A review by ldv
The Vineyard by María Dueñas

2.0

Cheesy predictable soap opera.
At times it feels like a unpolished draft. Characters make unexplained leaps and details are lacking when other places they are explicit. The man character flips between stoic self-made high class businessman and impulsive, selfish renegade. He has a trusted advisor whom he repeatedly ignores and a 15 yr loyal servant who he treats like a rookie. His decisions are not logical but the author treats them as if there are no alternative options.
At other times, the story reads like the author is hoping her story will be made into a movie. There are many locations and scenes that would be big budget but impactful and entertaining on screen. Mexico to Cuba to Spain, plenty of saloons, balls, mansions, sweeping vistas and cultural locations to keep it interesting. Plus a lot of drama at every turn. Obviously there is a love story to cap it all off.
Read A Time in Between by this author and give this one a pass. Or take it to the beach, where it does work.