wine

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Guest Review: Something in the Wine – Tricia Stringer

Something in the Wine

Tricia Stringer

Harlequin Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd

ISBN: 9781489261502

Description:

A warm-hearted rural romance set among the scenic vineyards of the Margaret River from bestselling author Tricia Stringer, the authentic voice of Australian storytelling. Reserved high school teacher Keely Mitchell is more than ready for her holiday on the west coast of Australia, so when a medical emergency turns over all her plans and an intervention by a kind stranger finds her recovering in a Margaret River vineyard, she is at first downcast.

Keely had wanted to put recent traumatic events out of her mind, and recuperating alone in a stranger’s house won’t help that. But slowly the lovely food, spectacular wine and beautiful landscape of the area begin to work their spell. As Keely makes friends with the locals and adapts to the rhythms of the vintner’s year, she starts to feel part of the scenery too, particularly when her artwork and jewellery-making somehow find a home at Levallier Dell Wines.

But clouds are on the horizon in the shape of a warring father and son, interfering family friends and a rival in love. Keely didn’t mean to fall for anyone, but she can’t help her feelings for clever, passionate wine-maker Flynn Levallier. Sadly, it seems he only has eyes for the beautiful Kat, daughter of a rival wine-maker. Can what Keely feels be real? Or is it just something in the wine?

Brenda’s Review:

Keely Mitchell was looking forward to her holiday in WA; to following her dreams and going where she wanted. But the day of her arrival in Perth, she had an unexpected medical emergency and it was only luck that had her remembering the note with the phone number in her jeans pocket. Heading to Margaret River was the last thing she thought she’d be doing, but recuperation was paramount and her respite at Levallier Dell Wines seemed fortuitous.

As Keely slowly regained her strength, her discomfort at the situation in the face of the father and son who quite obviously didn’t see eye to eye was enough to make her want to leave. But gradually, the beauty of the vineyard; the wine and food; the friendliness of the locals – all made Keely realise she loved the area. But of course she couldn’t stay. Her sketches and jewellery making kept her occupied, but she wasn’t sure it was enough.

Would Keely leave Levallier Dell with just her memories to add to her holiday experiences? Or was there more, much more that she could experience?

Another fabulous read from the pen of Aussie author Tricia Stringer! I thoroughly enjoyed Something in the Wine, as I have all this author’s work. Her descriptions are so well painted, even though I’ve never been to the area, I could visualize it all. I could see the volatile and passionate neighbour Theo; the gossiping café owner; the frustrations of both father and son – all written in an easy-to-read way. An excellent novel which I have no trouble recommending. 5 stars

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Greenlight- Benjamin Stevenson

Greenlight

Greenlight

Benjamin Stevenson

Penguin Books Australia

Michael Joseph

ISBN: 9780143789871

 

Description:

Four years ago Eliza Dacey was brutally murdered.

Within hours, her killer was caught.

Wasn’t he?

 

So reads the opening titles of Jack Quick’s new true-crime documentary.

 

A skilled producer, Jack knows that the bigger the conspiracy, the higher the ratings. Curtis Wade, convicted of Eliza’s murder on circumstantial evidence and victim of a biased police force, is the perfect subject. Millions of viewers agree.

 

Just before the finale, Jack uncovers a minor detail that may prove Curtis guilty after all. Convinced it will ruin his show, Jack disposes of the evidence and delivers the finale unedited: proposing that Curtis is innocent.

 

But when Curtis is released, and a new victim is found bearing horrifying similarities to the original murder, Jack realises that he may have helped a guilty man out of jail. And, as the only one who knows the real evidence of the case, he is the only one who can send him back …

 

 

My View:

About Benjamin Stevenson (https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/benjamin-stevenson):

 

Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. He has sold out shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has appeared on ABCTV, Channel 10, and The Comedy Channel. Off-stage, Benjamin has worked for publishing houses and literary agencies in Australia and the USA. He currently works with some of Australia’s best-loved authors at Curtis Brown Australia. Greenlight is his first novel.

 

I have just finished reading Greenlight and wanted to know a little bit about the author as I was very impressed with this debut.  What a surprise – a comedian? There is no comedy in Greenlight.  Works in the publishing industry, I was sure I was going to find but didn’t – works in the film industry, specifically on documentaries, his protagonist Jack has an authentic documentary maker voice.  I loved this aspect of the book.

 

Back to the book – this is a brutal, dark and intriguing crime fiction narrative.

 

I like how Stevenson has turned the stereotype regarding eating disorders on its head; a sad yet refreshing and honest approach here.

 

Consequences, guilt, redemption and acceptance are themes that are sited in small town prejudices. Tension, tension, tension. And the ending – no spoilers here. Think you have it worked out? Think again.

 

A great read.

 

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Sidetracked…

In the mail this week I received a copy of  The Girl Who Takes and Eye For an Eye – David Lagercrantz (continuing the Steig Larsson triology). All good except I then realised  that this is book 5 and I hadn’t read book  4.  A bit of googling and I came across a copy in the local area – quick into the car and was immediately sidetracked by a pop up cellar door – open today only.  We had to stop.  What delightful wines.

 

Pop up cellar door and books

 

 

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Apricot and Peach Fruit Wine: Ferment – Holly Davis

Ferment cover

Ferment

Holly Davis

Murdoch Books 

ISBN: 9781743368671

 

Images and recipes from Ferment by Holly Davis (Murdoch Books, RRP $45) Photography by Ben Dearnley.

 

apricot and peach fruit wine
first fermentation

Apricot and Peach Fruit Wine

“Here is a sweet, slightly alcoholic fruit wine ideal for those hot summer days. Choose seasonal, ripe and semi-ripe fruits with some acidity, which will improve the mix. ” p. 84

Makes 3 litres (105 fl oz/12 cups) Ready in 4–6 days

 

660 g (1 lb 7 oz/3 cups) raw sugar

1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) lightly brewed black tea

2 kg (4 lb 8 oz) ripe unblemished peaches, stones removed and quartered

2 kg (4 lb 8 oz) ripe unblemished apricots, stones removed and quartered

2 litres (70 fl oz/8 cups) filtered water

 

Combine the sugar and strained tea in a non-reactive bowl, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Take a wide, deep crock or bowl, which will hold the fruit leaving stirring space, and add the fresh peaches and apricots. Pour the sweet tea over the fruit and stir in the water.

capture Cover with a clean tea towel (dish towel) and leave in a cool spot for 4–5 days. As frequently as possible, during each day (5–6 times or more), stir the liquid using a wooden spoon to create a swirling vortex, then change direction and repeat. (Stirring this way helps to draw air into the liquid and encourages yeast activity.)

At day 3 or 4 the mix should be bubbling, and around day 6 or so it should seriously bubble and froth. Keep stirring and smelling for another couple of days, watching to see when the froth subsides, indicating that fermentation has slowed right down. Trust your nose; if it smells fruity and delectable don’t wait for it to improve, move to the next stage. Strain the mix through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, pressing as much of the liquid from the fruit as possible. Decant the strained fruit wine into swing-top bottles and chill in the fridge.

This is best consumed within 1–2 weeks. Open daily to avoid overly boisterous effervescence.

 

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Tomato, Fennel and Salmon Soup: All Day Cafe – Stuart McKenzie

All Day Cafe_CVR

‘Images and recipes from All Day Café by Stuart McKenzie (Murdoch Books). Photography by Armelle Habib. RRP $39.99.’

 

Tomato, fennel and salmon soup with saffron aioli

Serves 4–6

“Inspired by bouillabaisse, this is a hearty and comforting soup, heady with the aroma of saffron. Throw in some mussels and prawns (shrimp) and you have a delicious seafood stew.” p. 204

Bouquet garni

1 orange, zest removed in strips with a potato peeler

1 cinnamon stick

4 star anise

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

6 bay leaves

6 thyme sprigs

 

Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, sliced

1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes

250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) white wine

2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins diced tomatoes

1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) Chicken stock or Vegetable stock  (page 151)

300 g (10 1/2 oz) skinless salmon fillet, diced

a small pinch of saffron threads

 

Saffron aïoli

a pinch of saffron threads

1/2 quantity Aïoli (page 111)

 

Tomato fennel and salmon soup

 

To make the bouquet garni, tie all the ingredients together in a piece of muslin (cheesecloth).

 

To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel, garlic and chilli and sauté for about 7 minutes, or until the onion and fennel are translucent and starting to colour.

 

Add the wine, tomatoes, stock, salmon, saffron
and bouquet garni. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

 

To make the saffron aioli, put the saffron in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon water and leave to soak for 15–20 minutes, to activate the stamen and release the colour. Drain, discarding the water. Add the saffron to the aïoli and mix well.

 

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of saffron aïoli.

 

 

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Bob the Dog Loves …

Lovely to have our Perth based daughter visiting with us this week.  Yesterday she took Bob the Dog (and her mum and dad)  to The Beer Farm  in Metricup (a ten minute drive from our place). What lovely surrounds –  among the farms and vineyards; Margaret River Region is now becoming known for great locally produced beers as well as wines.

The Beer Farm

The best part of the outing, aside from my cider, was the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that Bob the Dog (a very well behaved dog) was welcome to join us.

 

Bob the Dog

 

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Post Script: Rose’s Vintage – Kayte Nunn

Rose's Vintage

Rose’s Vintage

Kayte Nunn

Nero

Black Inc Books

ISBN: 9781863957991

 

Description:

With her heart in tatters after a relationship break-up, Rose Bennett swaps her hometown of London for the sunny shores of Australia – but she arrives to find the Shingle Valley shrouded in winter.

 

As the weather improves, Rose starts to unlock the secrets of the valley – from bonfire ceremonies and wine-making traditions to eccentric locals and their histories.

 

Despite herself, Rose starts to fall in love: with the valley, the wines, the two children she’s helping to look after – and with the handsome and brilliant Mark Cameron, owner of the troubled Kalkari Wines estate.

 

What will happen when Mark’s estranged wife, the tempestuous Isabella, returns? Will Rose find a future in the Shingle Valley, or will she be forced to leave?

 

 

My View:

This is the prefect pick me up read when you have had a hard day, a hard week or just finished a few emotionally draining works of crime fiction.  For me a conspiracy of all the above elements meant I really needed a read that would energise not drain my emotions and make me smile. This fir the bill perfectly.

 

I love the settings – Australian wineries and small country towns juxtaposed against fast paced city living. I had visions of the Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Barossa districts or even the Margret River wine region where I live (maybe because they are all wine regions I have visited/know).  The settings speak of family owned primary producers/communities almost anywhere in the world– the hard work, the long hours, the camaraderie with others producers in your regions, the local gossip, secrets and how a community comes together to celebrate when success is achieved or to help when the call out is made.

 

The characters are interesting and written with depth and I especially liked how the writer sprinkles the pages with Rose’s honest thoughts as she try to make sense of the new situations she finds herself in (and the new country) and the people she meets.   The vineyard and its changing seasons; pruning, budburst, flower, vintage, provides the overarching narrative and back drop to the action in the books, almost a character is its own right.

 

Another great debut!

 

Read and enjoy, relax and smile!

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Ten Things You Didnt Know About Claire Varley

Cover The Bit In Betweenjpg

The Bit In Between

Claire Varley

Macmillan Australia

RRP $29.99

Ten Things You Didnt Know About Claire Varley

1. My ATM pin. You don’t know this and, fairly regularly, neither do I. Subsequently, I routinely have my card eaten by machines and have to do the financial walk-of-shame where you call the bank and have to explain why you continued entering all the four-digit combos in your brain until the machine became suspicious and locked you out.

 

2. I am scared of birds. To the point of tears. There is no logical or rational reason for this. To me, every bird is Poe’s raven.

 

3. My all-time favourite piece of writing ever is Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. My birthday tradition is to curl up somewhere and read it aloud to myself, often in public, usually making myself cry at how perfectly brilliant, crisp and dense the prose is. I would be Nogood Boyo or Captain Cat.

 

4. The first book I ever wrote was called Aladdin and His Genie and The Lamp. I was in Grade 3 and the book spent many pages introducing each character (major and minor), summed up the plot in one pithy sentence, and then had them all live happily ever after. This attention to character at the expense of plot is something I have grappled with since.

 

5. I wrote The Bit In Between across three continents, including the 20 months I spent living in remote Solomon Islands. Flicking through the book I can pinpoint where I was when I wrote different sections, ie: ‘my papou’s village in Cyprus’, ‘locked out of my friend’s apartment in London’, ‘pretending to be Hemingway on the Andean Explorer’, and ‘my mother’s spare room imagining I am not broke and unemployed’.

 

6. My favourite foods are cheese and anything that started life as a potato. This is part of the reason why the Solomon Islands – home of the kumara, cassava and multiple varieties of yam – is my kindred spirit. Imagine a place where you can legitimately eat kumara three meals a day?! It is like the Wonka Land of starch.

 

7. I have noticeably small hands, just like Oliver in The Bit In Between. I have travelled fairly extensively and this has been frequently commented on across at least four continents. The most common translation being ‘why, you have the hands of a small child! Did you know this?’

 

8. My day job is working in community development… because I wanted to work in two industries that are notoriously difficult to pay the rent with. But both my jobs – writing and community development – are rewarding beyond anything a better pay packet could ever deliver. Not that I’d say no…

 

9. Basically my entire grounding in writing has come from a history of being a rampant child plagiarist. Apart from the Aladdin incident, one of the first poems I ever wrote was The Lion and The Unicorn reimagined as a fight between the bunny and the bilby for supremacy over Easter. Not long after I rewrote Dorothea Mackellar’s My Country, calling it My Home (subtle) and modernising it to present day Australia. I vaguely recall something about copycatting being a fundamental part of early development so maybe I was a child genius?

 

10. My appreciation of wine is similar to my approach to art: I don’t know what this is but I like it. Pinot grigio or pinot noir, please. Leave the bottle…

Claire Varley - Credit Renee Tsatsis

Claire Varley – (c) Renee Tsatsis