Readers' Comments for THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL

In June, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Women's Fiction Author Spotlight Contests won copies of THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL by Susan Wiggs. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book ... but watch out for spoilers!

Sandra F. of Kingston, PE

I thoroughly enjoyed reading my first book by Susan Wiggs and would recommend THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL for readers who enjoy romance combined with history. I especially liked the way that the present meshes with the past in the story of Isabel's grandfather in the Danish resistance. The love story of Isabel and Cormac is a plus for readers, and the tidbits of bee lore were a delight.

Dianne S. of Broolin, ON

THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL by Susan Wiggs is a fantastic read. From the very first page until the end of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. [SPOILERS] From the moment Isabel and Mac met, I know they would be together. A few twists and turns in the book to keep it interesting and of course the end of the book makes you want to know what actually happened to Erik. Isabel meeting her mother’s twin sister and of course the recipes are a great addition to the book. [END SPOILERS] There was also a lot of data relating to the Second World War and events that happened during it. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone!

Judith K. of Huntington, NY

I enjoyed the book very much. The story had interesting characters with just enough happening to each of them to keep the reader interested The interplay between the current time and the events happening during WWII were an excellent way to keep the story moving and to tie together the present happenings. Stories with happy endings always make me feel good!

Jodi L. of Winter Garden, FL

What a sweet novel in a picturesque setting. I love Susan Wiggs, and so far she has never disappointed. I didn't know this was a second book in a series but I still would have entered the contest to win it. I was surprised at the turn the book took --- pleasantly surprised. I expected a love story and I love the concept of a cooking school (I'm enamored with the creativity on the cooking channel), but when it delved into the grandfather's flashbacks of the WWII events in Denmark, I was totally hooked into the story.

I liked how it could be light-hearted at times, but with a side story of painful memories --- and a love story to boot.

I think Bella Vista is the tranquil setting we all secretly seek in life. Beauty and the security of family.

Janet N. of North Little Rock, AK

I love Susan Wiggs's books. Her description of Sonoma wine country is so vivid that I really hope to go there someday. The colorful way she described food makes me hungry, and even sort of made me want to cook (but not really). Isabel and Mac's love story was sweet, the WWII backstory was interesting, and I really liked Jamie Westfall (The Beekeeper), and would like the next book to tell us more about her. 

This was not my favorite Susan Wiggs book, but it was still good. If I were to recommend it to a library patron or friend, I would suggest they read THE APPLE ORCHARD first.

Sharon R. of Madison WI

I really enjoyed reading THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL. It was a delightful and interesting intertwined story. I thought it was beautifully written and enjoyed the blend of moving from the present to the past and back, as well as how it captured how the past affects the paths our lives take. Also, I liked the beekeeping theme and information throughout.

I plan on recommending the book on Facebook and to my friends.

Elizabeth A., of Springfield, IL

I finished THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL this morning and need to share my thoughts before I forget. I read THE APPLE ORCHARD when it came out and loved it. I had forgotten some of it, but the gist came back as I read. I liked Isabel's story in the BEEKEEPER a lot. I loved the separation of the WWII and present day stories; they meshed quite nicely. I enjoyed watching Isabel's personal growth from the young cooking school student to the strong woman who opened her own school. I loved the way Isabel fell in love with Mac, the author who came to write Magnus' story of WWII Denmark. I loved Isabel's grandfather Magnus and his story of the Danish Resistance in WWII.

If you can't tell, I enjoyed reading their stories. I would recommend it. I was disappointed in the abrupt ending, and I wish there had been another chapter. I guess I will have to wait until the next one is published!

Jennifer H. of Cottleville, MI

First, I want to thank you for the copy of THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL! I am a big fan of Susan Wiggs and especially love her Lakeshore Chronicles series. I am one of those readers who likes to read a new series in order. I already had a copy of THE APPLE ORCHARD and decided to read it first.  I have to admit that I was a little nervous about reading two books within 30 days, though I surprised myself by finishing them both within a week!

I absolutely love this series and look forward to the next book! THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL is an easy read and has the perfect mix of romance, friendship, family, and history. I am a fan of historical fiction and I really liked how this book went from present day back to Nazi occupied Denmark to tell the story and really let the reader understand what it was like for Magnus and Annelise. Mac O'Neill may just be my new literary crush as well!  I'm not a cook but would love to sign up for a cooking class just so I could spend some time at Bella Vista. Come to think of it, Mac does have five brothers who need to visit!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading women's fiction with family, friendships, and romance with a little bit of history thrown in.  I don't think you have to read THE APPLE ORCHARD first to love this book but it would help you with the backstory of the secondary characters and make you enjoy it that much more!

Susan C. of Olney, MD

I was very glad for the opportunity to read this book.

I read THE APPLE ORCHARD which I also liked very much, so I was already introduced to the two sisters, Tess and Isabel. This book was a perfect continuation of their lives. However, for readers who did not read the first book, Susan Wiggs did a good job making the book a standalone read. I liked the way the author slowly peeled away the layers of Magnus' life so that the reader felt his pain and joy. The reader gets to look back at his life and then move forward to present day with his granddaughters and their story. This also introduced the character Mac into the lives of the characters. I liked how Wiggsfilled in some of the back story especially around Isabel. It was great to get to know Isabel better as well as the other characters. Overall I really liked the book.

Helen R. of Charlotte, NC

The name of the book, THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL, attracted my attention and got me to enter the contest. Anything about bees seems to be current now, with many people having their own hives --- even in the city. There are classes for learning how to start hives, articles on where to buy local honey and even places to go for mead tastings. Before the story starts, there are pages with information about bees and recipes that use honey, which continue throughout the book. I do plan on trying some of the recipes.

The first few sentences of the story introduced me to the main character and the bees. From there, I was introduced to other characters --- most of whom I like and can picture from the author’s descriptions.  The story is contemporary, but with lots of information about the past and how these families came to be where they are now. There is an ending, but I only want to know more about them as their lives move into the future. 

Thank you for choosing me as one of the people to receive this book. I will recommend it to others and share my copy of the book.

Yuka L. of Sammamish, WA

I enjoyed THE APPLE ORCHARD and I was looking forward to reading THE BEEKEEPER’S BALL, and it did not disappoint. Wiggs did a great job of writing an interesting story and creating characters that we care about. I enjoyed learning more about the Danish resistance and the Lebensborn Experiment (I had first read about the experiment in Sarah McCoy'sTHE BAKER’S DAUGHTER). I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy women's fiction, World War II and family sagas.

Joyce T. of Brooklyn, OH

Thank you so much for my copy of THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL by Susan Wiggs!

I thoroughly enjoyed the different story lines incorporated in the book: family history [SPOILERS] (I didn't expect Nazi storyline... that wasn't mentioned in any previews) [END SPOILERS], sisters's wedding planning, cooking school creation, old flames --- and, of course, apple orchards and beekeeping. All of these were woven together so nicely. I didn't want to put the book down... the characters become so very real that you just have to know what's next for them (yet you know if you keep turning pages, the book will end)!

I've not ever been disappointed by a Susan Wiggs book, and this was no exception! Wonderfully engaging story!