I did my level best to get into this book. The ebook wasn’t working for me, so I borrowed the audiobook. The audiobook worked until about the 50% mark when I started to realize the heroine, and everyone around the heroine, thought the world revolved around her. I probably could have dealt with that if I thought she was even a little bit self-aware. But, no. The heroine basically has everything. A supportive family, successful career, choices, privilege. Yet, she spends the whole book whining about the problems she had as a teenager and her first love who didn’t, and doesn’t want her back (although, he would totally sleep with her if she was down).

Overall, I think Ms. Raintree is a very gifted author. Her descriptions were lush and atmospheric. But the plodding plot and terrible heroine kept me from spending any more of my time reading this book.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

This one didn’t do it for me. Formulaic girl grows up on vineyard/farm etc. Moves away but realizes she belongs back home or a place like it. Additionally, the main character’s thought process was inconsistent— empathetic and remorseful but then petty, even bitchy. This unevenness made it hard to have any connection with or empathy for her. Sadly, this wasn’t very good for me, 2.5 ⭐️

This is not your cookie cutter romance novel.

Jamie Raintree does a nice job of writing multi-dimensional characters in a romance that has more tension and drama than romance.

The main star is Mallory. She was raised on a horse ranch by fairly well to do parents. She had a best friend, Kelly, and the two were inseparable in high school until ... Sam came along.

Sam is the typical romance sophisticated, older, but somewhat callous boy. Sam comes between Kelly and Mallory, and Mallory heads off to college and to New York City, leaving Kelly to lead her own life.

Ten years later, the high school is having a reunion and everyone is there. Uh-oh! Will it be repaired friendships, renewed sparks, or ...

Without giving anything away, this is is not your typical romance novel. So, if you crave predictability in your romances then you might not like this one. If you like a good story that rings true with interesting characters then this is a good book for you.

This book makes me want to climb back on a horse and go on some trails. The beautiful vineyard setting didn’t hurt the situation either. Mallory left her family’s vineyard 10 years ago to pursue college and then a career in NYC but while she left on good terms with her parents, the rest of her relationships were in turmoil. She’s made good but something in her heart still hurts.

She goes back for a planting party where she’ll try to make amends with her former best friend, Kelly. What she didn’t plan for is the guy who broke her heart to be there as well which causes things to spiral in a way she didn’t foresee.

I liked how she had to come face to face with her past and her mistakes and maybe finally put some closure to things that she’s been holding on to. While Mallory grew up a bit while she was away, it’s this trip back that truly launches her into adulthood.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

This was a fun and fast read with a luxurious and romantic vineyard setting. I loved how this story is packed with friendship and love, along with self-discovery and understanding. This was such a nice read, perfect for the warm and balmy summer months.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy,

I will be checking out more from Raintree in the future. I twas a quick and fun read with an interesting plot.

Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard sucked me in with the beautiful cover! This may be the case of don’t judge a book by its cover, but while there were things I enjoyed about this book, I just didn’t love this one!

A story of self discovery through friendship, family and these were the aspects I loved best, and what draws me into this genre. I was looking for a light fuzzy romance and maybe that’s where it fell flat for me.

*Thank you to netgalley and Graydon Publishing for this complimentary book. All opinions are my own.

I definitely enjoyed the characters and the setting in Midnight at the Wandering Vineyard.

It was a quick, beachy, vacation type of read, in my opinion. Light, easy to read and a book that made me happy to read it.

Was this a deep family saga that really went in-depth? No, but sometimes that isn't what I want. This was great for a fun, quick read.

Check it out. I think you'll be happy you did.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given.

This book wasn't bad, wasn't great, but just underwhelming. If reading about romance, horses and wine is your thing, then this is for you. If you're ambivalent about wine and/or horses then this is a pass. The storyline was slow moving and kind of just plodded along.

Midnight at Wandering Vineyard by Jamie Raintree is my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it. It hooked me in from the first page. It was filled with drama and emotional roller coasters. I plan on reading this author's other book, Perfectly Undone. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good drama.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Graydon House, and Jamie Raintree for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

Like:
- Mallory’s relationship with her ex best friend - it shows that through communication you can reconcile some differences. A very mature way of dealing with the situation that sets a good example
- Not all just sappy unrealistic romance

Love: —

Dislike:
- The age difference - yes they’re both adults but she just graduated high school and he’s been out of college for 2 years. The power dynamic seems off

Wish that:
- The summary stated it was more of a contemporary fiction than a romance novel - in the 1st half there’s very little romance. Mostly reevaluations of careers, life choices, friendships, and family. I don’t mind, but not what I thought I was getting.
- Wasn’t just another — I left my small town for the big city but really regret leaving kind of story

Overall, a good story that’s different than your typical contemporary romance novel. I did end up DNFing it, because it took me 2 weeks to get halfway through. If a book is right for me as reader, it won’t take me 2 weeks to finish much less only get halfway. Not a bad book by any means though, quite enjoyable at moments actually.

Mallory, on the cusp of a big promotion, goes home to attend a family gathering in hopes of finally closing a few doors to her past; hoping to finally be happy. The author takes you through a coming of age of sorts seem through the lens of maturity and brings readers to a beautifully picturesque setting to do so.

Beautiful cover. Beautiful setting. Beautiful story.

Jamie Raintree will whisk you away to central California wine country in this lovely story packed with friendship and love. This is a book about forgiveness, family, and finding out who you are. This is the perfect escapist read to take you away after a hard day. So... poor yourself a glass of wine, get comfortable in your favorite reading spot, and transport yourself to the beauty that is wine country.

Can you ever go home again? Mallory is on a visit back home. She hasn’t lived in the small central California town she grew up in for 10 years. She is now living in NYC, but isn’t convinced that’s where she wants to call home. While back home Mallory runs into her ex BFF Kelly. The girls had been best friends since kindergarten, but shortly after high school graduation they had a huge fight and a major fall out. Can the best friends find their way back to one another? And what happens when the very boy who tore them apart shows back up in town?

There really is a lot to the story. A friendship in need of forgiveness, a love story in need of an ending, and a girl in need of a future. I really liked Malory and enjoyed my journey with her character, and I have to say I was just as fickle as she was. I really wanted her to fix things with Kelly and I loved their bucket list. I also really love the bond she had with her parents, and I wanted her to realize she could follow her heart and make her parents happy all at the same time. The romance... Sam was one of those guys you think you should fall in love with, but does that mean that you do? I went back and forth this entire book as to whether or not I thought she should get back together with him. The ending to this book was a little out of left field, but if I’m being honest it is exactly what I wanted, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up!

The perfect book for anyone who loves love, friendship, or wine!

🎧🎧🎧 Jorjeana Marie narrates the audiobook and does an amazing job. She really brought life to the character of Valerie and particular.

*** Big thank you to Harlequin for my copy of this book ***

I received this arc from Netgalley for an honest review. This book is a lighthearted tale about love and friendship and moving on from the past. Fell flat in some places but overall a good story.

Mallory returns home for a short trio after being gone for 10 years. As this story unfolds we learn about what happened between Mallory and Kelly, the last summer before college. And why after a summer fling, Sam and Mallory parted ways.

This is the story of friendship and family and self discovery. Can you ever go home? And can the past be repaired.

I enjoyed the setting of this story. And it was definitely what drew me to it. I appreciated how Mallory grew as a person during this story. And while I’m unsure about the ending, it did leave me wondering what will happen next. Pick this up if you want a light read with your glass of wine!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

t’s been 10 years since Mallory has been home to visit. She takes the 20-year anniversary of her parents’ vineyard as the reason to return. While there she re-evaluates her past and relationships with others. She tries to figure out who she is and wants to be and sets out to rebuild or put to rest some past relationships. She wants to reconnect with her ex BFF and figure out if they can rebuild their relationship.

She doesn’t always make the right decisions but don’t we all make a mistake or two? This was a great read. The setting is picturesque, the characters believable.

I liked this story.

Ten years ago, Mallory left her family’s home at a vineyard in CA to attend college in NYC and has barely been back since. That last summer before college ended with a big fight with her best friend Kelly and they haven’t spoken since.

Now that Mallory is back for a week to visit - it’s her chance to see if she can make things right again with the friend who was always more like a sister. We see alternating timelines between the present and what happened during that summer ten years ago.

This is a book that can make you consider a lot of questions - where is the line between following your dreams and being selfish? How do we know if we are doing what we truly want or trying to fulfill the expectations that were placed upon us? Is it possible to get a do-over and set things right?

There are a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book but ultimately it didn’t work for me. The ending didn’t seem true to what was set up through the book and the characters’ relationships with each other didn’t always ring true for me.

Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for the free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

My first by the author and I am happy to report that I loved it!

It was the perfect book to cozy up to with my favorite glass of Merlot. The vineyard setting and whimsical touches made it an easy read. It was just the escape that I needed. Her writing flowed nicely with "just enough" details to make it immersive.

A perfect blend of women's fiction/chick-lit and a bit of romance that had me wanting to get back to this one and find out if Mallory would follow her heart.

Themes of family dynamics, lifetime friendships, loss, and taking chances. I highly recommend if you enjoy these elements!

Thanks to NG/ Harlequin-Graydon House for my review copy. Publishes on March 26,2019
Blog review coming....

When Mallory returns to her family's vineyard for the party she hopes that while she is there she can make amends with Kelly, who had always been her best friend right up until that final summer before college. Things were said, betrayals were made, and hearts were broken. Once Mallory gets back to the land she loves, and the family he has missed, she realizes that maybe she needs to re-think her career path as well.
This book is told alternating between then and now. You will get to find out what really happened that final summer, as well as what has gotten Mallory and Kelly to this point in their lives. The story is somewhat predictable, but I still enjoyed it. If you are in the need of a feel-good-story then this is the book for you