SUNDOWN CROSSING- Lynne Wilding

I was given this book by my sister last Christmas. As I opened it, she said, "I thought it would be an easy, relaxing book for the New Year." She was correct. It has a naturally flowing plot with a few twists and turns to keep the pages turning.

The story is based in a vineyard in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, well known as one of the world's greatest wine regions. First settled in the mid 1800s by English and German immigrants, the valley is a mere 25km long but with its hot, dry summers and cool, moderate winters, it manages to produce 21% of Australia's wine. 

Carla, who was born and still lives in New Zealand inherits her father's vineyard when he suddenly dies. Estranged from his wealthy wine making family in the Barossa Valley, her father had left the country and never returned so Carla had no idea that he owned the vineyard.

Carla, her young son and Angie, partner of her father and vigneron make the difficult decision to bring the vineyard back to life and make it profitable.

This is not easy because of the ruinous state of the vineyard and the vendetta that is mounted by her estranged relatives in an attempt to cause it to fail. The family want her to sell the land to them and will stop at little to achieve this. 

Of course, true grit, hard work and love win over and we have a "happily ever after" story. The large wealthy family grow to love Carla after realising that she had nothing to do with events that occurred before she was born. The aunt who believes that murder is the best option is safely relocated to Spain to avoid arrest and Carla gets married to a lovely gentleman after a few dinners and some architecture advise. 

This is an easy read and is difficult to put down at times. 
What have I learnt from it? Time can heal wounds and persistence can pay off. 

Lynne Wilding, born and bred in Sydney, Australia is the author of several novels and the inaugural president of Romance Writers of Australia inc. 

   
Photo courtesy of The Book Depository.

FOXEYS HANGOUT. THE STORY OF ONE FAMILY'S VINEYARD DREAM- Cathy Gowdie

I have never been to the Mornington Peninsula. After reading this book it is firmly planted on my 'must visit' list. 

Located an hour's drive south-east of Melbourne, it is known for its agriculture, alfresco lifestyle, galleries, spas, cafes and boutique wineries. A quick search on the internet brings up gorgeous photos of neat rows of vineyards, quaint country streets and rugged coastline. 

This book caught my eye because of it's unusual title and also because I thought there should be an apostrophe in 'Foxeys' because I assumed someone named Foxey owned a hangout. Make sense?




Author Cathy Gowdie explains the historical tradition of an old tree where trappers hung their fox corpses with resulting odour and gory display. Fortunately, this tradition has passed and wooden and metal foxes now hang from the tree.  

   
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Cathy, her husband and two children moved to the Mornington Pensinsula to start a vineyard and a new life. At the time she was a senior editor with The Age in Melbourne having worked her way up from a cadetship.

The story is personal. Cathy chronicles their journey in a very practical, heartfelt manner providing insights into the intense hard work, difficulties faced and then overcome with the support of the wine community who are renowned for their spirit of cooperation.  
"Tony and I surveyed the wreckage of our rural ambitions. Tony was calm and focused. I was less purposeful. I was tired of hanging on, unable to summon the stamina of the seagoing bride I'd been." The vineyard has become a success. The wine can be enjoyed and celebrated at their eatery with a menu of simple food to allow the wine to express itself. 

The book is peppered with beautiful photos of their property, family and delicious food. Each chapter closes with a simple recipe that celebrates great produce.  It is a delightful yet gentle story that will inspire others to follow their dreams of a different life. 

In the midst of reading this book, I found a blog titled "Sarah Cooks," created by Sarah, a Malaysian-Chinese-Australian food lover. Her blog posts are lovely stories about her adventures, all containing food. In June 2016, she spent a weekend on the Mornington Pensinsula. Check out her photos. You will have this glorious part of the world on your 'must visit' list also. 

Here is the link to Sarah' blog:

A weekend away on the Mornington Peninsula