The overall rating of 4.26 (as of 6/16/21) is a bit fluffed up …
This is not a crazy masterpiece that will stick with you forever. It doesnt have that magical writing that will carry us through for years and years. No colleges will study this book. It will most likely, never be a modern classic.

BUT!

This was a really wonderful book. I enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down. I love learning about the characters and the opening really pulled me in easily.
I’m fascinated by bee keeping, so that alone captured my attention. I had no idea it was way more than just a bee keeping love story (ha). I love being surprised by books.

I thought the story of Abi(present day) could have been completely left out. I didn’t find it interesting, I didn’t think she really connected with Eliane (WWII) and the way the author was trying to connect the two women was a stretch. The author has a really good story with Eliane. A very complex group of characters I really enjoyed knowing and I was always upset when she switched to the Abi timeline, hoping it would switch back soon.

Overall – good book! I would recommend to anyone who needs a nice read.