Rating: 
Summary: Chalk one up for Ms. Robert's again
Review: I will say that I had hesitation on buying this book. I read the other reviews of this book, which would not sway me totally, but add to that, the fact that I personally found her last couple of works not up to what I had come to expect from Ms. Roberts, I did not buy this book immediately, as I would have in the past. I have to say that I read this book with both an open and cautious mind. The last thing I wanted to was read something else from one of my favorite authors and find it lacking. I kept in the back of my mind some of the other readers thoughts of going to far into the wine making process, not enough plot, etc. I found none of this. I have to say that I found it refreshing, twisting, and full of what I have come to expect from Ms. Roberts. It is very hard to intrigue me, as I usually have everything worked out before the last few chapters. It kept me guessing until the end, which is often hard to do. Truly a wonderful read, the kind that you do not want to put down. I will anticipate her next work with more enthusiasm. Kudos to you Ms. Roberts you have truly done it again.
Rating: 
Summary: Undercooked....
Review: First off, I too am a devoted Nora R. fan and it is because of that that I can say this work does not represent what she is capable of as a fictional romance and mystery writer.She had the ingredients here for a superb story, characters, plot, setting, etc. and had obviously done her research; however, the main characters were not developed to their full potential and depth as is Nora's usual style and that was sorely missed. The ending was such a disappointment. Plainly said, I just didn't buy it at all! Also, what was the incredible RUSH at the end? Spend the time to wrap it up right! Sophia and Ty would have made a wonderful story for this book and save the others for later. The makings are still here for Nora to back up and tell the story of the grandparents, David's daughter and son as they grow into relationships, to expand into the family as so many of our favorite series do. But, take the time and do it well. We'll all be glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: As usual, I picked up a Nora Roberts novel and couldn't put it down. The dialogue was great and there was a great cast of characters -- a lot of characters, but after you got everyone figured out, they were great. It lacked some of the intensity found in some of her other books like Carnal Innocence, Sanctuary or Carolina Moon. But, per the Nora Roberts norm, it was a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre - wait for the paperback
Review: I LOVE Nora Roberts' work. I've gotten everyone at the office hooked on her, too. I own every novel in hardcover that was printed in hardcover. Up until now, I've never considered it a waste of money. I should have waited for the paperback. Lately we've been waiting too long for something to come, this could have waited a little longer. Perhaps Nora Roberts could have thought of a better ending. The ending was a real letdown. When reading this book, the reader was constantly waiting to get to the good part, and then it was over - surprise - no good part. I was pretty disappointed. When's the next one coming out?
Rating: 
Summary: You'll love The Villa
Review: For the first time that I'm aware of, Nora Roberts tells not one but three love stories in the same book. The primary one, that of Sophia Giambelli and Ty MacMillan, takes two people who have spent their entire lives in and around the family business of wine-making and throws them together to learn what they DON'T know. While the intent was for them to learn parts of the process so they can take over the business, they also learn what they don't know about love. Sophia, growing up essentially fatherless, has developed a consuming ambition to prove herself worthy. Ty, with no real parental influence to speak of, does the same thing in his own quiet way. In all other ways opposite, this common bond draws these two together and makes them see the other in a way few others can. The second love story is that of Sophia's mom, Pilar, and the new COO of the winery. Pilar has spent years in a non-marriage with Sophia's father, and any sense of self-worth she may ever had had is long gone. David rekindles her zest for life, and gives her the confidence to have a strength she's never displayed. Lastly, Tereza Giambelli, matriarch of the clan, rules all with an iron fist. All, that is, but for her husband Eli, Ty's grandfather, who accepted her for what she was and let her grow to love him over time. Their enduring love in the face of family tragedy and impending retirement sets the tone for the others to follow.
Rating: 
Summary: Definitely not up to her usual standard....
Review: I've always enjoyed her books, and look forward to new ones, but this one is a disappointment. It's crammed with characters and plots that don't meld into a gripping story, or hold onto the reader's interest. The central characters were not particularly sympathetic, and I didn't really care how the book ended. I gave this book away without finishing it - a first, for me, with a Nora Roberts book.
Rating:
Summary: Not among Nora's best
Review: I've read everything by Nora and anxiously await each new book. The Villa was a little disappointing. There were too many characters to care about. Ty and Sophia as well as David and Sophia's mother were the best characters, but even they were not well developed. There were a lot of typo's and it lacked the intensity usually present in a Nora romance. Not a bad book just not among her best.
Rating:
Summary: Falcon Crest, revisited
Review: I could see the incomparable Miss Barbara Stanwick (deceased) in the roll of matriarh of the family in "The Villa." Memories of the television series Falcon Crest assailed me as I wandered through the Napa Valley with Nora Roberts as my guide. How incredible a talent Roberts has for making us taste the grapes, feel the sun on our faces and making us worry over the frost. Ms. Roberts gives us strong, independent women from three generations as yardsticks while making each woman unique in her own way. Moreover, it is hard to find men who are not intimidated by their soul mates in any generation. Nora Roberts makes us think that the men in her novel are the rule rather than the exception. This novel is pure entertainment of the highest order. Bravo, Ms. Roberts!!
Rating:
Summary: Another reader disappointed
Review: I will second some of the earlier comments concerning being disappointed by this latest work from Nora. After reading her books since 1984 and always enjoying her work for its consistency, I think this book seemed a bit rushed. There were too many characters, no one was fleshed out. I found Sophie to be a bit annoying. I think the dialogue was pretty good as this is always Nora's strong suit but... I also was very disappointed by the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have read almost everything that Nora Roberts has written and eagerly await each new book. This book was very disappointing. Sophia seemed determined to prove that she could behave and live her life as any male and still be considered feminine. The other characters were alternately weak, deceitful or just plain corupt. The ending reminded me of real life. The bad guy/female doesn't always get punished for their ill deeds. I did learn something about the wine making process but I could have found this information under wine growing in the library.
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