Review by Booklist Review
On the night of the annual Summer Solstice Party, Mackenzie and Rhys Dienes realize that their marriage is over. They had been sleeping in separate bedrooms for the past five years, and sex is a distant memory. Seeing the passion of Rhys' mother, Barbara, and her new fiancée on display helps them finally acknowledge the truth. For Mackenzie, this decision is devastating because she loses not just her husband, but also possibly her job. Mackenzie is the winemaker for Bel Après, Rhys' family winery that Barbara runs with an iron fist. Even though Mackenzie has helped make the winery a great success, she knows that the divorce will change everything. What she doesn't know is how much the divorce will change her life for the better. Mallery is an expert at writing about strong women, their friendships, and their romances. This book has all of these elements, and, while readers may find it hard to sympathize with Mackenzie's privileged life, and Rhys is unfairly villainized, the friendships in the book are warmth and realistic, as Mallery's many fans will expect.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Mackenzie Dienes thought she had found her forever family. After being orphaned at a young age and losing her only other relative, she thought joining the Barcellona family was a dream come true, especially because she was able to contribute to the Barcellona family vineyard, Bel Après, in a significant way. It all begins to crumble when she and her husband Rhys, the only Barcellona son, realize that their marriage is over and begin divorce proceedings. Not only is her marriage ending, but Mackenzie must leave her job as Bel Après's winemaker. She goes into partnership with a charming businessman named Bruno, to acquire their own vineyard. Along the way, Mackenzie's relationships are tested: Rhys turns out not to be the man she thought he was, and his mother Barbara, who always called Mackenzie the daughter of her heart, becomes mean and vindictive. Mackenzie is supported by two of the Barcellona sisters and Bruno as she navigates the purchase of the Painted Moon Vineyard and an unexpected pregnancy. Mackenzie is front and center here, and her best friend Stephanie Barcellona features heavily; their two stories are intertwined as well. The novel is high on drama, with characters you will root for and characters you will despise. Tanya Eby's narration brings emotion and depth to each character. VERDICT An easy purchase for library collections.--Courtney Pentland, Omaha, NE
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