A Vineyard Season

Vineyard #6

by Jean Stone

For fans of Debbie Macomber and Elin Hilderbrand, Jean Stone’s “lovingly rendered” (Booklist) Vineyard novels are heartwarming beach reads set on beautiful Martha's Vineyard, featuring bestselling mystery author and Vineyard Inn proprietor Annie Sutton as she makes a fresh start on the island she’s come to call home.

There’s no place like home. Especially when home is an island paradise in full bloom . . .

With her wedding only weeks away, Annie should be grateful to be back on Martha’s Vineyard, running her cozy Inn and crafting her artisan soaps. But her recent trip to L.A. to see her bestselling novels turned into films has her fantasizing about a life in California. Annie knows her fiancé, John, would never relocate—the small-town police officer’s whole life is here. And Annie is looking forward to the imminent birth of a baby in her own extended family. Yet somehow she can’t stop imagining . . .
 
Then John’s older daughter is diagnosed with a serious illness, rocking their world and sending John
off-island to tend to her, alongside his ex-wife. When Annie’s newfound celebrity attracts a stranger into her midst with a secret that could wreak havoc on her half-brother Kevin’s life, Annie is faced with a choice that will test their relationship. With the distance between her and John growing deeper every day, suddenly Annie is questioning everything—including her ties to the only place she has ever dared to call home . . .

Praise for Jean Stone’s Vineyard Novels

“Filled with heart. . . . Perfect for long summer days. For fans of DebbieMacomber or Elin Hilderbrand.” – Booklist

“Lie down on the couch, put a pillow under your head and enjoy the ride.” –The Vineyard Gazette

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie is back from Hollywood after a three month stay. While there, she helped adapt her best selling mystery novels into screenplays. Happy to be back on Chappy, she begins to get back into the island way of life.

There are many issues when she gets back. Will she continue to be a fiancée or will her plans be hampered by circumstances beyond her control? Moves, new babies, new roles in other's lives, a felon, and a father. These are just some of the issues. This is a very busy book!

Annie seems to be constantly up in everyone's business, but not really communicative with anyone. She keeps secrets from people. No bueno, Annie! She gets angry when her fiancé doesn't call, but then rationalizes her not calling because he should first. If you have a relationship with his children and they with you, why wouldn't you call? You're supposed to get married in just weeks!! The book swings back and forth between crises and at the end, you think Annie will do one thing and she does another. Is it good for her? Only time...and possibly the next book will tell.

I'm not sure I'll go back and read the rest of the titles in this series, but I did get some important backstory just reading an excerpt from the first chapter of the first book in the series. An OK read for me.. Perhaps those who have read the whole series will have a different opinion. From my experience, as a first time reader of this author and not knowing this was part of a series, this series should be read from book 1 to get all of the nuanced descriptions and associations of the other characters.

I had a very harsh review going in my head, until I realized that this book is part of a series. No wonder I had so many holes in my understanding of the story. Whew...I though I was going crazy!!

Now knowing that there is SO MUCH BACK STORY that I didn't have, I am reviewing the book on it's own merits as a standalone.

[Beth Early · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day this summer I was able to snag myself a seat on the Patriot to go straight into Edgartown to see the Captain - such a luxury and now feeling a bit spoiled by the ease of it. Anyway - I casually took notice of the handful of other travelers. And as I do with any trip to Edgartown I made my way over to Edgartown Books (someone get them a Facebook page so I can tag them lol). I noticed a sign that they were having an author signing event - as they often do. I picked up a couple other books and grabbed this one as well. When I went out on the front porch to have it signed I took a look at the lovely woman waiting and we both smiled as we recognized each other from our boat ride over. My TBR is obnoxious at this point, so it took me a minute to get to this.
I’ll be honest - at the beginning I struggled a little bit to keep people straight. I felt like I had somehow missed something as people were sort of casually mentioned as if I should know already who they were. I kept reading hoping it would all come together ... and man did it ever. Halfway through I felt like part of the family. The specific Vineyard and Chappy references hit just right for me. The constant and easy yet specific references to the Chappy Ferry were so fun for me because of the Captain. What I realized after was that this is actually part of a series - which now makes total sense. So I can’t wait to backtrack and read the rest - but I still think it’s well worth it to forge ahead through the beginning and let it all unfold for you.
Great story with a lot of heart and depth.
🧼🧼🧼🧼

[Christine Lussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

So glad Annie pulls it together & decides to move on with her life!

SPOILER ALERT:
Annie is back from California & life has gone on. John in his typical fashion, has kept secrets from her, hardly a worthy fiancé. He leaves the island with his daughters (Abigail is sick with the "mystery" illness & needs tests that can only be done in Boston. Annie thankfully moves through life on the island, with Kevin's long lost birth father arriving & a new baby too! The story ends with Annie making strides to fulfill her own life without hanging on, waiting for John forever. I was glad to see her grow a backbone at the end of the story. Not a "hallmark" type story, but a quick read just the same. Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Stone, and Kensington Books for the chance to preview in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vineyard Season by Jean Stone is the perfect book for a Springtime beach getaway! This is the 6th book in a series, and I highly recommend that you read these novels in sequential order to fully understand the storyline and relationships between characters.

Set on Martha’s Vineyard, I loved being transported to the island when I can’t be there myself! The novel takes the reader on a journey through several new beginnings, love, loss, family (both born and made), and how your axis shifts when you or someone you love is faced with a debilitating illness.

Stone’s writing style is similar to that of Nancy Thayer, who writes novels set on the neighboring island of Nantucket. If you are a Nancy Thayer fan, I would encourage you to give Jean Stone and the Vineyard a try!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!

[Christine Lussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT:
Annie is back from California & life has gone on. John in his typical fashion, has kept secrets from her, hardly a worthy fiancé. He leaves the island with his daughters (Abigail is sick with the "mystery" illness & needs tests that can only be done in Boston. Annie thankfully moves through life on the island, with Kevin's long lost birth father arriving & a new baby too! The story ends with Annie making strides to fulfill her own life without hanging on, waiting for John forever. I was glad to see her grow a backbone at the end of the story. Not a "hallmark" type story, but a quick read just the same. Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Stone, and Kensington Books for the chance to preview in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me feel like I was part of the family on Martha's vineyard and the Vineyard Inn.  I enjoyed catching up with the wonderful characters and their growing families.  I liked the drama, secrets, and surprises as Annie Sutton returned to the Vineyard after working on scripts in California based on her mystery books.
I really enjoyed her special visits from her deceased friend,Murphy.  It was like she had an angel always watching over her and at times Annied needed that comfort and care.  This book made me happy at times for Annie and sad at other times, but I always knew Annie would be okay. She was a strong character throughout the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Kelli Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are here for the wild ride as Annie Sutton's life continues on Martha's Vineyard. I don't think anyone's situation is untouched in this installment of the series, but that's how life is - there's always something going on. It took me a couple of books to really warm up to the characters in the series, but by now I really enjoy them and their interactions. I'm not sure if this is the end of the series or not, but I can see this ending going either way. I hope it's not, because with the plethora of books set on Nantucket, I really love the Martha's Vineyard setting. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vineyard Season is book #6 in the Vineyard Novel series by Jean Stone.

Annie returns to Martha’s Vineyard from LA. Life went on while she was away and things seemed off.

This was an interesting story. Life is complex and challenging as Annie realizes. Sometimes she seems a bit nosy and I am not so sympathetic but then things happen and I feel bad for her. Then there are happy moments especially at the end that made me tear up. I enjoyed this book and look forward to see what unfolds for Annie in the future

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable book about author Annie Sutton, a woman in her fifties, who has just return to the Vineyard after a few months writing a screenplay for one of her books. Newly engaged to the island's chief of police, John Lyons, she's ready to settle in with her family and friends and marry John.

There are many happy occasions in A Vineyard Season, but also several times when I was having to work at not crying.
Good characters, beautiful locations, and a snarky, advise giving best friend who died but is still always around to tell Annie what she's doing wrong and what she should be doing.

#WomensFiction #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #JeanStone #AVineyardSeason

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Vineyard series. It can be read as a stand alone. I have read several but not all of the books in this series. Annie is returning to the island after spending several weeks in California writing screen adaptations for her best selling books being turned into a tv series. She is also planning her wedding to John who is acting strange. When John’s oldest daughter is diagnosed with a serious illness they postpone the wedding. Annie has some hard decisions to make. The producers want her to return to California and John is spending a lot of time with his ex. A good story with an open ending. Can’t wait for next installment.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into Vineyard life again as Annie returns from her California stay. Despite jet lag she senses there is something off, people acting as if they know something she doesn't. Her fiance' John picks her up at the ferry but is drawn and reserved. Tears of joy and of sorrow are shed as Annie gets back into island rhythm and learns what has been happening in her absence. And she has big decisions to make about her future, here or elsewhere. I am tied up in knots over this gripping installment.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Annie. Her wedding to John is postponed once again- this time because his daughter is ill and he's gone off Martha's Vineyard to be by her side. And Annie herself has some doubts about their future after returning from California. Those who have followed along in this story might find themselves on the fence about this latest, until the end, There's a serious lack of communication among these people. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Might be a tough go as a standalone but fans will welcome growth in Annie.

[Gail Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I known it was book 6 in the series. Anne comes home after time in California developing her novels into screenplays. She is home to marry John in a few weeks. John would never leave his home so any feelings Anne has about going back to California are not going to happen. John's daughter gets sick and John has to leave the island to be with her during her care. John is spending a lot of time with his ex wife. Pretty open for the next book..

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a deeply moving, complex story of love, belonging, family, and home. Reading the other books in the series first definitely makes this book more meaningful. I have loved this whole series, watching the relationships grow, change, and the “found family” come together. I feel like I’m a part of that community on the Vineyard, with the excellent detailed writing and strong emotional connections.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting of Martha’s Vineyard makes for a wonderful continuation of the beautiful Vineyard series.
I enjoyed catching up with my favorite characters.
Getting advice from best friend even though said friend is now deceased added an interesting element to the story that I loved.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never read a sequel when You haven't read the other books. I didn't care for the main character. Why does she have to be a martyr? Develop some gumption, lady and go after what you want. Annie spends too much time feeling sorry for herself. Face it, Life can sometimes suck but it doesn't mean that you can't find good things in spite of difficulties. I suppose that Annie does that in the end but I couldn't stand the whining.

[Anna Ertl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did not disappoint by any means. I am sad to see this series end, but am looking forward to reading other Jean Stone books.

I knew what was going to happen when Annie returned home from California. Too bad really, Annie and John seemed to be happy. This often happens when a child gets sick (Annabell). The other woman has to take a back seat. I am glad though Annie didn't have to wear the ugly wedding dress.

[Laura Zook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of this series because of the characters and the setting of Martha’s Vineyard/Chappaquiddick island. If this is the last book of the series then I am not happy about the ending in regard to Annie’s decision. Annie and John do not communicate at all in this book and the choices they make don’t feel true to the characters we have met and enjoyed since book 1.

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this sixth of the series, Annie retgurns home after being in L.A. helping to turn her best-selling novels into films, looking forward to celebrating the birth of Francine's baby and her own wedding. Then John's oldest daughter is diagnosed with a serious illness, and their wedding is postponed once again.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the magic of Martha’s Vineyard! Annie’s story continues as her wedding day comes near. Will life on the vineyard allow her this happiness or will it still be elusive.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay.

[Sharon N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Martha’s Vineyard setting and the characters from earlier books in the series.

[Nancy White · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to force myself to finish this book. Too many characters, too much page filler. Not a good read.

[Averill Blatchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, this is the end of the series… wish there was one more …

[Rosemary Evers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending was a surprise. I feel like there's another story yet to come from the characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Vineyard Season by Jean Stone is the continued story of Annie Sutton's life.

Will Annie and John Tie the Knot?

Annie Sutton
Annie is the main character. We follow her life through her return to the island and the changes that come with it. I think Annie is a good character. She tries to be a good friend to her adoptive family. However, she has a way of sticking her nose into their business. Yet, she doesn't call out the one person that she should. Annie also isn't doing the job she has been contracted to do. In that sense, I understand. But she really needs to deal with her fiancee so that she can get on with her life. Also, she might need to seek a therapist to deal with losing her friend Murphy.

Detective Sergeant John Lyons
The first word that comes to mind is a$$; the second is coward. John is supposed to marry Annie on April 23rd. However, his daughter Abigail has fallen ill, and John has basically stopped talking with Annie because he doesn't know how to handle his emotions or be a man. John does the unthinkable, and then he is upset because Annie makes a friend that is a man. This is when he shows his true colors. My opinion is good riddance to bad rubbage.

However, all of that will still be something that Annie has to face as John's parents and daughter are part of her life, and that doesn't seem to be going away.

Three Stars

This is the first installment of this series that I have read. I didn't care for John, the love interest, nor the way that Annie allowed him to treat her. My rating for A Vineyard Season by Jean Stone is three stars. I am sure those who love women's fiction will enjoy this story, but it just isn't for me. I prefer a happy ending.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Vineyard Season by Jean Stone.

Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story that focused on Annie, her marriage that has been postponed yet again and is there going to be one. Annie's decision to stay where she is at or to go back to Calf. to write scripts of her book series . The fact that Abigail , John's daughter is ill and they all are in Plymouth at her mothers. A VERY GOOD READ. From the way the book ends it looks like the end of the series or IS IT.