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The Beekeeper’s War
1916 At the onset of war, Nurse Pru le Cuirot left her home in Jersey to care for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, Dorset. She wanted to do her bit but she never expected to meet American pilot, Jack Garland, so unlike any man she has ever met. When Jack is sent on a dangerous mission and vanishes, Pru is forced to make an agonising decision… one that will haunt them both forever. 1940 Another lifetime, but another war and Pru’s daughter Emma comes to Ashbury Manor. As Jersey falls to the Germans, Emma is fearful for her mother back home. And when she meets the mysterious beekeeper who lives in the grounds of the manor she finds herself caught up in a web of lies. As past and present collide, will the secrets of her mother’s life finally be resolved? Readers LOVE The Beekeeper’s War : ‘It’s almost impossible to convey how much I enjoyed this book …beautifully written’ Bev ‘ I am writing this review in hopes that others will find the story as touching and wonderful as I did …I still can't stop thinking about everything that happened’ Trudy ‘Incredible. One of the best World War I novels I've read … a wonderful novel worth your time’ Debbie ‘I read this book in one day as I was enthralled with it…an endearing story of life back in the war years’ Sue ‘Realistic characters… the tears were streaming down my face by the end’ Patricia ‘ A favorite author because her characters and settings seem very real and personal… She has the rare quality of giving a depth of details that makes her readers feel at home with the places and people’ Jane W ‘Great for a weekend read… Its appeal lies in the storytelling the horrors of the war, dangerous circumstances and sacrifices, weak and strong people who either caved in and betrayed others or rose to all challenges feel authentic and real’ Sally ‘Gently paced with vivid characterisation and a balance of heartbreak and heartwarming ’ Jane
416 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
280 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Carr
10 books180 followersDeborah Carr a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction and published by HarperCollins One More Chapter division.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 17, 2022
At the beginning of The Great War, friends Pru Le Cuirot and Jean Le Riche leave Jersey and train to be nurses. Ashbury Manor, in Dorset has been turned into a military hospital and Pru and Jean share a room with fellow nurse Milly Denton. The hospital is busy with a steady stream of wounded, the men have terrible injuries and Pru dreads it when she's notified the ambulances are on the way.
Viscount Montgomery Ashbury is one of the wounded and he demands to be in a ward with his fellow soldiers. He’s visited by his best friend Canadian pilot, Jack Garland, and he’s a decorated war hero. Pru meets Jack, he’s good-looking and despite both not wanting to be in a romantic relationship during a war and they fall madly in love. Jack returns to France, Pru makes him promise not to take any chances, and he's sent on a dangerous mission and vanishes. After facing so many challenges and difficulties being a nurse during a war, Pru is forced to make a heartbreaking decision and a life changing one.
The Beekeeper’s Secret has a dual timeline and it’s set in England during The Great War and at the start of the Second World War.
With the threat of the Germans invading any day, Emma Le Riche leaves Jersey and her mother refuses to go with her. Emma stays in England with her Aunty Jean and Uncle Monty at Ashbury Hall and she’s very worried about her mum’s safety. She meets the manor's beekeeper, when her Aunty Jean visited them in Jersey she always bought jars of honey and it’s made by bees in the walled garden. Emma has no idea she’s about to discover a twenty year old secret, one that was kept for the best intentions and did the parties involved do the right thing?
I received a copy of the Beekeeper’s War from NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. You read about the First World War, the shocking injuries, daily tasks the nurses preformed, their interaction with the patients, how it was impossible for them not to form attachments and the consequences of their actions. Deborah Carr has written an outstanding and captivating book, about war, love, sacrifice, duty, loss and five big stars from me.
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Viscount Montgomery Ashbury is one of the wounded and he demands to be in a ward with his fellow soldiers. He’s visited by his best friend Canadian pilot, Jack Garland, and he’s a decorated war hero. Pru meets Jack, he’s good-looking and despite both not wanting to be in a romantic relationship during a war and they fall madly in love. Jack returns to France, Pru makes him promise not to take any chances, and he's sent on a dangerous mission and vanishes. After facing so many challenges and difficulties being a nurse during a war, Pru is forced to make a heartbreaking decision and a life changing one.
The Beekeeper’s Secret has a dual timeline and it’s set in England during The Great War and at the start of the Second World War.
With the threat of the Germans invading any day, Emma Le Riche leaves Jersey and her mother refuses to go with her. Emma stays in England with her Aunty Jean and Uncle Monty at Ashbury Hall and she’s very worried about her mum’s safety. She meets the manor's beekeeper, when her Aunty Jean visited them in Jersey she always bought jars of honey and it’s made by bees in the walled garden. Emma has no idea she’s about to discover a twenty year old secret, one that was kept for the best intentions and did the parties involved do the right thing?
I received a copy of the Beekeeper’s War from NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. You read about the First World War, the shocking injuries, daily tasks the nurses preformed, their interaction with the patients, how it was impossible for them not to form attachments and the consequences of their actions. Deborah Carr has written an outstanding and captivating book, about war, love, sacrifice, duty, loss and five big stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
July 16, 2022
I only gave this story four stars as I found it so similar to others I’ve read of this era. I guessed the ending early on which didn’t help and at times I found I was losing interest in the story. This was well written and I’m sure we’ll researched but, it bored me a little. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2022
I did enjoy this book. It was a family drama with a bit of aristocracy. There wasn't much description of the war ( even of the factory). Everyone was aspiring to Monty's level or to be his friend.
I thought the author probably put in that Pru was careful of her friend Jean as she thought Monty would need a higher class of wife, so as to give an irony to events. A subtle touch of being sorry for Jean and maybe a bit of nastiness. However, there is the irony that it was Jack and Pru who had to struggle, which is also a twist. I didn't find Jean smug, they were good friends. It provided an undercurrent, as did Emma's reaction to first meeting her cousin.
My favourite bit was the first sighting of love between Pru and Jack, Jean and Monty.
My least favourite parts were when Emma and Peter were there, as I found I felt so sorry for Pru, knowing the secret. And also for Jack, sighting his daughter. Peter wasn't written obnoxiously but kind.
I thought the author probably put in that Pru was careful of her friend Jean as she thought Monty would need a higher class of wife, so as to give an irony to events. A subtle touch of being sorry for Jean and maybe a bit of nastiness. However, there is the irony that it was Jack and Pru who had to struggle, which is also a twist. I didn't find Jean smug, they were good friends. It provided an undercurrent, as did Emma's reaction to first meeting her cousin.
My favourite bit was the first sighting of love between Pru and Jack, Jean and Monty.
My least favourite parts were when Emma and Peter were there, as I found I felt so sorry for Pru, knowing the secret. And also for Jack, sighting his daughter. Peter wasn't written obnoxiously but kind.
June 1, 2022
My Recommendation
THE BEEKEEPER'S WAR BY DEBORAH CARR. Having just finished this beautifully poignant tale, set between Dorset and the Channel islands, with a dual timeline set during the great war or 1st World War and 1940. Friends Milly Jean and Pru all from the Channel Islands take us on a journey of love and loss during horrendous times that often the motto was live for today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed, I want to give nothing away and spoil this most beautifully written account of hiw life was for them, I shed many tears along the way the ups and downs with Monty Jack and Peter. I can't praise this book enough and can highly recommend for a 5 star read✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
THE BEEKEEPER'S WAR BY DEBORAH CARR. Having just finished this beautifully poignant tale, set between Dorset and the Channel islands, with a dual timeline set during the great war or 1st World War and 1940. Friends Milly Jean and Pru all from the Channel Islands take us on a journey of love and loss during horrendous times that often the motto was live for today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed, I want to give nothing away and spoil this most beautifully written account of hiw life was for them, I shed many tears along the way the ups and downs with Monty Jack and Peter. I can't praise this book enough and can highly recommend for a 5 star read✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
August 30, 2022
The Nurse and the Pilot
A delightful WWI romance story between a pilot and a nurse. Unforeseen circumstances, and secrets kept.
Jack and Pru were very much in love. Jack was a Canadian pilot and Pru is a nurse in a WWII hospital. They met when he visited his friend Monty the boyfriend of Pru's best friend Jean who was also a nurse at the mansion turned into a hospital.
Jack went away on a mission and never returned leaving Pru to make a decision which would change the course of both their lives. She married Peter, Jean's brother and had a little girl she named Emma.
Later when Emma grows up and Peter passes away Emma goes to visit her Aunt Jean and Uncle Monty. Jersey is now in WWII and the Nazi's are on their way. Emma is worried about her mother's safety there. She is rescued by an old friend and comes to stay with Jean and Monty.
Secrets are revealed to Emma which have been kept for her whole life and life changes for everyone.
Wartime is not an easy time and sometimes choices must be made. Are they the right choices, we never know. Sometimes choices lead to secrets and secrets always come to the surface.
It was an enjoyable story and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the ending. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Deborah Carr for writing a great story, to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
A delightful WWI romance story between a pilot and a nurse. Unforeseen circumstances, and secrets kept.
Jack and Pru were very much in love. Jack was a Canadian pilot and Pru is a nurse in a WWII hospital. They met when he visited his friend Monty the boyfriend of Pru's best friend Jean who was also a nurse at the mansion turned into a hospital.
Jack went away on a mission and never returned leaving Pru to make a decision which would change the course of both their lives. She married Peter, Jean's brother and had a little girl she named Emma.
Later when Emma grows up and Peter passes away Emma goes to visit her Aunt Jean and Uncle Monty. Jersey is now in WWII and the Nazi's are on their way. Emma is worried about her mother's safety there. She is rescued by an old friend and comes to stay with Jean and Monty.
Secrets are revealed to Emma which have been kept for her whole life and life changes for everyone.
Wartime is not an easy time and sometimes choices must be made. Are they the right choices, we never know. Sometimes choices lead to secrets and secrets always come to the surface.
It was an enjoyable story and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the ending. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Deborah Carr for writing a great story, to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read and review.
May 22, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Rating: 4 Stars
Publication Date: July 21, 2022
"The Beekeeper’s War” was hands down, wonderful read by Deborah Carr. This is my second book that I have read by this author that I truly enjoyed. This was a story that captivated my attention and one that I read in one sitting. Not uncommon for books by One More Chapter, it has its tragedy that takes place during WW1 that shares the loss and heartbreak between Pru a nurse and her love for a serviceman named Jack. Their story spans across 20-something years. It is not until the 1940’s where her daughter Emma embarks on a journey to the place where her mother worked and is told secrets hidden by her mother by a beekeeper that worked on the manor grounds that could have destroyed lives. A heartwarming and loveable story. Highly recommend the read.
November 26, 2023
I was disappointed in The Beekeeper’s War. The book was a little too syrupy sweet and spanned too long of a timeline ... two world wars. I did appreciate the fact that the author is from Jersey, where the book takes place, and did a lot of research into how the island was affected by the occupation during the war. While I did not particularly care for this love story, there are probably others who will appreciate the information it provides. So I would encourage you to read it and decide for yourself if it is appealing.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
June 12, 2022
This slow-paced, easy ramble and cloyingly sweet story, spanning both world wars, features two nurses from Jersey, Channel Islands who live and work at Ashbury Manor in Dorset, England.
The strengths of this story lay in (1) the fact that the author lives in Jersey and has researched how the occupation of the island affected both those who stayed as well as those who left, as well as (2) her amazing characterization. I really enjoyed Jack Garland’s character.
While I liked Jack and Pru’s story, I did struggle with how quickly they fell in love with each other and the saccharine level of sweetness.
I appreciated the author’s exploration of secrets and how the things we might want to keep hidden have a way of revealing themselves when we least expect it and oftentimes affect those we love.
You’ll need to read to uncover the secrets hidden at Ashbury Manor and how the title relates to the plot.
I was gifted this advance copy by Deborah Carr, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The strengths of this story lay in (1) the fact that the author lives in Jersey and has researched how the occupation of the island affected both those who stayed as well as those who left, as well as (2) her amazing characterization. I really enjoyed Jack Garland’s character.
While I liked Jack and Pru’s story, I did struggle with how quickly they fell in love with each other and the saccharine level of sweetness.
I appreciated the author’s exploration of secrets and how the things we might want to keep hidden have a way of revealing themselves when we least expect it and oftentimes affect those we love.
You’ll need to read to uncover the secrets hidden at Ashbury Manor and how the title relates to the plot.
I was gifted this advance copy by Deborah Carr, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 28, 2022
Set in Dorset and written in dual timelines, The Beekeeper's War is about effects of the two world wars, love, secrets, sorrow, choices and hope. Deborah Carr writes beautifully with an eye for detail. It only took a paragraph or two for me to become engrossed and immersed as I have done in the past with her other books.
In 1916, Pru nursed injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, generously opened by its owners with the goal of easing soldiers' anguish in a beautiful environment. Suffering abounded and nurses often had difficulty remaining emotionally detached. Pru couldn't help but notice pilot Jack who came to visit his dear friend, a patient at the manor. Not long after falling in love, Jack disappeared, leaving Pru devastated. She is faced with difficult life-changing choices.
Later, in 1940, Pru's daughter Emma flees to Ashbury Manor for safety. She meets an unusual man, a beekeeper with secrets. She and her mother make discoveries which catch them unawares as they navigate the throes of war and what it means to be family.
My favourite aspect of the book is the beekeeping addition which always intrigues me as a nature lover. The historical details are wonderful, too. Though predictable, the story is an interesting one and is a wonderful escape. Historical Fiction readers ought to read this. It would also appeal to those who have yet to discover the joys of the genre.
My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this awesome book.
In 1916, Pru nursed injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, generously opened by its owners with the goal of easing soldiers' anguish in a beautiful environment. Suffering abounded and nurses often had difficulty remaining emotionally detached. Pru couldn't help but notice pilot Jack who came to visit his dear friend, a patient at the manor. Not long after falling in love, Jack disappeared, leaving Pru devastated. She is faced with difficult life-changing choices.
Later, in 1940, Pru's daughter Emma flees to Ashbury Manor for safety. She meets an unusual man, a beekeeper with secrets. She and her mother make discoveries which catch them unawares as they navigate the throes of war and what it means to be family.
My favourite aspect of the book is the beekeeping addition which always intrigues me as a nature lover. The historical details are wonderful, too. Though predictable, the story is an interesting one and is a wonderful escape. Historical Fiction readers ought to read this. It would also appeal to those who have yet to discover the joys of the genre.
My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this awesome book.
July 18, 2022
I can not say enough about this book. It was incredible. One of the best World War I novels I've read and if you follow my reading journey, you know I read alot. Nurse Pru was dedicated to her work at the Ashbury Manor. She felt so fortunate to be tending to the injured men who came to the Manor needing care. She worked along side her two close friends Milly and Jean who are also such great characters in this novel. When Monty Ashbury is brought to the Manor badly injured the nurses hustle to care for him as he is the last heir alive that Lady and Lord Ashbury have. There other sons have already died. It is when Montys friend and soldier Jack comes to visit that Pru feels an intense attraction. The two start a friendship but both know it's more. Jack isn't willing to move further because he is a pilot and chances of him surviving are slim.
This book was intense, heartwarming, and an epic all encompassing story. Taking the reader from England to Jersey off the coast of France the author really describes the scene incredibly well. What a wonderful novel worth your time.
This book was intense, heartwarming, and an epic all encompassing story. Taking the reader from England to Jersey off the coast of France the author really describes the scene incredibly well. What a wonderful novel worth your time.
February 18, 2023
In this wartime romance, Pru meets and falls in love with Jack - a brave pilot who is rightfully considered a hero by his peers. Most of the book is set during this time, at a manor that has been repurposed as a military hospital during World War 1.
As would be expected from the setting, this story contains beautiful, romantic, happy times as well as deep personal tragedy. The war scenes are mostly alluded to, but their consequences in the hospital are certainly apparent. None of the book is graphic, which makes it a great story for me to recommend to my more sensitive friends and family members.
As would be expected from the setting, this story contains beautiful, romantic, happy times as well as deep personal tragedy. The war scenes are mostly alluded to, but their consequences in the hospital are certainly apparent. None of the book is graphic, which makes it a great story for me to recommend to my more sensitive friends and family members.
October 19, 2022
Found this historical fiction very engaging and entertaining read. Heavy on the emotions, as the protagonist falls in love with a pilot during wartime, knowing well the limitations of their potential relationship during these uncertain times. I thought the back cover brief was a bit overly dramatic, as only about a third of the book was focussed on her daughter during WWII and the unearthing of the secrets of her own origins and mum's past life. It really developed quite fast and was nothing particularly extraordinary, but still very enjoyable pastime reading.
May 24, 2022
Thanks to One More Chapter | HarperCollins and the author Deborah Carr for this engrossing story of life on and off the Isle of Jersey in both WWI and WWII.
From Publisher :' " 1916 At the onset of war, Nurse Pru le Cuirot left her home in Jersey to care for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, Dorset. She wanted to do her bit but she never expected to meet American pilot, Jack Garland, so unlike any man she has ever met."
and "1940 .. another war and Pru’s daughter Emma comes to Ashbury Manor. As Jersey falls to the Germans, Emma is fearful for her mother back home. When she meets the mysterious beekeeper who lives in the grounds of the manor she finds herself caught up" in both the past and the present.'
I'm in book clubs and review books for authors but this is a book I read straight through- It was that engrossing! I've read many of this author's books and very much enjoyed them but this book makes me hope that more will be written about this time.
From the bare bones I posted from the publisher, I've laid out some of the book but it was a heartwarming and entrancing read! All the characters were vibrant and remained so and were joined by a new young generation in 1940. The Channel Islands and especially Jersey and it's wartime saga(s) over centuries make me want to read more! I'm planning to read "The Poppy Fields" next!
From Publisher :' " 1916 At the onset of war, Nurse Pru le Cuirot left her home in Jersey to care for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, Dorset. She wanted to do her bit but she never expected to meet American pilot, Jack Garland, so unlike any man she has ever met."
and "1940 .. another war and Pru’s daughter Emma comes to Ashbury Manor. As Jersey falls to the Germans, Emma is fearful for her mother back home. When she meets the mysterious beekeeper who lives in the grounds of the manor she finds herself caught up" in both the past and the present.'
I'm in book clubs and review books for authors but this is a book I read straight through- It was that engrossing! I've read many of this author's books and very much enjoyed them but this book makes me hope that more will be written about this time.
From the bare bones I posted from the publisher, I've laid out some of the book but it was a heartwarming and entrancing read! All the characters were vibrant and remained so and were joined by a new young generation in 1940. The Channel Islands and especially Jersey and it's wartime saga(s) over centuries make me want to read more! I'm planning to read "The Poppy Fields" next!
July 4, 2022
Secrets and loss during World War 1 make for a story full of heartache, difficult discussions and emotion.
The story is about two nurses from Jersey who go to Dorset to take care of the wounded.
A intriguing and captivating book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The story is about two nurses from Jersey who go to Dorset to take care of the wounded.
A intriguing and captivating book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2023
Special people
The characters in the story were so real and what they all endured was heartbreaking but glad for how it all turned out! Was a tear jerky of sadness but joy at same time!
The characters in the story were so real and what they all endured was heartbreaking but glad for how it all turned out! Was a tear jerky of sadness but joy at same time!
June 14, 2024
GROAN 🤦🏽♀️🥴 Such a disappointing read… 😭
April 23, 2025
Can a book be beautiful? Because this was an emotionally beautiful book….easy listen that captured my brain immediately 🤎 The narrator’s voice was incredible!! The story reminded me of the movie Pearl Harbor…it had a few things that I didn’t quite know what they were there for? Maybe leading into another book? All in all a quick pleasant enjoyable listen.
July 21, 2022
Pru meets Jack while caring for his friend that was injured during the war. They become friends and soon find themselves falling in love.
The story was a little predictable but still very much enjoyable. It’s full of strong characters and kept my interest to the end.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
The story was a little predictable but still very much enjoyable. It’s full of strong characters and kept my interest to the end.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
June 5, 2023
10 ⭐️s! Ohh my goodness. I loved this one. I do love WWII/Holocaust historical fiction,but I loved that this one took a more “In Love and War” Hemingway approach to the times. The book is set in two timelines… that of WWI, “the war to end all wars” and ay the outset of WWII, perhaps the deadliest of all wars. The characters in the story are SO real, SO emotional. Their stories brought me back so much closer to that time than any other, I think. Made me feel like I was maybe a civilian of the time. Though the first half of the book moved more quickly, I loved this entire novel.
December 10, 2022
A heartbreaking tale of love and war that will bring tears to your eyes and yet make you smile at the same time.
In a dual time line story, set against the backdrop of two world wars, we meet Pru and Jack and their beautifully told story of love and loss. When Pru meets Jack, she’s a nurse tending to injured soldiers in a lavish English manor. When Jack, an American pilot arrives to visit a fellow soldier, their connection is instant. But Jack, braver than anyone she knows, comes and goes as the war dictates. He never wants to leave a soldier behind on the battlefield and that choice compromises everything.
Flash forward to the onset of WWII and Pru has spent the past twenty two years living a life far from the one she had envisioned before Jack left for his last mission. It was a good life but one that was the result of a split decision based on the encouragement of close friends. When she learns that everything could have been vastly different, Pru realizes that when you love someone, secrets and time can still result in forgiveness.
I loved this story. It’s easy to get lost in its pages and makes for a terrific weekend read! This is my first book from Deborah Carr but it won’t be my last!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Deborah Carr for a chance to read this gem!
In a dual time line story, set against the backdrop of two world wars, we meet Pru and Jack and their beautifully told story of love and loss. When Pru meets Jack, she’s a nurse tending to injured soldiers in a lavish English manor. When Jack, an American pilot arrives to visit a fellow soldier, their connection is instant. But Jack, braver than anyone she knows, comes and goes as the war dictates. He never wants to leave a soldier behind on the battlefield and that choice compromises everything.
Flash forward to the onset of WWII and Pru has spent the past twenty two years living a life far from the one she had envisioned before Jack left for his last mission. It was a good life but one that was the result of a split decision based on the encouragement of close friends. When she learns that everything could have been vastly different, Pru realizes that when you love someone, secrets and time can still result in forgiveness.
I loved this story. It’s easy to get lost in its pages and makes for a terrific weekend read! This is my first book from Deborah Carr but it won’t be my last!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Deborah Carr for a chance to read this gem!
July 12, 2022
It was OK and not what I expected. I'm fine with books not having any action, but this was such a slow read. The story takes place during WWI and WWII, but the fighting is only mentioned and very briefly. Pru and her fellow nurses take care of the soldiers, but only their injuries were mentioned. The story was very predictable. I kept wondering why it was called "The Beekeeper's War, " since the bees don't actually show up until a third of the way into the book and are such a minor part of the book. Pru and John love each other after only meeting a few times and hardly know each other. Why did Milly run back into the house? I would have enjoyed reading more about John while he was captured and how he tried to escape. I didn't love any of the characters and kept waiting for stuff to happen.
Definitely give the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I usually love historical fiction, but this was more a romance with talk about the Wars. I loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely give the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I usually love historical fiction, but this was more a romance with talk about the Wars. I loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 29, 2023
I loved Jack and Pru's story, but I must admit the character of Jack held my interest the most. He had depth, mystery, integrity, and faithfulness. It is a lovely quick read and will keep you turning the pages.
November 7, 2022
Where to start? Just like Season 2 of Downton Abbey - this story/book felt too rushed. Brilliantly written and very evocative - too much happened too quickly and I found that a bit off-putting. Also I wished there had been an even deeper dive into the characters - the speed of the book and glossing over of characters ( 22 years married and not a peep about it? Ugh...) and moments left me saying " wait a minute" and circling back to see if I had missed anything. I found myself doing this frequently and I became frustrated by the missed opportunity to fill out the people - For Example: ( no spoilers .... read it yourself!) at one point - there is a fire somewhere. Each of the main characters are involved and do something - but there are other characters whose actions, consequences and/or heroics have repercussions throughout the entire book. I feel it would have been a richer story had there been a few chapters dedicated to each of the subordinate characters. Example 2: throughout the book, the theme of "Classes, peerages, station in life at the time of the story" kept coming up. While the 4 characters ( 6??) for whom this is an issue/or relevant - there was a real missed opportunity here - Oh how I wanted to know about Verity ( herself) and her fella ( himself ) , their story, etc -- And I did not believe for 1 minute the "gotta get to the ferry" scene - The reason for my quibbles is how well written this book was. I lost an uncle in WW1 and my family lived through the Blitz and that time in history while well documented war-wise - the toll on the people back home and how innovative they had to become and how relationships and feelings were dealt with - there isn't too much about that - that I have found. I LOVED this book - truly. It really is beautifully written and I came to care very quickly for the people. I would love for there to be a "prequel and a sequel" - I am left wondering what happened between the wars and how they managed during and after WW2.
July 1, 2022
The Beekeepers war by Deborah Carr is a fabulous, thought-provoking read from the author that I really enjoyed and now will seek out the other books the author has read.
The story is set-in two-time periods, first at the start great war. Pru Le Cuirot lives in Jersey with her mother. When she decides that she wants to do her bit for the war. So, with her friend Jean Le Riche they train as nurses and finds themselves at stationed Ashbury manor in Dorset. Part of the manor has been turned into a hospital for the injured soldiers fighting for king and Country. The girls share a small room in the attic of the manor, fellow nurse Milly Denton.
The owners of the Manor Lord and Lady Ashbury have three sons, but the two older ones have already died fighting the cause. The youngest Son Montgomery a pilot returns injured. His parents at first started arranging him a private room but Montgomery wants to recover in the hospital ward with the fellow soldiers. They are all in it together after all. So, when Viscount has a visitor Captain Jack Garland there is an instant attraction between him and Pru. A relationship develops between them. But when Jack goes on a mission but is feared dead, Pru must make the most important decision of her life.
Thank you Harper One more Chapter for a copy of ‘The beekeepers war’ I really enjoyed this heart-breaking tale of love, loss and hardships during the war. I love the characters of Pru and Jack and how their relationship developed quite quickly I might add. But I suppose in them times that during the war you couldn’t ascertain how long you have with someone so spent every moment you can get with someone you love. This is a great story. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
The story is set-in two-time periods, first at the start great war. Pru Le Cuirot lives in Jersey with her mother. When she decides that she wants to do her bit for the war. So, with her friend Jean Le Riche they train as nurses and finds themselves at stationed Ashbury manor in Dorset. Part of the manor has been turned into a hospital for the injured soldiers fighting for king and Country. The girls share a small room in the attic of the manor, fellow nurse Milly Denton.
The owners of the Manor Lord and Lady Ashbury have three sons, but the two older ones have already died fighting the cause. The youngest Son Montgomery a pilot returns injured. His parents at first started arranging him a private room but Montgomery wants to recover in the hospital ward with the fellow soldiers. They are all in it together after all. So, when Viscount has a visitor Captain Jack Garland there is an instant attraction between him and Pru. A relationship develops between them. But when Jack goes on a mission but is feared dead, Pru must make the most important decision of her life.
Thank you Harper One more Chapter for a copy of ‘The beekeepers war’ I really enjoyed this heart-breaking tale of love, loss and hardships during the war. I love the characters of Pru and Jack and how their relationship developed quite quickly I might add. But I suppose in them times that during the war you couldn’t ascertain how long you have with someone so spent every moment you can get with someone you love. This is a great story. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
June 13, 2024
So disappointed by this book. The story has such a lot of potential and was giving Captain Corelli's Mandolin vibes covering both world wars, and involving 2 generations and their love stories, but the writing was really poor.
There was very little really linking the story to the time period - it could easily have been a hospital anywhere with men doing any kind of dangerous jobs. The historical accuracy was also frustrating. The language choices, particularly for dialogue, are much more typical of 2017 than 1917 and it's very unlikely there would have been courgette in a chicken casserole in 1917 England... There's also some general inaccuracies/continuity errors - pretty sure Emma's surname shouldn't be Le Cuirot!
The characters, especially the main character Pru, lacked a lot of depth and it seemed so ridiculous that every character she had a conversation with could apparently read her mind, including characters she's barely met (several sections such as: 'Pru was thinking about xyz but didn't want to say anything to avoid upsetting the other person. "What are you thinking about?" says the other person. "Oh, I don't think I can say", says Pru. "It's xyz, isn't it", says the other person.")
The telling of this story is also very slow and jumps about all over the place for no real reason. It often feels like you've accidentally skipped a chapter as you jump weeks or months. There's also whole chunks of story that are completely pointless - why all the detailed description about the village and the sister's cottage? It's just another example this book being slow and losing focus.
It's such a shame as I held out a lot of hope for this book. If it had a much better editor, I think it would have made a huge difference.
There was very little really linking the story to the time period - it could easily have been a hospital anywhere with men doing any kind of dangerous jobs. The historical accuracy was also frustrating. The language choices, particularly for dialogue, are much more typical of 2017 than 1917 and it's very unlikely there would have been courgette in a chicken casserole in 1917 England... There's also some general inaccuracies/continuity errors - pretty sure Emma's surname shouldn't be Le Cuirot!
The characters, especially the main character Pru, lacked a lot of depth and it seemed so ridiculous that every character she had a conversation with could apparently read her mind, including characters she's barely met (several sections such as: 'Pru was thinking about xyz but didn't want to say anything to avoid upsetting the other person. "What are you thinking about?" says the other person. "Oh, I don't think I can say", says Pru. "It's xyz, isn't it", says the other person.")
The telling of this story is also very slow and jumps about all over the place for no real reason. It often feels like you've accidentally skipped a chapter as you jump weeks or months. There's also whole chunks of story that are completely pointless - why all the detailed description about the village and the sister's cottage? It's just another example this book being slow and losing focus.
It's such a shame as I held out a lot of hope for this book. If it had a much better editor, I think it would have made a huge difference.
July 21, 2022
It’s almost impossible to convey how much I enjoyed this book. Some parts were almost too intense to read! The story begins during WW1 when Pru and her best friend Jean leave their homes in Jersey to become nurses at Ashbury Manor in Dorset. They are billeted in the attic of the manor along with Milly who becomes another much loved friend. The girls are all allocated to work on Ward 2 where injured servicemen recover from their injuries. In 1916 Pru meets American pilot Jack Garland who is visiting Monty, son of the owners of Ashbury Manor. They begin a relationship and very quickly fall in love. Jack is involved in dangerous missions behind enemy lines causing Pru many sleepless nights and tears. Following tragic news Pru returns home to Jersey. Fast forward to 1940 and WWII. Pru’s daughter Emma leaves Jersey just before the German occupation and goes to stay with her Aunt Jean and Uncle Monty the now owners of Ashbury Manor. Emma is desperately worried for her mother who is reluctant to leave her home. Pru’s husband Peter has recently passed away and she is still grieving his loss. She eventually is persuaded to evacuate to Ashbury and reunite with Emma. There Pru and Emma discover the secrets spanning the 22 years between the wars. This is a fabulous read. Likeable and interesting characters all easy to get to know. I’m sure events that happened in this story happened on lots of occasions during this period. My thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this beautifully written book
July 21, 2022
The Beekeeper’s War is a simple story, sweet and engaging, great for a weekend read. It begins at the onset of the First Great War and picks up again at the beginning of The Second World War. There’s a big secret, with serious, life-changing consequences, but from our contemporary vantage point we might wonder what’s the big deal? Well, it was a big deal for Pru, especially in times when social boundaries, status, appearances and reputation were everything. Pru is a nurse caring for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor and getting a glimpse at how the other half lives. Life-long friendships are formed with the other nurses. And then there’s Jack, an American pilot. The pull between him and Pru is strong. He’s unlike anyone she’s ever met and treats her so tenderly, but he doesn’t feel it would be right to marry now in case he doesn’t come back. And then he goes on a dangerous mission – and he doesn’t come back.
Twenty-four years later and another war is beginning. Pru has made a life for herself in Jersey and some of those life-long friendships have endured, but her memories have never left her. Her daughter Emma goes to Ashbury Manor to be safe from the possible occupation of Jersey, not really knowing much about her mother’s life there during the previous war. What Emma learns at Ashbury Manor will have consequences of the magnitude of those from the past. Secrets are revealed and it’s like a ball of string unraveling: mysterious people appear, relationships are threatened, decisions must be made. There are a lot of clues and the mystery isn’t too hard to figure out. But that’s not the appeal of The Beekeeper’s War. Its appeal lies in the storytelling itself: the horrors of the war, dangerous circumstances and sacrifices, weak and strong people who either caved in and betrayed others or rose to all challenges feel authentic and real. The characters are well-drawn and believable. The story moves smoothly along and feels believable. And whether or not all choices made in the past were the right ones, they were made with caring and love. The question is where things will go from here.
Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers UK One More Chapter for providing an advance copy of The Beekeeper’s War via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. It was indeed a pleasurable read and I recommend it. All opinions are my own.
Twenty-four years later and another war is beginning. Pru has made a life for herself in Jersey and some of those life-long friendships have endured, but her memories have never left her. Her daughter Emma goes to Ashbury Manor to be safe from the possible occupation of Jersey, not really knowing much about her mother’s life there during the previous war. What Emma learns at Ashbury Manor will have consequences of the magnitude of those from the past. Secrets are revealed and it’s like a ball of string unraveling: mysterious people appear, relationships are threatened, decisions must be made. There are a lot of clues and the mystery isn’t too hard to figure out. But that’s not the appeal of The Beekeeper’s War. Its appeal lies in the storytelling itself: the horrors of the war, dangerous circumstances and sacrifices, weak and strong people who either caved in and betrayed others or rose to all challenges feel authentic and real. The characters are well-drawn and believable. The story moves smoothly along and feels believable. And whether or not all choices made in the past were the right ones, they were made with caring and love. The question is where things will go from here.
Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers UK One More Chapter for providing an advance copy of The Beekeeper’s War via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. It was indeed a pleasurable read and I recommend it. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2022
The Beekeeper’s War by Deborah Carr is a historical fiction novel. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This was a story that captivated my attention early on and had me reading much longer into the night than I should have. The story takes place during World War I.
It is a beautifully poignant tale that shares the love, loss and heartbreak between Pru and Jack. Their story spans over two decades. The story takes us on a journey of loss, love, compromise, heartache and war. It is definitely a heartwarming story. The characters are complex and deep. You feel as if you know them. You find yourself cheering them on and crying with them.
The setting is between Dorset and the Channel Islands. Ms. Carr’s descriptions of Dorset and the Channel Islands are vivid. You can smell the sea, see the gardens, picture the mansion and hear the bees.
I am definitely going to seek out other books by this author. It should also be mentioned that after all the reading I have done, One More Chapter does it again. The books they have chosen to publish have always been first rate to me. This one is no exception. Well done.
I would like to thank Deborah Carr, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It is a beautifully poignant tale that shares the love, loss and heartbreak between Pru and Jack. Their story spans over two decades. The story takes us on a journey of loss, love, compromise, heartache and war. It is definitely a heartwarming story. The characters are complex and deep. You feel as if you know them. You find yourself cheering them on and crying with them.
The setting is between Dorset and the Channel Islands. Ms. Carr’s descriptions of Dorset and the Channel Islands are vivid. You can smell the sea, see the gardens, picture the mansion and hear the bees.
I am definitely going to seek out other books by this author. It should also be mentioned that after all the reading I have done, One More Chapter does it again. The books they have chosen to publish have always been first rate to me. This one is no exception. Well done.
I would like to thank Deborah Carr, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2022
This read doesn't have much to do with beekeeping and for the first few hundred pages I wondered when the beekeeper was going to make an appearance. The book is a fantasy love story. Set in the days of WW1, Pru and Jean are nurses and share accommodation with another nurse who dies not long into the read. The nursing of wounded men is taking place on an estate in the mansion that the family have opened up for this purpose. Jean falls in love with the only surviving son of the estate owner's family, (Lord) Monty, badly wounded and for which the feeling is mutual. Pru, on the other hand finds herself attracted to Monty's best friend, Jack, an American with English heritage who has come to England to fight. Monty and Jack are longtime friends with Jack a frequent visitor to the estate. A relationship forms between Jack and Pru but after he goes missing in action Pru's world starts to fall apart and worse still she finds herself pregnant. Unable to return home in her condition, as was in this era much frowned upon with unmarried women being badly treated by family, Jean convinces her to marry her brother Peter who has always held a flame for Pru, Emma is born and Peter as far as Emma is concerned is her father. However, this all changes with the death of Peter and the onset of WW2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
I was a little disappointed that beekeeping wasn't a big feature in the story but fell in love with Pru and Jack right away, as well as their friends. An intricate inter-twinning of people who are forced to live different lives when WW1 was going on. A time when my Grandparents were alive. They were precious to me, so it's nice to see how others lived at that time. Pru was a nurse, working in a mansion that had been converted into a hospital. She was friends with another nurse, who fell for a patient who was the son of the owners of the mansion. Then entered Jack, the handsome American who had saved lives, stopping to see his best friend. Get caught up in the romance and heart wrenching pain of the war, and how people coped. It's also interesting to meet Emma and Sam, children of the friends, at the beginning of WW2 and how that affected them all. Excellent read, hard to put down, full of love.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheBeekeepersWar #DeborahCarr #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel #HarperCollins
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheBeekeepersWar #DeborahCarr #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel #HarperCollins
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