A lovely story with great descriptions and characters that are real and ones you care for. Another wonderful story by Deborah Carr,

This is a great novel set around WW1. It is heartfelt story and I really enjoyed this. Set in a beautiful location and the characters made the best of the story. You could really believe this to have been true. Well worth more than 5 stars and I recommend this.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

The one thing I can always count on with a Deborah Carr book is it will be emotional. The characters will be three dimensional and this reader will cry or laugh right along with them. The backgrounds and residents of these communities come alive in her skillful writing.

Two time frames in history that bring forward the best and worst in people with two seperate women and their coworkers/ friends stepping forward to help their country and fellow man. Romance in the time of war and all the complications of the uncertainity will weigh heavy when they must make decisions. While the story line may not be original, Ms Carr's treatment is not a copycat of any other. A wonderful read for me.

The Beekeeper’s War by Deborah Carr is a historical fiction novel. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This was a story that captivated my attention early on and had me reading much longer into the night than I should have. The story takes place during World War I.

It is a beautifully poignant tale that shares the love, loss and heartbreak between Pru and Jack. Their story spans over two decades. The story takes us on a journey of loss, love, compromise, heartache and war. It is definitely a heartwarming story. The characters are complex and deep. You feel as if you know them. You find yourself cheering them on and crying with them.

The setting is between Dorset and the Channel Islands. Ms. Carr’s descriptions of Dorset and the Channel Islands are vivid. You can smell the sea, see the gardens, picture the mansion and hear the bees.

I am definitely going to seek out other books by this author. It should also be mentioned that after all the reading I have done, One More Chapter does it again. The books they have chosen to publish have always been first rate to me. This one is no exception. Well done.

I would like to thank Deborah Carr, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely but often sad tale told in a dual timeline between Dorset and The Channel Islands. When friends Milly Jean and Pru join the war effort they show us that live for now spirit as tomorrow may never come. Beautifully written, you can't help but be captured by this book.

What a heartwarming book. Nurse Pru Le Cuirot works alongside Milly and Jean at Ashbury Manor during the war caring for injured soldiers. The son of Lord & Lady Ashcroft, Viscount Montgomerie “Monty” is brought in wounded. His friend and fellow pilotJack Garland visits regularly allowing for a close bond with nurse Pru. Events during the war cause them both to make devastating decisions!
You will want to read through this book quickly to find out what happens, I loved it.
I especially liked the characters, even matron. She was firm, part of the job. Does she have another reason to pick on nurses.
I’m sure there could be a follow up?

I Loved the story and the characters. As a retired nurse, I always admire what nurses did in wartime. I think they are unsung hero’s, and novels such as these, at least bring their stories out. Thank you for that.
This is a story of the brave airmen that flew dangerous missions in The Great War, and the suffering hey endured when captured. It’s about the generosity of the British people that sacrificed and opened their beautiful mansions, to serve as hospitals for the injured. It’s also the stories of the young nurses that left their homes to live in the attics of these homes and toil endlessly to provide care and comfort to the wounded. And I can’t forget the doctors that endured one horrendous injury after another, to save their lives. But, they didn’t always treat nurses very nicely, but I’m not surprised!
Deborah Carr is a wonderful storyteller, and her characters are interesting and likable. My thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
It’s five stars from me!

A family saga set across both world wars in Dorset and the Channel Islands, this story immerses the reader in the characters, events and settings until the last page. It's a story of a mother and daughter, friendships, romance, sacrifice and secrets. The first part of Pru's story touches on social class issues and wartime Britain. Pru and her fellow nurses Jean and Milly nurse the injured men at a converted manor house in Dorset. The believable ethos and the friendship between the three women are engaging to read. Romance lightens the poignancy, though the relentless war overshadows this. In the second part in 1940, Emma leaves Jersey and her mother Pru to seek safety at the manor house, where her mother's life changed. The web of deceit and secrets she discovers makes this an emotional and suspenseful read.

Character-driven the reader quickly becomes invested in the players in this story. Both wartime settings add intrinsic interest and make it authentic. Gently paced with vivid characterisation and a balance of heartbreak and heartwarming.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The Beekeeper’s War is a simple story, sweet and engaging, great for a weekend read. It begins at the onset of the First Great War and picks up again at the beginning of The Second World War. There’s a big secret, with serious, life-changing consequences, but from our contemporary vantage point we might wonder what’s the big deal? Well, it was a big deal for Pru, especially in times when social boundaries, status, appearances and reputation were everything. Pru is a nurse caring for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor and getting a glimpse at how the other half lives. Life-long friendships are formed with the other nurses. And then there’s Jack, an American pilot. The pull between him and Pru is strong. He’s unlike anyone she’s ever met and treats her so tenderly, but he doesn’t feel it would be right to marry now in case he doesn’t come back. And then he goes on a dangerous mission – and he doesn’t come back.

Twenty-four years later and another war is beginning. Pru has made a life for herself in Jersey and some of those life-long friendships have endured, but her memories have never left her. Her daughter Emma goes to Ashbury Manor to be safe from the possible occupation of Jersey, not really knowing much about her mother’s life there during the previous war. What Emma learns at Ashbury Manor will have consequences of the magnitude of those from the past. Secrets are revealed and it’s like a ball of string unraveling: mysterious people appear, relationships are threatened, decisions must be made. There are a lot of clues and the mystery isn’t too hard to figure out. But that’s not the appeal of The Beekeeper’s War. Its appeal lies in the storytelling itself: the horrors of the war, dangerous circumstances and sacrifices, weak and strong people who either caved in and betrayed others or rose to all challenges feel authentic and real. The characters are well-drawn and believable. The story moves smoothly along and feels believable. And whether or not all choices made in the past were the right ones, they were made with caring and love. The question is where things will go from here.

Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers UK One More Chapter for providing an advance copy of The Beekeeper’s War via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. It was indeed a pleasurable read and I recommend it. All opinions are my own.

'It’s almost impossible to convey how much I enjoyed this book. Some parts were almost too intense to read! The story begins during WW1 when Pru and her best friend Jean leave their homes in Jersey to become nurses at Ashbury Manor in Dorset. They are billeted in the attic of the manor along with Milly who becomes another much loved friend. The girls are all allocated to work on Ward 2 where injured servicemen recover from their injuries. In 1916 Pru meets American pilot Jack Garland who is visiting Monty, son of the owners of Ashbury Manor. They begin a relationship and very quickly fall in love. Jack is involved in dangerous missions behind enemy lines causing Pru many sleepless nights and tears. Following tragic news Pru returns home to Jersey. Fast forward to 1940 and WWII. Pru’s daughter Emma leaves Jersey just before the German occupation and goes to stay with her Aunt Jean and Uncle Monty the now owners of Ashbury Manor. Emma is desperately worried for her mother who is reluctant to leave her home. Pru’s husband Peter has recently passed away and she is still grieving his loss. She eventually is persuaded to evacuate to Ashbury and reunite with Emma. There Pru and Emma discover the secrets spanning the 22 years between the wars. This is a fabulous read. Likeable and interesting characters all easy to get to know. I’m sure events that happened in this story happened on lots of occasions during this period. My thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this beautifully written book

Historical fiction winner

I was thoroughly engrossed by the Beekeeper's War and highly recommend it. I especially like that although many of the characters 'did their duty', I don't think that the wars per se were glorified, as humanity needs to learn to live without using wars to solve international issues.

I also enjoyed Ms Carr's previous WWII book set in Jersey, An Island at War.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Another lovely book from Deborah. An emotional story which encompasses World Wars 1 and 2. This is a lovely, although poignant read.

When Pru le Cuirot left her home in Jersey to work as a nurse at Ashbury Manor in Dorset her only thought was to help those injured in WWI. She didn't anticipate meeting handsome pilot Jack who turns her world upside down and then disappears. Faced with a brutal choice Pru picks what she feels is the only option but is it the right one.
Just over 20 years later Pru is faced with another choice, her beloved Jersey is about to be taken by the Germans and her daughter Emma is leaving, to go stay with relatives at Ashbury manor. Emma pleads with Pru to go with her but fearing the memories the manor holds Pru is reluctant.
Emma’s arrival at Ashbury causes long buried secrets to surface
A moving story of love, loss and survival in the midst of war.

This story held my heart in it's papery hands every step of the way. I was pulled in by Pru's time in Ashbury Manor. The heartache, the hardships, the trials, and tribulations, all of it built such an amazing story anchored in history but showing more than simply the battlefields. It showed the battles BEHIND the lines. The fights to save those that were trying to save "us". Those courageous souls that took to the skies, seas, and land passages in an attempt to secure a better tomorrow. THIS is their story...or at least a fictitious one that reads like it could have been recollected first hand.

The Ashbury's were kind enough to open their home to the war efforts, but it wasn't just a self-sacrificing gesture...they had experienced loss themselves, and were hoping against home that tragedy didn't visit them again. When Monty arrives at the manor, he makes quite an impression on both the staff and readers. He's a man of the upper class, and as such was offered privileges others were not...but he declined. He was serving his country with his fellow countrymen, and knew the bigger picture he was a part of. His number number one visitor, outside of his parents and the dedicated nursing staff, was Jack Garland. The American pilot was a head turner, but his head only turned for one...as well as his heart, despite all the barriers he places between them. I get his motivation...war is not the best time make long term plans...but the heart wants what the heart wants, and some time is better than no time. What's the old saying? Better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all?

This is definitely illustrative of the love story at the center of everything. Pru and Jack never had a chance to really explore what was between them, and the tragic events that followed were heartbreaking, as were the decisions made afterward. When certain things come to light down the line, I must say, Pru's true character is revealed. She is so much stronger, so much kinder, so much more than what we at first see, and what she gives herself credit for...but, the thing is, the time they DID have was MAGICAL. It was enough to build memories that would last a lifetime, and a love that would never die. Through all the dark days and sadness, there was HOPE. There was LOVE. There was a chance at a new tomorrow, whether everyone was there to spend it in the sun or simply there in spirit. It goes to show just how much a part of us those we love become, and how we pass on the best of ourselves to the next generation when we live with love.

So embrace the day, and remember the past so we can learn for the future how to bring about a better tomorrow. Historical Fiction fans...take note!

The Beekeeper’s War by Deborah Carr a dual time Historical Fiction set in World War I and World War II. An enjoyable story of war, nurses, soldiers, families, survival and love in England.
Deborah Carr is a favorite author because her characters and settings seem very real and personal. She has the rare quality of giving a depth of details that makes her readers feel at home with the places and people.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

I really enjoyed The Beekeeper's War. I enjoy WW1 and 2 books and this one was VERY well written. It held my attention, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I didn't realize it was only offered on kindle until I went to purchase it for our library.

I can not say enough about this book. It was incredible. One of the best World War I novels I've read and if you follow my reading journey, you know I read alot. Nurse Pru was dedicated to her work at the Ashbury Manor. She felt so fortunate to be tending to the injured men who came to the Manor needing care. She worked along side her two close friends Milly and Jean who are also such great characters in this novel. When Monty Ashbury is brought to the Manor badly injured the nurses hustle to care for him as he is the last heir alive that Lady and Lord Ashbury have. There other sons have already died. It is when Montys friend and soldier Jack comes to visit that Pru feels an intense attraction. The two start a friendship but both know it's more. Jack isn't willing to move further because he is a pilot and chances of him surviving are slim.
This book was intense, heartwarming, and an epic all encompassing story. Taking the reader from England to Jersey off the coast of France the author really describes the scene incredibly well. What a wonderful novel worth your time.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book

set over two world wars.... the first world war brings us the characters that we are gonna love and see how they each have a role in the war....

ashbury manor has been turned into a place that takes in wounded soldiers and pru all the way from jersey has come to do her bit in the first world war....it is there that she meets jack garland an american who is visiting his friend monty and they strike up a friendship that is going to change their lives forever....

part two of the book is about the second world war and again the action centres around ashbury manor and certain characters still alive there, no spoilers from me

i read this book in one day as i was enthralled with it and the characters of pru and the other nurses and loved the little history of jersey who were bombed and raided during the war but also the characters from the first half of the book and how they merged in the second half... its an endearing story of life back in the war years

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

Part 1 of this book is set in 1917 as 2 nurses from Jersey work at a manor house turned into a small hospital. Of course there is a strict matron in charge, but there are not too many cliches. The patients are a mixed bunch, including officers and private soldiers. Romance is in the air although, naturally, it is frowned upon and meetings must be as clandestine as possible.

Part 2 is set in 1940 when Jersey is about to be occupied by the German army. Old feelings are stirred up amongst the main characters as events conspire to bring them back together. Recommended.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

I did enjoy this story but, I’ve only given it four stars as I felt I’d read similar before and I got a little bored with it. I love sagas but, maybe I’ve read too many and they do get a little similar. I guessed what would happen very quickly early on in the book so again I found my mind wandering at times. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.