1: 4.5 Stars!
Two years ago Francesca DeAngelo Harris returned home with carry out food for her husband, Jake, to find him carrying out his luggage. Jake left Francie without a word of explanation, leaving her with a 1200 acre, hundred year old vineyard and their six-year-old son, Nicholas. Fortunately, her mother-in-law (Julianne) ran a catering business out of the home. With Julianne's help, Francie managed very nicely on her own...until now.
Grape Growers Incorporated "GGI" is determined to mass-produce wine in the valley, putting all the small, independent vintners out of business. Mitchell Gillette is transferred from San Francisco to make it happen. His twin children, fifteen-year-olds Sarah and Drew, must move from the city to the valley with him. Mitch had divorced their mother long ago and the kids had lived with her. However, their mother died very recently. He does not really know his children and they are all up-tight. Sarah and Drew are handling all the sudden life changes differently. Sarah is trying her best to fit in and adapt. Drew is falling in with a bad crowd.
Francesca comes home after a hard day of work to find her ex-husband, Jake, sitting at the table. Jake swears he is reformed and wants back into her life. That is a shock in itself. But shortly thereafter, Francie finds Mitch, the corporate enemy of the entire valley, at the table. Even worse, Julianne is falling in love with Mitch. Life is full of surprises.
***** Many good novels have been written dealing with one rocky relationship and also involving major businesses. However, THIS book deals with twice as much. This story revolves around two main "romance" relationships, as well as, around the problems that single parents with rebellious teens must endure. Under it all is the community's winery troubles. It all sounds like a lot to cram into a single novel, however, the author has managed to pull it off. The story flows smoothly. You will never find yourself confused either. Author Jeanette Baker has created a marvelous and realistic modern day tale that readers will long remember! *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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