They say change is inevitable and we can either choose to resist it or embrace it. When one embraces change, it provides one with an opportunity for growth, something the heroine from 📚The Vineyard at Painted Moon will discover. Not only did the change open new doors for her, it led to her discovering that the persons who she believed had her back only saw her as a means to an end.
To persons on the outside, Mackenzie Dienes appears to have an awesome life. A beautiful home, close friends, a handsome husband and dream job as a well sought after winemaker. There is just one problem: she earned the above through her marriage. So when she realized that her marriage had ended, she knew she would lose it all, a loss she had not been prepared for.
I had a great time with this book. My first time experiencing the author’s work and I would read more of her work.
Mackenzie’s resilience shined throughout the story. She embraced the change, albeit in fear, and ended up achieving much more than she had lost. I admired her strength, her intelligence and her caring nature.
The story featured likeable as well unlikeable characters. The two I found most detestable were Rhys, Mackenzie’s soon to be ex husband and her mother-in-law, Barbara. Rhys’ actions surprised me. Initially, he appeared to be on Mackenzie’s side despite the end of their marriage. However, as the story progressed, his weak and selfish nature reared its head. Then there was his mother. OMG! The woman was controlling, malicious, belligerent and downright vicious. She scared me. Thank goodness for the characters who brought light to Mackenzie’s life.
📚The Vineyard at Painted Moon with its excellent character development, superb pacing and wonderful world building proved an engaging read from start to finish.
I recommend this book without reservations to fans of contemporary women’s fiction.Â
Â
| Story Evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| World Building | |
| Writing Style | |
| Pacing | |
| Cover | |
| Enjoyment | |
| Ending | |
| Overall: |  |
[bctt tweet=”If you enjoy stories that a feature a strong heroine then The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery would be a perfect addition to your shelf. #womensfiction” username=”TtlyAdd2Reading”]
About Susan Mallery
#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.
- Accidentally Forever: Carrie Ann Ryan - April 28, 2025
- Enchantra: Kaylie Smith - April 26, 2025
- Blog Tour: The Spring In My Heart - April 24, 2025
This sounds adorable and I love that cover, Great review.
Thanks and yes it is a wonderful read. The cover is lovely for sure.
Glad to see you liked it, I have this one on my list
I hope you get the chance to read it.
Fantastic review! I’ve enjoyed this author, and this sounds like it hits all the wonderful things I enjoy about her writing.
I am sure you would enjoy this one, Kim.
I love the premise, I might have to check this one out.
If you do I hope you enjoy it.
Wow – what a solid rating! Good character development is always lovely.
Yes this was an awesome read. I agree character development is lovely.
Wow, 5 stars! I have never read Susan Mallery. It sounds like I should change that!
This was my first time reading her work. I am so glad I too the plunge. I think you would enjoy her too.
Yay! I’m glad you found a new favorite!
Thanks.
This one seems like it would really hit you in the heart.
It sure did.
I do love these stories where a woman goes through adversity like this and embraces the unknown to start again. 🙂
Same here. A character, which all readers can relate to.