When Larkin Maybie buries her mother in the foothills of Appalachia, she is left all alone. Her only inheritance? A crazy aunt, a mountain of debt, and a run-down, secluded cabin left by a mysterious benefactor. While Larkin thinks an escape to a cabin miles from anything familiar might be exactly what she needs, the quick answer to her problems only leaves her with more questions… Questions … concerning her true identity.
As Larkin searches for her link to the Lewandowski Estate, she begins to accept the kindness of strangers on Presque Isle and the affection of professional baseball player, Ketch Devine. Charged with caring for the cabin’s honey bees and haunted by past choices, Larkin struggles to move forward in a new direction and is running out of time. With summer and baseball season coming to an end, she must decide: what is the value of true love and an authentic life?
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This book wasn’t something I might normally read, but it sucked me in after the first chapter and I read the whole thing in a day.
The characters… sometimes you just want to reach in and shake them, but that makes it even more pleasurable when you can see them grow. I would have preferred to see more of how she grew instead of just the end result in the last chapter or so. And it would have been nice to see a flaw or two in the hero. I’d love to also know what happened to a few of the other characters. I don’t normally like books written in first person, but this one wasn’t nearly as bad as some others. There were a few awkward spots, and it deals with some pretty deep issues, but overall, I enjoyed it.
I wasn’t sure if I would like a book that focuses on a baseball player as the main hero. I’m not a sports fan, at all. And there were times I didn’t really like the heroine. She did grow on me as the story progressed. However, the author’s unique way of telling the story piqued my interest and kept me reading to the end. I’m glad it did. The story introduced me to a cast of characters dealing with all the disappointments, pains, questions, and struggles of life and still finding hope and happiness.
It is always an honor to read the debut novel from a new author. The Birds and the Bees by author Neena Gaynor, released in July 2020, is well written, with characters so personable a reader could imagine herself sitting down for a chat. Although. The Birds and the Bees is the authors first novel, it is by no means Neena Gaynor’s foray into writing; readers can sign up for her blog at http://www.wordslikehoney.com
Larkin Maybie has just buried her mama in small town Appalachia; shortly, thereafter she learns her mother has left her with a mountain of debt that must be paid off, leaving her with no place to call home and little funds to begin again. When she receives news of an inheritance from a mysterious benefactor, an inheritance that will more than get her back on her feet, she leaves her small hometown for a small cabin miles away. There is an unexpected caveat to receiving the inheritance though; Larkin must stay in the cabin for a prescribed time before it becomes hers.
Hoping to leave behind the shame and guilt of her past behind; the arrival of pro ball player Ketch Devine. Ever cheerful and positive, Larkin is puzzled over their developing relationship; in her experience, guys, especially handsome ones like Ketch, are interested in one thing, a fast moving relationship that ends even faster. For Larkin, she has no intent of entering any relationship; she’s here to earn her inheritance, which includes a large beekeeping hives, sell it all off, while learning who she is and where she wants to go.
Before she can move forward, Larkin will need to reconcile her painful past with her brighter future, one that might include a certain handsome pro ball player named Ketch, who is rapidly becoming important.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours, and am under no obligation to write a positive review.
Let’s start with this: Ketch Devine is magnificent and I want one.
The Bird and the Bees is a fascinating and raw read about one woman’s journey to discover herself, her history, and her way to Jesus. I was intrigued by the way it all eventually played out as Larkin is faced with several questions and mysteries throughout her stay in Erie.
Speaking of Erie, the author did an excellent job of making the lake setting come alive. I could feel the sand between my toes, hear the water lapping against the shore through the cabin windows. And as a woman from eastern Kentucky, I could certainly understand where some of Larkin’s cynicism originated concerning her home, but I was so grateful for the conclusion she eventually came to.
Overall, this is a deeper book that handles some heavier topics with a frank honesty all while pointing to Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.
The Bird and the Bees by Neena Gaynor is an original and authentic story about Larkin Maybie who is looking to fill in the blanks of her life, the most important being where she came from and where she is going. I enjoyed the often strange and mysterious trip to Eerie, Indiana, with Larkin and traveling down the road of discovery with her as she sought answers to her questions.
The characters in this story are so incredibly genuine you might think you know them in real life. I loved the tight-knit community of Eerie, the cast of characters it held, and the escape it afforded both Larkin and the reader–even if her leaky cabin was lacking in comfort.
Larkin is a complicated soul, a woman who hasn’t been treated well by loved ones or by life. I thoroughly enjoyed her journey in this story, even if her life was a bit like a train wreck at times. I could hardly wait to see what was in store for her next if she would be willing to forsake the past and grip the opportunity of the future.
And I can’t help but mention Ketch. He is a true knight, a warrior for God. I loved his easy-going spirit, his commitment to his Savior, and his willingness to always do the right thing–even if it hurt.
Although this is not a flowery novel full of typical beauty and sigh-worthy moments, it is a beautiful story of one woman’s life–raw, real, and lacking. Wondering how Larkin would choose to fill those voids in her life is what kept me turning page after page until the very end. I would highly recommend this novel to Contemporary Christian Fiction fans.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In many ways Larkin Maybie was a lost soul. She certainly had made more than her share of bad decisions in her short life. When her mother’s death leaves her finances pretty much depleted and one more poor choice causes regrets, Larkin jumps on road to claim the mysterious inheritance she has just learned about. When she arrives at Presque Isle, she is surprised to learn exactly what she has inherited and the conditions required to claim it. With very little money and no transportation, Larkin is forced to accept help from members of the community including a very determined baseball player, Ketch Devine.
I have to say that for awhile I was unsure if I was reading Christian fiction. Larkin’s lifestyle definitely did not meet the criteria. But with every page I turned, her story clearly illustrated the path the Lord was guiding her down through her brokenness and with the help of divine appointments along the way. I definitely don’t think Ketch’s last name was an accident. I loved how he helped Larkin to see herself through not only his eyes but the Lord’s also.
The story was beautifully rendered with vivid imagery and a tender touch. The ending was quite satisfying and worth every trial and temptation that Larkin experienced.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This story had a gentle pacing to it that made me feel the solitude of the cabin that Larkin inherited. It was a story of secrets and guilt and regrets, but also of hope, love, and a finding a relationship with God.
Larkin was full of regret over the bad choices that she made both recently and in the past. I liked seeing the potential for her to get a fresh start with a truly nice guy in Erie. However, the burdens she carried made it hard for her to accept that Ketch would want her if he knew the truth.
And speaking of truth, there were secrets and many questions regarding the past that arose as Larkin began to wonder why she inherited the run down cabin.
I was surprised with how quickly Ketch realized that he was in love with Larkin, however, that does happen sometimes. I had to remind myself of that. But I did really like the dynamic of these two and hoped that Larkin could start making good decisions instead of bad ones!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Sometimes we have to get stuck somewhere before we can figure out where we need to go.”
One of my favorite things about books is finding an unexpected gem, and The Bird and the Bees by Neena Gaynor is just that.
Larkin Maybie has many regrets. Her life has been hard. She’s made (and sometimes continues to make) poor choices and she’s floundering with her future. As I spent time with Larkin and more of her past is revealed, my heart hurt for her. She’s broken and she knows it but she doesn’t know how to fix it.
Enter Ketch Devine whose patience, consistency, and gentleness speak to Larkin’s heart like no one else has. At the same time, she knows this is a man who is too good for her. But through Ketch, Larkin learns the true meaning and blessing of unconditional love.
This gentle story has moments of humor, more of heartache, and a message that is filled with glorious hope. I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for more books from this author.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Oh, my heart. What is it about this gentle book that made it ache so? Had to be Ketch Devine.
I didn’t know what to expect from this first-time author, but what I discovered was a unique voice, a slew of wonderful similes, and a redemptive, empowering story with the unfailing, unconditional love of God at its heart.
Part women’s fiction, part romance, with a little mystery and a heavy does of Truth, The Bird and the Bees follows broke (financial and otherwise) nurse Larkin Maybie from the hills of Appalachian Kentucky to Presque Isle, on the Pennsylvania shores of Lake Erie. (A place not so far from my native Pittsburgh, recognizable from childhood memories.)
Enter too-good-to-be-true (or at least too-good-for-Larkin) minor leaguer Ketch Devine, whose easygoing, steady, no-strings-attached friendship, slowly wears down the walls Larkin has built around her damaged, guilt-ridden heart.
If you’re looking for a selfless romantic hero, you’ll find it, but The Bird and the Bees runs deeper, with layers to uncover about what it means to live and to what or whom we anchor our lives.