Sweeter Than Wine

by Susan Sallis

The Rudolphs and the Martinez disliked each other intensely - until the Michaelmas Ball of 1927. There Jack Martinez danced with Maude Rudolph and a spark was kindled. The two young lovers forced the families to unite and an easy truce was formed. But there were others in the feuding families who were to be drawn into the confusing emotional bonding. Maude had a brother, Austen, who thought Jack's sister, Harriet, the loveliest girl he had ever seen. As the families fused, so Austen and Harriet found themselves trapped in a complex union of passion, lies and frustrated love.

705 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 1994

About the author

Susan Sallis was the author of over twenty bestselling novels, many of them set in the West Country. She was born in Gloucestershire and lived in Somerset with her family. She died in 2020.

Reviews

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweeter Than Wine is a historical romance about wine making families.
So many grudges and animosity between the families until Jack and Maude meet.
Interesting history throughout the book gives you insight as to what went on during the Spanish Civil War.
Strong characters help carry the storyline.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of a wine-making family with interludes in Jamaica and Bristol.

However the strongest part is the Spanish Civil War. We see the origins of this war in feudal serfdom with rich overlords, and foreign landowners such as wine makers are resented. The British get caught up in the war and try to render medical aid to the wounded.

The bombing of Guernica is graphically described as Fascist leaders invited Germany to destroy a town in order to force the Communists to stop fighting. The British realise that the Nazi Germans are getting ready to try out blitzing on Britain next.

This is a good read with vivid characters and locations.

[Marilu · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty good light read!