This is the first book by Jan Moran that I had the pleasure of reading and it certainly won't be my last.
Book Title: The Winemakers, A Novel of Wine and Secrets by Jan Moran
Category: Adult fiction, 368 pages
Genre: 20th Century Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release date: April 5, 2016
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (for themes of out-of-wedlock sex and childbirth. Two scenes of tasteful romantic sex (no body parts), and very mild language (no strong profanity).
Book Description:
1956: When Caterina Rosetta inherits a cottage in the countryside of Italy from a grandmother she's never known, she discovers a long-buried family secret -- a secret so devastating, it threatens the future of everything her mother has worked for.
Many years before, her mother's hard-won dreams of staking her family's claim in the vineyards of California came to fruition; but as an old murder comes to light, and Caterina uncovers a tragic secret that may destroy the man she loves, she realizes her happiness will depend on revealing the truth of her mother's buried past.
From author Jan Moran comes The Winemakers, a sweeping, romantic novel that will hold you in its grasp until the last delicious sip.
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My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
This is the first book by Jan Moran that I had the pleasure of reading and it certainly won't be my last. As a matter of fact, as soon as I finished this one, I promptly bought Scent of Triumph, a previous novel by Jan Moran that I've had my eye on. I had high expectations for The Winemakers and I was not disappointed. The pages flew by quickly and I did not want the story to end!
Atmospheric, well-written and emotional, this book transported me by its lush descriptions of the vineyards in Napa Valley, its 1950s setting, the art of winemaking, the tasteful romance and the mysterious past of a strong woman and her family. Partly set in Italy, the story is rich and full of secrets, secrets that are devastating, that kept me holding my breath until the last page.
Ava and Caterina, are both strong characters, both hiding secrets and in love with men they feel they cannot have. This mother and daughter's stories come together, culminating in a climax that puts everything at stake. Jan Moran is a great storyteller, taking the reader on a journey full of emotions and rich in details.
My own father has been making wine for as long as I can remember and this is such an ingrained part of my culture and own family life. I loved everything about this book and I applaud Jan Moran for skilfully portraying winemaking and its culture. This book has made it to my list of Best Reads for 2016.
Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
About the author:
Jan Moran is a Rizzoli bestselling and award winning author. She writes historical women's fiction for St. Martin's Press (Scent of Triumph, The Winemakers), contemporary women's fiction (Flawless, Beauty Mark, Runway), and nonfiction books (Vintage Perfumes, Fabulous Fragrances). Her stories are smart and stylish, and written with emotional depth. Jan often draws on her international travel and business experiences, infusing her books with realistic details.
The Midwest Book Review and Kirkus have recommended her books, calling her heroines strong, complex, and resourceful. She likes to talk to readers at www.janmoran.com and on social media. She lives in southern California and loves lattes and iced coffee, anything chocolate, and Whole Foods Double Green smoothies to balance it all out.
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