Vyndariai: kerintis romanas apie vyną ir paslaptis

by Jan Moran, Vaiva Lešinskaitė (Translator)

ROMANTIŠKA GIJA SUPINA ŠEIMOS PASLAPTIS, VYNDARYSTĘ IR JAUNOS MOTERS LIKIMĄ
Atkakli ir aistringa Katerina svajoja išnaudoti savo talentą ir kartu su mama gaminti puikiausią Kalifornijos vyną, bet tai ne taip paprasta. Ją graužia baisi paslaptis, galinti amžiams nutraukti šeimos saitus. Katerina augina nesantuokinę dukrelę, kurios tėvas – didžioji gyvenimo meilė – nieko nepaaiškinęs prapuolė po lemtingosios nakties.
Kaip tik tuo metu, kai itin reikia paramos, jauna moteris sužino, kad paveldėjo vynuogyną Toskanoje, garsėjančioje puikiu vynu ir vyndarystės tradicijomis. Močiutės, kurios ji niekada nepažinojo, palikimas yra netikėčiausia galimybė pradėti gyvenimą iš naujo. Bet praeitį pamiršti ne taip lengva. Italijoje Katerina susipažįsta su tėvo, kurio net neprisimena, šeima ir atranda, kad nepriekaištingoji mama taip pat kruopščiai slepia savas paslaptis. Seniai nutikusi tragedija kėsinasi į Katerinos gyvenimo laimę...
KAIP IR SKAITYTOJŲ PAMĖGTAS JAN MORAN „PERGALĖS KVAPAS“, ĮDOMUS IR TIKROVIŠKAS ROMANAS „VYNDARIAI“ ĮTRAUKS IR LEIS MĖGAUTIS IKI PASKUTINIO PUSLAPIO.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Italy, Historical, Mystery, Book Club

414 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2016

About the author

Hi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.

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So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.

If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.

If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.

My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

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If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.

My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.

Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I enjoyed this book. I have had this book on my review list for years. I did start reading it several times over the years only to quickly realize that I was in the mood for a different kind of book. Eventually, the book was lost in my virtual stacks but I am happy that I finally was able to immerse myself in this story.

This book revolves around Caterina and her mother, Ava. Caterina's life is filled with secrets. Some she keeps from others and some have been kept from her but they are all making their way to the surface in this story. The book is set in the 50s and the fact that Caterina has had a child out of wedlock is a big deal. It is such a big deal that she has hidden this fact from everyone, including her own mother. When she learns that she has inherited a home in Italy from a grandmother she didn't know existed, she thinks that this might be the perfect escape for her and her daughter. Caterina soon learns that everything she thought she knows about her history may not be true. It seems like just as soon as one secret is revealed we learn about something else someone has been hiding.

I was hooked by the story pretty early on. I was eager to learn about Ava's life in Italy and loved the chapters told from her point of view. I liked the way that one lie seemed to grow into several more over time. I did like the way that wine played a role in the story which surprised me since I am not a wine drinker. I thought that the passion for the wine that the characters felt really showed. This wasn't a perfect story though. I didn't need all of the descriptions of clothing that seemed to pop up throughout the story. I also thought that Caterina's daughter, Marisa, must be the most well-behaved baby in the history of the world. It seems like someone besides Caterina was always watching the baby or she was sleeping which is not quite how I remember those early days of parenthood.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was an entertaining family drama spanning two generations and filled with great characters. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from this author in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.

Initial Thoughts
I have had this book on my review list for years. I did have a couple of false starts with it in the past but was able to stick with it this time. Once things got going this was a compelling story. I liked both Caterina and Ava and was eager for all of the secrets between them to finally be revealed. I was able to guess some of the twists and there were times that I felt like the book was filled with more angst than I would have liked. I would probably give this book 3.5 stars but I am rounding up to 4 for now.

[Kathryn Peyton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe the ratings for this book. It is the worst written book I have read in years. Completely implausible plot, simpering characters, a child that spends the whole book napping so the protagonist doesn't have to deal with her. Ridiculously overblown descriptions of clothing and scenery. Dreck.

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through The Reading Room’s giveaways.

So first off, I simply adore historical fiction novels about women in their early 20’s trying to forge their own path in life. This book was precisely that so I liked that aspect of the book.

For the most part, I enjoyed the plot, however, the ending was a bit overdramatic.

I also really liked all the romantic locations (Napa, Italy, and Paris) that the book took the reader through.

My favorite thing about this book was how it was subtly sex positive. Like at one point someone says, “What? Sex is healthy between two people in love.” There was also some very nice french lingerie mentioned.

Overall, it was a great historical fiction novel.

[Veronika Can · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graži ir įtraukianti istorija apie šeimą - dvi kartas, paslaptis, meilę ir vyną.

🖋️ Kur pasidėjo tas gyvenimas, kokį kadaise įsivaizdavom?
🖋️ Jos gyvenime tikriausiai nebuvo taip, kad nereikėtų ko nors slėpti.
🖋️ Turėk stiprybės. Šiame gyvenime tau jos prireiks.
🖋️ Butelis gero vyno, ir paslaptys daug netrunka iškilti aikštėn. Vynas gali atrišti liežuvį net pačiai atspariausiai būtybei.
🖋️ ...nepasiduodavo siauram žmonių požiūriui.
🖋️ ...kaip visuomenė smerkia moteris, tepadariusias tai, kas joms skirta gamtos, nors vyrus retai kas kaltindavo ar reikalaudavo jų atsakomybės.
🖋️ Svarbiausia tik tai, ar priimsi save.
🖋️ Gyvenime turi būti leidžiama klysti.
🖋️ ...bėk, kur nori, o nuodėmės niekur nedings...
🖋️ ...mano nuodėmių tik daugėja.
🖋️ Vynas, kaip ir kvepalai, yra prabangi gamtos dovana.
🖋️ Susikurti gyvenimą, kokio troško, būtų buvę nė kiek ne lengviau, nei iš dangaus nukabinti saulėlydį.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

This definitely lived up to the high bar Jan set with Scent of Triumph.

She has such a way with strong female characters which is so refreshing. Caterina, a single mother in the 50's from a strict family, and her mother Ava, who was orphaned in the 20's and then married off to a husband in a foreign country when she was only 19 are both are incredibly strong and resilient characters. The odds are definitely stacked against them, but they come up with such creative solutions and forge onward in their own ways.

Then there is the wine. Like scent of triumph, Jan really knows her stuff. She obviously do a ton of research before writing this book, because she speaks about wine in terms that I can't imagine the average person just knows. It was a fascinating little window into the world of wine-making.

And the plot itself keeps you on the edge of your seat. I didn't want to put this book down because I just had to know how it ended and how all threads of scents wove together.

The romance in this book is really quite lovely too, but it does not overpower these two strong female leads. It moves the story forward and it is the story, but it's does not weaken our leading ladies. I love that.

Jan Moran just became and auto-buy author for me.

I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.

Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iH5-...

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful book about family secrets. The mother and daughter are both keeping them.
We are treated to Italy and sumptuous descriptions.
I love the style of this authors writing and I wasn't disappointed.

I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
WONDERFUL READ!!!

I’ve read Jan Moran’s other novel and was completely blown away by her depth of characters, detailed plots, and elegant romance. So when this book came up, I interestingly enough has mixed feelings about reviewing it. On one hand I know the caliber of her writing and how well she does romance……however this sounded more like a family saga so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Ultimately I decided to review it because I know how well she writes.

I was NOT disappointed! I read this book in like 2 days. Even though it was 350+ pages, it read so quick and didn’t feel slow in any part. What I found most interesting about this novel was the whole wine part. I do not drink wine and I have zero knowledge about the wine industry…..nor did I really have any interest in it but this novel made wine sound so beautiful and romantic. I instantly wanted to learn more about wine and how it was made etc. I’ve even started researching wine tastings in my area and in Napa Valley thanks to this book! It sounds so wonderful and interesting so I’ve become inspired to try out the whole wine tasting thing and see if I can expand my knowledge on a topic!

Besides the wine part, this novel was filled with intriguing family secrets, some romance, and a balanced two time period novel. The novel alternates between Caterina’s 1950’s story and her mother’s 1920’s story but one didn’t eclipse the other which I loved. Caterina was still the focus of the novel and I enjoyed her as a character immensely. She was strong but not annoyingly so, and there was room for her character to grow throughout the story. I loved watching her romance and her story unfold.

The only criticism I had was about the ending. I felt like there was all this build up to the ending and then it simply came together without the drama and resolution that the situation demanded. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone so that’s all I say about the ending. I basically felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly and too fast and then the novel was over so I just felt like the conclusion could have been a little more structured.

Overall this was a wonderful novel about family secrets, lies, romance, and wine! You don’t have to love wine to appreciate this novel but it certainly does help!

See my full review here

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel about two strong women in a wine making family - Ava, the mother and the owner of the California winery and her only daughter Caterina who has hopes of working at her mother's side. What could have been a wonderful mother and daughter business is ruined by the secrets that both women keep from each other. After telling her mother about the baby that she had when she was at college and that she plans to keep, Caterina goes to Italy to the house that she has inherited from the grandmother she never knew. There she finds out secrets about her mother and her family that may change her life and the existence of the family winery in Napa Valley. She and her mother must face the past together or be destroyed by it.

The time period of the novel is the 1950s and the author highlights that very well. The reader sees it in the treatment of both women as second class citizens, especially in the way they are treated by bankers. We also see it in the clothes that the women wear when they dress up with hats and gloves.

The author definitely did considerable research into the process of wine making. I learned a lot about it as I read the novel. Not in a boring way but as part of the story of what went on at the winery.

This novel has it all - great plot, strong characters, mystery, suspense and romance. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down once you've started it!
(The book was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review.)

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had approximately 8 glasses of wine while reading this book.

All red.

This story looks at relationship between a mother and daughter to uncover similarities neither one saw coming. Taking place in California and in Italy, the book jumps between timeframes and builds on the family secrets to keep a reader engaged.

**Received as a Goodreads Winner**

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

1956-Family secrets can be devastating. Winemaker Caterina Rosetta and her mother Ava are hiding a secret which can ruin their family winery. The Winery, Mille Etoiles Vineyards is in Napa Valley. Ava’s late husband past could ruin everything. Caterina has a talent for crafting wine.

Caterina has a child, which is illegitimate and does not want her daughter to be treated badly as her mother and society have a more traditional view. The child’s father, Santo left town with no explanation before she found out she was pregnant. She learns she can claim an inheritance from her grandmother in Italy and a chance for a new life. She had no idea of her grandmother’s existence and the family waiting for her.

A heartwarming novel filled with love, secrets and family. Grab your favorite drink and imagine yourself to Tuscany.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

visit the tasty locations here: The winemakers

There is so much to love about this novel and more than lives up to the high standard she set with Sent of Triumph. I just really identify with her characters and understand them. Ava and Caterina’s lives are so far removed from my own but it’s the little details and the secrets women share that made me feel close to them.

It’s a story about women and the choices they had in the 1950s that really held my fascination. The family secrets that come spilling out and the treatment of women as second class citizens is nicely drawn and creates a trail of deceit, secrets and ultimately hope.

On top of this, the story of winemaking and the skill and detail that this involves was just amazing. I knew nothing about this yet I felt I was on the vineyard myself, talking the language of wine and even though I rarely drink the stuff myself, I really wanted to spend time in both locations finding out more. It’s quite an insight into how wine is made and how a vineyard is so much work but can stay in a family for decades.

These are all great ingredients for a novel and together it’s like a tapestry of colour, aromas and sensations. A picture of the 1950s, of viniculture and women with choices and family ties.

You have to read this with a glass of the best vino you can find. Relax, take a sip and indulge in a lovely, full flavoured journey.

Jan Moran popped over to the booktrail to tell us a few wine related secrets - The Winemakers author spills the beans but gladly not the wine

The photo shows her tasting wine and researching the novel!

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with the abundance of secrets and lies, this could have been a 4-star read at least. But the major “secret” is so predictable, as is most of the plot, and the way Caterina and Santo carry on even after hearing that they may share a parent, is disgusting to me. Santo comes across as a weak willed character that’s stubborn at all the wrong times. And how the heck do you hide from your mother a pregnancy and a baby??? It’s all very improbable, overly angsty, and I didn’t find much to like in Santo and therefore couldn’t sympathize much with Caterina.
Ava’s story was more interesting, albeit heartbreakingly sad. But Ava too, kept secrets that should not have been kept. It’s all a mess, even if it is a pretty enjoyable one.

[Therese Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This falls into the category of emotional pornography, per my freshman year AP English teacher, Mr. Duffy. Of course that appellation got the whole class’s attention. But, I’ve found this to be, unfortunately, a category of literature I prefer to avoid. Way too much drama, purple prose, and titalating plot twists. I’m not saying others can’t enjoy it, but it’s just not me. I’ll take just straight porn😂.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stock up on wine and Italian food before you start to read this! You will be thirsty and hungry for the good stuff! This story was so captivating I could not put the book down! Highly recommend! It helps I am a Californian so I really loved the bridge between Italy and CA. Loved this book!

[Noelle Mcnamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

The story is good, a combination of suspense, mystery and love. I’m a wine lover and thought this would be a fun book to read. The visuals were fantastic, and made you feel like you were there. Full of romance and intrigue.

[Vilija|Knygų Puslapiuose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Italija, vynas ir meilė!! Ir XX a. 6 dešimtmetis!! Kažkas nerealaus!!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely novel that takes us to Italy. I fell in love with the beautiful cover. Get ready to be transported to vineyards right from the comfort of your favorite chair.

[Evelina Jakovlevienė · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Martha D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were many good aspects to this book such as beautiful settings in Napa Valley & Tuscany & the art of winemaking. However, the family story was too predictable for my taste.

[NJB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the details about wine & wine making. The plot device of many strong woman struggling in the 1920s-50s wine making world rang true. The Luca story line ended up farcical & for that I downgraded my rating. 3.5 stars

[Angela Robinett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of family, secrets, abuse, hiding, fights, and WINE! I loved all the characters and some I despised and was so glad they got what they deserved. Please make this into a movie! Someone!!

[Kelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was like the most watered down version of a bad Danielle Steel novel. The storyline was SO predictable. The redundancy of the writing was nauseating. Toward the end I just skimmed pages just so I could get to the end. The book is cheesy….it randomly throws in some Italian words and French phrases to attempt to make it more interesting but for me it did the opposite. This is the second book I have read by this author, but it will be the last one I read. How anyone could rate this book above 2 stars is beyond me.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

California 1956.

Una figlia illegittima, un amore contrastato, un’eredità che proviene da una nonna mai conosciuta, dei segreti di famiglia gelosamente custoditi, un viaggio in Italia e il profumo degli acini d’uva che maturano al caldo sole della Napa Valley… ecco gli ingredienti di questo romanzo storico, la cui trama, per certi versi, mi ha ricordato un film da me molto amato, “Il profumo del mosto selvatico”.

La giovane Caterina Rosetta, per dare un futuro alla figlia avuta fuori dal matrimonio e dimenticare Santo, il padre della piccina, decide di accettare l’improvvisa quanto inattesa eredità di una nonna italiana, di cui non sospettava nemmeno l’esistenza: una casa e un vigneto a Montalcino.

Lascia quindi la sua amata Mille Étoiles, la tenuta in cui la madre Ava – viticultrice di successo e donna forte, dalle mille sfaccettature e dai tanti segreti – l’ha cresciuta insegnandole ogni cosa sul vino, per giungere in Italia, dove scoprirà non solo di aver ricevuto in eredità una casa e un vigneto, ma verrà a conoscenza anche del suo passato e delle sue origini.

" Tracciò una linea immaginaria con il dito. Una casa a Montalcino. In Italia. La sua casa, se quei documenti fossero risultati veri.
O forse no. Forse esisteva un’altra donna che portava il suo stesso nome, o forse il testamento era vecchio. Chi aveva idea di cosa accadesse in Italia, una terra tanto lontana?
Aveva sempre sognato di avere una famiglia e il suo vigneto dove avrebbe potuto mettere in pratica la sua arte. Non c’erano molte donne che facessero il vino nell’ambiente, ma lei conosceva bene il mestiere. Si passò le dita sulla fronte corrugata per lisciarla, mentre guardava la foto."

Incentrato principalmente su Caterina Rosetta e sulle sue scelte anticonvenzionali per l’epoca – scelte che la porteranno a scoprire delle verità, inerenti la sua famiglia, sepolte oramai da anni – il valore aggiunto di questo libro sta nella presenza di donne forti che portano avanti le loro vite, in spregio a una mentalità sociale che vedeva la figura femminile in secondo piano per molti, anzi troppi aspetti.

«Avresti dovuto sposare Ted quando ne avevi la possibilità. Stai invecchiando, e non hai prospettive di matrimonio. Quando pensi di avere dei figli?».
Caterina esitò un attimo. «Io ho una figlia».
Ecco, l’aveva detto. Tutto il suo mondo le scivolò sotto i piedi.
Ava inclinò la testa. «Che cosa?».
Le parole schizzarono fuori come una molla. «Ho una bambina, ha un anno e si chiama Marisa».
Caterina osservò le labbra di sua madre che si schiudevano per lo stupore. Il senso di colpa la assalì. Avrebbe dovuto confidarglielo molto tempo prima.
«No, no, no». Macchie rosse comparvero sul petto di Ava e lei si portò una mano al collo.
[…]
Ava le afferrò il braccio. «Me lo devi dire».
Poi la voce le si strozzò in gola, e sua madre emise dei deboli sospiri che Caterina non aveva mai sentito prima. «Non è di Santo, vero?»
«E anche se lo fosse?».
Caterina non riusciva a distogliere lo sguardo, il volto di Ava era immobile nella più tormentata delle espressioni che avesse mai visto.
«Saresti terribilmente… rovinata. Tutti… ma non lui».

Questa è una storia di donne che hanno combattuto gli eventi avversi, uscendone ferite, ma vincenti, ed è anche un romanzo di segreti celati da decenni, capaci, anche a distanza di anni, di ostacolare un amore, di creare delle divisioni e di procurare tanta sofferenza.

Ava singhiozzava sulla spalla di Caterina. «Tempo fa Santo era innamorato di te, ma chérie».
Come poteva la vita essere così crudele? Le venne meno la terra sotto i piedi, come se una voragine si fosse inghiottita la vita che sempre aveva sognato. La nausea l’assalì.”
«Venne a chiedermi la tua mano in matrimonio, ma io lo cacciai via. Non potevate stare insieme. Ho spezzato il cuore di quel povero ragazzo».
“E il mio”. Caterina si morse il labbro inferiore. Come avrebbe fatto a dirlo a Santo?
Ava prese il viso di Caterina tra le mani. «Mi dispiace, ma le cose potevano essere ben peggiori».
Caterina ebbe l’impressione che le conficcassero un coltello nel cuore. All’improvviso comprese perché sua madre le aveva nascosto la verità. Infliggere sofferenza a qualcuno che si ama è infinitamente più doloroso che tenersi il peso delle cose per sé.
Per questo Caterina non avrebbe mai detto ad Ava che la sua bellissima nipote era figlia di Santo.

I personaggi sono tutti ben delineati, anche quelli secondari o quelli che fanno soltanto una fugace apparizione. Ben riuscito, altresì, l’incastro tra il presente della narrazione nel 1956 e i capitoli dedicati al passato di Ava, la madre della protagonista.

La narrazione in terza persona, lungi dall’apparire distaccata, permette un approccio di ampio respiro, facilitando sia il passaggio tra capitoli ambientati in anni/contesti geografici diversi, che l’inserimento di alcune informazioni di supporto, come ad esempio gli accenni (che poi accenni non sono) a tutto il mondo che ruota intorno al vino.

Era un vino fenomenale, un vero e proprio vino di terroir, con un forte senso di appartenenza che rifletteva il terreno, il clima e l’altitudine. Ricordò le sfumature che conteneva, sentori di rovere affumicato, cioccolata, spezie, mora, minerali e materia vulcanica. Ma era abbastanza buono per competere sulla scena mondiale?

Gli unici punti che non ho apprezzato particolarmente sono alcuni momenti della narrazione che ho trovato troppo “velocizzati”, come alcuni passaggi di scena o eventi che, a mio avviso, sono stati poco approfonditi nella loro reale complessità.

Un altro aspetto che non ho gradito appieno riguarda alcuni colpi di scena che, per quanto funzionali alla trama, sono decisamente degni di una soap opera americana: come ad esempio i due coup de théâtre finali, con cui si ricompongono gli eventi narrati per giungere, in modo un po’ troppo artefatto e forse scontato, al classico lieto fine.

Da ultimo, un breve commento in merito alla traduzione e all’editing della versione italiana. Premesso che, quasi certamente, quest’ultimo, dopo la traduzione, non è stato fatto (tanto per dirne una: “gli” al posto di “loro” è ancora un errore nell’italiano scritto), ho riscontrato spesso sbavature e imperfezioni disseminate qua e là nel romanzo.

Incuriosita, poi, da una frase senza senso e da un’altra che “zoppicava” parecchio, ho scaricato l’estratto gratuito da Amazon, in lingua originale; confrontando le due versioni, ho trovato degli errori di traduzione, nonché delle aggiunte e delle sottrazioni di termini, senza che ve ne fosse reale necessità.

Fatemelo dire, anzi urlare: NO!

Per carità, lo so: la figura del traduttore è sottopagata, ma quando si sbaglia a tradurre – un errore, quindi, non un refuso! – si sbaglia a tradurre. Né più né meno.

E il lettore non deve assolutamente pagare lo scotto per delle dinamiche editoriali di scarsa qualità.

Fortunatamente, per quello che ho potuto confrontare, le imperfezioni non sono tali da compromettere in toto la lettura, ma sono sufficienti per farmi protestare, anche perché non ho la certezza che non abbiano influito sulla percezione di scarsa fluidità o eccessiva velocità avuta in merito ad alcune scene.

Sicuramente è un libro piacevole per trascorrere qualche ora immersi in una storia dal gusto vintage, rigorosamente a lieto fine, che, pur non avendo delle pretese educative, riesce comunque a veicolare dei messaggi forti.

[Mary Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't always read historical romance but when I do...it's The Winemakers: A Novel of Wine and Secrets.

Last week, I was on a bit of a vacay and devoted the majority of my time to reading. It's been a while since I've been able to do this and fortunately I had great books on hand. I was also lucky enough to be a part of Moran's Launch Party Team for The Winemakers and received a gorgeous ARC from Jan with matching bookmarks. The book is wonderful inside and out and I hate to sound cliché but I really could not put the book down. From beginning to end, loved this book! The two settings, Napa Valley and Tuscany, were sumptuous and so real that I could smell and taste the succulent, ripe grapes of both regions. And, it was so much fun learning about wine, the process of aging wine, and the many descriptive terms used by wine connoisseurs. Moran did an excellent job creating believable, likeable characters and placing them in locations that spilled into the imagination with ease.

If you love historical romance The Winemakers: A Novel of Wine and Secrets is the perfect choice. Pair this book with a glass of fine white or red wine. Doesn't matter. Goes down smoothly with either one. I'd even be willing to read a sequel or two. Yummy!!



Thank you, Jan! I enjoyed being a part of the book launch and I know this book will delight reader's everywhere.

[Katie Harder-schauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The cover and title of this book made me think of Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave and I've always enjoyed historical fiction so I was excited to dive in. It absolutely did not disappoint.

As a modern feminist, I spend large portions of the book irritated at the beliefs and actions of society in general. I realize that the attitudes were commonplace in the 1950s, when this book is set, and it makes me so thankful that I was born after the big push of the women's rights movement. I definitely had no problem relating to Caterina and Ava and their issues with society's attitudes toward strong, independent women.

The story got off to kind of a slow start for me, building the mystery and anticipation. There was a lot of "I can't ever let her know this very important secret" kind of stuff going on, and it was kind of obvious that these secrets should really be divulged (although maybe I just wanted that because I didn't get to know what most of them were either in the beginning.) Once the story picked up, it had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. There may have been some squealing involved (and pleading, ranting, and a bit of hoping as well if I'm being totally honest). I probably sounded like a certified lunatic for the last 30% of the book.

Overall I give The Winemakers 5 out of 5 stars because it was just that good. I would highly recommend it.

Reviewed on Just Another Girl and Her Books blog
http://www.justanothergirlandherbooks...

[Whitney · Rating 1 out of 5]

First Impressions

When I first acquired The Winemakers written by Jan Moran I looked forward to starting up my kindle for a fun historical set in Italy. Sadly, these thoughts were quickly diminished.

Impressions On Plot

Jan Moran has written a book the held potential but quickly went awry. What started out as a novel about discovering hidden family secrets spiralled into a sordid love affair. This would have been fine if it had been a subplot but it soon morphed into the main event. Add yourself a helping of incest and we have ourselves a Judith Krantz novel. Unfortunately, that is not even the tip of the iceberg. The reader is then introduced to her deranged father who is set upon ruining the family vineyard. The conclusion to the story was ridiculous. It had me saying "what, did that really just happen?" I was struck dumb by the demise of evil and predicted happy ending.

Impressions on Characters

The characters were all one dimensional with no one standing out. My biggest problem was with Caterina, she constantly wrestled between her love life and what was best for her daughter, the result was an overgrown teenager pitching a fit when things don't go their way. It annoyed me to no end. I would have been perfectly happy if Caterina fell into a wine vat.

Final Impressions

In short, The Winemakers was a bust. It didn't hold any surprise or originality that made me look forward to reading at night. Instead of going to bed with a good book, I found my eyes rolling.

[Francoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about a winemaking family from Napa Valley, Tuscany, and France set in the years 1920s and 1950s. It is centered on a mother, Ava, and her daughter, Caterina. Both share a love for their famous vineyard, Mille Etoiles and, of course, their wine. This story has a vintage feel, that I found quite refreshing !

Caterina refuses to marry the man chosen by her mother, she is in love with another man, the father of her hidden daughter. She decides to leave with her child and start a new life in Italy where she has inherited a house from her grandmother.
But in Italy, she also discovers that her family has long buried secrets, that have been a heavy burden to carry for her mother. And soon they will be in danger of losing their beloved vineyard of Mille Etoiles.

I loved both women in this story. They are strong characters, willing to fight for what they believe is right. This was my first book by Jan Moran, but I was impressed by her ability to create multi-layered and complex characters, some good and some evil. I also enjoyed the vivid and richly evocative descriptions of landscapes and of the charming aspects of life in Tuscany, including the great food ! It reminded me of holidays under the Italian sun ! Obviously this won't be my last book by this author !

ARC kindly received from publisher St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Kerliza Foon · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review) This books has all the earmarks for a great book. The characters are all likable and at the same time they make decisions that may make you question their judgement. Their temporary insanity make them more believable as characters and allows the reader to feel a connection to them. At the same time it make them human and we can all understand making decisions under stressful circumstances. The plot is well written with suspenseful moments that keep you on the edge of the seat. It is well drawn and concluded out so that you do not get anti climatic resolutions to a problem from long build-up. The author skillfully blends past and present to create a book that give the readers insights to the characters as well as creating the setting so artfully that you can just imagine being in the book. Jan Moran weaves a tale that speaks of forgiveness, love, happiness and strength so wonderfully that you enjoy every minute of reading this book. Even better, the book goes down smoothly with a glass of wine. I recommend this book to those who love to curl on rainy days with a glass of wine and good book. You will not be disappointed.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NETGALLEY for the chance to read and give an honest review. I attended the Romantic Times Convention in Las Vegas and got to meet the author, Jan Moran, she was very friendly and charming, I told her how much I was enjoying her novel.
This is a novel about family, mother-daughter relationships, secrets, forgiveness, love, understanding, fear, strength and new beginnings.
I loved these women, they were strong independent women. The characters were multi-layered, complex, some good and some evil. The author did a wonderful job of drawing you into these characters lives, you cared about them. When they hurt, you hurt, when they felt anger, you also felt anger, when they forgave, you forgave.
There is history, winemaking, and such a wonderful story. If you enjoy family drama's, friendship, winemaking, mother and daughter, love , forgiveness and most of all, happy endings, you are going to love this novel.
Thank you Jan Moran for great story telling and NETGALLEY for allowing me to read this fantastic novel.

[Mary Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book because I thought learning about wine while reading a romance would be almost as good as drinking wine while reading a romance. And it was. I especially enjoyed the scenes in the small town and the villa in Tuscany. Later in the story, Napa Valley and the mountains with views toward the sea were perfect for romantic interludes. Both the mother, Ava, and her daughter, Caterina, are winemakers, but they also have secrets which keep them from having a healthy relationship with each other, and ultimately, with the men they love. This will keep you reading until all the layers have been revealed. The Winemakers is a taste of wine country mixed with romantic intrigue. Read and savor.
I received this book from St. Martin's Press and as a member of Jan Moran's Street Team in exchange for an honest review.