My Review of Bees in the Butterfly Garden

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?"

My Rating

Summer

My Review

Bees in the Butterfly Garden has a clever title and a cover lovely enough to draw readers in like butterflies to flowers. But the attraction doesn't stop at the title or the cover - this story is unique and engaging! Historical-romance fans will find an enjoyable setting that offers the traditional pull of the descriptions of the high life in late-19th century America. But there's a twist: the hero is a thief, and the heroine - despite her fancy upbringing - wants to be one, too.

No matter what others tell her, Meg simply cannot believe that her father's choice in sending her away to school - and away from him - was one made out of selfless love. She views Ian Maguire as her replacement in her father's life, since her father took Ian in and taught him how to follow in his footsteps. So she determines to prove, if only to herself, that she could be the protege her father desired. Even if that means - or perhaps especially if that means - breaking societal and moral rules.

However, Ian sees Meg as the untainted beauty that her father always portrayed her to be, and he wants to keep her that way, to protect her as her father did. But his resolve begins to crumble under the pressures of greed, reputation, and Meg's charm. Both he and Meg are drawn to the enchantment of a "garden" - one that is filled with the colors and promise of their own self-centered dreams. But where is it they really belong?

While certainly a satisfying historical romance, Bees in the Butterfly Garden has even more to offer. It's an exquisite story with wonderful characters that addresses courage, true wealth, and the distinctions between justice, mercy, and grace. A beautiful read from cover to cover!

*With thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*