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The Truth Is in the Wine
There are some secrets that are better left that way… In this gripping novel of twisted moral dilemmas, a man tries to save his troubled marriage by taking a trip to Napa Valley after secretly winning the lottery.
Paul Wall’s marriage is in trouble. In addition to losing his job, he loses all of his self-esteem, and soon his wife, Ginger, is as unhappy as he is. However, when Paul wins millions of dollars in the Georgia state lottery, he concocts a master plan to regain his wife’s love.
A passionate wine-drinker, Paul convinces Ginger to accompany him on a trip to romantic Napa Valley, but Paul keeps his winnings a secret; he wants to win her back on his own merits. Ginger insists her mom, a recent widow, travels with them. Paul then insists his mom, recently divorced, join them. This quartet of characters travels together to California and, with the influx of wine loosening their inhibitions, they end up revealing secrets better left untold.
With controversial ethical dilemmas at its heart, The Truth is in the Wine is a remarkable and riveting novel that will put you in the characters’ shoes, wondering what you’d do next if you had millions of dollars to spend and a marriage and relationships to save.
Paul Wall’s marriage is in trouble. In addition to losing his job, he loses all of his self-esteem, and soon his wife, Ginger, is as unhappy as he is. However, when Paul wins millions of dollars in the Georgia state lottery, he concocts a master plan to regain his wife’s love.
A passionate wine-drinker, Paul convinces Ginger to accompany him on a trip to romantic Napa Valley, but Paul keeps his winnings a secret; he wants to win her back on his own merits. Ginger insists her mom, a recent widow, travels with them. Paul then insists his mom, recently divorced, join them. This quartet of characters travels together to California and, with the influx of wine loosening their inhibitions, they end up revealing secrets better left untold.
With controversial ethical dilemmas at its heart, The Truth is in the Wine is a remarkable and riveting novel that will put you in the characters’ shoes, wondering what you’d do next if you had millions of dollars to spend and a marriage and relationships to save.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2013
10 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Curtis Bunn
16 books51 followersCurtis Bunn, a Washington, D.C. native and graduate of Norfolk State University, is an Essence No. 1 best-selling author whose ability to expose the mind, thoughts, motivations and vulnerabilities of his characters has made him a reader’s favorite.
In his latest offering, “A Cold Piece of Work” (July 2011, Strebor Books), Curtis again delivers an engaging work in an original story that takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey. Solomon Singletary is an ideal catch — except that he finds it more satisfying to leave women than to please them — and sometimes after pleasing them. Years later, he encounters one of his “victims,” and immediately realizes he made a serious mistake. His mission then is to recapture Michele Williams’ heart, thinking reuniting with her would turn his cold heart warm. The odyessy features surprising subplots and twists that keeps the pages turning.
In 2001, Curtis crafted his first novel, “Baggage Check” and watched in amazement as it became a word-of-mouth national success. The audacious, moving and funny story of Greg, Larry and Julian blossomed into a must-read for women and book clubs who sought a genuine peak into the psyche of men. Significantly, men embraced the book as an accurate depiction of their mindset, motivations and conflicts. It debuted as No. 2 on the Essence best-sellers list and It was on the list for five months, including ascending to No. 1 in August of 2001.
In 2009, Curtis self-published “That Was Then This Is Now,” the much-anticipated followup to “Baggage Check” and it is another literary achievement, a virtual tour inside the minds of men. Amid the realistic and engaging plots and subplots, you discover the motivations of the male characters as they contend with true-life relationship issues; their innermost thoughts about women and how to deal with them; and insightful male personality idiosyncrasies – vantage points that educate and entertain at once. As you go on this riveting odyssey with Larry, Julian and Greg, you will laugh, you will cry and . . . you will learn. And you will definitely want more.
Just as with its predecessor, this sequel is written with deft prose and and honest, raw insight. It is a triumph that begs for another follow up entry.
Meeting with book clubs to discuss “Baggage Check” inspired Curtis to create the National Book Club Conference in 2003. It became such a strong coming together of readers and authors that he was named to the “Power List” by Black Issues Book Review Magazine. Now, the NBCC is the must-attend literary event of the year.
Curtis also contributed the short story, “Home Alone” in the anthology, “After Hours: Black Men Writing On Erotica.”
The Journalist: As a sports journalist, Curtis worked for The Washington Times, New York Newsday, New York Daily News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the New Jersey Nets for three years, the New York Knicks for eight years, two Olympics (Seoul, Korea in 1988 and Sydney, Australia 200), 17 NBA Finals, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, four World Series, championship boxing, college football bowl games, six Masters golf championships and so much more. He has been awarded for his writing by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, The Associated Press Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists numerous times.
The Professor: Since 2008, Curtis has served as an adjunct professor/guest lecturer at Morehouse College in the Sports Reporting class, which is part of the Journalism and Sports Program founded by film director Spike Lee and the late, great journalist Ralph WIley.
Curtis, who lives near Atlanta, has a son, Curt, and a daughter, Gwen (Bunny), www.gwenbunn.com.
In his latest offering, “A Cold Piece of Work” (July 2011, Strebor Books), Curtis again delivers an engaging work in an original story that takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey. Solomon Singletary is an ideal catch — except that he finds it more satisfying to leave women than to please them — and sometimes after pleasing them. Years later, he encounters one of his “victims,” and immediately realizes he made a serious mistake. His mission then is to recapture Michele Williams’ heart, thinking reuniting with her would turn his cold heart warm. The odyessy features surprising subplots and twists that keeps the pages turning.
In 2001, Curtis crafted his first novel, “Baggage Check” and watched in amazement as it became a word-of-mouth national success. The audacious, moving and funny story of Greg, Larry and Julian blossomed into a must-read for women and book clubs who sought a genuine peak into the psyche of men. Significantly, men embraced the book as an accurate depiction of their mindset, motivations and conflicts. It debuted as No. 2 on the Essence best-sellers list and It was on the list for five months, including ascending to No. 1 in August of 2001.
In 2009, Curtis self-published “That Was Then This Is Now,” the much-anticipated followup to “Baggage Check” and it is another literary achievement, a virtual tour inside the minds of men. Amid the realistic and engaging plots and subplots, you discover the motivations of the male characters as they contend with true-life relationship issues; their innermost thoughts about women and how to deal with them; and insightful male personality idiosyncrasies – vantage points that educate and entertain at once. As you go on this riveting odyssey with Larry, Julian and Greg, you will laugh, you will cry and . . . you will learn. And you will definitely want more.
Just as with its predecessor, this sequel is written with deft prose and and honest, raw insight. It is a triumph that begs for another follow up entry.
Meeting with book clubs to discuss “Baggage Check” inspired Curtis to create the National Book Club Conference in 2003. It became such a strong coming together of readers and authors that he was named to the “Power List” by Black Issues Book Review Magazine. Now, the NBCC is the must-attend literary event of the year.
Curtis also contributed the short story, “Home Alone” in the anthology, “After Hours: Black Men Writing On Erotica.”
The Journalist: As a sports journalist, Curtis worked for The Washington Times, New York Newsday, New York Daily News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the New Jersey Nets for three years, the New York Knicks for eight years, two Olympics (Seoul, Korea in 1988 and Sydney, Australia 200), 17 NBA Finals, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, four World Series, championship boxing, college football bowl games, six Masters golf championships and so much more. He has been awarded for his writing by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, The Associated Press Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists numerous times.
The Professor: Since 2008, Curtis has served as an adjunct professor/guest lecturer at Morehouse College in the Sports Reporting class, which is part of the Journalism and Sports Program founded by film director Spike Lee and the late, great journalist Ralph WIley.
Curtis, who lives near Atlanta, has a son, Curt, and a daughter, Gwen (Bunny), www.gwenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 29, 2019
Not what I had expected at all. This was so good! I learned a lot about wines and will take note of the author's suggestions. I too love Napa. It's a beautiful place.
I was given an eArc of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
I was given an eArc of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
October 7, 2013
The theme of this book is refreshing, but it is a little long in length for the story. Paul and Ginger are going through a rough patch in their marriage and theu are taking a vacation to the wine country of Napa Valley. Both are taking their mothers along for the journey. Paul is looking to win his wife back, but wants to do so on his own merits and not because he secretly won the lottery.
Some items throughout the book were alittle bit much and contributed to the un-needed length, i.e. details about meals, etc. Too much detail about things that don't matter and not enough time on actual "meat" of the plot.
Plus some things were a little far fetched, the pregnancy, the long lost love, etc. The romance and sex scenes didn't win me over like I wanted, I wanted more passion and more from everyone and something felt lacking. Still the story's concept is unique and different.
*This honest review is done in exchange for an ARC*
Some items throughout the book were alittle bit much and contributed to the un-needed length, i.e. details about meals, etc. Too much detail about things that don't matter and not enough time on actual "meat" of the plot.
Plus some things were a little far fetched, the pregnancy, the long lost love, etc. The romance and sex scenes didn't win me over like I wanted, I wanted more passion and more from everyone and something felt lacking. Still the story's concept is unique and different.
*This honest review is done in exchange for an ARC*
October 4, 2013
This novel has a good premise but many flaws. The story is about a husband and wife with a rocky marriage. Since they both enjoy fine wine, Ginger and Paul decide to take the vacation they’ve always wanted – to Napa Valley.
The book could be great, but the writing is amateurish and long-winded.
-Instead of dialogue, Bunn uses stream of consciousness much of the time. While this is okay in theory, it’s difficult to read a whole novel written in this way. In addition, the thoughts are repetitive and circular. While this may mimic a person’s thoughts in real life, it doesn’t work In a novel.
-The writing is uneven. A well written page might be abruptly punctuated with an amateur “it didn’t feel good.” If the description is precise, the reader doesn’t need to be told that something didn’t feel good.
-The sex scenes are abrupt and vulgar. Perhaps college boys would appreciate them, but a (mumblemumble)-ty year old woman…. Not so much. Perhaps I am not the intended audience. But then, who IS the audience for a book about marriage with unappealing and unromantic sex scenes?
-The author uses so much real estate to describe and explain things instead of showing the reader something succinctly. Describing four people’s meals in detail — when the menu isn’t relevant — doesn’t move the plot forward.
-Implausible subplots: The 40-yr old wife who couldn’t get pregnant for 20 years gets pregnant, has an abortion without telling anyone, then 2 months later gets pregnant again. The two pregnancies are a result of having sex three times over the course of four months. Really?
Another far fetched subplot was a double date 3000 miles away where one woman and the other woman’s date are long lost lovers from 40 years ago.
There’s more if you can stand it.
Curtis Bunn uses incorrect vocabulary and confusing descriptions. Examples:
-One passage states “to determine if they had stuffed contraband up the cracks of their anuses." Anuses don’t have cracks.
- Putting lips to a wineglass is described as akin to putting lips on the wife’s breast. How exactly is a wineglass like a breast?
-God and His blessings are mentioned frequently… And even more frequently, the use of “Goddamn.”
-The author includes in the double date conversation a joke-y allusion to Jerry Sandusky “who molested all those boys” – and “the ladies laughed.” Not funny.
The book was all over the place. Curtis Bunn employs frat boy humor, pretentious mentions of numerous specific wines, wannabe-marriage-counseling through a thin veil of fiction, and totally unbelievable subplots to create a confusing, uneven novel that I struggled to finish.
One star for unique ideas. The book needs heavy editing.
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book could be great, but the writing is amateurish and long-winded.
-Instead of dialogue, Bunn uses stream of consciousness much of the time. While this is okay in theory, it’s difficult to read a whole novel written in this way. In addition, the thoughts are repetitive and circular. While this may mimic a person’s thoughts in real life, it doesn’t work In a novel.
-The writing is uneven. A well written page might be abruptly punctuated with an amateur “it didn’t feel good.” If the description is precise, the reader doesn’t need to be told that something didn’t feel good.
-The sex scenes are abrupt and vulgar. Perhaps college boys would appreciate them, but a (mumblemumble)-ty year old woman…. Not so much. Perhaps I am not the intended audience. But then, who IS the audience for a book about marriage with unappealing and unromantic sex scenes?
-The author uses so much real estate to describe and explain things instead of showing the reader something succinctly. Describing four people’s meals in detail — when the menu isn’t relevant — doesn’t move the plot forward.
-Implausible subplots: The 40-yr old wife who couldn’t get pregnant for 20 years gets pregnant, has an abortion without telling anyone, then 2 months later gets pregnant again. The two pregnancies are a result of having sex three times over the course of four months. Really?
Another far fetched subplot was a double date 3000 miles away where one woman and the other woman’s date are long lost lovers from 40 years ago.
There’s more if you can stand it.
Curtis Bunn uses incorrect vocabulary and confusing descriptions. Examples:
-One passage states “to determine if they had stuffed contraband up the cracks of their anuses." Anuses don’t have cracks.
- Putting lips to a wineglass is described as akin to putting lips on the wife’s breast. How exactly is a wineglass like a breast?
-God and His blessings are mentioned frequently… And even more frequently, the use of “Goddamn.”
-The author includes in the double date conversation a joke-y allusion to Jerry Sandusky “who molested all those boys” – and “the ladies laughed.” Not funny.
The book was all over the place. Curtis Bunn employs frat boy humor, pretentious mentions of numerous specific wines, wannabe-marriage-counseling through a thin veil of fiction, and totally unbelievable subplots to create a confusing, uneven novel that I struggled to finish.
One star for unique ideas. The book needs heavy editing.
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2013
I received an advanced copy from the author. This book was so refreshing! I really enjoy reading books with "mature" characters. In this novel, we meet Paul and Ginger, a couple that has been married for a very long time. They are currently experiencing a crisis in their relationship and they have to find out how to "get back to love". During this journey, there will be secrets revealed, communication and trust issues to deal with and lots of self discovery. If that's not enough, throw in two mother-in-laws and some steamy love scenes and that will definitely put it over the top! I loved the descriptions of the Napa Valley area. I have always wanted to visit this location and after reading this book, I am ready to pack my bags and jump on a plane asap! These people loved wine and Paul was an expert. I truly enjoyed the wine lessons throughout the book. Overall, I think this was an excellent book. I laughed, cried, and was enlightened. The lesson that I received from the book is that the truth will set you free...or maybe the wine will set the truth free. LOL Kudos to Curtis Bunn for an awesome book!
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
July 11, 2016
Truth Serum
Paul Wall loses his job and with that his self-esteem. His marriage was affected slowly but surely. Ginger Wall, his wife, put her all into their daughter when their marriage started going south. Paul really loves his wife but suggests a divorce. He wins the lottery. What will his love of wine and his winnings do for his rocky marriage?
This is my first read by Curtis Bunn and I must say it was a great intro. Bunn does an excellent job of pulling readers in from the beginning and arousing their emotions. I loved the character development. Readers know enough to understand but then learn of the secrets with them. Readers feel like they're right there with them. “The Truth is in the Wine” is a book that's not only relatable but also realistic! This family handles some rather difficult issues TOGETHER. Readers will find themselves debating about these issues as well.
Reviewed by: Jas
Paul Wall loses his job and with that his self-esteem. His marriage was affected slowly but surely. Ginger Wall, his wife, put her all into their daughter when their marriage started going south. Paul really loves his wife but suggests a divorce. He wins the lottery. What will his love of wine and his winnings do for his rocky marriage?
This is my first read by Curtis Bunn and I must say it was a great intro. Bunn does an excellent job of pulling readers in from the beginning and arousing their emotions. I loved the character development. Readers know enough to understand but then learn of the secrets with them. Readers feel like they're right there with them. “The Truth is in the Wine” is a book that's not only relatable but also realistic! This family handles some rather difficult issues TOGETHER. Readers will find themselves debating about these issues as well.
Reviewed by: Jas
October 9, 2013
9
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the truth is in the wine
synopsis
There are some secrets that are better left that way… In this gripping novel of twisted moral dilemmas, a man tries to save his troubled marriage by taking a trip to Napa Valley after secretly winning the lottery.
Paul Wall’s marriage is in trouble. In addition to losing his job, he loses all of his self-esteem, and soon his wife, Ginger, is as unhappy as he is. However, when Paul wins millions of dollars in the Georgia state lottery, he concocts a master plan to regain his wife’s love.
A passionate wine-drinker, Paul convinces Ginger to accompany him on a trip to romantic Napa Valley, but Paul keeps his winnings a secret; he wants to win her back on his own merits. Ginger insists her mom, a recent widow, travels with them. Paul then insists his mom, recently divorced, join them. This quartet of characters travels together to California and, with the influx of wine loosening their inhibitions, they end up revealing secrets better left untold.
With controversial ethical dilemmas at its heart, The Truth is in the Wine is a remarkable and riveting novel that will put you in the characters’ shoes, wondering what you’d do next if you had millions of dollars to spend and a marriage and relationships to save.
myreview
The mark of a good book is if it stirs emotion inside of you and if the words on the page can connect with the feelings in your soul. The Truth Is In The Wine by Curtis Bunn accomplishes both. The characters and the situation in the book are quite realistic.
The Truth Is In The Wine is the tale of a married couple (Paul and Ginger) that are disconnected from another. The wife dreads going into her house and the husband has lost all of his moxie aka self-esteem because he has lost his job due to the economy. Sounds like many American families today, huh?
The “D” word is mentioned but they make one last ditch effort to save their marriage by taking a trip to Napa Valley aka Wine Country. And, we all (well, all of us that partake in alcoholic beverages from time to time) know that alcohol is like truth serum. But, will the wine be enough of a catalyst to make Ginger and Paul take a deep look into themselves and their marriage to try to save it?
I must say thanks to Curtis Bunn for writing a book that is meant for people that want to read about adults dealing with grown people situations!!!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of The Truth Is In The Wine in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2013
It killed me to not like this book better: the premise was intriguing and I had high hopes from the author’s other works. But erratic and often repetitive writing, poor work choice, metaphors that missed dramatically, and a tone that felt far more frat boy in the locker room than adult males after several years of marriage rather killed the feel for me.
Curtis Bunn can write a beautiful passage, but there seems to be some hesitation (or lack of solid editing) for a passage that describes something unpleasant, and does so well is ended with a “that wasn’t good”. Give readers some credit, if the writing leads us to a negative connotation, we don’t need to be told again. You aren’t reinforcing the point, you are angering readers who will, after several similar experiences in the same book begin to feel as if the author is discounting their intelligence.
There were so many instances when editing would have helped: stream of consciousness writing does provide a unique perspective, but without reining that in, and providing a clear feeling for the point of view that is providing the narration at that point, the story loses focus, and the reader loses will.
Humor is wholly subjective, but the frequent ‘everyone laughed’ moments were often in poor taste, and felt, sadly, as if the humor was developed under the influence of the wine. While the lowered inhibitions presented when someone has a few drinks is well-known, what also emerges is a rather hazy view: brilliant ideas are really not so brilliant and what was funny then is somehow lost in the translation. If the point here was to present a story as if the protagonist was retelling through the haze of a drunken binge, it was halfway successful. If that was not the point, I go back to a call for an editor, a tightening of description, checking the facts on metaphors or explaining them better, and an editor. Again.
I received a copy of this title from Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Curtis Bunn can write a beautiful passage, but there seems to be some hesitation (or lack of solid editing) for a passage that describes something unpleasant, and does so well is ended with a “that wasn’t good”. Give readers some credit, if the writing leads us to a negative connotation, we don’t need to be told again. You aren’t reinforcing the point, you are angering readers who will, after several similar experiences in the same book begin to feel as if the author is discounting their intelligence.
There were so many instances when editing would have helped: stream of consciousness writing does provide a unique perspective, but without reining that in, and providing a clear feeling for the point of view that is providing the narration at that point, the story loses focus, and the reader loses will.
Humor is wholly subjective, but the frequent ‘everyone laughed’ moments were often in poor taste, and felt, sadly, as if the humor was developed under the influence of the wine. While the lowered inhibitions presented when someone has a few drinks is well-known, what also emerges is a rather hazy view: brilliant ideas are really not so brilliant and what was funny then is somehow lost in the translation. If the point here was to present a story as if the protagonist was retelling through the haze of a drunken binge, it was halfway successful. If that was not the point, I go back to a call for an editor, a tightening of description, checking the facts on metaphors or explaining them better, and an editor. Again.
I received a copy of this title from Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 28, 2014
Fight For What You Want As Long as It's Worth Fighting For... I still don't like that the guy's name is Paul Wall. However, I have to admit I was wrong. I thought this book was going to be a waste of my time. However, I was in fact a great story about two people who truly love each other trying to fix what is broken. In the process, they managed to bring two people who had distaste for one another together.I really didn't care for the pregnancy tidbit (twice in four months, come on). I saw the long lost love coming back into the picture from the moment Ginger's mother talked about the man she had met. So predictable.I loved the wine references. Absolutely amazing. Not too shabby mentioning two of my favorites...The Prisoner and Caymus Cab. Yesssss!!!All in all I thought this was a great story. There were some editing ooops, but not enough to make you dislike the story as a whole.
October 23, 2015
Full of secrets, more secrets and maybe some secrets best left untold, "The Truth Is In The Wine" is an unpredictable, emotional rollercoaster. While kicking wine knowledge...Curtis Bunn paints a detailed portrayal of a family who's lack of communication nearly tears them apart. The mothers are ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! I cried, cursed and literally laughed out loud! There are a few mentionable errors with character's names that are a little off putting but otherwise...BRAVO! Great learning experience!
Ebony EyeCU Reading Approved & Recommended!
August 21, 2017
As I began reading this novel, I began to wonder Awwwww Man where is this going? However, as I read, the more I wanted to read and the more I wondered about what is next? Curtis Bunn did an awesome job telling the story. The messages were relatable and the characters were down the earth. I could find a piece of myself in each of them. I loved the knowledge about wine and the humor that came with it. Awesome job Mr. Bunn! I will be awaiting the next book.
November 8, 2014
My first book by the author and I truly enjoyed the book.
September 8, 2019
This book started off keeping me on the edge of my seat. I knew that it would be a rough, exciting ride and it was! Secrets that ruin marriages and extended family relationships are slowly revealed. Throughout the painful discoveries, the main characters will have you crying, laughing, agreeing or disagreeing with their decisions.
I really enjoyed this book and added it to my must reads for family and friends!
I really enjoyed this book and added it to my must reads for family and friends!
December 30, 2019
Well written novel about family, wine, deception, family vacation, humor, joy and the resilience of love that holds it all together. The novel reveals how many times things can be revealed when wine loosens the tongue of an individual bringing forth all types of things and truths. It was a page turner, funny, a good read.
March 10, 2022
The TRUTH is in the Wine!
I enjoyed reading and reflecting on all the characters and their individual flaws!
The story line was enjoyable, relaxing and could have been written on an actual family historical theme!
I enjoyed reading and reflecting on all the characters and their individual flaws!
The story line was enjoyable, relaxing and could have been written on an actual family historical theme!
October 22, 2021
A lot of twists and turns in this book but its was a good read. That title is truly fitting.
October 26, 2013
CONCEPT
There were several concepts to this story. It dealt with providing for a family, a troubled marriage, and secrets revealed that when revealed, either intentionally or maliciously can pack a powerful blow to any situation.
STORY
The story told of a man’s need to save his marriage by suggesting a trip after he secretly wins the lottery. While planning this trip the couple decides to invite both their mothers to accompany them on this trip. This combination makes for some interesting dinner conversation and drama. Secrets are revealed and tensions arise that should keep the reader wanting to find out what happens in the end.
CHARACTERS
The characters were an interesting cast. Paul came across as a man who after some bad choices loses his job and propels on a downward spiral that ultimately affects his wife and jeopardizes his marriage. He wins the lottery but decides to keep a secret because he wants to repair his marriage and does not want Ginger to come back to him because of his new winnings. Meanwhile, as they prepare for their trip to Napa, Ginger wants to include her mother on this trip and Paul decides to bring his mother. Bad combination right. Well the mother-in-laws were your typical in-laws and putting these two together was an explosive combination but it worked.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue in this story was engaging and funny at times. The author’s ability to allow the characters to regal each other with “embarrassing events in their lives was hilarious. .
STRUCTURE
The structure of the story started good, however it leaned more toward Paul and Ginger’s love of wine thus their trip to Napa Valley. While in their travels to the different wineries, the group realized there was a disconnect with the family and sought to forge a new beginning by revealing incidents about themselves others were not privy to. The synopsis states that moral dilemmas were tested in this story and it made for an interesting read.
The plot was good however, the revelation of the lottery winnings should have been revealed earlier in the storyline and the telling of the various wines almost overpowered the main concept of this story.
OVERALL
The Truth in the Wine was my first book by Mr. Bunn, and while it was an okay read, I felt the main character should have been a little more trusting of his spouse and revealed his winnings sooner as well as a few other secrets he had up his sleeve. Now this was an interesting story and just as Paul had his secrets Ginger and the mother-in-laws had some of their own. This book also provide interesting information about wines and wineries in Napa Valley
There were several concepts to this story. It dealt with providing for a family, a troubled marriage, and secrets revealed that when revealed, either intentionally or maliciously can pack a powerful blow to any situation.
STORY
The story told of a man’s need to save his marriage by suggesting a trip after he secretly wins the lottery. While planning this trip the couple decides to invite both their mothers to accompany them on this trip. This combination makes for some interesting dinner conversation and drama. Secrets are revealed and tensions arise that should keep the reader wanting to find out what happens in the end.
CHARACTERS
The characters were an interesting cast. Paul came across as a man who after some bad choices loses his job and propels on a downward spiral that ultimately affects his wife and jeopardizes his marriage. He wins the lottery but decides to keep a secret because he wants to repair his marriage and does not want Ginger to come back to him because of his new winnings. Meanwhile, as they prepare for their trip to Napa, Ginger wants to include her mother on this trip and Paul decides to bring his mother. Bad combination right. Well the mother-in-laws were your typical in-laws and putting these two together was an explosive combination but it worked.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue in this story was engaging and funny at times. The author’s ability to allow the characters to regal each other with “embarrassing events in their lives was hilarious. .
STRUCTURE
The structure of the story started good, however it leaned more toward Paul and Ginger’s love of wine thus their trip to Napa Valley. While in their travels to the different wineries, the group realized there was a disconnect with the family and sought to forge a new beginning by revealing incidents about themselves others were not privy to. The synopsis states that moral dilemmas were tested in this story and it made for an interesting read.
The plot was good however, the revelation of the lottery winnings should have been revealed earlier in the storyline and the telling of the various wines almost overpowered the main concept of this story.
OVERALL
The Truth in the Wine was my first book by Mr. Bunn, and while it was an okay read, I felt the main character should have been a little more trusting of his spouse and revealed his winnings sooner as well as a few other secrets he had up his sleeve. Now this was an interesting story and just as Paul had his secrets Ginger and the mother-in-laws had some of their own. This book also provide interesting information about wines and wineries in Napa Valley
April 10, 2014
The compelling outcome on the couples marriage was released after an outburst that was unnecessary by Paul Wall. I seriously thought the marriage was a done deal for real, or thought he was undergoing a midlife crisis for men over 50 years old. I was happy when he realized his mistake to break a marriage over pretty much nothing, not even irreconcilable differences but quite later he had to hear news that no man wants to hear. Thereafter, they decided to go on vacation and take the in-laws.
Paul and Ginger Wall worked things out and even had a bundle of a blessing come out of it. Regardless of secrets among the mother's of the couple, and their very own foretold mishaps coming forth, only good news and blessings were released for good things to come in the near future. I loved how Helen was able to deal with the forthcoming news...
This was a quick, easy read, and completed in one sitting. There were minimal parts that I found a bit a bore but easily bypassed and got to the goodies written in the story. Overall, it could fall under contemporary romance, relationships, and contemporary read. If you enjoy these type of reads, you will gladly want to read this book! I definitely like a good ending, not a dramatic one.
I received a copy from a publicist at Simon and Schuster for a complimentary review.
Adrienna Turner, author of the Day Begins with Christ and God is in the Equation
www.dream4more.org
Paul and Ginger Wall worked things out and even had a bundle of a blessing come out of it. Regardless of secrets among the mother's of the couple, and their very own foretold mishaps coming forth, only good news and blessings were released for good things to come in the near future. I loved how Helen was able to deal with the forthcoming news...
This was a quick, easy read, and completed in one sitting. There were minimal parts that I found a bit a bore but easily bypassed and got to the goodies written in the story. Overall, it could fall under contemporary romance, relationships, and contemporary read. If you enjoy these type of reads, you will gladly want to read this book! I definitely like a good ending, not a dramatic one.
I received a copy from a publicist at Simon and Schuster for a complimentary review.
Adrienna Turner, author of the Day Begins with Christ and God is in the Equation
www.dream4more.org
March 19, 2014
In this story, Paul Wall has lost his job, his self-esteem and his marriage. His wife Ginger is mortified as a result of the way things are. In order to spare her the misery, Paul asks for a divorce. Three weeks later Paul gets a miraculous breakthrough that gives him the confidence to fight for his life and everything he loves. A trip to Napa Valley takes on a life of its own revealing unexpected truths that will change their lives forever! I loved this book! It provides a good storyline that also teaches you to appreciate family, fine wine and truth!
November 16, 2013
I love Curtis Bunn books but for some reason this one did not keep my attention, took way to long to read.
I did love the Brenda and Mitchell segment and the ending was funny and unpredictable where Helena was involved.
This book does make me wonder what I might have shared over the years with all the wine I consumed and oh yeah, I'm planning a trip
To Calistoga for my mud bath experience!
Thanks Curtis!
I did love the Brenda and Mitchell segment and the ending was funny and unpredictable where Helena was involved.
This book does make me wonder what I might have shared over the years with all the wine I consumed and oh yeah, I'm planning a trip
To Calistoga for my mud bath experience!
Thanks Curtis!
October 2, 2013
Great Return to Love Contemporary Romance. Curtis Bunn has given us a light hearted romance set in the wine country, scattered throughout with information about wine. Not only is the book informative, it is entertaining. It centers on a more mature couple, so refreshing. No millionaires and ingenues here, just a well plotted romance with engaging characters and an enjoyable journey back to love.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2014
I've aways heard drunks speak sober thoughts in reading "The Truth Is In The Wine" I have to say it is the truth. Ginger and Paul love each other but a twenty year marriage, a lost job, and secrets set them on the path for divorce. One final secrets gives then a second chance, so along with both mothers the head to Nappa Valley. A very touching story I was puling for i all to work out.
August 7, 2014
Being with and loving family
I loved this book because I am an only child and both parents are deceased. It was just like being with my immediate family and enjoying and loving the hills and valleys in with family with a great bottle of wine. One word to describe this book...REFRESHING!
I loved this book because I am an only child and both parents are deceased. It was just like being with my immediate family and enjoying and loving the hills and valleys in with family with a great bottle of wine. One word to describe this book...REFRESHING!
June 14, 2015
I thought this book read a little slow for my taste. I'm happy that the couple rekindled what they lost and got a second and third chance to right a wrong but a lot of it was not that great of a plot. I did however like the lessons given on the different wines and how to properly rate/taste different types to determine which tastes better. Overall just ok.
August 21, 2017
Paul and Ginger's marriage is in loads of trouble. They decide to take a trip to Napa Valley wine country in hopes of rekindling the fire they once had. Paul has also won the Georgia lottery, but is keeping it under wraps. He wants his wife to stay because of love, not because he won the lottery. It was a good read and you can feel the emotions from the characters.
October 28, 2013
This book was a page turner! Another great book from this wonderful author. I felt like I knew the characters in the book.
February 25, 2014
Very cute read. Adorable. I love happy endings
August 6, 2015
Loved it well written story of love, secrets, lies and money. All that waa revealed through the wine.
September 22, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! Curtis Bunn is an excellent storyteller and all of his characters are so relatable to me, And I always love the endings! A must Read!
January 3, 2015
First book I read from this author & I enjoyed the story line.
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