Are We There Yet? By Kathleen West

Alice Sullivan is a busy mom.  A husband who travels for work.  She has a busy job as an interior decorator.   Two good kids - at least she thinks they're good.  She's also got a great support system, two best friends whose kids are the same age and a very helpful mother who is a doting grandmother to her only grandchildren.  It's busy, but it works.

Until it doesn't.  Her son makes a few bad choices at school.  Her daughter is only reading at level E and where is her reading journal?  Her mom has a family secret.  She's made her two best friends mad.  She can't focus at work and of course, her husband is out of town.  There's a folder sitting on the table that she can't even begin to open.  Soon Alice is dealing with problem after problem and she's bound to crack soon but which problem will do her in.

When reading Are We There Yet? it referenced Liston Heights and I thought that's funny I read a book that took place there recently.  While updating my Goodreads I explored the author and realized not long ago I had read her first book Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes which took place in Liston Heights.  I really enjoyed both her novels and will definitely put Kathleen West on my to watch list.

The Beekeeper's Daughter by Santa Montefiore

 

Gracie's mother died at birth.  She's been raised by a loving father and surrounded by love from those in the village, including her mother's best friend, May, and her family.  Her father is a beekeeper for a wealthy family.  He also creates the most beautiful gardens and Gracie is following in his footsteps.  

May's son Freddie has been Gracie's best friend forever.  After a conversation with her father she realizes that he may just be marriage material after.  But does she really love him?  Her heart doesn't patter like it does when she sees Rufus - even though he's not in the same social standing as Gracie.  Then war strikes and both men are off to war.  She writes to both men and prays for a safe return.

Years later Gracie's daughter, Trixie, is in love.  Without revealing the past Gracie tries to tell her daughter there's no way it will work but Trixie's heart just can't believe that.  Will history repeat itself and honour prevail.

The Beekeeper's Daughter is the second book by Santa Montefiore that I've read recently.  I really enjoyed The Beekeeper's daughter.  I know I've heard from a few people who enjoy a lighter read during the pandemic and I think this would story would be perfect.  The war part of the story is very minimal and not a focus of the book.