Bend Toward the Sun

✮✮✮

Feb 19

Bend Toward the Sun - Jen Devon

my review : ✮✮✮

This author describes her writing style as “cinematic storytelling,” and I wouldn’t have been able to define that term until I read one of her books. Her story transports you through her atmospheric writing. To me, the love story between Harry & Rowan came in second place to the love story between these characters and the vineyard they are rehabbing. The descriptions of food, plants, and feelings were poetic and lush and really made this an enjoyable read.

Rowan and Harry meet one May evening in the expansive yard of Harry’s family vineyard. Rowan is there as her friend’s plus one, and Harry has returned home that evening from the West Coast for some much-needed healing. Harry’s parents have purchased a dilapidated vineyard, and the entire Brady family is banding together to get it in working order. When Rowan’s resume gets submitted, it’s clear to the Brady family that her botany Ph.D. would be a huge asset to them as they make heads or tails of the land they purchased. Harry is anxious for Rowan to get the gig as he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since the night they met, but Rowan wants anything but strings and a serious relationship….

The writing was beautiful and was the star of the show. Sometimes, I felt the cheese factor* was a little high, but that could just have been my mood! As you guys know, I prefer a bit more angst in my leading men; I’m learning it’s hard for a cinnamon roll to win me over!

If you were a fan of ABC’s Brothers & Sisters, I think you’d really enjoy this story.

It would be blasphemous to read this book with anything but wine! You get bonus points if you are sipping on something from Pennsylvania’s wine country. Cheers!

*cheese factor = when a romance gets a little too cheesy. A certain amount of cheese is fine and EXPECTED in a romance, but at times, it can become too cheesy, unlike when making any pasta dish, which can never be too cheesy.