A Delicate Finish

Francesca DeAngelo has struggled to keep her vineyard and winery afloat through financial difficulties over the last few years. With the help of her feisty, headstrong mother-in-law, Julianne, Frances has managed quite remarkably considering the lousy harvests. But her troubles have just started. Now her ex-husband, Jake has decided to come back home after he left her and their eight year old son two years ago. Not to mention a huge corporation has invaded the valley; they are determined to mass-produce wine, thus putting the survival of the small vintners in jeopardy. And now, Francesca's smart and level-headed mother-in-law has fallen in love with Mitchell Gillette, the man in charge of settling the corporation's interests.

Mitchell has problems of his own. When his ex-wife passed away, he gained custody of his sixteen year-old twin children, Sarah and Drew. Can Mitchell keep his children from disastrous decisions, while keeping his own interests in the intriguing Julianne from clouding his judgment at his job?

Many issues are addressed in this fascinating and fast-paced novel, including love, betrayal, and trust. These multi-dimensional characters will worm their way into readers' hearts. Francesca took over the vineyard when her father passed away and has worked hard to prove herself in a man's world, sometimes at the cost of her family. When Jake felt he couldn't compete with her work, he left. Now he realizes what he lost and has a tough road ahead of him, proving to Francesca that he is sincere in his desire to get back all that they have lost. Julianne is Jake's mother. She has always stood beside Francesca, even moving in with her to help take care of her grandson. But Julianne is not immune to the charms of the handsome stranger with the troubled children, even though many judge him to be the enemy.

This colorful and enchanting cast of main characters are beautifully supported by an array of secondary characters that include Mitchell's children. Sarah is the peacemaker and very endearing. Drew is a troubled teen struggling to deal with the death of his mother, being uprooted from the home, school and friends he knows to move with his father, a virtual stranger, to a strange place where he knows no one. These teens touched this reviewer's heart and will touch yours too. Wonderfully written with nary a dull moment, A Delicate Finish will keep readers turning the pages, and wondering just how these complicated relationships will turn out. With its touching romance and low sexual content, this book is a perfect read for all contemporary romance lovers.

Reviewed by: Penny