Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $2.99
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
Will the rare love that comes once in a lifetime win her over? Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards is a compelling and enchanting novel set among vineyards in Southern France and Central California.
Spending summers at her grandparents’ vineyard, Clos de l’Harmonie, Olivia found her passion for winemaking. Olivia accepts an invitation from a Frenchman to complete her master’s degree project at his family’s fifth generation vineyard in France.
She and the French winemaker have an instant attraction. With her project complete, she struggles with the desire to stay in France and the knowledge she is neglecting her grandparents’ vineyard. Called back to California by an unforeseen turn of events, Olivia focuses on getting Clos de l’Harmonie certified as a biodynamic vineyard. Her dream is to make authentic natural wine that captures the landscape and its essence in a bottle.
As she wrestles with her long-distance love interest, the challenges of reviving a rundown vineyard, and trouble with the landowner next door, Olivia finds strength in the human spirit and the need to prove herself in a sea of doubters.
A feast for the senses, Crush captures the complex and enduring bonds of family and love amidst the dramas and joys of winemaking. The magic and mysteries of biodynamic farming come to life along with the colorful cast of characters in both France and California.
Customer Reviews
This Book Whisked Me Away on a Romantic Journey!!
—-4.5 Stars—-
This book whisked me away on a sweet, romantic, aromatic, delightful journey!!!
This book has a creative story line, fantastic writing style that flows with meticulous and vivid scenes, well-developed characters, is evenly paced, and keeps you completely entertained through the last page.
It’s pretty obvious by reading the title and blurb that this book was going to be about wine, so I decided to get into “character,” when reading this book. I poured a glass a wine, made a cheese and cracker plate, and snuggled up under a soft, chenille blanket on the couch, pretending it wasn’t pouring rain outside and that I was laying out on the lanai LOL!!!
I really liked the main characters, Olivia and Luke. They were kind, realistic, and genuine. I loved that Olivia, was a strong, smart, confident, bold, fierce, driven female-lead – those are my favorite type of characters and role-models. I loved that Luke, was sexy, charming, caring, and romantic. I liked the instant connection between Olivia and Luke. It was a little rushed, but still totally believable. They were so sweet together and there is so much chemistry and passion between them! I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and unfold over the course of the book.
I loved that both characters had so much in common, wanted the same family goals, and dreams. Unfortunately, those plans were on different continents. I couldn’t imagine finding my soulmate and then having to decide between them and family duties, commitments, and your life’s work. It seems no matter what choice you make, you’d be disappointing someone, or giving up something you worked your whole life for. Is true love stronger than that? Or will over time cause you to resent that person? Or have deep regrets down the road? Or does blood really run deeper and as they say, family is family? Maybe they’re not really the one after all? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens and what Olivia and Luke decide to do about their predicament!!
The author’s writing is strong and eloquently detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that it was easy to picture – especially the beautiful picturesque family vineyards in Central California and Southern France. Both are now definitely on my bucket list!
I was also truly impressed with the amount of in-depth research the author provided in this book. It is clear she was well-versed and familiar with the ins and outs of winemaking and running a biodynamic vineyard. It definitely made the story feel more genuine and authentic. Plus, the author was able to apply the information in an easy to understand tone for all readers regardless their level or experience with wine.
I live in a wine valley where several vineyards are just a couple miles down the road. Sadly, I have yet to visit any of them as I have always been a bit nervous about not always knowing the proper wine etiquette. After reading this book and learning some lingo, but more importantly reading about the lavish area and incredible experience these vineyards and tours offer I can’t help but feel I am missing out on something that people drive hours – even days to come visit!!! This book has absolutely inspired me to finally book one of those nearby wine tasting and vineyard tours and have my own real-life adventure!!!
There are some very predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
At this time, this book is not part of a book series and can be read as a standalone. However, without saying too much I think there could be a possibility that the author could follow this book up with a sequel.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all contemporary romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – in character with a glass of wine or not LOL – regardless you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**