The Beekeeper's Promise

Each of Fiona’s books take you on journeys that teach you so much about history. Lives. Genuine adventures your soul will absorb. Quotes you will hold onto, want to share, and journal your thoughts for the paths your life will travel. Every novel touches the soul, body,and definitely your spirit.

This was the first of this type of read for me. I enjoyed the French terminology mixed in. Very helpful being able to translate in Kindle with little interruption. The different stories told from two different times were interesting indeed, and it helped to do this in print as it was easier to sort out any confusion. Historical fiction is a genre I'm fast becoming a fan of.

I very much like period pieces. Found this novel inspirational, with everyone doing their little bit to assist the resistance. Can't imagine the fear experienced by residents of Nazi occupied territory.

Warning: SPOILER there is some traumatic flashbacks that could be hard for dv survivors, however the author handles it with grace and sincerity. Ms Valpy once again weaves a beautiful story of two women, who, despite the circumstances they face, they maintain their dignity and character. This jewel of a story set in the French countryside weaves a dual narrative, one set during 1940’s showing the strength of the French resistance during occupied Nazi horror that could never defeat the light within the people alongside the story of the strength of a woman coming out of a situation meant to destroy her, but only makes her stronger! Could not put it down!

Well written story if a fictitious village in France during the war. Lovely characters and setting in the midst of the awfulness of occupied France.

In a small village in France a young girl finds herself living through the hardship of living in an occupied country. The story is well written and kept me spellbound. A must read if you like historical fiction.

This story centers on the past Elaine, who worked with the resistance during the Nazi take over of France. Also, the present day Abi, who is in an abusive marriage and travels to France discovering the Elaine's house, where she meets people who tell her Elaine's story.I really don't understand all the 5 star reviews. It was an ok story but I found the transitioning from past to present to be confusing and frustrating. As you are just getting into Elaine's story that chapter ends and Abi's story starts, as you get into Abi, it switches out to Elaine. IMHO the author would have been better with setting everything up via Abi, then giving us all of Elaine's story, finishing off with Abi.As other reviewers has stated, I also have no clue what the Promise was that the beekeeper made. I found the story choppy, and not everything was tied up by the end of the book. It's not a bad book but it's not worth 5 starts in my opinion. If you can get it thru Amazon's Unlimited Free price then it's worth your time but IMHO I would choose another book if you have to pay for it.

Wonderful story about true perseverance. Very strong women that with stood hardships. Love reading stories of standing true to their convictions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well crafted and the story, wound around them in both time periods, was well told. Without wishing to leave a spoiler, the issues concerning the main ‘modern’ character were skilfully addressed and believable and subtly referenced by the growing story of Eliane. The wartime chapters described well the difficulties and stresses of living under occupation. There was hope and heartache in equal measure, giving the reader the fervent hope that they would all get through it in the end. All in all, a great read.

I have read many stories regarding the German occupation of France. Each one is difficult but also gives me some sort of wonderment at the ability for these beautiful people and the resilience within each and everyone of them. That can only Stem from the love of family and community and spirit within them. This book brought both the past and the present together. I could not put this book down and part of it will linger in my heart always.

Ich bin ein großer Fan von Erzählungen auf 2 Ebenen bzw. „Buch im Buch“. Die Autorin verbindet die beiden Handlungen wunderbar und man findet sich immer zurecht. Die Erzählung über die Zeit Frankreichs im 2. Weltkrieg wirkt sehr realistisch- nicht zu emotionalisiert, aber auch nicht zu schwer.Ich werde jetzt das Vorgängerbuch auch lesen und freu mich schon drauf!

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.

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.