Uncle Dixon always told Rennie to tell the bees everything, but somewhere along the way, Rennie forgot. Now, with her life at its lowest, she begins to see the bees in a new light. Will she believe again in the magic of the hives, and will she listen as the bees try to guide her home?
About the Book:
It's 1969, and the town of Spark Tennessee, is just as excited about the moon landing as the rest of the country. Rennie Hendricks is grieving and trying to heal from the unimaginable loss of her infant son. She had hoped a child would repair the cracks in her marriage to her husband, Tiny, but the tragedy has only served to illuminate his abusive character. Trying to relieve some of the financial stress that inflames Tiny's anger, Rennie accepts a position cooking at the local diner. Hidden away in a kitchen making delicious food, she rediscovers the joy she finds in cooking for others, and as she spends more time with her new boss, she realizes there are more options for women than she thought possible.
One of the benefits of her new job is that she can bring meals to her beloved Uncle Dixon, the man who practically raised her along with her late Aunt Eugenia, a woman unkindly labeled as a witch by most of the town. What those people didn't understand is that Eugenia was a healer and connected to power they couldn't grasp.
Rennie thinks her elderly uncle is confused when he talks about communicating with his bees, but then she starts to see them glow, leading her toward safety time and time again. Could it be that these bees, discovered long ago by her Aunt Eugenia, are magical and trying to tell her something? And what about the new neighbor, Ambrose Beckett, who seems to understand the bees too. Is he being truthful about why he has moved to Spark, or is there more to him than meets the eye?
Hope-filled and infused with magical realism, Bees in June captures Rennie's journey back to her true self, creating a rewarding life that the bees showed her was possible if she only believed in herself and the magic that surrounds her.
September 2, 2025
Harper Muse
ISBN: 9781400342600
Meet the Author:
Elizabeth Bass Parman grew up entranced by family stories, such as the time her grandmother woke to find Eleanor Roosevelt making breakfast in her kitchen. She worked for many years as a reading specialist for a non-profit and spends her summers in a cottage by a Canadian lake. She has two grown daughters and lives outside her native Nashville with her husband.
Connect on social:
Instagram/Threads: @elizabethbassparman
Praise for Elizabeth Bass Parman:
'As someone who often fantasizes about a simpler way of life, stepping back in time to Queen Bee Posey Jarvis's colorful world was a slice of literary heaven. A delightful 1960s southern charmer on every level. What a stunning, poignant debut.' ―Rea Frey, #1 bestselling author of DON'T FORGET ME and THE OTHER YEAR
'With humor and heart, the novel explores themes of family, self-discovery, and the challenges of staying true to oneself. Perfect for book clubs, the story is complemented by discussion questions that dive deeper into its rich characters and Southern charm.' ― She Reads
'First-time novelist Parman delivers a twisted tale of small-town drama. Fans of gothic tales or Southern novels will enjoy this.' ―Library Journal
'Funny, fast-moving, suspenseful, with unforgettable and deeply drawn characters, THE EMPRESS OF COOKE COUNTY will rivet readers.'―Lee Smith, New York Times bestselling author
'Get ready to laugh! Elizabeth Bass Parman is a true Southern storyteller. I couldn't have loved THE EMPRESS OF COOKE COUNTY more.' ―Fannie Flagg, New York Times bestselling author
'Parman superbly teases out the good and bad sides of people . . . This novel effectively combines very human foibles, hilarious circumstances, and honest yearnings of the heart with page-turning endings. Highly recommended.' ―Historical Novel Society
'THE EMPRESS OF COOKE COUNTY gives you a juicy taste of small-town Southern life at its best! Be prepared to laugh out loud as you race through pages full of secrets, high drama, and an unpredictable ending!' ―Lisa Patton, bestselling author of WHISTLIN' DIXIE IN A NOR'EASTER
'You won't simply read THE EMPRESS OF COOKE COUNTY, you will fall into a world we all long for: sizzling small-town life in the American south with its secret history, vivid characters, and juicy dramas. If the complicated JEZEBEL and the feisty women of STEEL MAGNOLIAS had a baby, it might be Posey Jarvis. Put on a pot of coffee, cut yourself a wedge of chess pie and dive in.' ―Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE
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