Terrific book about love, family, and new beginnings. As the book opens, Mackenzie communes with the grapevines in the family vineyard. She is the head winemaker with a stellar reputation in the wine community. Her husband, Rhys, arrives just in time to remind her of his mother's big shindig that they can't be late for. We get the first hint that things aren't quite right between them when they retreat to their separate bedrooms to get ready. The rest of the family is introduced a short time later. Barbara, the mother/mother-in-law and head of the business, Stephanie, Lori, and Catherine (or Four as she prefers to be called) all live on the family property.

The family dynamics are quite interesting. Barbara is a control freak, and the winery is the be-all and end-all of her existence. She has a boyfriend, Giorgio, who treats her like a princess. Stephanie works the retail side of the winery. She is divorced but still friends with her ex. She has lots of ideas for the winery, but Barbara shoots them all down. Lori also works for the business but always seems to be in the background. She is a bit overweight, and Barbara never lets her forget it. The youngest is Catherine, who is an artist and free spirit. She has a happy marriage and seems to delight in pushing Barbara's buttons whenever she can. Barbara's only son, Rhys, works the vineyard side of the business with Mackenzie.

When Giorgio proposes to Barbara during the party, it stirs things up within the family. Rhys makes advances to Mackenzie for the first time in months, but when it's all over, they both realize that their marriage has been dead for a long time. Divorce seems to be the only option. Mackenzie is rattled by the whole idea and quickly discovers that more than her marriage comes to an end. Her entire life as she knows it will change. I thought that she and Rhys handled things well together. There were no arguments over finances, how to split things up, etc. Rhys was practical and straightforward, even explaining Mackenzie's options to her. I appreciated that he floated the idea of her striking out on her own.

The rest of the family did not react as well. Stephanie, who has been Mackenzie's best friend since college, took a very selfish viewpoint of how the split would affect her and didn't seem to care at all about Mackenzie's feelings. I wanted to smack her for it, but she eventually realized her mistake and made up with Mackenzie. Lori accused Mackenzie of trapping Rhys into marriage in the first place and worming her way into the business. The only one who was okay was Four, who told Mackenzie that she deserved better than she had. But the icing on the cake was Barbara. From the minute she learned of the divorce and Mackenzie's plans to leave, she turned into a raging, vengeful maniac.

I loved watching Mackenzie take control of her life. She gets some stellar advice from Rhys about finding a partner to help her make her dream come true. He even suggests the person he thinks is best for the job. Mackenzie has known Bruno for a long time, and he jumps at the chance to join her. The details of everything they went through to make it happen added a depth of realism to the story. I loved how Bruno walked Mackenzie through all of the steps, bolstering her confidence when she needed it and celebrating with her as they reached each milestone.

Just as things begin to settle down for Mackenzie, her body blindsides her. She finds out that she is pregnant with Rhys's baby. After a short freak-out where Bruno talks her off the ledge, Mackenzie realizes she's happy about the baby. It doesn't feel quite real to her, and I enjoyed watching her move through the various stages to acceptance. She had lots of help from Bruno, Stephanie, and Four. There were some sweet scenes with all of them. I loved watching Stephanie and Four jump in to help her, but the most endearing moments all came with Bruno. Though I suspected it from the first, it becomes increasingly apparent that Bruno cares very deeply for Mackenzie. She is clueless for the longest time, but eventually, she notices the sparks of attraction between them. I loved watching them grow closer, both professionally and personally.

I loved watching Mackenzie settle into the dream of her winery. She has so many ideas that she had wanted to pursue before but wasn't allowed to. Now the sky is the limit. At the same time that Mackenzie's star rises, Barbara's thirst for revenge affects her business. Her over-the-top vindictiveness does a great job of driving people away. I honestly did not feel at all sorry for her. She was a nasty, selfish, and cruel woman and deserved everything she got.

While Mackenzie makes a new life for herself, Stephanie also goes through some significant changes. She ends her "friends with benefits" arrangement with her ex after an eye-opening conversation with her teenage daughter. Stephanie finally admits that she tends to take the easy way out of problems, giving up instead of fighting for what she wants. I loved when she finally stood up to Barbara and struck out on her own. She hit a few bumps along the way but developed the confidence she needed. Though I wasn't surprised by the result, I loved how she went about it.

The epilogue was great. I liked seeing the story come full circle but with a much happier outcome.

The Vineyard at Painted Moon is a moving fictional exploration of complex human relationships between friends and family and those who are both. Mallery is one of my go-to authors when it comes to women’s fiction so I was eager to participate in the Vineyard at Painted Moon blog tour through Harlequin and NetGalley.

This novel had so much heart! It made me laugh at times. It made me feel warm and fuzzy. I felt strong emotions (and even some sympathy) towards Barbara (when you’ve read it, you’ll know.) I have never been more grateful for the very bump-free relationship I have with my in-laws. And Rhys? Well, Rhys had my feelings all over the place and by the end, I was done. I will admit I am not much of a wine drinker at all, but I was absolutely captivated by the charm of wine country and the closeness of the industry. Mackenzie appealed to me – realistically, we had very little in common, but she was my age and had been married for 16 years. It’s always fun to find some parallels between yourself and the heroine of the story. My only “complaint” was that it seemed to take a while to see any progress with Painted Moon itself – I want to know more about Mackenzie’s successes and less of the drama at Bel Apres even though that drama was necessary to the story as a whole.

Overall, this was an easy to read, enjoyable work of fiction highlighting the courage it takes to grab what you want when the world falls apart around you and the importance of crafting our own family through friendships with women who will stand by our side when life goes off the tracks. I enjoyed it so much I would actually love to see more about some of the other women and the community in general. A short series, perhaps, pretty please?

Mackenzie has everything she wants in life and she has been married for 16 years. An experienced wine maker in Walla Walla, Washington State, she finds herself caught between work and love as her marriage is full of more bad than good moments.

Then, there's Barbara, her husband's mother.......

Mackenzie is an orphan and Stephanie was her dorm room mate. They are great friends.

The Vineyard at Painted Moon is raw, exciting sad and happy. It's incredibly atmospheric and the vineyards are set in beautiful surroundings.

After Happily This Christmas, The Friendship List and Meant to be Yours, The Vineyard at Paintd Moon is my fourth title by Susan Mallery. She writes amazingly about family relationships and her characters and plotlines are very realistic. There are people and places to love in every one of the books I have by her so far.

Thanks to Susan Mallery and Harlequin for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “the Vineyard at Painted Moon” by Susan Mallery, Feb. 2021

Susan Mallery, the author of “The Vineyard at Painted Moon” has written a poignant, captivating, and heartfelt novel. The Genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and fiction. The timeline for this story takes place in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated, flawed and dysfunctional. In this story, the theme revolves around family, friends, love, personal growth, and wine. This is a thought-provoking story that describes the importance of wine and land, betrayal, and trust.

Mackenzie, one of the protagonists in this novel seems to have a magical palate when it comes to tasting wine. She has a knack for choosing winning combinations for her wine selections. It is an asset and makes what she does so special. Her career with her husband’s family vineyard seems perfect. That is until, both she and her husband decide to divorce. Mackenzie feels she has no family, except her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. Now, the divorce from her husband might just turn her life upside down.

It is Mackenzie’s choice to stay or leave and make a new life for herself. This is a story that tugs at the heartstrings. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

I am always a sucker for Susan Mallery books. She can create such addicting romance books yet at the same time she can create such raw discovering women fiction. And she worked her magic with The Vineyard at Painted Moon. The Vineyard at Painted Moon will make you realize that remaking you life is not the end of the world. It's a new beginning, and Mackenzie will soon realize too when she starts branching out on her own. She thinks she can't but she can. It may be sad at first when her marriage ends. But her true passion was always that vineyard. And branching out on her own will bring her endless happiness and surprises along the way.

A family drama set in the wine country of Washington State. Mackenzie knows wine and it is that gift that makes her an indispensable member of the Bel Apres team and family. All that changes when her husband of 16 years decides he doesn’t want their life. She finds herself fighting with the very people she once considered closer than blood.

Mackenzie is a well-written character. She had enough depth that you aren’t confused by her actions and reactions.

Unlike the rest of the Bel Apres crew. I love reading unloveable characters but there has to be an arc. Only Stephanie makes a journey that doesn’t go lower than she started.

Barbara, the matriarch of this family is despicable. If only we could have truly seen her insecurities we wouldn’t be confused by her hot and cold responses. After the repeated use of the b-word, I wasn’t sure if I should
continue. Profanity isn't a problem for me, but how the author used it did.

And the fat-shaming. Yes, she’s a terrible mother but was she really that shallow? How would anyone have fallen in love with her once, let alone twice? Her poor fiancé....

While I did struggle with the antagonist in this book, the places Mallery shone were in the journey of Mackenzie and Bruno. They didn’t run too hot or too cold. Everything progressed evenly. I almost wished she had left out the whole Barbara storyline and focused only on Mackenzie. I wanted more of the partnership between her and Bruno.

I think many people will enjoy this book, but the author hit two sensitive places for me, calling women b- and fat-shaming. There are better and less harmful ways to show a character is no good.

I received a NetGalley copy for review. All thoughts are my own.

Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins, Brenda Novak, and Sarah Morgan, the latest Susan Mallery draws you in from the start. Like making wine, there is a rhythm to the story. Come for the wine, stay for the found family.

Mackenzie has always wanted to ‘belong’ and thought she had found that with her husband, his sisters, mother and vineyard. Known for her talent as a winemaker, she’s worked every hour and then some to build wines that people clamor for. And she succeeded, even as her marriage took a spot far behind her friendship with her two sisters-in-law, Four and Stephanie, her love and attachment to their mother Barbara and the vines. But when she and Rhys finally truly talk about their marriage, the niggling thoughts that their time as a couple was over – and neither really had the determination or emotional energy to fight the divorce.

Unfortunately, Barbara is a controlling and one of the most horribly broken, manipulative, angry and vindictive characters I’ve ever met. And she has dedicated herself to bringing Mackenzie low for “leaving” and her traitorous behavior. Going so far as to consult a lawyer in her attempts to dissolve a contract, sign over parental rights to a child not yet born and quite a surprise, and demanding that someone find a “non-compete’ action to stop Mackenzie.

The one thing no one, not even Mackenzie, accounted for was her talent – long known in the Oregon Vineyard circles, her popularity with other winemakers, and their dislike if not outright disdain for Barbara and her approach to business, her family and their community. With plenty of surprises, a few hiccups and plenty of moments to get to see true friendship, support and even some quiet shoring up, the story is lovely with an ending to make everyone smile.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aRg /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

While I always enjoy Susan Mallery's books, I really loved everything about this one! The characters, family, setting, and businesses she created here hooked me right from the beginning and never let go. Even with a few characters that I ended up disliking, the close relationships of the other women in particular (and the romance as well) were definitely goals for me. Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the advance digital copy!

A wonderful story full of romance and wine. I highly recommend this book if you love a good romance and wine as well.

I just finished The Vineyard at Painted Moon seconds ago & OMG my heart is filled w/contentment and love!!!!!!!!!!! I loved this book!!!!!!!! Ms Mallery hit it out of the park with this one. I got pulled in right away & connected with these wonderful characters. I didn't want this book to end. I want to stay in MacKenzie's life & see her succeed more. If you love romance you will love this book!!!!!!!! I am donating my physical copy to my local library so others can enjoy this story as much as I did. Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for my honest review.

I felt the writing and the characters were too shallow to feel any attachment to. I like a good romp as much as any reader, but I couldn't stop rolling my eyes at this one.

This is not my usual type of book to read, but it really caught my attention and I enjoyed it very much. I guess I’d call it a modern family drama. I liked the characters, particularly MacKenzie, Stephanie and Four. And Barbara was a good person to hate! It is an interesting story about a family who owns and runs a vineyard and makes wine. The matriarch of the family, Barbara, is strict, vindictive and so unlikeable. MacKenzie marries into the family and is very successful at wine making, but is always kept outside of the family. Interesting family dynamics come to light as the story progresses. And a few strong women emerge.

First off..... I LOVED this book!
It has been quite awhile since I read a book that was able to make me laugh, cry, gasp, smile and be frustrated. And to actually hate a character! I can't remember a book where I hated a character as much as I did Barbara! Such incredible writing by Susan Mallery to provide all that in one book!

There is so much in this story that would be great to discuss with others. I can see it relating to similar life experiences for some. And providing a few life lessons or at least a "make you think" situation for others.

I was so sorry when this book came to an end! I wanted to continue to read about Mckenzie's life, to see what next happy moment was to come. Or how she dealt with the next obstacle. I really hope that Susan Mallery continues this in a second book!

I would recommend this book to anyone. I can't wait to see what Susan Mallery writes next!
Thanks to NetGalley and HQN Books for giving me the opportunity to read this one.

At first I wasn’t sure I was going like this book. I was ready to just give up on it when all of a sudden it sparked my interest. The beginning chapters were just a bit slow and blah. I’m so glad I continued reading on as I rather enjoyed Mackenzie’s story.
Lots of interesting information about growing grapes and the making of wine.
A nice happily ever story that we all need to read every now and then.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mackenzie Dienes fell into the perfect job through a relationship she fell into while in college, so up until the point of this book, her life has basically fallen into place. When an interesting event sends her life spiraling, she must make some hard decisions about where she really wants to be and what her future will look like.

Although the factor that sent Mackenzie into reevaluation mode was based on love, I appreciated that most of the book was a self analysis of her career path because it was so closely tied to her relationship. I loved watching Mackenzie take note of her passions and figure out where she truly wanted to go next. Of course, some of the moves were predictable and I possibly rolled my eyes a few times, it didn't take away from the read and I still enjoyed the book overall.

For me one of the most entertaining pieces was Mackenzie's mother in law, Barbara, what a hoot! While possibly over the top, I still loved her reactions to the things life sent her way, I could also see her inability to change especially when the change was thrust upon her and not of her own accord.

I love the Susan Mallery stand alone books and I appreciate the strong female characters she creates and depicts. I hope she continues to work on these alongside her series.

Title: The Vineyard at Painted Moon
Author: Susan Mallery
Genre: Fiction, romance
Rating: 3.0 out of 5

MacKenzie Dienes's life isn't perfect, but it's as close as she could ever hope to get. Her marriage to Rhys, her best friend's brother, is more friendship than true love. But passion is highly overrated, right? And she loves her job as the winemaker at Bel Apres, her in-laws' vineyard. So what if it's a family business and, even after decades of marriage and incredible professional success, she's still barred from the family business meetings? It's all enough...until one last night spent together leads to an incredibly honest—and painful—conversation. Rhys suggests that they divorce. They haven't had a marriage in a long time and, while he wants her to keep her job at Bel Apres, he doesn't think they should be married any longer. Shocked, MacKenzie reels at the prospect of losing the only family she's ever really known...even though she knows deep in her heart that Rhys is right.

But when MacKenzie discovers she's pregnant, walking away to begin a new life isn't so easy. She never could have anticipated the changes it would bring to the relationships she cherishes most: her relationship with Barbara, her mother-in-law and partner at Bel Apres, Stephanie, her sister-in-law and best friend, and Bel Apres, the company she's worked so hard to put on the map.

MacKenzie has always dreamed of creating a vineyard of her own, a chance to leave a legacy for her unborn child. So when the opportunity arises, she jumps at it and builds the Vineyard at Painted Moon. But following her dreams will come at a high price—one that MacKenzie isn't so sure she's willing to pay…

Susan Mallery is an excellent writer and creates realistic and believable characters. I haven’t read too many of her novels, but I’m familiar with her work. However…I did not like this novel. For one reason: so many of the characters were awful people. They were believable enough and consistent—no dramatic changes in heart or personality—they were just completely unlikable.

MacKenzie was likable enough and totally sympathetic, and I like Stephanie and Four (another sister-in-law) and Bruno, but Barbara was truly a terrible person, and her third daughter wasn’t far behind. Both of them were spiteful, hateful, vindictive, and petty. And Rhys ended up being not far behind them—which was a bit of a surprise, as he was perfectly nice and reasonable to begin with, then became a jerk when his freedom was threatened. It’s extremely difficult for me to read books about characters like this, so it’s a testament to the writing quality that I even finished it.

Susan Mallery is a NYT-bestselling author. The Vineyard at Painted Moon is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 2/10.)

Mackzenie and Rhys have been married for over sixteen years. Mackenzie along with her husband works for the his family winery. Mackenzie has dedicated her whole life in making the Winery a success by being the family best winemaker. Although she has constantly ask the Matriarch her mother in-law Barbara to have some ownership of the Winery she is constantly shut down by the phrase "you are not blood family". As the story unfolds we find out Mackenzie and Rhys marriage is in name only and they live separate lives and separate beds. One night of soul talking Rhys admitted what they both have been feeling which is the marriage is no longer viable and he want's out. Mackzenie becomes distraught wondering what would become of her now that she will be no longer be married to Rhys.
What Ms. Mallery has written is nothing short of a lovely women's fiction with deep emotion of
heartache sadness bitterness anger and overcoming many obstacles that have taking place in Mackenzie's life. Mackzenie who all her life has seen her husband family as her own now wonders what would become of her life now. The mother-in law Barbara is the mother-inlaw from hell with scenes where she becomes volatile and treacherous to Mackenzie my heart breaks as I imaging the scene so vividly. The saving grace that keep Mackenzie afloat is her friendship with her sister-inlaws Stephanie and Catherine(four).She was worried their friendship would change because she was divorcing their brother but didn't. In the end she realizes "family" is not just blood.
Review will be on goodreads and amazon

On the outside, the Bel Apres' Vineyard and the Barcellona family seem to be the epitome of success and togetherness. The winery is successful, thanks to the genius of Mackenzie Barcellona, the wife of matriarch Barbara Barcellona's only son, Rhys. The family lives in a sprawling compound, where doors are rarely locked and family togetherness is a given. Barbara, widowed and still attractive in her 60s, has a handsome new suitor, Giorgio. Theirs is a glittering family wine dynasty - or is it?

The reality is that the whole operation is a house of cards. One false move and everything is gone. When Rhys and Mackenzie admit that their marriage is over, the walls come tumbling down.

Mackenzie has no family of her own, and in the process of divorcing Rhys, loses the only family she knows. But, was she ever really family? Excluded from an ownership interest in the winery, Mackenzie realizes it is time to move on. She learns how little she really meant to Barbara on a personal level.

As Barbara comes to the realization that her talented winemaker is leaving the family business, she becomes a cornered animal, lashing out at everyone around her. Her reaction will cost her more than just business.

This was an engaging read. Mackenzie is a strong character, who doesn't dwell on the negative and instead worked toward reinventing herself. My only critique was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and was satisfied with the resolution. This was the first book of Susan Mallery's that I've read and it won't be the last.

Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital advance copy in return for an honest review.

I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted the evening prior to the release date.


"The Vineyard at Painted Moon" by Susan Mallery
HQN
February 9, 2021
10-1335912797
Women’s Contemporary Fiction
400 Pages



As a child, Mackenzie Dienes is raised by her grandfather after her parents die. Then as she is about to start college, who passes away and she loses the only family she had. She and her roommate Stephanie bond at once and Mackenzie is invited to their home for Christmas. Stephanie’s close-knit family who owns Bel Après, a winery in Washington state take welcome her making her feel part of the family—something she’s always wanted. Smitten by Stephanie’s handsome brother, Rhys, she later marries him and feels she is part of them.

Sixteen years into her marriage, Mackenzie loves her home, her adopted family, and her job as a winemaker—a profession at which she excels, still, something is missing. What happened to the closeness and passion in her marriage? All she and Rhys ever talk about is business. Even having a beautiful home and the ones she loves most close by, something is missing, yet she cannot claim she is unhappy. She and Rhys no longer share a room or bed or have been intimate for years, but it seemed an agreeable arrangement to them both—that is until Rhys shocks her by asking for a divorce. His request comes with a coupling neither expected nor enjoyed. Was this to be a last goodbye?

Here she contemplates the end of their marriage:

“She sat with the truth, wondering how to get through this moment and the next and all the moments that would follow. Who was she if not married to Rhys? Being with him informed her life, the rhythm of her days. Without that, what did she have? He had been a part of her for her entire adult life. If that was gone, how would the hole he left ever fill in?”

Mackenzie has worked tirelessly at the winery as a “partner” with Barbara, the matriarch and has brought much growth and additional revenue to the business with her acumen and skills. Believing one day to be part owner of the company, she never considered leaving, but how can she remain now if she no longer is married? Especially when Barbara claims only “blood” can own the winery.

Rhys is congenial stating Mackenzie does not have to leave their home or her job until she gets her life in order. What hurts her the most—she realizes she will be losing everyone she loves; everyone she considers family. But they are Rhys’ family, not hers, and all her loving labor has been for naught.

Mackenzie always considered Barbara as a second mother and now her attitude causes her much stress. Though Barbara can be trying at times and a hard task master, Mackenzie thought her love for Barbara was reciprocated. Now, with the news of her upcoming divorce, Barbara becomes bitter toward Mackenzie and ruthless enough to try to ruin her name. Believing Mackenzie is a traitor, she berates her for Rhys wanting out of the marriage, showing her true side as evil and uncaring, not only toward Mackenzie, but to her own children too. Before long, the true Barbara is exposed showing her greed, narcissism, and contempt for others especially her own flesh and blood.

Meanwhile, Stephanie, brokenhearted about Mackenzie and Rhys splitting up, informs her they will always be best friends, no matter what. Stephanie handles the retail side of the company and she also reels from Barbara’s condemnation of her and her proposal to build the business more by adding a café.

“Her mother waved her hand. ‘You’re forever coming up with ridiculous plans for the retail space. The café is a classic example. Why would we bother? Just do your job and don’t try to be special.’

“Stephanie put down her pad of paper and started at her mother. ‘Is that really how you see me?’ she asked quietly. ‘When I took over the retail space, sales were stagnant. Now they’re up over twenty percent every year.’

“‘Of course they are. The wines are selling better and better. People come to taste them and buy whatever is in there.’ Her mother raised her eyebrows. ‘You didn’t think you were making it happen, did you?’ She smiles, ‘Oh, Stephanie. Really? It’s not you. It has nothing to do with you.’

“The sentiment should have been a surprise or an emotional slap and yet it was both those things.”

Before Rhys’s news of wanting out of his marriage, Barbara believed her life could not get any better. At their annual Summer Solstice gathering, she becomes engaged to Giorgio, a man who showers her with a huge diamond and a welcome and loving future. While Barbara walks on air, everything quickly falls apart for both Mackenzie and her with her son’s impending divorce.

As Mackenzie’s world falls apart, she experiences another shock that rocks her world as she must figure out what her future will bring. Always wanting to own a part of something, when the chance to buy her own vineyard arises, she grabs it, partnering with Bruno Provencia, a wealthy entrepreneur who is looking to start a new endeavor. With his financing and business expertise, Mackenzie hopes to find the true happiness and fulfillment she deserves.

Barbara, the antagonist in this novel is filled with anger and hostility, and Rhys, seemingly content with his life appears cold as time progresses. It seems inconceivable that a couple in their thirties would remain married for so many years sharing no intimacy in their lives. Though he is accommodating regarding his wife’s future; however, he callously drops the divorce bomb on her with no warning, yet he states he’s never been unfaithful. Though Mackenzie too, admits their marriage is stagnant, why is he in such a hurry to get rid of her? One would think they would consider counseling or something. It just appears so farfetched to have this dumped on her out of the blue.

Throughout all this, Mackenzie learns those she loved and thought loved her were not at all as she believed they were. When it comes to money and power, do we really know those closest to us? As the Phoenix rose from the ashes, Mackenzie finds the strength and independence to refine her life.