This is a mellow, very appealing, age gap love story.
Madison Jones has always been a city girl. She lives in
Denver with her girlfriend of three years, a semi-brity chef, Kacey. Madison is
a pottery artist and works as a barista too. Kacey is offered a job in Oregon
in a vineyard, Minerva Hills Winery, to start a new high-end restaurant.
Madison never had any doubt that she’d go with Kacey anywhere and is happy to
make the move. Kacey’s new job comes with rent-free on-site accommodation and
Madison finds her perfect studio in the sunroom of the cottage. The quiet of
the vineyard is perfect for Madison who has not yet come to terms with the
death of her beloved brother a year ago. While still living her life, her
brother’s passing has had a huge impact on Madison. Once a party-girl with a
penchant for casual hook-ups and anonymous sex, Madison is now much more
introspective. At the vineyard, Madison meets the owner and winemaker, CS
Freeburn. Madison keeps running into the quiet, almost surly woman and has a
certain latent attraction for her. An attraction that is deep buried because
Madison is totally into Kacey. While Madison enjoying the beauty of her new
home, Kacey, though excited about her job is not quite on the same page about
the quiet environs. And then Madison catches Kacey with another woman. She is
shattered and strangely it is the stand-offish CS who proves to be her anchor.
Right from the outset, it is clear that the Madison-Kacey
relationship is not working. Almost half the book is about this couple with
interactions between Madison and CS interspersed showing a sympathy between
them. The relationship between Madison and CS builds slowly even though the
attraction is clear. Though the narration is entirely Madison’s PoV, there is
no doubt about CS’ emotions. CS is low-key in expressing her emotions but you
can feel the depth, the solidity and steadfastness. Madison is largely alone on
the vineyard but we can so understand how that time, space and place can be
therapeutic. We found the attraction believable and last scene totally, totally
sweet.
We thoroughly enjoyed this book and the relationship
actually made us feel.
⭐⭐⭐☆
