Member Reviews
I've read a few of this author's books and they are always a good read. This one is no exception. Her books always out a smile on my face and transport me to the location
The cover is lovely, the two main characters are interesting and endearing and there are lots and lots if bees. The story is beautifully told and I feel I have gained a small understanding of beekeeping.
This is a must read for this summer.
There are times when you need a light, fun and somewhat cheesy book to escape reality and disappear for a while. The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove is exactly this. Despite not being my usual, I liked it.
It’s not a book to take seriously. Not one that will leave you stunned with jaw-dropping twists – although I admit to being caught out at the major ‘twist’. It is, however, a book that will leave you smiling.
It’s got heart-warming characters and a romance you root for. A nosy-but-heart-of-gold village community, complete with their eccentric leader who’s happy to whack politicians with an umbrella. It’s full of warmth and feeling, and makes you believe in happy endings.
If you’re after a little more depth, it’s got a thoroughly researched topic on beekeeping woven subtly into the story without beating you over the head with details. It also left me staring at my somewhat sorry looking garden and researching plants that are bee-friendly. It gave me a connection I didn’t know I was either missing or looking for. But it only managed to do that because I was swept up in the story.
The Beekeeper of Elderflower Grove is the type of book we all need on a summer afternoon where you want to feel good about the world. Don’t take it seriously, don’t expect something unique, and you’ll find yourself thoroughly enjoying this charming tale of bumbling your way through a fresh start, even if you’re making it up as you go.
Beautiful story with lovely characters and story line. For me, this could have gone on forever. From the very first page I was gripped. Worth more than 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
I always enjoy a Jaimie Admans book and this was certainly no exception!
Jaimies books are a refreshing escape from every day life, full of humour and swoon worthy romantic interests.
The Beekeeper of Elderflower Grove was all of those things and more, as Kayleigh unravels the mystery of the old building and it’s eccentric owner.
There was a lot more than romance going on within the pages of this book; there was drama and intrigue and a need to uncover the truth, to save Elderflower Grove and it’s beloved bees before it’s too late.
A thoroughly enjoyable, lighthearted and fun read for a sunny day.
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Kayleigh needs a fresh start, she sees an advert for a beekeeper at Elderflower Grove and decides to apply - despite not knowing anything about bees. Elderflower Grove is set in the grounds of an abandoned Manor House. Kayleigh decides to take a look around the manor and is shocked to discover Corey a gorgeous gardener living inside. She rises to the challenge of beekeeper with a little help from Corey and ends up falling in love with both the bees and Corey.
Another great read from Jaimie.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read several books by this author, and I have enjoyed them all. So I had high hopes going into reading this book. I am happy to report that the book lived up to my hopes!
Words can't describe how much I loved this book!
Jaimie Admans is simply one of my favourite authors, and this gorgeous novel is another reason to absolutely ADORE her brilliance.
Jaimie creates fictional worlds that you cannot wait to escape to. Real life gets in the way as you wait for your next chance to jump between the pages!
The opening scene with the fake bee was hilarious! And I loved the way Kayleigh bravely turned up to her new beekeeping job with zero clue about bees. It was the perfect set up.
Carey was an absolute delight too, and such a cutie with his geeky t-shirts. He was exactly what Kayleigh needed and it was so lovely to watch their relationship slowly blossom.
There are soooo many things to love about this book. Two more of my favourites were the incredible (and quirky) bee facts at the start of each chapter, plus the mystery of the previous owner. (And maybe a bit of a twist!)
If you're looking for a bee-autiful romcom with a sprinkle of mystery and magic, this is your place. Enjoy every glorious moment!
A perfect summer read! A slightly whacky start but ultimately a tale of romance, a bit of mystery and historical context. I really enjoyed this very sweet tale!
The Beekeeper of Elderflower Grove was honestly a cover-grab for me. I couldn’t resist the idyllic artwork and fairytale title. And once I started reading it, I was increasingly concerned that I had made a mistake in picking this up. Reading time is precious and who wants to spend it on a DNF?
But! I settled into to accepting Kayleigh’s character, especially after she met Carey who is the obvious love interest hiding out at Elderflower Grove. I enjoyed their banter and Kayleigh noting Carey’s vintage tee shirts was a fun little addition. The romance was not too spicy (which I appreciate) but was enough to make their interest in each other believable.
I loved the English town setting and as a historical fiction genre lover, I found pulling in the love story from a different time and the mysterious, hidden clues engaging. There was an additional mystery of who was behind the sabotage that seemed to plague the Elderflower Grove manor, and while I don’t think that storyline was as much fun, it was an important piece to the plot to add the tension of a deadline-before-disaster.
This is a perfect summer read with a sweet romance and a bit of history and mystery thrown in to a charming setting.
Thank you to Jaimie Admans, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
I love love love Jaimie’s books. I don’t even need to read the synopsis anymore. I’m such a huge fan. I say it every book but this is definitely up there with my favourites.
Jaimie has included so much detail in this book, I can only begin to imagine how extensive the research process has been.
I have been completely hooked by this book. So much, that I have devoured in just one sitting. The book is filled with unexpected events which I have loved.
The setting is gorgeous and the characters that fill the pages are likeable and realistic. The journey through this one has been a pleasure.
As always this is beautifully written. It’s a must read and one that I have been completed pulled into. I have loved everything about this gem.
An absolute must read book and author.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.
Every time I read a book by this author, I am left smiling and wishing that it hadn’t ended. This book was quickly devoured in one day, a beautiful sunny day where I had an opportunity to sit out in the breeze and watch the bees while I was reading this book.
If you need a book to pick you up, a great beach read or just a book to take your mind off things; this author’s books are it. They are full of lovely people, wonderful stories and great settings. I really enjoyed this book and it was just what I needed. Thank you.
This is my first book by this author, and I have to say I am hooked! I loved the adventure this book plays out about an old manor with all this mystery. Not just the manor mystery but the grounds surrounding the manor. I don't think anyone could tell a more beautifully story of the magic of bees and beekeeping then this author did. I now have a new love for bees!
Kayleigh needs new start, after coming out of bad breakup, and back living with her mom. She finds the job listing for beekeeper on Elderflower grove and applies, with complete surprise to her she gets the job. There is just one catch she knows nothing about beekeeping, how hard can it really be?? She has loved this place since she was kid, the manor, the grounds, it all sems so magical. She decides to explore the manor and stumbles upon handsome gardener named Carey living in part of the manor. Who is this man and why is he just living in part of the manor? He never leaves and does not want anyone to know he is there. Why?? However, he does tell Kayleigh he knows that council wants tear down the manor and build an amusement park. They both agree that can't happen, what will happen to the bees and all the beauty of property? They decide to team up and try to save the manor and the bees, what could go wrong??
What a fairytale adventure this book took me on, it kept me engaged the whole time and cheering for Kayleigh and Carey. If there is such a place as magical as Elderflower grove, I want to go ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for copy of this book for my honest review.
I have to say right off the bat, that anything that this author writes, is automatically a "must read" for me. Jaimie's stories are just so darn good and always put a smile on my dial :) This book did the same.
Poor old Kayleigh has moved back in with her mum, after breaking up with her boyfriend. She is unemployed so when a job pops up as a beekeeper, Kayleigh applies, even though she has had absolutely no experience whatsoever. When she gets the job, she is as surprised as anyone and she quickly scrambles to learn how to do her new job. The hives are on the grounds of an abandoned stately home, and she is told not to enter said stately home. Naturally, she does, as any curious young person would, and she discovers Carey inside, clearly living there.
Carey is a gardener, also unemployed, but he is trying to get to the bottom of a mystery about Elderflower Grove and if he might be related to the former owner (who has disappeared, presumed dead).
Kayleigh and Carey are absolutely adorable as they work together to improve their lives, and try and figure out what Elderflower Grove is trying to tell them. The house has a big impact on both of them and I like the thought of a house "knowing" who is a good egg or not.
I really liked the villagers and their enthusiasm for the bees and the honey.
Anyway, great book and just what I needed to read right now :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital.
This was as charming as its cover and as realistic as a fairy tale. And since we all need a good fairy tale from time to time (and don’t pretend you don’t, cause I know you do too!) I adored it!
Kayleigh recently went through a bad breakup and as a result had to move back in with her mom. She is desperate to get back on her own feet, but she can’t find a job so she quickly adds beekeeping to her CV despite having absolutely no clue about it.
Miraculously she lands a job as a beekeeper at a large, beautiful and mysterious manor house. And just like Rapunzel doesn’t get vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis from being locked up her whole life, Kayleigh doesn’t get in trouble for lying on her CV and the following job interview.
At first she sucks at beekeeping (shocker) but it’s a fairy tale so it all works out. And it does thanks to a gorgeous man hiding in the house who is very eager to help her and conveniently has all the time in the world to do so. What he needs in return is for Kayleigh to help him solve a certain mystery that the house may be holding.
Both Kayleigh and Carey had been hurt in the past and are very cautious about opening up. However as they embark on a journey of exploring the picturesque estate and discovering its story it is simply impossible not to let the romantic vibes take over…
I know (pop)culture references are not for everyone, but I love them. Especially if they speak to me and they so did in this book; it’s so easy to relate to a heroine who loves the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice or makes fun of Janice from Friends.
It is a contemporary but the Jane Austen spirit is so overwhelmingly present that it feels more like placed somewhere in a timeless dimension. Brilliantly done, especially since the characters are very much in on the joke.
This book is a perfect summer comfort read; light, bright and funny with a delicious love story. It’s a sweet romance, so no spice, but hey, there wasn’t any in Pride and Prejudice either and we love it anyway!
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
QUOTE: “The honeybee is the only insect that produces a food eaten by humans”
The cover of this book was the first thing that attracted me to request it. The second was that I spend my life encouraging bees into my garden with my selection of flowering plants and the third reason is that I love Elderflowers.
This is a rollicking delightful book, featuring complete novice Kayleigh Harwood who doesn’t know anything about beekeeping, landing the position of the beekeeper at Elderflower Grove. The bees are kept on the roof of this grand house that was home to the village’s most eccentric occupant.
Kayleigh had been given strict instructions not to venture into the house, as it had been damaged in a fire, but her curiosity gets the better of her and she ventures inside only to discover that Carey Paxton is squatting in the building. Who is he? Why is he there?
I don’t normally choose books from this genre, however, after this great experience, I just might. Kayleigh loves Jane Austen, and the house is near Jane Austen’s home in Chawton - an area that I love and can’t visit often enough. I also love the fact that Jaimie Admans has supplied so much information on bees and beekeeping within the story.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
Kayleigh accepts a job as a Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove despite her lack of knowledge about bees. While exploring the ruined house she meets Carey. Carey and Kayleigh find a romance that rivals those in a Jane Austen novel.
This is a fun, charming, and magical read! It has a great plot that includes a little mystery, adventure, and romance in a fairytale setting.
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it read like a modern-day fairytale. I loved the characters and the fact that there weren't many in the story (it made it easy to keep track of the characters). I also loved the beautiful imagery and explanation of feelings between Kayleigh and Carey. It was full of intrigue and romantic moments. I wanted to climb into the book with my husband and experience the beauty and romance of the Elderflower Grove grounds for myself. Since I love reading a good mystery, I also liked the mystery of Josie's story woven throughout the book. It was like discovering a piece of history or a new museum.
This is the only book this year to which I have given a 5-star rating!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I was drawn to the pretty cover of this book and liked the idea of an easy, summer read about beekeeping. This isn’t the kind of book I normally read, but I thought I would give it a go.
Each chapter has a fact about bees at the beginning, which I liked.
Kayleigh is in her 30s, and after a relationship breakdown and being conned out of her savings and losing her business, she’s back living with her mum. Desperate to find a job, she sees a vacancy for a beekeeper at the abandoned Elderflower Grove. A once grand house, it has been empty for years after a fire and the mysterious disappearance of the owner. Despite not being a beekeeper, Kayleigh manages to get the job. She meets a mysterious man who changes her life.
Initially, I found the book quite funny but it very quickly became grating. It felt like the book was trying too hard and there were way too many bee puns.
Some parts of the story were really predictable and I thought the romance between Kayleigh and Carey was so cheesy and cringeworthy.
I found Kayleigh and Corey very immature characters, I much preferred Gracie’s character and would have liked more from her.
It was an easy read and the story was ok, but the OTT romance was a bit much for me.
I liked the parts about the beekeeping as it reminds me of my childhood holidays.
Overall, this book wasn’t for me. The sickly romance and attempts at being a funny, quirky book ended up spoiling it.
Thanks to HQ Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy to review.
I really like the first chapter how Kayleigh was having a interview on line with bee it did make me smile. Kayleigh is not really a beekeeper but has a bee keepers bible to help her and she loves bees and she is fascinated by elderflower grove can’t believe her look she has got the job. From the minute I started to read the book I was hooked it is such easy read and a lovely book. I liked Jamie adams descriptions of the beekeeping I could really visualise it in my head. Will definitely read more of her books in the future. Gorgeous cover too!
I really enjoyed this. A lovely easy read and Kayleigh makes a great character. I liked the interview right at the beginning very funny.
It is also educational, you learn lots about bee keeping
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to read this
As a Beekeeper, I was drawn to this story and how authentic it was to beekeeping within the romance village life genre.
Kayleigh has no business or partner and is forced to return home to live with her parents. She sees an advert to be the Beekeeper at a local house that was damaged by fire and the owner, a reclusive lady disappeared.
A quick read of a 'how to...' book an the job is hers.
So does the story work? In the main, yes. Is the beekeeping authentic? Mostly although it would be harvest 500lb honey in one day and then jar it too. If you weren't a Beekeeper, would you learn something? Yes.