The Winemaker's Wife

De: Kristin Harmel

Narrado por: Robin Eller, Lisa Flanagan, Madeleine Maby

From the author of the “engrossing” (People) and “poignant” (Booklist) international best seller The Room on Rue Amélie comes a remarkable and moving story of love, danger, and betrayal: two women in France in the darkest days of World War II and another in present-day America on a quest to uncover the secret that connects them.

At the dawn of the Second World War, Inès is the young wife of Michel, owner of the House of Chauveau, a small champagne winery nestled among rolling vineyards near Reims, France. Marrying into a storied champagne empire was supposed to be a dream come true, but Inès feels increasingly isolated, purposely left out of the business by her husband; his chef de cave, Theo; and Theo’s wife, Sarah.

But these disappointments pale in comparison to the increasing danger from German forces pouring across the border. At first, it’s merely the Nazi weinführer coming to demand the choicest champagne for Hitler’s cronies, but soon, there are rumors of Jewish townspeople being rounded up and sent east to an unspeakable fate. The war is on their doorstep, and no one in Inès’s life is safe - least of all Sarah, whose father is Jewish, or Michel, who has recklessly begun hiding munitions for the Résistance in the champagne caves. Inès realizes she has to do something to help.

Sarah feels as lost as Inès does, but she doesn’t have much else in common with Michel’s young wife. Inès seems to have it made, not least of all because as a Catholic, she’s “safe.” Sarah, on the other hand, is terrified about the fate of her parents - and about her own future as the Germans begin to rid the Champagne region of Jews. When Sarah makes a dangerous decision to follow her heart in a desperate bid to find some meaning in the ruin, it endangers the lives of all those she cares about - and the champagne house they’ve all worked so hard to save.

In the present, Liv Kent has just lost her job - and her marriage. Her wealthy but aloof Grandma Edith, sensing that Liv needs a change of scenery before she hits rock bottom, insists that Liv accompany her on a trip to France. But the older woman has an ulterior motive - and some difficult but important information to share with her granddaughter. As Liv begins to uncover long-buried family secrets, she finds herself slowly coming back to life. When past and present intertwine at last, she may finally find a way forward, along a difficult road that leads straight to the winding caves beneath the House of Chauveau.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, The Winemaker’s Wife is an evocative and gorgeously wrought novel that examines how the choices we make in our darkest hours can profoundly change our lives - and how hope can come from the places we least expect.

©2019 Kristin Harmel (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

very moving story

I loved this book so much! it brought to life the struggles of the french and Jews during WWII with a heartwarming story of love, betrayal and hope.

Story of family and survival- Love

Fantastic story, could not stop listening wanting to get to the next chapter and end.

Great book

Well written. Kept my interest all the way to the end of the book. This author is amazing.

Interesting Historical Fiction

One simple-headed, shallow winemaker’s wife makes an unbelievable impact on so many people…a Jewish lawyer, an employee and her daughter, and the French Resistance. She made so many mistakes, but she eventually worked hard to make-up for them. Really, all of the main characters do some good throughout the war, but their personal lives were a mess. Not one of the main characters is wholly good and deserving of the readers’ blind adoration.

I liked the author’s genuine voice and storytelling. The author captured the extremes of the various early views on the war/occupation and the naiveite of many. I loved learning a little about the role of the champagne houses in the resistance.

“Nothing great happens w/o great risk”

I’m okay with flawed characters, but these are irredeemable. Although I liked the story overall, the adultery and disloyal friends detracted from my enjoyment. The ending is wrapped up a little too neatly.

I did not care for the cadence of the narrator, but speeding up the reading speed helped.

Phenomenal Historical Fiction!

I loved everything about this book. the characters, the survival, the strength, the sadness, it all touched my heart. One of my most favorite things in the world is when I read a book that actually changes me and this one has done that.

loved it

loved the ending, it was a great story excellent narrative. this my second book from this author.

Great story!

I could not stop listening to this story! Great narrators and amazing book with an unexpected twist!

A love Story in WWII

This is a dual timeline book that I usually don't read. The focus is in Northern France during WWII. There isn't a lot of historical detailsabout the French Resistance in the champagne region of France. The characters are believable and interesting. You have Migel who recently married Ines. Then you haveTheo who works with the wines who is married to Celine. There are underground caves Miguel's grandfather dug under the house to make the champagne. You have to look at these lives trying to survive and look compliant. Celene 1/2 Jewish fears for her family as they were already sent to work camps. Theo only cares for the champagne. Then you have sweet naive Ines doesn't see a lot of what's happening around her. She doesn't seem to realize the danger the French are in. This stortline will grab you and you won't want to put the book down. Robin Eiler does a great job with the narration and maintains your interest. You will have to read to see how all the twists and turns unfold. I highly recommend this book.

Touching story

A little confusing at beginning but fabulous ending! I love all the wine making info too! Tragic but amazing too!

Historical love story

I didn’t want to stop listening every chapter was full of history love and betrayal