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.
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.
Once Upon a Wine is a pleasing romance novel that is easy to read. It is a book is about choices, second chances, romance, and developing hidden talents. It shows how failure can lead to the fulfillment of a dream (if you want it to). I liked the nice change of pace that this book provided. I give Once Upon a Wine 3.5 out of 5 stars. I have to admit that Kat got on my nerves a little bit, and Cammie talked about her failed restaurant too much (she should never have opened a restaurant in the first place). I liked the addition of the cute French Bulldog, Jacques. He was adorable. Overall, Once Upon a Wine is an easy breezy book that is a good summer read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
