“I just couldn’t resist how beautiful it is… a beautiful summer romance read which I have absolutely adored… filled with moments to make you laugh out loud… a perfect, light and easy read to devour whilst sat in the sun… so highly deserving of five stars.” Little Miss Book Lover 87 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A heart-warming romance about embracing the unexpected, Summer at Orchard House will make you laugh, make you … Summer at Orchard House will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that it’s never too late to start again. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Debbie Macomber.
Carmen Alvarez is the reliable one. When her vulnerable father’s livelihood is threatened, she’s the person her sisters call. Abandoning her job in Seattle, Carmen races home to the family vineyard her dad built up from nothing to set things straight. But soon she’s fallen back in love with the dusty sage hills, the turquoise blue lake, the fragrant June orchards… Maybe she’s not just home for the summer?
Standing in the way of Carmen’s happiness is one very attractive obstacle: new neighbor Evan Hollister, who’s after her dad’s land. He’s arrogant, entitled and spoiled—everything Carmen hates—and she is all set to have a bit of fun driving him out of town so things can get back to normal. She isn’t ready for their relationship to get complicated…
But Evan is the least of Carmen’s worries. The business is falling apart and it starts to look like Carmen might lose much more than just her pride: employees have quit, the bank keeps calling and everything her father worked so hard for is slipping away. As she is pushed to breaking point, Carmen will learn that her true family are the people who will see her through the worst of times, and that love can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Readers are falling in love with Summer at Orchard House…
“Wine? Romance? Beautifully written romantic tension, high personal stakes, and charming characters on every page? SIGN. ME. UP. This was my first read from Ellyn Oaksmith and I adored every word. I am already dreaming about the sequel. 5 Stars! Highly recommended.” Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Woohoo loved this book! I’ve found a new author to love. Her writing was so full of life, so descriptive… so many laugh out loud moments… I can’t wait for Ellyn Oaksmith’s next book!” Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What a great start to a new series… I could feel the warmth on my skin, smell the dusty earth and the sun kissed grapes and wished I had a clear blue lake to dive into too. A lovely heart-warming summer story… I am very curious to find out what will happen next.” B is for Book Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A beautiful, captivating tale… Ellyn Oaksmith captured my heart with the warmth of the story and the love that enveloped the characters… My first book by this author, I was blown away…The story helped me escape my tough day.” Shalini’s Books & Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wine? Romance? Lough out loud moments? A story with tension, beautiful and well-crafted characters, high stakes and a perfect scenery? I AM IN! ALL THE WAY! This was my first Ellyn Oaksmith read and I am hooked… Summer at Orchard House will make you roll over laughing and it will make you cry as well.” Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐more
It’s so nice to find a new series, especially one that starts out so good!
Carmen leaves her job in Seattle to go home to save the family winery. Much to her dismay, her neighbor Evan would like nothing more than to buy the winery.
I really enjoyed this book, loved the characters and can’t wait to see where this series goes
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the early copy
Technically a romance, this story of three sisters trying to save their dad’s vineyard is also a testament to the importance of keeping the American Dream alive. I liked how the vineyard is central to the plot, and it being more than an inanimate object added depth to the importance of the plot of land. It became symbolic of everything the family had in life. From the first phone call that Carmen receives from her sister through the stories that unfold, the reason why the vineyard must be saved is clear. I really enjoyed the journey of all of the characters throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly for the attention to the heart of the story: the importance of maintaining and keeping sight of dreams. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
Different Cultural Backgrounds Clash and Sparks Fly
Summer at Orchard House is the first book in the Blue Hills Series but can be read as a standalone.
Carmen Alvarez was trapped in a joyless job reporting to a tyrannical boss. She worked crazy hours and had no private life.
When her boss refused to let Carmen take some days off to check on her ailing father, she got fed up and quit, returning to the family vineyard in Chelan Valley.
The estate was in shambles, and she was alarmed by her father’s failing memory and by the state of his finances.
To make matters worse, Evan Hollister, a wealthy former Microsoft employee, and owner of the neighboring estate wanted to buy her father’s vineyard at any cost.
It was interesting to see how both Carmen and Evan had preconceived ideas about each other based on their upbringing. They were very similar in personality, both a little unreasonable, very stubborn, but also friendly and resilient.
The romance starts as an insta-lust, but their rivalry does not allow them to act on it before their relationship deepens.
The side characters were layered and engaging. I especially liked Carmen’s father, Juan.
The setting was lovely, with breathtaking lake views and endless vineyards.
A fun enemies-to-lovers summer read!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Romance in the Washington Vineyards
This is a sweet and clean romance that takes place in the vineyards of Washington State. The story follows a predictable trail to a rather predictable ending. It is a very nice book to read. The author’s descriptions make the reader feel like they are the ones swimming in the lake in the dark of night. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.