Reviews

The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs

lenaoknihach's review against another edition

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3.0

Tess Delaneyová miluje svou práci - pátrá po starých pokladech a snaží se je navrátit právoplatným majitelům. Jednoho dne ale zjistí, že je polovičním vlastníkem jabloňového sadu v Archangelu. Nastal čas odkrýt vlastní minulost.

Kromě kouzelného maloměsta v Kalifornii se čtenář ocitne i v minulosti, konkrétně v Dánsku během 2. světové války.

Postavy mi byly sympatické, ale příběh byl mnohdy zbytečně zdlouhavý a neutíkalo mi to tolik, jak bych si přála. Neměla jsem problém kdykoli přestat číst. Jedná se o milý příběh, ale pro mě jen průměrný a ničím výjimečný.

Od Susan Wiggsové u nás už vyšla kniha Knihkupectví ztrát a nálezů, kterou mohu doporučit. V Jabloňovém sadu se ale odehrává dřív a pokud si nechcete vyspoilerovat, jak to s hlavními hrdiny dopadlo, měli byste začít právě s touto podzimní novinkou a Knihkupectví přečíst až poté.

gmamartha's review against another edition

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3.0

Newfound sister. Recipes. Ww2 treasure.

jlaz's review against another edition

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5.0

Great read! Can't wait for number two!

luciearan's review against another edition

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4.0

Příjemná, lehce nostalgická kniha, s pozvolna se odvíjejícím příběhem, který postupně mapuje historii rodiny a zároveň právě se v rozvíjející vztahy v ní, i mimo ni. Já mám knihy tohoto typu ráda a tak zklamaná rozhodně nejsem, i když ztracený Faberge, byl i pro mě poměrně neuvěřitelným příběhem. Postavy působily příjemně a sympaticky, jen mě trochu mrzí, že toho "pátrání" nebylo víc.

debs4jc's review against another edition

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3.0

At the heart of this story is the journey that the main character, Tess, takes as a sudden revelation about her family jerks her out of her workaholic world as an authenticator of art and antique treasures. That revelation comes from Dominic, a handsome banker who tells her that her grandfather is close to death after an accident and that she stands in line to inherit his estate. Tess didn't know she had a grandfather - at least on this one, as her mother never told her anything about her father. So, fresh on the heels of a panic attack, she decides going to visit his estate--an apple orchard--and finding out more would be good for her. As Tess discovers family that she never knew she had, she discovers things about herself and about life. And she also discovers the secret behind a long lost family heirloom.
This book had a great balance between the relationships of the characters, their personal issues, and a suspenseful plot about a priceless treasure that needs to be discovered. I found myself thinking about the characters and their problems even when I wasn't reading it - a sign that the author has made them very real. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys books that deal with the value and issues of family relationships.
At the end I wanted to learn more about Tess's sister and hear her story--which of course set this up nicely for a sequel.

katietopp's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a delightfully heartwarming lovely story. Honestly just what I’ve been looking for in this genre. Reminiscent of Secret Life of Bees and Growing Up Pretty. About family, and the meaning of treasure. A delightful easy read that had me in love with Tess and the gang from the start. Highly highly recommend.

fi1964's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

booksbymonth's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.25

beastreader's review against another edition

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3.0

Tess Delaney makes finding old artifacts and turning them into treasures her job. Tess receives a shock when she finds out she has a grandfather. Not only a grandfather but also a half sister. In addition that she is has just inherited half of Bella Vista.

Tess takes time off work to visit her half sister and Bella Vista. Tess meets Dominic in the process. Tess and her half sister find some old letters. They uncover their family history.

The Apple Orchard is a charming, fast read. All the apple recipes in this book were a nice surprise as well. They had my mouth watering. However I could not spend too much time reading them as I wanted to get back to the story. Now that I am done with this book I can go back and try them out.

In the beginning I was not feeling Tess. I thought she needed to loosen up. However as the story progressed I did warm up to her and thought she and Dominic made a nice couple. The romance between them was on the sweet side. As I got closer to the end of the story, I became more interested in the past and where Tess’s grandfather came from. The Apple Orchard is as good as taking a bite out of a nice, crisp apple!

judithdcollins's review against another edition

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5.0

#1 in the Bella Vista Series – Loved this book! Wow, it was a little different than Susan’s normal books – as enjoyed the setting in Sonoma Wine Country, culinary (and yummy recipes), the love of food, wine, antiques, romance, travel – from generations past, Nazi, beautiful estate and apple orchards, family, lost and hidden treasures, family and love - this book has it all – from Italy to Ireland and more ---I am so looking forward to reading more in this series! Great research and well written -5 Stars--Makes you want to be there to experience this beautiful setting!