Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stock - Book Blitz
Starting
Over at the Vineyard in Alsace
It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a
new season and a new beginning
After being abandoned by her partner when she
falls pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on The Vineyard in Alsace,
where she has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry.
Now about to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide
for them both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.
Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his
grief and guilt following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he
blames himself. When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards
her gives him hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as
he can tell Lottie the truth of what happened.
When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry
closer together, they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly
independent and he’s fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting
someone new with their heart.
Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each
other, move on from their pasts and start over?
Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again
with this romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.
Purchase Link - Amazon
Excerpt
In this extract, we’re introduced to
Thierry, the main male character in the story. He’s Lottie’s new partner and
desperately wants her to move in with him.
Thierry
As he strode up
the slope from his house on the other side of the estate, Thierry Bernard cast
his critical winemaker’s eye over the vineyard. Spring was his favourite time
of the year, and he was looking forward to seeing the vines coming out of their
resting phase after the harsh winter months. Buds would soon be appearing and
the vines would start spreading along their canes, looking for the sunlight to
help them grow. There was even some sunshine today, at the beginning of March,
and although it was feeble by summer standards, he appreciated the warmth on his
face.
He pushed his mop of dark hair out of his eyes
and squinted against the sun. When he reached the top of the hill, he glanced
across to the cottage to see if Fran’s car was there. He wanted to catch up
with Lottie after her appointment at the doctor’s to see how things had gone
for her. She’d not told him in so many words – when did she ever tell him what
was on her mind? – but now that her due date was so near, her anxiety about the
baby’s health was increasing.
Fran’s car wasn’t there, so he continued towards
the courtyard where the estate office was, planning to go and ask Didier when
he expected them to be back. As he emerged through the archway that led to the
courtyard, Fran was pulling in, and he was glad to see Lottie smiling in the
front seat.
‘Bonjour, Fran, Lottie. How did it go?’
‘Everything’s fine, thank goodness.’ Lottie
beamed at him and he sensed her relief.
‘Are you walking back to Sylvie’s now?’ he asked.
‘I can come with you if you like. I have some things I need to get in the village.’
‘Okay. Thanks again for taking me, Fran. See you
soon. Take care, won’t you?’ They kissed each other goodbye, and Lottie turned
to Thierry to follow the path back to the village.
‘How are you feeling in yourself?’ he asked,
taking her hand as they walked at Lottie’s waddling pace along the path.
‘I’m relieved after speaking to the doctor, but
he said it could be even more than four weeks before the baby actually comes.
I’m not sure I can wait that much longer.’ She rolled her eyes and Thierry
chuckled. ‘It’s all right for you,’ she said. ‘You’re not the one having to
carry all this extra weight around.’
‘I know it must be hard for you, but it’s not so
long to go now, and then you will have your baby with you.’ He paused for a
moment and then continued, ‘Have you thought any more about my suggestion?’
‘I have, but I’m happy at Sylvie’s for the time
being. And as I’ve said before, I can look after myself, and the baby, when it
comes. I wish you could accept this and not keep asking me to move in with you.’
Lottie blushed as she finished speaking, which
confirmed Thierry’s thoughts. It was his turn to roll his eyes before cutting
straight to the point she was trying to hide.
Author
Bio –
Julie Stock
writes contemporary feel-good romance from around the world: novels, novellas
and short stories. She published her debut novel, From Here to
Nashville, in 2015, after starting to write as an escape from the demands
of her day job as a teacher. Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace is
her ninth book, and the second in the Domaine des Montagnes series set on a
vineyard.
Julie is now
a full-time author, and loves every minute of her writing life. When not
writing, she can be found reading, her favourite past-time, running, a new
hobby, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, glass of wine in hand.
Julie is a
member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Society of Authors. She is married and
lives with her family in Bedfordshire in the UK.
Social
Media Links –
2 Comments
Thanks so much for sharing this extract from Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace on your blog today, Jasmine! I really appreciate it :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! :)
DeletePlease try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.