In the heart of the California wine country, secrets seem to grow on the vines that Uriel Macon’s family have tended for generations.
Uriel, the winery’s young widower, steers clear of complicated relationships. He prefers the lonely comfort of his vineyard and his horses, until he is reminded of his love affair with Amanda Scanlon; a relationship that ended when she abruptly left the country years ago under a cloud of mystery.
When Amanda returns to Sonoma because of a family crisis, she tries to mend the broken relationships she left behind. In addition, she seeks the truth about her parents’ complicated history and her own parentage.
But Amanda’s unveiling of the past has devastating consequences. In the midst of California’s beautiful Sonoma Valley, the Scanlon family struggles to overcome harsh realities with dignity and grace.
Both Amanda and Uriel stretch to take care of their families, which are facing immigration issues, marital crises, and loss. While navigating these challenges, the couple must decide if they trust themselves to love again, or to finally let each other go.
A Sonoma local, author Joanell Serra’s debut novel is captivating, poignant, and uplifting, demonstrating how seeds planted long ago continue to grow. Sometimes into a strangling weed, sometimes offering a bountiful harvest.
Paperback: 288 pages
Genre: Fiction/Literature
Publisher: WiDO (May 8th 2018)
ISBN-10: 1947966022
ISBN-13: 978-1947966024
The Vines We Planted is available for purchase in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.
There is still a book giveaway and contest happening for another day or so:
To win a copy of the print version of The Vines We Planted, please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of the launch day post. The giveaway contest closes Sunday, May 6th at 12 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day in the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!
About the Author:
After years of publishing short stories, essays and plays, The Vines We Planted is her debut novel. She can be found polishing her second novel at a coffee shop, sipping a perfect Cabernet in a Sonoma winery or at her website: www.JoanellSerraAuthor.com.
Find Joanell Online:
https://www.facebook.com/Joanellserrauthor/
https://www.instagram.com/joanellserraauthor/
http://joanellserraauthor.com/author-blog/
-----5 Star Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto
There are so many things to love about The Vines We Planted by Joanell Serra. I will try to hit the high points but definitely recommend everyone grab their own copy. This is an easy read you will devour in one or two sittings; most definitely a book you won't want to put down!
The characters in The Vines We Planted are deep and very well written. Any time I read about human emotion, trials, love, etc... it is very important the author connect me as a reader with the characters I am reading about. Serra did this beautifully. As I was reading I didn't find myself wishing the author had included a few more details, better dialogue, etc... I can say without hesitation I wouldn't change anything with how well each character is depicted. In fact, I was very surprised when I learned this was Serra's debut novel, she writes like a seasoned author with several novels under her belt. One of my favorite lines turned out to be this one:
"Sheila's eyes flapped wide open, like painted butterfly wings"
I have heard many comparisons, but never eyes to painted butterfly wings. This line stuck with me like so many other visuals in this beautiful book.
I have never traveled to California's beautiful Sonoma Valley, but somehow I feel I now have. Reading The Vines We Planted transported me as a reader; only a skilled author can manage such a feat. The imagery is impressive and particularly moving - and the gorgeous book cover doesn't hurt either!
This is a quick read. I didn't want to stop until the very end and I'm hoping Serra will be writing more about the Sonoma Valley and the Scanlon family. The Vines We Planted is an intricately woven tale I would absolutely recommend to a friend.
----------Upcoming Blog Tour Dates
Monday, May 7th @ Beverley Baird
Beverley Baird reviews Joanell Serra's latest work The Vines We Planted and shares her thoughts with readers at Beverley A Baird.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, May 8th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews Joanell Serra about her writing and her latest novel The Vines We Planted. Don't miss today's informative and encouraging author interview! http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 9th @ The Constant Story
Fellow author David Berner reviews The Vines We Planted by Joanell Serra. Readers at The Constant Story will delight in learning about this beautifully written novel published by Wido Publishing. http://davidwberner.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 10th @ Coffee with Lacey
Readers at Coffee With Lacey learn more about the beautiful The Vines We Planted as Lacey reviews Joanell Serra's latest novel.
http://www.coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/
Monday, May 14th @ Choices
Joanell Serra is today's guest blogger at Choices. Her article about Mental health is one you won't want to miss. Learn about this and find out about Serra's novel The Vines We Planted.
http://madelinesharples.com/
Thursday, May 24th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Joanell Serra pens today's guest post with Kathleen Pooler - don't miss Serra's insight about mother/daughter relationships and find out more about her new book The Vines We Planted.
https://krpooler.com/
Friday, May 25th @ BookWorm
Anjanette Potter reviews Joanell Serra's The Vines We Planted and shares her thoughts with readers at BookWorm!
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
I can’t say enough nice things about this lovely book and even lovelier author.
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