In this work of contemporary women’s fiction, two women are surprisingly thrust together and are forced to navigate through revealed secrets of family history. It took me a minute to get into this story, but by the end I was left in the wake of its emotional depth: the tender portrayal of grief and loss, the difficult (but necessary) work of counseling, the beauty of people stepping into your life + taking care of you + loving you back to life. It was all done with authenticity and grace. I also appreciated the strong Faith themes represented, a work of true Christian Fiction.
I imagine all the detailed beekeeping described required immense researching, which is impressive!!

I recommend this book, but read with prepared to encounter themes of death, neglect, childhood trauma, and alcohol abuse.

He Should Have Told The Bees
Amanda Cox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beckett Walsh has lived her entire life on a farm in rural Tennessee alongside her beekeeping father. Abandoned by her mother when she was a small child, Beck feels most comfortable among the hives and fields of her home. When her father dies unexpectedly, leaving half of the farm to a stranger, she struggles to figure out why he would put her in a situation where she could lose everything they had built together.

Callie Peterson is stunned at the fact she's been named in the trust of a man she's never heard of in her life. Although selling the farm would help her get her business going and pay for her mother's latest attempt at rehab, she's not sure she has the right to someone else's legacy.

This novel highlighted how the actions of one person can inflict brokenness on others. We see the struggles of two young women bound by a mother unable to provide the stability and sense of belonging they both crave.

It was difficult at times to navigate through their negative circumstances as the reader. However, as the relationship of these newfound sisters deepened, the mood of the book began to shift. Ultimately, this story illustrated that only the power of the cross can break the cycle of dysfunction. In God’s mercy, the actions of The One provides the healing of hope through His holiness.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh never questioned who her father would leave their farm and apiary to. The two had worked side by side for years. His unexpected death revealed an enormous shock. He had put the property into a trust in her naming her and Callie Peterson. Beck has no idea who this person is, nor does she understand why her father would do such a thing. Callie Peterson is just as shocked as Beck. She has never heard of Beck's father. Should Callie decide she wants to sell, Beck has few options. Faced with losing the only home she has ever known, Beck's anxiety rises. Callie, too, faces a dilemma. How can she destroy Beck's life? She has finally forged a stable life for herself after living with a woman who was anything but stable. However, her problematic mother comes back into her life asking for help with her long-term substance abuse problems. Callie discovers she has been named as the person to be financially responsible. The sale of the farm would be the answer to her financial problems. Is there any equitable solution?

The author has crafted a unique story. The novel's premise is unusual and compelling. Told from the point of view of both protagonists, readers become immersed in their lives. Understandably, there is awkwardness between them, but their questions are the same. Are they somehow connected and why? As the narrative progresses secrets are revealed. The past is of the utmost importance and the women's stories are interwoven.

The secondary characters add much to the story. The one who steals the show is a young girl who calls herself Katya Amadeus Cimmaron from the Vesper Galaxy. For more information, I suggest reading the book. What I found fascinating is how the author vividly details the life of bees.

The author is tremendously gifted storyteller who brings to readers an emotionally stirring story populated with complex characters facing an uncertain future. In my opinion, this is a treasure of a book. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An amazing story of how two women's pasts intersect. I love how they come together to make their own stronger future. What people need to realize is everyone is doing the best they can. Somehow though adults need to do better for their children.

Amanda Cox is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. He Should Have Told the Bees is a beautifully written story of grief, healing, forgiveness, and growth, but somehow, it does not feel so heavy that it weighs you down.

Both Callie and Beckett’s stories are full of depth and growth for each character. After Beckett’s dad passes, they are unexpectedly thrown together and both are trying to figure out why. I loved how their relationship built as the story progressed. I also enjoyed the budding romances in this story. Luke was such a great support for Callie. Isaac, and his niece Fern, otherwise known as “Katya Amadeus Cimmaron From the planet Zirthwyth of the Vesper Galaxy” really brought Beckett out of her shell. Speaking of Fern, she is the bright light in this story! I loved her!

This story and its characters is one that will stick with me for a long time as has every story I’ve read by Amanda Cox!

I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4.5 stars.

This is a cute story built on some deep subject matter. The two main characters experience different types of childhood trauma. As adults, another tragedy brings them together. Throughout the story, people enter their lives and help heal their wounds. One of these characters adds a fun dynamic to story. Overall, the deep subject matter is handled well. It’s not so gut wrenching that the story is hard to read, probably because they are adults when you really get into the story. (It would probably be different if you were living their childhoods’ along with them.)

I received this book through the Revell Reads program. All thoughts are my own. I am not required to leave a positive review.

#BookReview: HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES by Amanda Cox

This is my first book by this author, and I'm sure it won't be my last. I love her writing style, which draws you into the story. Fern was a delightful character, and I was fascinated by Beckett's life as a beekeeper. The author clearly did her research, as I learned a lot about bees and beekeeping from the book.

This slow burn story was compelling and mysterious, and I was eager to see how Beckett and Callie's lives would intersect. I appreciated the supportive male characters in the book. I enjoyed getting to know their inner thoughts and feelings through their own perspectives. I felt that the book would have been even better if it had incorporated more Christian themes. Overall, this is a well-written and enjoyable read.

Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary

Thank you Revell books for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amanda Cox always brings a new type of story to her novels and He Should Have Told the Bees is her best yet. The novel deals with a few hard topics not usually found in Christian fiction, but it makes the story deeper and the faithfulness of God.

The quote from the book sums up the book best, "It's possible for treasured things to come out of brokenness. Even if it doesn't happen the way any of would have wanted. Even if it comes through loss." Beckett Walsh suffers from extreme anxiety and hates to leave her home and it makes her unsure how to go forward after her father's death. He and her run a homestead farm with bees being their main business. Her life turns more unstable when his will leaves half of the farm to an unknown woman, Callie Peterson. Callie and Beckett need to solve their connection, which leads to how to help their shared addicted mother in rehab.

He should Have Told the Bees isn't a fast paced novel, but the sweet story of new family, light romance and faith makes it a must read.

I received a complimentary copy thanks to Revell and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

He Should Have Told The Bees is a heart-wrenching story about two women and how their past impacted them differently. Callie and Beckett’s perspectives were wonderfully written, and Issac and Fern added a fun element to the story. I loved that both women learned to care for and respect each other despite their childhood trauma. The farm aspect was fun, and learning about the life of bees was interesting. The parallels and symbolism between the lives of the bees and both of the women were done very well. I also loved that working on the farm was therapeutic for Beckett. The mystery aspect was excellent, too. It kept my interest, and I felt like it helped the story keep moving fast. This book will leave a lasting effect on you with a beautiful story about growth, healing, and forgiveness.

Thank you to NetGallery and to Revell for giving me a copy of the book.

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox is a fantastic, wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late to finish. I highly recommend this book! Unputdownable read at its best!

4.5 stars

“It seemed the fate of Walsh Farm was now in the determined hands of a sassy sock alien.”

Callie Peterson and Beckett Walsh at first glance seem to be women from vastly different life experiences. One raised by a father who loved her deeply, changing his whole life to offer her stability. The other moved from place to place by an alcoholic mother who left her daughter to fend for herself more often than not, stability a distant dream. One grieving the sudden loss of her father. The other struggling to pay for her mother’s latest stint in rehab. And yet… as Amanda Cox deftly weaves their paths together and unpacks their individual layers, readers begin to see that these two hurting young women aren’t quite so different after all. I loved Callie and Beckett and saw a little of myself in both, a testament to the author’s talent since I don’t have many shared experiences with either of them.

He Should Have Told The Bees reveals its secrets in a bit of a slow-build yet it reads fairly quickly – in large part due to Cox’s warm storytelling style and the engaging characters she’s created. I was captivated from the very first paragraph, and I couldn’t put it down until I was done. In fact, while I was very satisfied with the ending, I could easily have been content spending hours longer with these characters and what may be next for them. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention precocious Fern who basically stole every scene in which she appeared. Her sassy, imaginative self – a heartfelt mix of little girl and ‘wiser than her years’ – absolutely delighted me and was responsible for most of my big grins while reading this book. Especially the scene where she and Beck meet Callie and Luke. Oh my goodness, I laughed out loud! For that matter, I loved all the supporting characters, even the complex Lindy, and of course the subtle romance threads for our intrepid heroines (Luke! Isaac!) made my heart happy.

“It’s possible for treasured things to come out of the brokenness. Even if it doesn’t happen the way any of us would have wanted. Even if it comes through loss.”

The author’s experience as a professional counselor (as mentioned in her bio) not only makes the characters come vibrantly to life on these pages, it also makes the emotional subplots hum with authenticity and certain scenes (like with a therapist or the rehab facility) feel more heartfelt. To be sure, the story deals with some weighty issues such as substance abuse, child neglect and abandonment, trauma, assault, panic attacks, divorce, and loss. But Cox doesn’t ever let it get too heavy, supplementing the narrative with humor and love and growth. Lots of growth. The faith thread is neither preachy nor trite; rather, it supports the characters – and readers – like a gentle embrace that whispers truth straight to the heart.

Bottom Line: He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox is a beautiful portrait of love, loss, trauma, grief, growth, and healing. Multi-dimensional characters share space with profound truth as well as wit and warmth, and the faith message is tenderly presented. I found the beekeeping scenes to be fascinating – one of the most poignant scenes with Beckett reminded me of the stories my dad told about raising bees as a tween/teen. The day to day life on the farm, as well as the moments when Fern, Isaac or Luke interacted with Beck and Callie, provided uplifting breaks from some of the weightier themes, and the balance Cox achieves here is just right. An absolute must-read!

Reviewer’s Note: Readers of this blog may want to be aware that some of the themes in the novel, while handled with lots of discretion and grace, may still be triggering for some readers.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is the third book that I have read by Amanda Cox. While it may be my least favorite of the three, that by no means means that it is not a worthy read. I give He Should Have Told the Bees four stars. It is a well-written family drama with a very original plot. As usual, this author's skill with character development shines through. I was definitely satisfied that the time spent reading this book was time well spent. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Amanda Cox is quickly becoming a favorite author. Her deep connection with her characters, her faith, and impeccable research are evident in her beautiful writing. He Should Have Told the Bees is a heartfelt story of found family, addiction, mental illness, traumatic experiences, secrets, faith, and a fascinating introduction to bees.

Beckett Walsh is still adjusting after her father’s untimely death. She’s doing her best to care for the aPeary and bees left without their beekeeper. When a little girl wanders on to her farm, she finds a kindred spirit in Fern who feels abandoned by her family. Meeting Fern’s uncle and opening her heart up to them is a new step for the anxious Beck. When her father’s will is read, she’s shocked to learn that he gave part ownership of the apiary to a stranger. Who is this woman and why would her father do this?

Callie Peterson just started a new business and is struggling to care for the mother whose addictions caused constant upheaval in their lives. When she learns she’s been named in a trust as co-owner of an apiary, she looks at it as an answer to her financial difficulties. But, why was she named in the trust of a man she never knew and how can she sell the apiary that means so much to a young woman she’s never met before now?

I loved this story! The way the author weaves this poignant tale around the habits of bees was profound and touching. I enjoyed how Callie and Beck grew to care for each other as they discover long held secrets. Both of their parents made decisions that forever impacted their childhood and relationships with others.

I loved Fern and Isaac too. They helped Beck see new aspects of herself she didn’t think possible and brought humor and romance to the story. I also loved Luke! He’s such a support to Callie and I loved the hint of romance blooming between them.

It’s a beautiful story that will stay with you long after reading it and will definitely tug on your heartstrings. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5.

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox was such a great book. I loved how in depth she went with the characters and even the subcharacters. Fern, aka Katya, was definite comic relief that was needed along with her Uncle. I didn’t want to like Callie but I couldn’t help myself. I love how the author weaved two amazing stories together, intertwining them in the right points while making it so believeable for the readers. Amanda isn’t afraid to go deep and that’s one of the things I love about reading her books.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was not required to write a review. All thoughts are strictly my own.

I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. It was pretty unique. It is a slower-paced story and that's fine for a relaxing read.

I enjoyed the portrayal of the two main characters, especially since they didn't come across as being perfect. There is a lot of undercurrent in the storyline. A lot of sadness and challenging topics to handle. I could relate to some of the problems presented. But, it took me some time to get used to the back and forth of the story flow between these two characters.

I also enjoyed learning some about beekeeping. That made the story more interesting. There were quite a few facts I didn't know and had me digging deeper to learn more.

What I did not enjoy was the editing. It needs more work. There were too many errors and it disrupted my concentration. I also did not like some of the repetitiveness of the story. Lastly, I did not like that there was not much about being a Christian in a Christian genre book.

Overall I give this a solid 3.5 star review. I would recommend it to a friend looking for an easy read.

I requested and received this book through the Revell Reads program. All thoughts are completely my own. I am not required to leave a positive review.

Okay, Amanda Cox has become one of my favourite authors now. I will definitely be on the lookout for books by her. This is my third one, and I have loved them all. I love the way she can switch back and forth between two or more characters, keep the story seamless, and slowly reveal how the characters are connected with each other. In this one, both points of view happened at the same time, but backstory was slowly revealed for both Callie and Beck. I really appreciated the emphasis on truth, in the story, as both women learned how important it is to believe, live, and speak truth, as they uncovered more and more lies from their past. Don’t miss this book! Unless you must have romantic endings, you will love this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I had the good fortune to read Cox's previous story (I've yet to read her debut) and was enchanted by her sensitivity and gentle touch in how she brings her characters to life. I found this again in "Bees". A story with an odd title and two young ladies, strangers to each other, before being thrown together in the most unusual of circumstances, wouldn't necessarily lend itself to being such a riveting read.

Amanda Cox is a special author. She's able to bring to the page characters fragility and strength with such sensitivity and depth that one can only root for them. Beckett Walsh and Callie Peterson are trying to get on with their lives having suffered much and in particular, recent loss. Beckett lives alone on her family's farm having recently lost her father to a sudden heart attack. She is now the beekeeper and manager of all the farming activities. She is extremely capable, having been well taught by her dad. But she has suffered much in her mother deserting them both when she was five and having never seen or spoken to her since.

Callie Pearson has started a small candles/soaps business which is attempting to expand into retail as well as online and markets presence. Her mother suddenly reappears and is once again in desperate need of rehabilitation from her long term alcoholism. This puts a stop to Callie's investment plans having been forced to fund her mom's help.

In the strangest of circumstances, Beckett and Callie lives are turned upside down and they are forced to explore familiar roots and accompanying trauma.

I loved both Beckett and Callie. They are beautifully crafted and are strong but vulnerable in how they tackle life. Cox provides a willing and supportive assemble of secondary characters that bring tremendous flavour and depth to the story. In particular, little Fern is a delight and Luke and Isaac are cleverly crafted with their own idiosyncrasies and giftings.

Cox manages the mental health struggles of all the characters so delicately and it's clear she has had experience in either suffering herself or as a result of her studies having witnessed it first hand. Beckett's struggle with agoraphobia is brilliantly written having suffered from it myself.

I can't recommend this story enough and it continues to linger in my mind.

I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley but this has had no bearing on my review.

Loved the writing in this story. It was such a feel good story filled with such loveable characters— even Callie’s mom lol!

The characters are compelling and their strengths, weaknesses, and even addiction made the story come to life for me. Part of the story is heartbreaking but the pages show that with trust, faith, and healing there is hope and a sense of being more than they ever thought they could be.

Fern was one of my favorite characters. She was mischievous but at the same time a ray of sunshine and I enjoyed seeing her growth through the story.

If you only read one story this year, I truly hope it will be this one. So many twists to the story that pull at your heartstrings but leave you feeling uplifted and inspired at the end.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review was not required. All my opinions are my own.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox is an emotional story about two young women Beckett Wals Callie Peterson, who find that they have both been given ownership of a farm after Becket’s father passed away.

This is one of those stories that can feel very difficult to read, not because of Amanda Cox’s writing but of the story itself, as the story deals with a number of mental illnesses, alcoholism and loss of a parent.

However with the delicate writing and soft touch of the writer these were both done with sympathy and care and never for shock value, which can be the case with some books which use these issues in the story.

While the storyline of why both girls were given equal ownership of the farm would probably have been able to make a story in itself, what the writer was able to do was give the story more of flesh on the bone, than would have otherwise been.

This to me is the art of being able to add moral issues or political messages (which this novel has no political issues). A good writer is able to add them to a story without distracting from the book as a whole.

Due to the nature of the story it would have been very difficult for there to be no character development for the two lead characters in the book, but the way it was done really felt fulfilling.

This was because there were little improvements throughout the story and it was never one of continuous progress as each one had relapses.

All this Makes He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox a novel that brings the reader into the story and gives them a warts and all look in to the characters but treats both the characters and readers with respect.