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A Vintage Summer
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realizing it's time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home - but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There's a lot to learn - she didn't even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie's determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it'll be a challenge.
And that's before she discovers something that will turn her summer - and her world - upside down...
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie's determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it'll be a challenge.
And that's before she discovers something that will turn her summer - and her world - upside down...
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2019
237 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Bramley
66 books1,135 followersCathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!
Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
January 24, 2019
Because I love this author so much, I downloaded the book without reading the blurb, and then started reading it still without having a look at a blurb. From the title I think I was expecting something perhaps featuring vintage clothes, and evidently I didn't look at the cover properly, or vineyards may have come to mind!
We meet Lottie in London, as the groundskeeper of a crematorium and trying to desperately keep her boyfriend happy. I took an instant dislike to Harvey and it was well grounded, and I cheered when Lottie made the decision to move back to Derbyshire to be closer to her family.
Little did she realise at the time that it would be the best decision she ever makes and she ends up living and working at Butterworth Wines, and learning all about viticulture.
It is once we are the the vineyards that the book really gets going, and I loved the wide variety of people who volunteered at this family business,. All of which I loved getting to know, especially Betsy and Majorie who are widowed ladies who are hoping to see the vineyard through one last summer and harvest.
Betsy and Majorie are a real pair, so close to each other and listening to them bicker is always amusing.
While Lottie is getting to know this new business, and the readers are learning all about the English Wine industry, we are also getting to know Jensen, Betsy's grandson. And is he who will be so key to many of the outcomes of the book.
I loved this look at an English vineyard, and it has all of Cathy Bramley's warmth, love, good feeling, excellent writing, easy to picture settings and people and just everything you want for a wonderful and charming book.
In some respects I felt it was slow to get going properly, ie, to get to the key bits of the book, the moving to Derbyshire, but it was a highly engaging and enjoyable slow start, and it was all relevant and key information, that would help you empathise with Lottie later in the story.
This is vintage Cathy Bramley through and through and I urge her fans, and those new to the author to give this a go if you want an incredibly enjoyable story and a lovely feeling at the end of it.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
We meet Lottie in London, as the groundskeeper of a crematorium and trying to desperately keep her boyfriend happy. I took an instant dislike to Harvey and it was well grounded, and I cheered when Lottie made the decision to move back to Derbyshire to be closer to her family.
Little did she realise at the time that it would be the best decision she ever makes and she ends up living and working at Butterworth Wines, and learning all about viticulture.
It is once we are the the vineyards that the book really gets going, and I loved the wide variety of people who volunteered at this family business,. All of which I loved getting to know, especially Betsy and Majorie who are widowed ladies who are hoping to see the vineyard through one last summer and harvest.
Betsy and Majorie are a real pair, so close to each other and listening to them bicker is always amusing.
While Lottie is getting to know this new business, and the readers are learning all about the English Wine industry, we are also getting to know Jensen, Betsy's grandson. And is he who will be so key to many of the outcomes of the book.
I loved this look at an English vineyard, and it has all of Cathy Bramley's warmth, love, good feeling, excellent writing, easy to picture settings and people and just everything you want for a wonderful and charming book.
In some respects I felt it was slow to get going properly, ie, to get to the key bits of the book, the moving to Derbyshire, but it was a highly engaging and enjoyable slow start, and it was all relevant and key information, that would help you empathise with Lottie later in the story.
This is vintage Cathy Bramley through and through and I urge her fans, and those new to the author to give this a go if you want an incredibly enjoyable story and a lovely feeling at the end of it.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 11, 2022
Such a feel good. I totally wolfed it down, a book about wine 🥳 and a very lovely easy going story that had me giggling and crying equally throughout ☺
And I'm now even more convinced I should have a vineyard.
And I'm now even more convinced I should have a vineyard.
February 8, 2024
Ook erg leuk als je niet van wijn houdt 😝
February 20, 2019
I have to start by saying how much I loved Lottie. She is a believable character who I think lots of women can relate to. The fact that she can climb trees as well as cut them, just made me love her that little bit more. She isn’t some delicate wall flower but rather a wholesome and robust woman which was a total breath of fresh air to your stereo typical protagonist you usually see in this genre.
Apart from Harvey, the rest of the characters in the novel are just fabulous. It is a very character driven story of which all of them made me fall a bit more in love with this novel. Betsy was especially a character who grabbed my attention from the start and I just adored her.
The setting of a local vineyard is something you don’t see in many books, well not ones that are set in England that’s for sure. Even though I haven’t got a green finger on me, I loved the whole idea of throwing myself into the work and running the place just like Lottie. It made it at times a picturesque and idyllic setting.
A Vintage Summer is a novel to fall in love with. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing the blossoming relationship between Lottie and Jensen develop. It is a wonderful story of friendship and family as well as romance. A story to warm any heart.
My thanks to Anne Cater Transworld Publishers for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Apart from Harvey, the rest of the characters in the novel are just fabulous. It is a very character driven story of which all of them made me fall a bit more in love with this novel. Betsy was especially a character who grabbed my attention from the start and I just adored her.
The setting of a local vineyard is something you don’t see in many books, well not ones that are set in England that’s for sure. Even though I haven’t got a green finger on me, I loved the whole idea of throwing myself into the work and running the place just like Lottie. It made it at times a picturesque and idyllic setting.
A Vintage Summer is a novel to fall in love with. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing the blossoming relationship between Lottie and Jensen develop. It is a wonderful story of friendship and family as well as romance. A story to warm any heart.
My thanks to Anne Cater Transworld Publishers for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
March 21, 2020
An ok, read. It lacked the character development and complexity, I've come to expect from other authors in the genre. It's a safe read, but not terribly exciting.
February 24, 2021
Another easy and enjoyable read from Cathy Bramley, a little rushed at the end but that didn't spoil it. Its light reading but a good story.
May 22, 2019
An enjoyable heart-warming summer read with lovable characters who experience the predictable mix of heartbreak and happiness. Lottie was a fab main character, impossible not to silently cheer her on as she battles to keep the vineyard in the Butterworth family.
March 22, 2019
It feels so, so good reading a novel by Cathy Bramley again! I don't think there's been a book of hers that I'm yet to dislike. Every novel draws you in from the very first page and then lets you go right at the end, where you're feeling all warm and fuzzy at a lovely, happy ending! I've had this on my TBR pile for quite a while, but with book reviews and blog tours I've found it hard to find a time to read it - much to my annoyance and lack of patience!
The cover is simply stunning, much like Cathy's other covers, the colours draw you in and make you want to pick them up - time and time again. I love the bright blue sky, the many rows of vines, the grapes surrounding the cover and of course the bottle of wine right at the front! It doesn't give too much away, especially as there are no characters dominating the front but it does give you a clear indication as to what to expect.
Once I started reading it, I knew I was going to love it. It just had a great vibe to it, a fantastic, dramatic in some places, storyline and some lovely (and some not-so-lovely) characters. The novel starts in London with Lottie realising that she doesn't want to stick to a permanent job anytime soon, and when her relationship with Harvey crumbles, Lottie makes a quick escape and heads back home to her family - where she finds her sister in tears and her dad leaving on a once-in-a-lifetime trip! However, when Harvey arrives at Lottie's sisters house and starts being quite aggressive, Lottie and Evie (her sister) decide that Lottie needs to move away for a bit, and gets a job at a not too far away vineyard.
At first, everything is going so well, but then Lottie has an accident whilst on site and ends up in hospital, where she learns some shocking news. This of course turns Lottie's world upside down and she's unsure as to what to do next. At first I wasn't sure how to take Jensen, the blurb indicated that he was interfering, so I wasn't sure if he was going to be one of those men that was trying to get their hands on their grandmothers money! However, as the story went on, I needn't have worried as he turned out to be quite the lovely gentleman. And I found myself really warming to all the Butterworth clan.
Overall, I really really enjoyed this novel. It was summery, feel-good and unputdownable. It's Cathy Bramley at her finest and I loved every page. I would recommend you give this a read, as it's the perfect pool-side read! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
The cover is simply stunning, much like Cathy's other covers, the colours draw you in and make you want to pick them up - time and time again. I love the bright blue sky, the many rows of vines, the grapes surrounding the cover and of course the bottle of wine right at the front! It doesn't give too much away, especially as there are no characters dominating the front but it does give you a clear indication as to what to expect.
Once I started reading it, I knew I was going to love it. It just had a great vibe to it, a fantastic, dramatic in some places, storyline and some lovely (and some not-so-lovely) characters. The novel starts in London with Lottie realising that she doesn't want to stick to a permanent job anytime soon, and when her relationship with Harvey crumbles, Lottie makes a quick escape and heads back home to her family - where she finds her sister in tears and her dad leaving on a once-in-a-lifetime trip! However, when Harvey arrives at Lottie's sisters house and starts being quite aggressive, Lottie and Evie (her sister) decide that Lottie needs to move away for a bit, and gets a job at a not too far away vineyard.
At first, everything is going so well, but then Lottie has an accident whilst on site and ends up in hospital, where she learns some shocking news. This of course turns Lottie's world upside down and she's unsure as to what to do next. At first I wasn't sure how to take Jensen, the blurb indicated that he was interfering, so I wasn't sure if he was going to be one of those men that was trying to get their hands on their grandmothers money! However, as the story went on, I needn't have worried as he turned out to be quite the lovely gentleman. And I found myself really warming to all the Butterworth clan.
Overall, I really really enjoyed this novel. It was summery, feel-good and unputdownable. It's Cathy Bramley at her finest and I loved every page. I would recommend you give this a read, as it's the perfect pool-side read! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
February 28, 2019
What a charming story! Really captivating characters and what a cast they were - such a wide variety but I loved them all (okay, not you Harvey grrr).
The main character is Lottie and what a likeable, and relatable, lady she is. Ending her controlling relationship, she sets off to be closer to home and her sister when she ends up taking on employment with a vineyard. Now looking at the book cover, which is stunning, and not paying proper attention obviously to the synopsis - I thought this book was going to be set in the Mediterranean so I was pleasantly surprised that actually it was Derbyshire. Go figure - an English vineyard! Loved it.
The passion that Lottie shows for the family and friends that take her in, as well as her new role at Butterworth Wines, is so endearing. She learns the craft at such a pace but it is very believable due to that passion and her ideas to help the business grow and develop are very savvy.
What a cast of characters - affable and a genuine tight knit group, it was clear they truly were Lottie's family and brought so much to the story. Whilst Lottie was clearly the main character, plenty of others rightly got more than bit parts. I adored Betsy and Marjorie whose gentle bickering and needling of one another was incredibly lovable and they would be firm friends of mine.
Lottie has a crush on Betsy's grandson Jenson but with some surprising news of her own teamed with Jenson's determination (albeit for the good of the family business) to sell up, it is unclear if anything can truly come of their friendship and if it could become more than that.
All in all, this was such an enjoyable and entertaining read, the breadth of characters made it for me. Yet another masterpiece from Cathy Bramley - she can do no wrong!
My many thanks to Random House UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main character is Lottie and what a likeable, and relatable, lady she is. Ending her controlling relationship, she sets off to be closer to home and her sister when she ends up taking on employment with a vineyard. Now looking at the book cover, which is stunning, and not paying proper attention obviously to the synopsis - I thought this book was going to be set in the Mediterranean so I was pleasantly surprised that actually it was Derbyshire. Go figure - an English vineyard! Loved it.
The passion that Lottie shows for the family and friends that take her in, as well as her new role at Butterworth Wines, is so endearing. She learns the craft at such a pace but it is very believable due to that passion and her ideas to help the business grow and develop are very savvy.
What a cast of characters - affable and a genuine tight knit group, it was clear they truly were Lottie's family and brought so much to the story. Whilst Lottie was clearly the main character, plenty of others rightly got more than bit parts. I adored Betsy and Marjorie whose gentle bickering and needling of one another was incredibly lovable and they would be firm friends of mine.
Lottie has a crush on Betsy's grandson Jenson but with some surprising news of her own teamed with Jenson's determination (albeit for the good of the family business) to sell up, it is unclear if anything can truly come of their friendship and if it could become more than that.
All in all, this was such an enjoyable and entertaining read, the breadth of characters made it for me. Yet another masterpiece from Cathy Bramley - she can do no wrong!
My many thanks to Random House UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
I loved this so much, Cathy Bramley books are always like a warm hug. Lottie is such a loveable kind character and Jensen is amazing, all the chemistry and warmth you expect. Cathy Bramley does this so well and each book you don’t want to put down and this is no different.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
June 2, 2023
Heerlijk geestdodend luisterboek voor in de auto. Best een aardig verhaal, maar zo cliché en zoetsappig dat het glazuur van je tanden springt. Daardoor perfect om in de auto te luisteren als je van en naar je werk rijdt en geen enkele gedachte meer wilt hebben.
August 29, 2019
Another gorgeous, easy summer read. I loved the characters, particularly that there was a good variety of generations and would love to know how their story continues.
January 29, 2021
Light and breezy.. a good read for those challenging work days when everything seems to be going against one. Loved the protagonist and her determination against all odds to renew her life at every step. The book contains a lot of esoteric details on wines and winemaking..
May 28, 2019
When Lottie moved to London with boyfriend Harvey for his personal training career to take off they were happy. Only over time and him not getting anywhere career wise, Lottie getting promoted in her crematorium gardening job, Harvey becoming more controlling and emotionally draining her Lottie decides to take her life back after talking to a stranger who knew the situation too.
Evie her sister is trying to foster after parting from husband Darren after their lengthy struggle to get pregnant and the stress it put on their relationship.
Meanwhile their dad has gone off travelling the world as to fulfil his wife's dream they shared of retirement travelling only that doesn't go to plan...
As Lottie finds herself at a vineyard by chance to work and build her life back up, she makes new friends, learns new skills and meets the handsome Jensen, the grandson of her new boss whom looks out for her as if she were family...
As Lottie faces a tough choice after finding out a shocking life change and with her ex looming over her and Jensen caring for her closely just what's her happy ending to be?
This book made me smile lots and taught me a lot about wine making too! The story has very serious topics from illness, pregnancy, death, grief, infertility and abuse but if course we see how her life changes from making tough decisions. It's a great summer read for sure and you'll love Lottie and root for her as I did!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Evie her sister is trying to foster after parting from husband Darren after their lengthy struggle to get pregnant and the stress it put on their relationship.
Meanwhile their dad has gone off travelling the world as to fulfil his wife's dream they shared of retirement travelling only that doesn't go to plan...
As Lottie finds herself at a vineyard by chance to work and build her life back up, she makes new friends, learns new skills and meets the handsome Jensen, the grandson of her new boss whom looks out for her as if she were family...
As Lottie faces a tough choice after finding out a shocking life change and with her ex looming over her and Jensen caring for her closely just what's her happy ending to be?
This book made me smile lots and taught me a lot about wine making too! The story has very serious topics from illness, pregnancy, death, grief, infertility and abuse but if course we see how her life changes from making tough decisions. It's a great summer read for sure and you'll love Lottie and root for her as I did!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
April 23, 2019
As yet there hasn't been a Cathy Bramley book I haven't liked she is simply brilliant with her writing and captivates you so much and the characters are so loveable and such a perfect summer read. It's full of romance and heartbreak and families and plenty about the vineyard and just hooks you straight away. Worth more than five stars and a delightful read.
Lottie moved to London with her boyfriend but she has never really been happy and one day she decides enough is enough and packs her bags and heads back home in Derbyshire. Problem is she gets home and everything is changing as her dad is going traveling and renting the house out so she can't stay there and her sister has split from her husband as they can't decide what they want and she feels it's not fair to stay with her but her sister applies for a job at the local vineyard and when Lottie finds out she's inside as doesn't anything about vineyards. When she gets the job and a place to live with it she learns many things about the family who own the vineyard. Widow Betsy is trying to keep the place going since her husband's tragic death. Her grandson Jenson is trying to tell her to sell up and move into a home. Lottie is determined to save Butterworth wines and can she do it especially when she discovers something that will really change her summer. Will she find love again or will her ex put a stop to that and will she save the vineyard.
A brilliant perfect read.
Lottie moved to London with her boyfriend but she has never really been happy and one day she decides enough is enough and packs her bags and heads back home in Derbyshire. Problem is she gets home and everything is changing as her dad is going traveling and renting the house out so she can't stay there and her sister has split from her husband as they can't decide what they want and she feels it's not fair to stay with her but her sister applies for a job at the local vineyard and when Lottie finds out she's inside as doesn't anything about vineyards. When she gets the job and a place to live with it she learns many things about the family who own the vineyard. Widow Betsy is trying to keep the place going since her husband's tragic death. Her grandson Jenson is trying to tell her to sell up and move into a home. Lottie is determined to save Butterworth wines and can she do it especially when she discovers something that will really change her summer. Will she find love again or will her ex put a stop to that and will she save the vineyard.
A brilliant perfect read.
April 3, 2019
A sparkling romance among the Derbyshire vines.
Lottie escapes her mundane job as a gardener in a London crematorium and her bossy boyfriend, Harvey, to return to Fernfield, the Derbyshire village where she grew up. There she finds a new job as manager of a vineyard, which appeals to her love of fresh air. She also finds Jensen, the handsome, caring grandson of the owners of Butterworth Wines, so different from selfish Harvey. All her new staff and the Butterworth family love her but does Jensen? Then there's a very unexpected development.....
What makes this book for me is Lottie and her transformation. At first, she's downtrodden but making the most of her time away from the horrible Harvey by talking to the people whose graves she tends so carefully. By the end, she's blossomed into a confident, decisive woman who makes important life changes with the help of her loving family and friends.
Really enjoyed this simple and touching story, full of romance and humorous moments. For fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson.
Lottie escapes her mundane job as a gardener in a London crematorium and her bossy boyfriend, Harvey, to return to Fernfield, the Derbyshire village where she grew up. There she finds a new job as manager of a vineyard, which appeals to her love of fresh air. She also finds Jensen, the handsome, caring grandson of the owners of Butterworth Wines, so different from selfish Harvey. All her new staff and the Butterworth family love her but does Jensen? Then there's a very unexpected development.....
What makes this book for me is Lottie and her transformation. At first, she's downtrodden but making the most of her time away from the horrible Harvey by talking to the people whose graves she tends so carefully. By the end, she's blossomed into a confident, decisive woman who makes important life changes with the help of her loving family and friends.
Really enjoyed this simple and touching story, full of romance and humorous moments. For fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson.
April 13, 2019
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I’m a Cathy Bramley fan, but this one really bothers me. What it boils down to is this - if you saw someone you knew (whether friend, acquaintance, or someone you’re in love with) being kissed by their violent ex, would you drive off, or would you stop and just check to make sure it’s consensual? No matter how hurt you are by seeing her kiss someone else, wouldn’t you make sure? I certainly would. Even if I was currently at outs with that person. I don’t think I’d have taken Jensen back without an abject apology for leaving her to be sexually assaulted. Possibly not even then, there would have to be a VERY good explanation. It’s lucky Harvey didn’t decide to take things further.
I really enjoyed the middle 80% though, well written, fun and romantic, everything you’d expect from a Cathy Bramley. However, I don’t think this will be a repeat read for me.
I really enjoyed the middle 80% though, well written, fun and romantic, everything you’d expect from a Cathy Bramley. However, I don’t think this will be a repeat read for me.
April 4, 2019
Absolutely loved it wine making enjoyed all about it
September 19, 2019
Couldn't put this book down, I really enjoyed reading about Lottie, Jensen and the Vineyard.
August 25, 2025
As with all Cathy Bramley books I've read, it was an easy-reader with a feel-good happy ending. The sort of story you expect to get, but that is precisely why I choose to read them when I want to relax and unwind.
August 29, 2025
Boring, predictable, weirdly paced. A lot of unnecessary scenes just for the sake of making the book longer. Characters have as much personality as a bag of flour.
August 2, 2019
I think I have read everything that Cathy Bramley has written and once again I was not disappointed. I liked the characters, they were very relatable and likeable. The plot was good, good setting, a thoroughly nice read. I was disappointed in the ending, I felt it ended a little abruptly and without knowing what would happen to the characters, perhaps a sequel is in the offing? A nice holiday read and would recommend it though.
June 11, 2019
A really good read. It warms upu up as you wait for the summer of England to arrive. I really enjoyed all the characters and the setting this was set in makes it different for the usual settings on the cornish coast.
I loved Lottie and how strong she was for leaving the mad crazy gym enthusiast who turned out to be quite an awful man. I've just done something similar. She leaves London for the Derbyshire hills only to become the next woman working the grape vineyards. It's all new to Lottie and it's a big job learning all the tricks but with everyone willing to help she works it perfectly for the next harvest.
She works with a little cottage given to her by who own the farm and they are all eccentric in their own ways but very fun. Theres also a grandson who seems to like lottie more than he can admit but hes a big businessman and is sent to south Africa.
By the time harvest is here everyone is working hard and a storm hits. Lottie is midway through a surprise pregnancy and she is injured .. will the baby pull through or is it another miscarriage for the Allbright sisters.
Loved it.
I loved Lottie and how strong she was for leaving the mad crazy gym enthusiast who turned out to be quite an awful man. I've just done something similar. She leaves London for the Derbyshire hills only to become the next woman working the grape vineyards. It's all new to Lottie and it's a big job learning all the tricks but with everyone willing to help she works it perfectly for the next harvest.
She works with a little cottage given to her by who own the farm and they are all eccentric in their own ways but very fun. Theres also a grandson who seems to like lottie more than he can admit but hes a big businessman and is sent to south Africa.
By the time harvest is here everyone is working hard and a storm hits. Lottie is midway through a surprise pregnancy and she is injured .. will the baby pull through or is it another miscarriage for the Allbright sisters.
Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2018
Having read all of cathy's books comes as no surprise that once again we have a totally fantastic book
This is a Truely magical TRUMPET-TOOTING EXTRAVAGANZA OF A BOOK
I loved learning the art of wine and champagne making intertwining a fabulous story with the rather dashing Jenson and lottie
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review Can highly recommend this book .
This is a Truely magical TRUMPET-TOOTING EXTRAVAGANZA OF A BOOK
I loved learning the art of wine and champagne making intertwining a fabulous story with the rather dashing Jenson and lottie
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review Can highly recommend this book .
April 1, 2019
totally loved this. Cathy's books are always amazing
October 19, 2020
This was a perfect summer read. I loved every second.
February 17, 2019
Cathy Bramley is an author who I have grown to rely on and look forward to her novels with great excitement. When you know you are going to get lost in a story and enjoy some excellent writing then you know they are always a joy to read. This new novel was no different and lived up to all my expectations.
Lottie Allbright left Derbyshire to follow her love Harvey to London. But after six months it does not seem that love was on the agenda at all. When a chance encounter with a lady in the gardens at a crematorium, gives her the strength to make a decision, Lottie returns home to Derbyshire.
To her widowed father about to embark on a journey across Europe as well as a highly strung sister, Evie who will stop at nothing to be a mother. Lottie needs to find her place again in the world, find something she enjoys doing and to create a future for herself. Little does she know that the future came back with her from London.
When a job comes up at Butterworth Wines for some help for six months, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Lottie to throw herself into something and the bonus that it comes with accommodation means at least he is settled for a while.
However the job ends up being a lot more. Betsy the owner of the Vineyard, after her husband Ted passed away is losing her sight and will not admit it to anyone. She is trying to hide the truth from her grandson Jensen otherwise he will suggest putting her in a home. But she promised Ted that she would be there to see the harvest come in and she stands by her decision.
Lottie suddenly finds herself thrown in to a family which are still reeling from the death of Ted, the decline inf Betsy's health as well as Betsy's sister-in-law Marjorie, wheelchair bound because of an accident. Lottie needs to find out about viticulture and fast and so readers did I.
As Lottie gets to grip in producing English wine and English Sparkling Wine, the enthusiasm of all the volunteers knows no bounds. Matt, Clare, Roger, Godfrey and the shy Pippa all make up the team at Butterworth Wines and it is simply a case of Lottie directing them all to blend the wines, get in the harvest and perhaps make the vineyard a going concern for someone else to take on.
Trouble is the volunteers love the vineyard, all brought their by Ted for various different reasons, Betsy does not want to leave her home and Lottie has found something which she enjoys and can finally see herself settling down, especially when Jensen, the good-looking grandson shows an interest.
But when a discovery changes not just Lottie's world, but Evies, Jensen's and the prospect of Butterworth Wines survival it seems that this is going to be one summer that no one is going to forget.
This is a fantastic read. It has everything you want from a book, humour, tragedy, light and dark moments and covers some difficult subjects with careful consideration. Plus I got to learn a lot about viticulture as well as the word itself! Wonderful characters which are introduced gradually and all play a part in the overall story. They are not all flung in at the beginning of the novel, but woven into the tale as you go so they are full formed and can be remembered quite clearly once you have put the book down.
Vintage Cathy Bramley which absolutely fizzes!
Lottie Allbright left Derbyshire to follow her love Harvey to London. But after six months it does not seem that love was on the agenda at all. When a chance encounter with a lady in the gardens at a crematorium, gives her the strength to make a decision, Lottie returns home to Derbyshire.
To her widowed father about to embark on a journey across Europe as well as a highly strung sister, Evie who will stop at nothing to be a mother. Lottie needs to find her place again in the world, find something she enjoys doing and to create a future for herself. Little does she know that the future came back with her from London.
When a job comes up at Butterworth Wines for some help for six months, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Lottie to throw herself into something and the bonus that it comes with accommodation means at least he is settled for a while.
However the job ends up being a lot more. Betsy the owner of the Vineyard, after her husband Ted passed away is losing her sight and will not admit it to anyone. She is trying to hide the truth from her grandson Jensen otherwise he will suggest putting her in a home. But she promised Ted that she would be there to see the harvest come in and she stands by her decision.
Lottie suddenly finds herself thrown in to a family which are still reeling from the death of Ted, the decline inf Betsy's health as well as Betsy's sister-in-law Marjorie, wheelchair bound because of an accident. Lottie needs to find out about viticulture and fast and so readers did I.
As Lottie gets to grip in producing English wine and English Sparkling Wine, the enthusiasm of all the volunteers knows no bounds. Matt, Clare, Roger, Godfrey and the shy Pippa all make up the team at Butterworth Wines and it is simply a case of Lottie directing them all to blend the wines, get in the harvest and perhaps make the vineyard a going concern for someone else to take on.
Trouble is the volunteers love the vineyard, all brought their by Ted for various different reasons, Betsy does not want to leave her home and Lottie has found something which she enjoys and can finally see herself settling down, especially when Jensen, the good-looking grandson shows an interest.
But when a discovery changes not just Lottie's world, but Evies, Jensen's and the prospect of Butterworth Wines survival it seems that this is going to be one summer that no one is going to forget.
This is a fantastic read. It has everything you want from a book, humour, tragedy, light and dark moments and covers some difficult subjects with careful consideration. Plus I got to learn a lot about viticulture as well as the word itself! Wonderful characters which are introduced gradually and all play a part in the overall story. They are not all flung in at the beginning of the novel, but woven into the tale as you go so they are full formed and can be remembered quite clearly once you have put the book down.
Vintage Cathy Bramley which absolutely fizzes!
December 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this 'bubbly' summer romance. My rating 4.25.
Lottie was excited to move to London with her new boyfriend. Slowly she realizes that he is cutting her off from others, becoming over-controlling and edging towards abuse. Lottie makes a smart choice to go home before things get worse. She arrives to find her sister in distress over estrangement from her husband over their childless status and her father ready to head out on a trip he never got to take before her mother died. Lottie is desperate to find a place to live and to find a job. She is shocked to fall into a live-in position as a manager of a local vineyard.
Butterworth Wines is owned by Betsy, a recent widow whose husband was the leader and driving force behind the vineyard. Most of the workers are volunteers. Although Lottie knows nothing about viticulture (vine growing and harvesting), she is willing to work hard and learn fast. This works especially since everyone is thrilled to let her take control. The only person challenging her inexperience is Betsy’s grandson, Jensen. He thinks it is best to sell the vineyard and facilitate Betsy moving into an assisted living situation.
Lottie is quick to begin to turn things around at the winery and she would like to keep the property in the Butterworth family to honor the founder. She has only been engaged for six months and doesn’t know if she can convince Jensen to continue the business especially when he is on the brink of promotion in his business career. And that is how things stand when a new discovery rocks her world with a ripple effect that will impact everyone in the story.
I am not usually a big fan of relationship drama but this story leans to humor and is simply charming, interesting and engaging. Lottie is a wonderfully real character with strengths that outweigh her insecurities. I loved how her personal journey developed and I enjoyed the support she received from the quirky, passionate characters around the vineyard. Jensen is also a lovely character and their relationship conflict bounces between struggle and joy.
The setting and winery experience is a great element. I enjoyed learning about viticulture and its growth in Britain as well as some of the details and difficulties of the process of making wine. There is good movement in the story and light humor that helps with the enjoyment. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a relationship story that will bring sighs and smiles. I will have to look for other romances by Ms. Bramley.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Lottie was excited to move to London with her new boyfriend. Slowly she realizes that he is cutting her off from others, becoming over-controlling and edging towards abuse. Lottie makes a smart choice to go home before things get worse. She arrives to find her sister in distress over estrangement from her husband over their childless status and her father ready to head out on a trip he never got to take before her mother died. Lottie is desperate to find a place to live and to find a job. She is shocked to fall into a live-in position as a manager of a local vineyard.
Butterworth Wines is owned by Betsy, a recent widow whose husband was the leader and driving force behind the vineyard. Most of the workers are volunteers. Although Lottie knows nothing about viticulture (vine growing and harvesting), she is willing to work hard and learn fast. This works especially since everyone is thrilled to let her take control. The only person challenging her inexperience is Betsy’s grandson, Jensen. He thinks it is best to sell the vineyard and facilitate Betsy moving into an assisted living situation.
Lottie is quick to begin to turn things around at the winery and she would like to keep the property in the Butterworth family to honor the founder. She has only been engaged for six months and doesn’t know if she can convince Jensen to continue the business especially when he is on the brink of promotion in his business career. And that is how things stand when a new discovery rocks her world with a ripple effect that will impact everyone in the story.
I am not usually a big fan of relationship drama but this story leans to humor and is simply charming, interesting and engaging. Lottie is a wonderfully real character with strengths that outweigh her insecurities. I loved how her personal journey developed and I enjoyed the support she received from the quirky, passionate characters around the vineyard. Jensen is also a lovely character and their relationship conflict bounces between struggle and joy.
The setting and winery experience is a great element. I enjoyed learning about viticulture and its growth in Britain as well as some of the details and difficulties of the process of making wine. There is good movement in the story and light humor that helps with the enjoyment. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a relationship story that will bring sighs and smiles. I will have to look for other romances by Ms. Bramley.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
June 8, 2023
this was such a fun easy read, i loved lotties character and her and jensens relationship. all the characters were so well written and if there was a sequel to this i would eat it up. also so glad we found out what the fortune cookie said bc i was #wondering
April 16, 2019
Loved this book Cathy’s books are lovely light and relaxing read would recommend them all
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