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meshuggeknitter's review against another edition
3.0
A bit too predictable and not as complex as the first book in the series, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed Susan’s “The Apple Orchard” (Bella Vista Chronicles, #1), and was delighted to receive an advanced reading copy of “The Beekeeper's Ball” (Bella Vista Chronicles #2), as a continuation of thirty year old Isabel, as she transforms her childhood home (Bella Vista), a gathering place for friends and family, for reunions and celebrations. In addition her dreams, the Bella Vista Cooking School—a unique place for other dreamers to come, and learn the culinary arts—all while she leaves her past behind with controlling Calvin.
As a chef, she is turning the magical Bella Vista's rambling mission-style hacienda, apple orchards, bountiful gardens and beehives, into an idyllic venue, while she forgets the past. All sorts of fun things: magazine covers, gourmet cooking, literary agents, wedding plans, photo shoots, stylist, vintage items, delightful cuisine, local gourmet markets, antiques, wine, honey, figs, plus more in this blooming Sonoma setting (I want to be there-like now)!
Everything is going as planned until delicious and sexy Cormac (Mac) comes into the picture (EpiPen included), to dig up old history of Magnus Johansen (Isabel’s grandfather-a key player in the Danish Resistance) sent by Tess. He has traveled to many places in his life from war-torn places of the world, airports and grimy cities, and long barren stretches of scorched earth in the foreign lands; however, none compare to the lush and seductive Bella Vista.
His goal was simple after his injury--- heal, gather the information about Magnus the war hero turned orchardist, then settle in and write his story, as after all this is what he does well. As this hunk slowly lets down his rough outer guard to soften and enjoy the pleasures of this sleepy small town, along with Isabell’s charm in the kitchen- a man worth getting to know.
From the 1940s in Copenhagen to the present time, Susan seamlessly blends the old with the new with an incredible, magical, and inspiring story-- keeping you reading well into the night.
Would definitely recommend reading both books in the series; however, they could serve as a standalone; hoping for a third to come!
As a longtime fan of Susan, her books and writing style, she has a way of drawing her readers into the setting, with strong family historical dynamics and romance. A delicious read, well-written, with family secrets, adventure, summer days and nights, a family wedding (Tess/Dominic), a Beekeeper’s Ball, and unexpected love.
A special thank you to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
As a chef, she is turning the magical Bella Vista's rambling mission-style hacienda, apple orchards, bountiful gardens and beehives, into an idyllic venue, while she forgets the past. All sorts of fun things: magazine covers, gourmet cooking, literary agents, wedding plans, photo shoots, stylist, vintage items, delightful cuisine, local gourmet markets, antiques, wine, honey, figs, plus more in this blooming Sonoma setting (I want to be there-like now)!
Everything is going as planned until delicious and sexy Cormac (Mac) comes into the picture (EpiPen included), to dig up old history of Magnus Johansen (Isabel’s grandfather-a key player in the Danish Resistance) sent by Tess. He has traveled to many places in his life from war-torn places of the world, airports and grimy cities, and long barren stretches of scorched earth in the foreign lands; however, none compare to the lush and seductive Bella Vista.
His goal was simple after his injury--- heal, gather the information about Magnus the war hero turned orchardist, then settle in and write his story, as after all this is what he does well. As this hunk slowly lets down his rough outer guard to soften and enjoy the pleasures of this sleepy small town, along with Isabell’s charm in the kitchen- a man worth getting to know.
From the 1940s in Copenhagen to the present time, Susan seamlessly blends the old with the new with an incredible, magical, and inspiring story-- keeping you reading well into the night.
Would definitely recommend reading both books in the series; however, they could serve as a standalone; hoping for a third to come!
As a longtime fan of Susan, her books and writing style, she has a way of drawing her readers into the setting, with strong family historical dynamics and romance. A delicious read, well-written, with family secrets, adventure, summer days and nights, a family wedding (Tess/Dominic), a Beekeeper’s Ball, and unexpected love.
A special thank you to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
maryanne6828's review against another edition
4.0
I love books that go back and forth between the present and the past. Like the first one in this series, The Apple Orchard, Wiggs does a great job of connecting the past and present. Love how the recipes are included and that they connect to the story. Can't wait for the next one!
ryry7878's review against another edition
Beekeepers
This was a continuation of a beautiful story about the past and the present. I hated for it to end!
This was a continuation of a beautiful story about the past and the present. I hated for it to end!
renaplays's review against another edition
1.0
Got this as a Goodreads contest winner. It's pretty thin from beginning to end. I was hoping for a decent summer/beach read, and maybe for fans of this series, it will be. This was my first Wiggs book, and I thought it was simplistically written, predictable from about the 10th page, with flat, fairly boring characters. I don't like to diss any book, since many may enjoy it. It just isn't what I look for in a good read.
kilbmc's review against another edition
1.0
Ugh. I made myself finish it. The characters were so annoying and unbelievable.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
The Beekeeper's Ball is the second book in Susan Wigg's Bella Vista Chronicles series, and it continues where the first book left off. Tess is getting ready for her upcoming wedding while her half-sister, Isabel is trying to set up a destination cooking school and beekeeping on Bella Vista. When a war-torn journalist, Mac comes to dig up Isabel's grandfather's history she starts wondering about her own life...past and present.
In the second novel we get the detail story behind Tess and Isabel's grandfather's time around and during WWII. I liked the novel but this series always feel a bit longer than they need to be.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
The Beekeeper's Ball is the second book in Susan Wigg's Bella Vista Chronicles series, and it continues where the first book left off. Tess is getting ready for her upcoming wedding while her half-sister, Isabel is trying to set up a destination cooking school and beekeeping on Bella Vista. When a war-torn journalist, Mac comes to dig up Isabel's grandfather's history she starts wondering about her own life...past and present.
In the second novel we get the detail story behind Tess and Isabel's grandfather's time around and during WWII. I liked the novel but this series always feel a bit longer than they need to be.