Book Review: The Little Vineyard in Provence

Literary Escapism

Sometimes you need an escapism book, and sometimes you need to escape. Author Ruth Kelly delivers both in her book The Little Vineyard in Provence, published in 2019. This novel is Ruth Kelly’s first book under her signature. However, she has ghostwritten several bestselling books. As a freelance journalist, her work has featured by many print media outlets including the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror and The Sun. Her magazine experience includes working as News Features Editor for Grazia, Deputy Features Editor for Look magazine and helping More magazine relaunch. She has also worked in TV as a news producer for Richard and Judy, and a writer for Endemol.

Book Review: The Little Vineyard in Provence

The protagonist Ava receives a one-two punch of bad luck. First, her lying, cheating husband of 23 years, Mark slithers away from the marriage leaving behind a mountain of debt. Then the news of her beloved grandfather’s death, whom she had not seen since she was a child in the summer of 1985. Laced on top of that tight financial situation is an ungrateful 20-something daughter, Sophia.

Swimming in the debt load left behind by Mark’s gambling habit, Ava is at her whits end. At the same time, she receives notification that her grandfather left her Chateau Montrose a vineyard in Provence in his will. The practical solution is to sell the property and use the funds to pay off Mark’s liabilities, including six (6) months of overdue mortgage payments. However, Ava’s friend Emilia pushes her to take a trip to the South of France and at a minimum, assess the property.

Arriving in sunny Provence provides a boost to Ava’s spirits, helped by fresh croissants and local rosé. However, the poor state of the vineyard is a shock and dissolves her happy childhood memories. What can she do with the land and its unkempt vines? Selling to a property developer appears to be a practical solution. However, her heart filled with memories of her grandfather won’t allow that course of action.

The Little Vineyard in Provence offers up intrigue, hope, a sexy lover and some surprising twists and turns. This book is a page-turner, perfect for a holiday read or that dose of escapism anytime.

Published by Trapeze The Little Vineyard in Provence is available on Amazon (click here) in paperback or Kindle versions.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).