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The Winemakers Trilogy #1
A Vineyard for Two
Up-and-coming winemaker Cerise Desloires believes in soul mates. Trouble is, she’s sure she’s already found—and lost—hers. Now the young widow has inherited half the vineyard she considers her own, and she’s got one chance to produce a vintage that could make or break her career. But when the flashy, impetuous Clovis de Valois is revealed as heir to the other half, her dreams of independence are dashed into chaos.
Cerise and Clovis seem to be opposites in every way that matters. Can their passion for winemaking—and secretly each other—unite them beyond their differences? Or will their clash ruin the vineyard, and the hearts, they’re both desperate to save?
Cerise and Clovis seem to be opposites in every way that matters. Can their passion for winemaking—and secretly each other—unite them beyond their differences? Or will their clash ruin the vineyard, and the hearts, they’re both desperate to save?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2019
About the author
Laura Bradbury
22 books353 followersLaura Bradbury is the author of the bestselling Grape Series, an award-winning cookbook Bisous and Brioche, the Winemakers Series, and "huggable" rom coms such as Oxford Wild.
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 12, 2019
What a treat to read fiction from an author you have met through her series of Grape memoirs. I knew the details of growing grapes, producing wine in the Burgundy region of France and the accompanying traditions would be accurate and quite intriguing, but to have them overlaid with an irresistible romance gave me a wonderful read. My only consolation on finishing this delightful book was the realisation that it was part one of a trilogy.
May 17, 2019
4 bien sur stars
I so enjoy discovering a new author, and Laura Bradbury fits the bill. I’ve seen some books in her “Grape” series, but I haven’t read anything until I had a chance to read an early copy of her first fiction book – “Vineyard for Two.” I took French in college and it was so fun to read this book with some French phrases sprinkled throughout, it really made for an authentic read. I felt transported to the grapevines of Burgundy to learn more about the wine making process.
The main character is Cerise, who has made quite a name for herself after her husband died in a tragic accident. She’s raising her two sons and mentored by a man who feels like family. Unfortunately, her mentor, Maxime, dies as well leaving her future up in the air. I don’t want to give too many plot points away, so I'll stop there. The book is filled with a sweet romance and behind-the-scenes of winemaking on domaines in the French countryside. Cerise strives to keep her independence at her wine estate in a male-dominated world. Can she be happy too?
This was a fun engaging read and I will definitely read other books by Laura Bradbury – and maybe seek out some Burgundian wine!
Thank you to Laura Bradbury for an early copy of the book to read in return for a fair review.
I so enjoy discovering a new author, and Laura Bradbury fits the bill. I’ve seen some books in her “Grape” series, but I haven’t read anything until I had a chance to read an early copy of her first fiction book – “Vineyard for Two.” I took French in college and it was so fun to read this book with some French phrases sprinkled throughout, it really made for an authentic read. I felt transported to the grapevines of Burgundy to learn more about the wine making process.
The main character is Cerise, who has made quite a name for herself after her husband died in a tragic accident. She’s raising her two sons and mentored by a man who feels like family. Unfortunately, her mentor, Maxime, dies as well leaving her future up in the air. I don’t want to give too many plot points away, so I'll stop there. The book is filled with a sweet romance and behind-the-scenes of winemaking on domaines in the French countryside. Cerise strives to keep her independence at her wine estate in a male-dominated world. Can she be happy too?
This was a fun engaging read and I will definitely read other books by Laura Bradbury – and maybe seek out some Burgundian wine!
Thank you to Laura Bradbury for an early copy of the book to read in return for a fair review.
May 15, 2019
A sweet and satisfying read.
I just love her memoirs, and this first fiction offering from Laura Bradbury looked like a winner too, even from the very first chapters. I was straight in, it caught my interest right from the first page. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series, although this is a complete book in itself, you're not left with a cliff-hanger at the close of the book. A satisfying ending-yet you’re wanting more in the series. I loved the cover, beautiful presentation overall-how it's set out-the little pictures of grapes etc.
This is family saga/romance set in a beautiful backdrop of French countryside vineyards. It’s set in Beaune, in Eastern France. Cerise has lost her husband. She has two young sons. She thinks she never again wants another partner, or to be romantically involved. But will she be able to resist and keep to this? A delight, a sweet tale. But with more depth and drama too, unexpected events, plenty of atmosphere.
Laura weaves the tales expertly, teasing the reader with will they/won't they/ they're on/ they're off/ unexpected twists and turns/interruptions-so beautifully timed. As with her memoirs, there are such yummy description of the wines and foods.
A lovely read and a great start to a new series. Looking forward to the next.
I just love her memoirs, and this first fiction offering from Laura Bradbury looked like a winner too, even from the very first chapters. I was straight in, it caught my interest right from the first page. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series, although this is a complete book in itself, you're not left with a cliff-hanger at the close of the book. A satisfying ending-yet you’re wanting more in the series. I loved the cover, beautiful presentation overall-how it's set out-the little pictures of grapes etc.
This is family saga/romance set in a beautiful backdrop of French countryside vineyards. It’s set in Beaune, in Eastern France. Cerise has lost her husband. She has two young sons. She thinks she never again wants another partner, or to be romantically involved. But will she be able to resist and keep to this? A delight, a sweet tale. But with more depth and drama too, unexpected events, plenty of atmosphere.
Laura weaves the tales expertly, teasing the reader with will they/won't they/ they're on/ they're off/ unexpected twists and turns/interruptions-so beautifully timed. As with her memoirs, there are such yummy description of the wines and foods.
A lovely read and a great start to a new series. Looking forward to the next.
May 24, 2019
(This is a romance, so the "spoiler alert" isn't really, but if you'd prefer not to know anything at all about the book before you read it, skip this review.)
Having been introduced to Laura's Grape series by a mutual writer friend sometime last year was an unexpected delight. My brief semester in Paris was shorter and 10 years prior to Laura's original visit to Beaune, but having the chance to revisit the country and a similar experience through her fresh, funny, rich and authentic perspective was a soul-satisfying Franco-Canuck meal I hadn't known I was so hungry for. I devoured all the books in the series, followed all her social media, signed up for her newsletter and was honored to be chosen to be on her ARC team for A Vineyard for Two.
Cognizant of that honor, I say all that to explain how much I truly wanted to love this book. In keeping with Laura's own bold and refreshing honesty about so many things in her life, however, I must respond in kind and admit that I, well ... didn't. It's true that my teenage romance-guzzling days are decades behind me, but I do still enjoy dipping a toe or two into the romance ocean from time to time and hoped very much this would be a rewarding splash. While her writing is as evocative as ever in the description of the setting and the very authentic-feeling (with one notable exception) window into the experience of life in a Burgundian wine village, I had so much trouble with the characters and the actual story.
The heroine, Cerise, proprietor of her eponymously named vineyard (really??) was immature and dislike-able to a degree I found hard to swallow. Yes, she's had a heart-breaking tragedy, but her bitter, shallow and uber-biased perspective (based on zero actual data) on the opening mise en scene of the book was puzzling and made it really hard to develop any rapport with her, which is challenging for a reader who genuinely wants to care about the protagonist and her story. The introduction of the mystery around the relationship of les deux kept my interest enough to keep going, but the hero was, by contrast, so falsely god-like - think Captain America's character in Thor's body in French clothing (and with a truly off-putting name for American audiences) - that he was almost equally as difficult to connect with. How beautiful could Cerise have been for him to put up with her inexplicably tiresome, petty, childish attitudes? And yet, of course, he does, again and again, charmingly, graciously lusting after her for no other reason, it seems, than her siren beauty (never really explored) and grit, of which she does have plenty, and which tastes appropriately gritty.
The supporting cast was more or less equally drawn from central casting, and only at the tail end revealed to be any more than cardboard cutouts of people. Much was made of Cerise's rebellion from the attitudes of a typical Frenchwoman, but this, too, was neither explored nor supported; she merely seemed like a particularly clueless, shallow, resentful North American teenager in a French body, manipulated to support the feminist through-line. (I'm not anti-feminist, it just seemed so blatantly crayon-drawn that it was hard to resonate with).
Through a fairly predictable (I know, it's romance, I wasn't expecting profound literature, but still) series of events, both characters experience their ordeal, insight and reward and forever after ending in which all their character flaws are realized, atoned for and forgiven and they ride off into the sunset forever.
I'll reiterate here that I have so much respect for Laura as a human being and as a writer, and look forward to continuing to follow her, root for her, read what she writes and cheer her on her journey. I think what didn't add up for me was the marked difference between the expansive, beautiful, self-aware character of the author we've come to know and love, and the shriveled, sour and oblivious one of her first fictional female heroine. Maybe romance isn't her genre, maybe she needs experience and seasoning, maybe I'm not her ideal reader in this genre, maybe it's great and I just can't see it. I love that she took a leap and risked branched out into something new. As Roosevelt so wisely observed, it's not the critic who counts, but the one in the ring - a ring I've been afraid of myself for lo, these many years. Kudos to you, Laura, for dancing in the ring; may you continue to dance there no matter what with the joy, freedom and spirit that is your trademark.
Having been introduced to Laura's Grape series by a mutual writer friend sometime last year was an unexpected delight. My brief semester in Paris was shorter and 10 years prior to Laura's original visit to Beaune, but having the chance to revisit the country and a similar experience through her fresh, funny, rich and authentic perspective was a soul-satisfying Franco-Canuck meal I hadn't known I was so hungry for. I devoured all the books in the series, followed all her social media, signed up for her newsletter and was honored to be chosen to be on her ARC team for A Vineyard for Two.
Cognizant of that honor, I say all that to explain how much I truly wanted to love this book. In keeping with Laura's own bold and refreshing honesty about so many things in her life, however, I must respond in kind and admit that I, well ... didn't. It's true that my teenage romance-guzzling days are decades behind me, but I do still enjoy dipping a toe or two into the romance ocean from time to time and hoped very much this would be a rewarding splash. While her writing is as evocative as ever in the description of the setting and the very authentic-feeling (with one notable exception) window into the experience of life in a Burgundian wine village, I had so much trouble with the characters and the actual story.
The heroine, Cerise, proprietor of her eponymously named vineyard (really??) was immature and dislike-able to a degree I found hard to swallow. Yes, she's had a heart-breaking tragedy, but her bitter, shallow and uber-biased perspective (based on zero actual data) on the opening mise en scene of the book was puzzling and made it really hard to develop any rapport with her, which is challenging for a reader who genuinely wants to care about the protagonist and her story. The introduction of the mystery around the relationship of les deux kept my interest enough to keep going, but the hero was, by contrast, so falsely god-like - think Captain America's character in Thor's body in French clothing (and with a truly off-putting name for American audiences) - that he was almost equally as difficult to connect with. How beautiful could Cerise have been for him to put up with her inexplicably tiresome, petty, childish attitudes? And yet, of course, he does, again and again, charmingly, graciously lusting after her for no other reason, it seems, than her siren beauty (never really explored) and grit, of which she does have plenty, and which tastes appropriately gritty.
The supporting cast was more or less equally drawn from central casting, and only at the tail end revealed to be any more than cardboard cutouts of people. Much was made of Cerise's rebellion from the attitudes of a typical Frenchwoman, but this, too, was neither explored nor supported; she merely seemed like a particularly clueless, shallow, resentful North American teenager in a French body, manipulated to support the feminist through-line. (I'm not anti-feminist, it just seemed so blatantly crayon-drawn that it was hard to resonate with).
Through a fairly predictable (I know, it's romance, I wasn't expecting profound literature, but still) series of events, both characters experience their ordeal, insight and reward and forever after ending in which all their character flaws are realized, atoned for and forgiven and they ride off into the sunset forever.
I'll reiterate here that I have so much respect for Laura as a human being and as a writer, and look forward to continuing to follow her, root for her, read what she writes and cheer her on her journey. I think what didn't add up for me was the marked difference between the expansive, beautiful, self-aware character of the author we've come to know and love, and the shriveled, sour and oblivious one of her first fictional female heroine. Maybe romance isn't her genre, maybe she needs experience and seasoning, maybe I'm not her ideal reader in this genre, maybe it's great and I just can't see it. I love that she took a leap and risked branched out into something new. As Roosevelt so wisely observed, it's not the critic who counts, but the one in the ring - a ring I've been afraid of myself for lo, these many years. Kudos to you, Laura, for dancing in the ring; may you continue to dance there no matter what with the joy, freedom and spirit that is your trademark.
May 15, 2019
A great first step into fiction for Laura Bradbury. I was fortunate to be an ARC reader for her new endeavor.
If you are looking for the following things, please pick this book up:
1. Supporting a female author
2. Reading about a female wine maker who is making waves in a male-dominated industry
3. Reading about a STRONG woman who has faced tragedy and still picked herself up, dusted off, and not only raised two young boys, but also brought new life to a vineyard.
4. A fictionalized introduction into wine-making in France, specifically in Burgundy
5. A romance.
A Vineyard for Two knocks all of those out of the park.
There are a few things I'd mention to a fellow reader before they embark on this book. It was a pleasant and easy read. Never a bad thing, I was able to read it within a few days and felt mainly content and happy while reading it. I don't want to say the story is predictable because there is actually quite a lot of life plot-twists thrown at Cerise, our main character, as well as at Clovis, her love interest. I will say there is fairly obvious foreshadowing. Again, not a bad thing, it made me aware of what was going to happen and then kind of chew on my lip (in a very Cerise fashion, no?) while I waited for it to play out again and again.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. The characters are likable, but realistic. Cerise can be a bit immature at times, but she's had a lot of unfair things happen to her, so I'm thinking she's got a free pass to be a bit immature at times. But there were certainly times I was shaking my head at her. Oh, AND, the insight into French wine-making was really intriguing. You could tell the author thoroughly researched the process and the area. It's something she's clearly got a passion for, writing or wine... or both?
If you are looking for the following things, please pick this book up:
1. Supporting a female author
2. Reading about a female wine maker who is making waves in a male-dominated industry
3. Reading about a STRONG woman who has faced tragedy and still picked herself up, dusted off, and not only raised two young boys, but also brought new life to a vineyard.
4. A fictionalized introduction into wine-making in France, specifically in Burgundy
5. A romance.
A Vineyard for Two knocks all of those out of the park.
There are a few things I'd mention to a fellow reader before they embark on this book. It was a pleasant and easy read. Never a bad thing, I was able to read it within a few days and felt mainly content and happy while reading it. I don't want to say the story is predictable because there is actually quite a lot of life plot-twists thrown at Cerise, our main character, as well as at Clovis, her love interest. I will say there is fairly obvious foreshadowing. Again, not a bad thing, it made me aware of what was going to happen and then kind of chew on my lip (in a very Cerise fashion, no?) while I waited for it to play out again and again.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. The characters are likable, but realistic. Cerise can be a bit immature at times, but she's had a lot of unfair things happen to her, so I'm thinking she's got a free pass to be a bit immature at times. But there were certainly times I was shaking my head at her. Oh, AND, the insight into French wine-making was really intriguing. You could tell the author thoroughly researched the process and the area. It's something she's clearly got a passion for, writing or wine... or both?
May 12, 2019
A VINEYARD FOR TWO is guaranteed to keep the reader a little hot and bothered with vivid descriptions of a handsome Frenchman, delectable meals and savory wines. Oo, la, la!
Just as fiercely independent Cerise begins to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of Burgundy winemakers, her personal world turns on its axis. Six years after the deaths of her husband and parents, Cerise again faces loss - the death of her friend Maxime, the owner of the vineyards she has carefully maintained since her husband’s death. Maxime’s will leaves his vineyards and property to both Cerise and his grandson Clovis. Cerise’s need for independence and her attraction to the handsome Clovis create sparks hotter than a lightning storm in the Cote d’Or valley.
This lively story is set during the tradition-filled Burgundy grape harvest. Author Laura Bradbury satisfies with mouth watering descriptions of Burgundian meals of beef bourguinoin, coq au vin, chocolate mousse, and other dishes. The seductive descriptions of the wine served to heat up the atmosphere and kept me on edge through the story’s many twists and turns.
The historic city of Beaune with its ancient Romanesque architecture and surrounding villages made a perfect backdrop for the story.
I look forward to the next installment of this series.
Just as fiercely independent Cerise begins to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of Burgundy winemakers, her personal world turns on its axis. Six years after the deaths of her husband and parents, Cerise again faces loss - the death of her friend Maxime, the owner of the vineyards she has carefully maintained since her husband’s death. Maxime’s will leaves his vineyards and property to both Cerise and his grandson Clovis. Cerise’s need for independence and her attraction to the handsome Clovis create sparks hotter than a lightning storm in the Cote d’Or valley.
This lively story is set during the tradition-filled Burgundy grape harvest. Author Laura Bradbury satisfies with mouth watering descriptions of Burgundian meals of beef bourguinoin, coq au vin, chocolate mousse, and other dishes. The seductive descriptions of the wine served to heat up the atmosphere and kept me on edge through the story’s many twists and turns.
The historic city of Beaune with its ancient Romanesque architecture and surrounding villages made a perfect backdrop for the story.
I look forward to the next installment of this series.
May 12, 2019
Laura's first fictional book is everything I wanted it to be and much more. It is set amongst the wonderful vineyards of Beaune in France. You immediatley adore Cerise and fall a little in love with Clovis, their journey to happiness has so many twist and turns it keeps you turning the pages, a true example that the things we want in life are not easy to come by. The layers of history and their personal experiences makes this book much more than a romantic novel, it is about adversity, trust, empowerment, feminism, family, community and much more. It is also gives a wonderful insight into the turbulent life of winemakers, and their dedication to producing wine, something few of us think about when we are enjoying our favourite tipple. I cannot wait to read the next chapters of Cerise and Clovis story and to learn more about their family, friends and community. Please do not keep us waiting too long!
February 12, 2022
A Vineyard for two is a story of Cerise, a young widow and Clovis, former playboy, who inherit a Vineyard equally. It's charming, enchanting and romantic; and I'm so glad to have discovered Laura's books.
Reasons you have to read this:
- France setting
-Vineyard backdrop
-Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
-Forced proximity
- second chance at love
Set in gorgeous France, I loved each and every description of the farm and its wine production.
And to add a cherry on top, a lovestory set in the vicinity of this gorgeous Vineyard.
Cerise & Clovis are so different yet similar in so many ways. Their chemistry was too hot handle & so was their love. I lost my mind when they had the misunderstandings but thankfully it was resolved with a very satisfying ending.
Can't wait to return to the sequels for more.
Reasons you have to read this:
- France setting
-Vineyard backdrop
-Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
-Forced proximity
- second chance at love
Set in gorgeous France, I loved each and every description of the farm and its wine production.
And to add a cherry on top, a lovestory set in the vicinity of this gorgeous Vineyard.
Cerise & Clovis are so different yet similar in so many ways. Their chemistry was too hot handle & so was their love. I lost my mind when they had the misunderstandings but thankfully it was resolved with a very satisfying ending.
Can't wait to return to the sequels for more.
May 30, 2019
I enjoyed Laura’s ‘Grape’ series of memoirs of love and life in Burgundy, so was rather excited to get my hands on her first novel, A Vineyard for Two, also set in Burgundy where love, life and wine are key players.
We meet Cerise, widowed and with two young sons, who took over the vineyard lease when her husband died. With the expert tuition and guidance from vineyard owner Maxime, Cerise creates a name for herself in the male-dominated wine community.
When Maxime dies suddenly, Cerise’s stable life once more becomes a place of grief, loss and uncertainty. Inheritance in France is tricky, so it is no real surprise to Cerise to find Maxime’s wealthy grandson Clovis, vintner in his own name, has inherited Maxime’s vineyards and property. However, there is an unusual and unexpected clause. Maxime has left the vineyard Cerise rents to her and Clovis 50/50.
Working with Clovis for the grape harvest, Cerise’s first without Maxime’s guidance, would be enough of a challenge for independent Cerise, but her head and her heart are in turmoil. She is convinced the future for her sons depends on her strength and independence, so persuading Clovis to sell his share to her is the only option. However, the chemistry between them is difficult to ignore. Would giving in to passion and indulging in a harvest affair be so wrong? Would it weaken her position?
This book has all the colours, scents and flavours of France, and Burgundy in particular. We follow the ups and downs of the wine harvest, the hard work, the problems and of course the shared meals, parties and social side too. We get to virtually drink in the fine wines and learn that a good wine is like a glimpse into the wine maker’s soul. Wine becomes like an emotion in this book, intense and sensual. Life is full of decisions and compromises, and making the right choices is never easy. The fire and passion kept me turning the pages, but so did the hope, that even in the difficult times all would turn out right in the end.
I do hope we get to return to Cerise’s vineyard in the future.
We meet Cerise, widowed and with two young sons, who took over the vineyard lease when her husband died. With the expert tuition and guidance from vineyard owner Maxime, Cerise creates a name for herself in the male-dominated wine community.
When Maxime dies suddenly, Cerise’s stable life once more becomes a place of grief, loss and uncertainty. Inheritance in France is tricky, so it is no real surprise to Cerise to find Maxime’s wealthy grandson Clovis, vintner in his own name, has inherited Maxime’s vineyards and property. However, there is an unusual and unexpected clause. Maxime has left the vineyard Cerise rents to her and Clovis 50/50.
Working with Clovis for the grape harvest, Cerise’s first without Maxime’s guidance, would be enough of a challenge for independent Cerise, but her head and her heart are in turmoil. She is convinced the future for her sons depends on her strength and independence, so persuading Clovis to sell his share to her is the only option. However, the chemistry between them is difficult to ignore. Would giving in to passion and indulging in a harvest affair be so wrong? Would it weaken her position?
This book has all the colours, scents and flavours of France, and Burgundy in particular. We follow the ups and downs of the wine harvest, the hard work, the problems and of course the shared meals, parties and social side too. We get to virtually drink in the fine wines and learn that a good wine is like a glimpse into the wine maker’s soul. Wine becomes like an emotion in this book, intense and sensual. Life is full of decisions and compromises, and making the right choices is never easy. The fire and passion kept me turning the pages, but so did the hope, that even in the difficult times all would turn out right in the end.
I do hope we get to return to Cerise’s vineyard in the future.
May 28, 2019
Oh Laura! What were you thinking? In your Grape series we loved each memoir and always gave 5 stars. We even read each one twice except My Grape Paris. So what's gone wrong? Having read about your education at McGill, Oxford and the Sorbonne one imagined a fiction career on a higher plane. Say Zola, Hemingway or Hugo? No, this is Harlequin.
This book is romance of the most churned-out variety. All the hallmarks are here. Cerise 'rolled her eyes' twice in the first three chapters. She bit her lips. Clovis was adored for his broad shoulders, broad chest and flexing muscles ad nauseum. He even 'narrows his eyes' more often than not. And her 'resistance' is gone by the fourth chapter.
We recognise that you have had a health dilemma and subsequent miracle. We truly wish you well. You and all your family. But this book is drivel that insults the intelligence of your former readers. We are not awaiting the finish of the trilogy. It's going nowhere. Please try to find again your old enthusiasm for good stories in experiences from life. Your fiction does not rise to your true level. Sorry for you, sorry for us.
This book is romance of the most churned-out variety. All the hallmarks are here. Cerise 'rolled her eyes' twice in the first three chapters. She bit her lips. Clovis was adored for his broad shoulders, broad chest and flexing muscles ad nauseum. He even 'narrows his eyes' more often than not. And her 'resistance' is gone by the fourth chapter.
We recognise that you have had a health dilemma and subsequent miracle. We truly wish you well. You and all your family. But this book is drivel that insults the intelligence of your former readers. We are not awaiting the finish of the trilogy. It's going nowhere. Please try to find again your old enthusiasm for good stories in experiences from life. Your fiction does not rise to your true level. Sorry for you, sorry for us.
May 29, 2019
If your idea of a perfect read is a romance set firmly in the heart of France, this book is for you. Ms. Bradbury has an intimate knowledge of French culture, the Burgundy region, and the process of making wine, and setting a love story in these elements seemed effortless. I found Cerise's determination to make it in the man-dominated world of winemaking to be inspiring, and Clovis's patience as she worked through her fears made their union more touching. I absolutely loved the ending. I thought I knew what would happen, and although there were a few predictable elements (it is a romance after all), there were still some surprises to be had. The ending was not rushed, so you were able to savour the story fully, down to its every last drop. I'm looking forward to the sequels.
May 18, 2019
An awesome love story. A young widow inherits a half of a vineyard. Loved it.
Merged review:
Wow. What a heartwarming story. Cerise inherits half a vineyard. The other half is owned by a handsome, impetus man. You’re sucked into the story, once you start, and don’t realize when you’ve come to the end. Ready for another book by this outstanding writer.
Merged review:
Wow. What a heartwarming story. Cerise inherits half a vineyard. The other half is owned by a handsome, impetus man. You’re sucked into the story, once you start, and don’t realize when you’ve come to the end. Ready for another book by this outstanding writer.
May 13, 2019
I am a huge fan of Laura Bradbury and her Grape series. I discovered her non-fiction stories when planning a trip to the Burgundy region of France. The latest book in her collection, a fictional piece, did not disappoint. Laura has delivered a work that is set in the wine making region of Burgundy. She has delivered a story that is rich in style and character and makes you believe you are right in the middle of it. The writer has given us a set of characters that are real, full of life, yet not so remote that we can't relate. There are issues that are common threads in all of our lives...love, loss, loneliness, protection, parenting, hope, despair and joy. The characters are strong, but have their own vulnerabilities that make them human.
I am always drawn to her writing. I feel as though I know the characters in her books. I feel like I can see the grapevines, smell the mildew in the air and feel the cool humidity of the cellars on my skin. I can see the color of the grapes, the vines full with the ripeness of harvest time. And as crazy as it seems, I can see the blue of the sky over the hills and vines. It is a gift to write with such clarity and to convey a setting so well. Her description of Beaune and the Rue de Lorraine brought back wonderful memories as I have stayed on this street twice now.
To Laura Bradbury and a wonderful first in fiction. I can't wait to read her next!
I am always drawn to her writing. I feel as though I know the characters in her books. I feel like I can see the grapevines, smell the mildew in the air and feel the cool humidity of the cellars on my skin. I can see the color of the grapes, the vines full with the ripeness of harvest time. And as crazy as it seems, I can see the blue of the sky over the hills and vines. It is a gift to write with such clarity and to convey a setting so well. Her description of Beaune and the Rue de Lorraine brought back wonderful memories as I have stayed on this street twice now.
To Laura Bradbury and a wonderful first in fiction. I can't wait to read her next!
May 13, 2019
Wow! It is not often I read a book in twenty-four hours. I have loved every one of Laura Bradbury’s Grape Series and was eager to read her first novel, “A Vineyard for Two.” It definitely did not disappoint!
Laura has woven a romantic tale in French wine country where by the end of the book you feel as though the characters are friends of yours. What I loved most about "Vineyard for Two" was that it was impossible to guess all the twists and turns of the plot. The pages are filled with drama that just keeps you reading as you feel compelled to find out what happens.
There is so much to love in ‘A Vineyard for Two” – Laura’s extensive knowledge of France and the French wine business creates a wonderful backdrop for the story, her gifted character development makes each character jump out from the pages. It is clear from a reading that she put much thought into painting a story through words that excites, touches, and informs the reader.
The nicest part of “A Vineyard for Two’ is that it is only the first in a trilogy. I can’t wait for book two!
Laura has woven a romantic tale in French wine country where by the end of the book you feel as though the characters are friends of yours. What I loved most about "Vineyard for Two" was that it was impossible to guess all the twists and turns of the plot. The pages are filled with drama that just keeps you reading as you feel compelled to find out what happens.
There is so much to love in ‘A Vineyard for Two” – Laura’s extensive knowledge of France and the French wine business creates a wonderful backdrop for the story, her gifted character development makes each character jump out from the pages. It is clear from a reading that she put much thought into painting a story through words that excites, touches, and informs the reader.
The nicest part of “A Vineyard for Two’ is that it is only the first in a trilogy. I can’t wait for book two!
May 13, 2019
I first started reading Laura Bradbury with my Grape Year and read everything she had written and have been waiting anxiously for this one. Part of what I loved about her earlier books was that they were based on her own experiences living, in France and her experiences in Burgundy really resonated with my experiences and exuded the joie de vivre of the French people. This book is fiction and I was not sure what to expect. I just finished reading this book and I loved it. It is a sweet story of love, trust, and new beginnings. It wasn't as funny as the books about her own life and the plot felt a little too much like a lot of other romances I have read. Where a couple who falls in love and almost lose each other due to misunderstandings. However, it was still fun to read was hard to put down and I really did not want to see it end. Can't wait to read the next two in the series.
May 14, 2019
I am a big fan of Laura Bradbury, and I was sooo excited to see she had a new book!
Honestly, it started out feeling a bit rushed and rough. It wasn’t well-developed as to why Cerise despised Clovis, and things moved very quickly. But as it continued, the story smoothed out and hooked me in, and I saw the Laura I know and love shine through. I read it in less than a week! My favorite parts were anything about food and wine tasting (much like the Grape Series!).
Cerise was a bit hard to like. She had lots of feminine vibes (which I appreciate) but ended up coming off as cold and unable to make decisions. I hope to get to know her better in future books.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just say I was sad when it ended and I look forward to reading more as the series develops. So sad we have to wait!!
FYI, it is a tad racy, for any younger readers out there. I definitely wasn’t expecting that - but it was nice lol 😆
Honestly, it started out feeling a bit rushed and rough. It wasn’t well-developed as to why Cerise despised Clovis, and things moved very quickly. But as it continued, the story smoothed out and hooked me in, and I saw the Laura I know and love shine through. I read it in less than a week! My favorite parts were anything about food and wine tasting (much like the Grape Series!).
Cerise was a bit hard to like. She had lots of feminine vibes (which I appreciate) but ended up coming off as cold and unable to make decisions. I hope to get to know her better in future books.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just say I was sad when it ended and I look forward to reading more as the series develops. So sad we have to wait!!
FYI, it is a tad racy, for any younger readers out there. I definitely wasn’t expecting that - but it was nice lol 😆
May 13, 2019
First in a new series by one of my favorite authors
I really enjoy Laura Bradbury's books. Her Grape series is fantastic, memoirs of a young girl through young woman creating her own life. Well!!! I was so looking forward to reading her new novel, A Vineyard For Two, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. What a beautifully written and heart-warming story! Great plot and dialogue, you can smell the musty spilt wine in the cave! And, the characters.... Our heroine is not a naive girl, she is a widow and determined to make life good for her family. Our hero is such a hunk with hidden qualities. Oh my, the sparks! (But not too much for your teenage daughter's sensibilities..) This is a book to be savoured, along with the descriptions of the food.
I really enjoy Laura Bradbury's books. Her Grape series is fantastic, memoirs of a young girl through young woman creating her own life. Well!!! I was so looking forward to reading her new novel, A Vineyard For Two, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. What a beautifully written and heart-warming story! Great plot and dialogue, you can smell the musty spilt wine in the cave! And, the characters.... Our heroine is not a naive girl, she is a widow and determined to make life good for her family. Our hero is such a hunk with hidden qualities. Oh my, the sparks! (But not too much for your teenage daughter's sensibilities..) This is a book to be savoured, along with the descriptions of the food.
May 18, 2019
Having married a Frenchman and lived in northern France, Laura Bradbury is intimately familiar with the people, everyday happenings and customs of this region. She brings them to life in a way that allows the reader to feel immersed in the culture. You will be enamored with Clovis who has endured loss and hardship and become a renowned and successful winemaker. He is a strong, powerful man with a loving, sensitive and kind nature who longs for a family. Cerise is a widow with two young sons and has endured her share of loss and hardship. With the loving guidance of Maxime, Clovis’ grandfather, she has emerged as a winemaker of distinction in a field dominated by men. The evolution of Cerise’s and Clovis’ relationship is at the center of this captivating tale.
May 13, 2019
A fabulous slice of escapism, in which I was transported to France and the vineyards of Burgundy. The journey the two main characters take to seal their romance, together with the detail of the winemaking process, the descriptions of the food and the beautiful location, really made the book come alive. It wasn’t hard to use my imagination when reading the book, as the author’s words painted a vivid picture of the region and its delights. I’ve read and love all of Laura Bradbury’s Grape series and her first published foray into fiction hasn’t disappointed. If you want to be charmed and entertained for a few hours, read A Vineyard For Two.
August 7, 2019
I have read Laura Bradbury's "grape series" - riding along with her through her "livin' the dream" experiences in France: the descriptive setting, the fabulous food! and her adorable love story - loved it!! In sharing her beautiful stories, I feel as though Laura has become my friend! I was so happy to find and read this fictional story set in the same beautiful place Laura depicted so alluring in her grape series. A Vineyard for Two is a satisfying treasure of a story that has it all: love and romance, trials and tribulations, complex characters to love, a setting to pine for, and a sweet and satisfying happy ending! Can't wait to read more from my talented "writer friend" ;)!!
December 25, 2019
Winemaking and relationships...it’s complicated
Another adventure in Burgundy. Thanks to Laura Bradbury for another adventuresome time, including lots of winemaking adventures, complex relationships, and gustatory inspiration. I love the details of the Burgundy vineyards, the surrounding communities, and the strong-willed characters of this story. When will Book 2 be published? I keep telling my husband about all the food and wine adventures I’m having while reading A Vineyard for Two and he is delighted by the culinary journey we are enjoying.
Another adventure in Burgundy. Thanks to Laura Bradbury for another adventuresome time, including lots of winemaking adventures, complex relationships, and gustatory inspiration. I love the details of the Burgundy vineyards, the surrounding communities, and the strong-willed characters of this story. When will Book 2 be published? I keep telling my husband about all the food and wine adventures I’m having while reading A Vineyard for Two and he is delighted by the culinary journey we are enjoying.
July 20, 2020
Not up to her Grape series, but shows promise
I really wanted to love this book — I loved the Grape series, and I love reading about France. Unfortunately, the lead character, Cerise, was so annoying I wanted to smack her. She needed more depth. And Clovis, also, was too single-dimensional. I didn’t get enough reading about France and the awesome food to make up for it. However, I am confident Laura’s second book in the series will make up for these short-comings. I can tell that, as an author, she has it in her.
I really wanted to love this book — I loved the Grape series, and I love reading about France. Unfortunately, the lead character, Cerise, was so annoying I wanted to smack her. She needed more depth. And Clovis, also, was too single-dimensional. I didn’t get enough reading about France and the awesome food to make up for it. However, I am confident Laura’s second book in the series will make up for these short-comings. I can tell that, as an author, she has it in her.
May 16, 2019
Totally Absorbing - A Brilliant read
It is a long time since I have read a novel that has gripped me like this one. Romance set in beautiful Burgundy, twists and turns in the plot and plenty of drama to keep you reading to find out what happens next.
Laura's love and knowledge of life in Burgundy shines through.
She also has the knack of making you feel that you really know her characters through her attention to detail.
Looking forward to the next book!
It is a long time since I have read a novel that has gripped me like this one. Romance set in beautiful Burgundy, twists and turns in the plot and plenty of drama to keep you reading to find out what happens next.
Laura's love and knowledge of life in Burgundy shines through.
She also has the knack of making you feel that you really know her characters through her attention to detail.
Looking forward to the next book!
May 21, 2019
Ms. Bradbury so beautifully describes the Burgundy wine region, it’s personalities, traditions and food in this excellent romance.
Her main characters are complex and interesting and the passion they show for their craft comes through in their relationship.
Transported by the descriptions of wine and food, you will yearn to visit this magical place. A wonderful fiction debut, looking forward to book 2.
Her main characters are complex and interesting and the passion they show for their craft comes through in their relationship.
Transported by the descriptions of wine and food, you will yearn to visit this magical place. A wonderful fiction debut, looking forward to book 2.
May 22, 2019
What a fun and easy book to read. You get transported into the everyday actitiivies with French winemaking, but with an ever changing romance intertwined through the story. I’ve read all of Laura Bradbury’s books and loved them....likewise this book was also very entertaining. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes reading romance and/or about the winemaking industry in France.
May 23, 2019
I have read all of Laura’s Grape series over and over again as I love her story of courage and love, set in France!
I was so excited for her new novel, also set in France. I actually read the whole book in 2 sittings! Loved travelling back with her to the vineyards and seeing the romance unfold.
My only complaint was that it was too short!!! Can’t wait for the other two novels in this trilogy!
I was so excited for her new novel, also set in France. I actually read the whole book in 2 sittings! Loved travelling back with her to the vineyards and seeing the romance unfold.
My only complaint was that it was too short!!! Can’t wait for the other two novels in this trilogy!
May 31, 2019
Laura Bradbury has given us another delightful tale set in a French vineyard. The characters are so complex and so real that I found I couldn't put the book down, but had to find out what twist the plot would take next. I learned so much about how wine is made - not just the processes involved, but also the customs and celebrations that are part of winemaking in France. I am looking forward to books 2 and 3 of this series...…. they can't come soon enough!
June 1, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect when one of my favorite memoir writers went rogue and turned to fiction. But I really enjoyed it!
The pace of the writing itself is a little different than I've come to expect from other books by Laura Bradbury. I grew to like that the "feel" is a little different from her other works while still maintaining her voice.
I love books that bring me a new learning experience that is accurate and engaging. "A Vinyard For Two" delivers. Great book!
The pace of the writing itself is a little different than I've come to expect from other books by Laura Bradbury. I grew to like that the "feel" is a little different from her other works while still maintaining her voice.
I love books that bring me a new learning experience that is accurate and engaging. "A Vinyard For Two" delivers. Great book!
June 14, 2019
This is the first work of fiction by Laura Bradbury, so I wasn't sure at first if it could compete with her autobiographical Grape series. I shouldn't have worried. A Vineyard for Two is just as romantic, heart-warming, funny and French as her previous books. After only a couple of chapters, it felt as if I was sitting together with friends at a kitchen table in a beautiful old stone house in France while they were telling me their story.
August 30, 2020
A Vineyard for Two
Truly enjoyed this novel with its romantic persuasion with interesting characters. The depth of the difficult work the owners of the vineyards had to adhere to, and the trials of creating wine are indeed informative. The oenology of wine making is fascinating. The introduction to the winemakers creativity gives the readers great insight in the wine culture. Wonderful read.
Truly enjoyed this novel with its romantic persuasion with interesting characters. The depth of the difficult work the owners of the vineyards had to adhere to, and the trials of creating wine are indeed informative. The oenology of wine making is fascinating. The introduction to the winemakers creativity gives the readers great insight in the wine culture. Wonderful read.
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