Deborah and her family up and move to Texas. Anna decides it best and comes to live with her brother John and his family in Bee County, Texas. Deborah is surprised when she finds a strange animal. Phinas King is help unloading the truck and looks at her and thinks Deborah is horrid by what happen to him and his scar.

Anna is said to be committed to a man who want her has is wife. Though it possible that she find her second true love here in Bee County, Texas. Deborah is waiting to hear from her love in Tennessee. She is determine to return home. Though Deborah is somewhat courious of the man behind the scars. Is it possible that Phinias is hiding behind his scars.

Things start to get a bit turned upside down. There is tons of twist and turns. Whatever happens to Anna and Phinas dad or Stephen. Who will Anna choose. Deborah and Phinas will they find true love. What happens to them. Though Phinas happens to help Deborah and her family. There a house fire and what happens then goes from strange to something surprising. The book seems to have two love stories. ( )

I liked this book and the story that was a departure from most Amish fiction that takes place in Pennsylvania or Ohio. The author described the scenes so well, I seemed thirsty most of the time I read it. Between blushing and anger, there sure were a lot of red faces in this story. If I find more books by this author, I will read them. ( )

I have been so excited about this book and I can hardly believe I finally got my hands on it!


I have to admit… the first thing that came to mind when I read the blurb on the back cover was “Beauty and the Beast”!

No really – you read it and tell me it doesn’t make that story pop into your head.

“
It just goes to show… not even the Amish are immune to being singled out for their looks.”

Be warned – you won’t want to put this book down. If you pick it up, do so when you have a good opening of space to sit back and enjoy the story!

And you are going to enjoy the story! Aside from the fact that Kelly Irvin is an amazing writer, it’s a fantastic story!

Kelly has presented this wonderful story that would be more expected in a contemporary book… but it is so very believable – and that is a tremendous accomplishment when you consider the Amish are known for being oblivious to things as superficial as looks.

Read it! Love it! Share it!

A funny little note (and nothing whatsoever to do with the story but I just can’t help including it… especially since the story is at least somewhat about outward appearances)- the digital designer in me found it a little funny to see that someone goofed a little when they re-sized the Bee County logo to go on the spine… but that’s probably something no one but me would even see. LOL!

Review © JCMorrows 2015 ( )

Sunday, June 21, 2015
The Beekeeper's Son by Kelly Irvin, © 2014
The Amish of Bee Country series, Book 1

A change is coming to Bee County, Texas!
Wondering how this desolate looking place can be a harbor for anything to anchor them down, Deborah Lantz looks backward to what she has known, not seeing the richness before her. "All in the perspective," those who live here would say to this newly arrived family.

Beauty in the eyes of the beholder.

Immediately, warning signs prevail; I hope Abigail Lantz will heed them! Concern for her children and her heart, I want better for them than is portrayed in the beginning moments and days. Can what has been left behind truly be worse? She has it right. She has been seen as an image and not a real person in the memory of one who has built her up to more than she can be. Oh, to be recognized for who she is. She is more than a commodity. She is flesh and blood and worthy of love, true love that endears and beholds.

I liked how this story unveiled, gently and beautifully as risks are taken to be known. Walls come down as we let others in to reveal themselves in the safety of our sight unhinged by preconceived notions. A very good story of building trust, not rushed but daily being open a little more.

Kelly Irvin is the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series. She has also penned two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-six years. They have two young adult children, two cats, and a tank full of fish. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors.

***Thank you to author Kelly Irvin and to Zondervan/HarperCollins for sending me a copy of The Beekeepr's Son for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )

The Beekeeper's Son by Kelly Irvin is a lovely Amish romance. Abigail Lantz is a widow of two years and has relocated her family (four girls and one boy) from Tennessee to a small settlement in Texas. Her brother, John and his family life in Bee County, Texas along with an old beau, Stephen. Abigail's brother convinced her to move to Bee County. He is hoping romance that Abigail will marry Stephen. Abigail wants to get away from all the memories of her husband, Timothy. She loved him dearly.

Abigail's oldest daughter, Deborah, is not thrilled with the move. She is leaving behind her beau, Aaron and her best friend, Josie. Deborah is hoping to get her mother settled and then move back to Tennessee.

Stephen Stetler is a bachelor in Bee County. He is growing fruit trees and grapes on his property to make ends meet. Mordecai King and his son, Phineas have bee colonies. They sell honey, lip balm (from the wax), beeswax candles, and even bees. Both men are interested in Abigail, but only one of them will catch her heart.

Phineas King was in a terrible accident as a child. He ended up going through the windshield of the van and ended up with his face severely disfigured. Phineas also lost his mother in the accident. Doctors were not able to fix Phineas' face and he is left with many scars. It has caused him to retreat from society and keep to himself. Deborah's looks past his scars and into his heart, but will Phineas be able to open up his heart to Deborah.

Bee County is a tough area to live in. It is very hot and the soil is not ideal for crops. The people do not have much money or conveniences. They do not even have ice! The community of Bee County will have to work together to overcome many hardships, but they have each other and God.

The Beekeeper's Son is a just a delightful book. I just loved it and could not put it down. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )