Mallory Graham is returning home to the heat and vines of Southern California in search of the peace she can’t find in the city. Her parents’ vineyard is an escape for tourists, but full of mixed memories for Mallory. It may also be the one place she can find the forgiveness she seeks. But can things ever go back to the way they once were–in the days before that long, hot, heartbreaking summer? … summer?
Growing up, it was Mallory and Kelly. Kelly and Mallory. Nothing could come between them. That summer before college, bucket list in hand, they greeted every sunrise and chased every sunset. Tattoos–check. Sleeping under the stars–check.
But when Mallory met Sam, everything changed. Older, experienced and everything Mallory never knew she wanted, Sam was her first taste of love–and the one adventure Mallory didn’t want to share with Kelly. But Kelly had her own secrets, too, until the night tragedy struck and their perfect summer–and their friendship–unraveled.
Now, after ten years away, Mallory is home and determined to make amends. No more secrets, no more half-truths. As Kelly slowly lets her guard down, Mallory convinces her to complete their unfinished list of hopes and dreams. But Mallory’s not the only one back in town, and when Sam reappears, Mallory risks making all the same mistakes–and maybe a few new ones–to try to heal that which was broken.
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I definitely enjoyed the characters and the setting in Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard.
It was a quick, beachy, vacation type of read, in my opinion. Light, easy to read and a book that made me happy to read it.
Was this a deep family saga that really went in-depth? No, but sometimes that isn’t what I want. This was great for a fun, quick read.
Check it out. I think you’ll be happy you did.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given.
The prodigal daughter comes home. wanting to reevaluate and make right the issues and mistakes of her past Mallory uses a gathering at her parents home as an opportunity to set things right… or at least try. So many things within the pages of MIDNIGHT AT THE WANDERING VINEYARD by Jamie Raintree make this a perfect read for the upcoming spring and summer. Especially if you’re a fan of romancing about college days of youth and looking back on things with more mature eyes.
I really enjoyed the writing style and flow of Jamie Raintree. This is the first time I’ve read one of her books and I can assure you it won’t be my last. Coming out March 26th you can pre-order today!
Evocative, affecting, and heartfelt!
Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard is a heartwarming, touching story that immerses you in a tale about confronting the past, taking risks, being true to one’s self, following your heart, and the importance of never losing sight of your own wants, needs, and dreams.
The writing is vivid and impassioned. The characters are flawed, genuine, and endearing, And the plot is an exceptionally absorbing tale about life, loss, heartbreak, forgiveness, friendship, family, community, courage, happiness, and unconditional love.
Overall, Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard is an uplifting, emotive, alluring story by Raintree that reminds us that everyone that enters our lives, no matter the length of time, shapes and defines us. It is beautifully written, lushly depicted and like a good wine should definitely be savoured.
Mallory and Kelly have been best friends since elementary school. They are more like sisters than best friends. In the summer before they leave for college they make a summer bucket list. As they were doing all their fun things, Sam came to town. Mallory spent a lot of time with Sam almost forgetting their bucket list. Mallory and Kelly have a huge fight and Mallory goes off to college without Kelly. 10 years later, Mallory comes back to town to try and fix her relationship with Kelly. Her family is having a big celebration at their vineyard and Mallory thinks it is the perfect time to fix things with Kelly. At the very heart of this amazing book is relationships. Mallory and Kelly’s friendship, Mallory’s relationship with her parents, and Kelly’s relationship with her Mom. I absolutely loved the characters in this story. I read this book in one long sitting as I could not put it down. I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Harlequin Graydon House Books. All opinions are my own.