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Twisted Vines
Set in the heart of New York Finger Lakes wine country, Twisted Vines is the story of Jackie, a young French woman, who comes from the château of her youth to visit the grandmother she hasn't seen since she was nine. The French grand-mère she grew up with does not approve. Jackie quickly finds America challenging; at a neighbor's, out on the lake, up in the vineyards. She tries to learn from those she meets...but still is set on a collision course...with herself.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 8, 2021
A Young Woman’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Love
The daughter of a French mother and an American father who were killed in a plane crash when she was very young, Jacqueline Beaveau has been raised by her grandmother in the world-famous Bordeaux wine-growing region of France. Returning from a convent school where she has spent much of her life, Jackie discovers a set of letters sent to her by her Grandmother Emma in America. The letters have been hidden from her by her French Grand’Mere Chloé for her entire life. Now just turned 20, Jackie decides to visit Emma, who lives with her second husband in the far less prestigious Finger Lakes wine-growing Region of Upstate New York State.
Grand’Mere Chloé is pressuring Jackie to marry Francois the young man who runs the French vineyard adjacent to theirs. Chloé hopes the two estates can merge. It will offer financial stability to her family and an ascent to the highest levels of French winemaking. Of course, Francois shows little interest in Jackie. He almost seems eager to see her fly off to American. But Chloé won’t be turned from her pursuit.
Arriving in America, Jackie finds a whole new world, a set of interesting relatives and friends, and a seemingly simple, practical, and somewhat driven young man named Joey. He is absolutely blown away by Jackie’s sweetness, personality, and beauty.
What follows is a tug of war between grandmothers and an equally intense struggle between Jackie’s own sense of duty and her growing love for Joey. The matter is even further complicated by the revelation that Joey himself is an aspiring winemaker with hidden talents, property, and winemaking secrets.
There is a rousing cast of neighbors, friends, and lovers, lots of over-the-top action, and amazing revelations about the secret lives of almost all of the principal characters. Nature herself plays a vital and often terrifying role in the story. But in the end, it is Jackie’s sweetness and Joey’s dedication that hold the reader’s attention.
Art Mauer has crafted his story beautifully. He describes the Finger Lakes area with skill and love. His characters are so real that many of them become our friends. They are all complex and fascinating. It’s an absolute joy to be with them. Five stars for a well-crafted, intense, entertaining, and rewarding contemporary romance. Personally, I can’t wait to get to the sequel.
The daughter of a French mother and an American father who were killed in a plane crash when she was very young, Jacqueline Beaveau has been raised by her grandmother in the world-famous Bordeaux wine-growing region of France. Returning from a convent school where she has spent much of her life, Jackie discovers a set of letters sent to her by her Grandmother Emma in America. The letters have been hidden from her by her French Grand’Mere Chloé for her entire life. Now just turned 20, Jackie decides to visit Emma, who lives with her second husband in the far less prestigious Finger Lakes wine-growing Region of Upstate New York State.
Grand’Mere Chloé is pressuring Jackie to marry Francois the young man who runs the French vineyard adjacent to theirs. Chloé hopes the two estates can merge. It will offer financial stability to her family and an ascent to the highest levels of French winemaking. Of course, Francois shows little interest in Jackie. He almost seems eager to see her fly off to American. But Chloé won’t be turned from her pursuit.
Arriving in America, Jackie finds a whole new world, a set of interesting relatives and friends, and a seemingly simple, practical, and somewhat driven young man named Joey. He is absolutely blown away by Jackie’s sweetness, personality, and beauty.
What follows is a tug of war between grandmothers and an equally intense struggle between Jackie’s own sense of duty and her growing love for Joey. The matter is even further complicated by the revelation that Joey himself is an aspiring winemaker with hidden talents, property, and winemaking secrets.
There is a rousing cast of neighbors, friends, and lovers, lots of over-the-top action, and amazing revelations about the secret lives of almost all of the principal characters. Nature herself plays a vital and often terrifying role in the story. But in the end, it is Jackie’s sweetness and Joey’s dedication that hold the reader’s attention.
Art Mauer has crafted his story beautifully. He describes the Finger Lakes area with skill and love. His characters are so real that many of them become our friends. They are all complex and fascinating. It’s an absolute joy to be with them. Five stars for a well-crafted, intense, entertaining, and rewarding contemporary romance. Personally, I can’t wait to get to the sequel.
November 16, 2014
This book is of regional interest here in the Finger Lakes of New York, but should also be of interest to anyone who likes to follow well developed characters.
I've read the book twice through now because I wanted the characters fresh in my mind when I pick up the sequel, which the author is developing now.
(Forgive me if this review lacks customary depth. This is my very first post to Goodreads. I'm sure I'll get better with practice.)
I've read the book twice through now because I wanted the characters fresh in my mind when I pick up the sequel, which the author is developing now.
(Forgive me if this review lacks customary depth. This is my very first post to Goodreads. I'm sure I'll get better with practice.)
February 6, 2016
A lot happens in just a few weeks
Amazing story from a writer I knew long ago in HS. I know the Finger Lakes and enjoy the wines from this region. I hope Joey and Jackie become the couple this book promises. But I'll have to read the sequel!
Amazing story from a writer I knew long ago in HS. I know the Finger Lakes and enjoy the wines from this region. I hope Joey and Jackie become the couple this book promises. But I'll have to read the sequel!
November 19, 2012
A good read. The story taking place in the Finger Lakes winery region gave some local interest for me.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews