“Sweet as Honey is a warm, wonderful book filled with delightful characters, humor and tenderness. Jennifer Beckstrand writes lovely stories, sure to touch your heart.”–RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling authorSmart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their … under the care of their aunt, they’ve grown into skilled beekeepers–and lovely, sought-after young women. . .
Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn’t really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that’s why she’s all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood–unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he’s back in town after two years away–and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive–and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily’s forgiveness–and her heart. But can he convince her–not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi–that despite the past, her future lies with him?…
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand and her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series
“Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs.” —Publishers Weekly
“Readers will treasure this series and put the first outing on their keeper shelf.” —RT Book Reviews
“A delightful voice in Amish romance. Sweet and funny.” –Emma Miller
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I’m such a fan of this author’s writing style- vibrant characters with a wonderful sense of humor woven throughout as well as thoughtful and subtle life lessons. My dad had beehives so this aspect of the story appealed strongly to my sentimental side- there’s nothing like fresh honeycomb! I loved that the sisters made so many tasty things with their honey. Lily is capable and compassionate with helping raise her sisters and running the farm with her aunt, but her vulnerabilities are holding her back with her boyfriend’s manipulative behavior. It was frustrating to see her in that kind of relationship, but the author skillfully shows how she is caught in his web of emotional manipulation. Dan’s determination and perseverance is admirable, and I loved his positivity and the light he brought to Lily’s daily life. It really created a contrast that she couldn’t ignore. Her supportive aunt and sisters have distinct and individual personalities, so I was excited to continue reading the series. A mystery of vandalism at the farm isn’t resolved, but becomes an overarching subplot of the series.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
I enjoyed the new series as much as the original.
Since we raise bees I felt I connected with this book more than normal. Jennifer did her research and portrayed bee rasing perfectly. It was a bonus that I fell in love with the characters.
This was a sweet Amish romance and is book 1 in the Honeybee Sisters series. Despite the sweetness of this tale, real relatable issues are addressed and resolved. As a teenager Lily felt ugly (glasses, braces, pimples) and Dan also being a clueless teenager rather than expressing his feelings, called Lily names to get her attention (Amtrack, coke bottle). This name calling left scars for Lily and she was befriended at the time by Paul, another Amish boy. It is expected that Paul and Lily will marry. Paul is verbally abusive and manipulative towards Lily and after 8 years, Lily has been beaten down into believing it. After the death of their parents, Lily and her sisters have been raised by their unconventional Aunt Bitsy. The family support themselves with the honey from their bee hives. Dan is still in love with Lily despite living in a different Amish community for two years learning more about dairy farming. When Dan returns to the town when his grandmother dies, he and Lily are thrust back together and Dan decides he will try to befriend and win Lily over. On the way to their HEA, Dan and Lily have to resolve the past as well as learn to trust their own hearts and beliefs to find their way to a loving, respectful, and faith based relationship. There is an small underlying mystery that runs through the book of someone who is targeting Lily’s family with escalating vandalism. This is left unresolved at the end of this book. Jennifer Beckstrand did a phenomenal job of drawing me into the story which allowed me to feel a part of the story and the characters’ lives rather than as a simple observer. The emotions, issues, and challenges the characters face are universal and could easily be experienced in any segment of society. Expect to feel all the feels when you read this book – joy, sorrow, anxiety, love, and relief. You’ll definitely laugh, cry, gasp, and grit your teeth. I cannot wait to read what’s next for the Honeybee sisters.