Karen Aldous enjoys village life on the edge of the north-downs in Kent with easy access to the buzz of London. Not only does she love the passive pleasures of reading and writing, she also craves the more active pursuits with her family and friends such as walking, cycling and skiing especially when they involve food and wine!
Karen gets much of her inspiration from her travels and if she had to choose, France, Greece, Switzerland and Italy would be her favourite. However, wherever she goes, she discovers a new character emerges in 'Karen's World'. She likes to write about strong independent women who can direct their own lives - but struggle to control them! And, of course there's always a gorgeous hunk or two!
It’s been five years, and Lizzie Lambert has decided it’s time to try to make things right with her estranged mother. She’s made a success of things in Cannes, she’s bringing up a lovely little boy on her own, and she’s ready to put the past behind her.
But it seems Lizzie’s mother has moved on as well. She’s moved her toyboy – a muscle-bound vintner named Cal – into the family home, and given him the run of the land that was meant to be Lizzie’s inheritance!
Cal’s wine business frequently takes him to France, and suddenly wherever Lizzie goes, he’s already there – meddling, giving unsolicited advice, saving her little boy’s life and stealing her heart. But none of this changes the fact that he’s her mother’s lover…
Praise for Karen Aldous
'...you must read this wonderful debut from Karen, absolutely great.' - Cometbabesbooks
'Not since Peter Mayle has anyone captured the essence of Provence and Karen Aldous does it vividly. Settle back with a glass of wine and experience the Vineyard for yourself.' - Elder Park Book Reviews
'A delightful romantic comedy that tales place amidst the beauty of France, with plenty of wine and laughter.' - cayocosta72
The Vineyard is available on Amazon or Kobo ibookstore itunes and many other retail and ebook portals
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Visit her website: KarenAldous
Author: The Vineyard – CarinaUK (Harlequin/HarperCollinsUK)
Available to order on Amazon, ibookstore, Sainsbury’sbooks and all leading eBook portals
My Review
I was drawn to this book by its title and
the cover, especially since I am a Francophile. The exquisite descriptions of France
didn’t disappoint and I was immediately transported there.
The difficult relationship between Lizzie
and her estranged mother is well described, so much so that you begin to wonder
if it’s based on first hand experience.
Lizzie’s three -year old son, Thierry, is a
delight and a complete contrast to his father who seems to have no redeeming
features. The style carries the story along with Lizzie’s friend Sophie always
there in the background.
Although it is explained how Lizzie has her
own beauty salon in Cannes, it still seemed to be stretching the reader’s
incredulity a little and there were a few errors in the French although nothing
to spoil the enjoyment. Overall, a great debut novel and I can thoroughly
recommend it.
4/5
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