Local Honey

De: Shawn P McCarthy

Narrado por: Shelley Anderson

Jim Yarrow, a wounded World War II vet, sees his luck change when he finds work as a police officer. He now thrives in his beloved hometown on the Merrimack River. Content with his job, his long-term friendships, and his wife and kids, he never expected the girl he loved in high school to reappear in his life.

Becky Bivens fled Riverbend, Massachusetts, in 1941, after her mother’s crimes were exposed. She’s lived a hardscrabble life ever since, and those struggles now help her understand her mother’s troubling choices.

In 1951, Becky returns, intent on building a simple produce stand on the land where she once lived. She intends to raise bees, sell honey, and restore her shattered life, while also helping other displaced women.

Riverbend, like many small towns, is entering a period of great economic expansion, while still recovering from a war that wreaked death and havoc on soldiers and families. However, the town’s growth comes with strict social rules and crippling class divisions. The war widows and homeless people who find refuge at Becky’s farm become social outcasts who face unsettling choices. Becky turns a blind eye to the "services" some of them offer as they squat on her property.

Local Honey is a story of America’s haves vs have-nots. It’s part love triangle, part class struggle, and part dreamy window into the lost New England of the 1950s. The backdrop includes seashore towns, rural farms, the gritty slums of Boston, and brief flashbacks of battlefields.

In a community that should be basking in the “winner’s aftermath” of a terrible war, all should be good for everyone. But it isn’t.

Shawn P. McCarthy is a Massachusetts-based author who explores the history of New England’s mountains, lakes, rivers, and seashores.

©2025 Dark Spark Press/Shawn P. McCarthy (P)2025 Dark Spark Press/Shawn P. McCarthy

An 1950's deeply character-driven Americana tale

As a former beekeeper, I was drawn to this book's title more than anything. Once the story started to form, the characters absolutely became fully realized people with their distinctive appearance, manners, and speech. Though set in the 1950's, parallels can be drawn to friends, neighbors, and politicians that we encounter today. Like they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Containing all the best parts of memorable and enjoyable stories: Surprise, conflict, romance, tension, intrigue, and action, Local Honey captivates the listener with the morally grey business being operated by a returning resident of a small town, and the effects and lasting repercussions it will have on the community. Fabulously and charismatically narrated by Shelley Anderson, it is difficult to pause once it begins. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 1.9x.]

Beautifully performed interesting historically laced story

I adore audiobooks when the narration and performance bring to life a story. The pace the poetic turns of phrase when artfully spoken can bring chills. Women’s voices are often undermined so the sweet structure of this story is much appreciated by this listener. Thank you to the author and team who brought a light to the dark moments struggled in our history as humans. May this story ultimately empower change through insight. Compassion and tenacity are compelling themes in this narrative made sweeter by a charming performance.