The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery

 THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON – Susan Mallery

HQN

ISBN:  978-1-335-91279-4

February 9, 2021

Women’s Fiction

 

Walla Walla, Washington – Present Day

 

The Barcellona family’s lives are falling apart in Susan Mallery’s latest, THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON. Mackenzie married the only son, Rhys, but that marriage is on its last legs. After having sex for the first time in a long time—and having no satisfaction in the act—they both agree that it’s time to divorce. This decision sets several wheels in motion—wheels that are about to go off the track.

 

Widowed Barbara Barcellona rules the family and the winery they own with an iron fist. She has taught Mackenzie the fine art of winemaking and trusts her more than she does her own children. However, upon learning that Rhys and Mackenzie are divorcing, Barbara goes ballistic. How dare they split, especially since Mackenzie has indicated she won’t stay at the winery unless she gets a share of the business. Barbara refuses, citing the terms of her late husband’s will. With that news, Mackenzie says she will leave. Barbara demands that Mackenzie not only be kicked out of her job at the winery but the house she lives in (each child in the family live in a house on the property). Rhys and Mackenzie had already agreed they would still live under the same roof until she can find a place to stay.

 

In steps an old friend, Bruno Provencio. After learning that Mackenzie is leaving the winery, Bel Apres, he makes her an interesting offer. She will receive a generous divorce settlement, so how about buying a winery with him as her partner? It’s a dream for her to have control over her own winery, so they explore the possibility of buying one in the area. Meanwhile, the friendly divorce with Rhys continues, but it soon becomes complicated in the most unexpected way: she discovers she’s pregnant. They had never discussed children, but now at the age of thirty-eight, she is about to become a mom. Will this change their plans?

 

In THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON, there are other characters, namely Barbara’s other children, Stephanie, Catherine (nicknamed Four), and Lori. Mackenzie is close to Stephanie and Four, but will the divorce change things, especially now that Barbara is on the warpath wanting to ruin her life? Rhys isn’t happy at the prospect of becoming a father. In fact, he lets Mackenzie know that he doesn’t really want to be a part of their child’s life. Stunned, she wonders if she ever really knew the man she married. Meanwhile, Stephanie, who is divorced from Kyle, feels restless. She went from her parents’ home to her husband’s, then back to her parents. Kyle is now pushing for a reconciliation. A mother of two teenagers, she wonders if it’s time to spread her wings. How can she accomplish this?

 

THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON has the earmarks of a family soap opera. A rich, influential family that believes that if you’re part of the family, then your loyalty remains with the family. The decision by Rhys and Mackenzie to divorce throws everything into an upheaval. Barbara recently got engaged and should be happy, but she is angry and bent on revenge. What will she do to Mackenzie? Will Stephanie ever be able to please her mother? Mackenzie’s leaving shifts the dynamics in the family, but is it for the good?

 

Once I started reading THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON, I became totally engrossed in the lives of everyone and couldn’t put the book down. There is intrigue and conflict, but will someone find love in the end? Find out the answers by picking up this enthralling read.

 

Patti Fischer