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To Taste the Wine
Their passion raged in the stark beauty of Australia. Their love flowed as freely as wine. Only Fern Michaels could tell this exotic story of passionate adventure!
343 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 1987
491 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
424 books6,520 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 16, 2011
I thought this was a decent read until about midway through and then it just seemed to unravel. The sexual tension between Chelsea and Luke was pretty hot on board ship and when she first arrived in Australia, but then she turns from being a fierce woman in control of her destiny to an absolute victim by her choosing. I'm sorry but if you're looking for respectability you don't stay with a man who brutalizes you every night...if I was her I would have put up with whatever gossip and run back to Luke after that first bad incident. Townspeople be damned! She pretty much lost all respect from me after that. The whole ending sequence just seemed all crammed together..rushed and forced..just like her marriage to Kane.
July 7, 2017
No. No. No. A con woman wants to change her life so she heads to a new continent where she chooses the physically brutal rapist as a husband over the "kind" con who rapes by means of threats who won't marry her. Eventually the brutal rapist is killed by the saintly aborigine [who is killed at the same time by the "evil" rapist/husband]. So the two "good cons" live happily ever after with their love child born of their affair during the marriage. Ugh. After all, if you compel unwanted sex with a woman by means of threats it must be love. Sigh. So not my kind of romance plotting.
June 25, 2020
Victorian era Romance in Australia.
It started with a little lie.
After re reading the question is to keep or not I am 50/50 at the moment.
It started with a little lie.
After re reading the question is to keep or not I am 50/50 at the moment.
August 9, 2012
I had a hard time choosing what to rate this book. I liked it, I like the way the author writes and I enjoyed the details along with how well she described each character. It's the story that I wasn't fond of. It wasn't predictable and I usually love books like that, but this was just... I didn't like it. It was a story and a good one, just not to my taste. Does that make sense?
I didn't like the rape(s), or the fact that Quaid and Chelsea all but hated each other while saying they were in love. All they did was make love. They did nothing to prove they were in love, which I found disappointing.
There were so many twists and turns that I think could have happened differently. Why did Chelsea go forward and marry Mr. Kane? Why did she still run off and be with Quaid? Why, why, why? Then she gets knocked up because the Aboriginal told her to, wow, that's odd.
Chelsea and Quaid didn't fight for each other, maybe that's what I thought was lacking. They kept angering each other and made the other make poor choices. I didn't even like the main characters because of that!
Chelsea stole, married, asked for more and more, and even admitted she just wanted a man. She wanted money. Apparently Quaid couldn't give her that. So love wasn't enough, I guess. Maybe it's because all they do is have sex that they don't have that emotional connection needed. Sex isn't enough. That's what Chelsea should have said.
I really don't know what to say. I liked the book, how it was written, the time frame, and so on. I didn't like the 'romance'. I didn't like the main characters or their choices, but I found the book amusing. It was... different. It just was lacking in some areas.
I didn't like the rape(s), or the fact that Quaid and Chelsea all but hated each other while saying they were in love. All they did was make love. They did nothing to prove they were in love, which I found disappointing.
There were so many twists and turns that I think could have happened differently. Why did Chelsea go forward and marry Mr. Kane? Why did she still run off and be with Quaid? Why, why, why? Then she gets knocked up because the Aboriginal told her to, wow, that's odd.
Chelsea and Quaid didn't fight for each other, maybe that's what I thought was lacking. They kept angering each other and made the other make poor choices. I didn't even like the main characters because of that!
Chelsea stole, married, asked for more and more, and even admitted she just wanted a man. She wanted money. Apparently Quaid couldn't give her that. So love wasn't enough, I guess. Maybe it's because all they do is have sex that they don't have that emotional connection needed. Sex isn't enough. That's what Chelsea should have said.
I really don't know what to say. I liked the book, how it was written, the time frame, and so on. I didn't like the 'romance'. I didn't like the main characters or their choices, but I found the book amusing. It was... different. It just was lacking in some areas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2011
I read it because it was reported to be the story of a woman who throws caution to the wind and moves to the Australian wine country. And while that holds true it just wasn't what I was hoping for. Other than dust and drought conditions, not many elements of adjusting to Australia and the conditions there were included.
If you are a fan of bodice-rippers with heroines who like being sexually dominated this may be the novel of your dreams. It wasn't mine.
It is a smutty, trashy romance in the best possible connotations of the genre. My only complaint - if that were the type of book I were going for - would be that the ending is quite abrupt and leaves the reader with questions.
While it did contain all the necessary elements of a great trashy romance, that just wasn't what I was looking for. My score reflects less on the novel and more on my mood.
If you are a fan of bodice-rippers with heroines who like being sexually dominated this may be the novel of your dreams. It wasn't mine.
It is a smutty, trashy romance in the best possible connotations of the genre. My only complaint - if that were the type of book I were going for - would be that the ending is quite abrupt and leaves the reader with questions.
While it did contain all the necessary elements of a great trashy romance, that just wasn't what I was looking for. My score reflects less on the novel and more on my mood.
June 18, 2010
I gave this book 1 star, only because you cannot give a book no stars. It started it off pretty good; a young lady out to make her own destiny in the "new" colony of Australia. She leaves behind a corrupt uncle, a lousy job, and no friends as she sails from England. Round about Day 2 on board the boat, she sleeps with the first guy. Yes, the first. There are more. I was rooting for the independent young lady... then I realized that she is greedy and amoralistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2012
Not too impressed. Liked parts of the story. Michael's could not keep the main characters out of the bed too long. Parts of the story were really good. Not sure I will read this author again.
May 27, 2017
This novel was written in 1997, reissued in 2011 in print and in audiobook format narrated by Anne Flosnik.
Flosnik is a gifted narrator, and Michaels' story is brimming with adventure and passion. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of Australia's drought, memorable characters, and an agonizing plot that tortures the hero and heroine.
It's agonizing to the contemporary reader, too, for most of the romantic conflict is dependent on the protagonists' reluctance to communicate. The novel is twenty years old, and reflects the frustrating "misunderstanding" plot techniques that were lingering when this was written.
For the reader willing to overlook this, though, there's a bounty of luscious descriptions, with achingly romantic dialogue and internal thoughts. Michaels painted the villain realistically with the distasteful male convictions popular in the nineteenth century.
I found it captivating.
Flosnik is a gifted narrator, and Michaels' story is brimming with adventure and passion. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of Australia's drought, memorable characters, and an agonizing plot that tortures the hero and heroine.
It's agonizing to the contemporary reader, too, for most of the romantic conflict is dependent on the protagonists' reluctance to communicate. The novel is twenty years old, and reflects the frustrating "misunderstanding" plot techniques that were lingering when this was written.
For the reader willing to overlook this, though, there's a bounty of luscious descriptions, with achingly romantic dialogue and internal thoughts. Michaels painted the villain realistically with the distasteful male convictions popular in the nineteenth century.
I found it captivating.
April 7, 2018
Not one of her very best books, yet it was a good read. I hold high standards based on her other stories which I find more engrossing. This love story was a bit too predictable. However, I enjoyed the details about the time period, and the glimpses into the what is was like when the English started colonizing Australia. Her portrayal of the strong and wise aboriginal woman was magnificent!
March 15, 2018
Chelsea performed with her uncle in a traveling theatre group. He uncle was a pick pocket and she needed to get away from him. She did and many adventures. Good character building. Interesting book.
April 21, 2019
I enjoyed the slower pacing of this book, compared to contemporary romances.
I love all genres, but historical are a personal favorite for me.
The characters were destined to be together, but the way the author wove their fates, was deliciously slow and passionate.
I love all genres, but historical are a personal favorite for me.
The characters were destined to be together, but the way the author wove their fates, was deliciously slow and passionate.
March 30, 2020
I read this on tablet without seeing cover. If I had, I would have realized probably not the book I was looking for. I have read several of her books, but don't recall them being so ....... passionate? Still, a different story line. Just could have done without all the 'details' .
June 17, 2022
Very typical tropes in this novel, although it is much more of a saga than most romance novels. A bit more violence than one would like. Some interesting bits of Australian information, but not really worth the read.
January 25, 2019
A chance to change your life
Chelsea the actresses in London gets a chance Iowa change her life. She takes a boat from London to Australia that took 3 months , she finds real love.
Chelsea the actresses in London gets a chance Iowa change her life. She takes a boat from London to Australia that took 3 months , she finds real love.
March 8, 2020
Excellent read
March 19, 2020
A true bodice ripper! I love how all the characters are flawed and how human they all are. The end is rather hurried, but still worth a read.
April 27, 2020
A little cliche. But a good read.
May 31, 2020
Slow, quite a twist in deceit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
Based on the formula of most romances with some interesting historic information.
February 10, 2022
This book started out great then towards 1/3 of the way through it went downhill
March 13, 2022
If your looking for a fluff read, this is it. The story jumped around and attempted to give you an idea how life was in the Victorian era in Australia, but fails.
September 29, 2022
As always Fern writes a good story with a good plot with interesting believable characters. I enjoyed this book.
November 15, 2022
Went downhill after the first few chapters. Couldn’t finish it after her fiancé rapes her. I love a good romance but this was not it. Won’t be reading Fern Michaels again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
romantic suspense typical book
April 29, 2025
It got better 3/4 of the way through. It wasn't the worst thing I've read I guess.
July 10, 2019
Another great book.
There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like. It was a little slow taking off but it got much better. This was a different one for her, but there hasn’t been a book of hers that I haven’t liked.
There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like. It was a little slow taking off but it got much better. This was a different one for her, but there hasn’t been a book of hers that I haven’t liked.
May 27, 2013
Chelsea Myles became an orphan at the young age of 11 and instead of going into 'the system', she decided to venture off on her own in search of her Uncle. Her Uncle Cosmo was an actor and when Chelsea found him, because of her beauty, Cosmo put her on as lead actress. But soon into her 'acting career', Chelsea discovered her Uncle's only motive in his actors were getting the audiences attention so Cosmo could pick his customer's pockets. Finally, one of his victims became aware and made a huge scene and Chelsea found herself holding quite a treasure, enough to make her escape to Australia and leave England and her crooked Uncle behind. Once aboard ship, Chelsea met and fell for a young handsome man, Quaid Tanner only to be jilted by him because of his sordid past. Now Chelsea wonders if her wounded heart would ever heal and if she would again find herself in the arms of the man she truly loves.
An excellent story that I couldn't put down until I completed the book.
An excellent story that I couldn't put down until I completed the book.
March 13, 2014
I have enjoyed previous novels by Fern Michaels, but haven't read her in a long time. And this will be my finale.
The premise of the story was excellent and all the necessary elements were present, but the author chose to degrade her characters rather than to show them as strong immigrants who made Australia successful. The plot was entirely predictable, but even so, could have been uplifting and enjoyable, but it was just depressing. The characters, themselves, were not at all likeable and kept making bad choices.
I read about 1/2 the book and saw where it was going (or where I thought it was going) and decided to read the reviews here. Yes, I was right about where it was going. Thank you, all, for your honest reviews. You saved me time and agony! I quit at the halfway mark.
The premise of the story was excellent and all the necessary elements were present, but the author chose to degrade her characters rather than to show them as strong immigrants who made Australia successful. The plot was entirely predictable, but even so, could have been uplifting and enjoyable, but it was just depressing. The characters, themselves, were not at all likeable and kept making bad choices.
I read about 1/2 the book and saw where it was going (or where I thought it was going) and decided to read the reviews here. Yes, I was right about where it was going. Thank you, all, for your honest reviews. You saved me time and agony! I quit at the halfway mark.
December 29, 2011
It was an ok book. Chelsea had a rough beginning. She lost her parents and stayed with her uncle who was less than respectable. She eventaully got out from under her uncle and sailed to Austraila. It was her in Austraila that she married an abusive man so that she could have social status and money. Life wasn't all it was cracked up to be for her but she did have Tanner, who she met as she sailed across the ocean. In the end, Chelsea finally had the life she dreamed of having.
March 8, 2012
I thought the first half was pretty decent but then everything unravels and becomes unbelievable and unrealistic for a supposedly strong young woman and not to stand up for herself and be true. Certainly not the best novel. I guess that's why I haven't read her books in years and thought I'd give it a try again but don't believe I will again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews