A Book Review by Martha Jette for Bee Balms & Burgundy

The Author's Note at the beginning of this novella left me wondering. "To every woman who has fought the battle, and the subsequent self-doubt and fear, win or lose.... I offer my respect." Nelson I thought perhaps that Nelson Pahl referred to the timeless battle women face when it comes to love - from finding the right partner, to attempting to build a relationship with a man that would last a lifetime. Boy, was I wrong! As the story of 30-something Vancouver bachelor and entrepreneur Nick May unfolded, it became clear that the battle he referenced was not about love. Someone he held most dear - a childhood friend - was suffering the battle of her life, a battle with cancer. Mia was the girl next door - a boyishly built woman he'd known since he was five. Though he loved her dearly, she was definitely not the kind of femme fatale that Nick generally dated. His ego had thus far drawn him instead toward beautiful, strong, independent and often temperamental women with large libidos. As he put it, "because he could." It wasn't until a scheduled trip home to St. Paul to visit his mother that a whole new view of Mia, a gentle, sweet woman emerged. Then for the first time in Nick's life, he was faced with the prospect of both the greatest love and the most terrible fear. Surprisingly for a male writer, Mr. Pahl handles this delicate situation with great sensitivity. The reader gets the impression that the author has actually lived his story - something that isn't always easy to do, particularly when it involves explaining the deep and often hidden emotions of a woman. I am quite impressed. As well, the author's descriptive language offers a clear picture of both the characters and the locations the story is set within. Mr. Pahl seems to have mastered this technique. When the novella came to its end, I thirsted for more. Somehow, I felt this book could have easily continued for another ten chapters at least. I was also left with a couple of unanswered questions, which should not be the case. However overall, I truly enjoyed reading Bee Balms & Burgundy. My one complaint is that I feel Mr. Pahl could have taken the story much further. I did not want it to end. Posted by Martha Jette