In a romantic adventure across the globe, The Enlightenment of Bees beautifully explores what it means to find the sweet spot in life where our greatest passions meet the world’s greatest need. “I combed through the pages with delight. This book is going to cause a real buzz.” –Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sometimes a shattered dream leads to an amazing journey. At … journey.
At twenty-six, apprentice baker Mia West has her entire life planned out: a Craftsman cottage in Seattle, a job baking at The Butter Emporium, and her first love–her boyfriend, Ethan–by her side. But when Ethan declares he “needs some space,” Mia’s carefully planned future crumbles.
Feeling adrift, Mia joins her vivacious housemate Rosie on a humanitarian trip around the world funded by a reclusive billionaire. Along with a famous grunge rock star, a Rwandan immigrant, and an unsettlingly attractive Hawaiian urban farmer named Kai, Mia and Rosie embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
From the slums of Mumbai to a Hungarian border camp during the refugee crisis, Mia’s heart is challenged and changed in astonishing ways–ways she never could have imagined. As she grapples with how to make a difference in a complicated world, Mia realizes she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the life unfolding before her.
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I loved this beautiful, thought-provoking book! Not only does the author have a lyrical way of describing both mundane things AND exotic settings, but the characters she created truly came to life. I appreciated the route the story took. It challenged me to consider what it means to love, serve, and honor the people around us, the strangers we encounter in our daily lives, and cultures far different than ours. Mia’s personal journey was relatable for anyone who has tried to find themselves in the maze of other people’s opinions, ideals pushed on us, and even the self-imposed expectations for our lives.
Note to my followers specifically looking for Christian fiction: This is an inspiring read in that it will make you want to help those around you and love well, but it does not delve deep into faith and there is some mild social drinking. However, it is a powerful read with a romantic thread that stays on the sweet, wholesome side. I highly recommend it.
This is my first Rachel Linden book. I’d heard good things about this book. It didn’t look like my preferred style, but I decided to pick it up.
Overall, it’s not a bad book, it just didn’t do it for me. I had a hard time connecting with Mia, so it was easy to put the book down and walk away for a day or two. Personally, I prefer a book that moves a little more quickly and spends more time on character/relationship development than on setting and reflection. There are a lot of nice descriptions in this book, but it was a bit too much for me. I would have preferred seeing more of Mia, Kai, and Ethan and how they worked things out. I would say it has more of a literary feel.
Again, not a bad book — it just wasn’t for me.
“At that moment all is right in the world. I am benevolent. I am transcendent. I am exactly where I should be.”
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What a hidden gem this book turned out to be! I bought it for the pretty cover, but loved it for the wonderful story! It was a great mix of romance and adventure all while tackling some heavy social/international issues. I really enjoyed this book and miss having these characters in my life! I also loved how the author wraps up the endings for all of the characters, no leaving me hanging…bonus! Definitely recommend this!
This may be one of the most round-about reviews of a book I’ve ever written, so please stay with me as I get to my full impression of this book:
This book took me on quite a reading journey. I was intrigued by the first couple of pages and instantly liked the author’s writing style. But as I read a couple of more chapters in the book, I almost decided to give up on it. To read about a humanitarian team’s training including social drinking at an exclusive resort seemed shallow to me. However, I could not even begin to figure out what was going to happen next with Mia, the main character in this book, so I kept reading. About halfway through, there’s a section of this storyline that shows the team as they begin to serve in a refugee camp. And that’s where I finally understood the author’s intentions of contrasting a shallow and artificial life as opposed to real world problems. From that point in the book, I was completely sold on the story. The close relationship of Mia and her grandmother underscore everything that happens in this story, and the ending was heart-touching. So, yes, I ended up really liking this book.
Since I review mostly Christian fiction, I want to add this for those of you who read my reviews: I know this book is published by Christian publisher. But truthfully, I think it classifies more as “cross over” fiction or “women’s fiction” more than in the Christian fiction genre. It’s clean book with no foul language or sultry scenes. I love the author’s writing style. The theme of the book of compassion and serving others is great. But there’s not really an overriding theme of faith to it. And I know that many readers of Christian fiction would have a problem with the social drinking aspect. Just making note of all of this for all of you who are thinking about reading the book. Will I read another book by the author? Yes, I will.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Rachel does a fantastic job of allowing us to ‘ride along with Mia’ through the pain of the death of a relationship, loss of employment—which was more than just an opportunity or a paycheck, but a stepping stone towards a potential baking career. But is baking enough? Can creating the perfect lemon cake bring world peace? Maybe not, but it sure can soothe the soul and help one forget one’s troubles for a little while. Discovering this takes her on quite the circuitous route from west coast to east, to Mumbai, on to Hungary and back. Through Mia’s eyes, we get a glimpse of what our present refugees, as well as the saint—a.k.a. aid relief workers endure. The story truly portrays what Mother Teresa said: “Do small things with great love.”
I enjoyed this tale of self-discovery! This was my first book by Rachel Linden and won’t be my last. I really appreciate the refugee content and working to help these people. That’s not a plot I’ve encountered before, and although it’s not easy reading, it’s eye opening and important! It’s a tale that fits our times extremely well and was tastefully written. I also enjoyed the lighter side to the story, Mia and her need to decide who she wants to be and what her future looks like. Her interactions with Kai were fun to read and he’s a fantastic hero! I really liked the story and can’t wait to read another Rachel Linden book!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Enlightenment of Bees is different from anything I’ve ever read and I enjoyed it. I loved seeing various parts of the world through Rachel Linden’s eyes and journeying along with Mia in her search for purpose in life. It’s not all light and fluff, however, as Linden delves into some serious and relevant issues. The writing flows easily across the page and a whimsical touch adds enchantment.
Many readers will be able to connect with a character who thinks she has a comfortable life planned out and slowly unfolding for her, when suddenly the very framework of that life is torn away – from future marriage to career, and even complications from an illness affecting her beloved Nana Alice. These drastic changes allow Mia’s dreams to resurface and when an opportunity to join a humanitarian team opens up, she jumps at the chance.
Some very interesting characters populate this story. The team itself is an eclectic mixture of nationalities and purposes. I was intrigued by the mission’s wealthy and reclusive benefactor, Lars … “Another man with baggage, a man who looks good on the surface but is hiding some flaw beneath” according to Mia. Jazz singer Rosie, Mia’s housemate, and the Hawaiian Kai, with a passion for sustainable urban farming, are appealing characters. I also loved Mia’s relationship with Nana Alice.
From the beautiful lavender farms of Washington State, to the slums of Mumbai and a Hungarian refugee camp, the scenes are so vivid that they can actually be experienced. I wished for more character depth from some of the team members, but the refugee stories were very well done and heart stirring.
Mia’s emotional coming-of-age journey is eye opening, giving much cause for personal reflection. The Enlightenment of Bees feels more like a general market story rather than Christian fiction, but it helps if you imagine that God is behind Mia’s desire to change people’s lives, guiding and orchestrating the events in her life. That is never explicitly stated, however, and a spiritual connection would have made Mia’s quest much more meaningful and enjoyable for me personally. Still, if you take the book for what it is, The Enlightenment of Bees is a moving, entertaining story. I look forward to more of Rachel Linden’s writing.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
My Thoughts on The Enlightenment of Bees:
The cover is so cute! I love it. When I see a cute cover I immediately pick up the book. This is one of those covers and thankfully unlike other books, this cover is not just a lie about the book inside. The book is cute too!
Not gonna lie, if my boyfriend of forever had a Tiffany box in his pocket and didn’t propose to me pretty sure I might do him bodily harm. Just saying. But maybe not. I mean my husband never got me a Tiffany box or anything close and I was pretty ecstatic to say yes. I’m not a high maintenance gal.
Rachel Linden is a new to me author and I’m pleasantly surprised with her writing style. It’s a breath of fresh air and a new best friend curled up into a nice book to be read by the roaring fire. Unfortunately, it’s August and I’m so not lighting our woodstove so I read this in the air conditioning with a glass of iced tea.
One line from this book stood out to me and I wanted to share it. “Life never looks like the pictures.” Think about that for a minute or two. Isn’t it just so true? In this day and age, people are obsessed with Pinterest and with Instagram or facebook. They want to have what everyone else has because that other person has this or that and perfect life. But life is not like the pictures. The pictures are a quick snapshot of something fleeting. Real-life is behind the scenes. It’s not glamorous but it’s ours for the taking and it is what we make of it.
You can be living in the poorest spot in the world and be happier than the most successful man or the man with the most money who has no true friends and has no clue what happiness really is. Just a great thought to think on. I could expound on it all day.
That’s just one line from this great book. I think you’re going to like it. For me, it’s seeing so much of the world that I personally will probably never visit. It’s giving me a unique view of the lives and people that I will never meet. Definitely, one I will revisit and think on again and again. So much more than just a cute fluff piece of fiction.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is one of those books that I wanted to devour and yet for it to never end! Though Ethan shatters Mia’s heart, she goes on an adventurous journey bringing help to others and finding she is helped most of all! Such beautiful and descriptive writing that places you right there with Mia and Team Caritas in their amazing journey!
3.5 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. It starts out well. Mia’s life falls apart, forcing her to take a hard look at what she truly wants out of her life.
Then it takes an odd turn. The humanitarian group is flown to an island in Florida where they’re given what amounts to an all-expense-paid vacation for this group of twenty-somethings. I can see the point of this section—to introduce readers to the rest of Mia’s team members but it was so unrealistic and disproportionate, it was a bit off-putting.
Once the group leaves Florida, the story picked back up as they fly to Mumbai then Hungary. While serving, more than one team member mentions they thought they’d be doing more. Linden drives home the truth that for so much of the world, the simple things—food, clothing, love—are what they need most.
Overall, the message that our God-given passions and talents can be used to change the world (even if it’s one person at a time) tips the scales for The Enlightenment of Bees. Despite the hiccup in the middle, Linden managed to make me ask myself how can I make a difference in other’s lives?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
MESMERIZING!
THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF BEES by Rachel Linden is mesmerizing! It is a meaningful, coming of age novel that will make you stop and consider your own life choices. I think most of us have struggled with the question of, “What can I do with my life that will truly make a difference in the world?” Linden tackles this question and paints a breathtaking story using beautiful word pictures to describe how quickly one’s life can change forever.
Mia has her life mapped out. Perfect man, perfect future, perfect plan … until it all crashes in one fatal encounter. She has absolutely no idea what to do with her life. She desperately wants to make a difference in her world. She feels limited in her skills yet she loves to bake. Her biggest question is, “How can she change someone’s life through baking?” She is blessed with an opportunity to go on an overseas Humanitarian Trip. The trip is almost overwhelming. She finds herself thinking she is going to change the world but quickly realizes how limited her thinking has been. A coworker in India, Shreya, puts things in perspective for Mia with these comments:
“This is real life. If we want to help people, we cannot focus on their problems, on what we can see just on the outside, the garbage and poverty. We must enter into their lives, be a part of their community. That is where real change happens, person to person, day by day, when we live life together.”
Once Mia takes those words captive she begins to understand the big picture and slowly begins to see how to incorporate her unique gifts to help other people who are struggling in the world. The people she meets and the adventures she encounters will change the course of her life forever. Mia could not even fathom the “better things” that were waiting for her or how close they were from the beginning.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Harper Collins Publishing & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
This is a wonderful story about discovering your path and making the world a better place in the meantime. Linden writes with such beautiful description that readers can truly imagine being where Mia is, experiencing the things she is experiencing. This book has a smidgen of romance and humor sprinkled throughout, but the heart of the story is surprisingly deep. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel via NetGalley and courtesy of Thomas Nelson. All expressed opinions are my own.
Rachel Linden is a wonderful storyteller, which is why I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful journey. The author captures different places and cultures with wonderful descriptions which simply enhanced my reading experience. In a realistic way, the main character seeks to find her place in the world and how she can make an impact. I appreciate the hard lessons and honest realizations that she experiences along the way. The romantic struggle also involves discovery and was a nice touch. The descriptions of the humanitarian work might make some feel a little uncomfortable, but perhaps will help in one’s own quest to discover a way to make a difference in our world. I think that anyone who has found themselves on an unexpected journey will appreciate this book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to #Netgalley, #ThomasNelsonPublishing, and author Rachel Linden for the opportunity to review this book.
When I first read the information on this book, I thought this isn’t what I’ve been reading, so let’s give it ago. First this book was a fast read for me. Can’t wait to share this with my local book club.
The book is about a young lady who is wanting to make a difference in the world, just not sure how. When her relationship takes a turn, the opportunity to make a difference falls in her lap. Of course, that’s not a smooth ride. As Mia learns how bad things really are in the world, and how she isn’t sure how she can make a difference. But this also makes her grow as a person. And finds her way to make a difference.
Very inspiring book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I immediately fell in love with the characters, I always felt right in the middle of what was happening, the sights, the smells, even the tastes were so vividly described. The story line does not disappoint either, it’s real life, happening right in front of you, but you can relax a little because you have the masterful hand of Rachel Linden guiding you through the rough spots, and around the pit falls. I love a good ending too and Bee’s hits right on the mark! When you are done, you’ll know where everyone is and what they’re doing, and you will NOT be unhappy 🙂 I hope there’s another book coming in the future to check in on this bunch of world changers and see how they’re all doing!
I received a copy of this book from #netgalley I thought it was Christian fiction, but there was very little reference to God. So I would put it at the clean woman’s fiction category and am reviewing at such (meaning that I am trying to not let the lack of spiritual aspects downgrade the book). I liked the premise of trying to make a difference in the world, but I felt like some of the story rambled and jumped about. I thought it could have been more. This is an almost romance as well, and I did feel like that added to the story. I would probably give this story a 3.5 – I rounded up on behalf of the author.
The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden is a delightful story of being true to yourself and finding your place in this world.
Growing up on her parents lavender farm on the Olympic Peninsula, Mia dreamed of going out into the world, making a difference, changing lives. As the story begins she is eagerly awaiting a marriage proposal from her boyfriend of six years, ready to put her dreams aside for the security of the future they have planned together. Fortunately life has other plans and Mia finds herself searching for a plan B. An unexpected invitation to join a humanitarian group heading abroad turns into the experience of a lifetime, giving her clarity of everything she is not, and the freedom to be exactly who she is.
I began reading this book with the expectation of a sweet romantic boy meets girl story – and there is nothing wrong with that – but this is so much more.
Touching on some of the many humanitarian aide needs throughout the world, immigration, social responsibility, and the impact one person can make to assist so many, this book illuminates these issues yet remains a lovely, easy to read story of Mia’s unexpected journey to herself.
Some books are so well written you experience the story rather than just read it. This is the case with The Enlightenment of Bees. The sights, smells, sounds all come together to bring locations to life; characters are real, each believable with their own personalities, issues, back stories. This is a pleasant surprise given the large, diverse cast.
I completely enjoyed this story and highly recommend for anyone looking for a lovely, easy read – with unexpected depth and meaning.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Rachel Linden for a copy of this book. Mia West thinks she has her life planned out- husband, house, dog, etc. Then she breaks up with her boyfriend and loses her job- suddenly she is faced with an uncertain future. Will a humanitarian volunteer trip give her the answers she needs? Will she figure out a new and meaningful direction for her life? I read this book in less than 24 hours- I just wanted to soak it up. The writer relies on some real events in her life to craft this beautiful book. A must read!!
The Enlightenment of Bees is a heartwarming story about a young woman’s quest to find out who she is, and how she can use her skills and passion to make a difference in the world. In a matter of days, Mia loses both her boyfriend and her job, leaving her lost and confused. She embarks on a humanitarian mission that takes her to the slums of India and to a refugee camp in Hungary. The author did a wonderful job of placing me in those places, feeling the despair, the poverty, the distress. Mia was a fascinating character, and watching her grow throughout her journey touched my heart.
This was such a good book about a girl named Mia and what she decided to do with her life.It was a very descriptive book, I felt like I was right next to Mia the whole time! I could almost hear bees buzzing around!
Definitely add to your list! Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the early copy