5. The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Mink Kidd (45 to go!)

This novel is exceptionally beautiful and crafted with such love that it is most definitely a 'must-read'. The tale is of Lily Owens and Rosaleen (her nanny) in their quest to find out who their mother really was. Stumbling upon a honey farm and three bee-keeping sisters Lily finds out more than she expected. 

It is a story of faith which is what makes it so special. As a Christian, I particularly loved the focus on Mary (and a rather special Mary she is too) instead of the common religious figure; Jesus. It made you think more of our communal mother and how she can nurture our souls just a much as our real mothers. 

The ever running theme of honey in the novel makes you hunger for sweetness and further highlights the 'Queen Bee' ethic of women. August, May and June (the bee keeping sisters) are the cogs of maintaining the hive and they welcome all - including Lily - into their honeycomb.

A truly enjoyable book that I would happily read over.