Monday, October 21, 2019

Review Tour and Giveaway: Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards by Joyce Emmens


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:

Joye Emmens is also the author of She’s Gone. She lives in California with her husband.

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.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



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. 






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