The beekeeper's daughter

Montefiore's lyrical mother-daughter tale spans two generations and two continents. When Grace's father (the beekeeper) dies suddenly in 1932 Dorset, she faces several unexpected twists and turns. Torn between two men, she must choose a life partner and forge her own path. Fast-forward to the 1970s: Grace is living in New England, and her spitfire daughter, Trixie, has problems of her own. The love of Trixie's life bad-boy musician Jasper must return to his native England when family tragedy beckons. Though Jasper promises to return, as time passes, it seems more and more doubtful. As the two interconnected stories weave together, it becomes increasingly clear that Grace and Trixie have a lot more in common than mere DNA. The historical settings are beautifully drawn, and the achingly beautiful dual narrative will keep readers emotionally engaged until the appropriately bittersweet conclusion. Keep the tissue box handy. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The prolific and perennially best-selling Montefiore (Secrets of the Lighthouse) has a proven track record, and her latest romantic opus is guaranteed to sweep readers back and forth between generations and across the Atlantic Ocean.--Flanagan, Margaret Copyright 2015 Booklist

Grace has spent most of her life an ocean away from her childhood home in England. She and her husband moved to a Massachusetts island following World War II and have raised their daughter, Trixie, there. On the cusp of adulthood, Trixie meets the man of her dreams, the English rock star Jasper Duncliffe. She plans to go on tour with him when tragedy strikes. Jasper's older brother dies, and he must give up his aspirations and return home to take his place at the head of the family. He promises to send for Trixie, but her parents believe he will marry someone of his own noble class. Grace is all too aware of the responsibilities of a man like Jasper, having loved someone just as forbidden, whom she left behind. VERDICT Montefiore's (The French Gardener) timeworn love story is made new as both mother and daughter search for lost love. Partially told through flashbacks, a historical romance is intertwined with a coming-of-age tale that is enriched by detailed descriptions of the English countryside and American island life. This multigenerational tale is for avid romance readers, as well as readers who enjoy the novels of Kristin Hannah or Diana Gabaldon. [See Prepub Alert, 10/5/14.]-Kristen Calvert Nelson, Marion Cty. P.L. Syst., Ocala, FL (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Montefiore's lyrical mother-daughter tale spans two generations and two continents. When Grace's father (the beekeeper) dies suddenly in 1932 Dorset, she faces several unexpected twists and turns. Torn between two men, she must choose a life partner and forge her own path. Fast-forward to the 1970s: Grace is living in New England, and her spitfire daughter, Trixie, has problems of her own. The love of Trixie's life—bad-boy musician Jasper—must return to his native England when family tragedy beckons. Though Jasper promises to return, as time passes, it seems more and more doubtful. As the two interconnected stories weave together, it becomes increasingly clear that Grace and Trixie have a lot more in common than mere DNA. The historical settings are beautifully drawn, and the achingly beautiful dual narrative will keep readers emotionally engaged until the appropriately bittersweet conclusion. Keep the tissue box handy.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The prolific and perennially best-selling Montefiore (Secrets of the Lighthouse) has a proven track record, and her latest romantic opus is guaranteed to sweep readers back and forth between generations and across the Atlantic Ocean. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Grace has spent most of her life an ocean away from her childhood home in England. She and her husband moved to a Massachusetts island following World War II and have raised their daughter, Trixie, there. On the cusp of adulthood, Trixie meets the man of her dreams, the English rock star Jasper Duncliffe. She plans to go on tour with him when tragedy strikes. Jasper's older brother dies, and he must give up his aspirations and return home to take his place at the head of the family. He promises to send for Trixie, but her parents believe he will marry someone of his own noble class. Grace is all too aware of the responsibilities of a man like Jasper, having loved someone just as forbidden, whom she left behind. VERDICT Montefiore's (The French Gardener) timeworn love story is made new as both mother and daughter search for lost love. Partially told through flashbacks, a historical romance is intertwined with a coming-of-age tale that is enriched by detailed descriptions of the English countryside and American island life. This multigenerational tale is for avid romance readers, as well as readers who enjoy the novels of Kristin Hannah or Diana Gabaldon. [See Prepub Alert, 10/5/14.]—Kristen Calvert Nelson, Marion Cty. P.L. Syst., Ocala, FL