*4 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was quite a good read and I found the characters to be interesting. There were lots of stories told and lots of secrets. The ending was interesting too. Would recommend.

This book is beautifully written, it took me a little bit to get into it, but by the end I was hooked. It was a story that has many stories intertwined, focusing on the past of Ezra, as well as the present. Set in Cornwall, in a large country home, the story focuses on Ezra and a family from London, who want to change the house and get Ezra out. With some unexpected turns in the book I recommend reading this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I loved this book and what a twist!
Set in Cornwall it follows Erza an elderly man living in his cottage on the edge of an estate quietly until the city folk rock up and turn his peaceful existence into turmoil.
If you like Lucinda Riley , Judith Lennox you will love this

A gorgeous, compassionate and surprising novel about tangled family secrets, the dark and light in people, and most of all about the deep time of landscape and nature which has the ability to heal and redeem us, if only we can let it. Secrets of the Bees is a remarkable read, both lyrical and wryly funny, cosy and genuinely moving. It evokes the scents and textures, the thorny hedgerows, fields and cottages of Cornwall so stunningly that when I finished I blinked myself awake as if I'd been in a dream. Above all what I loved was this work's nuanced, warm treatment of humans in all their strength and weakness. I raced through it in a single sitting, chuckling and occasionally wiping away tears. One of my favourite passages:

"He thought about the apple blossom and the wildflowers and how the winter light sparkled on the little stream when there were no leaves on the trees. The bats that came and went, sometimes nesting in his loft, the fox, the badgers, the rabbits and hedgehogs; and finally, the bees. In a hive they would remake, better than before, in the orchard that would at last belong to him in word as well as deed. And despite the powerful upheaval that had occurred in his world these past couple of hours, like a seismic shift of tectonic plates, he felt peace settle over him."

Without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far. A book that I will treasure and re-read.

This is a well written and engaging story which I enjoyed. The characters were beautifully drawn out - particularly Ezra - you could really share his pain and anguish as well as his empathy and understanding of the natural world and his bees. . I loved the setting and the development of the story. Would recommend - many thanks.

One of the best stories I have read in a while. Set in Cornwall a place which I a;ways find fascinating to read about with a rich history. The story of Ezra was both heart warming, sad and touching at times. I loved the description of the area of the Trengrose estate and Ezra's little cottage his home since birth. Great characters and a wonderful story which really captured my imagination. A compelling read.

Having really enjoyed Jane Johnson’s ‘The Sea Gate’ I was looking forward to reading ‘Secrets of the Bees’ and am pleased to say I was not disappointed.
The clash of cultures when a wealthy London family move to Cornwall and find they have an aged and eccentric ‘tenant’ leads to conflict and enlightenment with different members of the family. Echoes from the past in the form of memories recalled and discovered diaries give an extra dimension to the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed Secrets of the Bees and would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the chance to read and review Secrets of the Bees

I liked this engaging and mysterious novel! The setting of small town Cornwall is what really makes the story, and there is a slow burning family mystery bubbling away in the background. The multiple POVs was a bit confusing and I think the book could have been better edited by titling each chapter with who’s view the reader is now looking at,

That’s my only minor critique, perfect for fans of historical fiction and who like a bit of mystery built in.

I should first say that I lived in Cornwall until a couple of years ago (so while this book was being written), and while not a native I was there for many years, so I understand the characters in this book. Initially I thought that Toby and Minty were a bit of a caricature, while the Cornish were much more convincing. But as time went on the comers in gathered dimensions and character. I suppose as the writer is Cornish it’s a perspective that comes from experience. I enjoyed the development of the story and the characters, especially Ezra, who reminded me of a neighbour of similar age who used to leap out of hedges at me and regale me with lengthy tales of his life. It made me miss Cornwall and everything about it, it will always have a special place in my heart and this book rings true of all I know, and love, and was frustrated about regarding the issues locals had to deal with outsiders coming in and wreaking havoc. But also reminded me of why I needed to leave. There’s more to it than Cornwall though. There are layers and nuance. Though I found the ending rather too neat. But I would recommend it. It’s nothing like the numerous saccharin tales of Cornwall I can’t abide, and offers a deep understanding of the magic of the place and its people.

Thank you to NetGalley and Appolooo for my copy of The Secrets of the Bees by Jane Johnson
Set in West Cornwall the Trengrose Estate has stood still with nothing changing in 100 years until Eliza Rosevear dies and the estate is sold.
Then everything changes especially for Ezra Curnow who has lived in the estate cottage all his life.
Can he stay with the new owners taking charge or do they have bigger plans.
A lovely read that you won’t want to put down.

A house with a secret, a mysterious past and a love story is always hard to put down. This book is exactly that. Set in Cornwall this is a beautiful read. It is well written with great descriptions and attention to detail. I was drawn in from page one, Brilliant!

I loved this . Hard to review but a book you could not put down. Some great twists and a lovely ending. A London family buy a Cornish estate and you follow their journey .They think they own more than do, ace characters and the way the bees are involved in the story is great . I can’t praise this book enough . Read it

Ezra has lived in his home all his life, now Toby wants to buy the cottage to rent to tourists and will probably lie and cheat to get it.

Set in beautful Cornwall, this novel is amazing. it is a story beautifully told and i absolutely loved it.

Secrets taken to the grave and mysteries uncovered make this read intriguing and I loved how the late mistress helps Ezra do what he has to do to save his home

A lovely read .. and one to help you lose yourself for a while.