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Between You, Me, and the Honeybees
This novel follows a teen girl during her California summer of beekeeping, secrets, and stolen kisses.
Josie Hazeldine has just graduated from high school, and she’s ready for a summer full of sunshine, beekeeping, and…lying to her mom.
Josie’s mom couldn’t be more proud of her daughter going to college, something she never got to do. But Josie wants to stay in her California hometown and take over the family business, Hazeldine Honey. So that college acceptance her mom is thrilled about? Yeah, Josie turned it down. But she’s going to come clean—just not yet.
The neighbor’s artsy, adorable grandson who’s in town for the summer makes Josie’s web of lies even more tangled. He’s into Josie and the feeling is very mutual, but he’s a Blumstein—the sworn enemy of the Hazeldines and their number one competition in the annual Honey Show at the end of July. As their secret fling goes on, Josie knows she’s getting in way too deep to leave him behind when summer’s over.
Can Josie keep the boy she can’t stop thinking about without the secrets she’s juggling crashing down around her?
Josie Hazeldine has just graduated from high school, and she’s ready for a summer full of sunshine, beekeeping, and…lying to her mom.
Josie’s mom couldn’t be more proud of her daughter going to college, something she never got to do. But Josie wants to stay in her California hometown and take over the family business, Hazeldine Honey. So that college acceptance her mom is thrilled about? Yeah, Josie turned it down. But she’s going to come clean—just not yet.
The neighbor’s artsy, adorable grandson who’s in town for the summer makes Josie’s web of lies even more tangled. He’s into Josie and the feeling is very mutual, but he’s a Blumstein—the sworn enemy of the Hazeldines and their number one competition in the annual Honey Show at the end of July. As their secret fling goes on, Josie knows she’s getting in way too deep to leave him behind when summer’s over.
Can Josie keep the boy she can’t stop thinking about without the secrets she’s juggling crashing down around her?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2021
27 people are currently reading
2630 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Diane Coombs
10 books281 followersAmelia Diane Coombs is the author of Keep My Heart in San Francisco; Between You, Me, and the Honeybees; Exactly Where You Need to Be; and All Alone With You. She’s a Northern California transplant living in Seattle, Washington, with her spouse and their Siberian cat. When she isn’t writing or reading, Amelia spends her time playing video and tabletop games, road-tripping, and hiking the Pacific Northwest.
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zzzz
December 18, 2023#ownvoices anxiety rep & backyard beekeeping? yes, please 🙏
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Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
August 10, 2021
this had honeybees, beekeeping and anxiety rep, of course I was going to enjoy it.
August 2, 2021
I read this for the YA-book-involving-beekeeping pitch, and for that thing only. I was willing to "overlook the romance". That might be why I wasn't exactly thrilled with the...whole book. XD
Things I Did Like:
-Josie's love of beekeeping
-All the beekeeping scenes
-Yeah, the beekeeping parts were good. If there were a couple of small inaccuracies. (What? Stop looking at me like that.)
-Ezra. He was sweet! Very wholesome and a nerd, which I appreciated.
-Josie was also cool, although I did think that her social anxiety was conveniently absent/only in the past when the author needed it to be. Which irritated me. I did like how she was willing to take the path less traveled by.
-But I did like how she was totally awkward in front of Ezra when they first met. I thought that was just me who did stuff like that. XD
-Marvel movies being mentioned.
-The California setting...my dad grew up in Northern California, and I knew some of the things they mentioned. :)
-The description of the smell of a beekeeper--clean smoke and honey. :)
-Nan's character. I didn't like Nan, but I did think she was well-drawn. If...super irritating.
-Themes of reconciliation and jealousy, of family, etc.
Things that Fell Rather Flat:
-As mentioned, the social anxiety rep.
-There were two different woman-woman couples, which vexed me, as it tends to do.
-There were also two graphic bedroom scenes (which I skipped, because duh) and I Do Not Approve.
-The main character apparently dated and got together in bed with a guy who she didn't like as a person. WHAT IS THIS. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT YOU ARE AN IDIOT, DANGIT. (I have more ranty-ness about this, but I'd prefer not to share it on GR. XD)
-The plot was pretty dang typical (lying, misunderstandings, etc.) and the stakes never felt real high.
-There weren't enough bees.
-Typos.
-Josie says that she never missed having a dad, and?? that seems unrealistic to me.
-The MCs start kissing when Josie admits that she knows five (5) things about Ezra. WHAT. Girl, you need to get your priorities straight. Just because you're a teenager doesn't mean that your raging hormones need to be given in to.
-Nothing is ever really done with Gran?? Like, she's just kind of there to get Josie's mom out of town for a couple weeks???
So...overall, I enjoyed a lot of aspects of the book. It was a quick fun read (except for the part where I had to skip the steamy scenes) but there was also a LOT to critique. I think it gets two stars.
Things I Did Like:
-Josie's love of beekeeping
-All the beekeeping scenes
-Yeah, the beekeeping parts were good. If there were a couple of small inaccuracies. (What? Stop looking at me like that.)
-Ezra. He was sweet! Very wholesome and a nerd, which I appreciated.
-Josie was also cool, although I did think that her social anxiety was conveniently absent/only in the past when the author needed it to be. Which irritated me. I did like how she was willing to take the path less traveled by.
-But I did like how she was totally awkward in front of Ezra when they first met. I thought that was just me who did stuff like that. XD
-Marvel movies being mentioned.
-The California setting...my dad grew up in Northern California, and I knew some of the things they mentioned. :)
-The description of the smell of a beekeeper--clean smoke and honey. :)
-Nan's character. I didn't like Nan, but I did think she was well-drawn. If...super irritating.
-Themes of reconciliation and jealousy, of family, etc.
Things that Fell Rather Flat:
-As mentioned, the social anxiety rep.
-There were two different woman-woman couples, which vexed me, as it tends to do.
-There were also two graphic bedroom scenes (which I skipped, because duh) and I Do Not Approve.
-The main character apparently dated and got together in bed with a guy who she didn't like as a person. WHAT IS THIS. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT YOU ARE AN IDIOT, DANGIT. (I have more ranty-ness about this, but I'd prefer not to share it on GR. XD)
-The plot was pretty dang typical (lying, misunderstandings, etc.) and the stakes never felt real high.
-There weren't enough bees.
-Typos.
-Josie says that she never missed having a dad, and?? that seems unrealistic to me.
-The MCs start kissing when Josie admits that she knows five (5) things about Ezra. WHAT. Girl, you need to get your priorities straight. Just because you're a teenager doesn't mean that your raging hormones need to be given in to.
-Nothing is ever really done with Gran?? Like, she's just kind of there to get Josie's mom out of town for a couple weeks???
So...overall, I enjoyed a lot of aspects of the book. It was a quick fun read (except for the part where I had to skip the steamy scenes) but there was also a LOT to critique. I think it gets two stars.
April 28, 2021
Trigger warnings:
I loved this one so much! The romance was adorable, I loved seeing Josie's passion shining through SO much and the inclusion of a complex friendship here was lovely, too. Definitely recommending this! :)
Full review coming soon!
A million thanks to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
I loved this one so much! The romance was adorable, I loved seeing Josie's passion shining through SO much and the inclusion of a complex friendship here was lovely, too. Definitely recommending this! :)
Full review coming soon!
A million thanks to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
July 5, 2021
Full Review: https://rueisreadingcorner.blogspot.c...
3.5/5
All Josie wants to do is take over Hazeldine Honey, her family business and shop, but her mom has other plans for her: college. But she turned down the acceptance and still hasn't told anyone including her mom.
Then Ezra shows up in front of her, throwing her entire summer plan off course. Although she's attracted to him, she knows that he's off-limits because he's the grandson of her business rival.
What happens when the two start to fall for each other? Another secret is on Josie's back for her to carry. When will all secrets become exposed?
This book was so cute! I've never read a book about bees and beekeeping so it was a new experience that was definitely exciting.
I found Josie's character to be relatable. She struggles with anxiety and worries about many things normal teenagers would. Her grandmother was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the fear of losing her grandma added to her worries.
Overall, Between You, Me, and the Honeybees was an interesting read about Josie's summer after her senior year of high school. Between taking care of bees, friend troubles, and sneaking out on dates, I enjoyed this upcoming book.
**Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
3.5/5
All Josie wants to do is take over Hazeldine Honey, her family business and shop, but her mom has other plans for her: college. But she turned down the acceptance and still hasn't told anyone including her mom.
Then Ezra shows up in front of her, throwing her entire summer plan off course. Although she's attracted to him, she knows that he's off-limits because he's the grandson of her business rival.
What happens when the two start to fall for each other? Another secret is on Josie's back for her to carry. When will all secrets become exposed?
This book was so cute! I've never read a book about bees and beekeeping so it was a new experience that was definitely exciting.
I found Josie's character to be relatable. She struggles with anxiety and worries about many things normal teenagers would. Her grandmother was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the fear of losing her grandma added to her worries.
Overall, Between You, Me, and the Honeybees was an interesting read about Josie's summer after her senior year of high school. Between taking care of bees, friend troubles, and sneaking out on dates, I enjoyed this upcoming book.
**Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!**
May 10, 2021
This book was a honey-sweet story between two star-crossed teens from rival families. A modern day Romeo and Juliet with bees. Josie's only desire is to take over her mother's bee-keeping business and shop. Her mother's only wish is for Josie to go to college. I immediately connected with Josie as the main character with non-traditional goals and aspirations. Being a teenager is a complicated time where young people are trying to figure out who they are, what they want in life and how to be their own person. Josie has always lived in her mother's shadow, but equally wants to carve out her own path in life, even if that path is the same as her mother's. Coombs paints Josie as a realistic and relatable character where every reader can understand the desire to follow your dreams, even if those dreams are not what your family wants for you. Josie got into college, but turned down the offer. Unfortunately, she hasn't told her mother, or her best friend Nan, who is excited to be going to a college not far from where Josie should be going. But, Josie doesn't want to go to college. She just wants to be with the bees she loves so much. The only problem is finding the right time to tell her mom and Nan, which there never seems to be the right opportunity. So she lies. The plan continues to go down the drain when Ezra moves to town. The grandson of rival beekeepers, the Blumstein's, Ezra is off-limits. Well, he's supposed to be... But the heart wants what it wants. And Josie and Ezra are falling for each other, despite their family's bitter rivalry. Soon, Josie is lying to everyone about everything and hiding her relationship with Ezra is proving to be difficult. In a small town, secrets don't stay hidden for long. And when all of Josie's secrets explode to the surface there are devastating consequences that will effect her family and her future for years to come. Coombs has woven a beautifully intricate story of the teenage experience, first love, family dynamics and finding oneself. She puts you squarely in the mind of a senior in high school with her writing, language usage and description. A highly recommended read for anyone who once longed to follow a different dream. I received an advanced read copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
4.5*
I'll be honest, I picked this up for the beautiful cover and the sunshine title. I wasn't expecting much, just a fluffy contemporary to pass the days in summer. But my, did I get all of that and more. I loved the characters, the writing, the setting. The author herself was a beekeeper hobbyist and her love for that really shines through in how she writes about that. It's technical, while explaining what needs to be explained for those with no clue about beekeeping. It was a delightful addition to the story.
Josie was a perfect character to love. The anxiety representation with her was A+ here. While you just want to shake your head that Josie keeps piling on the lies with her mom, you sort of feel for her situation as well. And then you can't stop reading because you can't wait to see how her house of cards comes crashing down around her and how it will all tie up.
The relationship was sweet and adorable. Ezra is a perfect cinnamon roll and he and Josie deserve the world. That is all.
I'll be honest, I picked this up for the beautiful cover and the sunshine title. I wasn't expecting much, just a fluffy contemporary to pass the days in summer. But my, did I get all of that and more. I loved the characters, the writing, the setting. The author herself was a beekeeper hobbyist and her love for that really shines through in how she writes about that. It's technical, while explaining what needs to be explained for those with no clue about beekeeping. It was a delightful addition to the story.
Josie was a perfect character to love. The anxiety representation with her was A+ here. While you just want to shake your head that Josie keeps piling on the lies with her mom, you sort of feel for her situation as well. And then you can't stop reading because you can't wait to see how her house of cards comes crashing down around her and how it will all tie up.
The relationship was sweet and adorable. Ezra is a perfect cinnamon roll and he and Josie deserve the world. That is all.
May 29, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This Romeo and Juliet-esque story was charming and sweet as the honey they were collecting.
So many things drew my interest in the book, but one thing I really loved seeing was post-high school alternatives. I don’t think college is for everyone, nor do I believe it’s the only road to a successful life. I loved that Josie knew exactly what she wanted for her future. She had been committed to beekeeping since she was a small child, and it was clearly her passion. I admired Josie so much for that even if I did not think she went about achieving her dream in the right way.
Oddly enough, this was the second books I read in April that involved beekeeping. It’s a world I am not that familiar with, and I found it fascinating. I applaud the author for blending in the elements of beekeeping so well and touching upon so many different aspects of the industry.
Bees, mental health, exercising one’s autonomy, embracing your passion, toxic relationships — these things were all explored in this story, but I won’t lie, it was the romance was what put a big dopey smile on my face. Ezra and Josie were phenomenal together. So sweet and swoony. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I think it was Ezra who really wore his heart on his sleeve, and I am utter trash for love interests like that.
Overall: An absolute made-me-smile book.
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This Romeo and Juliet-esque story was charming and sweet as the honey they were collecting.
So many things drew my interest in the book, but one thing I really loved seeing was post-high school alternatives. I don’t think college is for everyone, nor do I believe it’s the only road to a successful life. I loved that Josie knew exactly what she wanted for her future. She had been committed to beekeeping since she was a small child, and it was clearly her passion. I admired Josie so much for that even if I did not think she went about achieving her dream in the right way.
Oddly enough, this was the second books I read in April that involved beekeeping. It’s a world I am not that familiar with, and I found it fascinating. I applaud the author for blending in the elements of beekeeping so well and touching upon so many different aspects of the industry.
Bees, mental health, exercising one’s autonomy, embracing your passion, toxic relationships — these things were all explored in this story, but I won’t lie, it was the romance was what put a big dopey smile on my face. Ezra and Josie were phenomenal together. So sweet and swoony. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I think it was Ezra who really wore his heart on his sleeve, and I am utter trash for love interests like that.
Overall: An absolute made-me-smile book.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
September 14, 2021
An adorable summer YA romance read! I was fascinated by the protagonist's passion and interest in beekeeping. The book also does a good job at exploring friendships and tight-knit family bonds. Ezra and Josie's romance was also filled with the swooniest moments. Highly recommend this one if you're looking for a feel-good story.
Content notes: Parkinson's disease, anxiety, teenagers having sex, toxic friendships
May 15, 2021
LOVED this book!!!!
February 25, 2021
had the wonderful opportunity to read this book prior to release and loved every second of it! enemies-to-lovers trope, ownvoices anxiety rep, and the sweetest summer romance ever—need i say more? 😌
May 21, 2022
2.75 stars
i have exams in less than 2 days but i can't help my stress reading (if that's a thing?)
ok bye i'm scared and anxious and guilt tripping and kinda rambling
wish me luck?
i have exams in less than 2 days but i can't help my stress reading (if that's a thing?)
ok bye i'm scared and anxious and guilt tripping and kinda rambling
wish me luck?
September 1, 2021
Buzz buzz bitch this was so good.
Between You, Me, and the Honeybees is about a girl named Josie who just graduated from high school. Ever since she was young, she has worked at her family's business- Hazeldine Honey and she absolutely loves it. Unfortunately Josie's mom wants her to go to college but Josie wants to stay home with the bees. So she turns down her college offer and lies to her mother and best friend about it. Then if that wasn't bad enough, she meets the son of a rival family and they end up getting closer.
This was as sweet as honey ayyy. But for real, reading this was so nice and I was so happy with it. It had some hard things like Josie's grandmother being sick and then her best friend being a piece of trash BUT the romance was really so cute and I loved all the bee stuff.
Bees are DOPE. Love them. Lowkey would still scream if one got near me because I'm a chicken with bugs but I respect all that they do and how we gotta save those little buzzy bois. You can tell this author is a beekeeper because she really put all the love and care into it and I was so interested. (Also so funny her name is Coombs.) Like this book could have even more bee stuff and I still would have been like hell yeah.
I loved the small town vibes and how drama filled it was with the whole family feuds. The romance is just *chef's kiss*. The boy was PURE and soft and I loved him. He meets Josie and they hit it off and we see their relationship grow pretty fast, and the ups and downs they have but it was nice.
Some of those could have been avoided though and some of the lies Josie was telling were so pointless. It would have been so easy to avoid certain drama if she had just talked to people but noOoOoO. But I liked how Josie loved the bees pls it was so cute. I also liked that she knew what she wants for her future.
I read this book so fast and it was such a great contemporary to start off the month.
Between You, Me, and the Honeybees is about a girl named Josie who just graduated from high school. Ever since she was young, she has worked at her family's business- Hazeldine Honey and she absolutely loves it. Unfortunately Josie's mom wants her to go to college but Josie wants to stay home with the bees. So she turns down her college offer and lies to her mother and best friend about it. Then if that wasn't bad enough, she meets the son of a rival family and they end up getting closer.
This was as sweet as honey ayyy. But for real, reading this was so nice and I was so happy with it. It had some hard things like Josie's grandmother being sick and then her best friend being a piece of trash BUT the romance was really so cute and I loved all the bee stuff.
Bees are DOPE. Love them. Lowkey would still scream if one got near me because I'm a chicken with bugs but I respect all that they do and how we gotta save those little buzzy bois. You can tell this author is a beekeeper because she really put all the love and care into it and I was so interested. (Also so funny her name is Coombs.) Like this book could have even more bee stuff and I still would have been like hell yeah.
I loved the small town vibes and how drama filled it was with the whole family feuds. The romance is just *chef's kiss*. The boy was PURE and soft and I loved him. He meets Josie and they hit it off and we see their relationship grow pretty fast, and the ups and downs they have but it was nice.
Some of those could have been avoided though and some of the lies Josie was telling were so pointless. It would have been so easy to avoid certain drama if she had just talked to people but noOoOoO. But I liked how Josie loved the bees pls it was so cute. I also liked that she knew what she wants for her future.
I read this book so fast and it was such a great contemporary to start off the month.
June 26, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up
I really enjoyed the beekeeping aspect. It’s obvious the author loves bees and beekeeping and that really came through in her writing. I liked learning about something that I knew basically nothing about prior to reading the book. I don’t suffer from anxiety, but the representation seemed realistic. I also loved the grandmother and wished she was in the story more.
However, I did not enjoy the romance. They were kissing less than 100 pages in (I feel like it was in the ballpark of page 70 or something) and that was kind of a turnoff for me. Everything escalated very quickly too, with the mc focusing on him rather than the bees. Frankly, I cared more about the bees. I did like that he never pushed her to do anything she wasn’t ok with, and that she was comfortable with him, but the whole thing happened way too fast for my liking.
Also, it was totally obvious that Nan was the culprit, and the long-standing feud between the two families was resolved in the blink of an eye, so that didn’t seem entirely realistic. I also didn’t really like that the main character was constantly lying and keeping secrets.
Overall it was a cute read with some summery feels.
I really enjoyed the beekeeping aspect. It’s obvious the author loves bees and beekeeping and that really came through in her writing. I liked learning about something that I knew basically nothing about prior to reading the book. I don’t suffer from anxiety, but the representation seemed realistic. I also loved the grandmother and wished she was in the story more.
However, I did not enjoy the romance. They were kissing less than 100 pages in (I feel like it was in the ballpark of page 70 or something) and that was kind of a turnoff for me. Everything escalated very quickly too, with the mc focusing on him rather than the bees. Frankly, I cared more about the bees. I did like that he never pushed her to do anything she wasn’t ok with, and that she was comfortable with him, but the whole thing happened way too fast for my liking.
Also, it was totally obvious that Nan was the culprit, and the long-standing feud between the two families was resolved in the blink of an eye, so that didn’t seem entirely realistic. I also didn’t really like that the main character was constantly lying and keeping secrets.
Overall it was a cute read with some summery feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2018
I beta read this one and loved the “enemies to lovers” trope and ESPECIALLY the lesson of letting go of assumptions of people. Also beekeeping!!!!!🐝😘
July 3, 2023
well that was just charming 🐝✨🍯 (excuse the cheesy emojis, i like them 😂) i know next to nothing about beekeeping, and i’m 100% willing to kill a bee if it’s bothering me. and if i’m brave enough. i don’t like ‘em haha. however, reading about them and the whole beekeeping process is very fun and entertaining! definitely a rare book niche. the love interest, ezra, was goofy and sweet. the side characters were pretty cool too, except there were 2 lesbian couples. i guess that’s what you get for reading a book written by someone from california, about california lol. the mc, josie, was generally pleasant to read about, but she had an anxiety disorder, which i don’t have a problem with (and can, in fact, relate to sometimes lol), but she kinda made it her whole personality. like “oh no! something bad is happening! ANXIETY ANXIETY ANXIETY!!!!!” or “oh yay! the cute boy talked to me! ANXIETY ANXIETY ANXIETY!!!!!!”. which, like i said, i REALLY don’t have a problem with her being anxious all the time, but i think it can be understood without mentioning it all the time. you know what i mean? idk i’m trying not to sound rude 😂. anyways overall a cute story with pretty cute characters. 4/5 stars
July 9, 2021
2.5 Stars
I didn’t like it, but I also didn’t not-like it… just when I would start to like this book, I would start to not like it. It was so frustrating!
The issue: for every good thing about this book, there was something bad that would kind of ruin it.
First of all, Josie is annoying. She’s like a bad character disguised as a good character. She really doesn’t have much of a personality besides that she likes bees. And she literally lies to everyone.
A major issue I had is Josie’s friendship with Nan. Josie also lies to Nan about the two moving off to Los Angeles and going to college together, and justifies it because Nan pushes her to go and “just doesn’t understand her”. Josie also doesn’t like 90% of what Nan says or does, but instead of saying something, she just smiles and internalizes it. She also constantly complains about Nan. Because Nan “just doesn’t understand her.” Probably because Josie acts like none of it bothers her! Yes, Nan is awful, but I was frustrated that Josie didn’t just talk to her friend (or better yet find a new friend).
Josie also constantly, bluntly tells the reader she would rather be hanging out with her boyfriend then her friend, even when they are getting along. It’s just a toxic friendship, and I don’t like that Josie is painted as a victim when she also contributes to the problem. Sure, what Nan does is much worse, but Josie doesn’t help. It’s all sort of resolved in the end, but Josie still acts like she did nothing wrong which bothers me.
I also found the romance pretty bland which was an issue as it was the main focus of this book. Josie and Ezra have a cute first meeting and I loved that chapter, but it’s pretty insta-lovey after that. Their romance isn’t swoony or exciting, so it was pretty boring. You would think that a secret romance would be interesting, but nothing about the feud seems urgent. The feud is only talked about and rarely seen so at times I couldn’t even remember why Josie and Ezra were sneaking around.
The ending was much better than the rest of the book since it was more focused, but it also seemed rushed, clumsy, and too convenient how everything wrapped up.
Things I did like:
Josie had anxiety—it seemed like a good representation. The author also said she has struggled with anxiety, so I like that that is own-voices.
Josie’s grandmother has Parkinson’s in the book so that was interesting to explore and see, although I think it could have been a little more in-depth to be more realistic.
The beekeeping was cool! That’s the main reason I picked up this book. I like when there’s something unique added to a book so I enjoyed that part.
Overall, it’s not awful, but not great. Maybe it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
I didn’t like it, but I also didn’t not-like it… just when I would start to like this book, I would start to not like it. It was so frustrating!
The issue: for every good thing about this book, there was something bad that would kind of ruin it.
First of all, Josie is annoying. She’s like a bad character disguised as a good character. She really doesn’t have much of a personality besides that she likes bees. And she literally lies to everyone.
A major issue I had is Josie’s friendship with Nan. Josie also lies to Nan about the two moving off to Los Angeles and going to college together, and justifies it because Nan pushes her to go and “just doesn’t understand her”. Josie also doesn’t like 90% of what Nan says or does, but instead of saying something, she just smiles and internalizes it. She also constantly complains about Nan. Because Nan “just doesn’t understand her.” Probably because Josie acts like none of it bothers her! Yes, Nan is awful, but I was frustrated that Josie didn’t just talk to her friend (or better yet find a new friend).
Josie also constantly, bluntly tells the reader she would rather be hanging out with her boyfriend then her friend, even when they are getting along. It’s just a toxic friendship, and I don’t like that Josie is painted as a victim when she also contributes to the problem. Sure, what Nan does is much worse, but Josie doesn’t help. It’s all sort of resolved in the end, but Josie still acts like she did nothing wrong which bothers me.
I also found the romance pretty bland which was an issue as it was the main focus of this book. Josie and Ezra have a cute first meeting and I loved that chapter, but it’s pretty insta-lovey after that. Their romance isn’t swoony or exciting, so it was pretty boring. You would think that a secret romance would be interesting, but nothing about the feud seems urgent. The feud is only talked about and rarely seen so at times I couldn’t even remember why Josie and Ezra were sneaking around.
The ending was much better than the rest of the book since it was more focused, but it also seemed rushed, clumsy, and too convenient how everything wrapped up.
Things I did like:
Josie had anxiety—it seemed like a good representation. The author also said she has struggled with anxiety, so I like that that is own-voices.
Josie’s grandmother has Parkinson’s in the book so that was interesting to explore and see, although I think it could have been a little more in-depth to be more realistic.
The beekeeping was cool! That’s the main reason I picked up this book. I like when there’s something unique added to a book so I enjoyed that part.
Overall, it’s not awful, but not great. Maybe it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
August 1, 2021
Essentially, this was a love story for bees - and I was definitely into it! How great are bees! 🐝
Josie loves her family’s beekeeping and honey business, so much that she doesn’t want to go to college. She just wants to work for the business. Her anxiety is a challenge, and she struggles to communicate her wishes to her mum. She also falls into a summer romance with a boy from a rival beekeeping family, and keeps this a secret too. The story follows Josie as she deals with her anxiety, her secrets, her new boy, and her love for bees.
Things I liked:
- Own voices anxiety rep AND beekeeping knowledge. The anxiety was done sensitively, I think. The character has medication and therapy, all of which are mentioned in the book. My anxious-medicated self loved seeing this on page
- Ezra was such a sweet love interest, and the consent in this book was A+
- I learned so much about bees!
Things I didn’t like:
- On the whole, the book was quite predictable, but the beekeeping element was unique enough for me not to mind
- Ezra and Josie got together really quickly - but I think this can be overlooked due to 1) summer love 2) Ezra being an irresistible cutie patootie 3) YA
- Sometimes the dialogue was a little stiff/unrealistic, but only in a few places
In short: a really easy read - a sweet little story about forbidden young love and how great bees are 🐝 What a buzz!
Josie loves her family’s beekeeping and honey business, so much that she doesn’t want to go to college. She just wants to work for the business. Her anxiety is a challenge, and she struggles to communicate her wishes to her mum. She also falls into a summer romance with a boy from a rival beekeeping family, and keeps this a secret too. The story follows Josie as she deals with her anxiety, her secrets, her new boy, and her love for bees.
Things I liked:
- Own voices anxiety rep AND beekeeping knowledge. The anxiety was done sensitively, I think. The character has medication and therapy, all of which are mentioned in the book. My anxious-medicated self loved seeing this on page
- Ezra was such a sweet love interest, and the consent in this book was A+
- I learned so much about bees!
Things I didn’t like:
- On the whole, the book was quite predictable, but the beekeeping element was unique enough for me not to mind
- Ezra and Josie got together really quickly - but I think this can be overlooked due to 1) summer love 2) Ezra being an irresistible cutie patootie 3) YA
- Sometimes the dialogue was a little stiff/unrealistic, but only in a few places
In short: a really easy read - a sweet little story about forbidden young love and how great bees are 🐝 What a buzz!
April 5, 2021
I had the honor and pleasure of reading an early copy of Between You, Me, and the Honeybees, and I loved every minute of it. This book has everything I adore in YA romance: a super fun hook (non-tragic Romeo and Juliet beekeeping families?! come on!!), a vivid setting that takes on a character of its own, healthy relationships and sex positivity, an exploration of complicated friendships, strong and nuanced family bonds, #ownvoices anxiety rep... I could go on!!
Most of all, though, Josie and Ezra's arcs—both individually and as a couple—were so heartwarming, powerful, and optimistic. I loved getting to see them come into their own, pursuing their dreams and advocating for themselves. This is a must-read summer romance—I can't wait to hold the finished copy!
Most of all, though, Josie and Ezra's arcs—both individually and as a couple—were so heartwarming, powerful, and optimistic. I loved getting to see them come into their own, pursuing their dreams and advocating for themselves. This is a must-read summer romance—I can't wait to hold the finished copy!
May 15, 2022
This was a brand new author for me and I loved reading this book!
Here are a few things I loved about this book:
• a super sweet romance
• beekeeping
• the true meaning of friendship
• finding your own path and the mishaps along
the way
The anxiety representation in this book was also fantastic. It was honest, real, and I loved watching Josie really find her confidence and strength.
I fell head over heels for Ezra and Josie’s story. It was light, hopeful and full of positive message for growing up
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆/5
Steam: fade to black (minimal details)
Here are a few things I loved about this book:
• a super sweet romance
• beekeeping
• the true meaning of friendship
• finding your own path and the mishaps along
the way
The anxiety representation in this book was also fantastic. It was honest, real, and I loved watching Josie really find her confidence and strength.
I fell head over heels for Ezra and Josie’s story. It was light, hopeful and full of positive message for growing up
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆/5
Steam: fade to black (minimal details)
July 20, 2021
Josie Hazeldine has just graduated from high school and is ready for a summer working at her family’s apiary, Hazeldine Honey. There’s only one problem: her mom and best friend think she’s headed to college in Southern California in the fall when in reality she turned down her spot. Her life becomes infinitely more complicated when she meets Ezra. The two immediately hit things off, but unfortunately, Ezra is the grandson of her family’s enemy, rival beekeepers, The Blumsteins. Faced with juggling multiple secrets, Josie must figure out how to come clean before it’s too late.
Set in fictional Volana County (based on Sonoma, California), Between You, Me, and the Honeybees is told from eighteen-year-old Josie’s perspective. Josie is a tenacious and passionate beekeeper. She has secretly turned down college to stay in Volana and work in her family’s apiary, Hazeldine Honey. I love that she’s so passionate about beekeeping. I also love how her anxiety issues were portrayed so realistically.
I loved Josie’s love interest, Ezra! It’s clear he really cares about her and wants her to be happy. They initially bond over their mutual love of graphic novels and beekeeping. The ins and outs of beekeeping are some of the best parts of this book! Beekeeping is a huge part of the story, and it was explained so clearly by someone passionate about bees and beekeeping.
I definitely got major Gilmore Girls vibes from this book. It follows a mother-daughter duo who are relatively close in age. They eat lots of take out and watch lots of movies, and they are best friends. It’s even complete with a more toxic Paris Geller, Josie’s close friend, Nan.
Speaking of Nan, their toxic friendship is handled brilliantly in this story. Nan has been taking so much more from Josie than she’s been giving for far too long. Over the course of the book, Josie comes to realize this and addresses it healthily.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a classic YA summer romance! It’s perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Morgan Matson, and Jenny Han!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
Set in fictional Volana County (based on Sonoma, California), Between You, Me, and the Honeybees is told from eighteen-year-old Josie’s perspective. Josie is a tenacious and passionate beekeeper. She has secretly turned down college to stay in Volana and work in her family’s apiary, Hazeldine Honey. I love that she’s so passionate about beekeeping. I also love how her anxiety issues were portrayed so realistically.
I loved Josie’s love interest, Ezra! It’s clear he really cares about her and wants her to be happy. They initially bond over their mutual love of graphic novels and beekeeping. The ins and outs of beekeeping are some of the best parts of this book! Beekeeping is a huge part of the story, and it was explained so clearly by someone passionate about bees and beekeeping.
I definitely got major Gilmore Girls vibes from this book. It follows a mother-daughter duo who are relatively close in age. They eat lots of take out and watch lots of movies, and they are best friends. It’s even complete with a more toxic Paris Geller, Josie’s close friend, Nan.
Speaking of Nan, their toxic friendship is handled brilliantly in this story. Nan has been taking so much more from Josie than she’s been giving for far too long. Over the course of the book, Josie comes to realize this and addresses it healthily.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a classic YA summer romance! It’s perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Morgan Matson, and Jenny Han!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2021
First of all, thank you so much for an eARC!
Between You, Me, and the Honeybees follows high school graduate, Josie, daughter of the Hazeldine honey family in Northern California. She's lied that she accepted her college spot for September, but all she wants to do is work with her mom.
While her mom visits her grandma in Florida as they run tests, Josie sneaks around with Ezra, son of her families rivals. But as things become real, the lies are piled on top of one another.
The anxiety rep in this book was so good. I loved our little cinnamon roll, Ezra, and seeing him struggle to come to terms with his own dreams. Josie, though she knows what she wants, struggles to figure out how to tell anyone.
This was sweet, spicy, and the absolute best summer read! And you get to learn about bees!
Between You, Me, and the Honeybees follows high school graduate, Josie, daughter of the Hazeldine honey family in Northern California. She's lied that she accepted her college spot for September, but all she wants to do is work with her mom.
While her mom visits her grandma in Florida as they run tests, Josie sneaks around with Ezra, son of her families rivals. But as things become real, the lies are piled on top of one another.
The anxiety rep in this book was so good. I loved our little cinnamon roll, Ezra, and seeing him struggle to come to terms with his own dreams. Josie, though she knows what she wants, struggles to figure out how to tell anyone.
This was sweet, spicy, and the absolute best summer read! And you get to learn about bees!
July 15, 2021
BETWEEN YOU, ME, AND THE HONEYBEES is an adorable story that is equal parts fluff and equal parts hard truths. Josie knows what her future holds for her - taking over the family beekeeping business and store. However, her mother has a different future in mind, one involving leaving the small town of Volona and heading off to college. But when Josie meets the rival beekeeping family's youngest son, Ezra, and begins falling for him, she slowly finds the strength and the courage to face the truth of what she wants as opposed to what everyone else thinks is best for her.
This story is super cute, with Coombs making you instantly root for both Josie and Ezra. The only thing I have a mild complaint about is the predictability of the plot, but even that is a point for how good this book is. A part of the fluff is that you know what is going to happen, and that helps with the anxiety.
This story is super cute, with Coombs making you instantly root for both Josie and Ezra. The only thing I have a mild complaint about is the predictability of the plot, but even that is a point for how good this book is. A part of the fluff is that you know what is going to happen, and that helps with the anxiety.
June 29, 2021
I don’t know, I just wasn’t crazy about this. I dnf’d it after 120 pages because it felt like nothing had happened by then. I was tired of josie keeping her college decision a secret. the characters and plot felt underdeveloped. ezra is a beautiful fella though
hopefully the rest of the book would be good — the story of a summer spent beekeeping with the cutie next door who happens to be the son of your family rival sounds like my dream read. it was cute for sure, just a little too slow paced for me 🐝
hopefully the rest of the book would be good — the story of a summer spent beekeeping with the cutie next door who happens to be the son of your family rival sounds like my dream read. it was cute for sure, just a little too slow paced for me 🐝
July 16, 2021
This was AMAZING! I’m a big fan of Amelia Diane Coombs’ books, and this did not disappoint. The cover is beautiful, and I loved the plot. The MC was relatable and her relationship with her mother really evolved over the course of the book.
lost-interest
September 9, 2021I dislike that I decided to DNF (at 40%~) this book, but I cannot deny that I never felt a connection with the main character, Josie, or the love interest, Ezra. No real spark, the writing was meh, and the side plots were also not interesting to me. They can't all be winners!
September 25, 2022
the only real complaint i have is that the breakup and makeup was kinda dumb and predictable (as in, the way it plays out was very cliche) but everything else was very sweet i really enjoyed most of this
June 13, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC.
Not bad! I enjoyed it overall. Learned a lot of honeybees. A sweet romance. Mental health rep.
Full review to come closer to publication!
Not bad! I enjoyed it overall. Learned a lot of honeybees. A sweet romance. Mental health rep.
Full review to come closer to publication!
June 26, 2021
Sweet and entertaining YA book, some parts were predictable, but nonetheless cute.
August 6, 2021
~3.5: lorelai and rory but they’re beekeepers!! cute story, would’ve liked to see more of the supporting characters to maximize the cute small town vibes
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