The Beekeeper's Promise

Beautiful read! I was transported to the time where Eliane lived her life at the Moulin, crossing each path like bravado.

After a long while read a book which goes back and forth from the thirties to the present day. Two protagonists , one coping with German occupation of France and the other with a brutal, broken marriage. Alongside we have beautiful descriptive passages on bee keeping, running of a hydraulic mill, growing medicinal plants and of course understated, innocent romance. Throughout not a jarring note, no vulgarity in language or situations. What a rarity, in this day and age! Look forward to read other books of Fiona.

I love stories of WW II...especially those concerning the Resistance. This was really special as it told the story of the horrors of the Nazis and also stories of love and bravery with style. Thank.you Fiona

It was a good read

A sweet book of a family surviving the world war. It’s never to read the stories of world wars and how people have lived through those times.

Very beautifully written. Touching story, with nothing exaggerated. At one point you would feel you know the end. But Fiona surprises you there. Enjoyed reading it

it was a an insipid read. while it takes u back in time, the book lacked any depth of characters nor a depth in the story of how the lives across time intertwined.

La novela desarrolla de forma paralela la historia de dos mujeres, con el nexo común del lugar donde se desarrolla. Bastante bien escrita, nos transporta a la Francia ocupada por los nazis a la vez que va desarrollando la historia de la protagonista que llega al lugar en la actualidad.

I first discovered Fiona Valpy by reading her novel The Dressmakers Gift and quickly ordered Sea of Memories and this novel, A Beekeepers Promise. She has quickly risen to one of my favourite historical fiction authors ever. This book is a wonderful story, weaving back and forth between modern day and war-torn France. Elegant vivid prose and beautiful characters, like Mrs Valpy's other works, she draws you into the world. I couldn't put this book down. Gripping and unforgettable, brought me to tears in spots. Recommend this book and this author!! Huge fan!

Enjoyable book

I loved Fiona's style of writing, particulary the way she linked both stories. I recommend this book to those who like a heart-warming and thoroughly enjoyable read.

As soon as the character of Matthieu was introduced, I knew the events of Tulle would eventually appear also in the story. I am french, and I was born in Tulle... The tragedy of june 9, 1944, have been a part or my history, my grands-parents lived through them, my aunt, who was 15 at the time, has searing memories about them. Thank you for treating this terrible event with care. You only made one mistake : 99 men were killed that day ont 97, most of them hanged from lamposts and balconies, but a few were shot after jumping into the Correze to try and escape hanging. And yes, every year each spot where a man was hanged bears a wreath.