The Champagne Queen

Die Jahrhundertwind-Trilogie #2

by Petra Durst-Benning, Edwin Miles (Translator)

When Isabelle took a chance and eloped with Leon Feininger, her true love, she hadn’t stopped to consider what would happen next. Winter on his family’s isolated vineyard proves tougher than she expected, and Isabelle finds herself daydreaming, envisioning the wines she and Leon will make when they have their own land.

An unexpected inheritance opens a door for the newlyweds—Leon’s uncle has left them a vineyard, and in champagne country no less! But all is not as it seems. The decrepit estate has very little staff to help, and Isabelle cannot focus her husband’s efforts on the farm. She soon decides to seize the opportunity to run the vineyard herself. Like her friends Clara and Josephine, she can learn anything she needs to face a new challenge. And with their help, she will even take on the fierce local competition, with generations of wine-making history tying them to the land she’s just learning to toil.

Can Isabelle’s passion and perseverance bring Feininger champagne to the world? Will life with Leon become the happily ever after she’s always dreamed of?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical

480 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2013

Reviews

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book, but in light of the other books I've been reading, I just can't give it 4 stars - mainly because the genre of the book is light and simple compared to the other more serious stuff I've been reading. I'd give it a solid 3.5 if I could though! I just wrote a very good review for a memoir of a mother with a child with Down syndrome, so writing a review on a lighter book is so hard right now - maybe you'll understand.

If you are looking for a well written cozy book about a strong woman, written in a womanly style and slightly predictable - this is the book for you. It's perfect for a vacation, it's perfect for a rainy day with a cocoa cup in your hand. It will not challenge you to deep thought, but it will challenge you emotionally. This is perfect for someone who wants to relax and likes reading books about women. It has just enough romance to make it realistic and God forbid not over the top (I really don't like too much romance in books), and it has just enough to make you feel how lucky you are to live in a time when woman are not second rate citizens anymore.

Meanwhile I would be interested in reading the third book because it's said to feature one of the secondary characters in the book and her later life. I'm hoping to get the sequel on NetGalley one day (same as I did with this book).

Recommended to all those who like reading lighter themed books about strong, empowered women. Not recommended to those who prefer tougher literature (unless you want to unwind from that, haha).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider any book by author Petra Durst-Benning to be a must-read. The Century Trilogy has proved once again to be exceptional by this author. These historical fiction books are captivating! I have pre-ordered the third book in this trilogy.
I highly recommend this book!

[Rebecca Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reliving the champagne region and a glimpse into the inner workings of making champagne. This is one of my go-to books to immerse myself in the sparkling world of champagne...a world i always miss when I am not there,researching my new novel, champagne widows!

[♡ Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

1898: Isabelle hat gegen den Willen ihrer Eltern den Radsportler Leon Feininger geheiratet. Seitdem hat Isabelle zu ihren Eltern keinen Kontakt mehr und lebt mit Leon und dessen Eltern zusammen. Das Zusammenleben gestaltet sich schwierig, und so sind Isabelle und Leon glücklich, als sie überraschend ein Weingut in der Champagne in Frankreich erben! Sie wollen dort ein neues gemeinsames Leben beginnen, doch zunächst gestaltet es sich schwierig. Das Gut ist heruntergewirtschaftet, doch Isabelle und Leon wollen nicht so schnell aufgeben…

Mein Leseeindruck:

Mir hat es viel Spaß gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen! Die Thematik hat mich sofort angesprochen – ein Weingut in der Champagne im 19. Jahrhundert! Ich konnte mich in Isabelle sehr gut hineinfühlen und habe sie gerne auf ihrem oftmals steinigen Weg begleitet. Es gibt einige Wendungen und Überraschungen in der Geschichte, so dass es auch nicht langweilig wurde. Der Schreibstil ist leicht und sehr angenehm. Für mich ein gutes Buch, um einfach mal dem Alltag zu entfliehen und zu entspannen!

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the 1st book in the trilogy made me want to ride a bicycle, this one made me want to drink champagne and a go to a vineyard! Reminded me a lot if driving through Italy this spring. The book is the second of the series but could be read alone, however I highly recommend reading them in order. I think you get more out if/appreciate it more. Although this one didn't make me cry, it seems incredibly well researched. I also enjoy reading the author's notes at the end of the book, where she explains where she took artistic liberties or inspirations. Looking forward to starting the 3rd and last book in the trilogy!

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe ein bisschen gebraucht um richtig reinzukommen, aber dann hat mir das Buch immer besser und besser gefallen. Alles ist sehr detailreich geschrieben, die Gegend, die Personen und man lernt ganz nebenbei immer ein bisschen mehr über den Weinanbau und Champagner.
Die Hauptperson erlebt viele Schicksalsschläge und Unglück, aus meiner Sicht allerdings nicht zu viel und durchaus realistisch.

Leider hatte ich den ersten Band nicht gelesen und einiges wurde im zweiten Band noch mal erwähnt, sodass ich den ersten Band jetzt nicht unbedingt lesen muss, die Spannung ist einfach raus für mich. Aber den dritten Band, in dem es hauptsächlich um die dritte Freundin geht, möchte ich noch lesen.

[Lisette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, but thought it was sad when one of the characters died. That spoiled it from being a light romance. Though mainly it is a light read. Yet, I enjoyed the scenery and information about making champagne. I liked that Isabelle is a strong character who does her best to make something of the vineyard. One of the downsides of this story is that it is a bit long-winded and I felt bored with the story at times.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want to live in France in 1898 on a Champagne Vineyard.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three novels in The Century Trilogy may be read in any order. This was my favorite. Not only does Petra Durst-Benning tell an intriguing story, but her research about how champagne is produced is educational. The strength of women at the turn of the century before woman's suffrage was astounding. Women who forged their own paths against all odds. As a retired teacher, I enjoyed the theme of this story - Isabelle's curiosity and reading aided her in becoming a success. When Isabelle's husband Leon inherits a vineyard in Champagne country, she rises to the challenge. Through reading books, journals, and asking lots of questions, she becomes the Champagne Queen. Life long learning.

[Stefani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit on the long side and moved slow in certain parts but it was overall a very interesting read. You can tell the author has done her fair share of research on the topic of champagne making and such :D Definitely recommend that you check this book out if you are a fan of the bubbly and France. Lots of interesting details are thrown in (such as the champagne made by widows and cycling) and omg the French coutryside....take me to France please and thank you :)

Would definitely read more by this author.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a Kindle version of this book on Goodreads.com.

I read the first book before starting this second in the sequence. Although it is not necessary it gives more background to some of the characters and sets the scene for this book. I loved this story. The historical facts, setting of the story, and depth of characters makes this a pleasurable read. It is both inspiring and heart wrenching; a love and hate story with twists and turns ending with wanting to read more about the characters and times.

I recommend this (Kindle) book to any lovers of historical fiction and delicious characters.

[Donna Bresnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a kindle copy of this book for free in return for a review. although this says it is a second book in a trilogy it really is not noticeable as such. it stands on its own.
I enjoyed reading about the winemaking region, the wine makers and of course the life of the main character, a woman who is strong and self reliant. The book is a delight to read. I recommend it .

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Century Trilogy book 2

These books are remarkably researched! I feel like I could grow grapes in my own backyard after reading this book. This story follows one of the friends through her trials and tribulations as she learns to be a vintner. I cried, laughed and cheered. This was a wonderful read!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life journey.

At the beginning I did not like the main character, I found here naive and unprepared for her new life. Isabelle proved everyone wrong after many struggles she rose and met all the difficult tasks. It really is a story about a young woman standing up for herself in the face of adversity. The book is very easy to read and the writing is good.

[Audrey VerVer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more enjoyable than the first book.

This was the second book of a trilogy. I enjoyed it even more than the first book. Where it ended it only made me want more. Can't wait for the third in the trilogy.

[Janet Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Making champagne was interesting enough but the story being set in Europe made it much more interesting. Now I've read 5 of her books!

[Laurie Highsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I couldn't put it down.

[Em Gamache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Very well written! I felt as if I were right there in Champagne, France. Complicated characters and a wonderful storyline.

[Andrew Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Sabotage, and Champagne. What more could one want?

Though the story starts a bit slow, one quickly becomes invested in the main character Isabelle. At first she is snobbish and weak, but as she moves through the tempest of highs and lows her life presents she grows into a strong, resilient protagonist. Surrounding the strong female lead is a cast of multi-faceted characters that provide the love, support, and sometimes difficult truths that Isabelle needs in order to find herself when she feels utterly lost. Add on to this the beautiful landscape that is the Champagne region of France and one can easily see why this book is such an enjoyable read.

I received an e-copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. I have not read the first book in this trilogy, but I will be seeking it out now. I did not expect to enjoy this book so much, as it is not my typical genre, but whenever I wasn't reading I found myself thinking about the story and getting excited for what would happen next. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes wine/champagne, great characters, strong female characters, or tales of perseverance.

[Kate Lomax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning from The Glassblower Trilogy, I nearly gave this edition a miss, not really being able to imagine where the author could take our new friends, the characters onward. As much as I found the history and development of cycling in book one, I really didn't want to read more of the same. Petra does not disappoint in this fascinating edition, full of twists and turns, and plot spikes, that left even my eyebrows raised. I couldn't read it fast enough, finally buckling to an audio copy of the book so I could listen while I did other tasks. Yep. It was THAT good! Durst - Benning really does know how to write women. I have found this Trilogy far smoother, which I have attributed to her new translator. I didn't feel there was much lost in translation, whereas with the previous Trilogy, The Glassblower, modern English and slang betrayed the otherwise well researched historical novel. This Trilogy is everything The Glassblower was, with more refinement, more honesty in the delivery of the historical elements, and smoother to read.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the second in the Trilogy, is a good continuation story of three school aged friends and how their friendship blossomed. Now we move from Germany to France and see one of girls, now a grown woman become a 'Queen of Champagne' but the sad and happier parts of this story have a few twists and turns encountered before that finally comes to happen! A most interesting and well written book (which one would expect from Petra Durst-Benning) lots of technical insight into the makings of Champagne but the heart of this book in my opinion is seeing into the hearts of the Characters themselves. Certainly a good read, I look forward to the next book about how one of the other girl's life develops.

[Anna Beste · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in The Century Trilogy follows Isabelle as she becomes the champagne queen. Her husband inherited the property from his uncle/dad, there is a complicated backstory to that. I have mixed feelings about the story, I enjoyed watching Isabelle become her own person, growing from the spoiled girl to a self efficient woman with a successful champagne empire but the death of her husband felt like a plot convenience to make sure she ended up with Daniel. They could have just been colleagues or even friends, the romance wasn't necessary to the story in my opinion. Overall I enjoyed the story.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The information about making champagne and the widows taking over and creating superb bubbly with the cellar masters I found very interesting. While I figured from the moment Daniel was introduced he and Isabelle would end up together, there were enough twists in the story to keep me guessing. Plus she was not portrayed as a helpless female but rather a strong one who did not need a man to take care of her but rather wanted a partner, and equal, in all things. I would recommend it.

[Vivien Joan Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage over adversity

Isabelle leaves Berlin to run away with Leon, the love of her life. Her parents cut her off disappointed with her choice. A surprise inheritance begins an adventure in champagne country and all that it entails. Now living in France and away from family and friends back home in Berlin Isabelle encounters tragedy and has to surmount many obstacles to survive and make a success of Leon's legacy.

[Paula Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating.

Another beautiful novel from Petra, and a beautiful sequel. This told us the continuing story of the three friends from Berlin but this time concentrating on Isabelles story. A story of love and loss but also of hope. A captivating tale set in champagne country. It took you there to the vines and grapes, the sights and smells. I am looking forward to the third part of this stunning trilogy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really liked this second book in the trilogy and Isabellas Story. One of the things I enjoy most about the trilogy is the fact that the stories each deal with very interesting parts of history and that there are some photographs included pertaining the topics (in the first one, the history of bycicles and in this second one the tradition of making champagne).

Would definitely recommend this trilogy to everyone who likes historical fiction.

[Franky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein sehr schöner zweiter Teil zur Jahrhundertwind-Triologie. Besonders hat mir gefallen, dass die Character aus dem ersten Band wieder erscheinen und der dritte Teil schon leicht angeteasert wird, ohne etwas konkret zu verraten.
Insgesamt finde ich die Geschichte gut und detailliert geschrieben. Die Autorin findet eine gute Balance zwischen Geschichte und Aussicht in die schöne Champagne.
Gute Plottwists die sich insgesamt nahtlos und sinnvoll in das Geschehen einfädeln.

[Michele Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much better than the first book in this trilogy! I romped through the pages enjoying this whereas the first book about cycling I found dull.
I love the fact that Marguerite is a Down syndrome child but that this was a ‘new’ condition then! I can’t wait to find out via the third book how she develops.
The champagne story was easier to relate to than the cycling story and was probably why I preferred it.

[Astrid Falkenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as the first book, even though I was interested n the descriptions about champagne making and the references to the actual champagne families and areas in France. The plot was too contrived and not as well done as in the first book, but still kept me reading, as I wanted to know how it ended....

[Marie Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was book two of the trilogy that I plan on finishing by this author. I really enjoyed it but reading it on my Kindle I did not realize how long it was which is why it took me a bit longer than usual. I do enjoy longer books that allow you to get immersed in the scenery and the characters' environments. This book was perfect for that. I really recommend book 1 and 2 so far.