Your colorful corner for joyful reading, delightful book reviews, and even some lively author interviews!
Born from a love of storytelling and a belief that books have the power to transform lives, Bumblebee Book Blog was created to bring you the buzz on the latest stories and timeless tales. We hope to brighten your bookshelf and inspire your next great read!
Hi there!
My name is Gretchen McKenna—seeker of the new classics.
Where have they all gone, I ask myself daily, often with a dramatic sigh
and a cup of tea in hand? 😊 As a devoted lover of the Old
World—Victorian houses, antique furniture, corseted fashion, and even
the recipes that once graced candlelit tables in romantic restaurants—my
heart beats for stories that echo the elegance, mystery, and emotional
depth of a bygone era.
I read about a book a week, always
chasing that elusive magic—the kind found in novels written over a
century ago. I'm on a quest to discover and celebrate modern books that
carry the same soul-stirring beauty as the classics, with unique and
wondrous storytelling. If it's haunting, heartfelt, and steeped in
vintage charm, I'm probably already reading it—or blogging about it!
I'm
something of a mail-order bride (a story for another time!) and a proud
mother to five fur babies, each named after a great 18th-century
painter. Born in Ireland's beautiful County Galway—a place known for its
diverse scenery, vibrant culture, and strong Gaelic heritage—I married a
charming American and now live in Texas. I spend my days reading,
gardening, and attempting to kiss my husband to death (he's very
patient lol).
My love for the Old World was shaped during my
childhood summers on my grandparent's farm. Grandma slow-churned their
butter, made their own bread, canned their own fruits and vegetables,
and knitted their own blankets. Grandad worked the land, using the same
techniques and equipment his own father and grandad used. In the
mornings, I would smell the bread cooking, hear them talking about the
day's work ahead while drinking their coffee, and after breakfast, help
them with the chores and feed the animals. In the afternoons, I'd wander
off on my own, exploring everything I could, indulging my endless
imagination. And in the evenings, I'd sit by the fire, mesmerized by
Grandad's amazing stories about the past—tales that danced between
elation and heartbreak. It was such a magical time of my life, and those
enchanting memories are now the heartbeat of my blog. They gave birth to
my passion for reading, as well as sharing the outstanding literary
works I come across. So if you believe books should enchant, ache, and
linger long after the last page, you're in the right place!