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Strawberry Wine
“Jamison’s promising debut…will gratify readers looking for rural charm, second chances, and tender cowboys.” – Publishers Weekly
How do you know if a first love is made to last?
Addison Monroe was eighteen when she fell for Jake Grady, a college student working on her family’s farm for the summer. With his sapphire eyes and killer smile, Jake could have had any girl in Lakeside, Georgia. But he wanted Addy, and for those brief, wonderful months—before circumstances drove them irrevocably apart—they belonged to each other.
Ten years later, Addy is engaged to a doctor and working in Atlanta as a physician’s assistant. Life feels full and satisfying. Yet memories of that long-ago summer and wine-flavored kisses are hard to shake. On a return visit to Lakeside, Addy crosses paths with Jake again, and soon finds herself at an unexpected crossroads. So much has changed, and Addy has chosen another route. And the magic of first love can never be rekindled...can it?
How do you know if a first love is made to last?
Addison Monroe was eighteen when she fell for Jake Grady, a college student working on her family’s farm for the summer. With his sapphire eyes and killer smile, Jake could have had any girl in Lakeside, Georgia. But he wanted Addy, and for those brief, wonderful months—before circumstances drove them irrevocably apart—they belonged to each other.
Ten years later, Addy is engaged to a doctor and working in Atlanta as a physician’s assistant. Life feels full and satisfying. Yet memories of that long-ago summer and wine-flavored kisses are hard to shake. On a return visit to Lakeside, Addy crosses paths with Jake again, and soon finds herself at an unexpected crossroads. So much has changed, and Addy has chosen another route. And the magic of first love can never be rekindled...can it?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
15 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Darly Jamison
3 books57 followersDarly Jamison is a Midwestern girl who lived as a Southern Belle in a previous life. She's an award winning author of Contemporary Romance and was once fired from the library for continuously reading on the job.
When not writing, Darly can be found hanging out with her husband and children or trying to perfect her chocolate cheesecake recipe.
Her debut novel Strawberry Wine will be released through Kensington Publishing January 31st, 2017 and is available for preorder. https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Win...
When not writing, Darly can be found hanging out with her husband and children or trying to perfect her chocolate cheesecake recipe.
Her debut novel Strawberry Wine will be released through Kensington Publishing January 31st, 2017 and is available for preorder. https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Win...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 5, 2017
I loved this story. I was unable to put the book down, it's very engaging and it made me feel giddy.
I really liked the way that the story is told, while I tend to find flashbacks dull, Mrs. Jamison changed my mind.
All the elements work beautifully, the story is intriguing, the writing style is decent, and the characters are great too.
I liked it so much, that I see myself reading this book again in the near future.
Pre-review note:
it's Christmas eve! I'll be writing the review the day after Christmas (after Jan. 8th)
I really liked the way that the story is told, while I tend to find flashbacks dull, Mrs. Jamison changed my mind.
All the elements work beautifully, the story is intriguing, the writing style is decent, and the characters are great too.
I liked it so much, that I see myself reading this book again in the near future.
Pre-review note:
October 7, 2016
I first read this book on Wattpad, and I'm so excited to see it published! Strawberry Wine has everything that I love about Nicholas Sparks' best novels, but written from the female perspective - an irresistible combo as far as I'm concerned. Told through a series of flashbacks, this is the story of a young woman who can't get past her memories of her first summer love, with a relatable heroine and an impossibly drool-worthy leading man. Prepare to smile uncontrollably (and maybe keep a box of tissues handy just in case...)
October 7, 2016
As Captivating as first love itself.
I've had the pleasure of reading Strawberry Wine by upcoming author Darly Jamison. I must confess that it's not often that a book makes me feel giddy. Yes, I said giddy.
She truly captures the essence of first love through Addison and Jake. This isn't a simple boy meets girl kind of story. No, this is love at its finest with all the messiness that makes our hearts race and our breath catch.
This books was truly a feast for the emotions and chapter after chapter I kept coming back for seconds. I laughed. I cried. I had butterflies in my stomach as I lived vicariously through Addison. I must admit that I want a Jake all for myself.
Ms. Jamison has outdone herself in bringing this love story to life and for that, she deserves a toast. And not just any kind of toast. No, it should be something deserving of this story...something sweet and intoxicating like Strawberry Wine.
I've had the pleasure of reading Strawberry Wine by upcoming author Darly Jamison. I must confess that it's not often that a book makes me feel giddy. Yes, I said giddy.
She truly captures the essence of first love through Addison and Jake. This isn't a simple boy meets girl kind of story. No, this is love at its finest with all the messiness that makes our hearts race and our breath catch.
This books was truly a feast for the emotions and chapter after chapter I kept coming back for seconds. I laughed. I cried. I had butterflies in my stomach as I lived vicariously through Addison. I must admit that I want a Jake all for myself.
Ms. Jamison has outdone herself in bringing this love story to life and for that, she deserves a toast. And not just any kind of toast. No, it should be something deserving of this story...something sweet and intoxicating like Strawberry Wine.
October 27, 2016
The writing style has a sweet southern pull that keeps you turning the pages. A super sweet summer romance.
November 22, 2016
I loved the sweet beginning! The story had enough twists and turns that it kept me guessing, and turning those pages!
November 7, 2016
Strawberry Wine is such a sweet and romantic story! I really liked Addy's character and found myself swooning over Jake the entire time. Who can resist a sexy cowboy with a heart of gold? I first read this book on Wattpad and I can't wait to read the extended, published version. Already pre-ordered my copy!
October 11, 2016
I had the privilege to read the epilogue of Strawberry Wine written by the remarkable Darly Jamison when it was released on Wattpad. An incredible love story between Addison and Jake brought me back to my youth. Those teenage dreams, butterflies in your tummy, wanting to see him again and looking for any excuse to make that happen.
Darly's writing is superb. She completely outdid herself writing about a first love, first kiss, a first true relationship with all the trials, tribulations but most of all.... passion.
This is a must read. A true love story that will keep you wanting more.
Darly's writing is superb. She completely outdid herself writing about a first love, first kiss, a first true relationship with all the trials, tribulations but most of all.... passion.
This is a must read. A true love story that will keep you wanting more.
October 13, 2016
Romantic, Charming, and Magical!
It is easy to see why this novel was the winner of the Write Affair contest sponsored by Kensington Publishing and Wattpad. I have read the Wattpad version and can only imagine how good the edited and extended published version will be!
In the story, the main character wistfully remembers the passion and purity her first love. We can all identify such an engaging and empathetic heroine. And it doesn't hurt that the love interest is a hot hunky guy! This story will make you laugh and cry.
Highly recommend.
It is easy to see why this novel was the winner of the Write Affair contest sponsored by Kensington Publishing and Wattpad. I have read the Wattpad version and can only imagine how good the edited and extended published version will be!
In the story, the main character wistfully remembers the passion and purity her first love. We can all identify such an engaging and empathetic heroine. And it doesn't hurt that the love interest is a hot hunky guy! This story will make you laugh and cry.
Highly recommend.
October 7, 2016
I first read this book on Wattpad and I really enjoyed it! The characters are well-developed and the setting is great! Very enjoyable read by a great author!
March 8, 2017
Title: Strawberry Wine
Author: Darly Jamison
Publisher: Zebra Shout
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Strawberry Wine" by Darly Jamison
My Viewpoint...
Looking for a novel with a romance with lots of twist and turns that will definitely keep you wondering what will happen next...then you are at the right place for "Strawberry Wine" will give it all to you. I liked how this author was able to give us a emotional story that was told using 'flashbacks' of a first love and heartache. So, what will happen as Addy and Jake meet again in this small town and rediscover that their is still a bond between them?
The main characters...Addison [Addy] and Jake gives the readers one sweet love story. Getting these two together was simply a work of art. I liked how this author gives the reader a witty banter which gives us a delightful read that felt so real and how this story deals with the prologue, then the past, the present and then on to the epilogue. Yes, this story will skip around so be aware of that and in the end you get these two peoples story being told so well that you can even 'smell the intoxicating strawberry wine.' This is one read that you may find yourself tearing up, smiling and also laughing!
Many of the other characters were all well developed and relatable but one of my favorite people was Addy's grandmother, Mags who was a 'serious matchmaker, cook extraordinaire and a advice dispenser all rolled up into one' giving the reader a intriguing read that you will keep turning the pages until the end. Oops, I don't want to leave out another character I liked and that brought a lots to the read and that was Ruby.
"Strawberry Wine" will give the reader a sweet and spicy love story of how Addy and Jake 'navigate through tender moments and heartbreaks of their romantic love' all tied together in one well written read.
February 10, 2017
Strawberry Wine is the story of a small-town girl named Addison whose only ambition for the summer before her senior year is to escape the stress of school and spend a carefree summer with her friends. Little does she know that fate has other plans for her, in particular in the form of sexy Texas cowboy Jake Grady.
Jake is spending the summer working for Addy’s grandfather. Addy is instantly intrigued by the college man who is strikingly different than the boys she grew up with. Over time, their relationship develops into something more serious. But falling for Jake isn’t simple. He is heading back to college in the fall which will put a lot of miles between them. And Addy had a bad experience with an obnoxious prom date, leaving her gun shy about letting someone else into her life. Despite the attraction they feel, the obstacles keeping them apart seem daunting.
One thing I really appreciate about Darly’s writing is the ease with which she writes dialogue. Addy and Jake’s witty banter is a delight to read and feels real and natural. She gets into Addy’s head well, and we follow along with amusement her blatantly honest and humorous inner thoughts. Jake is not as forthcoming, but we get glimpses into his thoughts through revelations of his past that help us understand and sympathize with him.
I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters in the book. One of my favorites is Mags, Addy’s feisty grandmother who is a shameless matchmaker, cook extraordinaire, and advice dispenser rolled up into one. Another favorite is her effervescent best friend Ruby, who is always pushing Addy outside her comfort zone but is also deeply loyal.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It’s hard not to fall in love with Addison and Jake as they navigate the tender moments and heartbreaks of first love. I highly recommend this addictive read – perfect for a summer escape!
Jake is spending the summer working for Addy’s grandfather. Addy is instantly intrigued by the college man who is strikingly different than the boys she grew up with. Over time, their relationship develops into something more serious. But falling for Jake isn’t simple. He is heading back to college in the fall which will put a lot of miles between them. And Addy had a bad experience with an obnoxious prom date, leaving her gun shy about letting someone else into her life. Despite the attraction they feel, the obstacles keeping them apart seem daunting.
One thing I really appreciate about Darly’s writing is the ease with which she writes dialogue. Addy and Jake’s witty banter is a delight to read and feels real and natural. She gets into Addy’s head well, and we follow along with amusement her blatantly honest and humorous inner thoughts. Jake is not as forthcoming, but we get glimpses into his thoughts through revelations of his past that help us understand and sympathize with him.
I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters in the book. One of my favorites is Mags, Addy’s feisty grandmother who is a shameless matchmaker, cook extraordinaire, and advice dispenser rolled up into one. Another favorite is her effervescent best friend Ruby, who is always pushing Addy outside her comfort zone but is also deeply loyal.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It’s hard not to fall in love with Addison and Jake as they navigate the tender moments and heartbreaks of first love. I highly recommend this addictive read – perfect for a summer escape!
February 24, 2017
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I know when I saw this book on Netgalley I just needed to read it. It reminded me of a song from the 90's and I loved the idea of it. I was not disappointed!
Addy is enjoying her summer before her senior year. Sleeping late, spending time with her best friend Ruby and handing out with her grandma. While at her grandparents farm she meets the new guy working there, she is instantly attracted and he's a great guy. Her grandma likes him and tells her how it is. Life this summer is the best it is. Their love is pure and hot, but she's sure it can't last. He's leaving and she will be too.
Now she's back home ten years later to introduce her family to her fiancé. Her grandma doesn't take to him as much as Addy thought she would. She has something tragic happen and the guy isn't there like she needs him to be. While shes dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy she runs into Jake again and its like barely anytime has passed. But does she want the past or what she's chosen for herself for the present.
I really enjoyed this book. The past and the present. It was told so vividly that I could smell the strawberry wine and all of the food Mags made. Ruby was the best and so were the other characters. It's such a good book and its such an easy story to read.
I know when I saw this book on Netgalley I just needed to read it. It reminded me of a song from the 90's and I loved the idea of it. I was not disappointed!
Addy is enjoying her summer before her senior year. Sleeping late, spending time with her best friend Ruby and handing out with her grandma. While at her grandparents farm she meets the new guy working there, she is instantly attracted and he's a great guy. Her grandma likes him and tells her how it is. Life this summer is the best it is. Their love is pure and hot, but she's sure it can't last. He's leaving and she will be too.
Now she's back home ten years later to introduce her family to her fiancé. Her grandma doesn't take to him as much as Addy thought she would. She has something tragic happen and the guy isn't there like she needs him to be. While shes dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy she runs into Jake again and its like barely anytime has passed. But does she want the past or what she's chosen for herself for the present.
I really enjoyed this book. The past and the present. It was told so vividly that I could smell the strawberry wine and all of the food Mags made. Ruby was the best and so were the other characters. It's such a good book and its such an easy story to read.
February 5, 2017
I've read this book twice (first, the Wattpad version, then the published version.). That's how wonderful it is! When I read it initially, it had been a long time since I'd picked up a romance story. Strawberry Wine totally hooked me in and renewed my love for the genre. The characters are so relatable. They aren't perfect -- they're real and I felt I was able to get to know them. I got to know them even better when I read the published version, which is longer, allowing for even more character development.
This story is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. There is no way you'll regret reading it. In fact, I envy anyone scrolling through who has yet to experience this story. You're in for quite a treat!
Watch out for this author. I expect more awesomeness from her!
This story is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. There is no way you'll regret reading it. In fact, I envy anyone scrolling through who has yet to experience this story. You're in for quite a treat!
Watch out for this author. I expect more awesomeness from her!
March 12, 2017
What a great romantic read. A great surprise really. The story is told with flashbacks as well as present pov, the flow was great, I couldn't put the book down the characters were wonderful and real. I truly enjoyed it. Reviewed on behalf of obsessed by books.
December 7, 2016
via netgalley
loved this book
loved this book
January 30, 2017
Won this book as a giveaway winner. Loved this book! Hard to put down, didn't want story to end.
June 2, 2017
Loved this book. Very real story, actually teared up in several spots. Daly did a great job.
May 25, 2018
I admit, I looked at the blurb of this sweet story because of the title. And as I read the story, the words of one of my favorite country songs by Deana Carter kept me company thru this story of first love and second chances. I loved Jake and Addy as well as some of the other characters like Addy's gram and Addy's BFF Ruby. The story is fun and heartwarming and made me feel good while reading Jake and Addy's road to their romance.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2017
Romance novels are not my usual fare, but for various reasons, I’ve resolved to read outside my comfort zone this year. Strawberry Wine is well outside my comfort zone. I’ve been challenged and amused by my own reactions to this tale of star-crossed lovers in a perfect Southern town. If you like your characters sweet and your love scenes spicy, this is your book.
February 10, 2017
Great read. love the 2 main chacters. love winery romance stories
February 17, 2017
From page 4: "Because this is the biggest day of your life, Addy! No eloping aloud."
Aloud. ALLOWED! The editor was obviously distracted that day. I realize I'm nitpicking, but glaring grammatical errors take me out of the story, and I don't WANT to be out of the story.
Otherwise, it was a sweet book. I say sweet because she's a farm girl from Georgia, the Lord is mentioned multiple times, and the sex scenes were scarce and very vanilla. The story was about love of family and her relationship with her grandma as much as it was about romance.
But I can only read "His dark hair curled/fell seductively over his forehead" so many times. I get it, he has great hair. John Stamos, Patrick Dempsey, perfectly tousled hair. Sheesh.
Aloud. ALLOWED! The editor was obviously distracted that day. I realize I'm nitpicking, but glaring grammatical errors take me out of the story, and I don't WANT to be out of the story.
Otherwise, it was a sweet book. I say sweet because she's a farm girl from Georgia, the Lord is mentioned multiple times, and the sex scenes were scarce and very vanilla. The story was about love of family and her relationship with her grandma as much as it was about romance.
But I can only read "His dark hair curled/fell seductively over his forehead" so many times. I get it, he has great hair. John Stamos, Patrick Dempsey, perfectly tousled hair. Sheesh.
October 30, 2017
18 yr old Addy was on summer vacation and going to enjoy every minute of it before her senior year of high school started. That summer Jake Grady was staying with his aunt and uncle for the summer and working at Addy's grandparents farm. There was an attraction between them. Mags helped the attraction move along. Brett was being a bully to Addy and other's. Addy had an. Issue with him at the prom and she walked home at night. No one had a clue what happened. Jake is a welcome of fresh air to Addy. Addy spends most of her time with Jake. How does she know if it's love? Is it lust? Infatuation? This story is a world wind of emotions. I cried and laughed. I was not able to put it down at all. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for allowing me to read this amazing book.
review by Maribel
November 12, 2017
18 yr old addy was on summer vacation and going to enjoy every minute of it before her senior year of high school started. That summer Jake Grady was staying with his aunt and uncle for the summer and working at Addy's grandparents farm. There was an attraction between them. Mags helped the attraction move along. Brett was being a bully to Addy and other's. Addy had an. Issue with him at the prom and she walked home at night. No one had a clue what happened. Jake is a welcome of fresh air to Addy. Addy spends most of her time with Jake. How does she know if it's love? Is it lust? Infatuation? This story is a world wind of emotions. I cried and laughed. I was not able to put it down at all. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for allowing me to read this amazing book.
March 31, 2019
"Yet every time I came home to the place I'd grown up, I found an odd comfort driving through the streets, breathing in the new details of a place that felt older than time."
This was such a sweet and fun read! Darly's writing is wonderful and I love how she captures the setting and really makes you feel like you're right there in the story. Addy and Jake's story of first love, heartbreak, and second chances is everything you want in a swoony romance.
This was such a sweet and fun read! Darly's writing is wonderful and I love how she captures the setting and really makes you feel like you're right there in the story. Addy and Jake's story of first love, heartbreak, and second chances is everything you want in a swoony romance.
July 15, 2022
This was a book I read on Wattpad a while back and it’s been published for a while. I really want the physical copy in my hands. That’s how much I loved it. I hate country music, but country romance is so perfect and this story was adorable. The guy is so gentleman like and the romance is so cute. I would love to re-read this again because it was actually like a book book instead “Wattpad formate” (not that it is a bad thing)
November 17, 2019
To say Strawberry wine is a good story would be an understatement it is the Bomb. I love it and I just want to read the whole book. Just from the beginning and I don't want to stop reading I want some more strawberry wine.😊
July 11, 2022
Favorite book
Love this book so much! It's a must read and no regrets. I have read this book more than once and will be reading it again when I'm in between looking for a book to read.
Love this book so much! It's a must read and no regrets. I have read this book more than once and will be reading it again when I'm in between looking for a book to read.
October 20, 2017
LOVE...LOVE...LOVED IT!! Would read again!! I found myself crying and laughing all throughout the book. Will recommend to friends!!!
October 2, 2018
Such a sweet book! I remember reading this on Wattpad originally! I love the new version
December 3, 2018
Lovely
My heart hurts, yet it hurts in the nice way, such a beautiful story thank you so much I'm still crying!!!💕
My heart hurts, yet it hurts in the nice way, such a beautiful story thank you so much I'm still crying!!!💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews