I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she’s desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing—a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.
But when Ana’s adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree—one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner’s daughter and a preacher’s son—what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.
Book Details
ISBN-13:9780800746612 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:08/19/2025 Pages:336
My Thoughts
This story was completely engrossing, with a plot that presented an extremely powerful story of estranged family members and individuals with pasts that needed to be overcome before they could move forward to a more promising future. Ana is a kindergarten teacher who had a terrible encounter with evil that has kept her from thinking that she can ever again be an effective teacher. Ana takes the opportunity to escape her current reality to go to a small town where her Aunt Cora lives. Cora has asked Ana to come help her pack up and get ready to move into a new home, and Ana is happy to be able to help someone as well as to hopefully escape her memories of the past. Once in Bitter End, Ana meets up with a rag-tag bunch of people who form the local birding society under the leadership of her Aunt Marilyn. The relationships between the people in this group form the foundation of the story as they explore not only the woods and record the birds that they see, but they also explore their own feelings of inadequacy and support each other in being willing to step out into an unknown future. I think that this book was a delight to read and I got invested in the lives of each character, my favorite one being Sam, the shepherd who is like a lost sheep himself. I loved the multi-generational element of the story, with its dual timeline and backstory about characters who aren’t present physically but who affect the current stories of the characters in imaginative ways. The rich, descriptive details of the setting and the birds that the group discover gave the story a high sense of believability as well as forming a wonderful setting for the intricate plot threads that were so well woven together. Infused with spiritual truth and enriched with authentic details, the entire book was a pleasure to read and I was sad to see it end although the conclusion was more than satisfactory. It was a heart-warming and thought-provoking story that everyone who is questioning a past choice or decision needs to read. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy since I collect the books by this author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I entered a story contest inspired by The Bitter End Birding Society!
We had to come up with a theory for how Bitter End, TN got its name and I submitted an entry.
Tap the link to read the entries + vote for your favorites. I hope you like mine, but I just want you to vote. You can vote for the same story all 3X or different stories…your choice.
You get to vote for three. By the way, the prize is a new bird feeder!
Postscript: I am reading an Advanced Reader Copy of this book now, so look for a review in the future. It’s really good, so if you want to preorder, I suggest you use Baker Book House since they offer 40% off and free shipping on preorders. Here is that link: Baker Book House
Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.
As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls—pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.
When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story—one that’s not over yet.
My Thoughts
This novel is multi-generational, multi-layered and so engrossing that it was hard to put it down to do anything else. I was totally invested in the story of Joey, Walt, Finn and Cay as well as the secondary characters of Peter and Kit. The author made the characters live and breathe in my imagination and I could not wait to continue the story each day, waiting for new revelations of secrets long hidden and a love that was never forgotten. Walt and Cay were friends when they were young, occupying the marshland of the Outer Banks in the time of WWII. Cay’s father was the lighthouse keeper of Bleakpoint Island and her secret about his health changed her life in unimaginable ways. Walt hires Joey Harris to come to Bleakpoint and restore the keeper’s cottage and the lighthouse. When she accepts the job, Joey has no idea of the commitment and history that she will find as she works on fulfilling Walt’s dream. The plot is mesmerizing, with layers to each character’s story that are methodically and masterfully revealed. With family secrets, unresolved disagreements and broken relationships, this book has everything that tugs at the heart in one very neat and well-crafted package. The descriptions of the setting are so realistically portrayed that I could hear the sound and smell the marsh as I read. The entire book captivated my imagination and my desire to see everyone have a happy ending. Amanda Cox knows how to write a story that pulls you into the place, the lives of the characters and the conflict, all with a compassion and love that is at the center of the story. This is one of the best books I have ever read and I cannot recommend it highly enough for its entertainment value as well as the themes of restoration, forgiveness and seeking the lost in order to find peace. Five stars do not do this masterpiece justice! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G: Christian Fiction
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read. Amanda is the Christy Award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and He Should Have Told the Bees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 19 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee.(She’s addicted to both.). You can read more about Amanda Cox and her books on her website: Amanda Cox Writes
With deep appreciation to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for including me in this blog tour. I always purchase Amanda Cox’s books, but it is a special blessing to receive an early copy and get to review it!
Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business–one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.
When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she’s never heard of, she’s not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie’s financial situation rather . . . precarious. She’s sure she has no right to someone else’s farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she’s always craved.
As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets–and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.
My Thoughts
What if starting over means losing part of your past, your heritage that you had always counted on? Beckett Walsh is a beekeeper, working contentedly alongside her father, until his sudden death. Now her plans for her future, keeping the apiary on Walsh Farms going and living a solitary life are in flux because a stranger has arrived and presents a claim to the farm, also. Beckett and Callie never met each other before and have to work at discovering their connection to Beckett’s dad George. Together, they face difficult challenges of finding out about the past and about each other as they also have to decide what to do about the apiary that is part of Beckett’s security. The characters in this book were so realistic that they had me crying real tears over their dilemmas. This is a book that is emotionally rich and it totally placed itself right into my heart. It is an extremely powerful story of family secrets, alcoholism, broken relationships and the courage it takes to create a new path in life. This is a poignant story of learning to adapt, with a hidden mystery and a lot of authentic details about beekeeping. The characters tugged all of my heartstrings, especially a little girl who was a secondary character and who brought humor at the best times. The writing was sharp, eye-opening and thought-provoking. The insight provided by the author into depression, anxiety and substance abuse was profoundly moving and brilliantly woven into the central story. There is absolutely nothing that I did not like about this story, and I would rate it ten stars if possible. As it is, I plan to re-read it just for the sheer pleasure of visiting with the characters again. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. This is Christian Fiction at its best!
It varies, but I would say that most of the time it is the characters! I usually have a general idea of what the plot might be, but as I develop the characters sometimes the plot changes along the way.
What inspired you to write HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES?
There are a lot of nuggets from many different facets of my life that came together for this story, but a big source of inspiration came from my honeybees! While I was editing my second novel, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, on my back patio, one of the bees from my hive landed on my computer screen. I joked with readers that my tiny inspector liked the story, but would enjoy it a lot more if there were bees involved.
It was then that I decided that I wanted the next character I wrote to be a beekeeper. Because honeybees are a female-run society, it lent a lot of lovely parallels to the women in He Should Have Told the Bees.
What is the biggest challenge you face when you start writing a new book?
All the possibilities! With a brand new, fresh story idea, the possibilities are endless on the direction I could take those characters. It is easy for me to overthink it. I commit a lot of time to praying over the story before I officially begin writing it. Though I can become overwhelmed by the possibilities, I am learning to trust God through the process, knowing that He will guide me as I write and help me tell the story He wants told.
If you had to choose another profession other than author, what would it be and why?
Before I started writing I was a counselor. I truly enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and families to find a better way of coping with the trials they face. I found writing when I became a stay-at-home parent. I might go back to counseling one of these days.
Who is your favorite character in HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES and why?
It has to be Fern. Though she isn’t a main character, I love how she interacts with the main characters, especially Beckett. Fern has a way of pulling out the best in others. My main characters have had a tough go of it, and are processing a lot of past pain and hurt. Young Fern has a delightful way of infusing the story with joy, delight, and wonder. Also, she is pretty mischievous, so I had a lot of fun coming up with her antics!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing?
Beekeeping! I also attempt gardening. Both of those hobbies have a way of keeping me humble. I am constantly learning something new as I experiment in both of those worlds. I love being outside, enjoying God’s creation as much as possible.
What inspired you to write about agoraphobia?
Having a counseling background, I enjoy writing books that explore elements of mental health, but the idea to incorporate agoraphobia into this particular novel came through some of my own life experiences.
The bulk of this book was written after the pandemic lockdown. I started to detect some anxiety arising in my own life whenever I spent extended time away from home. The longer I was away, the more intense the anxiety. I began to examine my own heart, to better understand why I felt that way. Over time, without realizing it, I had internalized a message that home was the only safe place to be. I had a new appreciation and compassion for the intense struggle that people who battle agoraphobia experience.
What did you have the most fun with, the characters or the plot?
Characters! Having a background in counseling, I love analyzing my characters’ motivations and where those motivations originate from. I love dreaming up how their past has influenced their present.
Describe HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES in four words.
Poignant. Hopeful. Tender. Layered.
Available for Preorder Now! Releases on 8-29-23. Purchase Links:
Many thanks to the author for choosing me to be a part of her review team and to Revell for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program.
This is a beautifully written multi-generational story with a theme of finding redemption by letting go of the past and forgiving yourself. Glory Ann is the matriarch of the family, an octogenarian grandmother who wants to finish out her days running the family grocery store in their little town. Her daughter Rosemary, however, is determined to sell the store and ease her mother into the comforts of living out her years resting. Sarah, Rosemary’s daughter, has suffered a tremendous loss in her life and has come home to heal and to work at the family’s grocery store, the last place that she really felt happy and fulfilled. All three women have secrets from each other and all three have to forgive themselves before they can open themselves up to a true family relationship. Told in the present and the past, this book slowly reveals the secrets and the anguish that each woman is secretly holding on to. I especially enjoyed these revelations, anxiously awaiting each secret to be revealed to each other and for the reactions of the others once they were revealed. The characters were so realistic that I almost expected them to jump off the page and speak to me. The plot took what could have been trite and made it into a wonderfully woven story of strong women who have to face the past and find the future together. There are so many layers to this book, with childhood neglect and grandparents who spurn their kin, but the best part was that as a reader, I was reading all of the secrets and urging the characters on to discover the truth and to embrace forgiveness for the past. The lessons that can be learned from reading this lovely tale are manifold, but I think the one that is most memorable for me is that of acceptance and moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed this book of Christian fiction, with a foundation of faith but not so overwhelming that it took over the entire story. Fans of contemporary women’s fiction will enjoy this novel and ponder the wisdom that it imparts. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
I would rate this book as a PG-13. It is a clean Christian read with some adult themes in it. Photo and BIO from the author’s website at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com
What an absolutely beautiful debut! Amanda Cox weaves a perfectly complicated tale of intersecting lives and how each person affects others. The story of Ivy Rose trying to find the truth about her roots is told in the present time. In the past, we have Harvey, Miriam, Thom and Pearl, a group whose lives are forever touched by their choices and their kindness. Harvey is homeless. Thom and Miriam are childless. And Pearl is a good soul, the widow of a former pastor who just wants to make a difference in the lives of others. This story was told in a totally captivating, engaging and easy-to-read way. There is mystery, sacrificial love and romance, all within the pages of this wonderful book. I cannot say enough good things about it. The characters are well-developed and seemed to speak to me personally about their desires. The plot was complicated, but the author’s method of going back and forth between the current times and the past, unraveled the plot perfectly. It was like a well-woven tapestry, completely awe-inspiring when I read the conclusion. I highly recommend this book and hope that all who are looking for an uplifting book that offers hope and light will read it! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Revell as part of the #RevellReadsBloggerProgram. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
A G-rated novel told with love and heart. The book itself will determine the age of the child that will be able to read it.Information and photo from the author’s websiteAmanda Cox
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 