The Gift

Vintage Vines #1

by C. D'Angelo

Toni Agosti is having a midlife crisis at age thirty-five. Unsurprising, since she hasn’t achieved her dream job of becoming a cellist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and, instead, is trapped teaching music all day. She’s also barely surviving in her shaky marriage to former soulmate and new Mr. Condescending, uh…Christian.

When she learns about her ancestor leaving Italy to reestablish his winery in early 1900s LA, she longs to awaken the freedom-filled family legacy and escape her rut. There’s just the tiny problem of no experience, no startup money, and convincing Christian there’s more to life than one rigid plan.

With an already divided heart, an LA Phil audition surfaces at the worst time. Toni is lost and tired of restriction, including hiding time spent with her closest friend, David. Christian must be wrong about David wanting more than friendship…right?

If Toni revives vineyard history instead of continuing as a cellist, she risks losing her marriage and all she’s ever known. She must not only choose between careers but discover herself—including true passion and love—if she wants to survive.

Genres: Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024

About the author

The Gift (Vintage Vines Series Book 1) highlights:
PenCraft Winter Best Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2026
NYC Big Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2025
PenCraft Fall Best Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2025
Readers' Favorite Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2025
IAN Book of the Year Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2025
American Writing Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2025
Best Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2024
Indies Today Finalist 2024

Besides introducing problems that many of us face and characters that feel genuine, the novel features tantalizing culinary tastes, mesmerizing musical elements, and compelling glimpses into Italian culture. Such sumptuous writing will transport audiences... A blend of flavors and textures that will entice any reader, The Gift is a modern-day midlife adventure about being brave enough to find and follow our passion.
- Jennifer Jackson, Indies Today

Rich in Italian culture and little-known pieces of history, The Gift delves deeply into the heartfelt and disturbing sides of relationships with characters so alive their readers will hear their heartbeats, feel their fears, and agonize over the choices they must make—a story of dreams: those that come true, those that change, and those that die.
- Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye and My Secret to Keep

The Gift is a delightful, heartwarming ode to the Italian-immigrant experience, family, music, wine—and going after one’s dreams. Along with a well-researched, fascinating history of Italian winemaking in Los Angeles and her trademark mouth-watering descriptions of food, C. D’Angelo’s prose sings as she weaves musical notes into her masterful storytelling. I fell in love with the brave, big-hearted, determined Toni, as she wrestles with her competing aspirations and complicated relationships to live a life that feels right to her. A beautiful message of a woman trusting in herself, letting go of what no longer serves her, and forging her own path. The Gift is a must-read in women’s fiction!
- Angela Terry, award-winning author of The Palace at Dusk

C. D’Angelo does it again with her knack for bringing the evocative past into the light of the present. The Gift is an empowering, compelling, and moving narrative following one woman as she faces a fork in the road and a life decision that requires a healthy dose of soul searching. This scintillating story grips you from the first page, takes you on an emotional journey, and holds your attention until the very end, leaving you satisfied, inspired, and with the sentiment—sometimes the best gifts are those you give yourself.
- Annie Cathryn, multi-award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup

***

The Visitor highlights:
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2023
National Indie Excellence Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2023
Independent Author Network Book of the Year Women's Fiction Finalist 2023
American Writing Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2023
NYC Big Book Awards Chick Lit Distinguished Favorite 2023
Indies Today Semi-Finalist 2022

The story of a woman who finds inspiration—and love—in the most unexpected places, The Visitor is a novel for anyone who’s longed to understand their history yet carve a different path for their future. C. D’Angelo is a fresh new voice in fiction.
- Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Everything Must Go


***

The Difference highlights:
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2022
International Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2002
Best Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2022
New York City Big Book Award Contemporary Novel Distinguished Favorite 2022
Indies Today Semi-Finalist 2021

...C. D'Angelo's

Reviews

[Julia McQuaig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift is full of self-discovery, family history, and the seamless incorporation of Italian heritage.
I enjoyed reading from the perspective of a woman who is burnt out with her career and chasing a dream she’s not sure she wants anymore.
So many people feel stuck in life but are too afraid to make a change for a variety of reasons. Although Toni has many obstacles to overcome, including her own husband, she’s determined to find joy in her life. I was inspired by her determination to stick to her dream and look beyond the complacency of her life. It was refreshing to read about a character whose dream is changing because the world often tells us we can only stick to one path.
I felt frustrated reading about Toni’s interactions with her husband. It was interesting to see her start to recognize the manipulation and control he had over her as the book progressed. Within her relationship, Toni has been forced to become someone she doesn’t want to be either, which makes her self-growth even more important and satisfying throughout the book.
I wished we could have seen Toni more outside of her relationship. Her husband Christian escalated a lot from the beginning of the book to the middle and end, but that’s because Toni started to notice it more.
Toni’s humor can come off a bit corny at times, but it lightens some of the heavier topics in the book and shows why she needs people in her life who truly accept her. Her true friends and family accept her for who she is. She’s learning she does not have to apologize for being herself.
I loved the moment Toni made a major decision for herself at the end. The confidence she gained was so satisfying, and I loved getting to see her feel secure in her decisions.
C. D’Angelo’s books always make me eager to explore more of my own family history. You can tell a lot of research went into this book. This book sets up a sequel that has the potential to show even more of the brave steps Toni is taking to make her dreams a reality.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Gift releases September 19, 2024.

[Julie Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Eccellente!" From the first page, the sensory details of the music, food, wine, and vineyards pulled me into cellist Toni and her husband Christian's world, which opens with tensions in their marriage and a family gathering at a wedding in the Italian countryside. What follows is a glimpse into a troubled marriage amid Toni's exploring the possibilities of entering the wine industry in California in a way that honors her ancestry. If you love the wine industry the way I do, this read is an excellent escape into that world, a chance to live vicariously through Toni, exploring your own daydreams and "what ifs" as Toni's possibilities unfold. And, for sure, this book is perfect for book clubs who also love their wine. I'm especially thrilled this is Book 1 of a series. I can't wait for the next installment. Cheers to The Gift and its author, C. D'Angelo!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D'Angelo does it again with her knack for bringing the evocative past into the light of the present. The Gift is an empowering, compelling, and moving narrative following one woman as she faces a fork in the road and a life decision that requires a healthy dose of soul searching. This scintillating story grips you from the first page, takes you on an emotional journey, and holds your attention until the very end, leaving you satisfied, inspired, and with the sentiment—sometimes the best gifts are those you give yourself.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Gift” is an astonishing amalgamation of socio-psychology, vinology, classical musician lifestyle, cultural cuisine, and Italian heritage. Author C. D’Angelo takes the reader on a mid-life crisis journey through the perspective of the main character. As she begins to question the foundations she thought she had in place, such as her career and her marriage, we are taken along on the ride with her and drawn in to her decision making process. Appealing to many different interests and a wide range audience, the overarching relatable story of the struggles many of us face in our daily lives is certain to strike a chord. Leaving the reader wanting more, it is the first in a series, so there will be a future follow up tale to look forward to.
-Noelle Presby

[Jacky Schad · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story of a married woman,teacher and cellist!
Was she going through a mis life crisis or did bring back family treasures just mean more!
Lots of Italian places, food and most of all wine back this such an exciting book!
Definitely a must read!!!

[C. D'Angelo]

THE GIFT is out today! I'm ecstatic by the reviews and can't wait for all of you to read it. Here's one that featured my book:

Besides introducing problems that many of us face and characters that feel genuine, the novel features tantalizing culinary tastes, mesmerizing musical elements, and compelling glimpses into Italian culture. Such sumptuous writing will transport audiences... A blend of flavors and textures that will entice any reader, The Gift is a modern-day midlife adventure about being brave enough to find and follow our passion.
– Jennifer Jackson, Indies Today

Happy reading!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

When C. D’Angelo started posting about her new book and that it was going to be part of a series, I might have stalked her posts so I could join the ARC team.

When I think about her writing, I immediately think of family and its importance, learning where we come from and what a treasure those stories are. I also think about following our own path, even if that means a huge shift no matter how old we are.

The Gift is all of the above and more, and I absolutely loved every bit of it.

Toni is at a crossroads in more ways than one. She learns about her family’s winery and begins dreaming of running one herself. There are just a couple of stumbling blocks.

Toni is a cellist and her life-long dream has been to be part of the LA Philharmonic. She is tired of teaching and balancing schedule changes. She wants her chance to be part of something bigger.

And there is her husband Christian, who has become someone Toni doesn’t recognize anymore.

When she finds out about her family’s history and realizes her own desire to own a winery, she is also presented with the opportunity to audition for LA Phil.

On top of it all, she has to decide what to do about her marriage. Can Christian become the man he was or has she had enough of his doubt, criticism, belittling?

D’Angelo’s writing and story telling shine as we journey with Toni and her decision making. While not many of us will open a winery, I am sure we can all relate to making important choices about our futures, possibly changing paths, and building our confidence to advocate for ourselves in one way or another.

It’s never too late to follow our hearts. It’s never too late to change. We each have our own gift, and it is a beautiful thing when we find it, just like Toni does.

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

[Julee Balko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realize I haven’t written a review in a while! Not because I haven’t been reading. I probably read a book a week. I love books. But with all the things that make up life, writing, parenting, etc. – book reviews were an easy thing to let go of…for now.

However, when one of the most supportive authors I know offered me an ARC of her new Vintage Vines series. I knew I couldn’t say no. For one, it’s a book series that has wine in it! Two, C D’Angelo and I debuted our first books at the same time, and I fell in love with her spirited women characters. Three, if you’ve ever read any of her books you know her writing will make you feel a part of the family and the food! Wine. Food. Family. The Gift did not disappoint.

What I loved most about The Gift is the main character, Toni. She’s not feeling the passion of playing and teaching cello anymore and she starts to get inspired by the idea of owning her own winery. There was something therapeutic about watching her dream big and realize the limitations of her life and her marriage. Often in books divorce is because of a scandal, and I enjoyed how this book lets you see how her marriage was holding her back. I also appreciated the different ways Toni was supported by her friends and family. There is something wholesome and loving about D’Angelo’s writing that made me want to get in my pajamas every night and savor this book. If you’re looking for a light, inspiring, and delicious story? May I suggest The Gift with a big glass of wine? Warning. It might make you want to let go of your past and find your true life’s passion.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GIFT is an uplifting story of a woman who finds the courage to go after her dreams, even if that means letting go of things she held onto over the years.

Once again, C. D’Angelo has written a story full of rich Italian heritage and plenty of mouth-watering food and wine.

Toni is a woman on the precipice of change. Toni is uncertain if she is still passionate about being a concert cellist, and she has a new desire to own a winery as her Italian ancestors once did. The problem is she lacks support from many of those closest to her, including her husband, Christian. But she must dig deep within herself and discover what her heart truly desires.

Toni was a sweet and endearing character, but she lacked self-confidence; it was time for her to realize how strong she really was. Watching her be manipulated and controlled by her husband, Christian, was difficult. The author wrote Christian’s character very well; he was charming sometimes and, at other times, a name-calling bully, and most others never saw this side of him.

The story seamlessly blends the conflict of her marriage with all the beautiful aspects of her Italian heritage. I loved Toni’s friend David and her sister Flora, as they seemed the most supportive and intuitive. The ending was satisfying, as I was rooting for Toni. I can’t wait to see where the series will take us.

Thank you @c.dangelo.author for a gifted advanced copy ebook.

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Italian food, wine, and novels where a character has significant life decisions to make, don’t miss this novel.

The Gift opens in Italy and Toni Agosti is miserable. She’s been married for ten years. If you can’t find romance with your husband at an Italian winery setting, maybe your marriage isn’t doing so well?

Toni needs to work through several key questions. What does she want from life? Can she make her marriage work? And why, dang why, are those vines calling to her?

Her new dream is to open a winery herself. But Christian, her husband, is far from supportive, and he’s forcing her to choose between him and the dream.

The reader gets to experience Toni’s funny and sarcastic inner voice while she works through a series of hard decisions. It’s noisy inside her head, and I enjoy a novel with lots of interiority — where you ride along with Toni's thinking.

I always appreciate how the author, C. D’Angelo, makes a point of sharing little known Italian American history. In The Gift, we learn about the wineries created by the first Italians to arrive in the Los Angeles area (before it became a concrete jungle).

Filled with humor and light touches, The Gift was a delightful read. It captures the complexity of relationships and conflict between dreams and “being practical”.

A must-not miss for wine lovers! The Gift made me long to sit and take in the Temecula vines in the sunshine, savoring a delightful cabernet.

[Author Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought back so many memories of my growing up in an Italian home. But you don't have to be Italian to enjoy it.

The protagonist is a woman named Toni, who goes through a lot of life's challenges that we all can release to. From a passionless marriage to wanting to follow her dreams of opening a winery, those images hit home and I felt like Toni and I were best friends as she laid out all of her adversity on each page.

As the book continued, I felt empathy and found myself rooting for her. I think the reader will as well since it felt like she was going through what we all go through in life. Stay put where it's safe? Or say Carpe Diem and follow your heart with no regrets?

Throw in C. D'Angelos references to the movie Swingers, which I loved, to her crazy family, which I have as well, and the fact she always weaves in Italian history, whether it be a location, food, drink or song, and it made reading about Toni's problems go a little easier.

I don't want to give away too much more, so let's just say that there's a woman in trouble, and since her husband doesn't share her passion, or want to lift a finger to help, her compelling story of how she followed her dreams was amazing and is something we all have encountered at least once in our lives so I felt like she was carrying the banner for all us dreamers out there. Get this book today!

[Virginia Alice Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel with a real-life feel....I absolutely loved The Gift by my writing friend, C. D’Angelo. This is her third book and the first in her Vintage Vines Series. It had me at the start. This story has so much to offer. Inner turmoil and growth. Wine tasting. Chasing of and following one’s dreams. Wine. Relationship struggles. Food. Vineyards. And, of course, more wine (I know, I know). As Toni Agosti learns more about her family roots, she starts to wonder about her life-long dream career – and her ten-year marriage. Sure, who doesn't want a happily-ever-after in a marriage. But reality is we need more stories like this that show it's okay to question our relationships when someone has failed to grow with us and instead tears us down rather than builds us up. Also, that it's definitely okay when dreams change and, better yet, to pursue new dreams when old ones no longer seem to fit just right. C. D’Angelo’s writing is easy to read, and her stories are filled with family, tradition, real life, and love. If you haven’t read The Gift, I highly recommend you get a copy soon. And it makes a great gift!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift is rich in Italian heritage, food, wine and wineries. Toni Agosti is a 35 year old cellist and music teacher whose dream is to play for the LA Philharmonic. When she learns about her ancestors having established a winery in LA in the early 1900's, she starts to dream about owning a winery. The only problem is she gets little support from her parents or her controlling and emotionally abusive husband.

While struggling with the dream of opening a winery, she auditions for a cellist opening at the LA Phill. If she fulfills her dream at the LA Phill, will her marriage survive? Will she truly be happy not fulfilling her other dream of owning a vineyard?

I admire Toni for her courage in following her dreams. She has a difficult decision to make about her future and her marriage. Will she make the right choice to make her truly happy? She lacked self confidence in the beginning but with the support of her friend David and her sister Flora, she discovers which dream will make her happy. The ending was perfect and I cannot wait for the continuation of Toni's story.

[Dawn Matera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author's third book and it just occurred to me, why I love this writer's stories as much as I do. Although I read a lot of historical fiction, the genre can be dense, complex, and emotionally shattering. What C. D'Angelo does instead, is weave the past into the present in an effortless and lighthearted way, so we can experience and relate to her characters as if they are friends. Not characters in a book.

This book is one of self-discovery of the main character, Toni, who begins to question just how she finds herself in a life where she simply isn't fulfilled, and frankly doesn't recognize herself. The journey to self-discovery, happiness, and living your most authentic self often comes in the most unlikely places. Toni's struggles are relatable and you will find yourself rooting for her throughout.

I received an advanced reader copy of The Gift! Thank you for sharing this delightful story with me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D’Angelo has done it again! This is her third book, all rich in Italian heritage and cozy, relatable characters, and this may just be my favorite! I’ve never felt so many emotions in the first five chapters of a book. I went from joy and compassion for the main character, Toni, to anger and frustration and wanting to slap her husband. Then back and forth and back and forth, over and over again! I love a book that makes me feel all the things…and crave all the foods. Omg, the author loves her Italian heritage and her Italian foods and she will make you NEED them in every book she writes. I had to start an ‘Italian’ Pinterest board just to help me remember all the recipes I want to try! I won’t spoil it with too many details but if you’re up for a quirky, spunky main character, a mid-life crisis, a husband you want to smack, a rich Italian family history, all the hunger pangs, and all the emotions…this is the book for you. Go get it now!

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a glass of wine and settle in for a story that will inspire you!

Meet Toni. She is a talented cellist, but dreams of opening a winery to honor her family’s legacy from many years ago. Along with feeling a lack of passion for her current career she’s dealing with a tumultuous marriage.

Toni is such a relatable character and with the story told from her point of view you feel like you’re walking right along side her and feeling every emotion she feels. Despite all the obstacles, Toni is determined to make her dreams come true.

This is a powerful story of being brave and resilient and following your dreams and what lights your soul on fire no matter how impossible it might feel at times. The ending had me smiling so much and Toni is so admirable! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in the next book!

Thank you so much C.D’Angelo for the early copy!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIFT is a delightful, heartwarming ode to the Italian-immigrant experience, family, music, wine—and going after one’s dreams. Along with a well-researched, fascinating history of Italian winemaking in Los Angeles and her trademark mouth-watering descriptions of food, C. D’Angelo’s prose sings as she weaves musical notes into her masterful storytelling. I fell in love with the brave, big-hearted, determined Toni, as she wrestles with her competing aspirations and complicated relationships to live a life that feels right to her.

A beautiful message of a woman trusting in herself, letting go of what no longer serves her, and forging her own path. THE GIFT is a must-read in women’s fiction!

[Christina Schad Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Gift” pulls you in like a best friend’s warm embrace. A cannot-stop-reading story layered with an eclectic variety of really good music; mouthwatering, scrumptious morsels and rich, opulent wines making you wish you could jump in the book to savor it more deeply! Main character Toni is untangling her tumultuous marriage, fine tuning her career goals and exploring how she can revive her Italian family’s legacy. In her third novel, C. D’Angelo does what she does best, makes the reader fall in love with characters so passionately written you instantly recognize people in your own life in them causing you to root even more for them. Salute C. D’Angelo, SALUTE!

[Ashley King · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D'Angelo is one of my favorite authors! I know anytime she has a new book coming out that it will immediately end up on my favorites shelf and The Gift is no different! Toni is absolutely amazing as she fights for what she deserves and such an inspiring character. Her humor made me love her even more. This book hits all the high notes I need in a story and is such a melodic masterpiece that I couldn't put down! What a beautiful, inspiring tale of following your dreams told with D'Angelo's masterful knack of descriptive and lush prose that sings. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

[Jenn Lockwood Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect evening: a glass of wine, a plate of cheese, and being curled up on the sofa with this book!
C. D’Angelo’s books always make me feel so warm and cozy.
The Gift is the tale of Toni Agosti’s journey of self-discovery. Toni is an incredibly relatable character, and the strength and gumption she finds in herself is truly inspiring.
I was her personal cheerleader through every page!
She really warmed my heart and lifted my soul!
And not to mention all the rich Italian heritage and history that C. D’Angelo is an expert at weaving throughout her stories! This is a must-read!

[Mary Sheriff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you spend your whole life following a dream only to realize that you don’t want it anymore? What happens when your husband doesn’t like the new you? What if it turns out your husband has changed too? What if you still love each other but are no longer compatible? These are the questions faced by the main character, Toni Agosti. Luckily for her, she has a supportive family to pull her through. Readers will pull for Toni as she finds hope in a new dream and community. If you love food, Italy, and wine, you may find a kindred spirit in Toni from The Gift.

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in Italian culture and little-known pieces of history, The Gift delves deeply into the heartfelt and disturbing sides of relationships with characters so alive their readers will hear their heartbeats, feel their fears, and agonize over the choices they must make—a story of dreams: those that come true, those that change, and those that die.

I received an early copy of this beautiful book.

[K Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding novel by C. D’Angelo! I’m continually impressed with how her characters’ relatable, real-life ups and downs draw you in as if you’re having a conversation with them. Rich Italian history, food, wine, music, love, frustration – it was all very captivating and kept you wondering how it would conclude. So exciting this author has knocked three novels out of the park – so looking forward to seeing what’s next!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this read because the main character, Toni, decides to pivot on a lifelong dream because she has become impassioned with a new trajectory.

I love the authenticity of Toni as she grapples with going from concert cellist to vineyard owner.

I think this book does a great job on the fluidity of life and the stresses of big change.

Toni’s marriage also plays a huge role in this book and that adds another layer of complexity to pursuing her dream.

[Lee Bukowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, C. D’Angelo beautifully marries past and present to shape her heroine’s future. In The Gift, she takes the reader on a moving journey with Toni Agosti, a woman forced to choose between her dreams and everyone else’s expectations for her. You’ll cheer her on as she summons her inner strength and learns the power of the gifts we give ourselves. D’Angelo’s engaging writing style grabs you on page one and doesn’t let you go until the end.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? Well a lot actually…. This is the author’s third book and each time they get better (side note: the first book was already a 5 star). Even if this is not your normal genre - give it a shot because you’ll be surprised. The character development was great, the plot was great, and the author really did her research. Bonus: you learn some things. Who knew about tannins in newer wine? Might explain why I like older wines. 5 star all the way!

[Carol Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift is an amazing story that touches on real life struggles. C D’Angelo did a fantastic job describing the situation Toni was in and the hard choices she had to make. Great story taking the reader through the ups and downs for Toni.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one!

[Katie D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is so compelling and feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect book for a beach read or an evening at home with a glass of wine, of course! You fall in love with Toni as she figures out what her true path is. We’ve all been there! D’Angelo weaves us through the story in such an effortless way, just like wandering through the vineyard. A must read!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every page of this compelling story! I was inspired by Toni's connection to her heritage along with her struggles and journey to discovering her dream. The pages were brimming with culinary delights and luscious wine descriptions. It was impossible to resist sipping along with a glass of pinot noir while reading. I can't wait to read Vintage Vines 2!

[Jade Garneau-Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Gift and could not get enough! It is wonderful tale about purpose, empowerment, hope, and community. I felt connected to all characters (including the cat!!) and immersed in the beautiful sceneries of Southern California. And let’s not forget the delicious Italian food adding flavor to this already hearty story. I would love for this book to be turned into a movie!