#NetGalley Book Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley

I really enjoyed this 'bubbly' summer romance.
A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley


File Size: 2500 KB
Print Length: 407 pages
Publisher: Transworld Digital (March 21, 2019)
ASIN: B07DXG729W
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.
And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

Review:
Lottie was excited to move to London with her new boyfriend. Slowly she realizes that he is cutting her off from others, becoming over-controlling and edging towards abuse. Lottie makes a smart choice to go home before things get worse. She arrives to find her sister in distress over estrangement from her husband over their childless status and her father ready to head out on a trip he never got to take before her mother died. Lottie is desperate to find a place to live and to find a job. She is shocked to fall into a live-in position as a manager of a local vineyard.

Butterworth Wines is owned by Betsy, a recent widow whose husband was the leader and driving force behind the vineyard. Most of the workers are volunteers. Although Lottie knows nothing about viticulture (vine growing and harvesting), she is willing to work hard and learn fast. This works especially since everyone is thrilled to let her take control. The only person challenging her inexperience is Betsy’s grandson, Jensen. He thinks it is best to sell the vineyard and facilitate Betsy moving into an assisted living situation.

Lottie is quick to begin to turn things around at the winery and she would like to keep the property in the Butterworth family to honor the founder. She has only been engaged for six months and doesn’t know if she can convince Jensen to continue the business especially when he is on the brink of promotion in his business career. And that is how things stand when a new discovery rocks her world with a ripple effect that will impact everyone in the story.

I am not usually a big fan of relationship drama but this story leans to humor and is simply charming, interesting and engaging. Lottie is a wonderfully real character with strengths that outweigh her insecurities. I loved how her personal journey developed and I enjoyed the support she received from the quirky, passionate characters around the vineyard. Jensen is also a lovely character and their relationship conflict bounces between struggle and joy.

The setting and winery experience is a great element. I enjoyed learning about viticulture and its growth in Britain as well as some of the details and difficulties of the process of making wine. There is good movement in the story and light humor that helps with the enjoyment. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a relationship story that will bring sighs and smiles. I will have to look for other romances by Ms. Bramley.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post December 1, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 2, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was another busy week and we were all rather happy to have several days off to give Thanks! My legal assistant was out last week for holiday and I will be glad to have her back on Monday.
My hubby caught me again as he remembered and I forgot our anniversary on 11/30. He took me out for lunch. Sharing time together is a joy at 34 years.
I am not very good at remembering anything but his birthday (7/4) and our children's dates. I try to remember the grandchildren's birthdays too. Sometimes I forget to plan even for my own birthday which is after Christmas (12/27).

This is a new visitor to our yard. I see him/her almost every morning crossing the backyard.
Our temperature hit 84 Saturday but will be dropping back to lows of 32 and highs of 50s to 68 this coming week. Still, when I see the images of snow storms, I am thankful I live in Florida!

My reading/listening was good this past week. I finished two audiobooks and two ebooks.   I posted three reviews on the blog and my usual memes.
I finished 7 sci-fi books for #SciFiMonth 2019 in ovember.
I met my TBR reading goal in November. I am looking for an X title to finish the Alphabet goal. I can also start listening to some longer audios except I plan to read Christmas titles first.

I visited only 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Beachy Reader. Gigi describes herself as a "Night owl and tea drinker who goes on Netflix binges.” She has a fun blog with a variety of postings.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 24, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 25, 2019.

• ebTBR- Book Review: Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths; Genre: #HoHoHoRAT, Holiday, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

• eTBR- Book Review: A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson; Genre: History, #HoHoHoRAT, Short Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick GiveawayNovember 29, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/5/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman; Genre: Death, Dystopia, Teen & YA, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #383 Comment Giveaway November 30, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/14/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2019 Advent Week 1.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley
I really enjoyed this 'bubbly' summer romance.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

An Easy Death
By: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 10-02-18
This was good listening.
Source: 12/16/18 November Credit at Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (ebTBR)

Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1)
by Ginger Booth
I liked this short dystopian prequel.
Source: 2016 Free Kindle.
The storms before the Calm.
Resourceful programmer Dee Baker is getting worried about climate change. Food prices are skyrocketing, the drought out west deepening, and the storms won’t quit. When her intrusive Fortune 100 media employer forbids her to attend the worsening riots, Dee defies them to visit a rally, and see for herself what they’re trying to hide.
Civilly Disobedient is a short prequel to the Calm Act series.

4. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Adam Baldwin
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
This is a bit zany, but fun!
Source: July 019 Free Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
Have you ever seen a planet invaded by rampaging space mutants from another dimension or Nazi dinosaurs from the future?
Don't let this happen to you!
Rifts happen, so you should be ready when universes collide. A policy with Stranger & Stranger can cover all of your interdimensional insurance needs. Rated "Number One in Customer Satisfaction" for three years running, no claim is too big or too weird for Tom Stranger to handle.
But now Tom faces his greatest challenge yet. Despite being assigned the wrong - and woefully inadequate - intern, Tom must still provide quality customer service to multiple alternate Earths, all while battling tentacle monsters, legions of the damned, an evil call center in Nebraska, and his archnemesis, Jeff Conundrum. Armed with his Combat Wombat and a sense of fair play, can Tom survive? And will Jimmy the Intern ever discover his inner insurance agent?
It's time to kick ass and adjust claims.
Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) performs Larry Correia's madcap interdimensional tale of underwriting and space travel, where the only thing scarier than tentacle monsters is a high deductible.
©2016 Larry Correia (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker
I am enjoying the first book early in.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden - The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield - When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring - Esther Hatch Elizabeth - Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress - Joanna Barker - Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

2. Audio/MPS (AReview2019)

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary
I have finally started this.
I am liking the military intrigue.
Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Computer (PublPush2019)

Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse
I am reading this on my computer for better visual.
Source: Oct-November 2019 Review Request from Publishing Push.
Lily wakes up one morning and can’t find one of her favorite toys. Along with Rosie Bear, Lily goes on a mystery hunt around the house in which they live to find their missing friend. Along the way she encounters other inhabitants of Lily’s world who help her along the way. ‘Where Are You Moosehead? Is the first in a series of books that follows the adventures of Lily and Rosie Bear as they experience the magic of growing up.

December 1, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I finished the Love God Greatly - Thanksgiving study and will be doing some Advent studies this month.

I completed four books and posted three reviews. I am current on reviews.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 8. I still have one NG title from July that has released. I will read that one next. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13) which I guess are moving into 2020.]
I still have three author titles as I am reading one and added another. I plan to finish two more this year with the new title carrying into January 2020.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
One new author review title. 
I plan to check out NetGalley titles over the next couple of weeks (preparing for 2020TBRs).
I picked up two Audible Daily Deals and 3 sale titles.
I also downloaded my two November free Audible Originals.
I guess I had free time as I added 81 free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four
by Josh Venkataraman, Barbara Venkataraman
Barbara asked if I would read this book by her son. As an attorney, it does catch my interest.

Won

Two Christmas Titles won from Bookfan. Thank you, Mary!

Purchased

Two Audible Daily Deals:
11/26/19 Audible Daily Deal $1.95:
Do Less
A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms
By: Kate Northrup
Narrated by: Kate Northrup
Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins


11/30/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95:
Polar Vortex
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 04-02-19


12/1/2019 Audible Sale The first one for $8.00, the next two for $5.00 each. (Plus purchases of 3 earns a coupon for $5.00 - so ultimately 4 books for $18.00)
The Huntress, A Novel
By: Kate Quinn
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
Length: 18 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 02-26-19


Dante's Immortality: Beginnings
By: Antonio Terzini
Narrated by: Jeff Hays
Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 04-23-18


Swing Shift
By: William D. Arand
Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 07-09-19

Free

11/25/19 November Free Audible Originals:
You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19


Climbing with Mollie
By: William Finnegan
Narrated by: William Finnegan
Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 10-31-19

I added 81 (19 Christmas) free Kindle titles to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2019 - Advent Week 1

The Advent Candle Wreath:
The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […]
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.”

Sharing Beyond Books #383 Comment Giveaway November 30, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
10 people would email authors, most indicating it is quicker. Three might contact by social media; two would use the author's "Contact me" and two would prefer to mail.


The Winner from SBB #382 comments is: #4 FREDAMANS who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in.  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #383

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: If you were given $10 to spend on a book today, what would you buy??

I am hoping for a few gift cards for Christmas. I hope this counts as a book as it is on wish list:
The Helpless Doorknob: A Shuffled Story by Edward Gorey Cards for $9.95.

2nd Choice if the other doesn't count as book is Kindle Edition for $9.99:
The Tube Riders Complete Series Volumes 1-4 by Chris Ward

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
November Comment Questions were provided by Ashfa, Miki and Natalija. All get $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Natalija asks: If you were given $10 to spend on a book today, what would you buy??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, December 14, 2019, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This pulled my emotions back and forth!

Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-14-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Death, Dystopia, Teen & YA
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Two teens must learn the "art of killing" in this Printz Honor-winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times best-selling Unwind Dystology series.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: Humanity has conquered all those things and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life - and they are commanded to do so in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe - a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
©2016 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Citra and Rowan live in a world where there is no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery and no death. People can become deadish but are able to be revived and restored. The Scythes are an honored group who “glean” or kill people to maintain population control. They have a set of rules they are to follow and they are the only group outside of the control of the Thunderhead which is the AI that controls all other aspects of the society.

Citra and Rowan are teens from different family situations. Citra lives with caring parents and a younger brother. She is a strong student who likes to always do well even though there is little reason for creativity and innovation. Her full family is on tenterhooks when a Scythe appears at their door although it turns out he isn’t there to glean any of them.

Rowan is a middle child from a large family. He is a loyal friend who has always managed to get by without being of interest or notice. One morning is in the wrong place when a Scythe comes to his high school to glean another student. Rowan chooses to stay with the luckless boy, not realizing that the other students will hold him responsible.

A few months later Citra and Rowan are invited to become apprentices to Scythe Faraday. Both young people are appalled but intrigued. They can say “no” but there are advantages to saying “yes”. Thus they reluctantly begin their training in all methods of delivering death: weapons, poisons, physical combat. They must also learn the basis for choosing those to glean and the compassion to deal with the deaths.

Citra and Rowan attend the first of three annual Scythe conventions and discover that not all Scythes are like their mentor. In fact, there appears to be a growing rebellious faction that is setting Scythe protocols on edge. Some members object to Faraday taking two apprentices. This faction ends up setting Citra and Rowan in competition with a terrible consequence. This event triggers other terrible events that split the team forcing Rowan to a new mentor where he will suffer and struggle.

How will Citra and Rowan fare under their new training? What will happen when the final convention and choosing arrives?

I was quickly pulled into the uniqueness of this story. It is dark and difficult reading at times but I found it worth sticking to the end. I liked how chapters were separated and introduced by journal entries from different Scythes. These fill in some history, personal feelings and ethical dilemmas that are faced by the Scythes. I enjoyed the developmental growth of the teens and there are Scythes to admire and some to truly dislike. There is intrigue, violence and even light humor. The story ends but leaves issues for the next book which I am eager to pick up. I recommend this to fans of dystopian.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay does an excellent job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and fitting personalities. I totally enjoyed the audio and plan to listen to the next books in the series.

Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and #SciFiMonth November 2019 goals.