The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows: Feminine Pursuits

Written by Olivia Waite

Narrated by Morag Sims

When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous…

Penelope Flood exists between two worlds in her small seaside town, the society of rich landowners and the tradesfolk.  Soon, tensions boil over when the formerly exiled Queen arrives on England’s shores—and when Penelope’s long-absent husband returns to Melliton, she once again finds herself torn, between her burgeoning love for Agatha and her loyalty to the man who once gave her refuge.

As Penelope finally discovers her true place, Agatha must learn to accept the changing world in front of her. But will these longing hearts settle for a safe but stale existence or will they learn to fight for the future they most desire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780062988874

Olivia Waite

Olivia Waite writes historical romance, fantasy, and science fiction. She is currently the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review. To learn more and sign up for her newsletter, please visit www.oliviawaite.com.

Reviews for The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows

[M A. I. · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I had high expectations for this one since I almost gave the previous one 5/5. But they are nothing alike.
I think the main issue was the number of sub-plots. So many that it felt saturated and didn't allow the romance to properly develop. I admit that many topics were very interesting, and had it been a historical novel I'd actually enjoyed it more. However, those topics were often superficial and just hindered the romance.
I love how Olivia Waite creates characters and how you can feel the fondness and chemistry they feel for one another. But that wasn't enough here since we saw so little of them.
I'll read the next one, hoping it's more like the first one.

[Maria Colonia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. I had really high expectations for this, and I liked Olivia Waite's first book so much!
And I did like the book. Agatha is a strong character, a true business owner and she knows what she wants. Penelope, for all her sweetness, not so much. I liked their letter exchange, the description of London (like their visit to Vauxhall), all the scenes with the bees, the political subplot.
However, I felt that the book had so much more potential if only it had more focus and editing!
What I didn't like was especially the point of view - using surnames created distance. Plus, calling the mains either Agatha or Griffin, and either Penelope or Flood, this felt super weird. I should have been a minor thing, but to me it wasn't. I also felt that the greater romance was the one between Penelope's husband and her brother. They were really sweet.
I also liked the narrator Morag Sims. She does a really great job although I must say that Agatha sounds more like in her sixties than in her fourties.

[Bonn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love the narrator!
This time the author studied a lot about bees, printing shops and the history of libel and obscene laws of the early 1800s. Also, this book features a character we met on the first book in this series. Both women were law abiding citizens and has respect to the leaders of society, but they've learned how to play in the political games, without being direct. I also love how the story projects the beauty of small towns and their connection and relationship with people and nature.

[Eva Szalma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I put off reading this book, as it has one of the most awful cover. Imagine my suprice when I found a thoroughly enjoyable book! It is funny, sweet, sad, and just on the right side of being unbelievable to have a HEA. I recommend it!

[paulina_vacas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is good. But the dildo escene wasn't needed I think, Furthermore, I think it isn't verosimile. Besides it's supposed to be a feminist lesbian story. Whut would they need a phalocratical instroment between them to make love?

[managedbybooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees.

[jennybeast · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Distaff side printing house and beekeeping -- what is not to love here? Adored it -- loved the irascible main characters, the romance centered on older ladies, the print shop, the very well done explanation of the political landscape and the role of pamphlet printers before the free press, the sweet and sizzling romance (did I say that already?), learning more about beekeeping, and the small village shenanigans -- from gossip to late night pranks to negotiating with hostile men in power. It's just full of great stories, and the printing side was accurate, which is an achievement in its own right.

[bibliovermis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Do not judge this book by its cover, okay, it's about a couple of middle-aged ladies who wear a lot of trousers while they maintain bee hives and/or are covered in ink while they run successful printing companies, fight against the strictures and machinations of the local aristocracy, discuss the rights of women in marriage (or lack thereof) and political and historical events in 1820s London that I absolutely had to Wikipedia, and also pine for each other, and it rules.

[maneekuhi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in 1820s London and a nearby village, this 282 page novel is a “best romances” selection of the Washington Post’s new best books of the year format, a welcome change to the ancient, staid, tired “50 (notable) fiction, 50 non-fiction blah blah blah" – check it out. “Waspish Widows” (WW) focuses on two middle age, attractive, career women (maybe 100 years ahead of their time ?), Agatha and Penelope. Agatha is a widow who runs a print shop, and Penelope is (kinda) married to a sea man who is away on the briny sometimes for a few years; she’s a beekeeper. Eventually Agatha and Penelope meet – and sparks fly……slowly, very slowly, very slowly. As you get into the book and start a new chapter you think “aha, maybe this is the chapter….” but no, at most for the longest time you get little more than a hot look. And quite an education about bees, printing, a bit of history and some olde government. Very interesting stuff though, and a well written book. Then finally, and again, and again. WW is actually the 2nd in a series of three.