Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy. For me this is a 5 star historical fiction. So why 4 stars above? For most historical fiction readers it might be too neat in coincidences, not historically researched enough and a few non fleshed out minor characters.
The main character is a pilot and the author has a good sense of what it is like to be a female in an all male profession. If you want a good story, a quick read and a few good walks through the vineyards… pick up a copy and enjoy by the winter’s fire with a good Cabernet.

French Winemaker’s Daughter by Loretta Ellsworth is a beautifully woven tale of love, survival, and family secrets spanning half a century. The story begins in 1942 with seven-year-old Martine, whose life is upended when the Nazis take her father, leaving her alone with a mysterious bottle of wine and a note to find her aunt in Paris. As Martine navigates the dangers of wartime France, her journey intersects with that of Charlotte in 1990, a commercial airline pilot whose discovery of an old wine bottle at an auction uncovers hidden layers of history. The novel seamlessly blends past and present as Charlotte embarks on a quest to uncover the story behind the bottle, revealing secrets tied to her own life and Martine's.

Ellsworth masterfully captures the emotional depth of her characters, portraying the resilience of a child in war-torn France and the drive of a modern woman seeking answers from the past. French Winemaker’s Daughter is a poignant and evocative story that highlights the strength of family bonds and the enduring power of memories across generations. It's a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression on those who enjoy historical fiction with heart and mystery.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“The French Winemaker’s Daughter” is a dual timeline historical fiction book by Loretta Ellsworth. This book takes place in France - part of it during WWII and part in the 1990s. I usually prefer the older stories in dual timelines and this story was no exception. I really did not like the 1990s woman, Charlotte. While she was a female pilot for a major US airline, something about her really annoyed me - whether it be her determination to always be correct - or appear to be so - or how amazingly stubborn she could be about things … and her horrible interactions with guys. The WWII story following Martine, I found a lot more interesting - from escaping from Germans at her home to ending up at the convent, her story was easier to digest, though - granted - following a young child’s story was interesting. When Charlotte meets Julian and Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s backstory was interesting - if not a little sad. Overall, I gave Martine’s story four stars, but Charlotte’s only two, thus a three star average. Would I have preferred an entire story about Martine - yes, though I do understand why Ms. Ellsworth wrote the story like she did.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I fell into a rut with reading again, but it wasn't at the fault of this book. This historical based novel was everything I needed in this season of life to escape from my reality for a bit. Martine was a force to be reckoned with despite her lack of self confidence. I've always enjoyed historical fiction, but always more so during WWII. This book did not disappoint. The author did a fantastic job at going from war time to "present" time, which for this one was the 1990s. This was an impeccable book and I would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those that enjoy a good WWII historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was fine. I did not really connect with the writing or characters. I think the story the story honed in on too many aspects of Charlotte's plot line leaving me unsure what the focus was supposed to be and leaving some things kinda unresolved. Overall it just felt very explanatory and I didn't feel like I was in the story. But this could be someone else's cup of tea!

What a great historical fiction read of WW2 in France.

This book follows duals POVs of Martine during the 1940s and Charlotte during the 1990s. It is a story of family, loss, love and wine, and also a story of how the most unlikely of circumstances can lead you somewhere you never thought you would end up.

This was a short and easy read, and you could really feel the emotions reading this. WW2 historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this book is just another reason I love it so much.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins Publishing, and Loretta Ellsworth for a chance to read this ARC.

This book is a historical fiction and the way the story is told is in dual timelines, which for me makes this book an automatic winner! I don't know why, but there is just something about a story being told in two different time periods. This story takes place during WWII and there are many parts that can be very eye opening and you wonder if some situations actually happened or would have happened during this time period.

This book will absolutely be one of those where you are always thinking about it, even when you don't want to. Once I was done reading this book, I had a book hangover for about three weeks because all I could think about was this book. The character development in this book was out of this world. You really ended up falling in love with the characters! The plot line was also nothing short of amazing!

I really wished this book would not have ended. If it could have gone on forever, I would have loved that. I will for sure be buying a physical copy of this so I can go back and re-read it and pick up on parts I didn't pick up on the first time I read it. That, and it will look really good on my bookshelf!

This was a solid historical fiction taking place in dual timelines - WWII and the early 90's. I loved the setting in France, but the story was a little drawn out and there were a few places I had to push myself to keep reading. Nonetheless, definitely pick this up if you're in the right mood for a little mystery, a dash of France, and a lot of love.

The French Winemaker’s Daughter by Loretta Ellsworth is a poignant tale told in two time periods. One is the story of the survival of Martine Viner, the daughter of a French winemaker who was taken by the Nazis because he was Jewish. The other story involves Charlotte, an American airline captain who’s given what turns out to be a very rare, expensive bottle of wine with a secret. Completely intrigued, Charlotte becomes obsessed with learning about the vineyard and what happened to the family that once had owned the property. Ms. Ellsworth’s prose seamlessly takes the reader to both periods as Martine struggles to stay alive and Charlotte searches answers on several fronts. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book. I love to read about history especially world war 2, even fiction, but this had the added bonus of a mystery. While we follow along with Maritine, and wine makers daughter, she navigates childhood in Paris during the war after losing the only thing her father left her a bottle of wine.
When Charlotte is gifted a mystery bottle of wine and uncovers a hidden message we must find out the truth about the original owner. After discovering the value of this bottle she not only continue to search for answers but must fight an old lover for the right to keep it.

This is the first book I have read from this author. It is the story of survival during WWII of a young Jewish girl hidden by nuns during the Holocaust in France. The action switches between the 1940's and present day as characters between the decades are connected by events and vineyards.
The contrast between 1940's and current day provide drama and tension to keep the reader on edge, hoping for a happy outcome. That tension is done well, but this book is also centered on love and betrayal and and certain amount of suspense.
I believe those you enjoy romance will enjoy this story as well as those who want to see strong females in the telling as this one features a young pilot who is a woman. There is too much emotion for me, but the story was told successfully.

“The Madwomen of Paris” by Jennifer Cody Epstein is a novel inspired by actual events and historical figures of the 1880’s which follows orphaned Laure Bissonnet as she navigates being committed to the asylum, La Salpêtrière, in France to an eventual employee at the same asylum. This was such an intriguing read in the way of seeing, hearing, and feeling what life in an asylum during this time period would have been like for women who could be admitted for even the most minuscule of ailments, which at the time were considered “hysteria” or “lunacy”. The author does a fantastic job painting the scenery of asylum life and really orchestrates the characters in a raw and realistic way giving great background and understanding of their trauma. This was a great read, would recommend. Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers, and Loretta Ellsworth for this e-ARC.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a beautiful story of hope and resilience set against the backdrop of WW2 France, the French Resistance, and the rich history of winemaking. I enjoyed the dual timelines and POV. The plot reveal comes far earlier in the book than it might usually, but this doesn't take away from the emotional weight of the story. The constant references to Charlotte being a female pilot felt repetitive at times, but was likely intentional. The anachronistic Spice Girls reference was unnecessary. Overall, an enjoyable, engaging work of historical fiction.

I often find myself confused when reading books with more than one timeline, but that was not the case here. This book was fantastically written. Set in one timeframe I consider a favorite to read about, and another more similar to my own lifetime, I found myself eager to turn the page. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.

I loved this one. Kind of picked it off the shelf on a whim - wasn't sure if I was in the right mood for a historical fiction. This story moves between two time periods - 1940's in rural France WWII and the 1990's. You follow the story of Martine, a young Jewish child when her father is taken away. You also meet Charlotte in 1990 who is a female pilot. This story focused on the relationships during WWII, versus the action of war. It was a wonderful story, cant say much as I dont want to give anything away. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a beautiful story! Told in two different time period point of views, Charlotte searches for the story behind a mysterious note left on a bottle of wine. Martine is a young girl trying to survive WW2. While I don't think the way it all tied together was a major surprise, it was well thought out and all came together nicely! I love WW2 historical fiction but they can be hard to read sometimes just because of the nature of the topic. However this one was lighter than others in content but still enjoyable if you like this type of historical fiction. Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this!

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The French Winemaker's Daughter. I enjoyed the premise of the book and it was a quick read. However I felt the plot line was both predictable and very coincidental - that distracted from my overall feelings for the book.

Book Review The French Winemaker’s Daughter by Loretta Ellsworth

This is a beautiful book about Martine who at 7 is separated from her father when he is taken by the German’s in 1942. He pins her Aunt’s address in Paris on her chest and gives her a bottle of wine to take with her, her inheritance. Martine drops the wine in her fear and manages to make her way to Paris where she is rescued by Sister Ada who hides her in the abbey.

Charlotte, an airline pilot in 1990 is “gifted” an old bottle of wine by her boyfriend that he thinks is worthless. Charlotte discovers a note and different label under the original label. The note says this bottle of wine is the inheritance of his daughter and that she is a true artisan, a vigneronne in heart and soul. This begins Charlotte’s quest to see if she can identify the family who the bottle belongs to.

The intensity of Martine’s love and connection to vineyards was beautiful. The ability to reconnect with her father through the soil and vines and smells of the vineyard was poignant. I loved the connection with Charlotte’s grandfather finding solace from his trauma during the war in his vineyard.

This is a lovely story of found family, courage and bravery, and the importance of finding joy in your life.

What a beautiful story. Written during one of the most horrific times in our history. The love of a young girl whose father hid her from the German’s while he is taken away. Seven year old Martine was on the run from the German’s and had to get to her aunt in Paris. With her stuffed bunny and a bottle of wine Martine somehow makes it to Paris but, has lost the bottle of wine. She gets to the Hotel Druout where she is taken to safety by sister Ada. Martine lives at the abbey with the nuns not knowing what happened to her father.

Now it is 1990 and an American pilot named Charlotte Montgomery is at the Hotel Druout with her French beau attending a wine auction. Charlotte’s family has ties to wine making, but her Henri was there to purchase rare wines. Once he buys three bottles of wine they drink some and he gives Charlotte one as a gift. The problem is Henri has no idea how valuable it really is. This now sets Charlotte off on a journey to find out who really owned this wine after she found a hidden note behind the label.

I loved how the author wrote this book. The two timelines really gave you so much insight to the story. How both series of events intertwined with each other. I can see if other readers would think the story was predictable. Yet I thought it was a beautiful story of love,,determination and doing what was right.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. Thank you Ms.Ellsworth for a beautifully written story. 4.5 srars

I seriously enjoyed this. It was the perfect length and lovely story. Getting to read about Charlotte and Martine has been one of my favorite ARCs I've ever received.

Following Martine during the German occupation of France, we watch this vintner's daughter life through the chaos. Charlotte, a female pilot fifty years later, finds a bottle of wine that puts their lives on a collision course that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.