The Enlightenment of Bees by Richel Linden is a contemporary women's fiction, which looks at the meaning of life and universal struggles in the world. First of all, this book is beautifully written, but it was too real life for me personally. I read books to escape reality, I am disabled and live with constant pain. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a more serious book than I do.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Just Read Tours for a copy of The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden. Please see my bio for the book tour landing page as well as the purchase link if you are interested! Synopsis of the book will be included in the comments.

The Enlightenment of Bees is a cute read. Following Mia West, within the first few chapters of the book she is dumped by her long term boyfriend, let go from her job, and finds out her Nana has cancer. Set adrift in her own life, she gets the opportunity to finally act on her own dreams, to travel and help other people. Joining a humanitarian group at the last moment she is soon in Indian slums and then in a refugee camp in Hungary. Will she finally find what she is meant to do with her life?

I liked this book, especially the refugee camp scenes. There we get what felt like a real look into the crisis over in Europe and that isn’t what I expected from this book when I started. Mia started out as a little too optimistic for my tastes, she is a little too give up her dreams for others. But she really discovers who she is and what she wants by the end. I like how organically she lost her innocent look at life and grew into herself away from her boyfriend and what he wanted.

The Enlightenment of Bees was full of interesting characters and settings and I loved the descriptions of baking and recommend you get some cake before you start this one because you’ll definitely be craving it by the end!

3.5 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. It starts out well. Mia’s life falls apart, forcing her to take a hard look at what she truly wants out of her life.
Then it takes an odd turn. The humanitarian group is flown to an island in Florida where they’re given what amounts to an all-expense paid vacation for this group of twenty-somethings. I can see the point of this section—to introduce readers to the rest of Mia’s team members but it was so unrealistic and disproportionate, it was a bit off-putting.
Once the group leaves Florida, the story picked back up as they fly to Mumbai then Hungary. While serving, more than one team member mentions they thought they’d be doing more. Linden drives home the truth that for so much of the world, the simple things—food, clothing, love—are what they need most.
Overall, the message that our God-given passions and talents can be used to change the world (even if it’s one person at a time) tips the scales for The Enlightenment of Bees. Despite the hiccup in the middle, Linden managed to make me ask myself how can I make a difference in other’s lives?

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

4.5 / 5⭐


“𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.”

•Mia West has a comfortable life. She has a handsome boyfriend, Ethan. She’s apprenticing in a bakery, pretty great for someone who has loved baking since she was a kid. Mia adores her visits with sweet Nana Alice and her fiery roommate, Rosie, keeps her on her toes. But that’s all about to change…

•Ethan backs out of his own proposal - yep, with the ring out and everything. He says they’re going in different directions. Mia’s well planned out life begins to crumble around her. If she admits it though, deep down she’s been wondering if she’s doing enough; is she helping others in need. Having had recurring dreams with honeybees that seem to be guiding her to a place or a purpose, Mia decides to join Rosie on a humanitarian aid trip that is sponsored by a reclusive Pancake House tycoon.

•She is put in an eclectic group of people that work as a team. They all come from different backgrounds and have different stories, but through this trip they find common ground. Mia even discovers that there may be someone out there that likes the direction she’s headed. Traveling to the slums of India and then on to help with the refugee crisis at the Hungarian border, Mia’s eyes are opened to the basic needs of humanity. Still, feeling like she is not doing enough, Mia learns that showing kindness and friendship is how you enter into people’s lives - and stay there.

•Mia discovered, through her journey of enlightenment, that you have to do what you love. And then, find a way for your love to help others, a good reminder to us all. This book has so many beautiful sentiments and lessons. The writing is splendid; honestly, I didn’t want the book to end. And every once in a while, a character in a book comes along that I wish I knew in real life - Mia is one of those.

•Thank you to @NetGalley and @ThomasNelson

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I loved the cover and the synopsis sounded interesting also. It was a coming of age story that within it was a storyline about a global issue, in this case a refugee crisis. There were also a couple of relationships that I thought were well done, Mia and her Nana Alice and Mia and her friend Rosie, who convinced her to go on this global mission. The relationship with the boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend was well done also was very typical for that age of people.

I thought that Mia's character was crafted very well and the overall plot of the story was believable also. It kept my interest and once I started it I actually finished it really quickly. Overall, a good book with a good message.

I loved this story. Mia is lost and dumped on her six year anniversary. She spends the next few months finding herself. The book is well written, a few sensitive subjects with humanitarian aid taking center stage, but handled beautifully.

We all know what it’s like when life goes awry, and we long to find a new path and focus. Such is the case with Mia West in The Enlightenment of Bees.

Mia wants a purpose—to create at least a small difference in the lives of others—so she and her housemate travel the world on a humanitarian mission. In the process, Mia finds out who she really is and her true purpose and passion.

I am an avid traveler, so I was initially intrigued by the world traveling aspect of the blurb. This story is so much more than an exciting, roving adventure, though. It has inspired me to examine my own life, my own dreams, desires, and passions, and to recognize when uncertainty or fear holds me back.

This is the first book I’ve read by Rachel Linden. Although I’m not usually fond of present-tense narration, it doesn’t distract me and works well in this story. Ms. Linden is a good storyteller. Her descriptions are vivid, and the plot is interesting and stirring.

“Remember, Mia, your place in this world is the space where your greatest passion meets the world’s great pain,” she says firmly. “Go now and find that place.”

Author: Rachel Linden
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 336
First line: The day my world crumbles I am dreaming about pie crust.
Source: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#TheEnlightenmentOfBees

The Enlightenment of Bees tells the story of Mia who has seen her planned life fall apart and is responding in a beautiful way. She is embarking on a global humanitarian trip. She wants to be of service in the world. Mia had a man she loved and wanted to marry, and a job she loved. Unfortunately just as she thought he would propose he ended the relationship. To make matters worse, she loses her job and her beloved grandmother is very ill. Most of us wallow in self-pity when that happens but this woman decided to do good in the world. And the author did a beautiful job here not making it too grand where the characters believed they were changing the world. They knew they could do some good but that their footprint would be small. I liked the message. Do good even if it is in a small way.

As would be expected Mia meets people from all walks of life and they affect her in big ways. She sees a world she didn't yet know. She grows and changes, and when she returns home she is ready to start life again, she just isn't sure what that will be.

The author put a lot of emphasis on the global refugee crisis and I enjoyed this aspect of it a great deal. It felt as though Ms. Linden did her research, kept an open mind, and appreciated people from all the cultures explored. I have been lucky to do some traveling in my life and have always found the beauty in each pace I have visited and am glad that this came through on the pages.

My biggest complaint for this one was the simplicity came off as a bit too effortless. While Mia seemed authentic and genuine most of the other characters felt a bit cartoonish. They had no depth and their personalities felt a bit forced, like the author had in mind the person's purpose in the book and made them meet that need even if it wasn't quite realistic. And the ending felt too perfect. Everyone was right where they should be with the problems answered. I much prefer a book that leaves me guessing a bit.

However, it is certainly inspiring and warm and left me feeling empowered to do more in the world.

This is a sweet little coming of age story that follows a young women who is trying to find her place in the world. The sights and sounds and smells (there's a lot of baking going on here) were all well described and immersive. There is a little romance thread throughout the story. A lot of different topics were touched on a bit. I enjoyed the relatively light summery read.

The Enlightenment of Bees is a story of Mia, who's life is all she ever imagined. A boyfriend of 6 years, an internship at a bakery, and a beautiful relationship with her grandmother! All of that is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her, she gets let go at the bakery, and her gma has cancer. Heartbroken and devastated, she embarks on a humanitarian trip to find her meaning and her dreams.

If your looking for a book of chasing your dreams, finding meaning to life, and self discovery this is it! I adored this book. Rachel Linden does an excellent job of intertwining Mia and her struggles and learning how to give back in her own way.

I really appreciated how much research and details went into the refugee crisis. At times, it felt like you were right there. The cities, the hunger, the desperation of these people were truly heartbreaking. An excellent job of representing the horrors that these refugees face!

Thank you to #netgalley for the arc for my honest opinion!

Mia is at a crossroads in life as she finds herself unemployed and recently single, so she embarks on a spontaneous journey of self-discovery. “The Enlightenment of Bees” immerses the reader into a meaningful story, and I appreciate the author intertwining these messages of positivity throughout the book. The book is a quick, sweet, and light read. With the novel being such a fast read, some parts seem a bit too undeveloped (thus the “sweet and light”), but it does integrate some topics of deeper meaning. The book addresses some serious issues, such as poverty in India, and refugee crises. I appreciate the different relationships within the story, especially the one between Mia and her Nana Alice. The two have such a strong bond, and a beautiful connection. Overall, the novel conveys themes of strength, independence, love, and seeking a way to find your place and make a difference in the world. It’s enjoyable, and a book that will leave your heart warmed. Overall I’d rate it 3.75 Stars-rounding up to 4 Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from and NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. Mia West has somewhat unrealistic view how things really are in her life. When she gets almost proposed to and ends up breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, reality starts to set in. When she decides to try to become a modern-day Mother Theresa does real reality and change begin to happen within her. It takes coming back home due to grandmother’s poor health and a surprise visit from her aunt that motivated her so long ago, to help her find her true calling in life. I loved this book I couldn’t put it down and read it in less than 24 hours. It makes you believe that you can make your dreams a reality, whatever they end up turning out to be.

This novel is about a young woman named Mia who, when her relationship and job suddenly crumble, joins her roommate on a humanitarian mission funded by a new foundation. So it's a novel about a woman finding herself but with a twist, as it definitely focuses on finding purpose/meaning in life, not just a job and a relationship. The mix between the light contemporary women's fiction tone and the humanitarian angle with its depiction of slums and refugees was not always entirely successful, but it did make this book different and interesting, and I loved the line "your place in this world is the space where your greatest passion meets the world’s great pain." 3.5 stars.

What a great book, I really enjoyed this one!

I loved the characters, especially Mia’s grandma Nana Alice.
I loved the settings, especially the part set in Seattle which is one of my fave places.
I loved the way everything turned out in the end of this one.
And, I also loved how helping refugees was a theme in this one. That’s not something I’ve seen in any other books I’ve read and I found it really touching.
I definitely recommend this one, especially if you’re looking for a sweet feel good book with a happy ending. It was just delightful.

This story checked all of the boxes for me! It was easy to connect to the main character Mia West. The story starts out as Mia's future with the love of her life goes in a completely different direction than planned when she does not get the marriage proposal she was expecting. This leaves her heart broken and in search of her true purpose in life. Influences from her family lead her to feel that taking a global humanitarian mission with her good friend Rosie is where she should be. There are some interesting characters along the way, including a rock star with a drug problem, the billionaire Lars, that funds the trip, and handsome Kia, who catches her attention from day one. There is much self discovery throughout the trip, as it becomes apparent that making a difference in the world is much more complicated than the service they are providing to children in Mumbai. The story takes an adventurous turn when the teams mission changes and they are flown in to aid a refugee camp in Hungary. Along the way Mia, Rosie and even Mia's ailing grandmother discover new love. I like the fact that although this is a novel, many of the situations came from the authors own life experience. It was so enjoyable that I hated to see it end. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Pub for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Mia thinks she has her future mapped out, with a long term relationship, an apprenticeship at a bakery and family close by. All that comes to a halt when her boyfriend breaks up with her instead of proposing. Unsure what to do with her life Mia joins a humanitarian group and travels to Florida, Mumbai, and Hungary where she tries to figure out what she truly wants out of life.

Overall, I thought this was a solid sip your coffee on the front porch in the morning with a book kinda read. It was solid with the characters finally coming full circle at the end.

This book HITS THE SPOT!! It’s so refreshing!! ⁣
✅ plot moves quickly. ⁣
✅ I’m invested in the characters. ⁣
✅ great use of foreshadowing with just enough tension⁣
✅Believable dialogue. ⁣
✅ Interesting setting ⁣
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I give it an A+! ⁣
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.⁣
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#enlightenmentofbees #netgalley #reviewathon #bookshark #booksharks #bookstagram #booklove #summerreading

This is a well told coming of age story of a girl named Mia. She thinks she has her life all planned out till changes happen that are out of her hands. She, a friend, and others are chosen to travel to different places around the world for humanitarian work. In the different places she is challenged with how we can find our place in this world helping others. There is light, clean romance that develops. Sweet story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this e-copy!

This book was so mesmerizing! I adored this coming of age novel and it had em stop to consider my own life choices.

Mia has her life mapped out. Perfect man, perfect future, perfect plan but tragedy has her unsure of what to do with her life. She wants to make a difference in her world and takes part of an overseas humanitarian trip. She meets someone there who helps educate her on how to really make a difference and immerse herself in other's communities.

Thank you for this wonderful book!

This was a first book by this author and I loved the story!! I connected with these characters from the first page! A wonderful read