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Summer of Love
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25 copies available
U.S. only
In this moving novel about the transformative power of storytelling, three women make life-changing decisions set in motion by the 1967 Summer of Love in San Francisco, shaping the legacy of their family’s Napa Valley winery forever, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller .
1967: Concerts, hippies, and war protests define the counter-culture revolution that flourishes during the Summer of Love in San Francisco. No one is more into the messages of love and peace than Winnie Hartley, who has just graduated from UC Berkeley determined to make it as a poet. When she reconnects with her high school boyfriend Lincoln Salyer, it feels like her life is finally everything she wants it to be. Meanwhile, her sister Miranda throws herself into running the family business, Hartley Vineyard, determined to make California wine that rivals French. Little do the sisters know that the choices they make and the secrets they keep will set their lives down radically different paths.
2015: Dawn Hartley has a secret that she can’t share with her mother Miranda, who has long been her closest confidant. How can she possibly admit that she has a drinking problem to her famous vintner mother? It feels like a betrayal of her own heritage. When an assignment for work requires her to research the wildly popular Vineland novels by a famously anonymous writer, she embarks on a quest that will shake her to the core, and just might set her life on the right path at last.
1967: Concerts, hippies, and war protests define the counter-culture revolution that flourishes during the Summer of Love in San Francisco. No one is more into the messages of love and peace than Winnie Hartley, who has just graduated from UC Berkeley determined to make it as a poet. When she reconnects with her high school boyfriend Lincoln Salyer, it feels like her life is finally everything she wants it to be. Meanwhile, her sister Miranda throws herself into running the family business, Hartley Vineyard, determined to make California wine that rivals French. Little do the sisters know that the choices they make and the secrets they keep will set their lives down radically different paths.
2015: Dawn Hartley has a secret that she can’t share with her mother Miranda, who has long been her closest confidant. How can she possibly admit that she has a drinking problem to her famous vintner mother? It feels like a betrayal of her own heritage. When an assignment for work requires her to research the wildly popular Vineland novels by a famously anonymous writer, she embarks on a quest that will shake her to the core, and just might set her life on the right path at last.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Kerri Maher
5 books1,011 followersKERRI MAHER is the USA Today bestselling author of four historical novels including THE PARIS BOOKSELLER and ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALL. Often listed in most-anticipated and best-of lists, her novels have been described as "gorgeous" (Beatriz Williams) and "storytelling at its finest" (NPR). She also wrote a memoir of her writing life under the name Kerri Majors, THIS IS NOT A WRITING MANUAL. Signed copies of her books are available through Wellesley Books.
She loves to connect with readers personally on Instagram and her Substack newsletter, "sandcastles with kerri maher."
She loves to connect with readers personally on Instagram and her Substack newsletter, "sandcastles with kerri maher."
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 14, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this one; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 If I believed in reincarnation, I would totally be convinced that my soul once belonged in the 1960’s. Something about that era pulses in my veins, so whenever I get a chance to pick up a book from this era, I do! Kerri Maher creates a narrative centered around the Summer of Love, weaving a beautiful tale told in dual timelines that bridges the past and present and connects generations of women. History is filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered; and sometimes the biggest untold stories come from within our own family. We heal through sharing our stories, releasing the stigmas of holding onto pain. Summer of Love unfolds a beautifully compelling story of this hope through restoring our soul in the throes of almost losing it all.
📖 Book Review 📖 If I believed in reincarnation, I would totally be convinced that my soul once belonged in the 1960’s. Something about that era pulses in my veins, so whenever I get a chance to pick up a book from this era, I do! Kerri Maher creates a narrative centered around the Summer of Love, weaving a beautiful tale told in dual timelines that bridges the past and present and connects generations of women. History is filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered; and sometimes the biggest untold stories come from within our own family. We heal through sharing our stories, releasing the stigmas of holding onto pain. Summer of Love unfolds a beautifully compelling story of this hope through restoring our soul in the throes of almost losing it all.
March 31, 2026
This is a dual timeline story that focuses on 3 generations of women whose family owns a vineyard in California. We go back to 1967 and experience the lives of 2 sisters, Miranda & Winnie. Miranda is the more responsible one and continues to run the vineyard while Winnie is the free-spirit. We get to see how Winnie’s life implodes as she becomes addicted to drugs & alcohol and is equally addicted to a man who is no good for her. She spends the majority of her adult life struggling with her addictions. Fast forward to the 2nd timeline, 2015, where we meet Miranda’s daughter, Dawn, who is struggling with alcohol addiction as well. Secrets abound between all three of these women, and it is a set of books that brings them all together and reveals all the secrets that have haunted this family for years.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy. A beautiful walk down memory lane for me! Told by 3 protagonist, well done. Review to come….
Read
February 12, 2026This is an emotional twisted read. It had me from the first page to the last. The characters and storyline is spot on. This book has it all tragedy, healing, heartbreak, friendship, romance and growing of characters. Highly recommend this well written book. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review. #berkleypublishinggroup @berkleypublishinggroup #kerrimaher @authorkerrumaher #netgally @netgalley
April 2, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I thought this would be a summer reading book. But it was much more than that!!
This book tackles some hard subjects like alcohol addiction, being in bad relationships, the relationship of sisters, and the relationship with their mother.
It has dual timelines. The book is well written and a fast read. I appreciated that it was under 300 pages. The ARC came in at 288.
I really enjoyed the story. I do wish there was more of an explanation of the quotes at the beginning of Dawn’s story and how they tied into the previous story lines.
This was my first read of a Keri Maher book and I will definitely check out some of her other books.
This was a solid 4⭐️ book for me!
This book tackles some hard subjects like alcohol addiction, being in bad relationships, the relationship of sisters, and the relationship with their mother.
It has dual timelines. The book is well written and a fast read. I appreciated that it was under 300 pages. The ARC came in at 288.
I really enjoyed the story. I do wish there was more of an explanation of the quotes at the beginning of Dawn’s story and how they tied into the previous story lines.
This was my first read of a Keri Maher book and I will definitely check out some of her other books.
This was a solid 4⭐️ book for me!
Review of advance copy
This well written dual time line novel about two sisters and a daughter is centered around the summer of love – 1967 in California. The story is told by all three main characters and gives the reader an all-encompassing look at what is actually going on.
The three main characters are
-Winnie is the younger sister who moves to San Francisco when she graduates from college to live a hippie lifestyle and become a poet. She knows that she won’t be happy staying at the family vineyard in Napa. When she connects with an old boyfriend, she finally finds true happiness in her life. She and Lincoln are each other’s muse – his songwriting and her poetry meld together and help her love her new life.
-Miranda is the older sister who wants to stay at the vineyard and work to create new flavors of wine that will compete with French wines. She worries about her sister and there is always a strong bond between them. The choices that each sister makes will lead them on totally different paths their entire lives.
-Dawn is hiding secrets from her mother Miranda. Her life is a mess due to alcoholism and she is working on her recovery. Her mother doesn’t know that she has a problem with alcohol and Dawn wants to keep it a secret mostly because her mom now runs a well-known winery. As Dawn begins to unravel a big family secret, it will involve all three women. Will the secret bring the three family members closer together or tear them apart?
The author does a fantastic job of describing life and attitudes during this time period. The importance of the music and the anti-war movement are background to the story that’s being told. On one side we see the free thought and poetry of the time while the other sister lives a totally different life working hard to create a family legacy. All three of the main characters were well written but my favorite was Miranda who chose to work on the family vineyard but always loved and worried about her sister who was definitely part of the counter culture in San Francisco. Even though the book deals with many difficult subjects – addiction, mental health and family issues – the feeling at the end is hopefully that family love can help people through difficult occurrences in life. This was a great look at life in the 60s with results that echoed throughout later years.
The three main characters are
-Winnie is the younger sister who moves to San Francisco when she graduates from college to live a hippie lifestyle and become a poet. She knows that she won’t be happy staying at the family vineyard in Napa. When she connects with an old boyfriend, she finally finds true happiness in her life. She and Lincoln are each other’s muse – his songwriting and her poetry meld together and help her love her new life.
-Miranda is the older sister who wants to stay at the vineyard and work to create new flavors of wine that will compete with French wines. She worries about her sister and there is always a strong bond between them. The choices that each sister makes will lead them on totally different paths their entire lives.
-Dawn is hiding secrets from her mother Miranda. Her life is a mess due to alcoholism and she is working on her recovery. Her mother doesn’t know that she has a problem with alcohol and Dawn wants to keep it a secret mostly because her mom now runs a well-known winery. As Dawn begins to unravel a big family secret, it will involve all three women. Will the secret bring the three family members closer together or tear them apart?
The author does a fantastic job of describing life and attitudes during this time period. The importance of the music and the anti-war movement are background to the story that’s being told. On one side we see the free thought and poetry of the time while the other sister lives a totally different life working hard to create a family legacy. All three of the main characters were well written but my favorite was Miranda who chose to work on the family vineyard but always loved and worried about her sister who was definitely part of the counter culture in San Francisco. Even though the book deals with many difficult subjects – addiction, mental health and family issues – the feeling at the end is hopefully that family love can help people through difficult occurrences in life. This was a great look at life in the 60s with results that echoed throughout later years.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book from BookBrowse.com in return for an honest review.
Rating 3.5
This 3-generation dual-timeline family sage begins in 2015, when 40-something set designer Dawn Hartley is commissioned to design a release party for the last volume of a series of children's books known as Vineland. As she is reading a book in the series as research for the design she discovers that the plot and setting bear an amazing to the winery owned by her family and managed by her mother.The author of the book writes under a pseudonym, and Dawn sets out to discover his/her identity. THE details she notes lead the reader into the family story, focused on Dawn's mother, Miranda, and Miranda's sister, Winnie, taking us back to 1967, the Summer of Love, and their lives in San Francisco and the Napa Valley. (That connection to the Summer of Love is the only thing that allows this book to be described as historical fiction; I think that descriptor is inaccurate,)
This family has lots of secrets, and the secrets get in the way of any of the 3 main characters -- Miranda, Winnie, and Dawn-- having a satisfying life. As the story switches back and forth between the two time periods (the 60s/70s and the 20-teens), we encounter story lines related to the damage done to both abusers and those around them by substance abuse, the impact of dishonesty in relationships, the impact of stress from a variety of causes, the healing powers of friendships and strong family relationships, and the value of rehabilitation and forgiveness -- lots of discuss-able issues for book clubs.
Rating 3.5
This 3-generation dual-timeline family sage begins in 2015, when 40-something set designer Dawn Hartley is commissioned to design a release party for the last volume of a series of children's books known as Vineland. As she is reading a book in the series as research for the design she discovers that the plot and setting bear an amazing to the winery owned by her family and managed by her mother.The author of the book writes under a pseudonym, and Dawn sets out to discover his/her identity. THE details she notes lead the reader into the family story, focused on Dawn's mother, Miranda, and Miranda's sister, Winnie, taking us back to 1967, the Summer of Love, and their lives in San Francisco and the Napa Valley. (That connection to the Summer of Love is the only thing that allows this book to be described as historical fiction; I think that descriptor is inaccurate,)
This family has lots of secrets, and the secrets get in the way of any of the 3 main characters -- Miranda, Winnie, and Dawn-- having a satisfying life. As the story switches back and forth between the two time periods (the 60s/70s and the 20-teens), we encounter story lines related to the damage done to both abusers and those around them by substance abuse, the impact of dishonesty in relationships, the impact of stress from a variety of causes, the healing powers of friendships and strong family relationships, and the value of rehabilitation and forgiveness -- lots of discuss-able issues for book clubs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars, rounded down
I was just a little too young to experience the Summer of Love. But it always captivated me. So, of course, I had to read this book.
The dual timeline deals with Winnie and Miranda in 1967. They’re sisters, but polar opposites. You’ve got Miranda, the dutiful daughter, helping run the family vineyard, attempting to make wines that rival the French varietals. And then, Winnie, living in Haight Ashbury and experiencing the concerts, the drugs and the sex. Their story moves forward through the years. Meanwhile, in 2015, Miranda’s daughter Dawn is coming to terms with the fact she’s an alcoholic but is afraid to tell her mother, the vintner. I came to care about all three of the female main characters. They felt real and their individual struggles resonated. Although I wish she had explored the links between depression and alcohol abuse a little more.
Maher does a good job setting the scene for 1967 and forward into the 70s. And she does an excellent job of portraying alcoholism and the struggle to stay sober. As per the Author’s Note, it’s no wonder it’s so realistic as it’s a journey she herself has taken. Those who know wines will recognize a lot of the names. She’s done her research.
Yet, the supposed plot twists were all obvious which is the reason this only garners 3.5 stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.
I was just a little too young to experience the Summer of Love. But it always captivated me. So, of course, I had to read this book.
The dual timeline deals with Winnie and Miranda in 1967. They’re sisters, but polar opposites. You’ve got Miranda, the dutiful daughter, helping run the family vineyard, attempting to make wines that rival the French varietals. And then, Winnie, living in Haight Ashbury and experiencing the concerts, the drugs and the sex. Their story moves forward through the years. Meanwhile, in 2015, Miranda’s daughter Dawn is coming to terms with the fact she’s an alcoholic but is afraid to tell her mother, the vintner. I came to care about all three of the female main characters. They felt real and their individual struggles resonated. Although I wish she had explored the links between depression and alcohol abuse a little more.
Maher does a good job setting the scene for 1967 and forward into the 70s. And she does an excellent job of portraying alcoholism and the struggle to stay sober. As per the Author’s Note, it’s no wonder it’s so realistic as it’s a journey she herself has taken. Those who know wines will recognize a lot of the names. She’s done her research.
Yet, the supposed plot twists were all obvious which is the reason this only garners 3.5 stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I want to stay upfront that I DNF this book at 40% after realizing I was not the intended audience for it.
This book explores numerous real-life encounters that everyday people encounter. The topics of alcoholism, relationship with family members, sisterly bonds/love, hurtful relationships, and the mystery behind the vineyard. The pacing of the book felt slow to me, and I was not very captivated by the mystery of the book's publisher. I also struggle to stay engaged throughout.
I enjoyed the book's multiple perspectives, which allowed me to experience three different generations of women and their upbringing within distinct eras. Having experienced each timeline through different lenses of each woman telling their version of the story was very interesting of something. I have not experienced this before, especially in a historical fiction book.
I truly enjoyed the anti-war historical importance behind the book. During this time. People were using music as a way to combat the war that was going on. I really enjoy historical fiction when they tailored to a specific timeline. The author did a really good job explaining and setting the stage for the history that was going on for the women and the importance of it.
This book explores numerous real-life encounters that everyday people encounter. The topics of alcoholism, relationship with family members, sisterly bonds/love, hurtful relationships, and the mystery behind the vineyard. The pacing of the book felt slow to me, and I was not very captivated by the mystery of the book's publisher. I also struggle to stay engaged throughout.
I enjoyed the book's multiple perspectives, which allowed me to experience three different generations of women and their upbringing within distinct eras. Having experienced each timeline through different lenses of each woman telling their version of the story was very interesting of something. I have not experienced this before, especially in a historical fiction book.
I truly enjoyed the anti-war historical importance behind the book. During this time. People were using music as a way to combat the war that was going on. I really enjoy historical fiction when they tailored to a specific timeline. The author did a really good job explaining and setting the stage for the history that was going on for the women and the importance of it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you want something fast paced this is not for you. This a more thoughtful book.
It was an emotional, character-driven read that explores addiction, family dynamics, and loss. It honestly even made me consider my drinking habits which I also liked. I enjoy when a book makes me question my reality lol.
There were so many elements about this book that I enjoyed such as the focus on farm workers in the 60s. The history behind wine and wineries in Napa. As well as a bit of the hippie movement in the 70s. It added a lot of depth and I feel like I learned a lot about Napa Valley in general
I also liked that parts of the story were set in San Francisco. Since I’m from there, it made the book feel more immersive and personal. I found myself picturing the streets and the descriptions of the locations.
The first-person narration (especially with Winnie and Dawn) was interesting and made the story feel more intimate. At first I thought maybe it was first person for both of them because of how similar they are and maybe Miranda’s was third person because of her differences from the other characters. That said, the pacing was a bit slow at times, and some chapters could have been condensed. Overall I enjoyed it though!!
If you want something fast paced this is not for you. This a more thoughtful book.
It was an emotional, character-driven read that explores addiction, family dynamics, and loss. It honestly even made me consider my drinking habits which I also liked. I enjoy when a book makes me question my reality lol.
There were so many elements about this book that I enjoyed such as the focus on farm workers in the 60s. The history behind wine and wineries in Napa. As well as a bit of the hippie movement in the 70s. It added a lot of depth and I feel like I learned a lot about Napa Valley in general
I also liked that parts of the story were set in San Francisco. Since I’m from there, it made the book feel more immersive and personal. I found myself picturing the streets and the descriptions of the locations.
The first-person narration (especially with Winnie and Dawn) was interesting and made the story feel more intimate. At first I thought maybe it was first person for both of them because of how similar they are and maybe Miranda’s was third person because of her differences from the other characters. That said, the pacing was a bit slow at times, and some chapters could have been condensed. Overall I enjoyed it though!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley and berkley publishing group for sharing an advanced copy with me. i was totally drawn in by the title as i was a child of the '60's and thought it would be relatable. the book is not really about the summer of love. just so you know. there's a small part of it at the beginning. it's about three generations of wine country women and their relationships with their family vineyard and the relationships in their lives. and foremost this book is about alcohol addiction, which i really didn't realize before reading it. as i don't think i would have read it. and that isn't to say that i didn't learn from reading it and getting a much better grasp on what happens when buried in that addiction. i did. the book was slow for me until the last bit. the characters are well developed. and likeable, too. i think, though, that given how i felt while reading it, it's really just a 3.5 for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Summer of Love encompasses many themes from the era of sex, love & rock ‘n roll to the present day with the overall focus on the trajectory of one family, secrets, addiction to alcohol or drugs or people and their journey to find peace & serenity.
My first husband was an alcoholic who died too young because of his addiction. I spent many years in Alanon learning self care and following the steps associated with my program. Just yesterday, I met a woman struggling with her husband’s addiction. Alcoholism is an insidious disease that destroys lives, families, futures and relationships.
Kerri Maher weaves a story that shows the devastation as well as the resilience of those who find a way to sobriety. For me, the book is uplifting, encouraging and a brave examination of the author’s own struggle.
I am grateful to Netgalley and BookBrowse for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My first husband was an alcoholic who died too young because of his addiction. I spent many years in Alanon learning self care and following the steps associated with my program. Just yesterday, I met a woman struggling with her husband’s addiction. Alcoholism is an insidious disease that destroys lives, families, futures and relationships.
Kerri Maher weaves a story that shows the devastation as well as the resilience of those who find a way to sobriety. For me, the book is uplifting, encouraging and a brave examination of the author’s own struggle.
I am grateful to Netgalley and BookBrowse for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley and Book Browse for this advanced reader copy. Summer of Love is a fast, easy read. There are many enjoyable references to my home (wine country) and state as well as historical references that help ground the story in time. There was a little too much addiction/recovery focus for my taste. The book could almost have a subtitle: sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous. I am not sure I would have picked it up if I had known that was such a focus, but it was an important theme that tied together and explained this multi-generational family drama. The characters are a bit trite: the good sister, the ‘bad’ sister, the child who inherits the family demons. We don’t hear enough of the good part of Dawn’s growing up to develop her character. I didn’t understand the troubled relationship between Joan and Winnie. Finally I would have liked more info on what the Vineland books and chapter lead-in quotes had to do with the story. Overall an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweeping novel centers on three related women, two of whom are alcoholics. Sisters Winnie and Miranda were raised on a vineyard in Napa. They have very different relationships with their mother. Miranda is the golden child. Winnie is the trouble one. While Miranda stays on the winery ranch, Winnie leaves for San Francisco during the free love and drugs era. Dawn is Miranda’s daughter and also an alcoholic who is struggling with sobriety. When she reads a fantasy novel, she is convinced it was written by someone who knew their winery intimately. Contained on the pages are the rough roads to recovery and relationship restoration.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want you to thank Penguin books and the author for this ARC for an honest review of this book.
The cover of this book does not do the book justice. This is a very in depth look at three generations of women who deal with addictions, lies and recovery.
The main story begins in the 1967 Summer of Love in San Francisco and follows the consequences of free love and substance abuse.
Three generations of stories unfold exploring the impact of addiction, lies and the struggles and rewards of moving towards and maintaining sobriety.
Coming to grips with the past, learning forgiveness and forging a future are the main themes.
The belief that storytelling is healing was explored through out this text and as an avid reader I have to agree.
The cover of this book does not do the book justice. This is a very in depth look at three generations of women who deal with addictions, lies and recovery.
The main story begins in the 1967 Summer of Love in San Francisco and follows the consequences of free love and substance abuse.
Three generations of stories unfold exploring the impact of addiction, lies and the struggles and rewards of moving towards and maintaining sobriety.
Coming to grips with the past, learning forgiveness and forging a future are the main themes.
The belief that storytelling is healing was explored through out this text and as an avid reader I have to agree.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This cover is so stunning ! This is a perfect summer time read. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the way she developed the characters. You really get sucked into their lives and you feel like you are right there with them. This one will hold your attention the whole way though with the dual timeline. I especially enjoyed the 1960s time. What a wild time to have lived. This book will tug your heart strings and take you through all kinds of emotions during these three women's journeys. Give this one a read !
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I hope Summer of Love is the must-read book of Summer 2026. This gorgeously written novel explores the secrets, heartbreak, and healing of the Hartley women in California wine country. I loved every word, every emotion, and every moment of pain.
I highly recommend this book. It’s an absolutely beautifully written story about sisters, set against the historical fiction backdrop of the counterculture revolution in San Francisco and the rise of women leaders in the wine industry.
Thank you to BookBrowse for providing an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved this book and highly recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I highly recommend this book. It’s an absolutely beautifully written story about sisters, set against the historical fiction backdrop of the counterculture revolution in San Francisco and the rise of women leaders in the wine industry.
Thank you to BookBrowse for providing an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved this book and highly recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was very well written. I had a bit of trouble at first keeping up with who was who, but eventually got past that. The relationships between the sisters and their mom were full of misunderstandings and hidden truths and feelings. I thought it was an accurate portrayal of the summer of love in San Francisco. Though I was younger, so most of my info comes from reading. I felt connected to all three of them, some more than others at specific times throughout the story.
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I definitely recommend!
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A very sweet story from the 3 perspectives of a mother, her sister, and her daughter through their life growth near SF. This story deals with addiction, psychological trauma, mental health, and family understanding. I loved all the characters, they were very well developed and flawed in their own respective ways. I will say though, a book about a book always gives me a bit of the ick and this still gave it a bit. I found if I skipped over the book quotes in the beginning of every chapter, I enjoyed reading much more
Thanks for the advanced copy, NetGalley ❤️
Thanks for the advanced copy, NetGalley ❤️
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February 22, 2026Reading List 2026 #10
Read
April 20, 20263.5 stars; review to come July 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A moving, poignant and loving portrait of three women as they come of age during a “summer of love” separated by forty plus years. It explores the consequences of decisions made hastily but not thoughtfully. And, it is a stunning tribute to a golden age and to women.
Set in a dual time line that alternates between 1967-1970s and 2015, this book deals with three women: Winifred (“Winnie”), her sister, Miranda, and Dawn. Winnie and Miranda are daughters of a Napa winery owner. Winnie is a free spirit and artist, taking off after college gradation, while Miranda assumes a role in the winery. The turbulent 60s and its counterculture takes Winnie down a spiraling road to a broken heart. Returning to her roots yo recover, she grapples with being back at the winery as she renews her ties with Miranda. But when she is lured back to her love, Winnie finds that heartbreak is her decision and other consequences are her burden. She hands these to Miranda as she runs away. In 2015 we meet Dawn struggling with alcoholism and discovering a book that has deep meaning to her and her family. Seeking answers she uncovers the most closely guarded family secret.
I loved the writing, the story, the characters, the setting - I’ve been to Sonoma, Temecula but not Napa, but the beauty of any winery does not escape me. The book captured my interest immediately and based on what the author wrote in her Afterword, she exquisitely captured the essence of this California setting. Having grown up in the 60s, I kept hearing “California Dreaming” as I read and the historical element to this book is well done.
This is a book for historical fiction lovers who want to be swept away by a realistic story that is honest and heartfelt. Highly recommend.
I’d like to thank BookBrowse/NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for giving me access to this ARC.
Set in a dual time line that alternates between 1967-1970s and 2015, this book deals with three women: Winifred (“Winnie”), her sister, Miranda, and Dawn. Winnie and Miranda are daughters of a Napa winery owner. Winnie is a free spirit and artist, taking off after college gradation, while Miranda assumes a role in the winery. The turbulent 60s and its counterculture takes Winnie down a spiraling road to a broken heart. Returning to her roots yo recover, she grapples with being back at the winery as she renews her ties with Miranda. But when she is lured back to her love, Winnie finds that heartbreak is her decision and other consequences are her burden. She hands these to Miranda as she runs away. In 2015 we meet Dawn struggling with alcoholism and discovering a book that has deep meaning to her and her family. Seeking answers she uncovers the most closely guarded family secret.
I loved the writing, the story, the characters, the setting - I’ve been to Sonoma, Temecula but not Napa, but the beauty of any winery does not escape me. The book captured my interest immediately and based on what the author wrote in her Afterword, she exquisitely captured the essence of this California setting. Having grown up in the 60s, I kept hearing “California Dreaming” as I read and the historical element to this book is well done.
This is a book for historical fiction lovers who want to be swept away by a realistic story that is honest and heartfelt. Highly recommend.
I’d like to thank BookBrowse/NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for giving me access to this ARC.
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