A story set in Tuscany? Yes, please! I listened to the audiobook and the storyline kept my attention and was easy to follow. It was easy to imagine the setting. The characters were nicely developed.

I absolutely loved this audio book from start to finish.
Great character development with characters having strong and interesting personalities.
Loved the Tuscany setting as well as the recipes shared. A wine vineyard is hard work as I found out listening to this book.
A special thank you to the author and publisher for a wonderful listening experience.
The authors info at the end was amazing!

Very light listen. It's an escape for me and was easy to listen while getting other things done. I liked the predictability of the romance and that it took place in Italy. Would be a cute little Hallmark or Netflix chic flick type of movies.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version.
The cover is beautiful. The story plot itself was well ehhh. It was just like a Hallmark channel story plot. As the the story goes on you just know where it was going. There are no twists. There is really not a lot happening. It is like reading someone diary entry. I didn't really feel a connection with the main females love interests.. I mean I guess that was what they are supposed to be? It kind of just dragged on when I think it could have been shortened.
The narrator did a good job..I think if you want a low key Hallmark type story plot that is easy listening this is perfect for you.

Absolutely beautiful tale set in both New York City & Italy. I was granted an advance audiobook version & I think this only enhanced my love for this story from Gudrun Cuillo!

“Casalvento” has mystery, romance, sadness & gorgeous descriptions of the Italian lifestyle. In the final minutes, I was crying as the entire story came full circle with love just radiating from the pages.

Perfect for fans of “Under the Tuscan Sun.” A heartwarming tale about the power of love.

Casalvento tells the story of Erika Germoglio, an American self-made businesswoman, who inherits a vineyard in Italy. An Italian grandfather she has never met wills to her Casalvento, a house, and a vineyard, and Livernano, a medieval village turned bed-and-breakfast, both in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Erika is sure going to Italy to settle the affairs of her inheritance will be a quick trip, but as the terms of the will are read, she realizes nothing in her life will ever be the same. Moving into her grandfather's home, getting to know the people he had made into his family, and learning about his story from the letters he left to her, Erika slowly realizes that the life she's been living was not the life for her. Casalvento paints a gorgeous picture of what the properties, Italians, and culture are like. It is a delicious read that takes unsuspecting visitors on a journey of life, choices, love, and wine.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I did NOT like the main character at all at first but as she grew on me as she changed and adapted to her new life. Well written, and although I saw the twist at the end coming it was still enjoyable. The narrator did a good job as well.

I loved this audiobook for several reasons. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the main character of Erika, as she seemed too bossy with work colleagues, and yet allowed herself to be completely controlled by her fiance. But, now the book is finished, I can see that it actually enhanced the changes that Erika undergoes once she travels to Italy to investigate her inheritance of a winery from her unknown grandfather. I also enjoyed learning more about the wine industry through this book, and liked the supporting characters that made it so interesting. Overall, it's a great story and the narration really makes you feel as if you're in Italy with the characters.

Thanks to Greenleaf Audiobooks and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this light read. I was transported back to Italy reading this book. Really enjoyed the character development and the love story that grew throughout the book. Realized enjoyed it and will be looking into more books by this author.

I loved this book. A woman who thinks she’s all alone, finds out about a secret family in Italy. I enjoyed taking the ride with Erika to see all that she didn’t know existed while she got to know everyone. The shock toward the end made me smile and I loved the ending. This is a must read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publish for allowing me to read this ARC.

Casalvento is an enchanting story that transported me from the bustling streets of New York to the sun-kissed vineyards of Tuscany, weaving a tale of transformation, love and self-discovery. This novel is a delightful blend of romance, business acumen, and the beauty of cultural exploration.
Erika Germoglio is a successful businesswoman living in New York city, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits from her grandfather, a vineyard and a medieval village turned bed=and=breakfast, in Tuscany. Initially, the narrative presents a picturesque tableau of her idyllic life in the city, complete with a loving, successful, fiance and a thriving business. However, her journey truly begins when she embarks on a voyage to Italy, intending to sell her inheritance but ends up finding a profound connection with the land and the people.
What makes this book a compelling read is the author's skillful storytelling, which vividly paints the contrasting landscapes of urban America and rural Tuscany. Erika's transformation from a savvy entrepreneur to a passionate wine connoisseur is beautifully depicted, making the evolution relatable and inspiring. The descriptions of the vineyards, the winemaking process and the culinary delights of the region are so richly detailed that I could almost taste the exquisite wines and savor the delectable Italian dishes described with the pages.
The characters in Casalvento are well-crafted and endearing, especially the handsome manager, Paolo, of the vineyard, who becomes Erika's mentor. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the story, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including the women from her New York business, adds layers to Erika's journey, highlighting the importance of friendship, solidarity, and collaboration in both personal and professional spheres.
The novel brilliantly captures the essence of Tuscany - its warm hospitality, the people that work at the vineyard and their families, its vibrant culture and timeless beauty. As Erika immerses herself in the intricacies of winemaking and hospitality, I was intrigued by the regions captivating traditions and history.
Casalvento is a heartwarming story of embracing change, following one's passion, and finding unexpected love in the most unlikely places. It reminds readers that life's most fulfilling journeys often begin with a single unanticipated step. This book is not just a tale of romance and business, it's a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing new experiences. Anyone seeking a captivating read filled with romance, culture and the allure of the Italian countryside will find Casalvento an absolute delight to indulge in.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the audiobook to listen to, pror to publishing.

The aesthetic of the book is the best part of it really. Italians drinking wine, eating pasta, having fun, speaking Italian, What a visual.

Story was okay, nothing too exciting. But I have to note that the ending was quite terrible.

Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Press Group for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was published June 6, 2023.

This is a solid debut by the author. Prepare to be transported to Tuscany and experience life running a vineyard and delicious pasta dishes.

Erica was extremely annoying but as her life changed drastically so did she. Somewhat predictable but with a major twist at the end.

A fun and quick read!

As a successful businesswoman in a long-term relationship, Erika was ready for the next natural step in her life, to marry her fiance. But that all goes haywire when she learns that she's inherited a vineyard in Tuscany. Forced to drop everything and head to Italy to meet with the lawyer, she discovers that her missing grandfather had bee living in Radda ever since he abandoned his family when her father was a little boy.

Compelled to stay in Italy for five months before she can inherit the properties her grandfather has left her, she begins a journey of self-discovery. The more she learns about her grandfather and his life, the more she learns about herself and what she wants out of life.

This was a wonderful story that included a sweet slow-burn romance. The locale, friendships, and self-discovery were enjoyable to read about. But I was very disappointed with the ending. To me, it undermined the whole story.

Thank you to Gudrun Cuillo, Greenleaf Book Group, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Erika is sitting in the kitchen of her grandfather’s Tuscan estate with friends from America. She can’t believe that just a few months ago she was building a business and a life back in New York until she received a letter from her grandfather’s attorney: he was gone and she inherited everything. There’s a catch though – she had to live on the estate for 5 months before she could assume control. Erika fought that plan and initial wanted to sell the property. But after 5 months, she’s fallen in love with the estate…and so much more.

Casalvento is Gudrun Cuillo’s debut novel, pulling from her own experiences to deliver a beautiful tale of finding yourself in the circumstances in front of you. Capped with a section of delicious story-inspired recipes and wine pairings, this book delivers details of Tuscany only someone living in the area and in love with the community could describe. Cuillo’s own wine estates are the setting for this story of growth, finding your true passion, and giving in to love.

I give Casalvento 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the dialogue between Erika and her staff about the area, the wine making process, and the food – you can tell the author built these off her own interactions. However, I did notice a handful of errors in the timeline for certain migrations to America and other events discussed. These did not impact the storyline, but were a thorn for my personal reading. I also grew frustrated with some of the attention directed towards the housekeeper early on, leading readers to believe she was a dark character looking to do harm to Erika. This frustration popped back up at the end when the cousin who was a true dark character was suddenly very happy and excited for Erika to take over the property. However, I appreciate the slow reveal of the romance between Erika and her true love later in the book. The lack of speed with this development gave it authenticity.

If you love Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun or Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love, this book is for you! With the common theme of leaving New York for Italy, loss of a relationship, and finding yourself, this trio of books from writers with very different backgrounds belong together. I would also recommend this book as a book club read – there’s so much to unpack in each chapter!

In October, I realized I was going to have some time open time in my audiobook schedule. I was excited when I saw this on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to it by the cover – a beautiful Tuscan landscape with grape vines and lemon trees. I was not disappointed! If you are looking for your next audiobook, pick this one up! Casalvento is now available for purchase from your favorite bookseller!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

Casalvento: House of the Wind" by Gudrun Cuillo transports readers to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, making you feel like you're right there with the characters. While the plot may be somewhat basic, it's undeniably heartfelt. You can't help but cheer for the main character as she grapples with the difficult decision to choose the vineyard over her (in my opinion, toxic) life in New York City. Cuillo's vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the protagonist make this a story worth experiencing, even if it follows some familiar themes.

In Gudrun Cuillo's debut novel, "Casalvento - House of the Wind," readers are transported to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, where romance and family secrets converge in a compelling narrative. This story, published by Greenleaf Audiobooks and Greenleaf Book Group Press on October 17, 2023, blends elements of romance and women's fiction to craft a tale of self-discovery and unexpected inheritances.

Erika Germoglio initially seems to have it all—a flourishing career and a well-connected fiancé. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits Casalvento, a charming Italian house and vineyard, from a grandfather she never knew existed. As she travels to Italy to unravel the complexities of her newfound inheritance, Erika encounters Paolo, the estate manager and winemaker at Casalvento, who is intelligent, compassionate, and strikingly handsome. Her journey of discovery and transformation is at the heart of this narrative.

One of the book's standout strengths is its well-drawn characters, with Paolo being a particularly memorable figure. Gudrun Cuillo masterfully crafts multi-dimensional characters, deeply connecting readers to their experiences. The emotional journey of Erika and her quest to understand her Italian heritage create an engaging and relatable narrative.

The novel's vivid and immersive descriptions of Tuscany lend an atmospheric quality to the story. Readers will find themselves longing to visit the picturesque landscapes described within the pages, as Cuillo's prose effectively transports them to this enchanting setting.
While the vineyard is central to the story's setting and theme, some readers may find the frequent mentions of wine a tad excessive. Nonetheless, this aspect does not significantly detract from the narrative's overall enjoyment.

In the audiobook version of "Casalvento," the narration by Maria Marquis is a standout feature. Her voice is soothing and easy to listen to, immersing readers in the story. Marquis's narration remains clear and understandable, even at 1.75x speed for those who prefer to listen at an accelerated pace. The slight accent adds an authentic touch to the narrative without hindering the dialogue between characters, making it an excellent choice for audiobook enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Casalvento - House of the Wind" is a delightful novel that weaves together themes of self-discovery, romance, and family secrets. It presents an engaging narrative that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories exploring identity and heritage complexities. I recommend this book to those seeking a compelling journey of the heart set against the captivating backdrop of Tuscany.

A heartfelt, moving debut set in Italy. This was a great women's fiction, family saga set in a part of Italy I didn't know much about. Perfect for fans of Under the Tuscan sun and good on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I devoured this book! Who wouldn’t want to be left a vineyard in Tuscany by a long lost relative? At first I was annoyed with Erika for being so ungrateful about this insane gift she had been handed, but she quickly grew on me. This book made me extremely hungry for anti-pasti, and I drank plenty of wine while enjoying the story.
Side note, my husband and I actually stayed in Castellina in Chianti many years back, so it was fun to relive those memories through this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and Greenleaf Book Group Press in exchange for my honest feedback. To the author, Gudrun Cuillo, please write a sequel ASAP!

#Casalvento #NetGalley # GudrunCuillo

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of Italy were rich and detailed. While some elements were painfully predictable, the overall story was lovely.

To me, this definitely reads like a debut novel. To the author’s credit, the story unfolded realistically. None of the relationships felt forced or silly. There were moments that felt incomplete—like the author’s original intent was to have a much lengthier novel to flesh out a number of different character subplots. But Erika’s individual narrative was well-rounded, I felt.

I REALLY didn’t like Erika at first, and I was afraid that she would be an unlikeable main character, but she changed a lot throughout the book. Maybe it was a drastic change, given the timeline of the story, but I liked her by the middle of the book.

It seems to me that the book must have had more twists in the plot in an earlier draft. There seemed to be a buildup to something that never happened, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. The final twist was a well-written surprise. My heart was pounding as I didn’t know what to expect, and I appreciated that.

Overall, the story was lovely and full of vivid word pictures that brought the characters and the setting to life. Thanks to NetGalley, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and the author for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.