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The Bee Charmer
After the death of her father, Nat St. Croix needs to decide on which direction her life should take. Does she continue her life alone, as a trapper and trader, or does she start over and try to fit into a town surrounded by strangers?
When she arrives in Seattle to trade her furs, a young widow, Marissa, catches Nat’s attention. Can Marissa be the chance of having the best of both worlds? Will the call of the wild and all that is familiar or, will the call of love capture Nat’s heart?
When she arrives in Seattle to trade her furs, a young widow, Marissa, catches Nat’s attention. Can Marissa be the chance of having the best of both worlds? Will the call of the wild and all that is familiar or, will the call of love capture Nat’s heart?
- GenresLGBTHistorical
361 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2017
22 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ali Spooner
73 books124 followersI am a native Floridian who is temporarily (I hope) displaced in Memphis, TN. for work purposes, however I hope to make it home to a partner of 17 years and our family as quickly as I can. I enjoy photography as a hobby along with spinning a good tale.
I am American by birth and Southern by the Grace of God. LOL I enjoy writing about the south and creating characters and events that I hope my readers enjoy as much as I have in creating them.
I am American by birth and Southern by the Grace of God. LOL I enjoy writing about the south and creating characters and events that I hope my readers enjoy as much as I have in creating them.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 7, 2022
A truly touching story!
A very heartfelt story with tender, passionate, endearing moments. It's beautiful, vividly written and offers a great inside look at the everyday life during that time period. A life under though conditions. I really enjoyed the development of the main characters and the supporting cast of friends is awesome. Nat, Marissa and Maggie are my heroes and Gyp has stolen my heart. Every chapter was a pleasure to read and I didn’t want it to end. It was inspiring and written from the heart. You could feel their emotions, their hopes and their strength. This book has touched me deeply. Thank you Ali Spooner for this fascinating story.
A very heartfelt story with tender, passionate, endearing moments. It's beautiful, vividly written and offers a great inside look at the everyday life during that time period. A life under though conditions. I really enjoyed the development of the main characters and the supporting cast of friends is awesome. Nat, Marissa and Maggie are my heroes and Gyp has stolen my heart. Every chapter was a pleasure to read and I didn’t want it to end. It was inspiring and written from the heart. You could feel their emotions, their hopes and their strength. This book has touched me deeply. Thank you Ali Spooner for this fascinating story.
January 7, 2018
Disapointing
I was really looking forward to this book and pre-ordered it so it was delivered to my kindle on its release date. It was long which I usually like in a book, but I started to find this one a bit boring. There was no suspense and no peril, every time I thought the story was building up to a dangerous situation it just petered back out again. I started to get quite tired of the same descriptions of them making the same food over and over again. One character would ask what the others wanted to eat, they would discuss what food they wanted and then we would get a long description of them cooking it.
I was really looking forward to this book and pre-ordered it so it was delivered to my kindle on its release date. It was long which I usually like in a book, but I started to find this one a bit boring. There was no suspense and no peril, every time I thought the story was building up to a dangerous situation it just petered back out again. I started to get quite tired of the same descriptions of them making the same food over and over again. One character would ask what the others wanted to eat, they would discuss what food they wanted and then we would get a long description of them cooking it.
March 17, 2022
Ali hits out of the ball park again
I was hooked from page one. The storyline and the characters are all strong. I couldn't put the book down till I was done. Everything was perfect....but I kept waiting for something bad to happen. I was not disappoint at all. I hope there is a sequel to this book. Loved it. I definitely recommend this book.
I was hooked from page one. The storyline and the characters are all strong. I couldn't put the book down till I was done. Everything was perfect....but I kept waiting for something bad to happen. I was not disappoint at all. I hope there is a sequel to this book. Loved it. I definitely recommend this book.
October 4, 2017
Plotless pablum.
I bought this book because 1) it was a lesbian western and 2) it was long. To my dismay, I quickly learned that the reason it was so long was because it was the same few scenes written over and over and over again. They're either gathering food, cooking food or eating food. Over and over again. And there were some ridiculous things that just blew me away. Like them continually making clam chowder made with a cream broth when there is not a milk cow for miles.
To give the author the benefit of the doubt, I purchased another novel on sale at Amazon because it was another lesbian western, but I'm halfway through it and it's the same thing. Same scenes over and over and over again and most involve cooking and eating food or gathering hay.
I haven't done any digging, but I suspect this author is one of those fanfiction authors who post weekly updates where the same thing happens and the mindless readers hype praise on her encouraging her to keep offering the endless pablum week after week.
I bought this book because 1) it was a lesbian western and 2) it was long. To my dismay, I quickly learned that the reason it was so long was because it was the same few scenes written over and over and over again. They're either gathering food, cooking food or eating food. Over and over again. And there were some ridiculous things that just blew me away. Like them continually making clam chowder made with a cream broth when there is not a milk cow for miles.
To give the author the benefit of the doubt, I purchased another novel on sale at Amazon because it was another lesbian western, but I'm halfway through it and it's the same thing. Same scenes over and over and over again and most involve cooking and eating food or gathering hay.
I haven't done any digging, but I suspect this author is one of those fanfiction authors who post weekly updates where the same thing happens and the mindless readers hype praise on her encouraging her to keep offering the endless pablum week after week.
September 20, 2021
A look at life when thing were made not bought by living off the land.
As is every Ali Spooner book for me the end bring a sadness because I will miss these charecters. I just enjoyed Nat St. Croix with her heart shattered but so strong look at life in the forrest. Marissa is the friendly restaurant cook who catches the attention of Nat and they set about learning what life means. There are great supporting characters who fill the pages with another side of their journey to create a family. Of course it would not be complete, without a dog or two. This story gives a glimpse of pioneer life in America. I always enjoy the electric connection of the MC's and deep love everyone has in Ali's books. There are life moments when Kleenex is needed. Laughter and complete awe for a way of life are in the journey. The only thing I dislike is the book ends much to soon. A great story brilliantly told.
As is every Ali Spooner book for me the end bring a sadness because I will miss these charecters. I just enjoyed Nat St. Croix with her heart shattered but so strong look at life in the forrest. Marissa is the friendly restaurant cook who catches the attention of Nat and they set about learning what life means. There are great supporting characters who fill the pages with another side of their journey to create a family. Of course it would not be complete, without a dog or two. This story gives a glimpse of pioneer life in America. I always enjoy the electric connection of the MC's and deep love everyone has in Ali's books. There are life moments when Kleenex is needed. Laughter and complete awe for a way of life are in the journey. The only thing I dislike is the book ends much to soon. A great story brilliantly told.
October 1, 2023
Fascinating
Beautifully written story of Nat’s journey to finding love with Marissa and finding herself in the process. Their love was so pure and passionate. They had a small village of supporters. They were more than secondary characters. Maggie’s wisdom and work ethic was unsurpassed. Smitty and Tom were more than friends … they were family! I struggled at first with the hunting and killing of our beautiful brothers and sisters in the animal world. But I soon came to realize its necessity to survive. When Nat felled an animal for food and pelts, she knelt beside the animal and thanked them for their sacrifice. It was such a profoundly powerful gesture. A beautiful novel that entertained and enlightened readers. A very good read. I enthusiastically, heartily, and unequivocally recommend this and any other works from Ali Spooner. I look forward to the sequel. Thank you. Peace
Beautifully written story of Nat’s journey to finding love with Marissa and finding herself in the process. Their love was so pure and passionate. They had a small village of supporters. They were more than secondary characters. Maggie’s wisdom and work ethic was unsurpassed. Smitty and Tom were more than friends … they were family! I struggled at first with the hunting and killing of our beautiful brothers and sisters in the animal world. But I soon came to realize its necessity to survive. When Nat felled an animal for food and pelts, she knelt beside the animal and thanked them for their sacrifice. It was such a profoundly powerful gesture. A beautiful novel that entertained and enlightened readers. A very good read. I enthusiastically, heartily, and unequivocally recommend this and any other works from Ali Spooner. I look forward to the sequel. Thank you. Peace
January 14, 2019
Great story, very dry read.
The story was beautiful! It was the only reason I continued to read after being put off by the limited if not total lack of creative descriptions in the book. It was like someone was just telling the bare facts of what was happening. Like the difference between looking at someone with a smile, and sharing a warm smile with them. There are absolutely no embellishments in descriptions of actions and events, and prevented me from being fully immersed into the story, as wonderful and as lovely as it was.
The story was beautiful! It was the only reason I continued to read after being put off by the limited if not total lack of creative descriptions in the book. It was like someone was just telling the bare facts of what was happening. Like the difference between looking at someone with a smile, and sharing a warm smile with them. There are absolutely no embellishments in descriptions of actions and events, and prevented me from being fully immersed into the story, as wonderful and as lovely as it was.
September 27, 2017
I loved this story from the 1st page. It’s set the 1800’s. Nat and her father Nathan are trappers in Canada and the story mostly takes place after Nathan is killed by a bear and life has to go on. I thought the really cool part was when she saw the ocean for the 1st time. A whale, walrus, shrimp crab and clams. She also meets the love of her life. There are many twists and turn in the story. It is very well written.
April 1, 2022
Amazing account of frontier life and the courageous women a who chose to love each other ear. and forge a life togeth
I enjoyed reading the detailed account of daily life in a small frontier town and the description of two young women as they grew to love each other and build a life together.
I enjoyed reading the detailed account of daily life in a small frontier town and the description of two young women as they grew to love each other and build a life together.
August 15, 2017
Great story
I really enjoyed reading this story about frontier life . I thought the relationship between Nat and Marissa was wonderful and I love the addition of Maggie as a mother figure .
I really enjoyed reading this story about frontier life . I thought the relationship between Nat and Marissa was wonderful and I love the addition of Maggie as a mother figure .
August 24, 2017
Excellent reading
I really loved this book. All the twists and turns kept you page turning. National was my favorite but the others were cool also. Highly recommended reading. Way to go Ali. Another winning book.
I really loved this book. All the twists and turns kept you page turning. National was my favorite but the others were cool also. Highly recommended reading. Way to go Ali. Another winning book.
September 29, 2017
History lesson
While I did enjoy the characters and the story line it was more of a history lesson then a romantic love story , I felt like it rattled on to much about how to make it in the wild country.
While I did enjoy the characters and the story line it was more of a history lesson then a romantic love story , I felt like it rattled on to much about how to make it in the wild country.
January 10, 2018
Lots of work!
It seems that in the time period this story was written in, the days were filled with work! All the food they ate fueled their bodies to do that work. Good story with well written characters!
It seems that in the time period this story was written in, the days were filled with work! All the food they ate fueled their bodies to do that work. Good story with well written characters!
August 27, 2023
I loved this book the first time I read it, although it had a completely different title then (Finding Home), and this edition is more expanded on the relationships with Nat and the people in her world. I love it even more now. It is a great read with warm, happy vibes.
April 28, 2020
Really enjoyed
This was a great adventure and lovely story of life when it was harsher. Full of wonderful characters and animals.
This was a great adventure and lovely story of life when it was harsher. Full of wonderful characters and animals.
January 31, 2022
COOL READ
This was a great read. It was cool to read about how things were done back then. If this book has a sequel I would definitely read it.
This was a great read. It was cool to read about how things were done back then. If this book has a sequel I would definitely read it.
January 15, 2023
Wonderful!
Such a beautiful love story. I could picture everything the author described! Great read! Be ready to go on exciting adventures while reading this book!
Such a beautiful love story. I could picture everything the author described! Great read! Be ready to go on exciting adventures while reading this book!
August 19, 2017
I loved this book.
I loved The Bee Charmer. What a beautiful story of endurance, love, and living off the land. I would be happy to settle on the coast with Nat and Marissa. The length of the book is the added bonus, long enough to savor and enjoy.
I loved The Bee Charmer. What a beautiful story of endurance, love, and living off the land. I would be happy to settle on the coast with Nat and Marissa. The length of the book is the added bonus, long enough to savor and enjoy.
March 1, 2019
This is an amazing book
I chose to give this book a 5 star rating because it truley deserved it. It was well written with very lovable characters. Its got everything from trapping and hunting to murder and town life and of course love and friendship. Its very well rounded with a great ending.
The only thing i found interesting was the way the Author through in the title towards the end. I felt it really wasn't needed it didn't fit the MC enough to use the way it was.. i feel it was used just to connect the title to the story. So why don't you you give it a read and see how you like it. I've read it 6 times and still love every moment of it.
I chose to give this book a 5 star rating because it truley deserved it. It was well written with very lovable characters. Its got everything from trapping and hunting to murder and town life and of course love and friendship. Its very well rounded with a great ending.
The only thing i found interesting was the way the Author through in the title towards the end. I felt it really wasn't needed it didn't fit the MC enough to use the way it was.. i feel it was used just to connect the title to the story. So why don't you you give it a read and see how you like it. I've read it 6 times and still love every moment of it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews