Wednesday 27 August 2014

The Vineyard - by Karen Aldous + GIVEAWAY

Image and video hosting by TinyPic





Original Cover
My own copy




















The blurb:

It’s been five years, and Lizzie Lambert has decided it’s time to try to make things right with her estranged mother. She’s made a success of things in Cannes, she’s bringing up a lovely little boy on her own, and she’s ready to put the past behind her.
But it seems Lizzie’s mother has moved on as well. She’s moved her toyboy – a muscle-bound vintner named Cal – into the family home, and given him the run of the land that was meant to be Lizzie’s inheritance!
Cal’s wine business frequently takes him to France, and suddenly wherever Lizzie goes, he’s already there – meddling, giving unsolicited advice, saving her little boy’s life and stealing her heart. But none of this changes the fact that he’s her mother’s lover…


My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This book is definitely a MUST READ for summer!!!

Lizzie returns home after five years, a lot has changed. Her mother Caroline shocks her with news about her grandfather and the land she’s inherited and she seems to have a very hot toy-boy Cal… Or at least Lizzie thinks she does. They have a huge fight and Lizzie returns to Cannes, her new home.

Back there she has he absolutely adorable son Thierry, he’s almost 3 years old and just so cute. He brought so many great sparks into this story. With Marie-Claire Lizzie has a great nanny for Thierry as well and her salon is very successful. Lizzie’s best friend Sophie is moving to Cannes as well and they have big plans for the salon, but holidays first. They go away to the wonderful Provence for some days off, but…

Suddenly Thierry’s father Anton is back in the picture, he wants his son, but why this sudden interest?

When Anton comes to the hotel out of the blue, Cal is there to help. Somehow he’s always there and he’s so caring… I barley read a book, where the two main characters had so much chemistry like these two, but Lizzie was holding her feelings back, since she knew that he was with her mum. Lizzie also had a big problem trusting him, because of her past. But when he tells her about her mother’s illness.
Her is the chance to make peace with her, it’s harder than Lizzie thought, but once they had a break-through they were the cutest mother-daughter combination ever. Caroline fell in love with Thierry as well.
Cal and Lizzie had this connection, but they were both holding back until Michael, her mothers boyfriend came into the picture. I loved it when they both just let everything go and were through to themselves, it was also so sweet how Cal got on with Thierry.
However there was still Anton and Lizzie had to solve that problem. Her trust problem was also still there and I really hated the way she treated Cal at times. I just wanted her to see the light.

At the end there is a lot of action and drama going on and also a little surprise with a family member of Cal.

Sophie was an awesome best friend and I’m glad she found her luck as well. I loved following her story and Charles was a great addition t the characters. All characters were so well described and included to this story, just brilliant. The storyline was wonderful and well developed, the change of locations (between France and England) just added the right mixture to it.

I have to come back to Cal for a while. Oh my, he ‘s just PERFECT. Sweet, caring, funny, attentive, hot, sexy… I think I found myself a new BOOK BOYFRIEND ;)

A magical book about love, friendship and family. So touching, sweet, sensitive, romantic, sparkly… The landscape and the surroundings are absolutely gorgeous (like the cover) and Karen found the perfect, vivid and real way to describe the settings and of course also the story and the characters.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY!!! I really didn’t want to leave it and hope to see Lizzie, Cal and Thierry again <3.

Rating: 


My possible cast:

Lizzie: Tori Tracy



















Cal: Matt Bomer


















Thierry:


















Praise for Karen Aldous
'...you must read this wonderful debut from Karen, absolutely great.' - Cometbabesbooks
'Not since Peter Mayle has anyone captured the essence of Provence and Karen Aldous does it vividly. Settle back with a glass of wine and experience the Vineyard for yourself.' - Elder Park Book Reviews
'A delightful romantic comedy that tales place amidst the beauty of France, with plenty of wine and laughter.' - cayocosta72

ibookstore



About the Author

Karen Aldous enjoys village life on the edge of the north-downs in Kent with easy access to the buzz of London. Not only does she love the passive pleasures of reading and writing, she also craves the more active pursuits with her family and friends such as walking, cycling and skiing especially when they involve food and wine!

Karen gets much of her inspiration from her travels and if she had to choose, France, Greece, Switzerland and Italy would be her favourite. However, wherever she goes, she discovers a new character emerges in 'Karen's World'. She likes to write about strong independent women who can direct their own lives - but struggle to control them! And, of course there's always a gorgeous hunk or two!

Author Links


GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 comments:

  1. I can tell you're blown away Simona :)

    Fab review.

    Thank you for supporting Karen on tour.

    Shaz

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a gorgeous review Simona - I'm so thrilled you loved it. Your review has so much passion! Thank you! I love the touch at the end too, the characters for a movie are perfect!

    ReplyDelete