The French Village Diaries: Book review of The Vineyard in Alsace

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Book review of The Vineyard in Alsace

The Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stock

My review today is for the new release from Julie Stock, The Vineyard in Alsace.

Didier and Fran have history; they loved, then lost each other when their lives moved on after university, hers to London where she wanted him to join her, his to his family’s vineyard in Alsace.

Following the break up of her relationship in London, Fran returns to France and finds a job working at the Domaine des Montagnes, Didier’s vineyard. Didier obviously didn’t open up to her when they were dating, as she was pretty clueless about his family and their wine business, but with nowhere else to go she agrees to stay.

Thankfully Didier has changed. He is honest, caring, passionate and although more reliable than exciting, I liked him. Fran is sensitive, has had a lucky escape from a controlling relationship, but is uncertain about what she wants from her future. Decisions need to be made and for Fran that could be difficult, especially with a couple of nasty ex’s who seem intent on causing trouble.

Didier and Fran take turns narrating their story, which means we get to know what they are thinking and feeling, as well as what they are saying to each other, however there were times I found myself having to backtrack as I’d become confused as to who was narrating.

This is a light and easy, feel good read, that takes you to the heart of an Alsace vineyard at harvest time, although I think Domaine d’Amour would have been a better name for the vineyard. There seemed to be something in the water (or wine maybe) that once through the archway and into the courtyard, a little bit of love-magic seemed to be at work for everyone. This is the first of a series of books set at the vineyard and I’m looking forward to reading more.