He Should Have Told the Bees: A Novel

Amanda Cox

Aug 2023 · Baker Books

About this ebook

Uncovering long-held family secrets may sting at first--but the result can be sweeter than honey

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

Ratings and reviews

Gut wrenching and heart tugging story of loss and discovering yourself and your own strengths. When Callie loses her father, she was not prepared to also lose the livelihood of Walsh Farm and the apiary that made her feel safe. This story has emotional highs that are unbelievable, using bees to relate to human nature. This is a book for a book club and book discussions everywhere! All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a story that is filled with emotions, of all kinds, and it will tug your heart strings! The acts of others and how they ultimately affect you, that is shown here and how it has affected generations. We meet Beckett as she is reeling from the sudden death of her father, and the sudden appearance of a little girl, if we listen to her she is an alien from another country. Beck is trying to explain to the bees that her father is no longer there, and we soon learn a lot about bees, most I n

Amanda Cox is quickly becoming a favorite author. Her deep connection with her characters, her faith, and impeccable research are evident in her beautiful writing. He Should Have Told the Bees is a heartfelt story of found family, addiction, mental illness, traumatic experiences, secrets, faith, and a fascinating introduction to bees. It’s a beautiful story that’ll stay with you long after reading it.

About the author

Amanda Cox is the author of The Edge of Belonging and The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, both of which were the Christy Award Book of the Year in 2021 and 2022, respectively. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their three children. Learn more at AmandaCoxWrites.com.