Every now and again, you pick up a book that moves you to want more. I’m not talking life changing, euphoric, epiphany kind of way. Just a book that slightly opens a door to something new.
This summer, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Brand Ambassador for the BookSparks 2019 Summer Reading Challenge Campaign. As one of the summer partners, I was lucky enough to be receiving and still receiving several of the summers hottest new releases. Before the campaign started, I went down the list of everything I was looking forward to getting my hands on, and then some. As most of you know by now, I am a cover judger. I do judge books by its cover, but only in the best way I can justify. Every now and again I see a cover and just get a feeling before even reading the synopsis. All my cozy mystery lovers will understand. Something about a cover with a beautifully illustrated cat meets library, meets witch just stand out to me. You get the idea. Well, in this case, imagine a white paperback with bright yellow stripes covered in dainty paisley twirls, leaves and bumble bees.
The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden was a book I immediately noticed when the original campaign welcome package showed up at my door. I saw this cover and already knew. I knew this would be a summer read to remember, and boy was I correct.
Rachel Linden brings you into an almost spot on self tale of a girl who puts herself first, for once, as she searches for answers and finds independence. Although she runs into boy drama a few times, I really felt connected with Mia, the main character. Mia’s world comes crashing down and its up to her to figure it out, fend for herself, and pick up the pieces of a broken heart. We travel with Mia not just on her newly single life adventure, but on several trips across the world as she finds true love in herself and love when she’s least willing to open her heart. We even get to watch her grandmother find love later in life which made my heart so happy.
Something about this book just made me want to be a better person and work on my self care. In order to love someone else and prioritize your relationship, you have to love yourself first. Loving yourself can only lead to positive and healthy decision making in the long run, in any relationship. The moment I started making time for myself and giving my soul the love and support it deserved is when I truly became a better partner. For me, seeing my spouse work on themselves in a positive light made me want to do the same and be better for myself which in the long run makes me/us better for the relationship. I am no professional, but it works in my house.
Thank you, Rachel Linden for opening my eyes and pushing me in a beautiful, contemporary love story kind of way. I highly recommend this book and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. Happy reading. (Five Stars)
