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lgcpreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My own shortcoming: I had to come up with mnemonic devices to keep the 3 women straight!!!
chelsbethbaute's review against another edition
3.0
This book looked awesome. What could be better than a group of friends opening a wine bar?? My biggest problem was while the book was supposed to be about three women and their friendships, they were hardly together! They were all juggling multiple men and that took up the majority of the book. On top of that, the book didn't focus on starting a wine bar. The women decide to start a bar and literally a page later the bar is up and running. I don't know. Maybe skip this one, guys...or at least get it from a library instead of spending money on it at Target.
monchandtherats's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
cebaute's review against another edition
3.0
This book looked awesome. What could be better than a group of friends opening a wine bar?? My biggest problem was while the book was supposed to be about three women and their friendships, they were hardly together! They were all juggling multiple men and that took up the majority of the book. On top of that, the book didn't focus on starting a wine bar. The women decide to start a bar and literally a page later the bar is up and running. I don't know. Maybe skip this one, guys...or at least get it from a library instead of spending money on it at Target.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Love the Wine You're With by Kim Gruenenfelder is a heartwarming novel of friendship, new beginnings and love.
Best friends Jessie, Nat and Holly are each at a crossroad when they take the plunge and open a wine bar that caters to women. Jessie is an accountant whose three year relationship with boyfriend Kevin is in a holding pattern. Nat is a writer for a popular game show but her two year affair with her married boss Marc is starting to wear thin. Holly is an actress who is growing weary of her endless rounds of auditions that, more often than not now she is in her early thirties, end in disappointment. Tired of putting her future on hold, Jessie convinces Nat and Holly to join her in a new venture which brings many exciting changes into their lives.
Jessie is dissatisfied with both her professional and personal lives. So when Kevin changes his mind about a house they are planning to purchase, she decides it is time to seize control of her life. However, her decisiveness is limited to her new venture and she continues to waver on whether or not she should continue her relationship with Kevin. Her attraction to the bar’s wine rep Giovanni is unexpected but since she is still officially involved with Kevin, she instead introduces him to Nat. However, Jessie wonders if she is making a mistake when she is unexpectedly beset with jealousy.
Nat knows that sleeping with a married man is completely wrong but her resolve to end the relationship never seems to last long. However, this time, she is committed to her decision and she impulsively quits her job at the same time she sends Marc packing. Concentrating on getting the wine bar ready to open, Nat is not looking for a new man but when Jessie introduces her to Giovanni, she really has no reason to not date him. Nat is especially grateful for her decision when she remains tempted by Marc and a long ago love re-enters her life.
In addition to her career frustrations, Holly is also struggling with her lingering grief over her father’s unexpected death several months earlier. She has also decided to discontinue her long use of anti-depressants so her behavior is wee bit unpredictable as she attempts to silence her overly critical thoughts. Giving up her acting career is not a hardship and she is reveling in the freedom that comes with not having to worry so much about her appearance. An unanticipated introduction to much admired producer Joe Chavez leads to a surprising friendship after Holly declares a moratorium on dating.
Love the Wine You're With by Kim Gruenenfelder is an entertaining novel with a charming cast of colorful characters and an engaging storyline. Holly is the most personable and relatable of the women while Nat is the most irritating as she continues to make questionable decisions. Jessie is a little too risk averse and willing to settle when it comes to her love life. The wine descriptions are quite interesting and educational, but I have to confess they are a little wasted (pun intended :-) ) on me since I am not an oenophile. The romantic elements are rather understated but quite enjoyable. An absolutely divine novel of friendship, new beginnings and unexpected love that readers of contemporary women’s fiction are sure to love!
Love the Wine You're With by Kim Gruenenfelder is a heartwarming novel of friendship, new beginnings and love.
Best friends Jessie, Nat and Holly are each at a crossroad when they take the plunge and open a wine bar that caters to women. Jessie is an accountant whose three year relationship with boyfriend Kevin is in a holding pattern. Nat is a writer for a popular game show but her two year affair with her married boss Marc is starting to wear thin. Holly is an actress who is growing weary of her endless rounds of auditions that, more often than not now she is in her early thirties, end in disappointment. Tired of putting her future on hold, Jessie convinces Nat and Holly to join her in a new venture which brings many exciting changes into their lives.
Jessie is dissatisfied with both her professional and personal lives. So when Kevin changes his mind about a house they are planning to purchase, she decides it is time to seize control of her life. However, her decisiveness is limited to her new venture and she continues to waver on whether or not she should continue her relationship with Kevin. Her attraction to the bar’s wine rep Giovanni is unexpected but since she is still officially involved with Kevin, she instead introduces him to Nat. However, Jessie wonders if she is making a mistake when she is unexpectedly beset with jealousy.
Nat knows that sleeping with a married man is completely wrong but her resolve to end the relationship never seems to last long. However, this time, she is committed to her decision and she impulsively quits her job at the same time she sends Marc packing. Concentrating on getting the wine bar ready to open, Nat is not looking for a new man but when Jessie introduces her to Giovanni, she really has no reason to not date him. Nat is especially grateful for her decision when she remains tempted by Marc and a long ago love re-enters her life.
In addition to her career frustrations, Holly is also struggling with her lingering grief over her father’s unexpected death several months earlier. She has also decided to discontinue her long use of anti-depressants so her behavior is wee bit unpredictable as she attempts to silence her overly critical thoughts. Giving up her acting career is not a hardship and she is reveling in the freedom that comes with not having to worry so much about her appearance. An unanticipated introduction to much admired producer Joe Chavez leads to a surprising friendship after Holly declares a moratorium on dating.
Love the Wine You're With by Kim Gruenenfelder is an entertaining novel with a charming cast of colorful characters and an engaging storyline. Holly is the most personable and relatable of the women while Nat is the most irritating as she continues to make questionable decisions. Jessie is a little too risk averse and willing to settle when it comes to her love life. The wine descriptions are quite interesting and educational, but I have to confess they are a little wasted (pun intended :-) ) on me since I am not an oenophile. The romantic elements are rather understated but quite enjoyable. An absolutely divine novel of friendship, new beginnings and unexpected love that readers of contemporary women’s fiction are sure to love!
suzannefine's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Kim Gruenenfelder's latest "Love the Wine You're With" in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so very happy Kim Gruenenfelder is back!!! I know the author took much needed time off after her father's passing, and I'm so glad she found her way back to writing the fun, sassy, novels she does.
I loved "Love the Wine You're With" for many reasons. Three women who are best friends, and they aren't perfect - they all have flaws which they are graveling with (careers, boyfriends, family). These three best friends decide to leave successful careers (two of them) to open a wine bar! Their stories are easy to follow (sometimes in a large ensemble cast it is not easy to follow who is who), and their relationships are fun to watch grow. Wine Bar - need I say more??
I would highly recommend this to all my friends who love Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, and Wine!!
I'm so very happy Kim Gruenenfelder is back!!! I know the author took much needed time off after her father's passing, and I'm so glad she found her way back to writing the fun, sassy, novels she does.
I loved "Love the Wine You're With" for many reasons. Three women who are best friends, and they aren't perfect - they all have flaws which they are graveling with (careers, boyfriends, family). These three best friends decide to leave successful careers (two of them) to open a wine bar! Their stories are easy to follow (sometimes in a large ensemble cast it is not easy to follow who is who), and their relationships are fun to watch grow. Wine Bar - need I say more??
I would highly recommend this to all my friends who love Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, and Wine!!
charmedonex's review against another edition
5.0
I have been reading thrillers for awhile and needed a break so I bought this book - finished it in just about one sitting. I have loved ALL of Kim Gruenenfelder's books, and when I was going through my chick-lit phase, hers were the books I reached for first. This book was relatable to me, made me laugh, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend for a quick, light read if you are looking for that sort of thing. I hope she writes more!
mishale1's review against another edition
3.0
I got a chance to read this book early though Netgalley. I previously read Misery Loves Cabernet by this author and it was one of the funniest books I've read.
Three best friends, Nat, Jessie and Holly are at a turning point in their lives. They're all tired of the status quo and want to make some changes.
Holly is a struggling actress, grieving over her dad and single.
Nat has a job she loves at a game show, but she's dating her married boss and wants out.
Jessie is in a long-term relationship. She's working at a job she hates, trying to save up money to buy a house.
When Jessie's somewhat commitment-phobe boyfriend declines on yet another house. Jessie decides that she is tired of waiting for her boyfriend to make all the big choices in her life. So, she makes a big decision herself. She puts her nest egg into a wine bar that she talks Holly and Nat into joining.
Drama escalates with Nat and Jessie both debating leaving the relationships they are in and both becoming interested in Giovanni.
There are a number of potential love interests to keep straight in this story. The lives of Holly, Nat and Jessie will never be the same after opening their wine bar together.
Cute story. If you can have a good glass of wine on hand when you read it, I'd suggest it.
Three best friends, Nat, Jessie and Holly are at a turning point in their lives. They're all tired of the status quo and want to make some changes.
Holly is a struggling actress, grieving over her dad and single.
Nat has a job she loves at a game show, but she's dating her married boss and wants out.
Jessie is in a long-term relationship. She's working at a job she hates, trying to save up money to buy a house.
When Jessie's somewhat commitment-phobe boyfriend declines on yet another house. Jessie decides that she is tired of waiting for her boyfriend to make all the big choices in her life. So, she makes a big decision herself. She puts her nest egg into a wine bar that she talks Holly and Nat into joining.
Drama escalates with Nat and Jessie both debating leaving the relationships they are in and both becoming interested in Giovanni.
There are a number of potential love interests to keep straight in this story. The lives of Holly, Nat and Jessie will never be the same after opening their wine bar together.
Cute story. If you can have a good glass of wine on hand when you read it, I'd suggest it.
bepeachey's review against another edition
3.0
A quick light easy read. Nothing earth-shattering, rather predictable but enjoyable all the same.
nickieandremus's review against another edition
5.0
*** I received an advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Nat, Holly and Jessie are best friends, and they are each at a crossroad in their lives. So they do what anyone would do in their situation... they quit their jobs and open a wine bar! This book had me laughing from start to finish. This is the perfect book if you need a good laugh, are having a bad day, or pretty much any other time either. You can't go wrong with this one!
Nat, Holly and Jessie are best friends, and they are each at a crossroad in their lives. So they do what anyone would do in their situation... they quit their jobs and open a wine bar! This book had me laughing from start to finish. This is the perfect book if you need a good laugh, are having a bad day, or pretty much any other time either. You can't go wrong with this one!