"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~ Charles W. Eliot
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"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook - try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!" ~ Julia Child
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"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Vineyard

The Vineyard by Barbara Delinsky (2000)

The Vineyard was my first book by Barbara Delinsky. My mother brought it to me after she read it herself since the setting is a vineyard. My husband and I love wine and drink a glass with most of our evening meals so she thought this book would appeal to me. She was right.

I loved the setting of the Rhode Island vineyard of Asquonset. The descriptions of the Great House had me wishing I could really go there.

Olivia is a photo restorer who needs to find a new job. Her boss has decided to retire and is closing down his business. She discovers a letter among the mail in the office one day asking her boss Otis for any referral he has for someone to come to Asquonset for the summer to help the owner Natalie write her memoir. Olivia convinces Otis that she is the person for the job. It will give her the summer to look for a job and a school for her daughter Tess who is dyslexic. Natalie not only gives Olivia the job but arranges for Tess to have a tutor, a tennis coach and sailing lessons at the local yacht club.

Olivia falls easily into her role but does not plan on confronting her feelings when she meets Simon who in charge of the vines. Simon is Carl's son. Carl is going to be marrying Natalie that summer. But Natalie's own children have something to say about the situation with their father only being dead for six months...if only they knew Natalie's real story.

A sweet love story definitely to be enjoyed with a glass of a tasty vintage.

Happy reading!
Heidi