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Meant to Bee
Can accidentally becoming a beekeeper lead to love?
Single mom Cordy Brown can’t catch a break. Not only does she lose her job, but the quaint English cottage she pools her savings to purchase is the very definition of a money pit. To top it off, a delivery man appears on her doorstep with a shipment of bees and announces she’s their new caretaker! Could life get any more complicated?
Ronan Thomson is only in England for one to drag his underage brother back to Ireland for end-of-year exams. He quickly learns, however, that nothing about this will be simple and he finds himself holding a baby goat on Cordy’s doorstep. Falling for a beautiful American is easy. Ronan’s problems lie in the overabundance of animals, his stubborn brother, and the unexpected guest from Cordy’s past.
Can Cordy and Ronan overcome all the obstacles standing between them? After all, some things just feel meant to bee.
Meant to Bee is the perfect gift for your bee-loving friend!
Single mom Cordy Brown can’t catch a break. Not only does she lose her job, but the quaint English cottage she pools her savings to purchase is the very definition of a money pit. To top it off, a delivery man appears on her doorstep with a shipment of bees and announces she’s their new caretaker! Could life get any more complicated?
Ronan Thomson is only in England for one to drag his underage brother back to Ireland for end-of-year exams. He quickly learns, however, that nothing about this will be simple and he finds himself holding a baby goat on Cordy’s doorstep. Falling for a beautiful American is easy. Ronan’s problems lie in the overabundance of animals, his stubborn brother, and the unexpected guest from Cordy’s past.
Can Cordy and Ronan overcome all the obstacles standing between them? After all, some things just feel meant to bee.
Meant to Bee is the perfect gift for your bee-loving friend!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
14 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Storm Shultz
10 books168 followersStorm Shultz is a Kentucky-based author of cozy Christian and Inspirational fiction.
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December 23, 2022I had a lot of fun writing this book - I hope you enjoy Cordy’s sweet story 💛
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” - Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” - Proverbs 16:24
September 5, 2024
4 stars. Not to be punny, but this is exactly the book equivalent of honey—sweet, natural, and slightly tangy. First off, the small-town English setting is super cute, and I love the “broken-down house you didn’t really want but end up loving and gotta fix throughout the story” trope. It set the pattern for this book—cuteness mixed with inconvenience that ends up all being “meant to bee.”
The writing style is very natural and personal to the main character. I loved Cordy’s mixture of sass + sweetness, and Ronan’s sarcastic softheartedness. Poppy was such an adorable baby and Go-Go was the GOAT (okay, I know that was bad, but c’mon... I couldn’t resist). Vivian, Barney, Jack, and the other village folk were delightful in their own separate ways; Corwynn was a hoot; Charlotte was epic (reminded me of certain snappy old ladies from L.M. Montgomery like Mrs. Matilda Pitman or something); and finally, Malcolm was very satisfying to watch being pummelled.
The story is a very simple, sweet narrative with enough crisis and question to keep one intrigued, but plenty of humour and calm that keeps the story light-hearted, yet it still tackles some harder themes. While it’s not Christian in genre, or even exactly a tale with a moral, it has some very discussions, such as the part where Barney deplores the attitude of certain Christians & churches towards single mothers and gently encourages Cordy. I did find that the topic of having relationships out of wedlock was not really fully handled (it’s never really explained why it’s wrong), but I loved how strongly it’s represented that every life matters and every child is a blessing, however unplanned; and the strong condemnation of deadbeat men like Malcom was excellent. Overall, I was surprised and slightly disappointed, expecting Christian Fiction instead of more neutral (possibly Christian Worldview?) but there were some good themes and I still really enjoyed the story.
Back to the plot, I enjoyed the ups and downs of Cordy, Poppy, and Ronan’s life, with all the craziness of bees, inspectors, grandmas, and tame (or not so tame) rats. The beekeeper theme was so unique and cool, and I really enjoyed seeing Cordy rebuild her relationship with her mother. The romance was really cute, although more touchy than I personally prefer, and the banter between Cordy and Ronan was really fun.
In short, this was just a sweet, light read with unexpected depths and unique features, the perfect read to wile away a gloomy afternoon, and I look forwards to reading more by this author!
Content: kissing & hugging between Ronan & Cordy (I can’t remember how detailed but it was mild at most); super mild, sweet desire between Ronan & Cordy; out-of-wedlock pregnancy; possibly euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: “I’m sure you could have done something, Cordelia, but there’s no changing the past. What we can do now is attempt to heal what we can and to forgive. It’s not easy, but we can’t sit around and wish for a different past.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re running a shop from your home?”
I’m acutely aware that not only is my mother listening to this trainwreck of a conversation, but Ronan and Vivian have now appeared in the kitchen door. Poppy toddles across the room to me, clutching her stuffed pony. Reaching me, she wraps her arms around my knees and watches the newcomer with round eyes. “Um, yes.” I fiddle nervously with a lock of Poppy’s hair. On cue, Go-go bounds into the room. I swear my heart stops. I’ve been pretty good at keeping Go-go out of my shop and contained to the kitchen. Mostly because of poor Mrs. Woodhouse, but also because she is an animal and this is a shop. But apparently, Go-go has recognized this as her opportunity to be involved. As I reach for her, she makes a flying leap onto my honey display. With a crash, two jars of honey fall. Oh no. Oh, please no.
“Is . . . is that a goat?” The man has gone completely white.
“I . . . I . . .” The words aren’t coming out. Go-go just smashed two jars’ worth of honey and is prancing around my shop of mostly edible things like a demented ballerina. This violates at least three different health codes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
The writing style is very natural and personal to the main character. I loved Cordy’s mixture of sass + sweetness, and Ronan’s sarcastic softheartedness. Poppy was such an adorable baby and Go-Go was the GOAT (okay, I know that was bad, but c’mon... I couldn’t resist). Vivian, Barney, Jack, and the other village folk were delightful in their own separate ways; Corwynn was a hoot; Charlotte was epic (reminded me of certain snappy old ladies from L.M. Montgomery like Mrs. Matilda Pitman or something); and finally, Malcolm was very satisfying to watch being pummelled.
The story is a very simple, sweet narrative with enough crisis and question to keep one intrigued, but plenty of humour and calm that keeps the story light-hearted, yet it still tackles some harder themes. While it’s not Christian in genre, or even exactly a tale with a moral, it has some very discussions, such as the part where Barney deplores the attitude of certain Christians & churches towards single mothers and gently encourages Cordy. I did find that the topic of having relationships out of wedlock was not really fully handled (it’s never really explained why it’s wrong), but I loved how strongly it’s represented that every life matters and every child is a blessing, however unplanned; and the strong condemnation of deadbeat men like Malcom was excellent. Overall, I was surprised and slightly disappointed, expecting Christian Fiction instead of more neutral (possibly Christian Worldview?) but there were some good themes and I still really enjoyed the story.
Back to the plot, I enjoyed the ups and downs of Cordy, Poppy, and Ronan’s life, with all the craziness of bees, inspectors, grandmas, and tame (or not so tame) rats. The beekeeper theme was so unique and cool, and I really enjoyed seeing Cordy rebuild her relationship with her mother. The romance was really cute, although more touchy than I personally prefer, and the banter between Cordy and Ronan was really fun.
In short, this was just a sweet, light read with unexpected depths and unique features, the perfect read to wile away a gloomy afternoon, and I look forwards to reading more by this author!
Content: kissing & hugging between Ronan & Cordy (I can’t remember how detailed but it was mild at most); super mild, sweet desire between Ronan & Cordy; out-of-wedlock pregnancy; possibly euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: “I’m sure you could have done something, Cordelia, but there’s no changing the past. What we can do now is attempt to heal what we can and to forgive. It’s not easy, but we can’t sit around and wish for a different past.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re running a shop from your home?”
I’m acutely aware that not only is my mother listening to this trainwreck of a conversation, but Ronan and Vivian have now appeared in the kitchen door. Poppy toddles across the room to me, clutching her stuffed pony. Reaching me, she wraps her arms around my knees and watches the newcomer with round eyes. “Um, yes.” I fiddle nervously with a lock of Poppy’s hair. On cue, Go-go bounds into the room. I swear my heart stops. I’ve been pretty good at keeping Go-go out of my shop and contained to the kitchen. Mostly because of poor Mrs. Woodhouse, but also because she is an animal and this is a shop. But apparently, Go-go has recognized this as her opportunity to be involved. As I reach for her, she makes a flying leap onto my honey display. With a crash, two jars of honey fall. Oh no. Oh, please no.
“Is . . . is that a goat?” The man has gone completely white.
“I . . . I . . .” The words aren’t coming out. Go-go just smashed two jars’ worth of honey and is prancing around my shop of mostly edible things like a demented ballerina. This violates at least three different health codes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
August 23, 2022
Sweet, clean romance and inspirational fiction! This was just the lighthearted read I needed between two “heavier” books. The setting is lovely, the characters well-developed, and the writing smooth and very readable. Storm Schultz is an author to follow. Her stories are thoughtful, relatable, and carry a particular charm that leaves the reader already anticipating the next one.
Appreciate the opportunity to read this ahead of time with an ARC; all opinions are my own.
Appreciate the opportunity to read this ahead of time with an ARC; all opinions are my own.
June 30, 2022
An adorable romance in an adorable setting with just a whiff of faith and a good dose of humor
June 30, 2022
What a sweet story! This book is a perfect combination of struggles amidst the sweet things in life.
I loved seeing Cordy push through the hard things life was throwing at her. She never gave up and kept going because of her desire to provide for her child.
Ronan was just the sweetest, cinnamon-roll (or honey bun if we're sticking with the theme of the book 😏). The way he swooped in and wanted to protect Cordy and Poppy, but he was also so respectful that she was independent and capable all on her own.
I also loved the dynamics between Ronan and his younger brother, Corwynn. They had a rocky relationship, but it was fun following them on their journey of forgiving and mending bridges.
This story is one that is full of heart, laughs, forgiveness, baby goats, and of course, bees 🐝!
*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for my honest review!
I loved seeing Cordy push through the hard things life was throwing at her. She never gave up and kept going because of her desire to provide for her child.
Ronan was just the sweetest, cinnamon-roll (or honey bun if we're sticking with the theme of the book 😏). The way he swooped in and wanted to protect Cordy and Poppy, but he was also so respectful that she was independent and capable all on her own.
I also loved the dynamics between Ronan and his younger brother, Corwynn. They had a rocky relationship, but it was fun following them on their journey of forgiving and mending bridges.
This story is one that is full of heart, laughs, forgiveness, baby goats, and of course, bees 🐝!
*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for my honest review!
August 4, 2022
This was a delightful read! From the laugh-out-loud worthy moments to the heartwarming scenes, I’ve fallen in love with the story and the cast!
Cordy was such a fun character, in particular. I loved her inner dialogue and also what she would say out loud to others. Her relationship with her baby girl and how she always thought of her was precious. I loved following Cordy’s story and experiencing her struggles and triumphs through the book. Her character growth was satisfactory!
Ronan was like the sweetest hero ever. Seriously, he was sweeter than honey and that’s like way more attractive your typical “bad boy.” His Irish accent was just so enjoyable to read and the way he was about Cordy AND her little girl was just swoon worthy.
“Okay. I would fight a bear for this woman.”
“Cordy . . . well, she has pulled me into her world, and I plan to stay there forever. Who could give up catastrophic goats, bees, and an adorable baby?”
Who could, indeed? The man knows what he wants and I respect that.
Really I enjoyed all of the colorful characters of the quaint little town called Arbury, except Malcolm, of course. He was such a jerk! But he did make the story extra interesting when he showed up. Like-get-your-popcorn-and-be-equally-entertained-and-mad-by-watching-him-interact-with-the-others interesting. You know, if you COULD eat popcorn while reading at the same time. (I can’t with a hard copy!)
And I wish Cordy’s Corner Shop was real because I’d totally visit if I ever traveled to England!
“Falling in love is easy, but sometimes you have to choose to love someone. Not all the time, because if you have to choose all the time that’s forcing it, but in the hard moments. In the ‘we have no money’ moments or the ‘someone is trying to pull us apart’ moments, that’s when you choose to love…”
This sweet comedy tackles mending family relationships, the stigmatism of single motherhood, the lesson of making lemonade when you’ve got lemons (or in this case, honey when you’ve got bees!), and forgiveness.
Cordy was such a fun character, in particular. I loved her inner dialogue and also what she would say out loud to others. Her relationship with her baby girl and how she always thought of her was precious. I loved following Cordy’s story and experiencing her struggles and triumphs through the book. Her character growth was satisfactory!
Ronan was like the sweetest hero ever. Seriously, he was sweeter than honey and that’s like way more attractive your typical “bad boy.” His Irish accent was just so enjoyable to read and the way he was about Cordy AND her little girl was just swoon worthy.
“Okay. I would fight a bear for this woman.”
“Cordy . . . well, she has pulled me into her world, and I plan to stay there forever. Who could give up catastrophic goats, bees, and an adorable baby?”
Who could, indeed? The man knows what he wants and I respect that.
Really I enjoyed all of the colorful characters of the quaint little town called Arbury, except Malcolm, of course. He was such a jerk! But he did make the story extra interesting when he showed up. Like-get-your-popcorn-and-be-equally-entertained-and-mad-by-watching-him-interact-with-the-others interesting. You know, if you COULD eat popcorn while reading at the same time. (I can’t with a hard copy!)
And I wish Cordy’s Corner Shop was real because I’d totally visit if I ever traveled to England!
“Falling in love is easy, but sometimes you have to choose to love someone. Not all the time, because if you have to choose all the time that’s forcing it, but in the hard moments. In the ‘we have no money’ moments or the ‘someone is trying to pull us apart’ moments, that’s when you choose to love…”
This sweet comedy tackles mending family relationships, the stigmatism of single motherhood, the lesson of making lemonade when you’ve got lemons (or in this case, honey when you’ve got bees!), and forgiveness.
August 16, 2024
Cute, unique and vivid setting, and characters I could root for. Full review to come!
FULL REVIEW:
**minor spoilers ahead**
4 stars! This type of story/genre is not my cup of tea at all, and I knew that going into it. I don't read many romance novels, and barely any contemporary - much less a combination of both. But even though it wasn't quite my thing, I can still appreciate that it was well-written!
This story has such a cute setting, first of all. I love England and books set there, and she described the quaint, charming little town there so well that I just wanted to visit and explore. It was cozy to read about, and I think that word describes this book well. Cozy. I never thought I'd enjoy reading a book that goes so in-depth into beekeeping, but it was fascinating and very neat to learn about!
Between the bees (which we never do find out where they came from...). the shop in her home, the gardening, the adorable goat, and the handmade products, I just wanted to spend a day there. It reignited my dreams of opening a little store with things I've made and grown <33 Also the part about fixing up an old, charming in its own way house.
As far as characters go, the cast was fun and diverse! I liked Ronan a lot. He was a good guy, and I appreciated how he just took Cordy and Poppy under his wing right away. Cordy frustrated me sometimes, but in all, I really respect everything that she did to make sure Poppy knew she loved her, and to give her a good life. I can't imagine the kind of strength it takes to do what she did.
The rest of the characters were all memorable and unique, with lives and personalities that felt real. I liked how they all had such different personalities and thoughts, but in the end, were able to group together and help Cordy in so many ways. She needed them, and they came through.
The plot was on a very small-scale, and there was always just enough disaster ebbing and flowing to keep my interest. It never got very dark - except for maybe a few scenes near the climax with her ex - but I definitely wondered how Cordy would get out of some situations. There were also frequent doses of humor. And the character changes woven through the events were satisfying.
The romance was a bit on the nose sometimes, and I did groan a bit when Ronan was wondering whether Cordy was single, fantasizing how beautiful she was (and vice versa) seconds after meeting for the first time. But their love felt a lot more genuine by the end, and again, that might just be me not used to the contemporary romance genre and its tropes.
I also LOVED the emphasis on Poppy/babies in general being blessings, and being good no matter what the circumstance. I did want to see a little more delving into some of the spiritual topics that were brought up, and I couldn't really tell what the protagonists believed at any point. Ronan seemed more of a Christian than Cordy, but not much was ever discussed or really shown.
All in all, this book felt like a Hallmark movie. Cozy, warm, quaint, and cute - with a sweet and well-described setting, fun characters, and some heartfelt themes. If that sounds like your kind of story, you're going to love this one!
FULL REVIEW:
**minor spoilers ahead**
4 stars! This type of story/genre is not my cup of tea at all, and I knew that going into it. I don't read many romance novels, and barely any contemporary - much less a combination of both. But even though it wasn't quite my thing, I can still appreciate that it was well-written!
This story has such a cute setting, first of all. I love England and books set there, and she described the quaint, charming little town there so well that I just wanted to visit and explore. It was cozy to read about, and I think that word describes this book well. Cozy. I never thought I'd enjoy reading a book that goes so in-depth into beekeeping, but it was fascinating and very neat to learn about!
Between the bees (which we never do find out where they came from...). the shop in her home, the gardening, the adorable goat, and the handmade products, I just wanted to spend a day there. It reignited my dreams of opening a little store with things I've made and grown <33 Also the part about fixing up an old, charming in its own way house.
As far as characters go, the cast was fun and diverse! I liked Ronan a lot. He was a good guy, and I appreciated how he just took Cordy and Poppy under his wing right away. Cordy frustrated me sometimes, but in all, I really respect everything that she did to make sure Poppy knew she loved her, and to give her a good life. I can't imagine the kind of strength it takes to do what she did.
The rest of the characters were all memorable and unique, with lives and personalities that felt real. I liked how they all had such different personalities and thoughts, but in the end, were able to group together and help Cordy in so many ways. She needed them, and they came through.
The plot was on a very small-scale, and there was always just enough disaster ebbing and flowing to keep my interest. It never got very dark - except for maybe a few scenes near the climax with her ex - but I definitely wondered how Cordy would get out of some situations. There were also frequent doses of humor. And the character changes woven through the events were satisfying.
The romance was a bit on the nose sometimes, and I did groan a bit when Ronan was wondering whether Cordy was single, fantasizing how beautiful she was (and vice versa) seconds after meeting for the first time. But their love felt a lot more genuine by the end, and again, that might just be me not used to the contemporary romance genre and its tropes.
I also LOVED the emphasis on Poppy/babies in general being blessings, and being good no matter what the circumstance. I did want to see a little more delving into some of the spiritual topics that were brought up, and I couldn't really tell what the protagonists believed at any point. Ronan seemed more of a Christian than Cordy, but not much was ever discussed or really shown.
All in all, this book felt like a Hallmark movie. Cozy, warm, quaint, and cute - with a sweet and well-described setting, fun characters, and some heartfelt themes. If that sounds like your kind of story, you're going to love this one!
February 17, 2023
Read on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a sweet story with a subtle Christian message. I enjoyed the story for what it was: A fun and sweet story.
The moral and faith elements were a bit fuzzy and ambiguous. It was more like a Hallmark movie type than anything else.
Content notes: A woman has had a baby out of wedlock. The baby is always treated like a good thing.
This was a sweet story with a subtle Christian message. I enjoyed the story for what it was: A fun and sweet story.
The moral and faith elements were a bit fuzzy and ambiguous. It was more like a Hallmark movie type than anything else.
Content notes: A woman has had a baby out of wedlock. The baby is always treated like a good thing.
February 1, 2023
My daughter read this first, then recommended we read it aloud as our family bedtime read. Girls ages 20, 18, 15, 10, and 5 all rate it five stars (and then some)! The boys ages 6 and 8 both rate it five stars too. The 12 year old boy rated it a 1.5, because there was “gross kissing.”
I loved this book! It’s a no questions asked 5 stars all day long! Clean romance, excitement, laughter, tears, goats, babies, bees, and of course a happily ever after ending.
I loved this book! It’s a no questions asked 5 stars all day long! Clean romance, excitement, laughter, tears, goats, babies, bees, and of course a happily ever after ending.
November 23, 2022
This story is so so sweet! I love Cordy, Poppy, and Ronan! The message of forgiveness and healing is also super beautiful!
I also love the setting in Europe: the cottage is perfect (Sigh, what a dream), and all the small town vibes with the locals is what I’d describe as idyllic! I love Barney and Vivian. Even Corwynn is great in his own way haha.
Malcolm is a pest, but there is still a little redemption there. And I really like his mother.
And I love bees and goats, which makes this story all the sweeter! Truly, there isn’t anything I don’t like.
I read this story in a day! Great job, Storm!💛
I also love the setting in Europe: the cottage is perfect (Sigh, what a dream), and all the small town vibes with the locals is what I’d describe as idyllic! I love Barney and Vivian. Even Corwynn is great in his own way haha.
Malcolm is a pest, but there is still a little redemption there. And I really like his mother.
And I love bees and goats, which makes this story all the sweeter! Truly, there isn’t anything I don’t like.
I read this story in a day! Great job, Storm!💛
August 24, 2022
This was a lovely story with lovely characters. The romance was sweet and natural. There were some really cute lol moments with babies and goats.
My preference would be to see a little bit more Christian content, but it wasn't completely lacking in it. I appreciated the themes of forgiveness and being thankful.
This was a clean story with no swearing, and the romance consisted of only kissing. Overall, I recommend this to those who love sweet small-town romances with a little humor and a lot of fun.
My preference would be to see a little bit more Christian content, but it wasn't completely lacking in it. I appreciated the themes of forgiveness and being thankful.
This was a clean story with no swearing, and the romance consisted of only kissing. Overall, I recommend this to those who love sweet small-town romances with a little humor and a lot of fun.
August 21, 2022
Meant To Bee by Storm Shultz was such a sweet story.
I loved how she dealt with some tough, real-life issues...
all while keeping the story on a happy note and giving the reader many smiles along the way.
Adorable little Poppy and mischievous Go-Go the goat were so fun and two of my favorite characters in the book.
It had all the things one could hope for in a cute and clean story, with the bonus of all the cottagecore feelings.
I definitely recommend it!
I loved how she dealt with some tough, real-life issues...
all while keeping the story on a happy note and giving the reader many smiles along the way.
Adorable little Poppy and mischievous Go-Go the goat were so fun and two of my favorite characters in the book.
It had all the things one could hope for in a cute and clean story, with the bonus of all the cottagecore feelings.
I definitely recommend it!
June 2, 2024
The sweetest rom-com 🥹
What a disaster that Cordy gets herself into with her supposed-to-be quaint cottage.
Single mom, new town, cottage in shambles, and mysterious beehives showing up on the front doorstep!
A quirky, fun, and sweet read.
The author did a lovely job at writing how to handle life’s trials with a little bit of honey and whole lot of grace.
What a disaster that Cordy gets herself into with her supposed-to-be quaint cottage.
Single mom, new town, cottage in shambles, and mysterious beehives showing up on the front doorstep!
A quirky, fun, and sweet read.
The author did a lovely job at writing how to handle life’s trials with a little bit of honey and whole lot of grace.
July 20, 2022
Ok, first off, I have to admit to being a little envious of Cordy's mistaken bee package. I mean, I've begged my husband for YEARS to get bees, but he won't let me. Something about me being allergic or something. Whatever.
This was a sweet little story about a single mom who's been through some hard times. I'll admit that the single mom trope isn't even close to my favorite, but this was well done, and I liked it very much. After graduating from high school, Cordy moved from South Carolina to England (talk about courageous! I'd be too chicken to do such a thing!), got pregnant, and is raising her one year old by herself. Since then, she's lost her job, and is trying to find a new one, in a house she purchased online. What could go wrong?
The characters in the quaint little village where Cordy settles are all lovable and have great quirks and personalities. Heck, I'm ready to move to England just to be part of them!
I love the solution Cordy comes up with to make a living; it's something I've always wanted to do myself.
If you like sweet romance, bees, goats, and babies, you'll love this novella!
This was a sweet little story about a single mom who's been through some hard times. I'll admit that the single mom trope isn't even close to my favorite, but this was well done, and I liked it very much. After graduating from high school, Cordy moved from South Carolina to England (talk about courageous! I'd be too chicken to do such a thing!), got pregnant, and is raising her one year old by herself. Since then, she's lost her job, and is trying to find a new one, in a house she purchased online. What could go wrong?
The characters in the quaint little village where Cordy settles are all lovable and have great quirks and personalities. Heck, I'm ready to move to England just to be part of them!
I love the solution Cordy comes up with to make a living; it's something I've always wanted to do myself.
If you like sweet romance, bees, goats, and babies, you'll love this novella!
December 24, 2022
This is a sweet charming little book! I can’t wait to read others you write Storm! It’s nice to read something that has no point other then telling a story in a light hearted way in a beautiful setting. And bees and the English countryside and a baby named Callum 😍
June 28, 2022
I loved this story...enough said :). Storm, your story-telling ability is unmatched. Meant to Bee was sweet, charming, humorous, touching. I was drawn into this fictional English village and each character's life in such a way that I felt I was actually there walking amongst them. I would highly recommend this unique and creatively written faith-based romance. I would say it is one of my favorites of late, and I look forward to reading any future books published by Storm Shultz.
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this story as a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosure: FTC 16 CFR, Part 255).
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this story as a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosure: FTC 16 CFR, Part 255).
August 19, 2023
Well..!
That was about the cutest, sweetest, happiest books I’ve read !!
I loved every character, except Malcom (ew!)
I love Cordy and I rarely love the female MCs!
And I want a Vivian and Barney in my life, like, IMMEDIATELY please !!
I’ll also take a Ronan *wink wink* haha
That was about the cutest, sweetest, happiest books I’ve read !!
I loved every character, except Malcom (ew!)
I love Cordy and I rarely love the female MCs!
And I want a Vivian and Barney in my life, like, IMMEDIATELY please !!
I’ll also take a Ronan *wink wink* haha
February 18, 2023
This book… *sighs happily* From the cover inward, the cozy British town vibes were perfectly blended with the story of a woman struggling in life. I rooted for Cordy, grew frustrated with her at times, hung on every word of her learning beekeeping and other skills, delighted with her over Poppy, and waited with bated breath to see how she would handle forgiveness.
(Which, the forgiveness storyline was a breath of fresh air! It acknowledged boundaries and left no room for disrespect/abuse while encouraging to forgive. I haven't seen another book quite this nuanced.)
The romance was super sweet. The story pacing did seem to speed up halfway through, but I grew used to it and loved every moment. I especially enjoyed how respectful yet honest they were with each other, and I was hardcore rooting for them.
Don't get me started on how much I loved the pro-life after birth themes and the supportive side characters. 👏👏
CW: harassment, lying side character, judgemental local. Some kissing.
I can't wait to read more of this author's work, and I love the heart you can clearly see shining through every page. 💛
(Which, the forgiveness storyline was a breath of fresh air! It acknowledged boundaries and left no room for disrespect/abuse while encouraging to forgive. I haven't seen another book quite this nuanced.)
The romance was super sweet. The story pacing did seem to speed up halfway through, but I grew used to it and loved every moment. I especially enjoyed how respectful yet honest they were with each other, and I was hardcore rooting for them.
Don't get me started on how much I loved the pro-life after birth themes and the supportive side characters. 👏👏
CW: harassment, lying side character, judgemental local. Some kissing.
I can't wait to read more of this author's work, and I love the heart you can clearly see shining through every page. 💛
June 21, 2022
Ah, I love this book. The story is adorable and lot of LOL moments. I like the two main characters, Cordy and Ronan. They are truly for each other. The characters, especially Ronan’s brother, he reminded me of Bruno from Encanto. Named the rats, and I don’t blame Ronan’s thoughts if mom finds out about this. That gave me a good laugh. And the goat, I thought, was the cutest yet funny companion to add in the story. I like the people and the England community. The story shares the message of forgiveness and restore relationship. It done well. I highly recommend this adorable book. If you don’t, watch out for Go-go, the goat's name. (Kidding)
February 17, 2023
This book was super cute!
Vivian & Barney were lovely. Corwynn was… well, Corwynn—let’s just say he grew on me. I don’t have words for how annoying Malcolm was. Charlotte was a dear. And Cordy, Poppy, and Ronan were precious. (Instant bonus points for Ronan being Irish!)
Everything about this story is cosy, from the characters to the charming English village. I loved how the villagers rallied around Cordy when it mattered most.
The romance between Ronan & Cordy was sweet. Personally, I found things moved a little fast. It’s a short book, and they didn’t know each other long before getting engaged. But that’s really just personal preference. :)
All in all, it was a charming story!!
Vivian & Barney were lovely. Corwynn was… well, Corwynn—let’s just say he grew on me. I don’t have words for how annoying Malcolm was. Charlotte was a dear. And Cordy, Poppy, and Ronan were precious. (Instant bonus points for Ronan being Irish!)
Everything about this story is cosy, from the characters to the charming English village. I loved how the villagers rallied around Cordy when it mattered most.
The romance between Ronan & Cordy was sweet. Personally, I found things moved a little fast. It’s a short book, and they didn’t know each other long before getting engaged. But that’s really just personal preference. :)
All in all, it was a charming story!!
July 14, 2022
Storm Shultz has written a cozy, humorous book about a single mother in the English countryside who is trying to make a living in an untraditional way. Shultz's narrators had strong, unique voices, and the plot moved steadily and purposefully. I especially loved the parallels between the bees and Cordy's life. I found myself cheering along with Cordy whenever she accomplished something. These characters were so lovable! I would have liked to see more development in Cordy and Ronan's relationship, but I loved the sweet ending (pun totally intended!). A perfect summer read!
July 30, 2022
4.5 stars. Single mom, Cordy, moves to a small town in England where she finds the house that she bought sight unseen full of leaks. Days later she gets an unexpected and unwanted delivery of bees. And the next day she opens the door to a man with a baby goat. So, she finds herself researching bees and goats while trying to raise her daughter and find a job. This was a cute story with a likable cast of characters (well, except for a few “villains” that add a little conflict to the story). Thanks to Storm Shultz for letting me read an ARC of Mean to Bee. Also, such a cute cover!
July 28, 2022
I never thought I would adore a book about a woman keeping bees, but then I read Meant to Bee, and now I am obsessed with Storm Shultz’s writing. This sweet, clean romance starts with Cordy (don’t you dare call her Cordelia) in a horrible spot—jobless in a small town in England with an infant and a house with a leaky roof and broken windows. Her luck really is abominable, and I found myself sighing for her on many occasions.
Then her luck goes a little sideways when she receives several beehives. What on earth will she do with them? You’ll have to read to find out because I could go on forever about how sweet and fun her adventure is (with too many spoilers to count.) I loved how she kept rolling with every punch, no matter how hard it was. Cordy is truly an inspirational character.
One of the things I loved most was her journey in faith. It was realistic and portrayed many of the issues single mothers face. We all make mistakes and do things we should reconsider, but she accepts the consequences. Barney becomes a mentor in many ways, one of which leads her back to God. I loved it!
Some notable side characters are Vivien, who needs her own book with a fantastic romance (or I might mutiny… or riot… whichever you do when you need a ship so bad you can taste it.) Barney and Jack, a father and son duo who bring the laughs, might be my favorite elderly folks in a book. And, of course, Ronan and his brother.
Ronan is the perfect gentleman and kind of a superhero. His most amazing quality is his ability to support Cordy (and maybe save her a swoonworthy time or two) without making her feel helpless or worthless. Throw in his adoration for Poppy, her daughter, and I’m sold.
Overall, this was a quiet and enjoyable read with some expected bumps, but Shultz also throws some humdingers you don’t expect, which makes the book even more fun. This one is a five-star sweet romance for me!
Then her luck goes a little sideways when she receives several beehives. What on earth will she do with them? You’ll have to read to find out because I could go on forever about how sweet and fun her adventure is (with too many spoilers to count.) I loved how she kept rolling with every punch, no matter how hard it was. Cordy is truly an inspirational character.
One of the things I loved most was her journey in faith. It was realistic and portrayed many of the issues single mothers face. We all make mistakes and do things we should reconsider, but she accepts the consequences. Barney becomes a mentor in many ways, one of which leads her back to God. I loved it!
Some notable side characters are Vivien, who needs her own book with a fantastic romance (or I might mutiny… or riot… whichever you do when you need a ship so bad you can taste it.) Barney and Jack, a father and son duo who bring the laughs, might be my favorite elderly folks in a book. And, of course, Ronan and his brother.
Ronan is the perfect gentleman and kind of a superhero. His most amazing quality is his ability to support Cordy (and maybe save her a swoonworthy time or two) without making her feel helpless or worthless. Throw in his adoration for Poppy, her daughter, and I’m sold.
Overall, this was a quiet and enjoyable read with some expected bumps, but Shultz also throws some humdingers you don’t expect, which makes the book even more fun. This one is a five-star sweet romance for me!
June 23, 2022
A wonderful, lighthearted story of young Cordy and sweet Poppy. This story pulls you right into life of Cordy trying to find a place to raise her 1 year old daughter Poppy as a single mom. Not only does she find that she can deal with unforeseen difficulties, frisky animals and busy bees, but she also realizes that she doesn't have to do it all on her own. If laughing, crying and romance, plus a little bit of " ugh what a jerk" is your reading style, this book by Storm is a defiantly must read.
October 2, 2022
Warning: This book will charm your socks off. A sweet, clean romance with all the rustic and enchanting cottage/countryside vibes. If you’re looking for a feel-good love story, this is it!
July 26, 2024
This was a sweet little story. Parts of it did feel a little over the top, and I was a bit confused that the mystery at the beginning wasn't actually solved. I liked the quirky group of characters that befriended Cordy, and I enjoyed little Poppy. :) I liked Ronan, although I couldn't quite understand why it took him so long to finally address things with his brother. I appreciated Cordy's spunk and the fact that she also accepted help. I despised a certain someone with a passion and ended up loving another someone I didn't expect to.
I was a bit disappointed that the story skirted a couple of spiritual topics but never really even made it clear what the different characters believed. I got the feeling by the end that Cordy wasn't a Christian, but was Ronan? The lack of even addressing those questions surprised me--I'm okay with calling out the church for where we're failing in our mission, but to have that be about the only real spiritual discussion did bug me.
And I have to admit, there was one point that threw my reality meter for a huge loop.
Overall, I did appreciate the sweet love story and the way that Cordy and Ronan came together, as well as watching both of them with Poppy. <3 I'll be interested to see more from this author.
I was a bit disappointed that the story skirted a couple of spiritual topics but never really even made it clear what the different characters believed. I got the feeling by the end that Cordy wasn't a Christian, but was Ronan? The lack of even addressing those questions surprised me--I'm okay with calling out the church for where we're failing in our mission, but to have that be about the only real spiritual discussion did bug me.
And I have to admit, there was one point that threw my reality meter for a huge loop.
Overall, I did appreciate the sweet love story and the way that Cordy and Ronan came together, as well as watching both of them with Poppy. <3 I'll be interested to see more from this author.
December 3, 2023
If you're looking for a sweet contemporary romance, this is for you. I found the story engaging and the characters fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
Such a sweet book!!! I love cozy romances set in the English countryside, but this is the first I've read that also includes a Christian theme. I loved it. I want more books like this.
July 1, 2022
Everything seems to be going wrong for Cordy. Her cottage is leaking, her job search is coming up empty, and she just received a shipment of beehives. When an attractive man shows up with a goat, she’s completely done in. Will Cordy be able to keep her home, find a job, and support Poppy?
I loved the quaint little English town setting with the wonderful helpful characters. Cordy is so genuine. I love her thoughts and how she tries to stay positive through all the tough moments and her willingness to try new things. I like how understanding Ronan is and how he is so great with kids. Plus he can fix about anything. I thought it was very well paced. Especially for a novella. It didn’t seem rushed. The characters had depth and the backstory was explained.
I’d recommend for people who like sweet small town romance with subtle Christian themes.
This book comes out August 20. Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the quaint little English town setting with the wonderful helpful characters. Cordy is so genuine. I love her thoughts and how she tries to stay positive through all the tough moments and her willingness to try new things. I like how understanding Ronan is and how he is so great with kids. Plus he can fix about anything. I thought it was very well paced. Especially for a novella. It didn’t seem rushed. The characters had depth and the backstory was explained.
I’d recommend for people who like sweet small town romance with subtle Christian themes.
This book comes out August 20. Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 7, 2022
This was the perfect relaxing read for bedtime each night. It's a very clean and sweet romance. The cover says it's a romantic comedy, but I think I'd disagree. It didn't feel like a comedy to me but was definitely a unique and sweet romance. The setting of the story is so cozy and the characters are so charming. I loved it.
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