The Champagne War in Aussie Readers

Oct 31, 2020 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, historical-fiction, won, own-read, 2020-release, reviewing-by-request, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, uncorrected-proof

When fifth generation champenoise, Sophie Delancré fell in love with vigneron Jerome Mea, Jerome’s brother Louis had his nose out of joint. For Louis had wanted Sophie for himself. Their wedding was delightful, but within a month of their union, Jerome headed to war. 1914 and the Germans were doing untold damage to the country and its people. In Ypres, Jerome felt the first of the German’s use of poison gas, while back home in Épernay, Sophie despaired of hearing anything other than “missing, pr When fifth generation champenoise, Sophie Delancré fell in love with vigneron Jerome Mea, Jerome’s brother Louis had his nose out of joint. For Louis had wanted Sophie for himself. Their wedding was delightful, but within a month of their union, Jerome headed to war. 1914 and the Germans were doing untold damage to the country and its people. In Ypres, Jerome felt the first of the German’s use of poison gas, while back home in Épernay, Sophie despaired of hearing anything other than “missing, presumed dead”.

Charlie Nash, a British chemist, was now Captain Charlie Nash, controlling his men with kindness and compassion. His marksmanship was legendary, and he did much to keep his men alive. But the German offensive in France saw him badly injured and when he was brought to Reims to the hospital Sophie had set up in the champagne cellars, then on to Sophie’s mansion in Épernay, where the wounded recovered in the fresh air and peace of the countryside, his desperate wish to die was gradually changed to a will to live.

As Sophie and Charlie formed a friendship, Sophie despaired of ever finding Jerome alive. It had been over three years and everyone except Sophie was sure he was dead. In fact, Louis continued to tell her she needed to let his brother go – Sophie shuddered at what Louis implied. What would be the outcome for Sophie? For the British soldier, Charlie? And could Sophie produce the 1918 vintage in this terrible time of war?

The Champagne War is another exceptional historical novel from the pen of Aussie author Fiona McIntosh which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in France during the first world war, among the trials and tribulations of those left behind – the women, children and elderly – who kept the country running as best they could. They grieved, as their loved ones were pronounced dead – as the mayor accompanied the telegram boy with his grim message. But they kept going – and Sophie’s strength of character, her fortitude, shone through. A superb read which I highly recommend, from an author who never disappoints.

With thanks to Penguin Random House and the author for my uncorrected proof ARC which I won, in exchange for an honest review.
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Nov 09, 2020 Helen rated it it was amazing

This is a book that held me enthralled from start to finish, beautifully written, this one takes us to France at the start of World War 1 and lets us get to know Vigneron Jerome Mea and champenoise Sophie Delancre as we journey with them during the hard days of the war, it is a moving and emotional journey.

It is summer in the south of France and Sophie has just met the love of her life, yes it was love at first sight and what a match a Vigneron and her being a champenoise this is sure to be a lo This is a book that held me enthralled from start to finish, beautifully written, this one takes us to France at the start of World War 1 and lets us get to know Vigneron Jerome Mea and champenoise Sophie Delancre as we journey with them during the hard days of the war, it is a moving and emotional journey.

It is summer in the south of France and Sophie has just met the love of her life, yes it was love at first sight and what a match a Vigneron and her being a champenoise this is sure to be a long and loving life together growing grapes and making champagne,. But sadly war breaks out within days of their marriage and Jerome goes off to war to keep Sophie and France safe, when Jerome goes missing presumed dead Sophie is devastated but remains strong and works so hard to ensure that the champagne will continue to be made, life is very hard but Sophie shows her strength and caring character and does all she can as the bombs and guns are going off not far from them.

Charles Nash is a chemist working in England he decides to join up when the Germans starting sending poisonous gases killing many soldiers rather than be part of the team that will retaliate, he is an excellent shot and is made captain he is in the trenches fighting with his men, it is hard to not want to die yourself as you see so many others dying and after a battle that just about takes him out he ends up in an underground hospital in France, here he meets the beautiful Sophie he is soon moved to her mansion in Epernay where she also helps with the wounded and with her help he soon becomes strong again and also loses his heart to her.

Sophie is struggling with feelings for Charlie she has never given up on Jerome coming home and with her brother in law pushing in a nasty way, Sophie needs someone to lean on and Charlie is there for her, she must make up her mind, it is hard loving two men and when Jerome’s blood stained jacket is found she finally reconciles that she will never see Jerome again, Charlie has never loved anyone before and Sophie means everything to him he is understanding about her husband and dives in and helps with the champagne making and life appears to be moving forward and the end of the war is very close.

This story has a lot of ups and downs and I felt their struggles as the war goes on around the beautiful people of Epernay and Fiona McIntosh has made these characters real, alive, filled with emotions as I turned the pages. A wonderfully written historical story that showed what people went through, their strengths, their feelings, I loved it there were many tears during this one and heartbreak as well as joy and happiness and all of these come together in a story that I would highly recommend.

Thank you Penguin Random House for my copy to read.
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Nov 28, 2020 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-are, aussie-author, provided-by-publisher

Set in France during World War I, The Champagne War by Fiona McIntosh is a grand tale of romance, resilience, courage and champagne.

It is love at first sight between Sophie Delancré, a fifth generation champenoise, and vigneron Jerome Méa, but they have mere weeks together following their wedding in 1914 before Jerome must leave his bride to do his duty in defence of France. Determined that the production of the Delancré House will not falter despite the war, Sophie throws herself into her dual Set in France during World War I, The Champagne War by Fiona McIntosh is a grand tale of romance, resilience, courage and champagne.

It is love at first sight between Sophie Delancré, a fifth generation champenoise, and vigneron Jerome Méa, but they have mere weeks together following their wedding in 1914 before Jerome must leave his bride to do his duty in defence of France. Determined that the production of the Delancré House will not falter despite the war, Sophie throws herself into her dual role of tending the vines and making her champagne while she waits for the return of her new husband. When the news that Jerome is missing, lost in action when his position in Ypres was attacked during the first deployment of Chlorine gas by the Germans, reaches her a year later, Sophie is devastated, but without a body, refuses to relinquish the hope that he is alive somewhere. As the war drags on and the fighting creeps closer, Sophie and those left behind in the villages of Épernay and Reims, nevertheless continue to nurture the vineyards and ensure the production of their champagne, though to do so risks placing Sophie in the debt of her odious brother-in-law, Louis.

Sophie is a wonderful character, she is a smart, strong, passionate, and independent woman, but her loyalty to her family’s legacy is near all-consuming. With Jerome missing, presumed dead, and the privations of war worsening affecting her ability to produce champagne, Sophie becomes vulnerable to Louis’s manipulation. It’s the fortuitous arrival of injured British Army Captain and former chemist, Charlie Nash, that provides Sophie with an alternative, not only to her grief and loneliness, but also her desperate need for sugar.

Charlie is the only member of his company to survive a fierce battle on the outskirts of Reim, having been badly injured he is invited to convalesce at Sophie’s home in Épernay along with a dozen or so other soldiers. He is an appealing character, revealing himself to be a principled man despite the compromises demanded by war. Charlie is immediately infatuated with Sophie, who is surprised to find she returns his interest, even though she can’t let go of the hope that Jerome still lives.

Though romance is an essential element of The Champagne War, the story is much more than just that. As always, McIntosh masterfully weaves historical fact into her tale of fiction. The story is meticulously researched in terms of location, period and the specifics of the champagne industry. The horrors of war, particularly as experienced by Jerome and Charlie, are portrayed with authenticity, and though I personally dislike the taste of champagne, I still found learning about its complex production and makeup to be interesting. For those that enjoy a drop or two, Fiona has thoughtfully provided a bonus, recipe’s for Sabayon and Champagne Truffles.

The Champagne War is a sparkling, elegant, and effervescent, novel, to be savoured. ...more

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Oct 13, 2020 Janine rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review

A sweeping saga that takes us from the trenches of WW1 to the vineyards of France 🇫🇷. My first book by Fiona McIntosh but definitely won’t be my last!

Great story and the added bonus of learning all about the making of champagne 🍾.

Great historical fiction with strong characters - history and a touch of romance. Really enjoyed it!

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Aug 12, 2021 Karen rated it really liked it

Sophie Delancre is a 5th generation champenoise and in the summer of 1914 she marries vigneron Jerome Mea. A month after their wedding Jerome heads off to war, but he was gassed on the battle ground of Ypres and loses his memory. He is declared missing but Sophie never gives up hope that he is alive. Jerome’s older brother Louis wants Sophie for himself as her wealth will help solve his financial problems, so he keeps pressuring her to commit to marrying him. British chemist Charlie Nash is inju ...more

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