Review of Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards by Joye Emmens

Welcome to the review tour for Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards, a romance that spans two continents. I have an excerpt for you today, as well as my thoughts and opinions. Let the author know what you think in the comments section and feel free to ask her any questions. Be sure to follow the tour to get more thoughts from other readers. And of course, enter the giveaway!

Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards

Will the rare love that comes once in a lifetime win her over? Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards is a compelling and enchanting novel set among vineyards in Southern France and Central California.

Spending summers at her grandparents’ vineyard, Clos de Harmonie, Olivia found her passion for winemaking and pursued a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Olivia accepts an invitation from a Frenchman to complete her master’s degree project at his family’s fifth generation biodynamic vineyard in France.

She and the French winemaker have an instant attraction. With her project complete, she struggles with the desire to stay in France and the knowledge she is neglecting her grandparents’ vineyard. Called back to California by an unforeseen turn of events, Olivia focuses on getting Clos de Harmonie certified as a biodynamic vineyard. Her dream is to make authentic, natural wine that captures the landscape and its essence in a bottle.

As she wrestles with her long-distance love interest, the challenges of reviving a rundown vineyard, and trouble with the landowner next door, Olivia finds strength in the human spirit and the need to prove herself in a sea of doubters.

An evocative story that awakens the senses, Crush captures the complex layers and enduring bonds of family amidst the dramas and joys of winemaking. The magic and mysteries of biodynamic farming come to life along with a colorful cast of characters in both France and California.

Read an excerpt:

Professor Clark, my graduate adviser, walked to the podium. The guest speaker followed. With his lean build, he glided across the stage. He stood tall and relaxed in a white linen long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. While the professor introduced him, he scanned the audience, and his eyes landed on me in the front row. I sat up straight and wished I’d worn something more flattering than jeans and a T-shirt. Mom always told me never leave the house without looking your best. His brown eyes met mine before he took the podium.

So, this was Lucien Laroche. I was to be his ambassador for the weekend. Professor Clark had asked me to take Lucien to consult with two wineries near Santa Barbara. Since I was going to my nana’s vineyard in the valley already, it worked out perfectly.

“Biodynamic agriculture springs from a spiritual worldview called anthroposophy,” Lucien Laroche stated. His French accent had me. “A biodynamic farm is a living system. A self-sustaining ecosystem that is responsible for creating and maintaining its health without any outside or unnatural additions. Each farm has its own unique characteristics.”

I followed his every move. His presence held my attention. My undivided attention.

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**My thoughts**

I love the cover of this book. I love the romantic notion of wineries in both California and France. I felt like the attraction between Olivia and Luke happened extremely quickly, especially considering he asks her to move all the way around the world to do her study on his French vineyard. I definitely could tell that Olivia had a crush on Luke and that he was attracted to her, but I didn't quite FEEL the initial attraction, if that makes any sense. But nevertheless, they want to make a go of it. And of course, it isn't going to be completely smooth sailing.

I loved it when Olivia got to France. She lands at the Marseille airport and spends time in villages not so dreadfully far from there. It transported me back to my exchange student days when I got to spend some time in that region, which was a warm and fuzzy memory.

And I loved learning about the winemaking. I live in a large wine region here in the US, but I do not know as much about it as I probably should. I feel better armed to go on some local regional wine tours now. Clearly Joye has either done her homework or has some experience in winemaking.

I cannot imagine trying to choose between the love of my life and my family. I was extremely close to my family and it was difficult when I moved 400 miles away from them, let alone all the way around the world. I do not envy the decisions that need to be made.

It's an interesting read. I recommend spraying your reading area with some lavender and keeping a variety of wines on hand to sip and sample as you read.

About Joye Emmens

Joye Emmens is also the author of She’s Gone. She lives in California with her husband.

Website: www.jemmens.com

Twitter: @joyeemmens

Facebook: joyeemmens

Joye Emmens will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway