A beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever...
Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.
But Linzi's world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over.
When Elliot Montgomery first sets foot at Green Valley, Linzi's worst fears are realised. He's stepped straight out of the boardroom in shiny shoes and a tailored suit. How will a numbers man like him ever understand the magic of what they do here?
Elliot has his own demons, carrying the grief of his father's death. Despite their differences, he has come to the vineyard for a new beginning, much like Linzi once did.
As the summer unfolds, Elliot and Linzi find themselves in an uneasy alliance while old secrets threaten to be revealed.
Could more be about to bloom here among the twisting vines than they ever thought possible?
Lucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
'It's only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy - and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!'
If she isn't online she's either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!
I received a free copy of, Summer at Green Valley Vineyard, by Lucy Coleman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Linzi has been working at the Green Valley Vineyard for 9 years, when she is told the owner is retiring and his grandson will be taking over. Linzi is shocked and not very happen with this change. Elliott is nothing like his grandfather, can Linzi and Elliott work together, or will Linzi be moving on. Another good read by Lucy Coleman.
Summer at Green Valley Vineyard is a smashing book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There’s a lovely conversational tone so that, whilst Linzi is wary of sharing confidences with others, it feels as if she is speaking directly to the reader. This has the effect of drawing in the reader so that they care about Linzi and the vineyard and they feel part of the narrative.
As a result of Lucy Coleman’s style, Summer at Green Valley Vineyard is an effortless read, but it contains several themes that engage the reader and immerse them in life at the vineyard. As well as a satisfying insight into how a small vineyard functions, there’s a smashing overarching theme of trust as well as a hint of mystery as Linzi’s reasons for leaving Italy and hunkering down in the Welsh valleys are gradually uncovered. Add in a smattering of romance, a touch of grief and some highly tricky family relationships and there really is an aspect for any reader to enjoy.
I thought the characters were very well drawn. What Lucy Coleman does so well is to illustrate that people’s lives and innermost feelings might not be exactly as they present them to others. Summer at Green Valley Vineyard is a compassionate as well as an entertaining book because it makes us understand why people behave as they do.
The exploration of viticulture and the role of nature within it has been so meticulously researched that it adds authentic depth to the story. I loved the presentation of the outside, natural world as a balm for troubled minds because it felt like a gentle reminder to make the most of each day and, like Linzi, to learn to be true to yourself. Summer at Green Valley Vineyard sets the scene of a Welsh Valley vineyard to perfection.
Summer at Green Valley Vineyard is charming, entertaining and interesting. I thought it would be a perfect summer read and thoroughly recommend it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review. On NetGalley - it was titled ‘Summer at Green Valley Vineyard’ - I am assuming this is the same book.
Sorry but I didn’t enjoy this one. It was slow and ponderous. I disliked the heroine Linzi, and found it difficult to empathise with her or care about her journey. Elliot was too nice for her.
There were too many characters and too much unnecessary detail. Sorry but this was nowhere near as enjoyable as some of this author’s previous books.
Who knew so much went into viticulture with the ecological and environmental factors, the specific growing conditions through to the wine-making process, the intense marketing and the financial and staff management? When you drink a glass of good quality wine, you don’t realise just how much effort and dedication has gone into its production, with people just like the characters in the story at the heart of it. I liked the gentle romance angle, not being the main focus but softly hovering in the background and I enjoyed how most of the chapters were written from Linzi’s point of view with a few from Elliot, giving first-hand thoughts and emotions.
Author Lucy Coleman has written a delightful novel, set in a Welsh vineyard with characters that are hard not to endear to and a storyline that’s engaging, retains your interest, informative and is very enjoyable. An obvious amount of research has gone into writing this book, which enabled it to be realistic and believable. I haven’t read any of Lucy’s other delightful-sounding novels but I would be very interested to read them and if women’s contemporary fiction is a genre you enjoy, you should definitely add “Summer at Green Valley Vineyard” to your summer reading list.
I've read quite a few books by Lucy Coleman, some I have liked more than others, sadly I didn't feel much chemistry between Linzi and Elliot. There were a few touching moments scattered through the story but as a whole I was hoping for more depth.
Hallmark movies are better than this book. Couldn’t even really finish it. I skipped through it because it dragged so much. Main character was so whiny and judgmental. Writing was subpar and this felt like a waste of time that I’ll never get back.
A charming story that’s a breath of fresh air and will brighten up any day. It’s engaging from beginning to end with delightful characters to spend a few hours with. Coleman crafts a romantic escape that’s heartening, uplifting and tugs on our emotions.
The beautiful vineyard setting in the Welsh valleys creates the perfect sense of place – it’s peaceful, picturesque and has unlimited potential. The story is well researched, the vineyard is so vividly described we feel as though we are there walking beside Linzi and Elliott and experiencing it’s luscious surroundings for ourselves. As a nature lover I adored that this was at the forefront and it sparkles from the pages lending a soothing balm to the everyday.
Linzi has an affinity for the vines and they are her life’s passion. She’s known as the “vine whisperer” and is exceptionally talented in knowing what they need to prosper. Green Valley Vineyard is more than just a job, it’s her home. I loved the close-knit feel of the team, they have each others’ back and are more like family. Linzi’s given up on love and puts her all into nurturing the vines.
Enter Elliott, his grandad has handed the running of the vineyard over to him. He’s a businessman and looks at it in terms of numbers and finances. Much worry and anxiety follows in these uncertain times as the team wonder what changes will be made. A lot of pressure is placed on Elliott’s shoulders as the ghosts of his past are all around and he’s trying to make the right decisions. He’s so used to spotting problems that he forgets to see the good in things.
Linzi and Elliott are both strong characters with vested interests in the vineyard succeeding. They realise a collaboration is needed to steer their way through the low morale and financial woes. As they confide in each other they grow closer and realise they both have difficult family relationships to overcome. They enjoy spending time together and a special connection develops. As things hang in the balance, will they grab happiness with both hands or let it pass them by?
Summer at Green Valley Vineyard weaves a memorable story about letting go of the past, trusting again and taking a risk. It’s a cosy, feel-good read bursting with sunshine that should be on any romance fans TBR!
Fans of Karen Swan, Phillipa Ashley and Sarah Morgan will be absolutely enchanted by this tale full of love, friendship and the beauty of winemaking.
With thanks to @Tr4eyF3ntøn, @emblabooks and @Lucycolemanauth for a place on the tour.
Don’t let the high reviews fool you—this book was far from the perfect, heartwarming, feel-good festive treat it promises to be. It lacked the warmth and charm one would expect from a holiday read.
The premise had potential: the female lead (FL) has been working at a vineyard for 10 years when circumstances force the male lead (ML), the grandson of the owner, to take over. This setup could have led to a cute and engaging story. However, the execution fell flat.
For the first 84% of the book, the focus is almost entirely on the vineyard’s operations and how people react to the ML taking over. The main characters barely interact, and when they do, their conversations revolve solely around business. There’s no real emotional connection or development between them, making it hard to root for their relationship.
To make matters worse, the ML’s relationship status is unnecessarily murky. Throughout the book, it’s implied that he is romantically involved with another woman. She frequently calls and leaves messages for him, even professing her love. It’s only revealed at the very end that she’s his business partner—not his lover. This feels like a cheap attempt at creating tension, and it left a sour taste.
While the book is technically a slow burn, it’s painfully slow, with very little payoff. If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic holiday read, this one might not be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the story of two people from different life paths, who come to a crossing where love intervenes. The story is set in an idyllic locale in the Welsh countryside. The author’s descriptions, of which are fully developed to the reader’s eye, the magic of the vineyard as it slowly unveils the secret of love and friendship within it’s beauty. I can’t wait to read more by Lucy Coleman.
Summer at Green Valley Vineyard: An absolutely heart-arming summer romance. Lucy Coleman
I really enjoyed this book, I particularly enjoyed the characters their work ethic and the beautiful descriptions of the surrounding landscape. It was lovely to read about the dynamics of the workforce, how intertwined their lives were and how the Vineyard was almost like a family. I can recommend this book because it ticked all the boxes for me in entertainment. I read it in one day.
It was a very good story. Linzi , the keeper of the vines. Elliot , the grandson, sent to help keep the Green Valley Vineyard going after his father made bad decisions when he took care of it. Lots of different characters that worked for the Vineyard were involved running it. Each had their own story. Linzi, who had her heart broken before, was not open for a new relationship. Elliott changed her mind in the end.
Interestingly set in a vineyard in Wales, this was a somewhat predictable romance. The book was written alternately in the main characters' voices that I found a bit confusing though I think the purpose was to get into Linzi and Elliot's heads and drive the story. It kind of worked. Might read another book by this author down the road.
Great characters with interesting personal stories and a terrific sense of place. I learned about vineyards and wine making through details deftly woven into the plot.
Linzi is very conflicted about relationships at work and her difficult family. She draws poor researched conclusions until the very end.
I really liked the book. I'm not a wine drinker but I can appreciate all the hard work that goes into growing the grapes, the harvest, and making the wine after reading the book. I liked the characters, the little twists and surprises, but especially the tying up of all the loose ends. Good read.
This story carried me away for a most enjoyable afternoon. Great characters with interesting personal stories and a terrific sense of place. I learned about vineyards and wine making through details deftly woven into the plot. Five stars!
The story is well written with the great telling of the characters. Descriptive words painted the setting. The plot was very enjoyable and good. I really liked the book
A beautiful story about winemaking and what it takes to run a successful vineyard. A bit of romance and other family drama is thrown in to make it interesting. A wonderful summer read!
Ms. Coleman developed her characters with an aplomb that was refreshing. Getting to know them through the development of the plot piqued my interest and made this book a captivating read. I look forward to more of her books.
Just loved everything. True to its word, a great heart warming summer romance. The past can certainly stand in the way of letting your heart open to other possibilities.
beautifully written contemporary story based on interesting, solidly developed characters. Heart -warming and very well presented. I have really enjoyed it and felt transported into the scenic Welsh countryside. Great finale as well!!
Although it started a bit slow, the pace picked up as I read along. I learned a lot about fine management and taking care of plants. I thought the characters were a bit shallow, but I learned a lot about their lives. Eventually, it was an interesting read.
This was an amazing story, which I really enjoyed. The team work through out the book is need in today’s society. Working together to create a better future for all. If only people on both sides of the fence could see that. It would be amazing.
I liked all of the characters. it was easy to relate do them. The nook kept !y interest and I felt like I'm more knowledgeable about wine making I recommend ed to my co-workers