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Maine Mornings #1
The Winemaker
Welcome to Superiore Bay, Maine, your little slice of heaven on the coast. Come visit us for the best small-town gossip, all the wine you can drink, and wild horses. Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.
They’re rivals…
…nothing more.
Selena Contreras has inherited half her family’s once-thriving apple orchard, and she believes it can succeed again. Her big plans for expansion and diversification have two hurdles standing in her way.
A family stuck in the past.
And them. The Ashfords.
They live in their giant estate across the bay, their flourishing vineyards a beacon of their success. The two families have been rivals for generations, and now, the feud pits Selena against Conner, the middle and most infuriating Ashford son.
When the town steps in to quell tempers and force them to work together for the good of Superiore Bay, they may learn there is only one thing stronger than hate.
Come to Superiore Bay for an escape into this heartwarming, small town romance with beautiful sunrises, lovable town-gossips, a complicated enemies to lovers relationship, and a dog who will steal your heart.
The Winemaker is the first book in the Maine Mornings series, a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA.
They’re rivals…
…nothing more.
Selena Contreras has inherited half her family’s once-thriving apple orchard, and she believes it can succeed again. Her big plans for expansion and diversification have two hurdles standing in her way.
A family stuck in the past.
And them. The Ashfords.
They live in their giant estate across the bay, their flourishing vineyards a beacon of their success. The two families have been rivals for generations, and now, the feud pits Selena against Conner, the middle and most infuriating Ashford son.
When the town steps in to quell tempers and force them to work together for the good of Superiore Bay, they may learn there is only one thing stronger than hate.
Come to Superiore Bay for an escape into this heartwarming, small town romance with beautiful sunrises, lovable town-gossips, a complicated enemies to lovers relationship, and a dog who will steal your heart.
The Winemaker is the first book in the Maine Mornings series, a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA.
- GenresContemporary Romance
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2021
73 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 1, 2021
Selena "Lena" Contreras loves working on the family apple farm. Once it was a flourishing business, and she wants it to become that again. Lena has plans for the farm, but her family is stuck with old habits. Other than that, the land she needs for her planned expansion is owned by the Ashford's, a family that's had a feud with the Contreras for several generations.
I like Lena; her personality and her attitude. She loves her family and the apple farm, she's not afraid of hard work and she's got dreams. Her best friend is Carter Ashford, even though both their families do everything they can to keep them apart. Not everyone is convinced that they're only friends, because why would they choose each other over their families wishes? It really bothers me that people don't think a man and a woman can love one another without being IN love, and I'm glad that the authors show how beautiful real friendship can be.
Our other main character is Conner Ashford, the only one of the siblings working in the family business. The winery is ruled with an iron hand by their father. Conner dislikes some of his father's methods, but he enjoys experimenting with the grapes to come up with new flavors. To outsiders Conner looks like a copy of his father, but those who know him know that's not true.
"The Winemaker" treats us with an interesting glimpse of winemaking and apple harvest, a ridiculous family feud that's been going on for way too long, a town that likes to meddle (maybe a bit too much?) and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers trope. I can't really feel the attraction between Lena and Conner. I'm missing the spark, and that brings the book down a notch for me. But I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of the Ashford's, and to follow Carter the next time!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
I like Lena; her personality and her attitude. She loves her family and the apple farm, she's not afraid of hard work and she's got dreams. Her best friend is Carter Ashford, even though both their families do everything they can to keep them apart. Not everyone is convinced that they're only friends, because why would they choose each other over their families wishes? It really bothers me that people don't think a man and a woman can love one another without being IN love, and I'm glad that the authors show how beautiful real friendship can be.
Our other main character is Conner Ashford, the only one of the siblings working in the family business. The winery is ruled with an iron hand by their father. Conner dislikes some of his father's methods, but he enjoys experimenting with the grapes to come up with new flavors. To outsiders Conner looks like a copy of his father, but those who know him know that's not true.
"The Winemaker" treats us with an interesting glimpse of winemaking and apple harvest, a ridiculous family feud that's been going on for way too long, a town that likes to meddle (maybe a bit too much?) and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers trope. I can't really feel the attraction between Lena and Conner. I'm missing the spark, and that brings the book down a notch for me. But I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of the Ashford's, and to follow Carter the next time!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
May 6, 2022
This book reads like an episode of Gilmore Girls.
The characters are quirky and amusing.
However the romance was very much secondary.
I hope that reading future books in the series will create a fuller picture, like an entire season of a TV series versus just one episode.
The characters are quirky and amusing.
However the romance was very much secondary.
I hope that reading future books in the series will create a fuller picture, like an entire season of a TV series versus just one episode.
October 11, 2021
Modern time Romeo and Juliet (minus all the death) set in small-town Maine, where the two “heirs” are all but forced to work together when the townspeople decide they’ve had enough of this feud between the two families.
There’s drama. There’s betrayal. It’s enemies to lovers, with a cold man who’s secretly sweet and a fiercely independent woman with big dreams.
This book is everything.
It’s clean adult romance, and it does such a perfect job of giving the reader all the butterflies and feels without the “spice.” I love this new town the authors have created and all of the characters within. As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of their other books, so it’s exciting getting this new setting.
I’ve read and adored all of their YA romances, and I’m really enjoying the older characters and themes. It’s more relatable personally as the characters are around my age, but the books are still clean, which is great. It’s refreshing and easy to read.
As always, the book is well written. Craven and MacQueen do such a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. I absolutely love Selena and Connor, as well as their brothers and friends.
I highly, highly recommend The Winemaker if you’re looking for a sweet romance.
There’s drama. There’s betrayal. It’s enemies to lovers, with a cold man who’s secretly sweet and a fiercely independent woman with big dreams.
This book is everything.
It’s clean adult romance, and it does such a perfect job of giving the reader all the butterflies and feels without the “spice.” I love this new town the authors have created and all of the characters within. As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of their other books, so it’s exciting getting this new setting.
I’ve read and adored all of their YA romances, and I’m really enjoying the older characters and themes. It’s more relatable personally as the characters are around my age, but the books are still clean, which is great. It’s refreshing and easy to read.
As always, the book is well written. Craven and MacQueen do such a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. I absolutely love Selena and Connor, as well as their brothers and friends.
I highly, highly recommend The Winemaker if you’re looking for a sweet romance.
September 4, 2021
I’m so excited for this series! Another great book by this author duo.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book or not since it’s more adult than the last series I read. But I am so glad I read this! I stayed up way too late once I started reading because I could not put it down.
Selena and Carter are best friends but the families are feuding with each other. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet or the Hatfields and McCoy’s; (which is actually referenced in the story) because Selena is tired of this feud since none of the kids even understand why this is happening. I loved the fantastic relationship that Selena and Carter had. They were the best of friends but it was completely platonic.
Connor is Carter’s brother and the winemaker in this story. Selena thinks Connor is a younger version of his father but as the story goes on she actually sees him for who he really is. The slow burn romance was killing me a little and they fought their feelings so hard but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants.
I loved how they came together for this partnership and someone finally believed in Selena and her dreams/plans to expand the family business. I loved the orchard aspect and learning about hybrid wines. Plus the giant wolfhound was a great bonus to this story. They have a good judge of character when it comes to people obviously.
Excited for the second one to see if Carter finally gets his happy ending also!
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book or not since it’s more adult than the last series I read. But I am so glad I read this! I stayed up way too late once I started reading because I could not put it down.
Selena and Carter are best friends but the families are feuding with each other. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet or the Hatfields and McCoy’s; (which is actually referenced in the story) because Selena is tired of this feud since none of the kids even understand why this is happening. I loved the fantastic relationship that Selena and Carter had. They were the best of friends but it was completely platonic.
Connor is Carter’s brother and the winemaker in this story. Selena thinks Connor is a younger version of his father but as the story goes on she actually sees him for who he really is. The slow burn romance was killing me a little and they fought their feelings so hard but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants.
I loved how they came together for this partnership and someone finally believed in Selena and her dreams/plans to expand the family business. I loved the orchard aspect and learning about hybrid wines. Plus the giant wolfhound was a great bonus to this story. They have a good judge of character when it comes to people obviously.
Excited for the second one to see if Carter finally gets his happy ending also!
September 16, 2021
The Winemaker is a Romeo & Juliet tale of two fruits. Grapes vs apples, Ashford's vs Contreras's. Montagues vs Capulets.
The Ashford's basically own the town of Superiore Bay, and The Ashford knows it. Really they only own the vineyard, which provides many of the jobs in town. It seems like Conner, the heir to the vineyard, is just like his father. But when his brother Carter is banned from seeing his best friend, Conner is forced to deliver the news. He doesn't expect to understand why his brother can't stand being apart from the family's longtime rival's daughter. He doesn't expect to uncover long-buried feelings he didn't even know existed.
Selena Contreras is heir to Superiore Bay's apple orchard, her parents and grandparents before her, lifes work. Her best friend is Carter Ashford, son to her family's rival family, from history so long ago, she believes it to be forgotten. Selena has a vision for her family's dying business, one that no one will hear. When the perfect piece of property is put up for sale, she will do anything it takes to achieve her dream... right? What if that anything includes her best friend's brother, the one who is no better than their uptight father?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t wait for book 2, I can’t explain exactly why, just a feeling that I’ll love Harper.
The Ashford's basically own the town of Superiore Bay, and The Ashford knows it. Really they only own the vineyard, which provides many of the jobs in town. It seems like Conner, the heir to the vineyard, is just like his father. But when his brother Carter is banned from seeing his best friend, Conner is forced to deliver the news. He doesn't expect to understand why his brother can't stand being apart from the family's longtime rival's daughter. He doesn't expect to uncover long-buried feelings he didn't even know existed.
Selena Contreras is heir to Superiore Bay's apple orchard, her parents and grandparents before her, lifes work. Her best friend is Carter Ashford, son to her family's rival family, from history so long ago, she believes it to be forgotten. Selena has a vision for her family's dying business, one that no one will hear. When the perfect piece of property is put up for sale, she will do anything it takes to achieve her dream... right? What if that anything includes her best friend's brother, the one who is no better than their uptight father?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t wait for book 2, I can’t explain exactly why, just a feeling that I’ll love Harper.
September 5, 2021
The Ashford and the Contreras families have a stupid longstanding feud, the reasons for which have been lost in the mists of time.
Lena Contreras and Carter Ashford are platonic best friends, despite it all. Carter's brother Conner Ashford is frustrated because because their father is strictly against Carter's friendship and Carter won't believe that it's too much trouble. Lena is frustrated because she wants to expand her family's orchard business and the Ashfords are blocking her plans. She looks elsewhere for investors, but the townspeople stage a weird intervention, and thrust her and Conner together.
This was a pleasantly written small town story with low angst level and no explicit scenes. The romance is rather low key altogether. A minor plot hole was when the lawyer is negotiating about the parcel of land Lena wants to buy, he's asking the wrong people, not the actual owner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lena Contreras and Carter Ashford are platonic best friends, despite it all. Carter's brother Conner Ashford is frustrated because because their father is strictly against Carter's friendship and Carter won't believe that it's too much trouble. Lena is frustrated because she wants to expand her family's orchard business and the Ashfords are blocking her plans. She looks elsewhere for investors, but the townspeople stage a weird intervention, and thrust her and Conner together.
This was a pleasantly written small town story with low angst level and no explicit scenes. The romance is rather low key altogether. A minor plot hole was when the lawyer is negotiating about the parcel of land Lena wants to buy, he's asking the wrong people, not the actual owner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2021
I love a good rival families book and this one did not disappoint, I especially loved how what I thought would happen due to wee drop of information didn't and what did was so much better!! Selena has got sass and determination and she needs it not only to deal with her family and work her family orchard, but to also dealing with most of the Ashford's, but not all. Connor and Carter are nothing alike, Carter doesn't care about the feud his and Selena's family have kept going for generations they have been best friends forever while Connor doesn't like the Contreras he also doesn't care whether Carter sees them. This is the perfect mix of a slow burn attraction, feuding families, meddling townsfolk as well as laughs, frustrations, learning to push aside self doubt and believe in yourself and best of all allowing yourself to try and make your dreams a reality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2021
Selena and Carter are good platonic friends caught in the crossfire of a family feud not of their making and that is getting in the way of the current aspirations of the younger generation. They don't even know what the root of the problem is. Connor, Carter's brother is also frustrated by the family feud's impact on his brother and Selena's relationship. When Selena and Carter wind up on the same team and have to work together they come to understand one another past the family nonsense and it also starts them on the way in a slow burn relationship that they resist until they cannot any more. Carter is hopefully the next to find his person as they work to find their way past the feud to a successful future for not only their businesses but also themselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2021
What a delicious treat 🍏🍷
A contemporary tale with undertones of feuds of yore like the infamous Capulets and Montagues, or Hatfields and McCoys but with a backdrop of vineyards and apple orchards. It's filled with an amazing cast of characters set in a very involved (read meddling 😉) small town that always have the best of intentions. Can people set aside social prejudices, class prejudices, preconceived ideas, and lifelong multi-generational family feuds that this generation no longer knows the genesis of in order to possibly forge a better future and find happiness? Sit back with a glass of wine, cider or whatever floats your fancy...fall in love with these amazing characters and their town. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
A contemporary tale with undertones of feuds of yore like the infamous Capulets and Montagues, or Hatfields and McCoys but with a backdrop of vineyards and apple orchards. It's filled with an amazing cast of characters set in a very involved (read meddling 😉) small town that always have the best of intentions. Can people set aside social prejudices, class prejudices, preconceived ideas, and lifelong multi-generational family feuds that this generation no longer knows the genesis of in order to possibly forge a better future and find happiness? Sit back with a glass of wine, cider or whatever floats your fancy...fall in love with these amazing characters and their town. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
August 30, 2021
I enjoyed the first book of the series a lot. I kept wondering, when are they going to get feelings for each other? It wasn’t like an automatic thing but absolutely progressive.
I loved the story between Selena and Carter, their friendship purely platonic, completely innocent, and worth everything. No one truly believes a guy and a girl could be friends. It happens way more than people think.
This story was about two people that hated each other because of their family feud. Then when events happen that push them together, they really fall for each other.
I’m excited to find out Carter’s story next!
I got this story as an ARC and voluntarily giving a review.
I loved the story between Selena and Carter, their friendship purely platonic, completely innocent, and worth everything. No one truly believes a guy and a girl could be friends. It happens way more than people think.
This story was about two people that hated each other because of their family feud. Then when events happen that push them together, they really fall for each other.
I’m excited to find out Carter’s story next!
I got this story as an ARC and voluntarily giving a review.
September 8, 2021
Welcome to Superiore Bay, Maine, your little slice of heaven on the coast. Come visit us for the best small-town gossip, all the wine you can drink, and wild horses. Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.
A well written story that holds your attention from the beginning to the end. A small town romance at its best with characters you love getting to know and a location that is so well described you feel like you're there. A great start to a series you'll truly enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written story that holds your attention from the beginning to the end. A small town romance at its best with characters you love getting to know and a location that is so well described you feel like you're there. A great start to a series you'll truly enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Michelle MacQueen; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 1st book in the Maine Mornings Series; it is a stand-alone book. Serena & Carter have been best friends for years even though their families are rivals and constantly feuding over the vineyards. When she inherits half of her family’s apple orchid she thinks she can save it but Connor, Carters brother is standing in her way.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 1st book in the Maine Mornings Series; it is a stand-alone book. Serena & Carter have been best friends for years even though their families are rivals and constantly feuding over the vineyards. When she inherits half of her family’s apple orchid she thinks she can save it but Connor, Carters brother is standing in her way.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
I recently finished this novel. It didn't take me too much time to devour this book. I truly appraise how the author navigates the reader through this romantic plot. This is such a heart-warming read and of course a wholesome read as well. The characters are so loveable and you will be amused by the relationships between the townspeople. I think this is one of the sweetest and most engaging romantic stories I read in a while. I also love the pace of the story. A short, yet beautiful read.
September 5, 2021
I received this as an arc for my honest review
This was a good small town enemies to lovers romance. I really liked Lena, she was a strong female lead and she was so determined. I didn’t feel like she had a romantic connection with Connor for me they just didn’t seem to fit. But I liked the storyline with the townspeople but I just didn’t buy the romance.
This was a good small town enemies to lovers romance. I really liked Lena, she was a strong female lead and she was so determined. I didn’t feel like she had a romantic connection with Connor for me they just didn’t seem to fit. But I liked the storyline with the townspeople but I just didn’t buy the romance.
September 6, 2021
The first book in the Maine Mornings series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Selena Contreras and Conner Ashford's story, this is a great start to this series. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Such an amazing author! I can't wait to read more in the future. Definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2021
Well written and developed story. Good plot and characters and relationships among them not always easy. Good reality and background that adds to the story. Enjoyable
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
A cute enemies to lovers book. I loved Selena's spunky personality and how close her and her family were! The friendship between Carter and Selena was sweet. Despite the family feud, Selena was able to bring the town and families mostly together with the help of some friends and family.
September 15, 2021
I loved this story. It is the kind that you can identify with the characters and immerse yourself in the story. Very beautifully written and characters to win the heart make this book a must read.
September 11, 2022
rating: 3 ⭐️
format: kindle ebook
genre: family fued, enemies to lovers romance
H: connor ashford / h: selena contreras
format: kindle ebook
genre: family fued, enemies to lovers romance
H: connor ashford / h: selena contreras
July 1, 2024
A delightful story of the perfect partnership between two dedicated and determined individuals united for a strong and healthy family and community!
September 2, 2021
Could this be a modern day Romeo and Juliet, or maybe the Hatfields and Mccoys? If so, this is one fued you will laugh all the way through.
Imagine a small town with two major businesses who put them on the map, an apple orchard and a winery. The two families don’t mix. That’s what Selena has been told all her life.
So sneaking off to meet her best friend, the youngest son of her family’s rivals is an everyday part of her life. She has aspirations to improve the family orchard but things are stacked against her.
Witness the fireworks when these two families collide! What will the sparks ignite?
Imagine a small town with two major businesses who put them on the map, an apple orchard and a winery. The two families don’t mix. That’s what Selena has been told all her life.
So sneaking off to meet her best friend, the youngest son of her family’s rivals is an everyday part of her life. She has aspirations to improve the family orchard but things are stacked against her.
Witness the fireworks when these two families collide! What will the sparks ignite?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews