My first Frenchman!

My last book, Bound to Love, had a hero who was half-French, half-American, most especially so I could weave in my love affair with France into the story.
In my new book that I've just started on edits with my new editor in The Wild Rose Press, I've gone the whole way, so today is a sneak peak of this upcoming release!

Love On The Vine is my first ever book that is part of a greater whole, namely The Flower Basket series. This series is a group of books all set in the fictional town of Almendra, near San Jose in California. I sent for the guidelines, and received a matrix of information on the other books already out or contracted for the series. There were characters who appeared in other stories and were available to have their story written, various places such as restaurants and cafes, and events featuring characters in other stories.

The only thing each story has in common, is a scene set in The Flower Basket, a Flower Shop in downtown Almendra which is run by 3 female partners.

To ground myself in Almendra, I first read the other books - a great excuse to download!

I looked at the local businesses, and formed a good mental picture of what sort of work people might be doing in Almendra, then decided to set my story in a vineyard.

Enter the Frenchman! Etienne Durand has relocated from his family vineyard in Provence to run the St Clair Durand Vineyard in Almendra. The vineyard was run down, and he's determined to restore its fortunes, and is putting all hopes on the new vintage.
He wants to throw a launch party for the new vintage, and when he hears of Celebrate, the local party planning company with valuable links into the local community, he's determined to use their services.
Until, that is, he discovers that Celebrate's owner, Bella St Clair, is not only the woman he's caught skinny-dipping in his lake, but also the daughter of the previous owner of the vineyard. A man determined to ruin him.

I won't spoil the story by revealing anything more - except for the fact that of course he does employ Bella, and there are many twists and turns ahead! When it comes out, I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing it!