Bees in the Butterfly Garden (The Gilded Legacy) [Paperback]

Maureen Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2012 | Series: The Gilded Legacy

Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family or dreams of a future that include anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Meg Davenport grew up at an exclusive New York boarding school. Surrounded by the educated elite, she had everything most girls could dream of—except her family. But when her father dies, she seizes the opportunity to build her own future. Discovering secrets about the father she thought she knew puts her in contact with the man her father mentored and could involve her in a dangerous plot. VERDICT: This character-driven historical set in the American Gilded Age represents Lang (Look to the East; Whisper on the Wind) at her best. Though her many fans will surely enjoy it, consider giving this title also to patrons who like Amanda Harte and Tamara Alexander. (Library Journal)

From the Back Cover

“A young lady of impeccable decorum never appears outside her home unchaperoned, uncoiffed, ungloved, or unhappy.” —MADAME MARISSE’S HANDBOOK FOR YOUNG LADIES
Raised at an exclusive boarding school, Meg Davenport has everything she needs but none of what she’s wanted most—like the love of a family, or a future not dependent on following etiquette and marrying well. So when she receives shocking news of her father’s death, Meg seizes the chance to break every rule that has governed her life. Especially when she learns John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Ian Maguire knows that John—his mentor—would never have wanted his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet she is determined to carry on his legacy, and her talent for garden design has earned her an invitation to stay with one of Fifth Avenue’s wealthiest families. With friends like those, Meg could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet.

But living in both worlds is more treacherous than Meg imagined. And as Ian’s concern for Meg turns to love, he finds himself torn between greed and guilt. Can they find the legacy they both long for, or in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Books (June 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414364466
• ISBN-13: 978-1414364469
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 1 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #712,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Maureen Lang has been writing stories since the age of ten, when she figured out a way to write the stories she feels like reading. Since then she's become the award-winning author of over a dozen published novels. In the last ten years her faith has directed her to write stories that reflect Christian hope and traditional values. She's also been an active member of the disability community since her oldest son was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic form of mental retardation. Maureen loves going on research trips to get a feel for the settings of her novels, and lives in the Chicago area with her husband, children, and lovable Labrador Retriever. Visit her on the web at www.maureenlang.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite September 3, 2012

By Mary B.

Format:Paperback

This book review has been a long time coming. I waited and waited, hoping that if I gave it more time I'd remember something that would make me like it more. I wish I could, but it just wasn't my 'cup of tea'. For those of you who have read my reviews before, you know I like a book that draws me into the lives of the characters. I like descriptive narratives and engaging dialog. I like to feel something for the characters. I never quite got there with this book. Now, remember, this is only my opinion. You may really like it. I hope you do. I hope you give it a chance and really love it. At first, I was really drawn to the title. The main character is a young woman who designs gardens to attract butterflies. You'll have to read the book to find out what the bees reference pertains to. I had an inkling about that but wasn't comepletely sure until I read the author's notes in the back of the book. I also like books that are obviously Christian in nature. This one was kind of wishey-washey in that regard, Usually , it takes me 3-5 days to read a book. This one took me two weeks. I just couldnt get the hang of the author's writing style. In my opinion, it was too wordy. I did like how, toward the end, the author makes a point to emphasize the subtle differences between grace, mercy and justice.

Here is what the publisher's website says about it:
"Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue's finest, Meg Davenport has all she's ever needed . . . but none of the things she's wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases.... Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn't the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age's most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg's father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York's wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?"

You can read an exerpt on the publisher's website. I hope you give it a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Read more ›

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bees In The Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang June 30, 2012

By Deanna L. Gottreu

Format:Paperback

Bees In The Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang is the story of Meg Davenport, a young woman who is sent to the most exclusive boarding school in Connecticut at the age of nine by her father who does not want her to ever find out that his true career is stealing, especially from the rich. She has everything that money can provide but her only desire is for a family and the love of her father and to not have to deal with all the rules of etiquette required at the school.

At the death of her father, Meg learns of his true profession and defies all the rules determined to become a thief and continue her father's legacy. Ian Maguire who had been like a son to John Davenport finds himself in the position of trying to keep Meg from becoming a thief and wanting her help to pull off the largest heist of his career. The Pemberton family of New York City is known to have a collection of gold bricks and Ian's one desire is to steal them. Ian cannot resist the lure of the gold so he asks Meg to spend the summer with her friend Claire Pemberton so that she can learn where the bricks are kept.

At first I could not really get into the book but by the time I was about a third of the way through, I became quite interested in the story. The beginning of each chapter had either a rule of etiquette or a quote by a thief and both made for good laughs. After reading the rules of etiquette I could understand why Meg wanted nothing more than to be out of the boarding school and on her own. All the characters were very interesting but sometimes I became annoyed with the actions of Meg but she did add excitement to the story. The story also contained some suspense and humor which always adds to my enjoyment of a book.... At the end of the book good triumphs over evil as was to be expected since it is a book based on Christian values and those values were evident through the entire book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a good clean story with a happy ending.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. Read more ›

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars A new plot that left me disappointed July 1, 2012

By Morgan

Format:Paperback

Bees in the Butterfly Garden interested me because of the plot. Not many books have the main characters as the "bad guys." However, I was disappointed because it took forever for the book to "take off." The first half of the book was spent on Meg and Ian debating over whether or not she could join the gang. When they finally came to an agreement that Meg could help, it took only a few chapters for the action to happen.

The relationship between Ian and Meg was also sorely lacking. I felt like there was more of a relationship between Meg and Nelson, the man whose house Meg was planning on robbing. I felt like the book left me hanging. I did not feel satisfied with the ending. Towards the end of the book, Claire, the sister of Nelson, asked *spoiler alert* Meg to be in her wedding. However, after Meg's deceit was discovered it was never stated whether or not Meg would still be in the wedding.

I would not recommend this book.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Tyndale.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great premise, but very slow moving August 17, 2012

By Stay in the Car Mom

Format:Paperback

Meg Davenport is the epitome of a lady. Raised in a high society boarding school in New York during the late 1800's, Meg is shocked when she hears the news that her absentee father, John Davenport, has died. Trying to learn more about his life, she attends his funeral and meets all of his friends. While there her image of her father is shattered. He was not a society gentleman at all, but was instead, a con man and a thief.

Ian Maguire has learned from the best. As John Davenport student and protege, he can pull off cons with the best of them. But Meg has him baffled. She is convinced that she will follow in her father's footsteps. Ian, however, is determined to keep her in society and out of crime.

Despite his original objections, when Meg decides to make an extended visit with Fifth Avenue friends, Ian sees an opportunity to lighten them of a little of their famous gold bars. Can Meg pull off this hoax without losing everything? Can Ian keep his heart in check long enough to do what's best for Meg?

My Thoughts:

I have to admit, I chose this book mostly because the heroine had my last name and there aren't many books out there like that. But that fact aside...

I enjoyed the premise of this book - high society girl turns con artist in the late 1800's. Lang did a great job of explaining what would be involved in pulling off a reconnaissance and robbery if modern technology were not available. I really enjoyed reading those parts of the book.

I also really liked the themes of justice, grace and mercy that were woven throughout the book. The Pemberton family had some very good real-life examples of how justice, mercy and grace could be carried out in every day life.... It made those themes more understandable to the reader.

Other than that, this book was very slow moving. I kept waiting for the action to pick up and it never really did. The characters were interesting and well developed, almost too well developed. I have to admit that I got bored reading this and almost quit half way through.

I would love to give it higher marks because it had a lot of good qualities but overall, I just can't give out more than 3 stars to something that didn't hold my interest.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a complementary copy of this book for review by the Tyndale Blog Network. All opinions are my own. Read more ›