February 9, 2021

I loved this story about second chances and being strong enough to forge a new path.

Plus, it’s set in a winery owned by a family, and what’s not to love about wineries and family businesses?

The tale was told through the experiences of the Barcellona women (one by marriage). Each of the women were in different places in their lives, but each had to face big changes and figure out how to make new situations work.

I was especially taken by MacKenzie’s story. She does seem to be the main protagonist, and she is the Barcellona-by-marriage character.

She thinks she has built everything (her life, her job, her passion) in connection with her husband, Rhys, because it’s his family’s winery.

But what does she do when they realize their marriage is no more?

I found her to be relatable, as she was an older character (yes, 37 is old by many standards) and had been through life. Her worries and considerations were familiar to me for…well, reasons.

Anyone who has been married knows what it is like to lose track of a sense of self-identity. It’s easy to fall into a trap of “we” and lose sight of “me.” In addition, self-confidence can be damaged, not purposefully, but because of the reliance on the partnership.

MacKenzie was fortunate that she had other women in the family who helped her see her own self-worth and how much she actually could take pride in for herself (not just as part of a couple).

I also thought that Barbara’s arc (as the matriarch navigating love again) and Stephanie’s as a divorcee (of 10 years) who still “connected” with her ex occasionally gave nice counterpoints to MacKenzie’s story.

All in all, it was an extremely pleasant story filled with likable characters in a calming, pastoral setting. You’ll learn about wineries and winemaking, and the resilience that women can have when they support each other.

It was a nice break from crime procedurals and psychological thrillers. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to read it.

About the Author

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

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I’ve been a pretty big fan of Lottie Parker for a few books now (you can read my reviews by searching “Lottie Parker” in the search bar on this blog).

This author creates some of the most intricate plots I have ever read, and there are always surprises and connections that are unexpected. This latest book (#9!) is no exception.

One thing I found particularly entertaining is how Lottie and Boyd’s personal life has progressed. To me, that is almost as interesting as the cases at hand.

Maybe it’s because I have a law enforcement connection, maybe because I just like the human interest, but I’m always invested in how an author addresses the personal lives of the characters.

I’m happy to say that Lottie and Boyd have indeed progressed, but not without more drama (of course). And once again, Lottie needs to think quick and solve an extremely convoluted case before she can find happiness with Boyd.

Or can she find it at all?

Like I’m going to give that part away.

You can read blurbs and recaps elsewhere. The author does the usual fine job of introducing characters at just the right moments so that everything seems natural and organic. There is no forced realization.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3cgBQxZ
Apple: http://apple.co/3a263OJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3nCGo5h
Google: http://bit.ly/3nsfVHj

That’s one of the things I like most about this series – I can count on it to be intriguing and page-turning, but rarely do I say “Oh, come on! That wouldn’t happen that way!”

Yeah, I get that way about crime novels.

I think it is also a testament to the author’s prowess that this is indeed book nine in the series, and there are no real signs of slowing down. In fact, I think each book gets more intricate (that word again).

I’d love to see this author’s mind maps or idea boards, I’ll bet they’re works of art.

I will say, however, at this point if you want the full impact of the book, you would be best to start at the beginning of the series and read them in order.

While this could be read as a stand-alone, due to Lottie and Boyd’s relationship, I would suggest reading the trajectory of it. You’ll get so much more out of the book. I promise.

Oh, and the title in relation to the crimes? Well done. I love that connection.

Author Bio:

Patricia is the million-copy bestselling author of the DI Lottie Parker series. She yearned to be a writer after reading Enid Blyton and Carolyn Keene and even wanted to be Nancy Drew when she grew up. She has now grown up (she thinks) but the closest she’s come to Nancy Drew is writing crime!

In 2009, after her husband died, she retired from her job and started writing seriously. Fascinated by people and their quirky characteristics, she always carries a notebook to scribble down observations.

Patricia also loves to paint in watercolour and lives in the Irish midlands with her children.