Eight Hundred Grapes

I received a copy of this book through the First Reads giveaway program.

One thing that stuck in my mind as I read this book was how hard it was to dislike. It was full of cliches, and I've read this story many times before. But above all else, it's enjoyable and unassuming and it never feels like it's trying to be more than that.

The setting, a small family vineyard in California, adds a bit of freshness. That's a good thing, as there's little fresh otherwise; it's the story of a family and all their complications in love and with each other.

I found the way some of the subplots were resolved to be pleasantly unexpected, what seemed dead-set on being trite ending somewhat differently. It would be a bit much to label anything as a “twist”, but the author managed to make the resolutions both authentic and crowd-pleasing.

All in all, don't go in expecting anything completely new. But if you're looking for a light, charming read, you'll find something better than expected here.