Once Upon a Wine
(A Black Dog Bay Novel)
Romantic Comedy
Setting – Delaware
New American Library (July 26, 2016)
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451474193
E-Book ASIN: B016JPTHOE
From the “sharp, sassy, [and] surprisingly emotional”* author of Put a Ring on It
Cammie Breyer needs a big glass of cabernet—her restaurant failed and her chef boyfriend left for a hotter kitchen. Just when she thinks she’s hit rock bottom, her Aunt Ginger calls with a surprise. She’s bought a vineyard—in Delaware. At Ginger’s command, Cammie returns to Black Dog Bay, the seaside town where she spent her childhood summers with her aunt and her cousin, Kat.
The three women reunite, determined to succeed. There’s only one little problem: None of them knows the first thing about wine making. And it turns out, owning a vineyard isn’t all wine and roses. It’s dirt, sweat, and desperation. Every day brings financial pitfalls, unruly tourists, romantic dilemmas, and second thoughts. But even as they struggle, they cultivate hidden talents and new passions. While the grapes ripen under the summer sun, Cammie discovers that love, like wine, is layered, complex, delicious, and worth waiting for…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The cover grabbed my attention and what followed was a delightful summer read.
Cammie used to summer in Black Dog Bay, but when her cousin calls to say she must come there right away she has no idea what she is coming back to. It seems her aunt has bought a winery and because Cammie had a restaurant and could talk a good wine game she thinks Cammie is has the expertise needed to manage a winery. Hard work and determination may help Cammie save her aunt and her cousin from bankruptcy. A certain farmer may just make Cammie glad she returned to take on this enormous task.
I discovered this author and this series last year and I am glad I did. When I need a break from my usual mysteries her books seem to be just what I need. Black Dog Bay is quite a place – “the best place in America to bounce back from your breakup.” With places like Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar, Black Dog Bay offers a haven for the suddenly single. So Cammie has come to the right place. Her cousin Kat is married, but things in her life are far from paradise so maybe this little adventure can put things back on track. Aunt Ginger is recovering from a traumatic event and doesn’t have a man in her life but is open to the idea. And that cute little bulldog on the cover is Jacque, he makes himself right at home with all 3 of them at Lost Dog Vineyard.
This is a funny, lighthearted story about a true family bond. These women are so clearly in over their heads but are determined to make wine without a lot of whining. A few trips to the Whinery bar and some guidance from someone that knows about growing fruits and the weather help get them off to a good start. I admire the courage they had and the way they didn’t give up.
Like any romantic comedy read/movie the ending is predictable but I really enjoyed my escape to Black Dog Bay. The author tells the story in a clever way with a few laugh out loud moments. I was very pleased with the way the theme “bloom where you are planted” ran through the entire story.
This book is part of a series that all take place in the same location but are stand alone stories.
About the Author
Beth Kendrick is the author of several novels, including Cure for the Common Breakup
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sounds like a fun read, and the cover art is adorable. I am looking forward to reading this book.
The cover of this book is enough to make me stop and look at what the book is all about. Thanks for including it on your blog. robeader53@yahoo.com
I love wine, both collecting and drinking it. I think this will be a fun read.
One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors!