Thursday, May 27, 2010
A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP ... ANOTHER REVIEW
MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER - Charlene Sands
Miniseries: Napa Valley Vows
Silhouette Desire #2016
ISBN: 978-0-373-73029-2
May 2010
Contemporary Romance
Napa Valley, California - Present Day
Tony Carlino left home to race fast cars. He did, and now retired, he has returned to Napa Valley. The only girl for him was Rena Fairfield, who was left behind when Tony’s career took off. With the death of his father, Santo Carlino, Tony learns that to meet the terms of the will he and his brothers, Nick and Joe, must run Carlino Winery. Fate throws another wrench at Tony. His best friend, David Montgomery, dies in a freak crash while racing in a local road race. Before David passes, he makes Tony promise to take care of his wife and their unborn child.
Rena Fairfield-Montgomery hates Tony. He not only broke her heart years ago, but if he had not returned, David would still be alive. Expecting a baby, and with her winery, Purple Fields, on the verge of bankruptcy, Rena tries in vain to get a loan. The bank turns her down, and Rena realizes she will have to sell the winery. Her staff is down to two workers, Solano and Raymond, who are more like best friends. Dismayed, Rena returns home only to see Tony parked at her door, and he wants to marry her and save the winery. Rena is beyond angry. His father did everything he could to drive all the small wineries out of business, and Tony wants to step in and make a wrong right.
MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER is a fast paced read. The beautiful wine county of Napa sets the stage for family, love, second chances and forgiveness. Tony is a fine tuned sexy hero who knows what he wants and goes for it. Tony has always loved Rena, and he doesn’t want to marry her as a business deal. He wants a family. As vulnerable as she is, Rena agrees to marry Tony. That’s the easy part. Vulnerable because of her loss, Rena is no shrinking violet. Her resolve to save her family winery is inspiring. But will she give Tony a second chance?
What I enjoyed about MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER was not just the romance, but also the excellent story line that weaves the characters together. This is the first installment of the Napa Valley trilogy; I look forward to the next chapter.
Enjoy, ladies.
Deborah C Jackson
Romance Reviews Today
Miniseries: Napa Valley Vows
Silhouette Desire #2016
ISBN: 978-0-373-73029-2
May 2010
Contemporary Romance
Napa Valley, California - Present Day
Tony Carlino left home to race fast cars. He did, and now retired, he has returned to Napa Valley. The only girl for him was Rena Fairfield, who was left behind when Tony’s career took off. With the death of his father, Santo Carlino, Tony learns that to meet the terms of the will he and his brothers, Nick and Joe, must run Carlino Winery. Fate throws another wrench at Tony. His best friend, David Montgomery, dies in a freak crash while racing in a local road race. Before David passes, he makes Tony promise to take care of his wife and their unborn child.
Rena Fairfield-Montgomery hates Tony. He not only broke her heart years ago, but if he had not returned, David would still be alive. Expecting a baby, and with her winery, Purple Fields, on the verge of bankruptcy, Rena tries in vain to get a loan. The bank turns her down, and Rena realizes she will have to sell the winery. Her staff is down to two workers, Solano and Raymond, who are more like best friends. Dismayed, Rena returns home only to see Tony parked at her door, and he wants to marry her and save the winery. Rena is beyond angry. His father did everything he could to drive all the small wineries out of business, and Tony wants to step in and make a wrong right.
MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER is a fast paced read. The beautiful wine county of Napa sets the stage for family, love, second chances and forgiveness. Tony is a fine tuned sexy hero who knows what he wants and goes for it. Tony has always loved Rena, and he doesn’t want to marry her as a business deal. He wants a family. As vulnerable as she is, Rena agrees to marry Tony. That’s the easy part. Vulnerable because of her loss, Rena is no shrinking violet. Her resolve to save her family winery is inspiring. But will she give Tony a second chance?
What I enjoyed about MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER was not just the romance, but also the excellent story line that weaves the characters together. This is the first installment of the Napa Valley trilogy; I look forward to the next chapter.
Enjoy, ladies.
Deborah C Jackson
Romance Reviews Today
Monday, May 24, 2010
WEDDED BLISS
My oldest child, my son Jason got married on Saturday. It was a wonderful wedding, the skies above so blue, the weather in the low 70's with a slight breeze. We were on the golf course, on the first tee... the arch was decorated with beautiful white roses and lilies. I'll post more pictures when I get them, but this is one of my son walking me down the aisle on his way up to the altar.
The bridesmaids were driven up to the wedding site by golf carts and then escorted off and walked down the aisle by the groomsmen. It was a lovely "golf course" wedding with the reception held inside a lovely room. I can't wait to show you more pictures. The bride looked beautiful and the flowers were stunning.
*** Oh and to make the week even more special, Million-Dollar Marriage Merger hit the USA Today Bestseller List! What more could a Mom/writer ask for? It was a wonderful week!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A REALLY COOL WAY to READ DESIRES...
if you own a Kindle.
Have you entered my Win-A-Kindle Contest yet?
Do you read with a Kindle? I'd love to know how many of you read on a Kindle. Look what you can get - all six Desire Books for May on AMAZON for $9.99.
Have you entered my Win-A-Kindle Contest yet?
Do you read with a Kindle? I'd love to know how many of you read on a Kindle. Look what you can get - all six Desire Books for May on AMAZON for $9.99.
Pretty neat... isn't it? This is the May Desire Bundle!
ONCE UPON A ROMANCE
Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger – Napa Valley Vows
Author: Charlene Sands
A failing business, an unborn child, and promises made bring Tony and Rena back together. Festering feelings of betrayal and pride may keep them apart…
They were so much in love at one time, but Tony Carlino’s need for speed, the racing circuit and Rena Montgomery’s need to stay home and take care of her mother through illness drove a bitter wedge between them.
Death, life, and survival are all weighing on Rena. Without Tony’s help she’ll have to give up the vineyard she loves. Yet as far as she’s concerned it’s because of Tony’s betrayal and his family that she’s in these circumstances.
Yes, for various reasons she’ll marry him but she’ll never love or trust him again. To forgive him would perhaps be a betrayal to her deceased husband, David. To forgive him would mean she still has buried feelings for Tony and would be open to exploring them. Feeling them.
Tony still cares for Rena, but life, as it does, moved on. Decisions were made, people were hurt. He can’t change the past no matter how much either of them wishes he could. What he can do is secure the future and try and make things up to Rena as best he can. Love her as best he can.
Their love was once all-consuming. Something Rena lived for. Since then her life and love has been more sedate, and she thought that’s how she wanted it. But being with Tony has opened up places in her she wanted to forget about. If she dares to forgive, can she spread her wings and allow herself to live, love, again?
What a quick and pleasant read. I continually found myself encouraging Tony and chiding Rena. A sure sign the author has done her job by involving the reader’s emotions.
Though it was sufficient, I would have liked a bit more Carlino background. Curiosity has been piqued with Tony’s brothers. Maybe more will be revealed in Nick and Joe’s stories, should they be forthcoming. Rena’s background, however, was laid out for the reader with precision. Understandably as she was the one who went through the majority of emotional upheaval.
Ms. Sands has penned a story of emotional tragedy and triumph. The reader can equally empathize with Rena and Tony; why they acted and reacted to situations that had the potential to change the course of their lives. Silhouette Desire readers will be very happy with this angst-ridden romance.
Happy Reading,
Connie
Title: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger – Napa Valley Vows
Author: Charlene Sands
A failing business, an unborn child, and promises made bring Tony and Rena back together. Festering feelings of betrayal and pride may keep them apart…
They were so much in love at one time, but Tony Carlino’s need for speed, the racing circuit and Rena Montgomery’s need to stay home and take care of her mother through illness drove a bitter wedge between them.
Death, life, and survival are all weighing on Rena. Without Tony’s help she’ll have to give up the vineyard she loves. Yet as far as she’s concerned it’s because of Tony’s betrayal and his family that she’s in these circumstances.
Yes, for various reasons she’ll marry him but she’ll never love or trust him again. To forgive him would perhaps be a betrayal to her deceased husband, David. To forgive him would mean she still has buried feelings for Tony and would be open to exploring them. Feeling them.
Tony still cares for Rena, but life, as it does, moved on. Decisions were made, people were hurt. He can’t change the past no matter how much either of them wishes he could. What he can do is secure the future and try and make things up to Rena as best he can. Love her as best he can.
Their love was once all-consuming. Something Rena lived for. Since then her life and love has been more sedate, and she thought that’s how she wanted it. But being with Tony has opened up places in her she wanted to forget about. If she dares to forgive, can she spread her wings and allow herself to live, love, again?
What a quick and pleasant read. I continually found myself encouraging Tony and chiding Rena. A sure sign the author has done her job by involving the reader’s emotions.
Though it was sufficient, I would have liked a bit more Carlino background. Curiosity has been piqued with Tony’s brothers. Maybe more will be revealed in Nick and Joe’s stories, should they be forthcoming. Rena’s background, however, was laid out for the reader with precision. Understandably as she was the one who went through the majority of emotional upheaval.
Ms. Sands has penned a story of emotional tragedy and triumph. The reader can equally empathize with Rena and Tony; why they acted and reacted to situations that had the potential to change the course of their lives. Silhouette Desire readers will be very happy with this angst-ridden romance.
Happy Reading,
Connie
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
An homage to all Mothers for Mother's Day!!
JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job or are you just a ....?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'Housewife' covers it, said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town
Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know�the words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course,the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."
Motherhood!
What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door�
Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"
And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."
May your troubles be less, may your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness to come through your door!
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