Jodi McAlister’s unique characters have big hearts and make this story special! It has age gap, single mom and found family tropes. There’s a lot of angst toward the end, but other than that, I really enjoyed it.  

The story takes place in Hobart, Tasmania where Fiona and Satoshi first meet at his restaurant/wine bar/bookstore. Fiona’s family visits there often and over time, they became close friends. When Lex, Fiona’s teenage child, comes out as nonbinary, her husband leaves soon after. Fiona is devastated to find out he has another family and has moved to Melbourne to live with them! Fiona’s brother, Jonah and his girlfriend, Sadie (from An Academic Affair) move back to Hobart and help Fiona and her kids.

Satoshi sparkles! He is very good-looking with bleached blond hair and although he’s eight years younger than Fiona, the age gap never feels awkward. He is kind and supportive of both Fiona and Lex. Wine is his passion and he’s studying for the Masters Sommelier exam. Fiona offers to be his study partner!

Some of the wine talk went over my head, but I loved the tasting quotes at the beginning of each chapter that hinted at things to come. This was my favorite because it fit the characters so well:

“Good grapes make good chardonnay, but great chardonnay becomes great because someone has carefully, patiently, lovingly worked out what those grapes need.”

There was a lot of angst that slowed down the pace toward the end, but I ended up really enjoying the story. I can’t wait to see who will get their story next – I’m hoping for Satoshi’s brother. Many thanks to the author, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of the book.