The Vineyard At Painted Moon by Susan Mallery | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

"In true Susan Mallery fashion, strong female characters, friendship, and family are at the center of THE VINEYARD AT PAINTED MOON. You're sure to laugh and cry along the journey and delight in the happy ending."—Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Virgin River
“The Vineyard at Painted Moon feels like a story about courage—about making hard choices so that you can live an authentic life.”—Katherine Center, New York Times bestselling author of What You Wish For
Step into the vineyard with Susan Mallery’s most irresistible novel yet, as one woman searches for the perfect blend of love, family and wine.
Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.
Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

Why Did I Listen To The Vineyard At Painted Moon by Susan Mallery?

I tend to like books about vineyards (like the ones by Kristan Higgins) and I have also liked what I’ve previously read by Susan Mallery. So, reading The Vineyard At Painted Moon seemed like a no brainer. When the audiobook came across my radar via the Libby app,  I knew it would be a perfect listen for me. After all, I love women’s fiction and especially via audio. For me, they’re super easy to pay attention to and understand exactly what is going on.

What’s The Story Here?

The Vineyard At Painted Moon is about Mackenzie Dienes who is the winemaker at Bell Apres Vineyard which is owned by her husband Rhys’s family. Mackenzie has real talent. She feels like she is such an important part of the Barcellona family. After all, her sister in law Stephanie was basically her college roommate if I remember correctly. Her mother in law Barbara has referred to her as the daughter of her heart. Only, unfortunately, Rhys wants a divorce. As it turns out, blood is more important to Barbara and she’s super terrible to Mackenzie.

So, now Mackenzie has some choices to make. Will she stay at Bell Apres? Will she find a new job? Or will Mackenzie strike out on her own? Oh, and also, there just so happens to be a baby on the way which complicates matters even more.

How Did I Like The Vineyard At Painted Moon?

I really found The Vineyard At Painted Moon to be quite an enjoyable read. Mackenzie really finds her way in this book and I enjoyed that journey for her. I also enjoyed how her sister in law Stephanie grew as she also makes the decision to find a job outside of Bell Apres. As for the mother in law, Barbara, she gets her own chapters. I felt like Barbara was a little over the top with her meanness. She’s very rude to Mackenzie after the divorce and it comes out of left field. Barbara does some really underhanded things and well, it makes sense that she faces consequences. However, Barbara just seems a little over the top for me.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook is narrated by Tanya Eby who is another new to me narrator. She really nails make the character of Barbara come off as overbearing and rude and super frustrating. However, to be fair, Eby also makes the characters who aren’t jerks come across as likable just based on how she voices. I had a tremendous time listening to this via audio and would definitely recommend it for just a relaxing sort of listen.

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

• Wreck The Halls by Tessa Bailey | Book Review - December 26, 2023
• Along Came Holly by Codi Hall | Book Review - December 23, 2023
• The Christmas Brides Of Twilight by Lori Wilde | Audiobook Review - December 14, 2023