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Cadence of Acadia #1

How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart

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Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. Until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he’s indebted to from a mistake made years ago.

When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers a compromise to keep her boutique, and her life, out of bankruptcy—she’ll aid in his lengthy recovery if he’ll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces.

Amidst a battle-of-wills, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, providing opportunity to overcome their pasts and start anew. Will this confirmed bachelor consider holy-matrimony, or will Huck’s choices sting them a second time?

394 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

5 people are currently reading
478 people want to read

About the author

Candice Sue Patterson

20 books345 followers
Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children's Literature and is an elementary librarian. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she's not tending to her chickens, snuggling with her Great Pyrenees, or helping children discover books they love, she's working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance--where the past and present collide with faith. For more on Candice and her books, visit www.candicesuepatterson.com.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews276 followers
October 26, 2016
This is the first book I have ever read by Candice Sue Patterson, but it will definitely not be the last. I love it when I open a book and connect with characters so well. I was drawn in from the very first paragraph. I am very thankful a friend recommended this book to me.

Arianne is struggling with her bridal shop, even though she's lived rent free here for nearly a year. The owner of the shop passed away and left the shop to his nephew, Huck. Huck comes in to tell Arianne that she is about to be evicted. The same Huck whom she tutored in high school and left her high and dry without a word or thought. Arianne is now divorced, with a 4 year old daughter, no money, no place to go. Then Huck is severely injured and they make a deal. Arianne nurses him until he's able to be up on his feet and she can keep the shop for that long.

Well, this deal quickly becomes a problem, for old feelings surface for both Huck and Arianne. But...Huck is dealing with some serious problems, both from childhood and from the present. Arianne, too, is feeling lower than low.

God has an answer to all our problems. But we must allow Him to give us those answers and then allow Him to work out His best for our lives. We have to trust Him to do that, even if we *think* we know best. We'll never be happy outside God's will for our lives.

I loved every minute of this book and read it in two days. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I believe this is Candice Sue Patterson's first full length novel and it is absolutely wonderful!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review is honest and my own opinion.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book102 followers
April 1, 2017
Fun and charming, Author Candice Patterson takes us to Pine Bay, Maine to follow the lives of Huck and Arianne. Huck is a beekeeper, and I love that Patterson puts information about beekeeping in the form of facts, scripture verses, or poetry at the end of each chapter. This really added to the book. As single-mom Arianne is trying to make a go of her wedding boutique. Both characters must face their doubts and fears. The author also reminds us that nobody is beyond the mercy and grace of God and that He does all He can to bring the prodigal home.
Profile Image for Robin Patchen.
Author 122 books1,098 followers
January 28, 2016
I was fortunate to be an early reader of How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart, and I loved it. The setting, a coastal town in Maine, was illustrated so perfectly, I felt I'd been there. The heroine's overwhelming love for her daughter leads her to agree to something she would never do otherwise. The hero is charming but ever-so-flawed, but the little girl charms him with her kindness and her innocent faith. This story illustrates how true love can indeed overcome tremendous trials. Patterson demonstrates her growing talent for crafting unexpected plots in this charming romance. I can't wait for book two in the series.
Profile Image for Nikki Jatindranath.
3 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2016
Candice Sue Patterson delivers a fresh plot and amazing characters in this story. I got to read it as it was written and fell for Ms. Patterson's hero and heroine right away. Both have goals, but neither can attain them without the cooperation of the other. The hero's antics will leave you wondering if there's any hope for him. The heroine is talented, intelligent and the perfect match for the hero...even if he doesn't know it. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be thoroughly entertained.
2,023 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2016
How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart is a beautifully written Christian romance. The book has a great plot and flows smoothly and the characters are well developed. The author caught my attention from the beginning straight thru to the end. This was my first book by this author but hope to read many more. I recommend this to those who like a good clean romance. I received and advance copy of the book from the author. Many thanks to her. All opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Leah.
1,986 reviews
October 2, 2018
The cover is beautiful, and I liked the chapter introductions about bees. I didn't like the story, though. It was slow and depressing, but there is eventually a happy ending. The characters were okay. I did like the religion/faith in this book.
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,232 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2019
Heartwarming

This the first book by Candice Patterson I've read, but I'm a fan now. I loved the characters, the unique concept, and learning about honeybees was an extra bonus. The story is rich with detail and packed with romance...the realistic kind. A strong message of faith weaves throughout the story, but it never gets heavy handed. Highly recommend.
47 reviews
May 22, 2017
I read most of this book in one day! That never happens unless I can't put the book down!
Profile Image for Delia.
Author 66 books104 followers
February 14, 2017
How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart is so true-to-life, the characters so real, you’d expect to see them walking down the street. They are imperfect people with hopes and dreams for the future, and with things in their pasts they’d just as soon leave there…in the past. Huck goes out of his way to appear unromantic and uncaring, but isn’t quite able to pull it off, because he does care. A lot. Arianne has a little girl to think about, and memories of earlier encounters with Huck that make her certain a relationship with him is the last thing she needs—and he’s certainly not the kind of influence she wants for little Emma. But God has a way of making things happen if (and when) they’re supposed to happen.

As a little something extra, the short facts about bees that follow every chapter are interesting and fun. Candice Sue Patterson knocked this one clear out of the ballpark and aimed straight for the hearts of everyone who reads it. Good story. Wonderful characters. Great writing. Absolutely recommended!
Profile Image for Sharon Dean.
318 reviews14 followers
March 10, 2017
How To Charm a BeeKeeper’s Heart
By: Candice Sue Patterson

Life’s Journey Has Ups and Downs…….

Candice has taken us on a fictional journey to Summerville and Pine Bay, Maine guiding us through the lives of Huck and Arianne in the most inspirational setting…Bees and Honey & God’s Unconditional Love & Grace. They both have something in common; we need them both to survive our journeys, our journey of life. Huck and Arianne’s journey started on paths in which their childhoods could not control. Huck belonged to family that didn’t love, didn’t really love him. Arianne’s was with loving parents but her mother died when she was at a very young age. They first met in high school and spent hours together. Having her heart broken by Huck left both of them learning to live on their own and making their way through the journey alone. Paths were taken that led to a life of shame, regrets and some bad mistakes. When their paths meet again years later, the memories shared years past becomes part of them, part of their hearts. Huck nor Arianne could forget the love they once shared in high school. With so much brokenness in their lives and now being forced together in their everyday lives, can they rekindle the love they once had? Huck being a BeeKeeper and Arianne a wedding fashion designer of her own shop, their lives collide together with such force that takes their journeys to new levels. Not only in love but in their everyday lives. While Huck is shown God’s unconditional love and grace, Arianne is shown about bees and honey. Together, they learn the common ground of both and how combined, life’s journey can be one of joy, laughter, happiness and most of all, shared with someone that becomes your soul mate. A life with no more shame, no more regrets, no more bad mistakes. But can that journey be theirs, together? Or will God’s journey for them contain a twist they never saw coming? Join me today in reading this powerful, emotional, well written story of faith, grace and love. Thank you Candice for a great read! One that I’ll never shoo a bee away again!
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,453 reviews89 followers
October 30, 2016
When I first saw the title to this book, I was unsure if it would be something that would interest me. Then I read the book summary and became intrigued. Once I started reading I was hooked. I knew by the end of the first chapter that unless something weird happened, this would be something I would enjoy. It struck my odd that the author included bee references throughout. I didn't understand until late in the book why it was even relevant at all. I thought maybe she was just trying to teach me about bees! I am glad that I paid attention to them - and you will be too so don't skip them!

I really liked the flow of the book. Quite often I find storylines that are too quick and totally predictable and I do not like reading them. While I will admit parts of this story were predictable, what story isn't to some extent, I didn't feel like I was being rushed through anything. Sure, there were some times where I want to smack Arianne and Huck, but that was merely the authors way of holding my attention and dreaming about where the storyline would go.

I enjoyed every bit of this story. I especially enjoyed having Christ in the storyline as well. What a great way to bring Him to the book - thank you Ms. Patterson! I hope you'll give this story a shot. I cannot wait to see what the next installment brings. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
October 3, 2016
How To Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart
By: Candice Sue Patterson

I was honored to read an early copy of this fun and charming novel. This is my first to read by Candice Sue Patterson, but hopefully it want be my last. I now have another author to add to my must read list. The story and the characters, both were well written and easy to follow. The author drew me in right at the start and did not let go till the end. The author did not disappoint me. There was a few times that I was holding my breath and tears were in my eyes. Loved the two main characters, Arianne and Huck. I do not want to leave Arianne’s small and charming daughter out, who will charm your heart right away. Arianne runs a bridal boutique and Husk has just inherited the shop . He wants to evict the owner and put in a sporting goods store. He wants nothing to do with weddings. Now Huck knows Arieanne and she happens to be someone he is indebted to from years back. What will Arianne and her daughter do if Huck evicts them, she is having a hard time as it is.? The shop is her whole life.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review .
Profile Image for Pegg.
Author 32 books625 followers
January 28, 2016
I was honored to be one of the beta readers of this novel. It's a charming romance with characters you can't help but fall in love with.

Huck Anderson inherits a building from his uncle with the idea of turning it into a sporting goods store or a bait and tackle shop. He never expects to find the renter was on old high school classmate. Or that she ran a bridal shop. Huck's aversion to all things marriage cements the deal - she has to go!

Arianne Winters has had a few hard knocks in life, but she never saw this one coming. When Huck, the adult version of the boy she fell head-over-heels for in high school, walks into her bridal shop, he doesn't bring back happy memories. He brings an eviction notice. What will happen to her and her daughter if her livelihood is stripped away?

But circumstances lead them into an agreement neither wants and neither can live without. Can hurting and distrusting hearts be changed? You'll have to read it to find out!
Profile Image for Kathleen Friesen.
Author 7 books40 followers
July 29, 2016
When I finished reading How To Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart, I closed my reader with a contended sigh. This story charmed and delighted me from beginning to the end. Realistic characters, not perfect facsimiles, tugged at my heart with their deep hurts and struggles to realize their dreams, old and new. Little Emma is a sweetheart, and I wished I could pick her up and snuggle her.
The tidbits at the beginning of each chapter offered tantalizing information, appetizers for what was to come. Candice Sue Patterson’s exquisite writing creates a sweet buzz of pleasure in How To Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart. This book earns five stars and is highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.
Profile Image for Julie.
63 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2016
Wow, this was a very quick read, as in I was done in 2 days during a work week. Of course it might also be that I couldn't put it down. I received the book early to give an honest review. I was a little taken back by all the bee references at the beginning of each chapter, but by the end I better understood it and it made more since and worked. The author writes so that you can picture everything as it's happening. Where she left it off makes you think there may be more books in the series so your left to wonder on a few things. Some things are what you would typically expect in a romance book, but there were some surprises too. I enjoyed it and would recommend others read it to, but maybe not when you need to be doing anything, including going to sleep, as it is hard to put down.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
October 10, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The author has written a story with wonderful characters and a story line that kept me reading once I started it. Following Huck and Arianne's sometimes very rocky journey to finding their happily ever made for a read that I loved. Emma, Arianne's daughter, is a delightful little girl that I couldn't help but fall in love with. The facts about bees that the author included at the beginning of each chapter were very interesting to read and added to the story. This was one of those stories that I wasn't ready to see come to an end and I hope there will be a sequel. I definitely would like to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,669 reviews18 followers
October 23, 2016
How to charm a beekeeper heart

I loved Huck and Adrianne story, she owns a wedding dress shop, he inherited it from his uncle. He wants to close it down since she had not been paying rent, but finds out a lot more to it. He is a beekeeper, love the information about bees at the beginning of each chapter. This book can make you laugh, cry, smile and really touches your heart. I was given a advance copy to read. Enjoyed it a lot. Loved the little girl Emma, it really brings a lot a story when having a child in it.
Profile Image for Penelope Marzec.
Author 28 books182 followers
July 16, 2022
This story was so engaging I didn't want to stop reading it. Arianne's heart was broken by Huck in high school. Afterward, she married a man who walked out on her and her daughter, Emma. Then Huck reappears in her life after his uncle left him a building in his will. The building happens to be the one where Arianne lives and where she runs a bridal shop. Huck wants to evict her from her bridal shop. The trials and pain of Huck, Arianne, and little Emma kept me glued to the pages.

I truly enjoyed this delightful story. Very well written!
Profile Image for Barbara M. Britton.
Author 13 books259 followers
October 24, 2016
Patterson charmed my heart with this bee-autiful romance. I fell in love with Arianne and her daughter Emma, and the beekeeper with a strained past who became their knight in shining chinked armor. I especially liked how Patterson brought God to the forefront of these love-struck characters so they relied on God and His guidance in their lives. The bee notes above each chapter heading were interesting. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
Profile Image for Kara Hunt.
Author 21 books83 followers
January 28, 2016
If you're looking for a great, fun, witty and romantic read, then this is the book for you. Faith and love flow freely and flawlessly in this latest novel by Candice Sue Patterson. Fans will not be disappointed. And if this will be the first book you read by Patterson, then you'll quickly realize that you'll have another new author to add to your must-read list. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Mikala Kirk.
6 reviews
March 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. the story line brings you right in. the message of the story is relatable and Christian based. it's a message of forgiveness, patience, and love. I couldn't out it down!
Profile Image for Martha.
867 reviews49 followers
August 30, 2017
This is a sweet, second chance romance. I loved the bee facts shared at the end of each chapter in tips and quotes.

Arianne was the brain in high school who helped Huck, the jock, get through his tests. She’d always had a bit of a crush on him but suffered a heart blow when he stood her up for prom. She moved on to a safer, saner romance in college, married and had a daughter. Sadly, her husband walked out before the child was three. Arianne has been struggling to make a living at her bridal boutique while raising Emma and taking care of her 25-year-old sister who can’t seem to find herself… or a job.

Huck inherits a building from his uncle and determines he will evict the bridal shop tenant and open a sporting goods store. That plan isn’t so easy when he learns that the tenant is the girl he wronged in high school. Huck has secrets and issues from his past that have made him a loner. He doesn’t do “relationship” although he is willing to spend a few weeks with a woman who isn’t looking for any long-term romance. Huck wants to get away from Arianne as quickly as he can. This plan doesn’t work either when he suffers a serious accident and Arianne steps forward to take care of him during his rehabilitation in exchange for allowing her time to move the bridal shop.

Huck finds himself enjoying the company of Arianne and adorable Emma. He is even willing to share his bee farming with them. Even though he is willing to encourage Arianne to pursue her dreams, he doesn’t think he is worthy of her love. Arianne continues to struggle with her business and her sister. She isn’t sure she can handle the pain of an unrequited love and she doesn’t want to risk hurting Emma with another man who would most likely abandon them. Still, she might not be able to keep her heart from falling for the man she has always fantasized about.

I really enjoyed these struggling characters and watching as they wrestled with their past pains and lost dreams. Ms. Patterson does a nice job showing their growth and allowing the romance to grow, even through their fears. Emma adds a precocious and sweet character.

The writing is nicely handled with nice descriptions, smooth delivery, and easy flow. I really enjoyed how Arianne’s strong faith, and Emma’s child’s faith, are shared, by little graces and even in flaws, so that Huck begins to long for an unconditional love he has never known. The story is engaging and the characters’ journeys are believable and heartwarming. I recommend this to readers who enjoy inspirational, small town style, second chance romance.

I received this title through NetGalley; my rating 4.5.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2017
I have to admit that in the beginning of this book I was not all that impressed with the characters. I mean, Arianne was a bit of a doormat and Huck a bit arrogant. But as I read further I was dragged into their story and their lives.

Every time it seemed that they would sort out their issues, something or someone new came up and derailed all the progress made. It is enough to make you throw your hands into the air in despair. But one good thing happened. Huck gave himself to the Lord.

Candice Sue Patterson has the ability to craft a book that makes you a part of it. I was there for every good and bad thing that happened. A wonderful book that makes you believe in good again, even when it looks as if it is never going to happen.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
Author 2 books15 followers
June 28, 2017
The premise is charming. A beekeeper and an owner of a bridal shop. They knew each other in high school and years later old secrets arise when they see each other again. Add to that a 4-year old daughter who adores the beekeeper and the divorced bridal shop owner and mother who is guarding her heart from pain, and you know how it will end - you just don't know what happens in between.

I would have like more depth written about the characters and smoother transitions in the story.
Profile Image for Barbara Fox.
115 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2017
Huck is a wonderful hero. He has lots of personal issues and history and deep feelings. He has a heart of gold beneath all of his baggage. I love the way befell for Emma, too. That was especially sweet and his feelings for her grew as the story progressed. I rooted for Arianne to choose well the whole way through. And the bees- I love learning about something new
Profile Image for Tasha.
365 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2017
The cover of this book is what originally drew me to it. The synopsis is what made me want to read it. Huck is a fun character because he is a real southern charmer.  Arianne is a single mom desperately trying to make ends meet.

The book was great because I really loved reading Huck and Arianne's story of falling in love through their trials. They had a very sweet relationship and as it developed I was rooting for them! The book had more religion than I was expecting but it wasn't overbearing by any means! The book was rather predictable but I feel that is to be expected.  I did enjoy the various quirky references to bee keeping at the end of each chapter, they were a fun addition.
 
118 reviews
March 10, 2017
What do you get when you mix an ornery by handsome man, a divorcee full of faith and her sweet young daughter? A great story. I have a soft spot in my heart for Christian romances, but often find them too preachy. This hit a wonderful middle ground between uplifting faith and story. I will definitely seek out more titles from this author.

ARC provided by NetGalley
Profile Image for Becky.
847 reviews17 followers
April 13, 2017
If we take the title of the book and try to answer it with the contents of the book, sometimes the answer is convoluted. But that is how real life plays out. It's not a neat package that moves from one episode to another seamlessly, there are messes that interfere with our nicely planned out lives. Candice Sue Patterson has written a novel that mimics the messiness of life and still tells a compelling story with love, angst, pathos, and joy.

Arianne runs a bridal shop and lives in a small apartment upstairs from the shop with her daughter and her sister. So far, her sister has not done anything with her life but be a mooch on Arianne.

Huck's Uncle Martin has died and Huck inherited the building that Arianne's bridal shop occupies. She hasn't paid rent in ten months, so Huck shows up to evict her. Huck and Arianne have a history that isn't a pretty one, but somehow Huck wants to overcome that.

When Huck has an accident on his motorcycle and breaks his body to bits, he needs someone who can take care of him during his long rehab. Arianne has been part of the way through medical school and has the knowledge to help in his recovery, but he's most unwilling to have Arianne be his caretaker until it comes down to the fact that he has no one else who can help.

A few misunderstandings and a couple of accidents later, it looks as if Huck's chances are slim to none and Slim left town.

I've not read a book by Candice before, but this won't be my last one. There is a reality to her book that encourages my heart. I started this book yesterday and finished it today. It was a better read than I expected and it left me wanting more.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a jar of honey to sweeten your life

My thanks to White Rose Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews