Sweet as Honey ( The Honeybee Sisters#1)

ABOUT  THE BOOK

it was amazing 5.00  ·  Rating Details  ·  1 Rating  ·  1 Review

“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 author

Smart, 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 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?... 

   MY THOUGHTS

I loved this story as I do all of Jennifer's books. I made new friends and this book shows us another side of the Amish that we're not used to seeing in most Amish books. I am used to seeing most Amish for forgiving others and not being abusive or controlling other people. 

I loved Lily from the start. I think because she reminds me of myself when I was little. Always being called names. But, I eventually grew out of all that. Yes, names still hurt even after we're adults but being adults I think that we can handle them a little bit better with God's help. My favorite phrase is I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 

Poppy meant well. Poppy is a wonderful person too. We know we can turn to her especially when one of us is getting picked on!! I wish I had her courage sometimes. Poppy knows how to stand up for herself something that Lily needed to do on her own. 

Rose reminds me of Haley Mills. I guess because of her hair. The curls around her face and all. Rose is the shy and quiet type who likes to keep to herself and is definiailey terrified of boys lol!! She's a great cook and like me loves to bake. It doesn't matter what it is!! 

Aunt B is my most favorite although I wouldn't want to come up on her unexpectedly!!!  Aunt B's favorite phrase is" once you feed a boy he's like a stray cat always wanting to come around all the time" lol!! She's something else!! It takes a lot of determination raising 3 girls by yourself. But, I think she's done a wonderful job!! I don't think it's fair looking down on someone just because she's a little bit different. It's for this reason that I like Aunt Bitsy.  Especially since she has two ornery parents that are very opinionated. 

Dan is ok. I just don't like his name calling and wanting to show off every time you turn around. He's always got this big smile on his face. Especially when he goes over to the Honeybee Sisters. How can anyone stay this happy I will never know. At least he was very handy.

Paul was something else entirely. He is a big baby. Whenever something doesn't go his way he throws  a  temper tantrum. 

Overall, I think the story was wonderfully written and I can't wait until the next book comes out.

I gave this book 5 stars and Jennifer must've know that yellow is my favorite color!!  I think yellow fits the story because of Dan's smiles

I recommend this book for all Amish lovers!! 

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Romances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.