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Decanted
From author Linda Sheehan, who's part of a Napa wine dynasty, comes a story of grapes, wine, first crushes, and juicy redemption. Dreading the desk job that awaits her after high school, eighteen-year-old Vivian Goodyear takes off for pre-World War ll Paris, where she supports herself as an artist's model.
Flash forward to modern day Manhattan where, inspired by Vivian's courage, her grand-niece Samantha leaves her pressure cooker career to work the grape harvest in France. There, between picking grapes in the vineyard and crushing them in the cellar, she gets lessons in the art of making wine and in the art of making love. But when her world is turned upside down, a link from Aunt Vivian's past could right it in a tale of being on top, sinking to the bottom, and coming up for glorious air.
Flash forward to modern day Manhattan where, inspired by Vivian's courage, her grand-niece Samantha leaves her pressure cooker career to work the grape harvest in France. There, between picking grapes in the vineyard and crushing them in the cellar, she gets lessons in the art of making wine and in the art of making love. But when her world is turned upside down, a link from Aunt Vivian's past could right it in a tale of being on top, sinking to the bottom, and coming up for glorious air.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
268 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2021
77 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 17, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
And another book keeps me up late because I can’t stop reading— Decanted by Linda Sheehan. This was really entertaining.
Samantha loves wine. She loves learning about new varieties and she has an exceptional palate for nuances and flavors. She dreams of a career in the wine industry and hopes to get her accounting firm to consider branching out into that industry.
One day, inspired by the memory of her spirited great-aunt Vivian, she quits her high-pressure accounting job and goes to France, to help a renowned family harvest their grapes. It’s hard work in a gorgeous setting (the family’s handsome son doesn’t hurt) and she learns so much about the business—not to mention about love.
Julien takes her all over France to understand how different wines are made, and what differentiates exceptional wine from good wine. It's an incredible, invaluable education. But when she leaves France suddenly she’s more determined than ever to make her own wine—and make it exceptional. She’ll need hard work, luck, confidence, and more inspiration from Aunt Vivian.
Meanwhile, snippets throughout the book show Vivian, a young woman who goes to pre-WWII Paris to escape the boring life her parents want for her. There she becomes an artist’s muse and finds herself in the midst of some extraordinary situations.
Decanted was a great story about following your dreams and believing in yourself against all odds. I learned so much about wine (the author is co-owner of a winery in Napa so she knows her stuff) and boy, this book made me hungry! It’s a hopeful, emotional, sexy, enjoyable book.
Suzy Approved Book Tours, Linda Sheehan, and Black Rose Writing provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. (Sheehan also sent a bottle of wine!) Thanks so much for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
And another book keeps me up late because I can’t stop reading— Decanted by Linda Sheehan. This was really entertaining.
Samantha loves wine. She loves learning about new varieties and she has an exceptional palate for nuances and flavors. She dreams of a career in the wine industry and hopes to get her accounting firm to consider branching out into that industry.
One day, inspired by the memory of her spirited great-aunt Vivian, she quits her high-pressure accounting job and goes to France, to help a renowned family harvest their grapes. It’s hard work in a gorgeous setting (the family’s handsome son doesn’t hurt) and she learns so much about the business—not to mention about love.
Julien takes her all over France to understand how different wines are made, and what differentiates exceptional wine from good wine. It's an incredible, invaluable education. But when she leaves France suddenly she’s more determined than ever to make her own wine—and make it exceptional. She’ll need hard work, luck, confidence, and more inspiration from Aunt Vivian.
Meanwhile, snippets throughout the book show Vivian, a young woman who goes to pre-WWII Paris to escape the boring life her parents want for her. There she becomes an artist’s muse and finds herself in the midst of some extraordinary situations.
Decanted was a great story about following your dreams and believing in yourself against all odds. I learned so much about wine (the author is co-owner of a winery in Napa so she knows her stuff) and boy, this book made me hungry! It’s a hopeful, emotional, sexy, enjoyable book.
Suzy Approved Book Tours, Linda Sheehan, and Black Rose Writing provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. (Sheehan also sent a bottle of wine!) Thanks so much for making it available!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 23, 2021
I'm not normally a reader of romance, but I was tempted to this book by the references to wine and winemaking and the fact that we'd be spending time with artists in 1930s Paris and visiting the present day Beaujolais winelands. It all sounded right up my street!
I did enjoy all those elements of the book. However, I went from indifference to active dislike of the too perfect, too successful main character, Samantha, although maybe I'm just jealous of her youth and beauty. But despite being described as intelligent and sophisticated, she comes over as crass and naïve, although she can whip up a splendid dessert at the drop of a hat, and she obviously knows her wine.
My favourite character was Samantha's aunt Vivian, the artists' model from the 1930s. Her story and character could have been drawn out far more, making for so much more drama, but too soon she drops out of the narrative, never to return.
Parts of the plot are unlikely at best, particularly towards the end of the book. Every obstacle thrown Samantha's way magically evaporates, so there's not much actual tension in the story. A slight saving grace at the end is the man she eventually chooses. Good luck to him.
I did enjoy all those elements of the book. However, I went from indifference to active dislike of the too perfect, too successful main character, Samantha, although maybe I'm just jealous of her youth and beauty. But despite being described as intelligent and sophisticated, she comes over as crass and naïve, although she can whip up a splendid dessert at the drop of a hat, and she obviously knows her wine.
My favourite character was Samantha's aunt Vivian, the artists' model from the 1930s. Her story and character could have been drawn out far more, making for so much more drama, but too soon she drops out of the narrative, never to return.
Parts of the plot are unlikely at best, particularly towards the end of the book. Every obstacle thrown Samantha's way magically evaporates, so there's not much actual tension in the story. A slight saving grace at the end is the man she eventually chooses. Good luck to him.
October 2, 2021
The Setting and the wine making are fantastic.
I really loved getting to know Samantha she followed her dream and was so strong and she was my favorite character.
This was such a treat to read. Grab this 4 star read and enjoy a glass of Poe wine. I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I really loved getting to know Samantha she followed her dream and was so strong and she was my favorite character.
This was such a treat to read. Grab this 4 star read and enjoy a glass of Poe wine. I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
May 22, 2021
Melissa contributed this review to Really Into This
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours for our gifted review copy.
Read DECANTED if you enjoy stories about:
-Determined women
-Second chances
-Dual timelines
-Family secrets
-Wine country
-Dash of romance
This was a different type of read for me and I really enjoyed it. I love that I learned a good deal about wine while reading DECANTED. The way the author weaves the timelines and pieces everything together was just wonderful.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours for our gifted review copy.
Read DECANTED if you enjoy stories about:
-Determined women
-Second chances
-Dual timelines
-Family secrets
-Wine country
-Dash of romance
This was a different type of read for me and I really enjoyed it. I love that I learned a good deal about wine while reading DECANTED. The way the author weaves the timelines and pieces everything together was just wonderful.
October 29, 2021
So, I have a confession to make. I'm not a wine person 😲 I know, I know...how is it possible? I just know nothing about it, quite honestly, and nobody close to me is a wine drinker so I haven't had much exposure.
After reading Decanted, I am definitely a wine person at heart. Samantha leaves the states to follow her passion for wine all the way to France, where she stays at a vineyard and helps during harvest time. Sam takes her learnings back to the states with hopes of making her own wine some day.
Wow! Let me tell you, wine making is truly magical. I loved all the information on wine making, with each chapter starting with a wine term and definition. I'm smarter already 😁
With flashes to the past of 1939 France, when Samantha's great aunt was in Paris, I enjoyed the bit of historical fiction with references to the fashion icon Coco Chanel. I also loved watching Samantha chase her dreams. I wish everyone was so brave.
On a side note, if you think your parents are crazy, you don't know cuckoo until you meet Samantha's parents. Those two were hilarious, but thankfully not mine 🤣
After reading Decanted, I am definitely a wine person at heart. Samantha leaves the states to follow her passion for wine all the way to France, where she stays at a vineyard and helps during harvest time. Sam takes her learnings back to the states with hopes of making her own wine some day.
Wow! Let me tell you, wine making is truly magical. I loved all the information on wine making, with each chapter starting with a wine term and definition. I'm smarter already 😁
With flashes to the past of 1939 France, when Samantha's great aunt was in Paris, I enjoyed the bit of historical fiction with references to the fashion icon Coco Chanel. I also loved watching Samantha chase her dreams. I wish everyone was so brave.
On a side note, if you think your parents are crazy, you don't know cuckoo until you meet Samantha's parents. Those two were hilarious, but thankfully not mine 🤣
October 8, 2021
With a cover like this, you know you’re in for some fun!
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 follows Samantha Goodyear on her journey from an accountant in the stuffy corporate world through the fruition of her dreams of becoming a winemaker.
Samantha gets a firsthand taste of winemaking when she travels to France for the grape harvest and is seduced by Julien LeMont, heir to a wine dynasty. But when her and Julien’s budding love affair sours, she returns to the States, only to find her parent’s marriage in shambles.
She heads out to Napa Valley for a bookkeeping job at a winery, one step closer to finding grapes of her own. While looking for a place to live, she stumbles upon a neglected and untended vineyard owned by an elderly widower. These may be the grapes to fulfill her dreams, but they aren’t her grapes to crush. Help comes to her in the most surprising of ways.
If you enjoy a character with a goal, then you’ll love Samantha. She knew she wanted to make great wine, and nothing was going to stop her. A second timeline tells of her great-aunt Vivian’s life, and it becomes apparent where Samantha got her drive, skills, and beauty. At first, I wasn’t sure why the two timelines, but you’ll see that Vivian plays a significant role in Samantha’s life.
Although the winemaking is a large part of this story, the characters do shine through, making it an entertaining story all the way around.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lindasheehanauthor for a gifted copy.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 follows Samantha Goodyear on her journey from an accountant in the stuffy corporate world through the fruition of her dreams of becoming a winemaker.
Samantha gets a firsthand taste of winemaking when she travels to France for the grape harvest and is seduced by Julien LeMont, heir to a wine dynasty. But when her and Julien’s budding love affair sours, she returns to the States, only to find her parent’s marriage in shambles.
She heads out to Napa Valley for a bookkeeping job at a winery, one step closer to finding grapes of her own. While looking for a place to live, she stumbles upon a neglected and untended vineyard owned by an elderly widower. These may be the grapes to fulfill her dreams, but they aren’t her grapes to crush. Help comes to her in the most surprising of ways.
If you enjoy a character with a goal, then you’ll love Samantha. She knew she wanted to make great wine, and nothing was going to stop her. A second timeline tells of her great-aunt Vivian’s life, and it becomes apparent where Samantha got her drive, skills, and beauty. At first, I wasn’t sure why the two timelines, but you’ll see that Vivian plays a significant role in Samantha’s life.
Although the winemaking is a large part of this story, the characters do shine through, making it an entertaining story all the way around.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lindasheehanauthor for a gifted copy.
May 10, 2021
Vineyards
South of France And Napa Valley
Passions
This immersive and captivating story takes us though the beautiful vineyards of the South of France and Napa Valley in Northern California. Samantha and Vivian are both wonderful characters. These women are strong and don’t follow traditional conventions but instead forge their own path and future. The setting and the intricacies of the wine making business is so well written I completely immersed into the story line. This was a gorgeous story about following your passions, family and of course wine!
South of France And Napa Valley
Passions
This immersive and captivating story takes us though the beautiful vineyards of the South of France and Napa Valley in Northern California. Samantha and Vivian are both wonderful characters. These women are strong and don’t follow traditional conventions but instead forge their own path and future. The setting and the intricacies of the wine making business is so well written I completely immersed into the story line. This was a gorgeous story about following your passions, family and of course wine!
May 6, 2021
The premise of this book completely drew me in. A young woman leaving behind her desk job to pursue her passion for wine and winemaking in France! The dream, right? Well, not quite. Yes. The main character ends up doing all those wonderful things. Against all staggering odds. Therein lies one of the main issues I had with this book - it's so wildly unrealistic that it detracted for the escapist fun it could have been. Samantha is just so bloody perfect and not at all a relatable character. Obstacles evaporate before her and perhaps the only saving grace to the book is that she, at least, doesn't end up with the so-called man of her dreams. She does, however, become the shining new star of Napa winemakers on her very first go around, with a multimillion dollar vineyard that she literally stumbles upon and is able to save from the clutches of a big Napa Valley wine producer with an unlikely surprise inheritance from her aunt. On the subject of her aunt. Was that side-plot really necessary?
Another great annoyance in reading this book. The dialogue. It was forced and unnatural. No one talks like that. Ever. And the stereotypes. Misogynistic, philandering French men. Gypsies. Coked out superstars. Old relics. The polarizing depiction of French winemaking vs California winemaking.
Then there is the banal, textbook descriptions of the winemaking process and wine tasting. Where is the passion? I say this as someone who loves wine and who has actually worked in the wine industry - at a winery. I was primed to love this book. But. there were too many missteps and, ultimately, it was disappointing. That is perhaps the best description for this book. So full of promise and so utterly letdown by one dimensional characters, poor dialogue, an outdated reliance on stereotypes, and impossibly perfect outcomes.. This book could have been so charming. It fell completely flat for me.
Another great annoyance in reading this book. The dialogue. It was forced and unnatural. No one talks like that. Ever. And the stereotypes. Misogynistic, philandering French men. Gypsies. Coked out superstars. Old relics. The polarizing depiction of French winemaking vs California winemaking.
Then there is the banal, textbook descriptions of the winemaking process and wine tasting. Where is the passion? I say this as someone who loves wine and who has actually worked in the wine industry - at a winery. I was primed to love this book. But. there were too many missteps and, ultimately, it was disappointing. That is perhaps the best description for this book. So full of promise and so utterly letdown by one dimensional characters, poor dialogue, an outdated reliance on stereotypes, and impossibly perfect outcomes.. This book could have been so charming. It fell completely flat for me.
October 31, 2021
“My stomach fluttered as I drank in the views of vibrant green vineyards that seemed to go on forever and tiny ancient villages that looked like they belonged in a storybook.”
“The repetitive pounding of the spray hitting the cap as it pushed the mass down into the foaming mixture was making e feel dizzy.”
Decanted by @lindasheehanauthor was such a charming, educational and sexy book about following your dreams! Samantha Goodyear left her boring, high intense and stress induced job to follow her true dreams of wine connoisseury (not a word but that’s ok 😂). She loves wine and has an expansive taste so she went to France to pursue her dreams. Such a beautiful landscape, she is emerged in the life of wine and its nuances. This definitely packed a punch with romance, dual timelines and second chances. I was surprised to learn all the many facets of the wine making business especially living in the Bay Area!!
I also felt a personal connection (of course being in the Bay Area) because I too followed my dreams and pursued a higher education so it was refreshing to read about Samatha following her dreams. I also grew up with grape leaves and grapevines because my dad used to grow them back home, so it was nice to read and remember those small details. The other detail I appreciated was the definitions at the beginning of each chapter, which gave the book more character. I love learning new things so that was def a plus!!
🍷Pick it up for a sweet and educational spin on wine making & more!!
🎁 Thank you so much for my gifted copy @blackrosewriting & @suzyapprovedbooktours! 🙏🏽 huge thank you to @poewines for my fantastic Pinot Noir! Special thank you to you Linda for your personalized message and fantastic story! Can’t wait to visit you in Napa!
Take a look at my Instagram @totahlybooked for my pictures and reviews! :)
“The repetitive pounding of the spray hitting the cap as it pushed the mass down into the foaming mixture was making e feel dizzy.”
Decanted by @lindasheehanauthor was such a charming, educational and sexy book about following your dreams! Samantha Goodyear left her boring, high intense and stress induced job to follow her true dreams of wine connoisseury (not a word but that’s ok 😂). She loves wine and has an expansive taste so she went to France to pursue her dreams. Such a beautiful landscape, she is emerged in the life of wine and its nuances. This definitely packed a punch with romance, dual timelines and second chances. I was surprised to learn all the many facets of the wine making business especially living in the Bay Area!!
I also felt a personal connection (of course being in the Bay Area) because I too followed my dreams and pursued a higher education so it was refreshing to read about Samatha following her dreams. I also grew up with grape leaves and grapevines because my dad used to grow them back home, so it was nice to read and remember those small details. The other detail I appreciated was the definitions at the beginning of each chapter, which gave the book more character. I love learning new things so that was def a plus!!
🍷Pick it up for a sweet and educational spin on wine making & more!!
🎁 Thank you so much for my gifted copy @blackrosewriting & @suzyapprovedbooktours! 🙏🏽 huge thank you to @poewines for my fantastic Pinot Noir! Special thank you to you Linda for your personalized message and fantastic story! Can’t wait to visit you in Napa!
Take a look at my Instagram @totahlybooked for my pictures and reviews! :)
October 29, 2023
I don’t like wine, drink it, or know much about making wine (other than bits and pieces learned from being around wineries and vineyards because I grew up in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia) but I thoroughly enjoyed the story of accountant Samantha Goodyear daring to change her life and learn how to make wine and open her own winery. It’s a lovely story about taking risks, believing in yourself, and following your dreams.
August 25, 2021
Overall rating 3.75
I really wanted to give this book a 4, but I just couldn't.
I rarely write a full review. Mostly, I either just rate or leave a short paragraph. In this case, I felt compelled because I fell in love with the cover and the premise of the story. I love wine but knew nothing of the winemaking process. I learned enough here to be able to understand a conversation should I ever find myself in a group of winemakers. And I loved the wine terms at the top of each chapter.
The more I read, the more things went south. I started skimming when Samantha was in France and the abundant use of dialogue written in French. Unneeded and distracting for readers who are not familiar with the French language. The setting and overall tone were plenty to keep us firmly grounded on French soil.
I loved Aunt Vivian! But what happened to her story? Midway through the book, she simply vanished. Without giving a spoiler, I would love to know how she came about the items she willed to Samantha.
I loved Hal! However, the way it ended seemed overly contrived. In my opinion, the story would have worked better if he and Samantha had been able to work through all the issues together.
Which brings me to Julien and Benson and the abrupt THE END. Samantha did not finish her story. I looked to see if there will be a sequel. Perhaps. Who knows? Will I read it? Doubtful, but maybe.
Bottom line: Wonderful premise, but not so wonderful execution.
I really wanted to give this book a 4, but I just couldn't.
I rarely write a full review. Mostly, I either just rate or leave a short paragraph. In this case, I felt compelled because I fell in love with the cover and the premise of the story. I love wine but knew nothing of the winemaking process. I learned enough here to be able to understand a conversation should I ever find myself in a group of winemakers. And I loved the wine terms at the top of each chapter.
The more I read, the more things went south. I started skimming when Samantha was in France and the abundant use of dialogue written in French. Unneeded and distracting for readers who are not familiar with the French language. The setting and overall tone were plenty to keep us firmly grounded on French soil.
I loved Aunt Vivian! But what happened to her story? Midway through the book, she simply vanished. Without giving a spoiler, I would love to know how she came about the items she willed to Samantha.
I loved Hal! However, the way it ended seemed overly contrived. In my opinion, the story would have worked better if he and Samantha had been able to work through all the issues together.
Which brings me to Julien and Benson and the abrupt THE END. Samantha did not finish her story. I looked to see if there will be a sequel. Perhaps. Who knows? Will I read it? Doubtful, but maybe.
Bottom line: Wonderful premise, but not so wonderful execution.
April 22, 2021
This captivating story totally transported me, and I truly enjoyed Samantha Goodyear’s journey from her 9-5 job in Manhattan, to working the vineyards in France, and finally to Napa. I cheered for her all the way. Her adventure begins when she decides to leave her soul crushing day job and heads to the South of France to learn traditional winemaking from one of the oldest and finest wineries.
Samantha is a smart, gutsy character, who never doubts herself. Her story is interwoven with that of her Great Aunt Vivian’s, who also went to France as a young woman, escaping from a comfortable but predictable existence. Samantha and Vivian both follow their dreams and their instincts, and refuse to settle for conventional lives.
Linda Sheehan writes a great story, with very real characters in beautifully described settings.
You want Samantha to succeed every step of the way, and you learn all about winemaking as you follow her on her journey. She’s the kind of young woman who picks herself up and dusts herself off, and nothing stops her. She’s a great role model and I’m full of admiration for the author who created her.
Samantha is a smart, gutsy character, who never doubts herself. Her story is interwoven with that of her Great Aunt Vivian’s, who also went to France as a young woman, escaping from a comfortable but predictable existence. Samantha and Vivian both follow their dreams and their instincts, and refuse to settle for conventional lives.
Linda Sheehan writes a great story, with very real characters in beautifully described settings.
You want Samantha to succeed every step of the way, and you learn all about winemaking as you follow her on her journey. She’s the kind of young woman who picks herself up and dusts herself off, and nothing stops her. She’s a great role model and I’m full of admiration for the author who created her.
October 18, 2021
First, let me tell. I am a wine lover. Like I have multiple glasses most days. So, any book that has or is centered around wine, like yummy 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐫, from 𝙋𝙤𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨…..??? I👏am👏there👏for👏it.
And, I will tell you. This book was awesome. It was magnificently written, with wonderfully chiseled characters. There was humor, there was romance, there was 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚. I loved the way I felt transported to the heart of the story and enjoyed every page turn, with every sip of wine I took. I loved falling in love with all of the amazing characters. It was most definitely a fun ride for me!
This is one of my favorite reads of 2021. If you are a wine lover, this is a must read for you. If you are a fan of beautifully writing styles, vivid descriptions, characters that become family and books that make you crave more, grab this one up now. Make sure to grab a glass of your favorite wine when you do! Well done, Sheehan. Hats off, to an amazing 4 star read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
And, I will tell you. This book was awesome. It was magnificently written, with wonderfully chiseled characters. There was humor, there was romance, there was 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚. I loved the way I felt transported to the heart of the story and enjoyed every page turn, with every sip of wine I took. I loved falling in love with all of the amazing characters. It was most definitely a fun ride for me!
This is one of my favorite reads of 2021. If you are a wine lover, this is a must read for you. If you are a fan of beautifully writing styles, vivid descriptions, characters that become family and books that make you crave more, grab this one up now. Make sure to grab a glass of your favorite wine when you do! Well done, Sheehan. Hats off, to an amazing 4 star read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
June 15, 2021
I honestly chose this book to read because of the cover. But I was definitely not disappointed once I started reading. It caught my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through.
This is the take of Samantha. Samantha has a dream of making wine. She is an up and coming accountant at an up and coming accounting firm. But when she is given the chance to be a toiler at a vineyard in France she cannot say no.
I enjoyed this book because Samantha made me feel as if there is nothing that I cannot do. This isn't just a story about a girl who follows her dreams. Nope, there's also some love and romance to go along with the wine.
What more could you ask for?
Thank you Netgalley, the publishers and the author for the chance to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is the take of Samantha. Samantha has a dream of making wine. She is an up and coming accountant at an up and coming accounting firm. But when she is given the chance to be a toiler at a vineyard in France she cannot say no.
I enjoyed this book because Samantha made me feel as if there is nothing that I cannot do. This isn't just a story about a girl who follows her dreams. Nope, there's also some love and romance to go along with the wine.
What more could you ask for?
Thank you Netgalley, the publishers and the author for the chance to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Romcoms are not my typical read but I thought I would give this a shot. I loved the premise of following your dreams and doing something you are passionate about. I think the wine part also sold me because I would seriously quit my day job for that ;). But overall, the book fell a bit short for me. I felt it was very rushed and a tad too perfectly unrealistic and the romance happened in the blink of an eye. I wish the characters were more delveloped and there was more depth to the story as well as an ending that left me satisfied. By the end of the book I felt like I ran a marathon without actually running.
June 28, 2021
Fantastic! Samantha has it all. A great job many would envy. But she’s missing something. A wine lover she feels like she would love to make her own brand. Risk everything to give herself a chance to do this may seem crazy to some. But she does it! Giving up her job and using her savings she sets off to France. While she starts her journey from the beginning she learns the wine making and bottling process as well as finds some romance. Though her journey isn’t a easy one she does it admirably and with fun. I really enjoyed this fun read! Highly recommend you grab this!
April 27, 2021
This book is a real gem. It is a beautifully written tale spanning three generations and two continents with colorful/steamy/delicious stops in the ancient vineyards of France, the spectacular fields of Napa and the corridors of New York. The only thing better is to have a glass of Pinot in hand while reading it. C’est bon.
June 11, 2021
This was a wonderful story about following your dreams. Samantha longs for more than her accounting job. Her interest is wine making. Following in her great aunt Vivians footsteps she heads to France to work in the vineyards. Vivian also longed for more and headed to Paris where she worked as a model for an artist and there is more to her story that unfolds. In France Samantha learns the art of wine making along with a little romance. This was a good read. I liked the whole wine making process and learning about it. I liked Samantha's determination for going after what she really wants. A story about following your passions, secrets, wine and a little romance. Nice summer read with a backdrop of the beautiful wine country. I enjoyed.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
June 18, 2021
A story of grapes, wine, first crushes, and juicy redemption. Decanted was all about strong women and following your dreams. I really enjoyed learning about grapes and wine and tagging along with Vivian and Samantha. I highly recommend pairing this one with a lovely glass of wine (if that’s your thing).
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
July 3, 2021
I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway and it is a decent summer read - light and easy. I like the fact that the story centers around the wine industry. Lots of knowledge shared on wine making, which I found interesting. As a story, I struggled a bit. I found the main character hard to relate to due to unrealistic circumstances. Every obstacle she faced was overcome by unrealistic “good fortune”. I would have liked to see a more in-depth and deeper connection to each character. Overall, it’s a decent story if you are looking for light hearted and easy to read.
April 16, 2021
Stories where modern day people are inspired by the legend of their ancestors are among my favorites, both to read and to recommend. When these books are well done, they are a perfect mix of historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. Decanted is a great example of this kind of story.
Samantha is a woman living in present day NYC, who decides to leave her life of steady pay and comfortable living to accept an invitation to visit a French domaine, a vineyard and winery, where she will help with the grape harvest. There she meets people who will inspire her to try her own hand at growing grapes and making wine, using old French techniques in Napa Valley. Loving wine is in Samantha's blood -- her great aunt ran off to France in the 1930s to become a model and wine connoisseur, and her high spirited parents clearly have a passion for. . . let's say life. Although the hard work of growing a harvest of grapes to produce a good wine is accurately portrayed in this book, Samantha meets the challenges head on, from the escapades of sexy Julien and his family, to learning to manage a forklift in a tasting room, to dealing with the incredibly competitive Napa Valley wine makers. She is determined to produce the best wine she can, with the help of friends and family.
This is a great piece of fiction for wine lovers. The book clearly describes the arduous process of producing wine, from figuring out when to harvest the grapes, to what techniques are used to make the substance, to bottling and labeling the final result. It never once feels like reading a text book, and this interesting information is delivered flawlessly as part of the story. There is some great description of wine, which made me crave a glass while reading. There were scenes (featuring Sam's parents) that made me laugh out loud, and I loved the moments in the story where we go back in time to get reflections from Sam's Aunt Viv. If you're looking for something to keep you occupied during another covid summer, this book will be a great read. Open a bottle of your favorite wine, read this book, and dream of the day when we are allowed to travel safely to Napa Valley, or France. Consider growing grapes in your backyard, and say a prayer of thanks that there are people so passionate about wine that they are willing to spend long hours growing entire vineyards to produce some beautiful wine.
Samantha is a woman living in present day NYC, who decides to leave her life of steady pay and comfortable living to accept an invitation to visit a French domaine, a vineyard and winery, where she will help with the grape harvest. There she meets people who will inspire her to try her own hand at growing grapes and making wine, using old French techniques in Napa Valley. Loving wine is in Samantha's blood -- her great aunt ran off to France in the 1930s to become a model and wine connoisseur, and her high spirited parents clearly have a passion for. . . let's say life. Although the hard work of growing a harvest of grapes to produce a good wine is accurately portrayed in this book, Samantha meets the challenges head on, from the escapades of sexy Julien and his family, to learning to manage a forklift in a tasting room, to dealing with the incredibly competitive Napa Valley wine makers. She is determined to produce the best wine she can, with the help of friends and family.
This is a great piece of fiction for wine lovers. The book clearly describes the arduous process of producing wine, from figuring out when to harvest the grapes, to what techniques are used to make the substance, to bottling and labeling the final result. It never once feels like reading a text book, and this interesting information is delivered flawlessly as part of the story. There is some great description of wine, which made me crave a glass while reading. There were scenes (featuring Sam's parents) that made me laugh out loud, and I loved the moments in the story where we go back in time to get reflections from Sam's Aunt Viv. If you're looking for something to keep you occupied during another covid summer, this book will be a great read. Open a bottle of your favorite wine, read this book, and dream of the day when we are allowed to travel safely to Napa Valley, or France. Consider growing grapes in your backyard, and say a prayer of thanks that there are people so passionate about wine that they are willing to spend long hours growing entire vineyards to produce some beautiful wine.
April 27, 2021
Great book with extremely well done characters. I read the whole thing in a day because I didn’t want to put it down at all. Super story that makes you want to revisit your own dreams.
June 3, 2021
Doesn’t this cover make you smile?
Decanted by Linda Sheehan talks about believing in yourself, following your dreams, family, and wine.
Samantha enjoys wine and because of her exceptional taste for flavors, she likes to learn more about them. Because of that, she wants to do expand her accounting firm to the wine industry.
But that never happens, she decides to quit her job and move to France to assist a well-known family harvest their wine.
This gives her an opportunity to learn a lot about the business and travel all over France to learn more about wines, and what they are being made. This priceless education helps her to start making her own wine when she leaves.
I enjoyed knowing Samantha, how she followed her dream and believed in herself.
The premise of the story was also very interesting, and anything about Paris that reminds me of my days living there is a feel-good read for me.
Many thanks to Suzanne Leopold for having me on this tour.
Decanted by Linda Sheehan talks about believing in yourself, following your dreams, family, and wine.
Samantha enjoys wine and because of her exceptional taste for flavors, she likes to learn more about them. Because of that, she wants to do expand her accounting firm to the wine industry.
But that never happens, she decides to quit her job and move to France to assist a well-known family harvest their wine.
This gives her an opportunity to learn a lot about the business and travel all over France to learn more about wines, and what they are being made. This priceless education helps her to start making her own wine when she leaves.
I enjoyed knowing Samantha, how she followed her dream and believed in herself.
The premise of the story was also very interesting, and anything about Paris that reminds me of my days living there is a feel-good read for me.
Many thanks to Suzanne Leopold for having me on this tour.
May 13, 2021
I drink red wine and was intrigued by the book's cool cover and write-up. Samantha Goodyear is a fun character to follow, and I especially liked the story of her Aunt Vivian as a young woman in Paris. The descriptions of wine country made me want to hop on a plane, and I like the choices both women end up making. I also learned a lot about the business of making wine., which I enjoyed.
May 15, 2021
Mini Thoughts
Sam is a rising star at Weatherhouse Accounting, but when she takes an out of the box idea to her boss she is quickly rejected. This got her thinking about the direction she wants her life to take because working behind a desk clocking 50 plus hours a week is not working anymore. Taking a cue from her Great-Aunt Vivian, who was a courageous woman, Sam leaves for the South of France where she learns the ins and outs about the winemaking process so she can make and bottle her own wine someday.
This was such a fun read about one of the most determined characters I have ever read about. We get to travel with Sam as she learns all about the wine making business. She was warned not to fall in love with the local skirt chaser, but there had to be a little romance thrown in! I thought the romance part happened rather quickly, and I would have liked that to be drawn out a little. I was glad there was a change of scenery from France to Napa Valley, CA because it felt like Sam's life really took off in California. We also get to read about Sam's Great-Aunt Vivian's work as a model and eventually working for Vogue Paris pre-World War II. I would love to read a book just on Vivian.
Randomly alternating between Sam and her Great-Aunt Vivian we get to see how these two women take the path least expected and succeed!
Thank you to Author Linda Sheehan and GetRed PR for my #copy and bottle of wine! This book is available now!
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: The author's very own Poe Wines Ferrington Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
Sam is a rising star at Weatherhouse Accounting, but when she takes an out of the box idea to her boss she is quickly rejected. This got her thinking about the direction she wants her life to take because working behind a desk clocking 50 plus hours a week is not working anymore. Taking a cue from her Great-Aunt Vivian, who was a courageous woman, Sam leaves for the South of France where she learns the ins and outs about the winemaking process so she can make and bottle her own wine someday.
This was such a fun read about one of the most determined characters I have ever read about. We get to travel with Sam as she learns all about the wine making business. She was warned not to fall in love with the local skirt chaser, but there had to be a little romance thrown in! I thought the romance part happened rather quickly, and I would have liked that to be drawn out a little. I was glad there was a change of scenery from France to Napa Valley, CA because it felt like Sam's life really took off in California. We also get to read about Sam's Great-Aunt Vivian's work as a model and eventually working for Vogue Paris pre-World War II. I would love to read a book just on Vivian.
Randomly alternating between Sam and her Great-Aunt Vivian we get to see how these two women take the path least expected and succeed!
Thank you to Author Linda Sheehan and GetRed PR for my #copy and bottle of wine! This book is available now!
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: The author's very own Poe Wines Ferrington Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
April 27, 2021
This book was such a fun read. I love enjoying a glass of wine at the end of the day, but never knew much about how it is made. I learned so much about the process without even realizing it. Just a joy.
April 23, 2021
Fun & fantastic! Nor just a goodread - a great read!
May 2, 2021
This story really tells us that we can follow our dreams, and I love that! Samantha leaves her day job behind to become a wine maker. She gets an internship in France🥳!!! (but it’s unpaid😔). That is okay though, she takes her life’s savings and hops on a plane!
Samantha is this inspiring character that makes you truly feel like you can do anything! Learning about wine making with Samantha was an amazing experience. Watching her learn and grow felt easy and I just enjoyed the story from start to finish!
Characters are really important to me, and all the characters in this were easy to get to know and likeable! Samantha was a character I really enjoyed getting to know. She’s quite the inspiring person. She’s determined, works hard, and wants to succeed at her goals. I loved her story!
Before you sit down to start this one, make sure to pour a glass of wine! It’s a must-pair kind of story!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Samantha is this inspiring character that makes you truly feel like you can do anything! Learning about wine making with Samantha was an amazing experience. Watching her learn and grow felt easy and I just enjoyed the story from start to finish!
Characters are really important to me, and all the characters in this were easy to get to know and likeable! Samantha was a character I really enjoyed getting to know. She’s quite the inspiring person. She’s determined, works hard, and wants to succeed at her goals. I loved her story!
Before you sit down to start this one, make sure to pour a glass of wine! It’s a must-pair kind of story!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 2, 2021
Reading Linda Sheehan’s Decanted, a story of an American abroad, in which New World spirit clashes with Old World tradition, I was reminded of Henry James. The characters are richly drawn and the dialogue crackles with life. And I learned a lot about wine too!
November 4, 2021
Fun and light read. Loved reading about the origins or some of the fine wines and explanations of the stages of production in a sexy way.
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