This books covers hard topics, such as parental abandonment, alcoholism, and agoraphobia. While I could connect with the struggles and walks of faith, it was hard to connect with the actual characters. I did not think they were very interesting. I also found their conversations a bit stagnant and forced. The pacing was also very slow. I enjoyed the overall premise of the book but it fell a bit short for me.

My favorite part of the book was the description of light rays and calling them the finger of God. I always heard them call stairways to heaven, and I enjoyed the new perspective on a familiar sighting. The intersection of nature and religion (Christianity) in 'He Should Have Told the Bees' was as breathtakingly beautiful as the lightrays from heaven.
There were over 5 spelling/grammar errors that I caught throughout the book. There were even more occurrences where closed quotations were forgotten. This often left me wondering where a character's banter ended and thoughts began.
My distaste for the book was with the interactions between the sisters and other characters. All the dialogue seemed forced and fake. It all seemed far too pre-meditated and rehearsed. Yes, I understand that this is a story that was written and rehearsed, but the dialogue was natural at times that took away from the reader's ability to feel part of the story as no human would ever respond/talk in the way portrayed in the book.

He Should Have Told the Bees is a touching novel about sisters and family secrets. Beckett Walsh has lived her entire life on the family Walsh farm and apiary trying to understand why her mother left when she was young and never returned. After the death of her father, Beck finds out he has a half-sister she will have to share the farm with. I was hooked from the first page of this book. Thanks to author Amanda Cox, Revell, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I recently finished reading this innovative, character-driven narrative that was deeply emotional. I liked getting to know beekeeper Becket Walsh, who resides and works on a farm with her father. Also introduced is Callie Peterson's characteristics as a young child and her relationships with her mother. Both females felt a void in their hearts for what they are lacking. I liked how they stumbled upon each other.

Fern was another person I enjoyed getting to know; she makes me smile. She introduced herself as someone who wasn't from Earth, which I loved. Beck, a beekeeper, surmises she is an alien. Beck is informed by Fern that she is conducting research to help save her planet. I admired this imaginative little girl and her creativity.

This story is one you need to add to your summer reading list. It’s a thought-provoking story about family, healthy relationships and how this family was brave enough to face their past fears and get healing to move into the present without all the baggage.

As the author has readers walk beside these two courageous ladies, I was inspired and affected. I admired the author's ability to draw readers into the world of bees. It was fascinating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Excellent story.
I learned a lot about beekeeping.
And about families. And hard relationships.

Why did I choose to read this book? Well, a few reasons come to mind, right off.
First, I've read and enjoyed all of Amanda Cox' books. (this one was no exception!)
Second, I've long been fascinated with bees and their hives, the way they produce honey, and so much more.
So I knew I had to read this book.
What I found wasn't necessarily exactly what I was expecting.
I did learn about bees.
But this story is about so much more than bees.
It's about learning to love, learning to trust, family.
And about other hard things in life.
This story has some twists and turns, and I never knew what to expect next.
Above all, it offers hope.
If you are looking for a good read, one that is thought provoking, and might just linger with you for many days...be sure and give this one a try!



Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I’m not crying, you’re crying. This book was so emotional for me because it was familiar. I loved that it was set in Tennessee/Georgia. As a Tennessean, it was cool being able to visualize the setting and it made me feel even more immersed in the story. I loved that faith was so prominent in this book. I can’t wait to read more from this author! Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for this ARC!

Two women unwind the secrets in their pasts as they work toward reconciling the future of the bee farm between them.

A moving story, with a well developed backstory, and complex characters. I liked how the story brought together two very different women as they unravel their shared history in this emotional read.

It was a slower start, my heart instantly went out to Beckett who is more introverted and after her father dies she doesn't go out barely at all, she is a natural with the bees and loves the farm. Callie has been through a lot, and I really admired her strong faith through it all. Fern is so cute, and I loved the sunshine that she brought to the story, her scenes always made me smile.

Overall, a moving read filled with hope, faith, and restoration. A beautifully written story with realistically compelling flawed characters. Well done!

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

Amanda Cox's "He Should Have Told the Bees" is a remarkable women's fiction novel that fearlessly explores weighty topics like grief, mental illness, substance abuse, sexual assault, anxiety, and child neglect/abandonment. Despite the gravity of these themes, the author skillfully infuses the storyline with humor, tender vulnerability, and Truth.

The story revolves around Beekeeper Beckett Walsh, who finds her world upended after her father's untimely death, leaving her to contend with a new co-owner intent on selling their cherished family apiary. Beck struggles to comprehend her father's decision and fears losing everything they built together.

Simultaneously, Callie Peterson, named in the trust of a stranger, grapples with her fledgling business and her mother's substance abuse issues, jeopardizing her financial stability. Considering the farm's sale, Callie sees it as a chance for the stability she craves.

As these two women navigate their challenges, they unravel a complex and intertwined past full of secrets, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and faith.

Cox's writing style effortlessly immerses readers in the story, handling the weighty themes with sensitivity and providing a realistic portrayal of human resilience and healing. Amid the darkness, a thread of hope weaves through, uplifting readers and exemplifying the power of forgiveness and reliance on God.

As a homesteader myself, I connected well with Beck's love for her animals and the sense of purpose this lifestyle affords. This authentic portrayal adds depth and relatability to the narrative.

This 5-star read offers a deeply satisfying experience. Amanda Cox's masterful storytelling intertwines profound themes with moments of warmth and humor. The novel leaves a lasting impact, inspiring readers with its messages of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's love.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This book was different that what I am used to. It has a historical background that I found pleasing. This is a new to me author and I found the book interesting.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

This was a beautiful contemporary story of trauma and healing. Told in the 3rd person from the viewpoints of two young women whose lives are brought together when they learn that they're to be co-tenants of a property, this story is very strongly character-driven. However, there is enough of a plot-line to keep this plot-driven story fan turning pages. I adored both Callie and Beck and the strength they exuded from their childhood traumas and how they strove to do better. Themes of neglect and abandonment were prevalent throughout the story and counseling/therapy was a central theme as well. There was a tiny bit of romance, but the story was primarily women's fiction with a strong faith thread. Though this book dealt with some heavy topics, it didn't feel quite so heavy. And there was a young mischief-maker who kept things a bit light in that regard. I've enjoyed all of Amanda Cox's stories and this one was no different. If you enjoy stories with deep emotions that celebrate the strength of the human spirit with the help of God, this is one I'd definitely recommend! Special thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This a beautifully written story of two women struggling with the backlash of trauma connected by a trust neither of them know about. The connection raises questions and stirs the waters in each of their lives.
Callie has carried the burden of an unstable, addicted mother since she was a child. She’s become an expert in pushing back the pain and becoming who she thinks she’s supposed to be. Her goal is to create stability in her life and avoid the drama.
Beck was abandoned by her mother and sheltered by a father who didn’t know how to help her other than to be everything to her, until he dies. Her security has become tied to their home and the bees they kept together. Anxiety ties her to the farm and stifles her ability to venture beyond her clearly defined borders.
They are cautious of each other, but the Father who sees what each of them needs may just bring about something unexpected.
This book tugged on my heartstrings, brought both tears and smiles, and had me reluctant to set it down. A picture of God’s perfect plan in the midst of our messiness, I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

I loved this book! He Should Have Told the Bees is a multi-layered story about the impacts of childhood trauma. Both Beck and Callie are super interesting POV characters, each dealing with present-day issues as well as the lingering effects of what happened during their pasts.

The side characters (Isaac, Luke, Fern, Annette, and Kate) were all delightful additions to the plot. The gentle love story sub-plots are sweet.

The farm seemed like a charming place, and I was very anxious to see what would happen to the bees.

Without giving anything away, the answers that Beck and Callie find out do ring true. There are no easy answers, just snippets of truth that gradually come out as various family members tell their side of the story.

Most of all I admired the psychological insights into Beck and Callie. Callie struggles to set boundaries with her mother. Beck struggles to leave the farm and interact with society. It's really wonderful to follow along on their journeys, particular their internal thoughts as their mindsets begin to shift ever so slightly.

What a touching, engaging story! Compelling characters drew me in from the beginning and held me fast to the end evoking myriad emotions. One of my favorite characters is Fern. She is delightful and her humor and curiosity lessen some of the emotional tension. I love the way the story unfolds as Beck and Callie discover their connection and deal with their own personal struggles. Detailed information about bees and beekeeping add interest and authenticity to the story. I love the analogies between the nature of bees and human nature and the resulting valuable life lessons. Sensitive issues related to mental health, some of which lead to complex family dynamics, are handled with thoughtfulness and grace. I love the hints of Callie/Luke and Beck/Isaac friends-to-more romances. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully crafted, absorbing story filled with hope. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley for my honest review.

3.5 stars. This was a really charming read for summer (or anytime) but it did deal with heavy topics and I felt they were handled delicately. Callie’s faith journey seemed very similar to my own, as well as her upbringing my an addict mother (although I had a dad too, and my mom as of yet has not wanted help). I just found a lot of relatable aspects that didn’t feel glossed over. These things are HARD. The happy ending was nice, even though life doesn’t always work out that way - sometimes that’s why I want to escape into a book. I just felt that there was quite a bit of overthinking by the characters so we were circling around the same thoughts about the farm and the anxieties repeatedly which got a bit monotonous. Also the farming parts weren’t for me but that’s personal reader taste. But overall, an enjoyable read and I’d probably pick up more from this author.

“How could the man she trusted with her todays and tomorrows have left things so unsettled and uncertain? ‘If anything ever happens to me, tell the bees,’ he’d often said. ‘They need to know or they’ll die too.’”

Cox’s story features beekeeper Beckett Walsh and is a story of heartfelt regret that her father kept a secret and did not tell the bees. The practice of ‘telling the bees’ is a tradition rooted in Celtic mythology and spread through 18th/19th-century superstition when it was believed that the beekeeper should notify their bees of major events in the beekeeper’s life, as keeping bees out of the loop would invite ill fortune.

In fact, a few days after Queen Elizabeth II died, the British tabloids published that the “Royal beekeeper has informed the Queen’s bees that the Queen has died and King Charles is their new boss in bizarre tradition dating back centuries.”

My heart broke and was stitched back together with this beautiful story. I think I lost it at the part where the hyacinths bloomed and then again when she got stung! I loved how the author used something in nature (bees) to teach a life lesson and then highlighted it with a faith message. I enjoyed the lessons about what happens when available space in the brood box for the queen to lay her eggs gets overwhelmed, the strength of the bee’s gossamer wings, the reason for a swarm, the ripple effects of trauma response, and the importance of luring an absconding queen back to her hive.

The central message of Cox’s story questions whether it’s worth it to love more than you could ever get back in return.

This story is worth ALL THE STARS!

You’ll love Katya Amadeus Cimmaron of the Vesper Galaxy - she’s now my most favourite literary character of all time! Her world had turned upside down and she was still able to help others put theirs right side up.

I closed the book with a fresh appreciation for bees. Did you know the “bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1,000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey. For us it is only a teaspoon of honey, but for the bee it is a life.”

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A deep and emotional read! I love stories about beekeepers. They always seem to be full of heartfelt and intriguing tales.

I thought He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox to be a beautiful book to read. I found it to be inspiring and love it. Five stars.

What if starting over means losing part of your past, your heritage that you had always counted on? Beckett Walsh is a beekeeper, working contentedly alongside her father, until his sudden death. Now her plans for her future, keeping the apiary on Walsh Farms going and living a solitary life are in flux because a stranger has arrived and presents a claim to the farm, also. Beckett and Callie never met each other before and have to work at discovering their connection to Beckett’s dad George. Together, they face difficult challenges of finding out about the past and about each other as they also have to decide what to do about the apiary that is part of Beckett’s security. The characters in this book were so realistic that they had me crying real tears over their dilemmas. This is a book that is emotionally rich and it totally placed itself right into my heart. It is an extremely powerful story of family secrets, alcoholism, broken relationships and the courage it takes to create a new path in life. This is a poignant story of learning to adapt, with a hidden mystery and a lot of authentic details about beekeeping. The characters tugged all of my heartstrings, especially a little girl who was a secondary character and who brought humor at the best times. The writing was sharp, eye-opening and thought-provoking. The insight provided by the author into depression, anxiety and substance abuse was profoundly moving and brilliantly woven into the central story. There is absolutely nothing that I did not like about this story, and I would rate it ten stars if possible. As it is, I plan to re-read it just for the sheer pleasure of visiting with the characters again.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Amanda Cox is a new author to me. I recently read the last book she wrote and I was hooked. Her books have rich plots and well-developed characters. When "He Should Have Told the Bees" became available for review on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read and review and I was not disappointed.

When agrophobic Beck Walsh's father dies and the will is read she realizes that she has to share the farm with another woman who she has never met. Beck's life is centered around taking care of the apiary on the farm which is about 50 hives. She meets her delightful little girl Fern who lives next door. She teaches Fern all about taking care of the bees. Her world is turned upside when she meets Callie the now co-owner of the farm. Calllie has her own set of problems taking care of a mother who is in and out of rehab which is gettting expensive. Beck is concerned that Callie will want to sell the farm for her half and Beck cannot afford it. They soon learn that there is someone from the past that they have in common.

Highly recommend this books for those who enjoy Women's Fiction. The book has a faith element in it but the book is not so preachy that someone of non-faith would not enjoy it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a digital copy of this book. All opions are my own and I was not compensated.

A compelling story that tackles some deep issues along the way.
This was a terrific read from start to finish. Readers who enjoy Christian women's fiction will want to grab this one.

The main characters' viewpoints were so different, shaded by their childhood experiences, but each one wanted a safe place to call home, and figure out what it meant to be a family. It brought to mind the verse in Psalms that says God sets the lonely in families (Psalms 68:6). Their faith comes through in spots with prayers and in conversations, growing through their challenging circumstances. I felt more for Callie and all she went through. She was so misunderstood by Beck at first, yet she holds onto hope and pursues a friendship with her and with Luke also. Such a brave person! Funny little Fern captured my heart with her quirky ways and unsatiable curiosity. The ending left a feeling of hope for all of them and a sweet beginning of something good to come. There are a few friends-to-more-possibly hints of romances, but it is not a focus.
Highly recommend! 5 stars!