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The first
release in the series is A Taste of Chardonnay and
the final release will be A Tast of Sauvignon.
Meri St. Pierre majors in jewelry at Gates College of Art
and Design, and wins the year-end competition and her piece
is selected to become part of the college's permanent collection.
When Meri overhears a jealous classmate's comment that she'll
never make a living at jewelry, Meri sets out to prove she
can be successful on her own merit, without family money or
the infamous St. Pierre name. She quits college, using her
college funds to establish a jewelry atelier shop and designs
jewelry as Meri Peterson.
Mark Newman is co-owner of Harringtons, a prestigious jewelry
store run by his aunt Gloria. Anxious to revive the faltering
business, Mark checks the end of the year jewelry competitions
at colleges and immediately recognizes an outstanding piece
with a notation, "Gilty." Unfortunately, the college
won't release the designer's name. Months later, he spots
the "Gilty" jewelry style online and races to meet
the designer, Meri. He tries to convince his aunt to highlight
Meri's designs, but Gloria prefers a designer with marketing
experience.
Mark and Meri share hidden doubts and hesitations, despite
their initial attraction. Meri believes no one will accept
her on her own merit due to her father's money. Mark's ex-wife
wanted him only for his money. Mark and Meri need to prove
themselves to others - their bond is a shared desire to succeed
despite the many handicaps strewn down their respective paths.
The journey they take is enchanting. I also enjoyed the insight
into the aspects of wine making.
A Taste of Merlot was a refreshing change and I loved
that the novel deals with my two favorite things: wine and
jewelry design. The characters were vivid and loveable, the
plot thoroughly enjoyable. I will definitely read the other
releases in this delightful series.
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