Old Vines: Old Vines Trilogy, #1

by Michael Hartwig

Patrick, cleaning out his parents' house after their deaths, discovers an old photo of his grandfather arm in arm with another man, their shirtless torsos gleaming in the Italian sun on the edge of the family vineyard. The photo stirs curiosity and restlessness as Patrick, nursing wounds from a failed relationship, travels to the Amalfi Coast to connect with his family and uncover the truth about his grandfather. Patrick's ancestral quest bares family secrets and arouses passion as he falls under the spell of the handsome men who tend the vines, serve tourists, and fish the waters off the stunning coastline. The steamy tale spans generations and asks tough questions about sexual identity, love, and traditions in one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

Genres: Fiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2021

About the author

Michael Hartwig is a Boston and Provincetown-based author of LGBTQ fiction. Hartwig is an accomplished professor of religion and ethics as well as an established artist.

Hartwig grew up in Dallas but spread his wings early on – living in Rome for five years, moving to New England on his return, and then working in the area of educational travel to the Middle East and Europe.

His fiction weaves together his interest in LGBTQ+ studies, ethics, religion, art, languages, and travel. The books are set in international settings. They include rich local descriptions and are peppered with the local language. Characters grapple not only with their own gender and sexuality but with prevailing paradigms of sexuality and family in the world around them. Hartwig has a facility for fast-paced plots that transport readers to other worlds. They are romantic and steamy as well as thoughtful and engaging. Hartwig imagines rich characters who are at crossroads in their lives. In many instances, these crossroads mirror cultural ones. There’s plenty of sexual tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but the stories are enriched by broader considerations – historical, cultural, and philosophical.

Reviews

[Steve McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of Hartwig's that I have read and I enjoyed all of them. Nice, pleasant, quick reads. Typical of the romance genre (I guess since I never read romance novels), everyone is gorgeous with chiseled abdomens, large penises, buxom women, perfect skin, etc.

[Dr. Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted more

I chose the book because it was recommended on Reddit as M/M romance by a male author. I read the Amazon blurb and figured Italy, Amalfi coast, vineyards? What could be wrong. I was expecting evocative scenery descriptions, sumptuous meals and lush wines. Instead the descriptions were very repetitive and simple. There were words of passion but there was no feeling behind any of it. It was a love story but first you need the fire and I got none of it. Maybe next time.

[James Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true romance!

I’m a big romantic. I confess that this story really hits the buttons: beautifully written descriptions of the Italian settings, engaging characters and some hot romance! The author’s personal experience in Italy shines throughout. The Amalfi Coast, the villages, vineyards carry my imagination right through to the end. I’m hooked!

[roger l. hollenbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book

This was an excellent read. Thank you for bringing this book to life. It felt like I was in italy. Thank you.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikely, but after all, it's a romance. And the descriptions of the Amalfi coast make one long to return!

[Andrew Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a while I found the cataloguing of details and somewhat repetitive descriptions somewhat irritating, and it was a bit of a plod to the finish.

[Steve Brando]

Great read, light and fun and good story.