Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace, is the second in Julie Stock's series, Domaine des Montagnes, which was published on 14th July- an appropriate date for a book set in France!
It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a new season and
a new beginning
After being abandoned by her partner when she falls
pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on The Vineyard in Alsace, where she
has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry. Now about
to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide for them
both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.
Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his grief and guilt
following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he blames himself.
When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards her gives him
hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as he can tell
Lottie the truth of what happened.
When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry closer together,
they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly independent and he’s
fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting someone new with
their heart.
Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each other, move on
from their pasts and start over?
Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again with this
romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.
My Thoughts
Although this is the second in a series, I read this as a standalone and didn't feel that I had missed out. The focus of the story is Lottie and Thierry and you get to follow their relationship. Not everything goes smoothly. Thierry has a lot of unresolved grief to come to terms with and Lottie is determined to live an independent life as a single mother. She has real trust issues. You get to follow both perspectives, so you realise that their actions don't always mirror their thoughts and wishes. Getting the pair to communicate honestly is tricky.
There is also a lively cast of friends and relatives who have their own stories and decisions to make about their future. Lottie's sister has some fertility issues of her own which gives a different perspective to Lottie's situation and Thierry has his own thoughts on parenthood which he has not yet voiced. With a great setting in the French countryside, this is a great summer read and one to escape into.
In short: Go on a journey to France for an uplifting time.
About the Author
Julie Stock writes contemporary feel-good romance from
around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. She published her debut
novel, From Here to Nashville, in 2015, after starting to write as an escape
from the demands of her day job as a teacher. Starting Over at the Vineyard in
Alsace is her ninth book, and the second in the Domaine des Montagnes series
set on a vineyard.
Julie is now a full-time author, and loves every minute of
her writing life. When not writing, she can be found reading, her favourite
past-time, running, a new hobby, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, glass of
wine in hand.
Julie is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and
The Society of Authors. She is married and lives with her family in
Bedfordshire in the UK.
Catch up with the rest of the tour!
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Pam, and for hosting me on your blog as well. I really appreciate it!
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