Upon arriving in Tiburon, South Carolina, Lily and Rosaleen are taken in by the Boatwright sisters, a trio of African-American beekeepers who run a successful honey business. The sisters, August, May, and June, welcome Lily and Rosaleen into their home and help them heal from their past traumas.
As Lily starts to become more involved with the beekeeping business and the lives of the Boatwright sisters, she learns more about her mother's past and the truth about her death. In the process, Lily realizes the injustices and racism that exist in the world and how the Boatwright sisters have navigated these challenges in their own lives.
As the summer progresses, Lily becomes more confident in herself and her abilities and develops a romantic relationship with Zach, the Boatwrights' nephew. However, their relationship is tested by the racism and prejudice faced by African Americans during this time period.
Ultimately, Lily must make a decision about her future and whether to stay in Tiburon or return to her old life. The Secret Life of Bees is a coming-of-age story about finding oneself, the power of family and community, and the resilience of the human spirit.