He should have told the bees

He Should Have Told the Bees: A Novel By Amanda Cox / Revell

Amanda Cox is a gifted writer who shines a light on characters struggling with mental health issues. She handles these difficult subjects with empathy. I had read her first book, The Edge of Belonging and loved it so much I gave it away immediately and recommended it to others. When I read about this new release I knew I had to read it. It’s a heart-warming story that mirrors the social problems prevalent in our communities. The issues of substance abuse, insecure housing, and people suffering from crippling anxiety are driving factors in the story.

While these issues are real and heavy, the two main characters emerge through their family struggles victorious. I haven’t given the book away yet, because I’m interested in keeping it in my personal library. In addition to an engaging plot, it is written beautifully with smart, concise prose. The secondary characters offer so much to the story. I loved all the dialogue shared between one main character and her counselor. The two male characters who develop into romantic interests for our two main female characters are sincere and prove themselves to be trustworthy. The thoughts the men shared always moved the story ahead in a positive direction.

I am a beekeeper with six years of experience. I appreciated the accuracy in this novel. The apiary and farm setting added great appeal to the story.

I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.