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The Gilded Legacy #1
Bees in the Butterfly Garden
Raised at an exclusive boarding school, Meg Davenport has everything she needs but none of what she's wanted most - like the love of a family, or a future not dependent on following ettiquette and marrying well. So when she receives shocking news of her father's death, Meg seizes the chance to break every rule that has governed her life. Especially when she learns John Davenport wasn't the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age's most talented theives.
Ian Maguire knows that John - his mentor - would never have wanted his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet she is determined to carry on his legacy, and her talent for garden design has earned her an invitation to stay with one of Fifth Avenue's wealthiest families. With friends like those, Meg could help Ian pull of his biggest heist yet.
But living in both worlds is more treacherous than Meg imagined. And as Ian's concern for Meg turns to love, he finds himself torn between greed and guilt. Can they find the legacy they both long for, or in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?
Ian Maguire knows that John - his mentor - would never have wanted his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet she is determined to carry on his legacy, and her talent for garden design has earned her an invitation to stay with one of Fifth Avenue's wealthiest families. With friends like those, Meg could help Ian pull of his biggest heist yet.
But living in both worlds is more treacherous than Meg imagined. And as Ian's concern for Meg turns to love, he finds himself torn between greed and guilt. Can they find the legacy they both long for, or in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?
11 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2012
105 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Lang
38 books208 followersMaureen Lang
Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She wrote her first novel longhand around the age of 10, put the pages into a notebook she had covered with soft deerskin (nothing but the best!), then passed it around the neighborhood to rave reviews. It was so much fun she's been writing ever since.
Most of her books are historical, with an emphasis on faith and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 5, 2012
Where I got the book: pre-ordered on Amazon. Maureen Lang is a friend IRL. And I STILL never 5-starred a review till this one. Read on.
I feel that with this book, Lang has started to stretch herself out of the safer waters of the inspirational romance genre, and I like the result. Let me explain.
Th inspirational aka Christian romances I've read (and I'm not a huge expert on this) tend to follow a bit of a formula. Miss and Mr Wonderful are both really, really good people from Christian homes but at least one of them has become estranged from God in the mildest terms. So I'm not talking they-turned-to-Wicca-and-became-a-high-priest(ess) kind of terms. We're talking about how they stopped going to church/praying/reading the Bible sort of terms. This sad fact is usually dropped into the narrative about page 10.
And one at least of them has a little flaw, often involving trust i.e. they will Never Trust Again Because They Were Hurt. The other half of the prospective duo has a much stronger faith, and takes the lead in guiding his or her consort toward the happy ending.
In other words, these people are good. Almost, but not quite, perfect. For me, this has always created an unreal sort of disconnect because, seriously? I need to be able to imagine myself in the heroine's shoes, and they never fit.
So to the plot of Bees in the Butterfly Garden. Meg has left her exclusive boarding school to attend her father's funeral, only to discover he was a successful thief and the reason he never came to visit her at school was because he wanted her kept strictly away from his lifestyle. Meg is, not surprisingly, pretty mad at her father for a) not telling her the truth b) being absent from her life, but this is also an aha! moment because she sees her own rebelliousness as having good, solid genetic grounds. Realizing that her pedigree is never going to get her the posh husband that she's been trained to expect, Meg decides to become a thief herself and prove her father wrong about not belonging in his life.
She ends up working with Ian, the man her father informally adopted as an apprentice thief and surrogate son, to rob the family of a schoolfriend, Claire. Meg is torn between proving herself a good thief, growing to like Claire and her family, coping with the criminal element, and dealing with the attentions of two very different suitors.
In a way, this is the usual formula flip-flopped. It's the secondary characters who provide the faith element, while the hero and heroine set about breaking the 8th commandment (and probably the ones about coveting and bearing false witness as well). Add to this an extremely light touch with the inspirational elements until you are thoroughly wrapped up in the story, and there's definitely more edge to this novel than the everyday inspirational romance.
And it all made for an absorbing story. I found myself not wanting to break off to go do, y'know, real life things, and that's a very good sign. Lang's writing is always polished and easy, with good editing and packaging adding to the experience, so there was nothing to shake me out of Meg's world. My criticism would be that I'd like more character development in place of setting, but I'm beginning to understand that setting is loved by romance readers and you can't throw out all the rules of the genre at once.
Of course I'm sure there are readers who like the safe approach. But I get excited when I see forward movement, hence the rating.
I feel that with this book, Lang has started to stretch herself out of the safer waters of the inspirational romance genre, and I like the result. Let me explain.
Th inspirational aka Christian romances I've read (and I'm not a huge expert on this) tend to follow a bit of a formula. Miss and Mr Wonderful are both really, really good people from Christian homes but at least one of them has become estranged from God in the mildest terms. So I'm not talking they-turned-to-Wicca-and-became-a-high-priest(ess) kind of terms. We're talking about how they stopped going to church/praying/reading the Bible sort of terms. This sad fact is usually dropped into the narrative about page 10.
And one at least of them has a little flaw, often involving trust i.e. they will Never Trust Again Because They Were Hurt. The other half of the prospective duo has a much stronger faith, and takes the lead in guiding his or her consort toward the happy ending.
In other words, these people are good. Almost, but not quite, perfect. For me, this has always created an unreal sort of disconnect because, seriously? I need to be able to imagine myself in the heroine's shoes, and they never fit.
So to the plot of Bees in the Butterfly Garden. Meg has left her exclusive boarding school to attend her father's funeral, only to discover he was a successful thief and the reason he never came to visit her at school was because he wanted her kept strictly away from his lifestyle. Meg is, not surprisingly, pretty mad at her father for a) not telling her the truth b) being absent from her life, but this is also an aha! moment because she sees her own rebelliousness as having good, solid genetic grounds. Realizing that her pedigree is never going to get her the posh husband that she's been trained to expect, Meg decides to become a thief herself and prove her father wrong about not belonging in his life.
She ends up working with Ian, the man her father informally adopted as an apprentice thief and surrogate son, to rob the family of a schoolfriend, Claire. Meg is torn between proving herself a good thief, growing to like Claire and her family, coping with the criminal element, and dealing with the attentions of two very different suitors.
In a way, this is the usual formula flip-flopped. It's the secondary characters who provide the faith element, while the hero and heroine set about breaking the 8th commandment (and probably the ones about coveting and bearing false witness as well). Add to this an extremely light touch with the inspirational elements until you are thoroughly wrapped up in the story, and there's definitely more edge to this novel than the everyday inspirational romance.
And it all made for an absorbing story. I found myself not wanting to break off to go do, y'know, real life things, and that's a very good sign. Lang's writing is always polished and easy, with good editing and packaging adding to the experience, so there was nothing to shake me out of Meg's world. My criticism would be that I'd like more character development in place of setting, but I'm beginning to understand that setting is loved by romance readers and you can't throw out all the rules of the genre at once.
Of course I'm sure there are readers who like the safe approach. But I get excited when I see forward movement, hence the rating.
did-not-finish
July 5, 2015Returning this to the library as DNF. It's well written...I just don't like Meg, the main character, and that's killing it for me.
February 19, 2024
2 stars
It took me a lot longer to read this book than it takes me to read most books of its length and genre. I didn't really get into the plot or characters. This novel could have benefited from a little faster pacing, perhaps, or characters a little better developed.
I loved the little Madame Marrise quotes at the front of each chapter, the glimpse at Fifth Avenue life, etc. This novel was obviously very thoroughly researched, and I commend the author for that.
I didn't ever learn to love - or even like - the main character. She even annoyed me a lot. Ian was okay, but he didn't really stand out to me all that much. I didn like Claire and Evie, and Kate was all right, if a little aggravating.
Overall, not a novel I'll read again. I received it from Tinedale Rewards, so I guess I'll have to donate it or something. *sigh*
~Kellyn Roth
It took me a lot longer to read this book than it takes me to read most books of its length and genre. I didn't really get into the plot or characters. This novel could have benefited from a little faster pacing, perhaps, or characters a little better developed.
I loved the little Madame Marrise quotes at the front of each chapter, the glimpse at Fifth Avenue life, etc. This novel was obviously very thoroughly researched, and I commend the author for that.
I didn't ever learn to love - or even like - the main character. She even annoyed me a lot. Ian was okay, but he didn't really stand out to me all that much. I didn like Claire and Evie, and Kate was all right, if a little aggravating.
Overall, not a novel I'll read again. I received it from Tinedale Rewards, so I guess I'll have to donate it or something. *sigh*
~Kellyn Roth
tbr-2
April 25, 2022Free on Amazon!
August 25, 2012
Meg has lived a life of luxury in an exclusive boarding school for the past fifteen years, always wondering what the future will hold for her and if she will ever get to know the father she rarely sees. Then she is confronted with not only the shock of his sudden death, but the knowledge that he was not at all the man she had envisioned. Determined to strike out and become like her father, Meg ignores all advice to the contrary and determines to become a professional thief just like him. Thus begins her adventure into a different world from one she has ever known before.
The beautiful cover of this book captured my attention immediately. I just knew that it would be every bit as enjoyable to read as it was to gaze at the cover. Sadly, after several days of picking it up to read for a while and then putting it down again to try later, I had only managed to plod through 20 chapters of this somewhat long book and was no closer to feeling any connection to the characters than I had on page one. I cannot say that I liked Meg or Ian or any of the other characters at all and the story line and plot did not appeal to me in the least. I felt no spark between Meg and Ian, nor any interest or concern in their choices or actions. I rarely ever start a book that I cannot finish but this is one of them. While I realize that others may love this book, it just did not do anything for me. I simply cannot make myself wade through any more of the story to see if it will finally capture my attention.
I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
The beautiful cover of this book captured my attention immediately. I just knew that it would be every bit as enjoyable to read as it was to gaze at the cover. Sadly, after several days of picking it up to read for a while and then putting it down again to try later, I had only managed to plod through 20 chapters of this somewhat long book and was no closer to feeling any connection to the characters than I had on page one. I cannot say that I liked Meg or Ian or any of the other characters at all and the story line and plot did not appeal to me in the least. I felt no spark between Meg and Ian, nor any interest or concern in their choices or actions. I rarely ever start a book that I cannot finish but this is one of them. While I realize that others may love this book, it just did not do anything for me. I simply cannot make myself wade through any more of the story to see if it will finally capture my attention.
I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
May 13, 2021
3.5
The ending was ok, super predictable from the start for me. Also the Faith part of this seemed superficial at best. It was a cute love story and i appreciated that part of it. Just some parts of it didn't work for me.
The ending was ok, super predictable from the start for me. Also the Faith part of this seemed superficial at best. It was a cute love story and i appreciated that part of it. Just some parts of it didn't work for me.
September 18, 2012
I was attracted to this novel mostly be the title, Bees in the Butterfly Garden. I have read a few novels by Maureen Lang, so I knew I was in for a treat. The main subject matter in this novel, did not, in fact, involve a lot about butterflies as we think of those pretty flowers with wings, or flower gardens, though these subjects were in the background of this novel. Instead, the bees seems to refer to the lifestyle of Ian, who was a protege of Meghan's dad in his occupation, and the garden is where he pursued his occupation.
It is definitely a novel or unique plot, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the superb word paintings. While reading this, and also as I think about the novel now, I am more appreciative of the heritage my parents handed down to me.
Although it probably was because of the message the novel brought out, I would have loved to learn more about Meg's mothers heritage, and why or how Meg ended up in the circumstances she originally found herself. All in all, this was a very enjoyable, light-hearted read with deeper thoughts interspersed.
This book was read and reviewed for Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. This is an honest, unpaid for review, and the opinions are my own.
This book is available where ever great novels are sold.
It is definitely a novel or unique plot, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the superb word paintings. While reading this, and also as I think about the novel now, I am more appreciative of the heritage my parents handed down to me.
Although it probably was because of the message the novel brought out, I would have loved to learn more about Meg's mothers heritage, and why or how Meg ended up in the circumstances she originally found herself. All in all, this was a very enjoyable, light-hearted read with deeper thoughts interspersed.
This book was read and reviewed for Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. This is an honest, unpaid for review, and the opinions are my own.
This book is available where ever great novels are sold.
October 22, 2012
This book was an exercise in the ridiculous. The main character, raised in polite, wealthy and respectable society, finds out her father was a thief. She stubbornly decides that she is her father's daughter and insists on helping rob her dear friends, ignoring all of the imploring warnings of those that love and care about her. Then, she regrets it, exactly as they said she would. It is a good example of Christian writing which defines mercy, justice and grace and how being Christlike can affect others' lives.
My negative reaction may have been due to listening to an audio version over an extended period of time so it seemed to go on about the same things for a long time, or it could have been the narrator. Some of the voices the narrator did grated on my nerves. It could have just been the plot itself. She has all the education and opportunity she needs to be successful and throws it all away because she feels trapped in a destiny to be a thief like her father.
My negative reaction may have been due to listening to an audio version over an extended period of time so it seemed to go on about the same things for a long time, or it could have been the narrator. Some of the voices the narrator did grated on my nerves. It could have just been the plot itself. She has all the education and opportunity she needs to be successful and throws it all away because she feels trapped in a destiny to be a thief like her father.
September 4, 2013
This my first read by this author, so I didn't quite know what to expect but the description was definitely unlike anything else I had ever read! And I am pleased to say that it was (In the best way!) I absolutely loved this book!!! It was just SO good! I was drawn into the story from the first page and hated to put the book down!!!
I loved all the characters (Well except for Evie, and I don't think I was meant to like her very much!) The setting, storyline, and dialogue were all amazing! And the message, oh my goodness, absolutely magnificent!
I don't know what else to say except this book is pure awesomeness! I highly recommend it, if you like historical novels with some romance and mystery! Seriously, go get your hands on a copy, NOW! :-)
I did not get this book to review, a friend of mine loaned me their Kindle copy! Thanks! :-D
August 23, 2013
Considering I had read and enjoyed Whisper in the Wind a few years ago, I jumped on the opportunity when I saw another Lang book show up on my recommendations list-- and as a freebie on Amazon for Kindle.
This book was no on part with other works by Lang, but it was not entirely uninteresting, either. I felt as if the time period-- Gilded Age-- really set a distance between myself and the characters. When one is trapped in polite society and rules of etiquette that keep one from revealing to much, sometimes that distance reaches all the way to the reader.
Or maybe I just have a hard time connecting with thieving characters, much like I did while reading Lies of Locke Lamora.
Alas, 2.5 stars for effort.
This book was no on part with other works by Lang, but it was not entirely uninteresting, either. I felt as if the time period-- Gilded Age-- really set a distance between myself and the characters. When one is trapped in polite society and rules of etiquette that keep one from revealing to much, sometimes that distance reaches all the way to the reader.
Or maybe I just have a hard time connecting with thieving characters, much like I did while reading Lies of Locke Lamora.
Alas, 2.5 stars for effort.
January 22, 2018
I had a very difficult time getting into the story. The characters could have been more developed. As is, they seemed shallow and weren't very likeable.
Things seemed to move slowly. Meg got on my nerves which didn't help to move things along.
The plot wasn't my cup of tea. I guess having the main character teetering between whether being a thief or living in high society was better, didn't help much.
I did enjoy the writer's history tidbits that were at the beginning of each chapter. I found those quite interesting.
Overall, I'd say that this novel would likely appeal to those looking for a light read that is pretty typical to the inspirational romance genre on the fluffy side.
Things seemed to move slowly. Meg got on my nerves which didn't help to move things along.
The plot wasn't my cup of tea. I guess having the main character teetering between whether being a thief or living in high society was better, didn't help much.
I did enjoy the writer's history tidbits that were at the beginning of each chapter. I found those quite interesting.
Overall, I'd say that this novel would likely appeal to those looking for a light read that is pretty typical to the inspirational romance genre on the fluffy side.
December 11, 2017
I enjoyed the story, the overall plot in the book and the Christian content and themes. For some reason it was hard for me to really get into it fully though. I think the pace was slow at times. I did enjoy the romance and the setting! Overall it was a pretty good read.
Content: This is a clean read
Content: This is a clean read
March 20, 2013
(Free e-book) Boring with an unrealistic plot.
December 26, 2022
Growing up in a high society school for ladies in NY, Meg had no idea that her father was a career thief. Upon his death she decided she could prove to be her father's daughter and decides to take up the art of thievery. Every thing seems to be going smoothly in a well thought out theft of people who trusted her. Was it a success or not? You'll have to read it to find out.
March 12, 2024
This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction book. The Gilded Age lent itself to this wonderful, believable story, with heartwarming characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this new-to-me author! I was able to read a physical copy of this book by borrowing it from my local library. All opinions are my own, and I was not influenced by anyone or anything.
November 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book! It follows Meg Davenport, a theif who was trained by her father. However, the one thing she's ever wanted in life is a family.
I didn't agree with the way Meg went about stealing from Ian Maguire. Ian knew Meg's father and never though his daughter would ever follow in his footsteps.
I was happy to see Meg confess at the end of the book. It was so nice to see her forgiven. God doesn't hold our parents' sins against us.
Overall, i think that this book was a solid 5 star read! A must read for anyone who loves historical fiction or christian fiction.
I didn't agree with the way Meg went about stealing from Ian Maguire. Ian knew Meg's father and never though his daughter would ever follow in his footsteps.
I was happy to see Meg confess at the end of the book. It was so nice to see her forgiven. God doesn't hold our parents' sins against us.
Overall, i think that this book was a solid 5 star read! A must read for anyone who loves historical fiction or christian fiction.
March 7, 2016
SUMMARY: Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family or dreams of a future that include anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.
Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?
REVIEW: The premise of this storyline was quite different from the usual historical romance, and I quite enjoyed it. Attempting to become a female version of her father to prove that he should have let her live with him and love her, Meg bites off a bit more than she realizes as her plans develop along with Ian. When faced with the reality of her father's life, she must choose which road she will take. In the process, she grows closer to God, learns much about her own heart, and matures as an individual. I particularly like the snipped at the beginning of each chapter that were either rules for a young woman's behavior or thoughts from criminals. Most of the time they were quite humorous. I particularly liked Lady Kate and the role she played between Ian and Meg. All in all, it somewhat reminded me of the old TV show and movie To Catch A Thief with a likeable con artist who was basically good at heart.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A person could hardly prevent thoughts introduced by others, it was what one did with such thoughts that prove to be improper or not."
"Marriage is holy in God's eyes, a symbol of loyalty that mirrors God's loyalty to us. It's a union that will make one man and one woman better together than they can be apart."
"When confronted with two choices, both of equal merit, how does she choose? The answer to this starts of course with prayer, but she may also consult those around her, those oder, wise mentors God has placed in her life."
Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?
REVIEW: The premise of this storyline was quite different from the usual historical romance, and I quite enjoyed it. Attempting to become a female version of her father to prove that he should have let her live with him and love her, Meg bites off a bit more than she realizes as her plans develop along with Ian. When faced with the reality of her father's life, she must choose which road she will take. In the process, she grows closer to God, learns much about her own heart, and matures as an individual. I particularly like the snipped at the beginning of each chapter that were either rules for a young woman's behavior or thoughts from criminals. Most of the time they were quite humorous. I particularly liked Lady Kate and the role she played between Ian and Meg. All in all, it somewhat reminded me of the old TV show and movie To Catch A Thief with a likeable con artist who was basically good at heart.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A person could hardly prevent thoughts introduced by others, it was what one did with such thoughts that prove to be improper or not."
"Marriage is holy in God's eyes, a symbol of loyalty that mirrors God's loyalty to us. It's a union that will make one man and one woman better together than they can be apart."
"When confronted with two choices, both of equal merit, how does she choose? The answer to this starts of course with prayer, but she may also consult those around her, those oder, wise mentors God has placed in her life."
August 4, 2012
Title: BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc
June 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4143-6446-9
Genre: Historical romance
Meg Davenport has never wanted for anything—except her father’s love. She was raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest and trained to be the perfect society wife. When Meg was younger she used to try to run away, trying to get to the father she wanted to know, but she gave up when she was fourteen. When Meg learns that her father has died, she vows not to return for the funeral—after all, he was never there in life, why should she be there in death? But things change, and she attends.
Meg has always believed that her father was a wealthy businessman—and he was, but not in the way Meg thought. Instead, she learns that he was one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.
Ian Maguire doesn’t want Meg to follow in her father’s footsteps. But Meg is determined and her connections to the wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist…or it could cost them everything.
BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN is the first book I’ve ever read where the bad guys were actually the hero and heroine. Ms. Lang has been a talented author of World War novels which I’ve loved, and so I greatly looked forward to BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN. The book is aptly named.
Meg is a very talented young lady, gifted in horticulture and she knows how to play the part of a lady. Ian has been trained to be a master thief, professions both do with ease. Ms. Lang has brought both of these characters to life, making the reader care for them. She is gifted with description. One can see the butterflies flitting around Meg in her butterfly garden at school, and the other surroundings. Even the handwriting is described so the reader can “see” Meg’s name on an envelope, surrounded by a black border.
I especially loved the tidbits at the beginning of each chapter, describing how proper young ladies were raised back in those days.
BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN isn't a fast read, but good for those times when you want a slower paced story. $12.99. 416 pages.
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc
June 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4143-6446-9
Genre: Historical romance
Meg Davenport has never wanted for anything—except her father’s love. She was raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest and trained to be the perfect society wife. When Meg was younger she used to try to run away, trying to get to the father she wanted to know, but she gave up when she was fourteen. When Meg learns that her father has died, she vows not to return for the funeral—after all, he was never there in life, why should she be there in death? But things change, and she attends.
Meg has always believed that her father was a wealthy businessman—and he was, but not in the way Meg thought. Instead, she learns that he was one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.
Ian Maguire doesn’t want Meg to follow in her father’s footsteps. But Meg is determined and her connections to the wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist…or it could cost them everything.
BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN is the first book I’ve ever read where the bad guys were actually the hero and heroine. Ms. Lang has been a talented author of World War novels which I’ve loved, and so I greatly looked forward to BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN. The book is aptly named.
Meg is a very talented young lady, gifted in horticulture and she knows how to play the part of a lady. Ian has been trained to be a master thief, professions both do with ease. Ms. Lang has brought both of these characters to life, making the reader care for them. She is gifted with description. One can see the butterflies flitting around Meg in her butterfly garden at school, and the other surroundings. Even the handwriting is described so the reader can “see” Meg’s name on an envelope, surrounded by a black border.
I especially loved the tidbits at the beginning of each chapter, describing how proper young ladies were raised back in those days.
BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN isn't a fast read, but good for those times when you want a slower paced story. $12.99. 416 pages.
June 22, 2012
Delightful Book - Full of characters that experience deception, decisions and eventually discovery.
What a delightful story. This engaging story is worthy of the gorgeous cover. I was privileged to read an Advance Reader Copy. The second time I read it I caught all sorts of humor that was cleverly woven into the story. It is a book filled with deceptions,despair, decisions and eventual discovery. The characters were flawed in their thinking and choices and as the book progresses their life choices progress as well. Meg's father knew he wanted her to be raised to be a lady, similar to how her late mother was brought up. Meg has judged her father harshly,loves risks and dislikes the proper finishing school her father has chosen. Everyone in the story seems to be discovering that nothing is as it appears to be. Meg is faced with serious choices once she uncovers her fathers past. Meg seems to be independently waltzing between two worlds of her society friends and her father's former partners. God is very much a part of the equation, and there are treasures awaiting discovery by almost all involved. Well worth reading a second time to discover what I missed the first reading.
Barbara Anne Waite- Author "Elsie-Adventures of an Arizona Schoolteacher 1913-1916"
What a delightful story. This engaging story is worthy of the gorgeous cover. I was privileged to read an Advance Reader Copy. The second time I read it I caught all sorts of humor that was cleverly woven into the story. It is a book filled with deceptions,despair, decisions and eventual discovery. The characters were flawed in their thinking and choices and as the book progresses their life choices progress as well. Meg's father knew he wanted her to be raised to be a lady, similar to how her late mother was brought up. Meg has judged her father harshly,loves risks and dislikes the proper finishing school her father has chosen. Everyone in the story seems to be discovering that nothing is as it appears to be. Meg is faced with serious choices once she uncovers her fathers past. Meg seems to be independently waltzing between two worlds of her society friends and her father's former partners. God is very much a part of the equation, and there are treasures awaiting discovery by almost all involved. Well worth reading a second time to discover what I missed the first reading.
Barbara Anne Waite- Author "Elsie-Adventures of an Arizona Schoolteacher 1913-1916"
October 15, 2013
I would give this a 4.5, as it is a unique book; I ended up loving it by the end. It did take me a little while to feel involved in the storyline. It was interesting to read that the author came up with the title for this book first, and then wrote the story. Many characters in the novel have serious moral choices to make, and I love how the author brings out the differences between grace, mercy, justice, and revenge. The one thing I questioned a slight bit is why Kate didn't become more involved in being a mentor to Meg and Ian sooner and try to do more, but I felt a little better about her role by the end of the story. Perhaps the author felt it wouldn't have worked with their personalities, and that may be true. It was hard for me to like Meg at first, but she certainly grows on the reader as the plot progresses, and so does Ian. I plan to try to read the other books in the Gilded Legacy series.
March 9, 2022
Meg doesn't have much to do with her father who she thinks is a wealthy business man. Upon his death she learns that he was a thief. Desperate for his approval, even from the grave, she decides to steal from one of Fifth Avenues wealthiest families. Ian, her fathers right hand man tries to persuade her not to engage in thievery. What ensues is a treacherous situation. Ian finds himself torn between greed and his newly found love for Meg. In the end Ian is punished for his part of the robbery. Their love story is implied.
A pretty good book. I didn't like the ending but I did like the characters.
A pretty good book. I didn't like the ending but I did like the characters.
July 23, 2012
Bees in the Butterfly Garden was a lovely and delightful read. It was a great story about struggling with who you are and who you are expected to be and discovering things you never knew about yourself. There were somber moments, but, also, many humorous moments that had me laughing out loud. After a little bit of a slow start, things really picked up and became so fast paced that I didn't want to put the book down for anything. I had a wonderful time reading this book and I will highly recommend it to everyone!
June 17, 2014
Beautiful and captivating, Bees in the Butterfly Garden far exceeded my expectations! This was the first book I can remember reading that completely enveloped me with the tension and hope that the characters were feeling. It was truly an "on-the-edge-of-your-seat" read because of the conflicting thoughts that the story produces in your mind: You don't want the characters to get caught, and yet...they need to! A delightful web of intrigue, romance, deception, and hope, this story is a wonderful reminder of the grace of God, which reaches beyond the simpler form of mercy.
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March 27, 2013Wow! Excellent! I liked so many things about this book:
1. The prologue is essential and draws the reader deep into the story.
2. The tension never slipped and kept building until I could not put the book down.
3. Fascinating characters. I don't think I've ever read about a band of thieves.
4. History and description are seamlessly integrated into the story.
5. An "oh, yes!" romance!
Meg was a finishing school graduate trying to uncover her family history and learns her father was the head of a notorious band of thieves.
1. The prologue is essential and draws the reader deep into the story.
2. The tension never slipped and kept building until I could not put the book down.
3. Fascinating characters. I don't think I've ever read about a band of thieves.
4. History and description are seamlessly integrated into the story.
5. An "oh, yes!" romance!
Meg was a finishing school graduate trying to uncover her family history and learns her father was the head of a notorious band of thieves.
March 20, 2013
Meg did get on my nerves from time-to-time when she acted like a pro though she was actually a novice. But I did enjoy reading this book..it was good. I liked the other characters as well.
August 23, 2017
This was my first experience with this author. I got her book for free one day on Amazon and since then, I've been intrigued by the title and cover of the book. I wasn't really certain what to expect and to be honest, I'm still not exactly sure how I feel about the book after having read it.
There is no way to really talk about this book without giving away some of the storyline So, for anyone not interested in knowing specific plot details, you may not want to continue reading this review.
Meg was an interesting character. Raised in a finishing school since her youth, she was prim and proper and everything that a well bred young lady aught to be. Until her father died and her whole world is turned upside down. At her father's funeral, Meg learns that the whole reason she was sent away and ignored by her father is because he was a thief and he wanted to guard her as much as possible from the crude life he was living. Unfortunately, Meg takes it all very badly. Instead of just moving on with the life her father wanted her to have, Meg sees her father's lifestyle as being the reason she has always been so discontented in good society. So, she sets out to try and prove that she is her father's daughter by setting up a robbery of her own. The entire book, she is determined to show everyone from her father's life that she is just like him – capable of being a thief. Meg doesn't spend the whole book stealing, but she does spend the entire book making plans to steal from a specific family she met while at school.
Along with Meg, you had the character of Ian Maguire. Ian is a man who had been partners with Meg's father. He starts out the book already being in love with Meg, having liked her since his childhood and having grown up listening to her father share stories about her. Although Ian is a thief, you can tell he's not all bad because he tries for quite a while in the book to convince Meg not to steal or choose the life her father tried to shield her from.
Overall, it was an interesting story. Definitely not ordinary or similar to anything else I've ever read before. My main trouble was just that for most of the book, Meg and Ian spend so much time setting up the details for the heist. It is difficult to get behind two main characters that are both involved in something unlawful and ungodly. Right up to the actual robbery itself, I believed that a zillion things would go wrong and that they would be going through with their plans. It was kind of a nightmare. You never really relaxed and settled into the storyline because at every turn you were expecting them to get caught or for something to go wrong.
The only reason I gave this book three stars was because of everything that happened after the heist. The ending was satisfactory. All of my worst case scenarios ended up not coming true so once we moved past the robbery itself, things got better. I liked the choices the author made and the message of the book. I liked how things ended for the characters.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't actually get to find out what happened to Brewster – the villain of the tale. I assume that will be kept for another book in the series. Unfortunately I won't get to know what happens because I can't really stand to read another book. Especially if it is one about Evie, the youngest daughter of the family Meg planned to steal from. Evie was just plain irritating and I couldn't bear to read a whole book about her.
The title of the book itself was kind of odd and obscure. It didn't really have much to do with the book at all except that Meg liked to garden and planned to put a garden into the backyard of the family she was stealing from. She also spent a short amount of time (only a few paragraphs really) in the school's garden at the beginning of the book. But that was about it. The title just didn't seem to really fit what was actually going on in the book. It was just, weird and didn't really match the themes.
Overall, this book was just hard to read. I read it pretty quickly, but I didn't really enjoy reading it at all until the end. The story of redemption in Christ was really the only reason I liked it at all and is the main reason I've given it three stars. It was nice to see how a relationship with God changed the heart of both Meg and Ian and turned them toward a better, more peace filled path in life.
There is no way to really talk about this book without giving away some of the storyline So, for anyone not interested in knowing specific plot details, you may not want to continue reading this review.
Meg was an interesting character. Raised in a finishing school since her youth, she was prim and proper and everything that a well bred young lady aught to be. Until her father died and her whole world is turned upside down. At her father's funeral, Meg learns that the whole reason she was sent away and ignored by her father is because he was a thief and he wanted to guard her as much as possible from the crude life he was living. Unfortunately, Meg takes it all very badly. Instead of just moving on with the life her father wanted her to have, Meg sees her father's lifestyle as being the reason she has always been so discontented in good society. So, she sets out to try and prove that she is her father's daughter by setting up a robbery of her own. The entire book, she is determined to show everyone from her father's life that she is just like him – capable of being a thief. Meg doesn't spend the whole book stealing, but she does spend the entire book making plans to steal from a specific family she met while at school.
Along with Meg, you had the character of Ian Maguire. Ian is a man who had been partners with Meg's father. He starts out the book already being in love with Meg, having liked her since his childhood and having grown up listening to her father share stories about her. Although Ian is a thief, you can tell he's not all bad because he tries for quite a while in the book to convince Meg not to steal or choose the life her father tried to shield her from.
Overall, it was an interesting story. Definitely not ordinary or similar to anything else I've ever read before. My main trouble was just that for most of the book, Meg and Ian spend so much time setting up the details for the heist. It is difficult to get behind two main characters that are both involved in something unlawful and ungodly. Right up to the actual robbery itself, I believed that a zillion things would go wrong and that they would be going through with their plans. It was kind of a nightmare. You never really relaxed and settled into the storyline because at every turn you were expecting them to get caught or for something to go wrong.
The only reason I gave this book three stars was because of everything that happened after the heist. The ending was satisfactory. All of my worst case scenarios ended up not coming true so once we moved past the robbery itself, things got better. I liked the choices the author made and the message of the book. I liked how things ended for the characters.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't actually get to find out what happened to Brewster – the villain of the tale. I assume that will be kept for another book in the series. Unfortunately I won't get to know what happens because I can't really stand to read another book. Especially if it is one about Evie, the youngest daughter of the family Meg planned to steal from. Evie was just plain irritating and I couldn't bear to read a whole book about her.
The title of the book itself was kind of odd and obscure. It didn't really have much to do with the book at all except that Meg liked to garden and planned to put a garden into the backyard of the family she was stealing from. She also spent a short amount of time (only a few paragraphs really) in the school's garden at the beginning of the book. But that was about it. The title just didn't seem to really fit what was actually going on in the book. It was just, weird and didn't really match the themes.
Overall, this book was just hard to read. I read it pretty quickly, but I didn't really enjoy reading it at all until the end. The story of redemption in Christ was really the only reason I liked it at all and is the main reason I've given it three stars. It was nice to see how a relationship with God changed the heart of both Meg and Ian and turned them toward a better, more peace filled path in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2012
GENRE: HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: TYNDALE
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 01, 2012
RATING:4.5 OUT OF 5 – EXCELLENT
PROS: Spiritual themes are fairly well-integrated and not overbearing; endearing secondary characters; good insight into two very different cultures in this time period
CONS: Some characters’ motives and actions aren’t entirely convincing
Meg Davenport has spent almost her entire life at an exclusive boarding school in Connecticut, far away from the life she wishes she were spending with her father in New York. Although she has all the comforts a young woman her age could desire, she has never truly known her father’s love. When Meg is faced with the news that the father she barely knew has died suddenly, she can’t help but rush to his side in the hope that in death, she might know him more than she did in life. But her father’s protégée, Ian Maguire, is keen to keep Meg from knowing the truth about her father and his line of business. When Meg uncovers the truth – that her father was a successful and notorious thief – she hopes to follow in his footsteps in order to honour his name, and in the hope that it will bring her closer to him. Ian will do everything in his power to stop Meg from heading down the path that her father so desired her to know nothing of. But even Ian can’t help but admit that Meg’s schooling has helped her to make connections that could be incredibly profitable. If he cannot stop Meg from following in her father’s footsteps, the least he could do is help her, in the hope that his protection will ensure no harm will come to her. But once Meg finds herself in the middle of a web of crime, will it bring her the joy and comfort she truly hopes to find?
Having read some early reviews of Bees in the Butterfly Garden, I was intrigued to find that reviewers were split into two distinct groups: those who absolutely adored the novel, and those who found Meg to be an incredibly unsympathetic character. And when I began reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would find myself entrenched in the second camp. How many of us can really relate to a woman who throws away all the comforts she could ever want in order to pursue a life of crime? I will admit that Meg’s initial motivations weren’t the most convincing, but there were several other factors that allowed me to overlook my initial impressions and made me thoroughly enjoy this book. Following on from my love of Olivia Newport’s debut novel, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I can’t help but ponder what it is about the Gilded Age that appeals to me so. The particular rules of social etiquette, the conflict of old and new money and the high moral code of the upper class philanthropists are all factors that were present in both Maureen and Olivia’s novels, and I can guarantee that if you enjoyed one, you’re sure to appreciate the other.
I can’t admit to knowing a lot about this time period, and I know even less about the history of thievery and other such crimes. But I could tell early on that Maureen had done her research, both about girls’ boarding schools and the actions of the thieves involved in the line of work that Meg’s father occupied. As well as the details interwoven into the novel about social etiquette (from Meg’s need for a chaperone when travelling to the rules of mourning) and those on thievery (in particular, the details of ransoming and cracking safes), each chapter Bees in the Butterfly Garden also contained a quote from either the fictional Madame Marisse’s Handbook for Young Ladies or from a book on criminal activity during this time period. These quotes enabled me to understand some of the motivations of Meg and Ian, and also provided ample entertainment. I’m sure it’s not just me who adores novels that include such quotes, and Madame Marisse’s quotes in particular are sure to intrigue and amuse many a reader.
The secondary characters in Bees in the Butterfly Garden were similarly entertaining, particularly the sisterly banter between Claire and Evie, the old school friends that Meg lives with in New York. Evie’s antics provided an interesting contrast to Meg’s entrance to the world of thievery, and Claire and her brother, Nelson, enabled a gentle spiritual thread about grace and mercy to be wound into the book without feeling too overbearing. I never found Claire or Nelson’s beliefs to be forced into the novel in any way, and the way that Meg slowly began to tap into their ideas felt very realistic. Even if you find Meg to be slightly unsympathetic at the start of the novel, the guilt she begins to feel at deceiving her loving and godly friends can’t help but make her endearing.
Although I entirely bought Meg’s gradual change of heart, I can’t say that I felt the same way about Ian’s. His didn’t have the same sort of build-up, and although I understood the backstory about his father’s strong faith, his ultimate decision to change his ways didn’t come across as entirely realistic. There were a few other moments in the story where the underlying motivations of the characters didn’t seem as believable as it could have been – namely, Meg’s decision to leave her refined life behind and become a thief like her father, and Evie’s final prank, which seemed incredibly cruel, even for her. While I truly enjoyed reading about each of these characters, there were times when I just didn’t find their motives to be completely realistic. Thankfully, this didn’t detract too much from my reading experience, but I can see why it would bother some readers.
It wasn’t until I was nearly finished reading Bees in the Butterfly Garden that I realised that the novel was well over four-hundred pages long. I sped through this book far faster than some significantly shorter novels, a sign of how gripping it was and how much I cared about the fates of the characters. Although I had my gripes with the motivations of some of the characters, I truly did want them to succeed and find happiness by the end of the novel. I hope that other readers will be similarly enamoured with the Gilded Age and all the intrigue that it brings.
Review title provided by Tyndale.
PUBLISHER: TYNDALE
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 01, 2012
RATING:4.5 OUT OF 5 – EXCELLENT
PROS: Spiritual themes are fairly well-integrated and not overbearing; endearing secondary characters; good insight into two very different cultures in this time period
CONS: Some characters’ motives and actions aren’t entirely convincing
Meg Davenport has spent almost her entire life at an exclusive boarding school in Connecticut, far away from the life she wishes she were spending with her father in New York. Although she has all the comforts a young woman her age could desire, she has never truly known her father’s love. When Meg is faced with the news that the father she barely knew has died suddenly, she can’t help but rush to his side in the hope that in death, she might know him more than she did in life. But her father’s protégée, Ian Maguire, is keen to keep Meg from knowing the truth about her father and his line of business. When Meg uncovers the truth – that her father was a successful and notorious thief – she hopes to follow in his footsteps in order to honour his name, and in the hope that it will bring her closer to him. Ian will do everything in his power to stop Meg from heading down the path that her father so desired her to know nothing of. But even Ian can’t help but admit that Meg’s schooling has helped her to make connections that could be incredibly profitable. If he cannot stop Meg from following in her father’s footsteps, the least he could do is help her, in the hope that his protection will ensure no harm will come to her. But once Meg finds herself in the middle of a web of crime, will it bring her the joy and comfort she truly hopes to find?
Having read some early reviews of Bees in the Butterfly Garden, I was intrigued to find that reviewers were split into two distinct groups: those who absolutely adored the novel, and those who found Meg to be an incredibly unsympathetic character. And when I began reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would find myself entrenched in the second camp. How many of us can really relate to a woman who throws away all the comforts she could ever want in order to pursue a life of crime? I will admit that Meg’s initial motivations weren’t the most convincing, but there were several other factors that allowed me to overlook my initial impressions and made me thoroughly enjoy this book. Following on from my love of Olivia Newport’s debut novel, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I can’t help but ponder what it is about the Gilded Age that appeals to me so. The particular rules of social etiquette, the conflict of old and new money and the high moral code of the upper class philanthropists are all factors that were present in both Maureen and Olivia’s novels, and I can guarantee that if you enjoyed one, you’re sure to appreciate the other.
I can’t admit to knowing a lot about this time period, and I know even less about the history of thievery and other such crimes. But I could tell early on that Maureen had done her research, both about girls’ boarding schools and the actions of the thieves involved in the line of work that Meg’s father occupied. As well as the details interwoven into the novel about social etiquette (from Meg’s need for a chaperone when travelling to the rules of mourning) and those on thievery (in particular, the details of ransoming and cracking safes), each chapter Bees in the Butterfly Garden also contained a quote from either the fictional Madame Marisse’s Handbook for Young Ladies or from a book on criminal activity during this time period. These quotes enabled me to understand some of the motivations of Meg and Ian, and also provided ample entertainment. I’m sure it’s not just me who adores novels that include such quotes, and Madame Marisse’s quotes in particular are sure to intrigue and amuse many a reader.
The secondary characters in Bees in the Butterfly Garden were similarly entertaining, particularly the sisterly banter between Claire and Evie, the old school friends that Meg lives with in New York. Evie’s antics provided an interesting contrast to Meg’s entrance to the world of thievery, and Claire and her brother, Nelson, enabled a gentle spiritual thread about grace and mercy to be wound into the book without feeling too overbearing. I never found Claire or Nelson’s beliefs to be forced into the novel in any way, and the way that Meg slowly began to tap into their ideas felt very realistic. Even if you find Meg to be slightly unsympathetic at the start of the novel, the guilt she begins to feel at deceiving her loving and godly friends can’t help but make her endearing.
Although I entirely bought Meg’s gradual change of heart, I can’t say that I felt the same way about Ian’s. His didn’t have the same sort of build-up, and although I understood the backstory about his father’s strong faith, his ultimate decision to change his ways didn’t come across as entirely realistic. There were a few other moments in the story where the underlying motivations of the characters didn’t seem as believable as it could have been – namely, Meg’s decision to leave her refined life behind and become a thief like her father, and Evie’s final prank, which seemed incredibly cruel, even for her. While I truly enjoyed reading about each of these characters, there were times when I just didn’t find their motives to be completely realistic. Thankfully, this didn’t detract too much from my reading experience, but I can see why it would bother some readers.
It wasn’t until I was nearly finished reading Bees in the Butterfly Garden that I realised that the novel was well over four-hundred pages long. I sped through this book far faster than some significantly shorter novels, a sign of how gripping it was and how much I cared about the fates of the characters. Although I had my gripes with the motivations of some of the characters, I truly did want them to succeed and find happiness by the end of the novel. I hope that other readers will be similarly enamoured with the Gilded Age and all the intrigue that it brings.
Review title provided by Tyndale.
December 26, 2018
The cover was absolutely stunning, which was what immediately attracted me to it. After reading the cover - I can't help buying a book with a description like that - I bought it and settled down for a nice read.
I really liked the ultimate ending and message about the book. The concepts of grace, mercy, and justice were well-spoken, and very beautiful written in. There is nothing better than a story that screams that message from the rooftops. I really liked Meg and Ian, and I loved Claire's family. (Even Evie somehow touched me.)
What I wasn't a huge fan was the way it all unfolded. The last part made sense. Meg and Ian turning from their thievery ways, and it made perfect sense (to me at least) that Ian would be a thief. Of course. But Meg's sudden turn to the dark side was just a little .... ehhh. I liked her in it and I think it ended up working out, but the original 'my dad was a criminal so therefore I am too' was just a little off.
All that aside, I really liked this one! I always enjoy books that feature thieves and the pull from both the light and the dark.
I really liked the ultimate ending and message about the book. The concepts of grace, mercy, and justice were well-spoken, and very beautiful written in. There is nothing better than a story that screams that message from the rooftops. I really liked Meg and Ian, and I loved Claire's family. (Even Evie somehow touched me.)
What I wasn't a huge fan was the way it all unfolded. The last part made sense. Meg and Ian turning from their thievery ways, and it made perfect sense (to me at least) that Ian would be a thief. Of course. But Meg's sudden turn to the dark side was just a little .... ehhh. I liked her in it and I think it ended up working out, but the original 'my dad was a criminal so therefore I am too' was just a little off.
All that aside, I really liked this one! I always enjoy books that feature thieves and the pull from both the light and the dark.
April 27, 2022
A full length Gilded Age suspense and romance novel about the lives of a NYC underground Irish crime family. Meg Davenport hardly knows her father except that he can pay for her expensive, exclusive boarding school. Only at his funeral does she come to learn that he's paid for this through crime, and there are two factions vying for power and control. One who wants to protect her and one that would like to control her for their own purpose. Deprived of love and a normal family life, she is determined to continue with her father's way of life. His protege, Ian and father's girlfriend, Kate, attempt to dissuade her but to no avail when she's invited to stay at the very rich Pembleton House for the summer to case it for purported gold bricks. However, unexpectedly she finds out that they are a very warm and generous Christian family. Caught between good and evil and an increasing infatuation with Iam, she needs to make some conscientious choices. Well-written and researched romance and suspense story that will maintain one's interest through-out.
January 26, 2018
Unexpected events change her life's direction
Meg was raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest. She never knew her mother and barely knows her father. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.
Her father's protégé, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps.
Find out how this dilemma between a stubborn and determined young woman and the young man who desires to shield her from finding out more about her father's life and his profession.
Meg was raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest. She never knew her mother and barely knows her father. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.
Her father's protégé, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps.
Find out how this dilemma between a stubborn and determined young woman and the young man who desires to shield her from finding out more about her father's life and his profession.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews