The Beekeeper's Promise

Product Information

Thank you to Fiona Valpy, Lake Union Publishing, and Net Galley for providing this reader with an advanced copy of this lovely story.

The story illuminates the resilience of the human spirit during times of great adversity. It shows how, when people band together, they possess a fearsome strength. Thirty Days of Darkness” by Jenny Lund Madsen – Book Review @OrendaBooks @JennyLundMadsen #ThirtyDaysOfDarkness #BookReview @edelweiss_squad @meganeturney November 26, 2023

A Note From the Publisher

At first, I thought this book would be hard to follow because it switched frequently between the past and present with different characters and different stories. It was not hard to keep up and the book usually moved fast. There were some slow parts that were used to show that Abi, our modern character was taking time to heal while working and helping others. As Abi reflects on her abusive marriage...Eliane's story in the past is told chapter by chapter. The historical significance of the story and portrayal of the fear and dire circumstances were accurate and well presented. From the bestselling author of Sea of Memories comes the story of two remarkable women, generations apart, who must use adversity to their advantage and find the resilience deep within.” In 1938-1945 we spend time with the Martin family in a small town in occupied France, their story is retold piecemeal to Abi in 2013, a woman coming to terms with recent trauma.

Abi Howe is recovering from a physical accident and is encumbered by depression. At the persistence of a friend, she agrees to attend a week long yoga retreat in a remote village in France. Abi takes a break meandering through the community and is introduced to the Estate of Count Comte, which has been converted as a facility for Weddings and serves as a B &B hosting the wedding guests. Sara and her husband are revamping the estate in stages and need another set of hands and Abi agrees to work during "the Season". As she and Sara perform their various tasks over the summer, Abi learns the first hand account of the Estate's history during the War and those who involved in sabotaging the Nazi's. Abi begins to heal from her abusive past and her own secrets are revealed as the other story unravels. This was a heartwarming story of resilience and staying strong in the face of adversity. Abi and Eliane went through a terrible time in their lives but came out stronger and more beautiful than ever. The one most delightful part about reading this story are the very detailed descriptions. I was able to place myself right next to Eliane, with whom I fell most close to. There were times, I wanted to reach for her and just hold her and comfort her. The Novel is set in two time frames which for me didn't work well in this novel as I felt the the modern story took away from the historical one and just seemed contrived and unrealistic. How much can two women in different times have in common? How can someone from the past, nearly 100 years ago, make us realise that maybe our own little problems are really nothing in the grand scheme of things?Told in dual timelines, this book was a joy to read. The historical segments of the novel were my favourite and educated me on the role of the French Resistance during the German occupation of France in World War II. Well written and well researched, the novel was a fine combination of historical fiction and women’s fiction. Although there was a love story element, this was in no way the focus of the book. I thought I had read everything there is to read about WWII. But then I realized that there is at least one more aspect that I had not read about: living on the line of demarcation between occupied and free France. That is the location of this story and contains two alternating narratives 70 years apart. The Beekeeper’s Daughter takes us through two young women’s lives. Abi Howes is looking for the and space to get over a bad breakup, while Elaine Martin joins the Resisitance after her love is taking off to war. Fiona Valpy neemt uitgebreid de tijd om haar verhaal op te bouwen, je kennis te laten maken met de personages en om de sfeer en de omgeving te omschrijven. De eerste hoofdstukken zijn daardoor wat traag en beschrijvend en het duurt dan ook even voordat het verhaal je grijpt, maar lees zeker door, want het wordt steeds mooier. Niet alleen leer je meer over het leven van Eliane tijdens de oorlog, ook het verleden van Abi wordt langzamerhand ontrafeld.

The historical sections in Occupied France during the war were well researched and realistic, You could tell the author had spent time in France and loved it there, the passion for the country shone through. I loved how the bees were woven into the story of Eliane and they were used to move the story through the seasons and give Eliane a reason to be at certain places and experience conversations. This is an engaging tale of two unique stories one in the present and one encompassing the time preceding and including World War II during the occupation of a small French town, which intertwine to show the power of trust, unity of spirit, and love. Separated from Mathieu , Elaina makes a choice to become part of the French Resistance along with her family and many of the townspeople. She and they risked their lives to free France of their evil conquerors and return to the world they held most dear. However you will be transported to Bordeaux if you read this. The historical sections in Occupied France during the war show a deep leve of understanding and respect for France and the story of the castle and the bees transports you to a time and place you’ll never forget.Also included is the story of Eliane, who in 1938 takes care of the beehives at the same chateau. She falls in love with Mathieu, but with the war looming she joins the Resistance, which ultimately tests her relationship in ways she could not have predicted. Well written, with just enough description of the war, the landscape, the emotions, and daily life to keep a person interested, I fell in love with both Eliane and Abi. Their stories cross in unforseen ways and the ending was superb. I would definitely recommend this book! It is a journey through time and how the characters learn that they are strong and resilient...despite their trials.