Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards
by Joye Emmens
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
Will
the rare love that comes once in a lifetime win her over? Crush: A Tale of Two
Vineyards is a compelling and enchanting novel set among vineyards in Southern
France and Central California.
Spending summers at her
grandparents’ vineyard, Clos de Harmonie, Olivia found her passion for
winemaking and pursued a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Olivia accepts an
invitation from a Frenchman to complete her master’s degree project at his
family’s fifth generation biodynamic vineyard in France.
She and the French
winemaker have an instant attraction. With her project complete, she struggles
with the desire to stay in France and the knowledge she is neglecting her
grandparents’ vineyard. Called back to California by an unforeseen turn of
events, Olivia focuses on getting Clos de Harmonie certified as a biodynamic
vineyard. Her dream is to make authentic, natural wine that captures the landscape
and its essence in a bottle.
As she wrestles with
her long-distance love interest, the challenges of reviving a rundown vineyard,
and trouble with the landowner next door, Olivia finds strength in the human
spirit and the need to prove herself in a sea of doubters.
An evocative story that
awakens the senses, Crush captures the complex layers and enduring bonds of
family amidst the dramas and joys of winemaking. The magic and mysteries of
biodynamic farming come to life along with a colorful cast of characters in
both France and California.
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EXCERPT
Professor Clark, my graduate adviser, walked to the podium.
The guest speaker followed. With his lean build, he glided across the stage. He
stood tall and relaxed in a white linen long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.
While the professor introduced him, he scanned the audience, and his eyes
landed on me in the front row. I sat up straight and wished I’d worn something
more flattering than jeans and a T-shirt. Mom always told me never leave the
house without looking your best. His brown eyes met mine before he took the
podium.
So, this was Lucien Laroche. I was to be his ambassador for
the weekend. Professor Clark had asked me to take Lucien to consult with two
wineries near Santa Barbara. Since I was going to my nana’s vineyard in the
valley already, it worked out perfectly.
“Biodynamic agriculture springs from a spiritual worldview
called anthroposophy,” Lucien Laroche stated. His French accent had me. “A
biodynamic farm is a living system. A self-sustaining ecosystem that is
responsible for creating and maintaining its health without any outside or
unnatural additions. Each farm has its own unique characteristics.”
I followed his every move. His presence held my attention.
My undivided attention.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Website:
www.jemmens.com
Twitter:
@joyeemmens
Facebook:
joyeemmens
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GIVEAWAY
Joye Emmens will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a
randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!
October 7: Travel the Ages
October 7: Books to Light Your Fire
October 14: Lost in a Book After a Day of Social Work
October 14: Sharing Links and Wisdom
October 21: Locks, Hooks and Books
October 21: Fabulous and Brunette
October 28: The Reading Addict
October 28: Iron Canuck Reviews and More
My Review
Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards is an intriguing read by Joye Emmens. I enjoyed the settings in this book. Such beauty to see the places through the author’s eyes. I loved getting to know Luke and Olivia. I was entertained with this story from start to finish. I had no problem having it read in one sitting.
I am giving Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards four and a half stars. I would love to read more by Miss Emmens in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds sooo good!
ReplyDeleteGreat post - I enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fantastic read.
ReplyDeletepretty cover
ReplyDeleteLovely cover
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite part about writing?
ReplyDeleteFrance and California...two places I'd love to visit but probably never will - except in this book!
ReplyDelete