Susan Mallery returns to the blog with a story of dreams lost, found and redefined with
The Vineyard at Painted Moon
Mackenzie has always wanted to ‘belong’ and thought she had found that with her husband, his sisters, mother and vineyard. Known for her talent as a winemaker, she’s worked every hour and then some to build wines that people clamor for. And she succeeded, even as her marriage took a spot far behind her friendship with her two sisters-in-law, Four and Stephanie, her love and attachment to their mother Barbara and the vines. But when she and Rhys finally truly talk about their marriage, the niggling thoughts that their time as a couple was over – and neither really had the determination or emotional energy to fight the divorce.
Unfortunately, Barbara is a controlling and one of the most horribly broken, manipulative, angry and vindictive characters I’ve ever met. And she has dedicated herself to bringing Mackenzie low for “leaving” and her traitorous behavior. Going so far as to consult a lawyer in her attempts to dissolve a contract, sign over parental rights to a child not yet born and quite a surprise, and demanding that someone find a “non-compete’ action to stop Mackenzie.
The one thing no one, not even Mackenzie, accounted for was her talent – long known in the Oregon Vineyard circles, her popularity with other winemakers, and their dislike if not outright disdain for Barbara and her approach to business, her family and their community. With plenty of surprises, a few hiccups and plenty of moments to get to see true friendship, support and even some quiet shoring up, the story is lovely with an ending to make everyone smile.

Title: The Vineyard at Painted Moon
Author: Susan Mallery
Genre: Contemporary Woman's Fiction, Family Saga, Friendship, Humor elements, Romantic Elements, Second Chance, Setting: American
Published by: HQN Books
ISBN: 1335912797
Published on: 9 February, 2021
Format:eARC
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Pages: 400
Audio Length: 10 Hours: 34 minutes
Rated:

Heat:


Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.
Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.
A copy of this title was provided via Publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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