Happy Monday everyone!
Well I loved this book! It was such a wonderful story about family… and love… and wine 🍷
My Thoughts
Family, romance, and wine. Ellen Oaksmith has written such a heartwarming feel good story about the strength and power of love. Carmen has returneded home from Seattle to help on her family’s Vineyard. Her beloved father Juan is suffering from Alzheimers, and Carmen is afraid that the smooth talking interloper who just moved into the Vineyard next-door will talk him out of the family land. Carmen is surprised by the disrepair of the family home and Vineyard, but soon she remembers how much she loves the land. Carmen is determined to not only pay off the bank, but also bring the family vineyard back to its former glory. But Evan the budding winemaker next-door has other ideas, he really wants to get his hands on Carmine’s family land and grapes. Carmen it’s not having it, and will stop at nothing to stop this from happening. But surprise surprise Carmen and Evan are as drawn to one another as they are repelled.
This was such a gorgeous story. The setting was absolutely stunning and so vividly described. I felt like I was right there on the vineyard with Carmen and her family. Loved the bond between the sisters and their father and how determined and creative they were to keep the Vineyard. Also loved the back and forth between Carmen and Evan. There were some pretty funny moments while these to try to undermined one another, I especially loved the goats. A touching story that tugged at my heart, glad to see it is the first in what looks like will be a delightful series.
This book in emojis 🍇 🐶 🍷 🐐 👩🏼🌾 🏊🏽
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
About the Book
Carmen Alvarez is the reliable one. When her vulnerable father’s livelihood is threatened, she’s the person her sisters call. Abandoning her job in Seattle, Carmen races home to the family vineyard her dad built up from nothing to set things straight. But soon she’s fallen back in love with the dusty sage hills, the turquoise blue lake, the fragrant June orchards… Maybe she’s not just home for the summer?
Standing in the way of Carmen’s happiness is one very attractive obstacle: new neighbor Evan Hollister, who’s after her dad’s land. He’s arrogant, entitled and spoiled—everything Carmen hates—and she is all set to have a bit of fun driving him out of town so things can get back to normal. She isn’t ready for their relationship to get complicated…
But Evan is the least of Carmen’s worries. The business is falling apart and it starts to look like Carmen might lose much more than just her pride: employees have quit, the bank keeps calling and everything her father worked so hard for is slipping away. As she is pushed to breaking point, Carmen will learn that her true family are the people who will see her through the worst of times, and that love can be found in the most unlikely of places.
A heart-warming romance about embracing the unexpected, Summer at Orchard House will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that it’s never too late to start again. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Debbie Macomber.
About the Book
Ellyn’s first book was published by Avon/Harper Collins. Other contemporary romances with smart, ambitious heroines followed.
Ellyn lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and their polydactyl cat, Forest. Ellyn is an avid competitive rower.
Berit Talks Books 
A wonderful review Berit! Who wouldn’t love a story about wine? I definitely want to read this. ❤😍📚☕🍪
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