"Another Marcelli sister deals with her family and a complicated romance."

Brenna Marcelli has accepted the fact that her grandfather will probably give the family winery to the long-lost brother who's been found, or sell it. She's decided to start her own small winery, but she needs to borrow a million dollars. Facing the competition in their den, she goes to Nicholas Giovanni, once her lover and the other half of an ancient family feud.

Nicholas has been planning revenge on the Marcelli family, and he's set up a group to approach Brenna's grandfather about purchasing the winery. Nicholas finds the timing perfect to also have Brenna indebted to him. He agrees to give her the loan, as well as the use of several pieces of his winery's old equipment.

Brenna's enthusiasm in creating a new winery and new blends of wine is catching. Nicholas soon realizes he's always loved Brenna, and he's not sure how to get out of the situation he's created. She's also having trouble controlling her emotions. Nicholas was her one true love, but she threw him away because she was afraid her family wouldn't approve.

This story is great! As Brenna and Nicholas deal with a new business, an old family feud and the fire that burns between them while they work to resolve their situation, the plot keeps you guessing what will happen next and who will learn the full truth.

Reviewed by Delia Larkins
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted October 29, 2003

For the Marcelli sisters of California wine country, the season is ripe for romance!

Summary

Welcome to the Marcelli family, where wine making is a family tradition and weddings are serious business. Brenna Marcelli was born to run her family's winery. At least that's what she's hoped for all her life. But after returning to the family hacienda when her marriage breaks up, she realizes her grandfather will never leave the winery to her. He's always wanted a male heir for the family business, and when a stranger from the family's past appears, it seems like he just may get his wish after all.

Left with no alternative, Brenna turns to Nic Giovanni for a loan. As if borrowing a million dollars weren't a big enough deal, add the fact that Nic and Brenna had a secret relationship a decade ago, and she jilted him, choosing her family and her chance to run the winery over loving the son of her family's nemesis.

Nic is quick to loan Brenna the money, but she doesn't know the real reason why. It's not because they've picked up their long ago passionate love affair, or because he's forgiven her, it's because he's got designs of his own on Marcelli Winery, he's just not sure how far he's willing to go for them.