* Book Review- The Vineyard at Painted Moon: A Novel by Susan Mallery

   

Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.

Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

This story was intense at times, emotional and had plenty of challenges and people of depth.   I never warmed up to the mother-in-law Barbara because oh my gosh, what a bully and tyrant.   And so many people put up with it..until a few of them didn't.  And Barbara was shocked when she didn't get her way.  She saw it as a betrayal and was bent on punishing if she could.

Mackenzie was definitely the best of the group but a couple of her sister-in-laws had some strengths too.  Stephanie was still trying to find her way but Four (Catherine) was secure in who she was.  Mackenzie's husband Ryhs was a surprise as things went on.

The information on wines was well researched by the author although that isn't something that I am all that into.  

It has a good H.E.A.  And while I liked some parts of the story, it just didn't pull me in as much as I would have liked.  I'm still someone who enjoys this author just not as much on this book.  Maybe because there were times it seemed to drag with re-hashing of a few different parts.

I read this book through the Libby Program (Library app)