still hanging in there and we do the best we can to keep him happy and comfortable.
And thank you so much for your kind sentiments. 💕
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Thank you for your sweet words, too! Love to Kit-Kat and may he have many loving days and years ahead. Coley and I are out on the sunporch watching birds and chipmunks!
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Sounds perfect. 😊
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Something about this story reminds me of The Nightingale. I really like the sound of this one. Great review!
ps: You take amazing, creative photos. I love all the details with the honey and flowers and your cat walk in is prefect 🙂
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Yes, I have seen that comparison between this one and The Nightingale! There are some similarities for sure. Thank you, and thank you for the compliment on my pictures! I have the best time taking them!
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Coley is so cute! Photo bombed and made it sweet…haha Book recs are the best.
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Thanks, Holly! She is starting to get in on all my pics though! She’s so curious! 😂
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Cats always improve a picture – or so my cats tell me! And yours is beautiful… 😀
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Thank you, FF! I think the photo turned out much better than my original silly idea. If that is your kitty in your profile, he or she is a beauty. I love unusual markings like that and such an expressive face! 🐱💖
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That’s my little Tuppence – the girl. I also have her brother, Tommy, who’s much whiter. With black blobs! 😂
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I love their names!
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Read this book twice. I am reviewing it this week at Pageturners, my book club. One question, Fiona. WhatDID the bees signify in the story. Great writing. Obviously I would give it 5 stars.
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I’m so happy you enjoyed it, too, Kathleen! I am so sorry I don’t remember? I read this one 1.5 years ago. I hope you can find the answer and thanks so much for sharing the love with me! ♥️
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