– Fun Quirky Characters And Story –
- Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
- Publisher: William Morrow (May 28, 2019)
- Excerpt
- Genre: Fiction/Contemporary Women
- Pages: 432
My Thoughts:
First, I have to admit that I listened to this book. Sometimes the narrator can really make a difference in how much I enjoy a story. And Shannon McManus did a great job of bringing this book to life.
Holly Jensen is a teacher, beekeeper, and a caretaker for her demanding hypochondriac mother. A woman she lovingly refers to as the Queen Bee. “Mom” is certainly a diva, but a diva who grows tremendously throughout this story.
The family is situated on Sullivan’s Island, S.C. Holly is over thirty and feeling the nudging to find the right man. Holly never got along all that great with her sister, Leslie, because she was always Mom’s favorite child. But what’s happening? Leslie is headed back to Mom’s house since she is having some unique problems with her marriage. (I’ll let you read about that.) Then, of course, Holly’s next-door neighbor has two adorable little boys (remember Holly is a teacher who loves kids) and he is recovering from his wife’s death.
This covers much of the setting of this fun story. Oh, and Holly, remember she is a beekeeper, likes to converse with her bees while she is caring for them. This may seem inconsequential, but trust me, it isn’t. The fact that she talks to her bees is important.
I hate to give too much information since it will tend to ruin the element of surprise. And, let’s face it, what’s the point of reading if you already know the whole story?
They are such a diverse cast of characters that at times I laughed and at others, I could only shake my head. It is a relaxing, enjoyable, story where the characters are flawed but there are changes and growth.
What Concerned Me:
If you’re looking for anything other than a light-hearted, sometimes over-the-top story then you probably won’t care too much for this book. You definitely will have to roll with the story and the bees and not over-analyze it. Or . . . well, don’t analyze it at all.
What I Liked Most:
The audio of this book is highly recommended. And the quirky characters and fun story even offered a little twist or two. Just don’t expect anything more than a light, entertaining book.
About The Author:
Frank is the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She enjoys gardening, fly fishing, reading, traveling, and is an avid cook.
