The Honeymaker’s Daughter is a novel in the YA fantasy genre about a young woman who is desperate to learn the secrets of her past but must also find the courage to face them.
When eighteen-year-old Amber Winterbourne meets magician Merrillion Cloudhunter, everything changes in ways she had never imagined. An argument with an old enemy leads to a terrifying trial, and Amber is forced into a series of overwhelming choices. At the same time her father, the village honeymaker, is keeping secrets about the past and the mother Amber never knew. When Merrillion’s magic shows Amber the power of the bees she has hated all her life but which is hers by right, she must decide once and for all who she will become.
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Listen to the start of the book here:
Reviews:
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"The Honeymaker’s Daughter is a magical and exceedingly well-written book that you will not be able to put down. I really love the characters. It was lovely to see them develop through the story. I love the fact that Amber likes her gardening and cooking. I enjoyed reading about her doing those things, which inspired me to go back into the garden. I felt like the story just flowed all the way through. A a powerful read that will capture you from start to finish." (5 star review at Tea Leaves and Book Leaves Reviews)
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"I was swept into Anne Brooke’s world almost immediately. From the moment Amber Winterbourne meets the enigmatic magician Merrillion Cloudhunter, the story unfolds with a quiet confidence that makes it impossible not to keep reading. The pacing is spot on, never rushed yet always moving forward with purpose. The intrigue is handled particularly well. Tension simmers beneath the surface before building to powerful revelations. I found myself genuinely invested in Amber’s choices, especially as secrets about her father and her unknown mother begin to surface. The emotional stakes feel real, grounded and earned.
The bees, the village setting and the magic are all really vivid. The scenes feel tangible and believable, even within the fantasy elements. This book has tempted me to explore more YA fantasy in the future, which is the strongest compliment I can give. It reminded me how powerful a well crafted story can be, regardless of genre. A compelling, magical read." (From a 5 star Amazon review)
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"What a great story! Amber and her father have always been considered outsiders in their village. The arrival of mysterious magician Merrillion Cloudhunter doesn’t help the situation. When an angry darkness shrouds the village in hatred for Amber, her life is in grave danger. She must learn where she came from and how to harness the power of the bees if she’s to survive. This was a beautiful, magical story about discovering your true self, secrets from the past and forging your own path. I thought the characters were very well developed and engaging. Amber was strong and learned how to stand up for herself, embracing her powers and finding peace. This was an extremely well written book with a great storyline that flowed smoothly and had me eagerly turning the pages." (5 star Amazon review)
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"A beautifully written coming of age story, with a sprinkle of magic & a bike of bees (it’s what a group of bees are called). The author highlights the dangers of labeling a person, and the negative consequences of this. The bullying at times was uncomfortable and will make you take a long look at yourself. And the references to nature were truly lovely. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read this author again." (5 star Review at Sarah Reads Reviews)
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"Amber lives with her father, who is a honey maker and herbalist, in a village where they are often bullied and isolated from the rest of the villagers as they are seen as "other". Amber seeks answers to her questions, especially about her missing mother. A mysterious magician called Merrillion Cloudhunter arrives in the village, bringing with him dangerous revelations, and Amber is soon drawn into his world of magic. One of the stand out features of this story are the vivid descriptions of plants and flowers throughout and of the enchanting settings of the magical elements. This makes for a calm and magical read, but also eerie as if something is always hidden beneath the surface. The story is about identity and belonging; not only does Amber face dramatic battles, but she also faces internal struggles with feeling different, being judged by other people and trying to understand who she is. She also struggles with loneliness. Overall, The Honeymaker's Daughter is a beautifully written novel, which is soft and reflective. It is perfect for readers looking for a magical story which is immersive and has emotional depth." (Review by @redhead_reviews1)
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"This book was powerful and beautiful, a really gripping fantasy story which I truly enjoyed reading. The story flowed well and was a quick read with a lot of powerful emotions. The characters were so realistic with their emotions, descriptions and actions. The descriptive writing was superb and everything was described in great detail and very vividly. It’s the first book I have read by Anne Brooke but I understand she writes across many genres so I would like to read another book by her in the future." (Review by @kaz_loves_books9)
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"This was a very good read. Brooke has a way of gripping the reader straight away and I was hooked on this story and read it in no time as I was desperate to find out what was going to happen. Full of suspense, I was fascinated by Amber and the mystery around Merrillion Cloudhunter (what a fantastic name). A cleverly written plot and a great story. Highly recommended." (5 star review by @lisa_reads_alot)
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"This was a beautifully written fantasy. The characters were wonderful and I felt so engaged with them. Brooke has a lovely writing style that grips readers from start to finish." (Review by @reading_with_leanne)
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"The writing style drew me in from the start & I found it really easy to relate to the main character, Amber. I loved learning all about her life with the bees - something I already find fascinating. I also loved seeing how Merrillion helped her harness the bees' power for good. Brooke's descriptions were wonderful & transported me right into the story, making the settings & relationships feel magical." (5 star review by @book_a_holic_17)
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"At the beginning, when Amber meets the magician Merrillion, I felt the magic was just starting. At first, this felt like a cosy read, especially with its village setting. However, as I carried on reading, I began to connect with the story on a deeper level, and there was a point when I found myself tearful. Amber was a great protagonist to follow, and I really enjoyed her journey. This is the type of story that will always stay with readers." (4 star Goodreads review)
"I have just read this beautiful story by Anne Brooke. It is not only beautiful but powerful, full of magical properties. Brilliantly crafted and with a wonderful imagination. It kept me gripped, guessing and wondering all the way through. Pick up a copy of this excellent book. It's more than worth a read - it's a must-read." (From a review by Frederick K, author of The Enchanted School)
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"What I really love is the constant tension ... whatever is brewing (no spoilers here!) comes to a dark, violent climax, followed by answers and revelations. A totally satisfying end, and I highly recommend this book." (From a review by Lizzie Mac, author of Family Secrets)
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"An absolutely delightful and moving read. From the very first page, I was drawn into a richly woven story filled with warmth, resilience, and emotional depth. Brooke has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life, so that they are deeply relatable. I found myself completely invested in their journeys. The writing is evocative and immersive, with vivid imagery that makes the setting feel like you are actually there. There’s a gentle rhythm to the storytelling that mirrors the themes of family, tradition and strength running throughout the book. It’s the kind of novel that invites you to slow down with a cup of tea, get cosy and savor each chapter. What truly stood out to me was the emotional authenticity. The relationships are beautifully portrayed, and the story balances tenderness with moments of hardship in a way that feels both honest and uplifting. This is a heartfelt, memorable novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with warmth, depth, adventure and lots of magic!" (From a 5 star Amazon review)
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"A coming-of-age fantasy novel with deep layers. Though this novel takes place in a long ago, far away village, it touches on themes that resonate in the modern world: the danger of labelling anyone different as “other,” the mindless ease of group brutality, bullying, and the negative consequences of not being who you really are. The novel is beautifully written. I loved reading Ms Brooke’s passages describing nature, flower gardens, and dancing bees. The prose is poetic. I highly recommend The Honeymaker’s Daughter as a well-written, thought-provoking read." (From a 5 star Amazon review)
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"A really lovely story! The writing was magical and fully enveloped you within the world of the story. The setting added to this. I enjoyed the range of characters and how enigmatic Merillion was. Amber was a great character too." (From a 4 star Amazon review)
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