Casalvento

Gudrun Cuillo's debut novel, Casalvento, tells the story of a young woman who inherits a vineyard in Tuscany shortly after turning 30. Despite running a successful business in New York and planning a wedding, Erika finds herself drawn to the rustic charm of the farmhouse and the people who help run the vineyard. As she learns about her family's history and questions her current life, Erika must decide whether to embrace her fate and make Casalvento her home.

If you're looking for a heartwarming story with a touch of romance set in a picturesque location, Casalvento is a perfect read. It's delightful and uplifting, and sure to please!

Tropes: slow-burn, boss/employee romance, found family, rediscovering self
Clean romance - No profanity

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for providing an advance copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Isn’t it a dream of many….getting a letter informing you of an inheritance from a long-lost relative? And better yet, this one is a villa, vineyard, hotel, and more in Italy! This was the scenario facing Erika when she finds that although she never knew him, her grandfather has left her his Italian properties. Intent on quickly selling all left to her, a visit there and some changes in her life finds her staying there for a trial period.

Of course, I’m the process, she learns about all the little towns near her villa and discovers traditions of the families involved with the workings of the vineyards and winery. Discovering her grandfather basically had a huge extended family, she settles in determined to learn all she can.

This was a delightful book in which we see a woman discovering her true self. In real life, many people live their life based on the expectations of others but what happens when you have the opportunity to be the person you want. It might not only surprise you but also those around you, some who might have known you for years.

I really did enjoy this book and as I read it, I was transported to Italy, living my dream life.

So happy to have received this book through Net Galley.

Erika Germoglio seems to have her whole life figured out – she is a successful businesswoman and lives in NYC with her boyfriend, Craig Bernhardt, whom she plans to marry soon. Suddenly, she learns that her grandfather, whom she never got to meet left her two estates and a winery in Tuscany. Erika decides to go to Italy to appraise and sell both properties, but she quickly learns that her inheritance comes with one condition - she must stay in Tuscany for five months to learn more about Casalvento and Livernano, as well as the local culture, people, food, and her grandfather.

I loved the wonderful cast of side characters, including Doris, Santo, Mirella, Todd, and James. Paolo de Alberi, estate manager and Erika’s new love interest was also a likable character – passionate, handsome, hardworking, and compassionate. Even though I found Erika to be very hard to like at first, it was still inspiring to see her change and learn to enjoy life, and all the amazing food (oh, and wine, a lot of wine). I wish there was stronger chemistry between Erika and Paolo, but in a way, it makes sense as Paolo was a bit emotionally guarded at first because of his past experiences.

The writing is beautiful, and the vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside immediately drew me into the story! It was wonderful to learn that Casalvento and Livernano are real places, and the author beautifully incorporated her personal experiences of living and owning a winery in Tuscany.

Erika’s genuine effort to learn more about her grandfather was truly touching and beautiful, and I loved the little glimpses into Umberto’s life that we get through the letters he left for Erika. Even though they never got a chance to meet in person, their connection felt real and genuine.

“Her grandfather had helped her to see life in a totally different way. She could smell the roses now. She could see the different colors that made up the beautiful landscape, and she could hear the music in the wind. And she had learned what love and happiness felt like.”

My mom’s side of the family is from Croatia, and we would often prepare pasta e fagioli (pašta fažol). Umberto’s secret ingredient – a splash of vinegar was a fantastic tip! I loved all the other recipes at the end of the book too.

This is a beautiful and inspiring story that celebrates love in various forms - love for family, community, nature, and oneself. It was a bit predictable at times, but it’s still an enjoyable read. The ending wraps things up nicely, and there’s even a big twist that I didn’t see coming. This book is the perfect summer read, and it pairs well with a glass of fine vino! I highly recommend it!

The cover is beautiful and eye-catching – it would definitely grab my attention if I were browsing through books at my local bookstore!

Thank you, BookishFirst, Netgalley, the publisher Greenleaf Book Group Press, and author Gudrun Cuillo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gudrun Cuillo’s Casalvento stars Erika Germoglio and beautiful Tuscany. Erika lives in NYC and appears to have it all— a successful turnaround consulting business, a loving fiancé, and a sophisticated apartment. Then she gets a letter that a grandfather she didn’t know has left her property in Tuscany. She travels to Italy with a plan to sell the property as quickly as possible.

Erika is a driven, likable character. Tuscany and its beautiful are also a huge part of the novel. I felt like I was there with how well the author describes the area, all without being too wordy and over-descriptive.

I loved the characters that Erika meets in Tuscany as well as the plot. The book is a mini-vacation to some of the best places in Tuscany. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to the author, Greenleaf Book Group Press, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my review.

In a literary world filled with predictable romances, Gudrun Cuillo's "Casalvento: House of the Wind" sweeps readers away on a journey of passion, love, and self-discovery. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Tuscan countryside, this captivating novel captures the essence of romance.

Cuillo's writing pulls at the heartstrings and immerses the reader in a world of longing and desire. With vivid descriptions, Cuillo paints a vivid picture of Casalvento, an enchanting villa nestled amidst rolling hills and vineyards. The setting becomes a character of its own, a witness to the unfolding love story that unfolds within its walls.

At the heart of the tale is Isabella, a young woman with dreams as vast as the Tuscan sky. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Luca, a charismatic and brooding Italian artist. The chemistry between the two is palpable from the moment they first lock eyes, and their connection deepens with each passing page.

“Casalvento: House of the Wind" has depth and complexity. Cuillo weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very last word. The characters are beautifully developed, each with their own quirks, insecurities, and desires, making them relatable and authentic.

The romance between Isabella and Luca is portrayed with a delicate touch, balancing passion and tenderness. Their love affair is not without obstacles, as they navigate their own personal demons and the challenges that life throws their way. It is through these trials that their love is tested, and their growth as individuals becomes intertwined with the growth of their relationship.

Cuillo's prose is poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of love in all its forms. She explores the intricacies of human emotions, investigating the depths of the characters' hearts and minds. Her descriptions of the Tuscan landscape transport the reader to a place where beauty and passion collide, adding an additional layer of enchantment to the story.

"Casalvento: House of the Wind" is a love letter to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that love can heal wounds, awaken dormant dreams, and bring solace in the darkest of times. Cuillo's writing is captivating, and her ability to convey the complexities of love is remarkable.

For fans of romance novels seeking a tale that goes beyond superficial love stories, "Casalvento: House of the Wind" is an absolute must-read. Gudrun Cuillo's masterful storytelling will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and believing in the transformative power of love.

A lovely story of winemaking in Italy. A slow-moving romance. I was pleased to discover that what I suspected was true. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Casalvento is a heartfelt and sentimental debut novel that is inspired by the author’s personal experience of owning and running the real Casalvento winery! This novel is truly a love letter to this Tuscan winery, and the level of care and passion Gudrun Cuillo displays in weaving details about wine and winemaking is evident from start to finish.

I loved the novel’s rich description of Tuscany along with its wine, food, culture, and landscapes. I could feel myself being transported to Casalvento and hope one day I will be able to see it in person!

I do think I would have enjoyed the romantic subplot to have taken a little more of the spotlight than it did. It was certainly an enjoyable read, and I would recommend this as a good summer/beach read or for those times when you just want to get away from the real world for a bit!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for a copy of this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Casalvento
Author: Gudrun Cuillo
Source: Greenleaf Book Group
Pub Date: June 6, 2023

Erika Germoglio is a successful businesswoman in New York City with a long-term boyfriend and a new engagement ring when she discovers that a grandfather she has never met has bequeathed Erika, a winery in Tuscany…but it came with some strings attached. Erika has to make some quick life decisions as she realizes that this is unusual inheritance, so she decides to travel to Italy and plans to sell the property. But after arriving solo in Tuscany, she is struck by how different her life could be and how much she loves the charming people and town in Tuscany. Erika also likes Paolo, the property manager and unmistakable hunky winemaker. Her fiancée in the US stops calling, and she loses confidence in their relationship, with good reason. But as time passes, her confidence grows as she learns how to own and work in a vineyard with a beautiful home and a good man by her side. This book is a Hallmark-styled novel with challenges and sweet resolutions. The book’s title, Casalvento, is the name of Erika’s Tuscany home and is an easy book to enjoy. #Casalvento #GudrunCuillo @NetGalley #beautifulbookcover #GreenleafBookGroup #Tuscany #Italy #winemaking #future #family #understanding #gratitude #history #love #heritage #lifechanging #legacy #romance #book #books #bookstagram
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group Press, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: June 6, 2023.

I requested to read and review this book for free from GreenLeaf Book Group Press. This book was fantastic to read. It has romance, mystery and some drama and suspense. I loved the way the author ended this story it was definitely a surprise. In this story you will meet Erika who thought she had everything until an unexpected letter changed her life. For the better or no? You will have to read to find out. As the reader you will meet characters Craig, Todd, James, Paolo and all of the interesting characters of Casalvento. Trust is cab be hard at times especially when it about the people you love or the people you thought you could trust? Sometimes taking a step back we can find out who we are and where we are meant to be in life. This book can be ready anywhere but would recommend a mature reader!