Always been a fan of Dawn O’Porter. Listening to Honey Bee on audio gave an extra dimension to what feels like an alternative Bridget Jones saga post Covid. Definitely make a good Netflix series.

Well I enjoyed Honeybee by Dawn O'Porter it's a lovely follow on from her book Paper Aeroplanes which I had listened to in audiable just earlier this year although it has to be said it is not essential to read both this will do well as a stand alone. I simply felt I was listening to the characters growing, which is always a nice theme when an author can bring back the same characters but with more story.

Renee and Flo have grown up a little in the 3 years since they were previously together and when they meet up again by chance at a funeral neither of them expects the other one to be at they put aside their differences, decide to talk through their fall out and life goes on from there where they go on a journey of young adulthood.

It's a beautiful story of friendship and laughter along with some heartfelt and deep issues that many can and most likely will relate to on some level. Covering various topics such as alcohol addiction, grief, loss, careers, love, finances, family, affairs, friendship and of course the fact it was during late 90s into 2000 era it also covered the tragedy of 9/11 in brief detail.

I feel this book had more structure, plot, twists, and depth and just followed on beautifully from the Paper Aeroplanes.

Very well narrated, an easy listen I was captivated from the beginning and invested immediately in Renee and Flo to hear all about their lives, where things were heading for them. I smiled, I laughed, I gasped and I even had some fuzzy heart moments along with a couple of heart pangs of wishing maybe things weren't so but this is exactly how it is supposed to be. This novel was delivered in all the right ways.

Fantastic work by author Dawn O'Porter and narrators Celine Buckens & Sarah Ovens.

With thanks and gratitude to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK Audio for this ARC in return for an open honest review.

Loved this audiobook version - the actors were perfect for the characters & read the story beautifully. I loved how the book encapsulated growing up in the 90s & 00s, even having never been to Guernsey, it was so relatable for my age group. Dawn really drew you into island life & swept you up into the world of Flo & Renee through the simplest of ways & I loved that. As some who also has a hormone imbalance (thanks Mother Nature) I also loved hearing the menopause being discussed so openly as it’s still not done enough. Brilliant book & will be recommending to everyone I know - especially in audio book form! Thanks!

This is the first book I have read by Dawn O'Porter and I've heard so many good things about her writing over the last few years. This story follows our FMC's Renee and Flo. They are childhood best friends, both of which have had tough lives.

Overall I feel like this fell a little flat for me. I could relate to somethings in this book but I really found it hard to relate with the characters and connect with them. Maybe it's because I'm 30? I'm unsure.

I do like Dawn O'Porters writing and think she has a wonderful way with words and is very witty but I'm not sure this was the book for me. I would like to read some of her other books and see if I can connect more with them.

I'm afraid I must be too old for this book.. I really liked the description and persevered with it to about half way, but I found the 2 main characters really annoying and immature. I kept waiting for something to happen but it just didn't for me. I recognise that it was really well written, but I am not the target market and with so many other amazing books calling to me I'm afraid I gave up on this one. I am sure it will do really well as Dawn O'Porter is a great writer, just not for me on this occasion.

I have read most of Dawn O’Porter’s books and usually quite enjoy them. I was intrigued by the title and colourful cover and was delighted to receive a copy of both the ebook and audiobook. I alternated between both but preferred the audiobook as it gave the story some life. The narration is good and I like that they have two narrators.

The story follows Renèe and Flo, characters from her YA novel, Paper Planes. I haven’t read this but I’m not sure it matters too much. After not speaking for a few years, both of them return to Guernsey and miraculously become the best of friends again. Now in their early 20s, Renèe not only moves in with Flo but also gets a job at the same company Flo works at, despite being pretty incompetent to begin with.

I only made it halfway through the book before giving up on it. Part of me wanted to keep reading in case it got any better but I decided there are too many other books I could be reading. Nothing much really happens, I found both main characters annoying, unrelatable, totally vapid, and immature. Neither of them seem to have many life skills and act like a pair of irresponsible teenagers, instead of the 20 something, supposedly professional women they’re meant to be. Renèe’s obsession with her boss was like something a teenager would do, and the frequent references to her “soaking vagina” 🤢 were more crude than funny.

I think I’m too old for this book and not the target audience. It tries hard to be a humorous story about two friends reuniting and navigating life but to me it was boring and I couldn’t connect with the story or characters.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK, Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copies.

It was lovely to be back on Guernsey with Renee and Flo again. Watching them slip back into their friendship, rocky as parts of it may be, was comforting and I loved the next instalment of their story. Thank you so much for this copy.

Renee and Flo were great characters, neither one fully likeable but also not terrible people, just two normal young women struggling with the transition into adulthood! It’s funny, sarcastic and emotional, definitely worth a read.

This is a continuation of the paper aeroplane series but I read it as a stand alone which completely worked, we were told about an relevant things that happened in the past and nothing was too focused on it. I do think that reading them could possibly add to your emotional investment in the characters as you’d get those back stories in much more detail but don’t let not having read them put you off picking this one up!

Honeybee - Dawn O’Porter REVIEW 📖

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an Audible version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time reading Dawn O'Porter's work, and I must say, I was quickly drawn to her writing style. Her wit, humor, and frankness feel like a breath of fresh air, making even the messiest parts of this story enjoyable. Honeybee is a raw and intimate tale about two estranged friends who find themselves back in each other’s lives, navigating the complexities of adulthood and life in their hometown.

The characters were relatable—charming but flawed—and I enjoyed getting to know both of the protagonists as they dipped their toes into adulthood and found the waters deeper than expected. While there wasn’t a major twist, and some parts of the story might feel predictable, that predictability made the book feel comforting. Sometimes, that’s exactly what we need—a story that’s engaging without the need to shock us.

Dawn O'Porter doesn’t shy away from tough topics. She covers a full spectrum of issues: pregnancy, substance abuse, menopause, adultery, aging, sex, and relationships. It’s thought-provoking and messy in the best way.

For me, the story really picked up in the second half, and I appreciated how it evolved, even though it was more about the characters' journey than plot-driven twists. Overall, Honeybee was an enjoyable read that combined humor, heart, and a good dose of reality.

Renee and Flo, characters returning from earlier novels, find that adulthood at 22 isn’t everything they hoped it would be. Each grappling with personal challenges and the weight of dysfunctional families, they journey back to their homeland of Guernsey in search of stability and a fresh start. As childhood friends, they quickly reignite their connection and decide to share a home.

Through their experiences, we explore the ups and downs of early womanhood at the turn of the century, filled with humor and heartfelt moments, all tinged with a hint of sadness. The characters are richly developed, with notable mentions like 'Mrs. Mangle' (Lillian) and Renee's Aunty Jo, who happens to be a beekeeper, adding charm and depth to the story.

The book is laced with clever analogies—mirrored in its title—symbolizing the quest for the right 'hive' and the supportive 'wingwoman' highlighted on the cover. Both women help guide their younger selves, emphasizing the importance of friendship and empowerment.

Celebrating womanhood in all its complexity, the story addresses significant themes such as menopause, alcoholism, and the impact of 9/11, all grounded in real-life settings (including the ferry from Weymouth to the Channel Islands, which I can personally vouch for!). It reads like an intimate diary, making it relatable and poignant. Now that I’ve been introduced to Renee and Flo, I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read / listen to this book in return for an honest review.
I was looking forward to reading this when I saw it was written by Dawn O’Porter. I have always loved the TV programs she’s been involved in.
We get to know old best friends Flo and Renee as they head back to Guernsey where they grew up. The book has highs and lows and lots of laugh out loud moments. It covers some quite sensitive topics such as alcohol, grief and menopause. Dawn covers these really well and tactfully. We see how the girls lives entwine and go through the ups and downs with them.
I’ll definitely look out for more of her books.

There are audiobooks that I put on for an hour or so a day and listen to gradually. Then there are some that once I start, I'm consumed and I can binge the whole thing in one sitting. This book was a massive binge for me.

At the start of the story, I thought I was in for a coming of age story that was going to be light hearted and some gentle entertainment. What I ended up getting was a story that was hugely relatable, with some heavy going topics but they were covered with in such a sensitive and at times comedic way, that I never felt uncomfortable.

Renee and Flo were two young women that were delightful to read about and I think every woman could read them and see elements of themselves. I have certainly had my own Renee/Flo in my life that has been my ride or die through those confusing and thrilling twenties. I started off feeling slightly aggravated by Flo, but as her story arc developed, my empathy grew and I understood her.

This was such a great story about women in their early twenties; the friendships, loves, decisions and turmoil. It was such a reminder to me of being that age and thinking that I knew myself so well, when I really and truly didn't. Great plot, great characters, great narration in the audio book. I had a fabulous time.

I am unable to finish the book as it says page not found.

The first 21% was very relatable and enjoyable.
The Narrators voice make the characters more intriguing.

My star rating is based on what I got to listen to

Even though this book covers quite a few difficult topics (alcoholism, grief, menopause, family feuds, to name a few) it is laugh out loud funny! The main characters are really likeable ~ I loved the girls’ friendship and the way they stuck by each other no matter what! I also adored Renée’s friendship with their elderly neighbour Lilian (when she farted in public 😆) The book is mostly set in Guernsey, which is now on my list of places I’d like to visit!
This is the first Dawn O’Porter book I have read and it definitely won’t be my last! In fact I have just discovered that ‘Honey Bee’ is actually the third Renée and Flo book - so I have just ordered the previous two (Paper Aeroplanes and Goose)
A solid four stars from me! 🐝🐝🐝🐝

Thank you to @harpercollinsuk for providing a digital ARC of this book in return for an honest review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Childhood best friends Flo and Renee find themselves back on Guernsey, the island they grew up on. After being seperated for a while, they soon fall back into best friend ways and end up loving and working together at a local marketing office. Together, they navigate all the fun that comes along with early-twenties life.

This was a cheery little listen, despite covering some pretty serious subjects, and I think most people will either know a Flo or Renee!

Renee and Flo is a heartwarming story about two best friends who reunite on a beautiful island. As they navigate adulthood, they face challenges like work relationships and personal struggles. This book celebrates female friendship and reminds us that experiences are more important than achievements. It's a relatable and enjoyable read.

Had to download twice as first had errors in the ending transcript. I’ve read all of Dawn OPorters books so far and enjoyed them all, this is no exception. As always great and enticing cover art. A believable and ace set of characters and a fun and engaging plot. Loved it as much as dawns previous novels. Five starts!

I listened to the audio version of this book and what a lovely story it is.
It tells the story of two best friends, Reene and Flo that having lost touch, go back to their native island of guernsey for a funeral.
They end up getting a job in the same office and sharing a flat and through different events realise what they want from life.
The narrators are amazing, with lovely voices that make the story come alive and clearly distinguish which character is talking.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for letting me review this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I really enjoyed it. I liked the narrators, they kept me interested and gripped.
I've read reviews stating that it may be for the younger audience, at 42, I enjoyed it, and was able to reminisce about when I partied a lot!
It covered a lot of different issues, alcoholism, affairs, bereavement, not being comfortable in one owns skin.
All in all, I think it was done well and I'm happy I read it. I liked all of the characters. I wish I'd got to see a bit more of Lilian, as she was a hoot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“For best friends Renée and Flo, adulthood isn’t the party they expected.
Renée’s dreams of being a writer are going nowhere. Flo’s hiding a secret shame. They’re both failing in work and love.

Why did nobody warn them? Why does adulthood feel less like freedom, and more like a trap?

Careening from one disaster to the next, and learning to spread their… wings, Renée and Flo must uncover the secret to living their best lives.

But maybe we never stop growing up. And maybe they’ll survive the course – if only they stick together.”

Many thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for the audio version of Dawn O’Porterks Honeybee narrated by Céline Buckner and Sarah Ovens in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge fan of this author - I love her writing which is a bit risqué yet also funny and sad. The characters develop well and I felt a real connection with their feelings throughout this story. A really enjoyable book I would recommend!

I have reviewed on Goodreads, unable to review on Amazon. I absolutely loved this - thank you!