Mad Honey is a well-written story by two authors, including Jody Picoult that I like a lot. I found this one a little long and the part on bees wasn’t my cup of tea but the story is a good one.
Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada for this copy.

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book and flew through it quite quickly. It covered a lot of very interesting topics such as abuse, transgender issues, starting over, being your true authentic self, parent/child relationships and had just a bit of sweet romance in there as well. I really liked all of the main characters a lot, especially Lily.

I enjoyed the mystery of whether Asher did it or not and spent basically the whole book going back and forth on whether or not he was guilty. I felt that the evidence they were using against him in the trial was very weak and it seemed a bit unrealistic; I just wasn't really buying it. Surprisingly, I did not see the ending coming.

I personally was not a huge fan of the sections on bee and honey facts; although interesting in a different time or place, they kind of took me out of the story and I found myself skimming over them to where the actual story picked up again.

If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult then I think you will definitely enjoy this book as well; it really reflects her usual writing style and covers some very current issues in a multi faceted way.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion

My accurate rating would be between a 4.5 and 4.75⭐️

The story flips between the first character Olivia, the mother of Asher, who is a beekeeper and has escaped an abusive marriage, and the second character, Lily, who gets into a relationship with Asher.

One day Olivia receives a phone call from Asher, Lily is dead. Asher is a prime suspect.

Things I LOVED:
- Lily. I loved her so much. If I could reach into a book and hug a character, I would hug her.
- some people are claiming this book has too many “trigger topics”… yet I am HERE for them. I think every trigger topic that was incorporated was so well done and educated the reader in the perfect way.
- there were a lot of educational moments about bees and random facts in this story. I learned a lot!
- the ending tied together really nicely
- the authors’ notes 🤍 I don’t want to give anything away. So please just make sure to read the authors’ notes once you have finished the story.

Things I didn’t care for:
- at times it felt like it was longer than it needed to be (almost like it did have a bit of filler)
- I really dislike long chapters

Besides those two things, I REALLY enjoyed it! I would 100% recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan

Olivia is no stranger to the dark. Having to start over with her son back in the town she grew up in and watching her son, Asher grow up…. A son who has some of his fathers tendencies.

Lily moves to Adams with her mother, for the last year of high school. Hoping this is the new start both of them need.

Asher and Lily fall in love and they seem to share a lot of the same pains…. Then one day Lily is found dead at the bottom of her home stairs… Asher is found cradling her body. It was no secret that they had been fighting.

Is Asher as innocent as he is leading everyone to believe? Or is there more to this than anyone knows.

I am a huge fan of Jodi’s. Always have been but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The writing was on point but the storyline had so much crammed into it, it felt like every hot topic button from the last 10 years had to be hit. I felt that by doing that, it took away from the book. Quality over quantity would have been nice here. The premise of the book was clever and I, for the most, was kept entertained but I also felt like the book was trying too hard.

I didn’t enjoy the jumping back and forth in the timeline or the multiple POV. I felt a little lost a few times and that is not a fun feeling when you are reading.

If you love her books normally, you will likely still love this one but be warned, it is a little overstuffed even for Jodi!

Thank you #netgalley and #penguinrandomhouseca for my review copy

4 stars! If you like a lot of meat to your reads, then this one will exceed your expectations!

I hadn't read a Jodi Picoult book in awhile as I'd previously been disappointed but I'm so glad I tried again - and great to see this new writing partnership with Jennifer Finney Boylan. I was engaged in the book from the beginning and felt invested in the characters. I love the bee scenes which provided a brief hiatus to some of the intensity of the other subjects of the book. And I learned new things about bees! The book moved at a solid pace and I was surprised by the twist. The story is poignant and heart wrenching - just like all good Jodi Picoult reads should be!

Olivia and her six-year-old son, Asher, moved to Adams New Hampshire to escape an abusive marriage. She has moved into her father’s home and taken over his beekeeping business. Now, a decade later, Asher is handsome, co-captain of his school’s hockey team, a good student, in fact, a seeming all-around good kid.

Ava Campanello and her daughter, Lily, have recently moved to Adams to start a new life. Lily attends the same school as Asher and, when they meet, it’s instant chemistry. They are in love but it is a somewhat fractious relationship. Then Lily is found dead and Asher is the main, really the only, suspect and is charged with her murder.

Mad Honey is a collaboration between two writers, Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. It starts out like a typical whodunnit but it is so much more than that. The story is told by Olivia and Lily in alternating voices and it is a complex tale of families, secrets, memory, loss, and grief but also about the freedom to be yourself with the acceptance of those who love you.

Mad Honey is a well-written and extremely compelling story with characters who it is Impossible not to care about. This is also a book that revolves around a very topical and, sadly, controversial issue and will likely be loved or hated based on one’s feelings about the issue. But, as the authors show so beautifully, despite all our flaws and seeming differences, we are more alike than we tend to believe.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Another perfect novel by Jodi ! I'm so glad I started reading her a few years ago. Her writing style is flawless and this tale is no different.

I didn't know what this story was about but I am glad I picked it up. In some ways it reminded me of a John Grisham novel with the trial throughout. Did Asher kill Lilly? Does he have a temper like his father? Keep reading to find out.

I also loved the transgender aspect of this book. It gives heart and you really feel for Lilly. You wish things hadn't ended up so badly for her.

The ending ! I didn't see that coming. I was surprised by what had really transpired. Im so glad you do find out. That is one mystery I wouldn't care for.

Thank you to netgalley and random house for the arc. I urge you to pick up a copy and dive in. You won't be sorry.

This isn't my typical type of read but I just can't seem to pass up books that revolve around bees and honey. It is so well written that I finished reading it in one day. I was surprised that this was written by two authors as it has such a smooth flow and consistent voice. Each of the characters was well-developed, and the story drew you in. I had to keep reading to figure out what happened to Olivia, Asher and Lily. I loved how the apiculture scenes were woven throughout the book and I admit to having a few sniffles about the tradition to inform the bees about a death in the family. I thought I had guessed what was going to happen and I was completely wrong! Definitely recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and to the authors -- well done!

Very well written book surrounding a murder trial, rooted in identity. Jodi’s signature twist, this time, I felt was completely unnecessary, and did not enhance the story. I felt like an after thought and was not well developed. It was thrown in in the last handful of pages because it was expected. Nevertheless, the trial and its arguments kept me captivated and I felt for all the characters.

Upon starting this book, I was immediately hooked and I couldn’t put it down! Buckle up for a courtroom drama that will leave you questioning everyone involved.

Olivia left her abusive husband in search of a better life. Everything in her new life seems to be going so well until her son’s girlfriend ends up dead. When the police begin to investigate, her son becomes the primary suspect. Olivia insists that her sweet boy is innocent. Are her instincts correct or does he have his father’s abusive tendencies? You’ll have to make your way through this courtroom drama to find out!

I love reading books that teach me new things. I learned so much about honey and bee keeping. It was a great addition to an already engaging story. I would definitely recommend this book! 🐝🍯

Thank you to @penguinrandomca and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🥰

#bookadoration #bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #penguinreads #penguinrandomhouse #penguinrandomhouseca
#madhoney #jodipicoult #finnleyboylan

Bonus star alert!
Holy crap. If you read one book this year make it this one.
Hands down an amazingly written, heart wrenching, edge of your seat read. I literally do not have enough words to praise this book. I’m in awe.
The characters were beautifully written and so well done they felt like family. The story was woven perfectly. This book made my heart stop. It made me smile and it most defiantly made me cry. It so tastefully covers a topic that is still sensitive and heart breaking for some.
A perfect mix of family, love, suspense and heartache.
With one heck of a twist thrown in to leave your jaw hanging.
Amazing!

I really enjoyed this suspenseful novel, and getting to know all the characters’ stories.

Olivia McAfee moves back to her hometown with her teenage son Asher, following a messy split from her husband. She is working on rebuilding her life, while taking over her father’s business (beekeeping).
She receives a terrible call - her son’s girlfriend Lily is dead, and Asher is a suspect.

This book tells the story of Asher & Lily’s relationship, and those with their families. It talks of love, loss and self discovery. How Lily’s death came to be, and mothers protecting their children as best they can.

I couldn’t put this intriguing book down!
There were definitely twists I didn’t see coming, and I love that in a good thriller.
I actually found all the information about bees & beekeeping to be quite interesting too, it was definitely a subject I barely knew about.

4.5⭐️ (rounded to 5!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this copy of Mad Honey.
I knew immediately I would be reading this book, anything Jodi is a part of, I’m in. I’m in tears, Jennifer and Jodi absolutely need to collaborate on more books. No spoilers, so it might not be exactly the review everyone wants, but the journey of emotions is something else.
The love between parent and child, secrets, suspense and murder, this book has it all.
I can’t say these specific topics are something I’ve lived; but I absolutely connected with the feelings that went along with each character and the story they told.
If you’re a fan if Jodi, don’t hesitate to pick this up, because you’ll find out that you’re now a fan of Jennifer’s.

Olivia McAfee has what appears to be the idyllic life, but behind closed doors her husband has a dark side that comes out. She never thought she'd end up back in the town where she grew up. Lily Campanello is similarly familiar with do-overs, her mom and her end up in the same small town for her last year of high school. Until Lily ends up dad and Olivia's son Asher is being questioned by the police. Is he more like his father than she thought?

This book has so many layers and so much complexity, woven together beautifully by the team of Picoult & Boylan. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to stop reading. The characters were beautifully written, displaying both the best and worst parts of being human. As a mother myself, the three mothers really stood out to me. They were each doing what was best for their children, which looked different for each one. The story also addressed a very current and important topic - I don't want to mention it because it would be a big spoiler but I would love to see perspectives from those to whom this topic is particularly applicable.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada & NetGalley for the eGalley.
Edit Review

WOW where do I start? First of all thank you so much to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to receive an ARC for an honest review. Single mom Olivia and her son Asher are living back on the farm where Olivia takes over her dad's beekeeping business after his death. Asher is a great kid, hockey star, coaches kids on the weekends and things are finally going good for them after Olivia leaving her abusive husband. Another single mom moves to town, Ava with her 17 year old daughter Lily and she catches the eye of Asher and they start dating and fall in love. One day Olivia gets a call from Asher saying, "mom I need your help I am at the police station and Lily is dead". Who would not pick up this book after reading a "description" like that?

I am so glad I did read this book it was such a great story, yes it was sad at times but it was told very well. It makes you feel for every single character involved as it was such a horrible situation to be in. Just as you are reading along and waiting to see how it all turns out, all of a sudden there is a BOMBSHELL dropped and I literally went back to the description of the book to see if I missed something but nope it was intentional not revealed in the description and I am so glad about that. I was even more interested in this book after that revelation as I wanted to know more about all of it. So if you hear about this book and someone provides you with a "spoiler" about it, I would still recommend that you read this amazing story as it was told so well and I really think you will enjoy it. I was going to give this story 5 stars (which I am very stingy with) but I didn't care for the very last part of the book, I wish they would have just ended it the way we thought it would end and leave it at that. The ending felt like an afterthought that didn't really need to be there.

Lastly, I know some readers will not like to very in depth parts about beekeeping and all the history that is told throughout this story but I really like how the author does this in her books as it teaches me more about a subject I would never research. Jodi did the same thing with elephants in "Leaving Time" and that remains to be one of my all-time favourite books by Jodi Picoult. Enjoy!!

𝐌𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 💫 ⁣
𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘥𝘪 𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘺𝘭𝘢𝘯 ⁣
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢 (𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦)⁣
𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯⁣
⁣
My head is spinning from all the difft themes and direction this book took. I felt like I had to pause between chapters to soak it in. Yes, it has spousal abuse, parenting and transgender rights but there’s also the way Jodi & Jennifer wrote about beekeeping and the empathic way all these themes can be connected……….. by emotion. ⁣
⁣
You must read the Author’s notes at the end where you learn of how this novel came to be. How they wrote different chapters but then swapped, so that you wouldn’t be able to see whose voice is within what character.⁣
I’ve seen this before with the book “𝗪𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦” by @cprid and @Jopia⁣
It’s so flawlessly done that you don’t even realize you have two authors writing the book. ⁣
⁣
FYI There is zero chance that I’m gonna be able to fit in exactly what is in this book in a short caption. What author @jodi does so brilliantly (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴 IMO) is pick apart a “news” topic (𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘯) and allows the reader to find the point where they can connect. You do not need to agree with each chapter & you may disagree with some actions by characters….⁣
… BUT it’s not about what you believe at the start of the book, it’s the way you end the book. ⁣
⁣
Bottom line this book is why I love fiction. 4.5 ⭐️

I have always loved Jodi Piccoult novels and find them so relateable. Mad Honey, the collaboration she has done with Jennifer Finney Boylan is a hit in my books.

This book was so interesting in so many varied ways and I love all the recipes at the end of the book too! What is more important for everyone to know is that this book is full of really good information as well as a great story.

I was attracted to the book by the title "Mad Honey" because I have been learning about bees from my son-in-law who has taken up beekeeping as a hobby. Mad Honey taught me so much more about that whole enterprise.

But it's not really about the beekeeping that makes this book so interesting! It's the relationships between Mothers and Sons, Mothers and Daughters and Fathers too!

Acceptance of our children for who they are is the most important take away from this book, I'm sure you will learn something about those relationships and the impact we have on our children too.

Great Book! I would recommend this to everyone!

I was given an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion!

The jacket description of this book is deliberately vague - I am SO glad I didn't know too much about this book going in, as I was able to read through as (I assume) the authors intended... finding out certain information together with the main characters.

What I WILL say, is that this story is incredibly timely and contains a very valuable perspective. It is also a story of motherhood, love, acceptance, family... all the core elements of Jodi Picoult's books.

In fact, Mad Honey felt extremely "classic" Picoult to me - I was reminded so much of the feeling I had when reading The Pact, Nineteen Minutes, and so many of her earlier works back in high school, where I COULD NOT put the book down and would often devour them in one sitting.

This time, Picoult is joined by a co-author, Jennifer Finney Boylan, whose incredible gift for making you feel the characters' emotions so deeply brought me to tears on more than one occasion.

I will be recommending this one for years to come.

I received an ARC of this co-authored book from Netgalley.
It is the story of an adolescent relationship between two amazing young people, Asher and Lily. Both bright, talented (he in art and hockey, she in music and fencing), attractive and personable, each struggles with a fundamental sense of not living up to social expectations, not being able simply to be who they are. Both are also estranged from their fathers. In the centre of their lives are their single mothers, also struggling to support their children without being overprotective. Through a series of flashbacks and flash forwards, which, given the multiple perspectives—Asher, his mother Olivia, and Lily—are at times confusing as to what has already happened and what is current, the story unfolds with plot twists that are at times shocking. One of these becomes the central drama, a suspenseful murder case, and so can’t be outright named without giving away much of the story. I learned a great deal of importance to my own understanding of gender and sex, of what is normal and natural and what is social judgment based on fear and misunderstanding. For that alone, as well as the crisp writing and fast-moving plot, the book is praiseworthy. I also learned much about beekeeping, which, though interesting, seemed at times a bit too much, for all that the hives that Olivia keeps are clearly intended as a metaphor for human relations. I hope that these two authors come together again !

Olivia is starting over, but just as things are starting to settle down and her beekeeping business is starting to turn a profit, her teenage son, Asher, is accused of killing his girlfriend, Lily.
Jodi is back with a thought provoking family drama, with a touch of mystery. The story is told in multiple timelines and POVs. Once again, a portrait of dysfunctional families and relationships, but this time I feel like I've read so many versions of this story from her before... The story includes many trending topics (maybe too many, like it's trying to cram them all in there), and there was too much information about beekeeping, so I was a bit disappointed by this book... Maybe it's a me thing, like, if I want to learn about beekeeping, I'll read a book about beekeeping, not a novel, you know? It was a bit too long and repetitive, and the ending felt rushed. However, the character development was amazing, as usual.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.