Lottie Allbright. Escapes back home to escape her controlling boyfriend, at a loss as to what to do next. She falls into the position of vineyard manager where she falls in love with the whole process and the people involved. Can she finally turn her life around and find some purpose? Enjoyable ramble through the world of winemaking in the British countryside. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been a fan of Cathy Bramley’s books for some time now, because she writes in such a way that her characters practically pop off the page, they are always so believable and realistic. This book was no exception. It follows Lottie Allbright, who has followed her boyfriend Harvey from Derbyshire to London. Once a tree surgeon, she finds work at a crematorium, where she is a groundskeeper whilst also helping the dead, and their loved ones, singing to the dead or helping comfort people. She goes above and beyond her job description, because that is just the kind of person she is. Her move from her beloved Derbyshire was not for her benefit but for Harvey who has become unrecognisable from the person she fell for, controlling, vicious and increasingly aggressive.

A chance meeting with a woman in the cemetery leads to Lottie making the decision to leave London and Harvey, and head back home, but when she arrives back home she finds her own family in disarray and realises she needs to find a job where accommodation is included. She ends up finding work managing a local vineyard in Derbyshire, and together with the other people at the vineyard sets out to grow and harvest an exceptional wine. As expected, nothing ever goes quite to plan.

The minor characters were all adorable (with the exception of Harvey), and I was particularly drawn to Betsy, whose late husband had established the vineyard. Her handsome grandson Jensen provides the eye candy and love interest in the book, although initially it looked as though he was not keen on his grandmother keeping the vineyard going.

I love the way Cathy Bramley researches her settings so well. I felt that I learned a lot about wine and champagne production in addition to the storyline. This is a funny, entertaining book, interspersed with sadness and a little drama, and it is a real treasure. Once I started reading I did not want to stop until I had finished it and I can highly recommend it.

I was given a copy via Netgalley and Transworld, in exchange for an honest review.

A good feel chick lit/ up lit book by well respected author Cathy Bramley. Alittle too formulated for my liking, but I realize that is my opinion and to many readers that is the very nature of its appeal. A winning formula of it's kind, but sadly not for me.

Fleeing a ghastly ex, Lottie lands a job managing a run-down vineyard near her Derbyshire hometown - after a bumpy start, she transforms herself from wine-ignoramus to wine expert and transforms the vineyard too. A lovely heartwarming romance with a beautiful rural setting, which will teach you a thing or two about wine along the way...

A further review of this will appear in the Sunday Express S magazine on 31st March 2019.

I warmed to Lottie, the main character, from the start and was cheering her on through all of her struggles. The supporting characters were well developed and added interest and colour to this engaging story of love amongst the vines. I liked the pace the story unfolded, the mixed ages of Lottie's supporters and the setting, an English vineyard, was unusual. A perfect read to relax with at home or on holiday. I'll be reading more from this author..

It feels so, so good reading a novel by Cathy Bramley again! I don't think there's been a book of hers that I'm yet to dislike. Every novel draws you in from the very first page and then lets you go right at the end, where you're feeling all warm and fuzzy at a lovely, happy ending! I've had this on my TBR pile for quite a while, but with book reviews and blog tours I've found it hard to find a time to read it - much to my annoyance and lack of patience!

The cover is simply stunning, much like Cathy's other covers, the colours draw you in and make you want to pick them up - time and time again. I love the bright blue sky, the many rows of vines, the grapes surrounding the cover and of course the bottle of wine right at the front! It doesn't give too much away, especially as there are no characters dominating the front but it does give you a clear indication as to what to expect.

Once I started reading it, I knew I was going to love it. It just had a great vibe to it, a fantastic, dramatic in some places, storyline and some lovely (and some not-so-lovely) characters. The novel starts in London with Lottie realising that she doesn't want to stick to a permanent job anytime soon, and when her relationship with Harvey crumbles, Lottie makes a quick escape and heads back home to her family - where she finds her sister in tears and her dad leaving on a once-in-a-lifetime trip! However, when Harvey arrives at Lottie's sisters house and starts being quite aggressive, Lottie and Evie (her sister) decide that Lottie needs to move away for a bit, and gets a job at a not too far away vineyard.

At first, everything is going so well, but then Lottie has an accident whilst on site and ends up in hospital, where she learns some shocking news. This of course turns Lottie's world upside down and she's unsure as to what to do next. At first I wasn't sure how to take Jensen, the blurb indicated that he was interfering, so I wasn't sure if he was going to be one of those men that was trying to get their hands on their grandmothers money! However, as the story went on, I needn't have worried as he turned out to be quite the lovely gentleman. And I found myself really warming to all the Butterworth clan.

Overall, I really really enjoyed this novel. It was summery, feel-good and unputdownable. It's Cathy Bramley at her finest and I loved every page. I would recommend you give this a read, as it's the perfect pool-side read! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

I have been reading a lot of books recently that fall under this genre. The advancement of the leading lady with an encouraging support staff is a standard formula but how well it is written and carried out as well as the uniqueness of the background make or break a tale.

This story has the good writing and supporting cast and background are pretty unique. We meet a countryside girl transplanted in London who has found a tiny corner where she can breathe and earn a little while she supports her boyfriend's dreams. When she finally sees the situation with clarity a change is in order and one thing leads to another (this is the first quarter of the story still) and she ends up managing a vineyard, learning on the go. This is when things get more interesting. I like the zeal with which Lottie embarks on her new found career and all the changes she implements. The team works well and individually benefits from the changes that occur. A lot of things happen after and that is the major chunk of the story. 

I liked the story but would have liked it even more if the entire thing could have been broken into two parts. I know that the stretch of the story spans around six months(approximately) including the epilogue but if it had been paced slower and with three months in one book and a sequel with the second half. Each part with a little more detail (yes, for once I am asking for more pages) would have felt easier to enjoy. I just felt rushed by all the activity and despite slowing down my read it still felt fast paced. If it was not for that one thing, I would rate this book higher! I highly recommend this to fans of the genre.

I’ve now read several books by Cathy Bramley and really enjoyed them; she’s definitely on my list of favourite authors.

Lottie Allbright has relocated to London with her boyfriend to help further his career but, once there, he starts to become controlling and slightly aggressive. Lottie decides to cut and run, back to the village in Derbyshire where she grew up. Unfortunately for Lottie, her widowed father has decided to go travelling and rent out the family home, so she is desperate for somewhere to stay. She finds a temporary job in a local vineyard that she didn’t even know existed, and it comes with accommodation. It looks as though Lottie has found her happy-ever-after until she receives some very unexpected news that will change her life. Bring in the vineyard owner’s grandson, Jensen, and we have a warm, witty, and interesting story with a great supporting cast, and some twists and turns.

I loved A Vintage Summer and would highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Delightful story. You can always rely on Cathy Bramley to create a heartwarming read. You are rooting all the way for Lottie and the people at the vineyard.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc and giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Another feel good romance from Cathy Bramley. This time, as the title implies, the actjon is set around a vineyard, although who knew they flourished as far north as Derbyshire. Our heroine Lottie at last realises her mistake in setting up house far away from her roots with Harvey, a controlling and manipulative would be personal trainer.

As soon as Lottie meets her new employer's grandson, having moved back home, the ending is inevitable. This book is about their adventures along the way. There are some lovely characters and the settings are lovingly described. A great read.

I loved this so much, Cathy Bramley books are always like a warm hug. Lottie is such a loveable kind character and Jensen is amazing, all the chemistry and warmth you expect. Cathy Bramley does this so well and each book you don’t want to put down and this is no different.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

When Lottie Allbright leaves her abusive partner in London and returns to her family in Derbyshire she doesn't know what she will do next. Fortunately, thanks to her interfering Sister she gets job at Butterworth Wines, a local vineyard, caring for the vines and the owner Betsy. The vineyard is in debt since Betsy's husband died and Lottie has to come up with ideas to turn things around. Betsy’s Grandson Jensen has a good job and doesn’t want to take on the responsibility of the vineyard but when he and Lottie meet the chemistry is undeniable. Unfortunately life seems to have a way of spoiling Lottie’s plans. Jensen is in line for a big promotion that will take him abroad and worried about his Gran's failing health, he wants her to sell the vineyard and move into a home. Can Lottie turn around the fortunes of the failing vineyard and find love or is achieving one of these goals enough to make her happy.
As always Cathy Bramley writes great characters and a very good story line..

I devoured the majority of A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley on a couple of train journeys. It’s a beautiful story full of surprises, family, teamwork and love. It’s got some great characters that by the end feel like old friends. Wonderfully written it’s an absolute joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and the author for the chance to review.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley was a breath of fresh air on a cold, fresh, spring morning. It was a delightful read and was absolutely fascinating about growing British wines. Lottie as the main character was brimming with enthusiasm and her love of life. The storyline was funny, sad, romantic and an enjoyable, entertaining read.
Highly recommended.

When I picked this book up, I was looking for something different. I wanted to try a new author, I wanted a setting I hadn’t read about before, and I was hoping for something light-hearted. And the cover on this one? Well, I couldn’t pass it up without finding out more. And I’m pleased to say it turned out to be a very engaging read.

First of all, the setting and the characters brought this book to life. Vineyards aren’t the first thing I think of when someone mentions Derbyshire (although, that could be entirely Jane Austin’s fault!) but then, Butterworth Wines isn’t your average vineyard either. Owned by the elderly and entertaining Butterworth sisters, things have all but come to a standstill, prompting “two well-meaning buffoons” to advertise for a manager—unbeknownst to the seemingly irascible Betsy Butterworth. She doesn’t need any help, thank you very much, but she’s quick to recognise a young lady who could use her help, and so Lottie begins a new career and a steep learning curve.

I loved how central the vineyard and the wine production process was to this story. Butterworth Wines wasn’t merely a token backdrop; it was almost a character in its own right, made all the more lively by the eclectic group of volunteers who had been doing their best to help Betsy out and the relationships Lottie built with them all. I felt my own attachment to the place growing right along with hers.

The other side to this story is Lottie’s personal journey. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the developments in her situation created some great tension throughout the story, pulling her in different directions and pushing her to grow and discover her real self—a self that had been lost in the unhealthy relationship she leaves behind in the opening chapters. And Betsy’s handsome and concerned grandson added just the right note of romance to the blend.

One of my favourite books by Cathy Bramley and I love them all. The story starts with the main character Lottie who is working at a crematorium, living in London with her abusive boyfriend Harvey. I loved this character from the off and went on to love her more and more as the story continued! Cathy has a way of writing that draws the reader in and I was hooked from the first chapter. Make yourself a cup of tea, dive under a blanket and get ready to be taken on this incredible journey! You will love it!

What a charming story! Really captivating characters and what a cast they were - such a wide variety but I loved them all (okay, not you Harvey grrr).

The main character is Lottie and what a likeable, and relatable, lady she is. Ending her controlling relationship, she sets off to be closer to home and her sister when she ends up taking on employment with a vineyard. Now looking at the book cover, which is stunning, and not paying proper attention obviously to the synopsis - I thought this book was going to be set in the Mediterranean so I was pleasantly surprised that actually it was Derbyshire. Go figure - an English vineyard! Loved it.

The passion that Lottie shows for the family and friends that take her in, as well as her new role at Butterworth Wines, is so endearing. She learns the craft at such a pace but it is very believable due to that passion and her ideas to help the business grow and develop are very savvy.

What a cast of characters - affable and a genuine tight knit group, it was clear they truly were Lottie's family and brought so much to the story. Whilst Lottie was clearly the main character, plenty of others rightly got more than bit parts. I adored Betsy and Marjorie whose gentle bickering and needling of one another was incredibly lovable and they would be firm friends of mine.

Lottie has a crush on Betsy's grandson Jenson but with some surprising news of her own teamed with Jenson's determination (albeit for the good of the family business) to sell up, it is unclear if anything can truly come of their friendship and if it could become more than that.

All in all, this was such an enjoyable and entertaining read, the breadth of characters made it for me. Yet another masterpiece from Cathy Bramley - she can do no wrong!

My many thanks to Random House UK via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, that cover! I absolutely adore the Summer Vibes that always come from Cathy Bramley’s book covers. Vibrant, bright and full of everything that makes a warm summers day come alive… So, now that we’ve appraised the cover..on to the book!

Cathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She’s also super approachable on social media and in her Book Group and is just a fabulous person in general which really helps to raise an author’s profile and following.

London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!

Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.

Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.

I LOVE how much research goes into Cathy’s books – and this one is no exception. Not only did I get stuck into a fabulous Summer read (in February no less), but I also learnt so much about wine making.. Who even knew that the UK could be so good at it! So I really applaud Cathy for not only creating fabulous characters, injecting the right dose of humour into each chapter, splashing a dash of romance here and there and painting beautiful scenery – but she also teaches through her words as well. You will not be disappointed if you order this book today!

A sparkling romance among the Derbyshire vines.

Lottie escapes her mundane job as a gardener in a London crematorium and her bossy boyfriend, Harvey, to return to Fernfield, the Derbyshire village where she grew up. There she finds a new job as manager of a vineyard, which appeals to her love of fresh air. She also finds Jensen, the handsome, caring grandson of the owners of Butterworth Wines, so different from selfish Harvey. All her new staff and the Butterworth family love her but does Jensen? Then there's a very unexpected development.....

What makes this book for me is Lottie and her transformation. At first, she's downtrodden but making the most of her time away from the horrible Harvey by talking to the people whose graves she tends so carefully. By the end, she's blossomed into a confident, decisive woman who makes important life changes with the help of her loving family and friends.

Really enjoyed this simple and touching story, full of romance and humorous moments. For fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Milly Johnson.

A bit too chick lit for my liking. A pleasant enough read though and I didn’t dislike it but didn’t love it either.