Sweeter Than Wine

by Susan Sallis

The quarrel began in 1850 on a West Indian sugar plantation, and the grudges still separated Bristol's two most important families—until the 1927 Michaelmas ball, when handsome rake Jack Martinez danced with spoiled, precocious Maude Rudolph.

480 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 1994

About the author

Susan Sallis was the author of over twenty bestselling novels, many of them set in the West Country. She was born in Gloucestershire and lived in Somerset with her family. She died in 2020.

Reviews

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweeter Than Wine is a historical romance about wine making families.
So many grudges and animosity between the families until Jack and Maude meet.
Interesting history throughout the book gives you insight as to what went on during the Spanish Civil War.
Strong characters help carry the storyline.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of a wine-making family with interludes in Jamaica and Bristol.

However the strongest part is the Spanish Civil War. We see the origins of this war in feudal serfdom with rich overlords, and foreign landowners such as wine makers are resented. The British get caught up in the war and try to render medical aid to the wounded.

The bombing of Guernica is graphically described as Fascist leaders invited Germany to destroy a town in order to force the Communists to stop fighting. The British realise that the Nazi Germans are getting ready to try out blitzing on Britain next.

This is a good read with vivid characters and locations.

[Marilu · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty good light read!