Sweeter than Wine

Rating:
Summary: A unique and utterly marvelous romance!
Review: Admittedly, I purchased SWEETER THAN WINE because I met the author(s) personally and chose to support their work, published by a small press. What a wonderful story I discovered when I finally cracked the spine!

The first thing that grabbed and held my attention was not only the unusual time period (1918), so seldom read in a romance, but the supreme quality of the writing. The period detail is historically accurate- from the table linens and china, cars and food, to the prejudices felt toward women, minorities, and especially Germans of the time.

But the romance itself... Yummy! Clearly, it is the best part of the book, as it should be. Aside from the usual secrets between Alice and Siegfried, and one or two basic plot standards, the love and lovemaking between the characters were as heady and full-bodied as the wine described. I couldn't put the book down, and I encourage everyone to give SWEETER THAN WINE a try. If you like strong characters, unique settings, and heartwarming romance, you'll love this one. A keeper in every sense of the word!

Rating:
Summary: Flawless writing and a fresh, new voice!
Review: Forced into marriage by a scheming matriarch, widow Alice Roye weds a survivor of the Great War, Alsatian vintner Siegfried Roddernwiller, lookalike cousin of Alice's husband who died fighting for the Allies. Both have secrets that, if told, could destroy the uneasy alliance. Alice needs Siegfried's winemaking expertise to restore her Sonoma winery to its former greatness, and Siegfried desires Montclair almost as much as he desires his intriguing new wife. It is the early days of Prohibition, and together they struggle to save the winery by obtaining a coveted sacramental wine license as they struggle to come to terms with their personal desires.

Sweeter than Wine is fresh and innovative. A dramatically different setting in a time period considered "unimportant" by mainstream publishers. Kudos to Neighborhood Press for allowing readers to taste this premier vintage, and kudos to Michaela August for providing a superb novel for my keeper collection. Read Sweeter than Wine and it will find a place in your keeper collection, too. Brava Ms. August! More, please!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding writing and story
Review: The characters are so well developed and the story so well told that this book is hard to put down. You feel as if you are walking with Alice and Siegfried as they tour their grape yards and you feel their anguish at how to stay afloat if the rumored "Prohibition" is passed. The romantic story is well presented, but not over done. I throughly enjoyed the book and was amazed and how quickly I read through it. I look forward to reading future books by Michaela August.