He Should Have Told the Bees: One of my favorite stories of 2023...So Far

After reading author Amanda Cox's stellar debut novel The Edge of Reason last summer, I was ecstatic and excited to have the opportunity to read and review her latest book, He Should Have Told the Bees.

The beautiful cover combined with the unique title instantly pulled me in and did not disappoint.

Beckett "Beck" Walsh's world is shattered with with the untimely passing of her father beekeeper, George Walsh, and owner of Walsh Farms. Through the reading of his will, she discovers her father made her a co-owner with Callie Peterson. Who is this person? How is she connected to her father?  With this news, her solace and safety net of Walsh Farms changes. 

Callie Peterson has no idea who George Walsh is or why she was named in his will. She dreams of opening a storefront for her soap, candle and bath business. She initially sees being co-owner of Walsh Farms as the answer to all her financial problems until she meets Beckett. 

For Beckett, living and working on the farm is an oasis and as natural as breathing. When it comes to chores and bee keeping she is skilled and competent. However, there might be more reasons than meet the eye for why this is. 

Having an acholic mother has taught Callie Peterson not to dependent on others. As an adult she has tried to maintain a boundary with her mother. Callie soon realizes her mother holds the key to unlocking part of the mystery of her connection to George Walsh. Will she discover what this is before it's too late?  

Together Beckett and Callie find themselves uncovering the maze of family secrets. I think the author dealt with this in a realistic way. It's not easy having the only live you've ever know be ripped out from you and adding the extra layer of uncertainty and mystery made He Should Have Told the Bees one of the most compelling reads of 2023...so far. 

I'd classify this author's books as women's fiction and the way Ms. Cox writes...she hooks you with complex believable characters, a compelling plot and raw emotion. Every books I've read by this author I've cried. If you're ok with breaking out the Kleenex when you read this book you need to add it to your TBR pile. 

Slight spoiler alert!! Stop reading if you don't like to know spoilers before reading: 

I liked that  Ms. Cox hints at romances for both Beckett and Callie proving that even broken people can find love. Found myself rooting equally for both romances. I realize the main story is between Beck and Callie, but I would have liked a little more romance.

If you love beautifully crafted stories of courage, compassion, and connection then He Should Have Told the Bees is not to be missed. 

~~He Should Have Told the Bees was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~