The Beekeeper’s Promise – out now!
Today is publication day for my latest novel, The Beekeeper’s Promise. Anyone who read and enjoyed The French for Always will recognise Chateau Bellevue and some of the characters. And for those of you who asked me to tell Eliane’s story during the war years, here it is…
Heartbroken and hoping for a new start, Abi Howes takes a summer job in rural France at the Château Bellevue. The old château echoes with voices from the past, and soon Abi finds herself drawn to one remarkable woman’s story, a story that could change the course of her summer—and her life.
In 1938, Eliane Martin tends beehives in the garden of the beautiful Château Bellevue. In its shadow she meets Mathieu Dubosq and falls in love for the first time, daring to hope that a happy future awaits. But France’s eastern border is darkening under the clouds of war, and history has other plans for Eliane…
When she is separated from Mathieu in the chaos of German occupation, Eliane makes the dangerous decision to join the Resistance and fight for France’s liberty. But with no end to the war in sight, her loyalty to Mathieu is severely tested.
From the bestselling author of Sea of Memories comes the story of two remarkable women, generations apart, who must use adversity to their advantage and find the resilience deep within.
Buy The Beekeeper’s Promise on Amazon:
The Beekeeper’s Promise on Amazon.co.uk
The Beekeeper’s Promise on Amazon.com
18 Comments
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I discovered your books via a friend Susie Kelly, I work with her at our animal charity shop, I read the Beekeepers promise 1st without knowing other books were available, I have just finished The French for Christmas and the French for always, could not put any of them down, I have enjoyed reading your books immensley especially as I could relate to the places and look forward to reading Sea of Memories next.
I have just completed Sea of Memories, I often had to force myself to turn off the audio to tend to other matters, loved it, would love to see a continued story of this family saga for Kendra
Dear Christina,
Apologies for the loooong delay in replying to your lovely comment – a few gremlins appear to have crept into the works! But I was so pleased to hear from you and to know how much you loved Sea of Memories. Thank you for getting in touch, and for your support and encouragement.
With best wishes,
Fiona x
I have just read ‘ The Beekeeper’s Promise’. I simply ,could not put it down. I was so gripped by Elaine’s story about occupied France in WW2
It was particularly moving reading it the week of 100 year’s Remembrance of WW1.
I loved the way Abi’s story unfolded with Elaine’s.
This is the first of your books I have read, it was recommended by a friend. I am off to get another, maybe French for Always next. Thank you for such a brilliant read.
Dear Jane,
I’m so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed ‘The Beekeeper’s Promise’. I’m hard at work at the moment on the story of Mireille (Eliane’s sister) during the war years in Paris, so it’s lovely to have your feedback.
Thank you for getting in touch, and for supporting my books. Happy reading!
With best wishes,
Fiona
I absolutely LOVED The Beekeeper’s Promise. I have recommended it to all my book lover friends and bought an e-book copy for a friend a few weeks ago. She loved the book as well and texted me with a question when she finished it.
What is the promise that the beekeeper makes?
Dear Teresa,
Thank you for getting in touch. I’m so pleased to know how much you and your friend loved THE BEEKEEPER’S PROMISE. Thank you for recommending it tp others as well.
The promise that the title refers to is explained on page 65 of the paperback version of the book when Eliane says to her friend Francine “I think we should promise that we will stay true to ourselves. No matter what happens. No matter how bad things get. We should hold on to that truth.” Later in the book, Abi refers back to the promise when she is shown the scarf by Eliane, seeing it as “a reminder of Eliane’s vow to stay true to herself”. And the very last lines of the book (which I won’t quote – no spoilers here!) reflect, as well, Eliane’s belief in an inner strength. I hope that helps!
You may like to know that I’m working on my next book at the moment, which is the story of Eliane’s sister, Mireille, during the war years in Paris when she worked in the couture industry. So the Martin sisters’ histories continue… The book is due to come out in the summer.
With thanks again for all your support.
Best wishes,
Fiona
Can’t wait to read your next book. I’ve read them all – you’re a great writer.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Gillaine. The next one should be coming out in October.
With best wishes,
Fiona x
I’ve loved all your books and want to add my email address so that I get notification when your next one comes out.
Hi Judy, thank you for getting in touch. I’m so pleased to hear how much you’ve enjoyed my books. Thank you, too, for enquiring about signing up to receive notifications about future books. I’m afraid this isn’t possible on the blog as it stands, but I’m waiting for a technical wiz to sort it out… I’ll keep you posted and let you know when it’s up and running. In the meantime you can follow all the latest news on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fionavalpybooks/ ) and Twitter (@FionaValpy).
With best wishes,
Fiona
Dear Judy, There is now a SUBSCRIBE box (top left of page) where you can sign up to receive email updates whenever there is news about my books. Happy reading!
Best wishes,
Fiona
Loved The Beekeeper’s Promise!!! You are a great writer!!! Is it true there are no discussion questions for my book club?
Hello Jan, thank you for getting in touch and for your kind words. Here are some discussion questions for The Beekeeper’s Promise which I hope you’ll find helpful for your book club:
1. Did you relate to any of the characters in the book? In what ways?
2. What were the overarching themes of the novel? How did they relate to each other and to the plot?
3. Are there any quotes, passages or scenes that you feel were central to the novel?
4. What do the bees symbolise in the story? Did you notice any other symbolism in the book?
5. Did the characters seem authentic? Which characters experienced growth and change, and which did not?
6. Do you have a new sense of perspective as a result of reading The Beekeeper’s Promise? What did you learn?
7. Both Eliane and Abi are forced to make difficult choices when they find themselves oppressed. What do you think their options were? How do you think you would have reacted in their positions?
8. Are you familiar with other works by this author? If so, how do they compare? If not, did you come away from this book wanting to read more?
Happy reading!
Best wishes,
Fiona
I am in a wonderful book club in Joliet, Il. We all just read Sea of Memories and were hoping there were questions for us to use somewhere when we meet Nov. 18th. I looked several places and did not find any. Can you send a link? THANK you, I LOVED thus book and so identified with Ella. Thank you so much. Priscilla
Dear Priscilla,
It’s lovely to hear from you and to know you will be talking about Sea of Memories at your book club next week. Here are some questions which I hope will be helpful as a basis for your discussions.
Best wishes,
Fiona
—————-
Sea of Memories
1. Did you relate to any of the characters in the book? In what ways?
2. What were the overarching themes of the novel? How did they relate to each other and to the plot?
3. Are there any quotes, passages or scenes that you feel were central to the novel?
4. What does art symbolise in the story? Did you notice any other symbolism in the book?
5. Did the characters seem authentic? Which characters experienced growth and change, and which did not?
6. Do you have a new sense of perspective as a result of reading Sea of Memories? What did you learn?
7. Ella is forced to make difficult choices at some points in her life. What do you think her options were? How do you think you would have reacted in their positions?
8. Do you think Rhona forgave her mother in the end? Was it enough for Ella to know that her daughter would at last understand the full story?
9. Are you familiar with other works by this author? If so, how do they compare? If not, did you come away from this book wanting to read more?
I read your book dressmakers gift and loved it. I like novels that switch between the old and present day times and really enjoy novels about the 2nd world war. Especially been in a military family. My favourite thing that you do is link in places and people in the different novels, very subtly, but effectively. Please keep writing, you have a real talent. X
Thanks so much for your lovely comments Lorna. Delighted to know how much you’re enjoying the books and following the characters’ journeys.
With best wishes,
Fiona