Chick Lit Archives

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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