Another great read by Susan Mallery ! A family drama set in the vineyards of Washington USA.
The main character ,Mackenzie ,has the perfect life but when her marriage ends it signals the end of her family and career forcing her to rething her future.. A
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

No sure I am the intented audience for this book. Chick flick isn't my thing, not much depth of character and rather predictable.

Title: The Vineyard at Painted Moon

Author: Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Format: Hardcover, e-book, 361 pages

Published on: Feb. 9, 2021

Set in: Walla Walla, Washington

Received the book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review

Review may contain spoilers

Bel Apre's Winery had weathered the elements and nearly 60 years of harvests. Barbara, the family's matriarch, worked beside her late husband, James, to keep the struggling winery in business. In the past, Barbara was unfamiliar with the winemaking process, but she learned and soon the business began to prosper. In time, Barbara became the general manager.

After James died and their children were adults, they were joined by their spouses to continue building their family business. Rhys was the vineyard manager, Stephanie handled retail, though her heart was in marketing, Catherine (Four) continued to be a free spirit and non-conformist and Lori did the bookkeeping and just plain agreed with her mom and yearned to be loved. But it was Rhys' wife, MacKenzie, who became the elite winemaker, that truly added to the quality and worth of the winery. She was the one closest to Rhys' demanding mother.

All was sailing along smoothly until Rhys could no longer accept that he and MacKenzie had no physical relationship. Though that didn't stop him from hopping in bed with her after years apart. Immediately after, he asks poor MacKenzie for a divorce although he felt terrible about it. MacKenzie who was for years a vital part of the family is suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of change. She certainly couldn't work there any longer. She'd have to find a new home and job. Not only would she be losing Rhys, but his family as well. Then again, thanks to James' will and Barbara's insistence, MacKenzie was considered an employee and not an owner. Digging deeper into the wound, Rhys wants her to get a lawyer so they can proceed without delay. This immediately leads the reader to think that he's already got a girlfriend or is going to get one. Though he seems supportive, he doesn't change his plans.

MacKenzie finds herself at a crossroads. This is probably the best opportunity for her to change the course of her life. Even though there are unexpected situations there's a good chance she can follow her dreams and that's what will lead her to Painted Moon and a family of her own. 

I loved this book, not because it was a fast read, but because it showed a positive outcome after a husband says "it's over."  MacKenzie made some tough decisions that you knew would work in her and her business partner's advantage. She took a chance on buying an established property in an area heavy in competition, but she believed in herself and her wine-making skills. Her ex was left to inherit his family business. Along with that reality is the fact that as long as his mother was alive she was going to make his life and that of his siblings difficult. Barbara became a bitter woman and only got angrier by the day having lost MacKenzie. What bothered me was that she saw her as a betrayer. I wondered if MacKenzie even mentioned to Barbara that Rhys asked for the divorce. Also, there was no character growth for Barbara. She simply refused to accept MacKenzie leaving. For that reason, she will probably be miserable the rest of her life. I was glad that one of Rhys' sisters was brave enough to improve the quality of her life. 

Four wine barrels out of five

Denise Fleischer

gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com

April 14, 2021

I enjoyed this story about beating the odds and making a happy ending for yourself! It is good to read an example of a women who is down but not out that finds a way to better her own life!

Good story. Really enjoyed learning about vineyards and wine. The characters were mostly likeable, I didn't think the character of Barbara was well done, she was too rigid and unbelievable, but the other characters were well developed and connected easily. I would have liked to see more romance and the end explained a bit better. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read..

Mackenzie works in the family vineyard. The matriarchal of the family has daughters and one son, Rhys. When Mackenzie and Rhys discover that are no longer in love they decide to get a divorce. Mackenzie is the main person in the company that decides the taste of the wines. Her mother-in-law is outraged to find out Mackenzie is quitting and starting her own vineyard.
This story shows how when you get a divorce you feel like you are losing your family members.

Another great story by Susan Mallery! I really enjoyed this story. The scenery was just beautifully described. Makes me want to travel there. Highly recommended!

What I found in this book was a message I always am delighted to read about, a strong female lead who you find yourself cheering for, start to finish. In Mackenzie there is a silent strength, a desire to make more out of life than what she had, when she clearly deserved so much more. I found myself getting my hopes up high with every chapter, wanting everything to work out for her, wanting her to show her soon-to-be ex-husband and ex-mother-in-law that she was more than someone living in the shadow of their winery. I also loved the message that you can find family in your friends.

Strength and wine - what a wonderful combination.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy Susan Mallery's books, although this was not one of my favorite. If you enjoy wine then you will like this book, I liked the fact that the main character lost not only her husband but her job and family in the split but still managed to end up successful. It is a feel good book.

*** I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I adored this book. It is the story of Mackenzie, a winemaker, who takes some huge steps in her life towards happiness and fulfilling her dreams. She must first confront her husband and in-laws though, which doesn't go over well. This is a story of family, friendship, life, love, and gumption- mixed with some major family drama. I have really enjoyed Susan Mallery's writing and books in the past and this one is another winner as far as I'm concerned. I highly recommend The Vineyard at Painted Moon, especially if you're a wino like me!

Although not a book I would purchase in my professional role, it is one that I will be recommending in my personal life! With all that is going on in the world right now, I am seeking out escapist books, and this one absolutely worked for me! Thank you so much for allowing me to have access to the digital arc!

They say change is inevitable and we can either choose to resist it or embrace it. When one embraces change, it provides one with an opportunity for growth, something the heroine from The Vineyard at Painted Moon will discover. Not only did the change open new doors for her, it led to her discovering that the persons who she believed had her back only saw her as a means to an end.

To persons on the outside, Mackenzie Dienes appears to have an awesome life. A beautiful home, close friends, a handsome husband and dream job as a well sought after winemaker. There is just one problem: she earned the above through her marriage. So when she realized that her marriage had ended, she knew she would lose it all, a loss she had not been prepared for.

I had a great time with this book. My first time experiencing the author’s work and I would read more of her work.

Mackenzie’s resilience shined throughout the story. She embraced the change, albeit in fear, and ended up achieving much more than she had lost. I admired her strength, her intelligence and her caring nature.

The story featured likeable as well unlikeable characters. The two I found most detestable were Rhys, Mackenzie’s soon to be ex husband and her mother-in-law, Barbara. Rhys’ actions surprised me. Initially, he appeared to be on Mackenzie’s side despite the end of their marriage. However, as the story progressed, his weak and selfish nature reared its head. Then there was his mother. OMG! The woman was controlling, malicious, belligerent and downright vicious. She scared me. Thank goodness for the characters who brought light to Mackenzie’s life.

The Vineyard at Painted Moon with its excellent character development, superb pacing and wonderful world building proved an engaging read from start to finish.

I recommend this book without reservations to fans of contemporary women’s fiction.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I don’t read Susan Mallery books all the time- but when I do- I am just sucked into the worlds she creates. They are the best kind of happily ever after reads.

What I liked:

This cover is so dreamy. Makes me wish I was there with a good glass of wine.

Bruno. Oh we could all use a Bruno in our life.

Mackenzie. Such a strong character- she took her punches and rolled on making a life that she could love.



What I didn’t love:

Barbara. I know every story has to have a villain- someone to drive the story- but Barbara really outdid herself. The way she treated Mackenzie. The way she treated her daughters. But one thing that really bothered me: was Barbara fat-shaming her daughter. I felt that was a level of wrongness that we could have avoided in this book. It just grated my nerves.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a charming story- with some wonderful characters, then check out The Vineyard at Painted Moon.



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

Mackenzie Dienes had a great life, but her job, home, and friends were all tied to her husband. When their marriage fails, she could stay on in the family winery and still have access to the mother she cherishes, the sister that’s a best friend, and the nieces and nephews she loves to spend time with. She would be an employee instead of a family member, however. Her choice now is to stay in that position, or strike out on her own and create a brand new life.

Mackenzie has a great relationship with her inlaws, even as her relationship with her husband turned into one of platonic roommates. I enjoyed seeing that there was genuine care and affection between everyone, even if her mother-in-law's "exacting" nature seemed overbearing, it's done out of love. All of the vineyard siblings are very different, and Mackenzie generally gets along with them all. When her mother-in-law gets engaged, everyone else in the family takes stock of their own lives. Stephanie is unwilling to be second-guessed and overlooked at the same time Mackenzie and Rhys agree that the love in their marriage had cooled years ago. Catherine's naturalistic point of view was always dismissed as odd, and Lori is still trying to get Barbara's attention. Rhys is the first to pitch divorce, and as horrified as it makes Mackenzie, she goes along with it the same way she went along with everything else in the family. Barbara's focus has always been on the land first and then the family, with the vineyard the main priority in her life.

I don't feel as attached to the characters as I usually am with Susan Mallory's books. I don't particularly like Barbara, and the movement between all the characters see-saws back and forth. I feel the worst for Mackenzie and Stephanie in the first third of the novel; both are stuck in their holding patterns and hate change, but it's slowly draining out their spirit. Once Rhys opens the floodgates for divorce and pushes Mackenzie, it starts picking up and there is decision after decision after decision to make. Stephanie is almost drawn in her wake and starts to make decisions to make herself happy and be a better person. As that happens, Barbara becomes even more unlikable. Even Rhys has his moments where I'd rather reach through the page and shake him for being so obtuse, I was glad Stephanie called him out on his behavior. If this was a different kind of book, Barbara would be a worse villain and I would fear for Mackenzie's safety.

Being a romance novel, Mackenzie and Stephanie do figure out what's important in their lives and what they need to do to get there. It's a hard road for them, but one that is a fitting conclusion for them and a joy to read.

Thank you to Harlequin for our gifted review copy!

This is my second Susan Mallery book on audio and I just loved it. The narration is fantastic and I can't wait for more of her stories. Loved the scenery of the vineyard, the characters are incredible & I just loved it.

This was an interesting family drama set in the picturesque wine country of Walla Walla Washington. Mackenzie is an amazing wine maker and she lives with her husband and his family at their winery. Her mother in law is the matriarch of the family and the winery. When Mackenzie’s husband Rhys informs her he wants a divorce her whole life begins to fall apart. It soon becomes evident she can’t keep working at the winery which has been her life’s passion. Mackenzie is further heartbroken when she realizes she will also have to move away from the family. It was interesting to see what decisions Mackenzie makes for her life going forward. I enjoyed seeing her new found independence. There were some great secondary characters- some you like and some you definitely don’t. If you love a family drama story this one is for you!

Today I’m part of the Harper Collins blog tour for Susan Mallery’s new novel: The Vineyard at Painted Moon. This is story of a woman who has dedicated her life and career to her husband’s family’s vineyard and she now is facing some serious decisions about her future.

If you like what I call “family stories” with lots of interesting yet often flawed characters (but aren’t we all?), this would be a good choice! I always like a strong female protagonist and MacKenzie is just that.

I thought this would be the perfect beach read! (though I read it with about 18 inches of snow on the ground!). I absolutely LOVED the cover — reminded me of Napa!

Thank you for my galley and for making me part of the tour!

(full review at drbethnolan.com)

Set on a sun-soaked vineyard estate in Wala Wala, Washington, with the sight of ripe grapes clinging to the vine and the earthy, fruity aroma surrounding Bel Après Winery, Susan Mallery has crafted a wonderful family drama, rich with vivid imagery, heartbreaking moments, and characters who won’t let downfall define them.

The day Stephanie Barcellona brings her college bestie, Mackenzie Dienes, home for Christmas, it changes lives. Not only does Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and Mackenzie fall in love and marry, but Mackenzie is welcomed into the family with open arms, softening her heart. Mackenzie had been orphaned from a young age and the Barcellona matriarch, Barbara, takes her under her wings and treats her as one of her own; a favourite one of her own! Mackenzie works as a winemaker, alongside Rhys, the manager, in the vineyard that has been in the family for 60 years. When Rhys asks for a divorce 16 years into the marriage, not only is Mackenzie heartbroken, it also puts her in an awkward position. Should she stay committed to the Bel Après Winery and deal with the awkward situation or should she risk everything and branch out on her own? Leaving means letting down the family, ruining the close friendship with her bestie/sister-in-law, strains her relationships with nieces and nephews, but most of all, it means losing a family, again. Tension soars and tears are shed as Mackenzie struggles to make the best choice.

This is a beautiful family saga with a gorgeous background and told with such descriptive detail, one can imagine themselves hanging out with the Barcellonas. There’s heartbreak, revenge, bitterness, love and growth as everyone adjusts to Rhys and Mackenzie’s divorce. You’ll enjoy the subplots featuring the 3 other siblings and their mother and you’ll love the fact that there’s a personal chef for the family. When you reach the end of the book, you’ll see the recipes and wine pairing notes. I think the thing I won’t forget is the flying of the ‘cookie flag’ when fresh cookies come out of the oven! I need one of those!!!

Thanks to Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Although I hadn't read anything of Susan Mallery, I was intrigued when receiving the arc. It is a wonderful story about taking a chance, about people showing their true self and about family ties. Susan just draws you into the story. We meet Mackenzie, who seems to have it all: a doting husband, a great job at her husband's winery and his wonderful family.
Or so Mackenzie thought. When her husband tells her he wants a divorce, she finds herself not only losing her husband, but also her friends and family. Because apparently, when there are no bloodties, you are not family.
A heartbreaking and encouraging story about a woman, who dares to leap into a new world, without the safety net of her former family. And we see how blood can be thicker than water. I loved it. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

WHY DID I LISTEN TO THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON BY SUSAN MALLERY?
I tend to like books about vineyards (like the ones by Kristan Higgins) and I have also liked what I’ve previously read by Susan Mallery. So, reading The Vineyard At Painted Moon seemed like a no brainer. When the audiobook came across my radar via the Libby app, I knew it would be a perfect listen for me. After all, I love women’s fiction and especially via audio. For me, they’re super easy to pay attention to and understand exactly what is going on.

WHAT’S THE STORY HERE?
The Vineyard At Painted Moon is about Mackenzie Dienes who is the winemaker at Bell Apres Vineyard which is owned by her husband Rhys’s family. Mackenzie has real talent. She feels like she is such an important part of the Barcellona family. After all, her sister in law Stephanie was basically her college roommate if I remember correctly. Her mother in law Barbara has referred to her as the daughter of her heart. Only, unfortunately, Rhys wants a divorce. As it turns out, blood is more important to Barbara and she’s super terrible to Mackenzie.

So, now Mackenzie has some choices to make. Will she stay at Bell Apres? Will she find a new job? Or will Mackenzie strike out on her own? Oh, and also, there just so happens to be a baby on the way which complicates matters even more.

HOW DID I LIKE THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON?
I really found The Vineyard At Painted Moon to be quite an enjoyable read. Mackenzie really finds her way in this book and I enjoyed that journey for her. I also enjoyed how her sister in law Stephanie grew as she also makes the decision to find a job outside of Bell Apres. As for the mother in law, Barbara, she gets her own chapters. I felt like Barbara was a little over the top with her meanness. She’s very rude to Mackenzie after the divorce and it comes out of left field. Barbara does some really underhanded things and well, it makes sense that she faces consequences. However, Barbara just seems a little over the top for me.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
The audiobook is narrated by Tanya Eby who is another new to me narrator. She really nails make the character of Barbara come off as overbearing and rude and super frustrating. However, to be fair, Eby also makes the characters who aren’t jerks come across as likable just based on how she voices. I had a tremendous time listening to this via audio and would definitely recommend it for just a relaxing sort of listen.