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crhbrault's review against another edition
5.0
Classic Susan Wiggs - excellent romance / family drama storyline and happy ending.
ryry7878's review against another edition
5.0
this was a beautiful story. I loved the history, the discovery of lost things, treasure, love, and most of all family. another amazing take from Susan Wiggs. cannot wait for the next story!
beth_simmons's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A fairly predictable, feel-good rance, but with enough mystery to keep it interesting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Addiction, Death, Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
marybeth_1120's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars guessed ending with under 50% easy read not too memorable
danielledavids_'s review against another edition
4.0
This was a great, lighthearted vacation read! A touch of mystery and intrigue, a touch of romance and a beautiful setting made this book engrossing and hard to put down. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that feels like a Hallmark movie, one that you know is going to have a beautiful and happy ending but you don't know how it's going to get there. Once I got a couple chapters into this book, I devoured the rest!
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Tess Delaney is stunned to learn that she has a half sister and half an inheritance to Bella Vista Orchard. Dominic Rossi, sexy Italian banker and executor of Tess' grandfather's estates, pops the news to Tess that her grandfather is ill and she could come into money. Tess is blown away to learn that her secretive mother has never mentioned a sister and grandfather to her especially since she asked constantly about her absent father.
When Tess goes to Bella Vista she learns that her sister, Isobeljust learned about her existence but is waiting with open arms. Just as she is hit with the news of a new family Dominic informs them the Orchard is in big financial trouble. Lovely cook, Isobel buries her denial in baking and cooking as Tess goes on the hunt to save her new family.
Dominic, the big bad banker, joins in the search as they try to locate something that could stop the foreclosure and finds himself falling for the Irish girl with a smile that melts his once broken heart. As they explore her grandfather Magnus's past during WWII they may have found what they need...
As an only child I must say I was intrigued by this story just imagining what it would be like knowing you had a sibling out there you never knew about. I think Tess' reaction to all of this was realistic but Isobel seemed too accepting. Without isobel's perspective it was hard to figure out her motivation. Through Tess' eyes we see her as someone set in her ways and if something rocks the boat she denies it by putting all her energy in cooking. I think we will get a better sense of her in the next book but for those that like to read books as a standalone might be disappointed in her lack of characterization.
I liked the dynamics of mother and daughter relationship between Shannon and Tess but it was harder to get a sense of Shannon and her mother. The past was brought up a lot in this novel but failed to use it characterization. I saw the past as a plot device and even Annalise was more of a plot device than a real character.
There was some mystery but tended to be revealed instead of unraveled. The treasure hut aspect was fun but predictable as foreshadowing came off strong. I did like the novel but it was more of a set up of the series. I would recommend this to Wiggs' fans and those that like a uncomplicated read.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Tess Delaney is stunned to learn that she has a half sister and half an inheritance to Bella Vista Orchard. Dominic Rossi, sexy Italian banker and executor of Tess' grandfather's estates, pops the news to Tess that her grandfather is ill and she could come into money. Tess is blown away to learn that her secretive mother has never mentioned a sister and grandfather to her especially since she asked constantly about her absent father.
When Tess goes to Bella Vista she learns that her sister, Isobeljust learned about her existence but is waiting with open arms. Just as she is hit with the news of a new family Dominic informs them the Orchard is in big financial trouble. Lovely cook, Isobel buries her denial in baking and cooking as Tess goes on the hunt to save her new family.
Dominic, the big bad banker, joins in the search as they try to locate something that could stop the foreclosure and finds himself falling for the Irish girl with a smile that melts his once broken heart. As they explore her grandfather Magnus's past during WWII they may have found what they need...
As an only child I must say I was intrigued by this story just imagining what it would be like knowing you had a sibling out there you never knew about. I think Tess' reaction to all of this was realistic but Isobel seemed too accepting. Without isobel's perspective it was hard to figure out her motivation. Through Tess' eyes we see her as someone set in her ways and if something rocks the boat she denies it by putting all her energy in cooking. I think we will get a better sense of her in the next book but for those that like to read books as a standalone might be disappointed in her lack of characterization.
I liked the dynamics of mother and daughter relationship between Shannon and Tess but it was harder to get a sense of Shannon and her mother. The past was brought up a lot in this novel but failed to use it characterization. I saw the past as a plot device and even Annalise was more of a plot device than a real character.
There was some mystery but tended to be revealed instead of unraveled. The treasure hut aspect was fun but predictable as foreshadowing came off strong. I did like the novel but it was more of a set up of the series. I would recommend this to Wiggs' fans and those that like a uncomplicated read.
whitmc's review against another edition
4.0
Exactly what I needed right when I needed it. Possibly my favorite Wiggs book, but I'm ordering #2, so we shall see. Mystery, love, Bay Area done well, delicious wine...
booknallnight's review
fast-paced
4.0
Absolutely adored this heartwarming story. The narrator was a pleasure to listen to and made me want to keep listening. The story itself was just what I needed this week.