Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Honeybee Sisters #2

A Bee In Her Bonnet

Rate this book
Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community—where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . . .

Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn’t about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family’s farm. She’s been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl—no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontrager insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn’t need his interference now, especially since he’s made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn’t stop helping her find the culprit—and growing humble and remorseful—she’ll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love—maybe for a lifetime.

441 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

218 people are currently reading
635 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Beckstrand

60 books886 followers
Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, The Petersheim Brothers series and The Amish Quiltmaker series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Her sweet romantic Western series, Cowboys of the Butterfly Ranch, features feisty heroines and tough-as-nails cowboys sprinkled with Jennifer’s trademark humor and happy endings. Maggie and Max is the third book in that series. Dandelion Meadows is her new, sweet small-town romance series, set in a quirky little town in Idaho. Jennifer has written thirty-eight Amish romances, three sweet romantic Westerns, two sweet contemporaries, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. Jennifer is a member of ACFW and is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency. She and her husband have been married thirty-nine years, and she has six children and eleven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
307 (53%)
4 stars
177 (30%)
3 stars
76 (13%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel.
353 reviews42 followers
August 26, 2016
~See my review of the whole series here on my blog: http://smilingbookreviews.blogspot.co...

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and let me tell you - she is funny!  I laughed out loud quite a bit while reading (and listening to**) these books.   The way she words things can be quite humorous.   And the character of Aunt B and the way the author portrays the cats is too funny.   Aunt B is fiercely protective of her girls and hilariously eccentric.  I love Aunt B!  :)

Then there is the mystery running through all three books of the vandalism that is plaguing the Honeybee Sisters Farm!  Who can it be?  An Englischer? Or someone from the Amish community who thinks they should be shunned because of Aunt B?

All in all, this is a very enjoyable series.  With strong, earnest heroes and sweet, sometimes vulnerable heroines, you'll enjoy the romances as well as the mystery in these books.

A Bee In Her Bonnet by Jennifer Beckstrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

I probably liked Poppy's story the best.   She is so fierce and stands up for herself quite well.   Which is the whole reason her and Luke butt heads so much.  He is determined in thinking that the man should be the one to take charge and do all the "manly" stuff.   Poppy is just as determined to do just as good as Luke can at any job!  LOL  She's quite a character!   One that Luke starts realizing he can't quit thinking about and is way more interesting than the other simpering girl he thought he would one day marry.  I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

*Thanks to CelebrateLit for complimentary copies of these books for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

**Although I received a complimentary e-book of all three of these books, I also purchased an audio version of all three so that I could listen to them on my way to work.   I'm glad I did, because hearing the dialect of some of the words was great.   I found myself wanting to say "Uff da!" more than once...LOL! :) **
Profile Image for Tina Watson.
313 reviews
August 10, 2017
The Honeybee Sisters series may not be your typical Amish story, but the characters sure do come to life. What the characters experience IS real and human. If you like humor and wit, you won't be disappointed with this second book the series, "A Bee In Her Bonnet", for I felt there was more humor this time.

"A Bee In Her Bonnet" is Poppy Christner's story. Poppy is the middle sister of the three young Honeybee Sisters, who lives with their non-typical aunt Bitsy in Wisconsin. Poppy is the most independent and headstrong of the three sisters; at times I thought she should have been the oldest.

Poppy is more determined than ever to find who is destroying their property. She's also know for protecting her sisters and anyone else who is getting bullied. Is taking all of those insults taking a heartfelt toll on Poppy's self-esteem

When prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontranger comes to Poppy's rescue at the opening of the book, we see how their relationship was when they were in school has carried over to their young adult life. Luke is determined to help Poppy and to get her to see his way of thinking but with both of them headstrong, it doesn't go so well.

Are we the readers getting any closer to learning who the vandals are?
Will Luke and Poppy come to an understanding of each other?

I love how Jennifer Beckstrand makes the characters come ALIVE right off the pages while reading. I enjoyed the chuckles that I had at certain times throughout the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series by month's end, "Like a Bee to Honey". Each book features a sister and her story.


I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,230 reviews490 followers
July 19, 2016
We are back with the Honeybee Sister, Lily, Rose and Poppy, and of course Aunt B, and this Amish community in Wisconsin. There is still an evil person or persons who are tormenting the Christner family, with writing cruel words, tipping beehives, destroying chicken coops. The last brings Luke Bontrager, a neighbor, to help them, and although they have know each other most of their lives, does he even like Poppy?
Poppy insists on being a strong woman, and with many in the community that is her downfall. When Luke comes with his skills to rebuild their chicken coop, and although Poppy insists on helping, and Luke admires the job she does, he does not let her know.
Luke remembers Poppy socking boys, and thinks he wants a sweet gentle Amish girl for his wife, not anyone like Poppy. Now is his opinion going to change, or is Poppy about to confirm his beliefs?
These poor girls seem to be challenged in all direction, even by some members of their own family. We are with Aunt B again and her tattoos and nail polish, and earrings, like all Amish woman right, nope! She is definitely her own person, but you can’t help but love her, “don’t feed those boys, they will keep returning and we can’t get rid of the.”
A great summer read, and some chuckles.
I received this book through Net Galley, and Kensington Books and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Cathy Cermele.
782 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2016
This is the second installment of the Honeybee Sisters series and it’s just as delightful as the first book, Sweet as Honey. I am loving Aunt B! She definitely has a mind of her own and is a bit of a rebel, but in a good way! Other than her inclination to wear big earrings, color her hair and the occasional tattoo (temporary ones) she is raising the Christner sisters to be fine young Amish ladies. It makes perfect sense once you read the books, which I highly recommend you do.

There is still an unknown mischief maker wreaking havoc on the farm and Poppy is determined to find the culprit. Hilarity ensues as Luke is determined to help her. There’s never a dull moment as Poppy is determined to prove to Luke that she is as capable as he is, even though he’s pretty doubtful.
As a cat lover, I enjoyed the antics of Farrah Fawcett, Billy Idol and Leonard Nimoy, named by Aunt B.

The girls are still baking their delicious treats, working their farm and selling their honey. Everything they do is done with love and so much laughter.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and know that it will be just as good as the first two.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,674 reviews582 followers
July 19, 2021
Poppy is such a fun character- fiercely loyal to her sisters, determined to accomplish tasks she's told she can't or shouldn't do, and enjoys needling Luke and his ego. Somehow their mutual dislike gradually and naturally shifts to an unlikely friendship, then stronger feelings, but the path to love is anything but smooth for them, and plenty of conflict kept me glued to the pages as I read. There's something so satisfying about Luke's shift that leaves him desperate for Poppy's approval and affection. They have great chemistry! The vandalism at the farm increases even as Dan, Luke, and their friend Josiah become frequent visitors to help repair the damage and attempt to protect the sisters. Aunt Bitsy is a favorite- sassy and blunt and unpredictable, keeping the boys on their toes. Even the cats have vibrant personalities, and the humor woven throughout kept me smiling and chuckling, but never veered into slapstick territory.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
625 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2016
Book two in The Honeybee Sisters series is a fun read! Poppy has always been headstrong, hard-working, and no-nonsense. She displays a tough exterior that hides any emotion that men might construe as weak. So heaven help Luke when he puts his foot in his mouth, being chauvinistic without even realizing it. Poppy wishes Luke would stop trying to “rescue” her … and when he finally looks at her as an equal, it changes everything.

I adore Beckstrand’s Amish tales. They are well-written, entertaining, and often educational for this Englischer! Beckstrand writes Poppy’s beautiful story with heart and authenticity. I appreciate the relationships she has with her sisters and aunt… and Luke. The best part about getting to know Poppy was watching her realize that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, and that accepting help is sometimes the best way to start a new friendship.

https://randombookmuses.com/2016/07/2...


NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
September 2, 2016
A BEE IN HER BONNET is the second book in this series. This is Poppy's story. Poppy is the tomboy of the bunch and Luke is a boy she beat up several times when they were in school. When he comes upon Poppy with her fingers stuck in the window of a moving car, he is quick to step to Poppy's rescue with a crowbar, but is Poppy grateful? Oh, no. She's mad.

Poppy does have a broken hand, and Luke wants to be nice and help her out with her chores, so he keeps coming around. But with Poppy's temper and Luke's arrogance, there seems to be no hope. Not only that but the attacks that began in book 1 are still continuing!

I enjoy reading Ms. Beckstrand's books and this is no different. I read them out of order as I didn't get book 2 until the night before the tour started, so I read book 1, book 3, and now box 2. You'll be happy to know you'll lose nothing from the stories if you do read them out of order. Recommended.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books372 followers
March 2, 2017
I found this romance book very enjoyable. We follow the youngest of three beekeeping Amish sisters as she tries to find out who has been vandalising their farm. Poppy is determined but quite young so she doesn't always get things right and she is sure that she doesn't need help. A lad from her school class who would like to help, also has a saintly young woman interested in him, providing a nice contrast. The beekeepers are too tomboyish, donning trousers to work with beehives while living as independent women with their aunt. They sell honey and fruit to make a decent living. Not everyone approves.

I preferred the first book which followed an older sister, but some readers will identify more with Poppy and her challenges. This romance tale is fine for any age of reader. See also the honey recipes!

I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley and this is an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
August 12, 2019
4 1/2 star TOP PICK

The latest book in The Honeybee Sisters series is another hilarious and breathlessly romantic adventure. Aunt Bitsy continues to be delightfully amusing, her Amish roots blending with her Englisch experiences in ways that are both unconventional and laugh out loud funny. The added bits of more physical humor this go-around, as well as the love-hate nature of the romantic tension, give this book its own distinct feel from its predecessor. Beckstrand has a knack for combining humor and romance along with “real” characters, and this series is the best example yet!

(I was paid to write a review for RT Book Reviews. All views expressed are nevertheless only my honest opinion.)
338 reviews10 followers
September 20, 2016
An absolutely zany ride with Beckstand's characters taking on a life of their own in bee country. With a book this funny and with so many plot twists, real life takes a back seat to the farm setting and small town where The Honeybee Sisters live! In particular as this is "her story", Poppy Christner is a tomboy with a good heart, but gets involved in an unbelievable amount of drama. The resolution of this drama with a chance at true love is literally a dream come true for Poppy and the reader.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Tammy
Book provided by NetGalley

A Bee In Her Bonnet by Jennifer Beckstrand is the second installment of her Honeybee Sisters Trilogy. I looked forward to reading about Poppy's turn at romance in this story. Poppy Christner is as independent as Luke Bontrager is full of himself. One can't be sure if another fight will break out or bit of romance is going to blossom between the two. One thing they do agree on is that the threats and vandalism has to stop on the Christner farm. They decide work together to find the perpetrator.

This book is a light, fun, romantic, clean read. And just as delightful as book one. Yes, it is predictable and you know there will a happy ending. What's wrong with that once it awhile? Aunt B and her crazily-named cats add to the enjoyment of the story. Some readers may not like that the person behind the farm's vandalism still is not caught. For me, that mystery is one of the reasons I”ll “bee” happily waiting to read the next book in the trilogy, Like a Bee to Honey. I also can't wait to see if Rose can fully trust a member of the opposite sex with her heart. I would recommend A Bee In Her Bonnet if you are looking for a lighthearted, sweet romance. And while you are at it, check out Sweet As Honey, book one of the series, to see what all the buzz is about!
Profile Image for Chanel Sharp.
225 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
Another great book! This series is worth the buy and the read is just sweet and lovely.
Poppy was an interesting character. She was constantly never backing down and again this book had no problem showing the good and bad of that. Luke was also an interesting character and Mom liked how he had to learn his lesson. Luke and Poppy had some amazing couple moments together and the author did a really good job showing how they could make a good couple. Usually any kind of hate/dislike to love story usually only shows how well they can have sex together, which is not a bad thing in and of itself, but good sex does not make for a good relationship, and to many time mom has seen the dislike to love relationship flop when it comes to realtionship/talking part of the realtionship; which in mom’s mind makes them seem less romantic. This one hit it out of the park.
Mom was a little sad that Luke always seemed to be learning his lesson well Poppy never seemed to have as many lessons to learn. In the end thought Poppy did admit some failures to which even thugs out for mom.
A great book!
Profile Image for Lily.
4 reviews1 follower
Read
March 4, 2020
Jennifer Beckstrand's novel, A Bee In Her Bonnet, is delightful.

When reading A Been In Her Bonnet, I laughed and smiled. In fact, I'm hoping to read the book again soon even though I hadn't read it too long ago.

Poppy is a strong character who wants to help others. She's willing to put herself out there to help others, and she's a kind, funny character. On the other hand, there's Luke. He's an interesting character (and unlike the other male protagonists in this series). I enjoyed seeing him grow.

Their relationship is sweet. It was enjoyable seeing what the characters went through to finally be with one another. It developed well.

A Bee In Her Bonnet was a relaxing novel I'm excited to read again in the future. Jennifer Beckstrand is a good author who creates interesting romance novels. I highly suggest reading her works.
Profile Image for Mayda.
3,839 reviews65 followers
July 5, 2020
For an Amish girl, Poppy is a regular tomboy. Fiercely protective of her sisters, she has gotten into many a scrape with boys. And growing up hasn’t hasn’t diminished her attitude, especially towards bullies. Now she must deal with an English bully, with the sometimes unwanted help of Luke, a neighbor who increasingly finds himself drawn to her, like a bee to honey. Their friendship is prickly at best, and it seems like one or the other is always getting hurt. Maybe love will blossom, before they accidentally kill each other. In this second installment, the vandalism that began in the first book continues, and they are no closer in finding the culprit. Aunt Bitsy again is a source of wisdom and humor. The plot is intriguing, and the characters are quite entertaining and come alive on the page. This author really knows how to tell an engaging story.
Profile Image for Ellie.
438 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2020
I am so enjoying this series! At first, I wasn't sure I would get into this book because the heroine is a tomboy which isn't something I can relate to. However, it didn't take long to realize that that little fact didn't matter and I liked this book very much! I just love the family aspect of Aunt Bitsy and the three sisters and how they are always there to defend and look out for each other. I enjoyed watching Poppy and Luke develop and discover their feelings for each other. I especially liked a scene near the end where Luke showed what a good guy he is by protecting someone who was mean to Poppy and his sisters. This is the second book in the series and could be read as a stand alone, but I think it would be best enjoyed if the first book in the series is read first.
Profile Image for Ann.
450 reviews
December 9, 2017
I do like me an occasional Amish romance. Quick read, easy to take in. And it's interesting to learn a little more about the Amish (although I am not sure how accurate the depictions are in a novel.) And in the case of this series of books, learning about beeking.

Lily, Poppy, and Rose have lived with their aunt since their parents died. Aunt B is trying hard to raise the girls in the Amish faith despite her worldly ways;

Each book is one of the girl's stories of falling in love. You don't miss a beat from one book to the next. A great easy read and clean romance!
Profile Image for Kitty.
192 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2018
Another excellent entry in the series, I'm really enjoying it. (I also kept forgetting Poppy's real name wasn't actually Poppy!)

Oh she and Luke made me laugh so much, even if you wanted to smack sense into the pair of them from time to time. Auntie B continues to be my absolute favourite thing about these books, though watching Luke and Poppy spar in this one came a close second. I cheered so much when she popped that jerk in the face for trying to hurt her sister and her friends. (I hope someone gives that jerk Paul what for like that in book 3)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan.
817 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2020
I'm not that into Amish stories but got talked into this one by an author that shares our last name. It was a fun light read, and yet had some depth to it that I was surprised at and really appreciated! One of my favorite Christian messages that came across repeatedly and beautifully: "Never judge another person, because you don't know what they're going through." Now I'll take the time to read some of her other works.
639 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2023
The second book in the series. Poppy has been known to get into a fist fight and bloody the nose of any boy who messed with her sisters. Luke and Poppy are a bit like water & oil, they don't quite mix. He thinks her wants a nice, gentle Amish girl and truly believes that it is his job to protect all women and girls. Will they ever see eye to eye?
Aunt Bitsy is very protective but still her funny self and the girls couldn't love her more. Get ready to meet the newest member of the family....
165 reviews
May 17, 2018
I love this author. I will read anything she chooses to write. Each time I read one of her books, I think "this is the best one she's ever written", but this time, it really is. I laughed, I cried, I had goosebumps, I enjoyed every word of the enjoyable ride. This book touched me to the bottom of my wee little soul!
Profile Image for Jaymie.
2,300 reviews21 followers
August 15, 2019
4.5 stars. Delightful! Slow progress on the series-arc issues, but a terrific story for Poppy and Luke. This is an enemies to lovers story with some interesting psychology (Luke feels like it's his job to protect all women and keep them from anything he thinks is "men's work" while Poppy wants to be self-sufficient in everything.) I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series asap.
Profile Image for Sara Miller.
5 reviews
July 13, 2023
This book is one of my top favorites of all the Amish books out there!!
I must have read this book over a dozen times since I got it at the library a month ago. It's an awesome book!!
Funny
Intresting
Comical
Poppy is super funny but I really like her!!
112 reviews
June 14, 2017
Really enjoying this trilogy. It has a few corny things in it but nothing that would keep me from reading 📚 and enjoying them. I recommend these to all Christian readers and Amish loving readers!
Profile Image for Teresa Scott.
359 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2017
I didn't care for this one as much as I did book two. The story was too drawn out and could have been a better story if shortened by about 100 pages.
994 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2018
The 2nd in The Honeybee Sisters, this is Poppy’s story. I loved it and read it in one sitting.
4 reviews
July 29, 2018
This was a fun continuation of the Honeybee Schwesters' story. Can't wait to read the third book--we'll finally find out who's bothering them so terribly!
Profile Image for Sarah A.
2,269 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2018
Second in the honeybee sister series. Another very enjoyable Amish romance read. Love the aunt so much!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.