Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I really enjoyed this book as I am a gardener at heart and a nature lover who admires the bees. I’m glad that such book exists!

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees is a science based, layman accessible, entertainingly educational primer about our favourite pollinators, bees (and not just honeybees). Due out 19th June 2020 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a wonderfully accessible book with a primer of bees including places to find them, how to spot them, what their habits are, and what they look like. The descriptions include the proper nomenclature side by side with the common names and all include crystal clear colour photos of each subject. There are chapters full of advice for attracting and supporting both native and non-native pollinators including what *not* to do in one's garden. There's an herbal list with flowing plants which are food rich and attractive to bees and a seasonal guide to the gardener's year with respect to maintaining rich and diverse plant and insect populations.

The book includes a generous assortment of links for further reading and a cross referenced index. The photography is nothing short of breathtaking. There are numerous crystal clear macro shots in which one could (if so inclined) count every hair on the fuzzy bee bodies.The chapters also include lists of tips and advice, arranged bullet style, for supporting and providing nesting and living habitat for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.

This is a lovely and inviting book, well written, scientifically accurate and engaging. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Was I well informed about bees? Yes. Did I find myself with wild and knew factoids about bees? Absolutely. Am I now more passionate about bees? Yah, you betcha.

Being a keen gardener I'm interested in everything that is related to the gardens and this book was a great source of information about bees.
I learned a lot and I loved the style of writing and how well researched this book is.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees by author Jean Vernon is a wonderfully informative instructional guide for all you want to know about bees for your your garden. I had no idea there were so many species of bees and other insects which can mimic bees. The importance of bees for our gardens is imperative for pollination. The book is written in the UK, but knowledge concerning the protection and promotion of bees for gardening is universal.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I’ve always loved bees of all kinds, and this is a great introduction to the many different species that are found in gardens in the UK. I enjoyed the lively, informal tone, which nonetheless conveyed plenty of information. Each species that might be in a garden is described, usually with a photograph, and practical tips on how to help them shared. Plants that are bee friendly are suggested. The author also includes a handy seasonal guide, with what bees are likely to be present, and what action to take at that time to encourage more bees. Further reading is suggested towards the end of the book, very useful if you’re wanting more information!

It’s lovely to see even a non-scientific (as the author herself defines it) book with proper references and an extensive index. This is so helpful when you want to look up specific information at a later date.

In conclusion, The Secret Life of Garden Bees is a fun and informative guide to the bees you might find in your garden, populated with beautiful photographs to help with identification. If you want to encourage more bees into your garden, and learn about them, I’d definitely recommend this book.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees is a must-read for bee lovers and gardeners everywhere. While it focuses on bees in the UK, the facts and information on protecting bees will be helpful for everyone. The photography is fantastic and adds greatly to the well-written and informative text.