Description: "In 1942, seven-year-old Martine hears her father being dragged off by the Germans as she hides in her armoire. Pinned to her dress is a piece of paper with her aunt's Paris address written on it, and in her arms is a bottle of wine she has been instructed to take with her if something should happen to her Papa. When she finally emerges, she drops the bottle of wine and runs to a neighbor, who puts her on a train to Paris. The piece of paper is still pinned to her dress, but her aunt is not there when she arrives. She wanders the cold streets until she falls asleep on the doorstep of Hotel Drouot where she is found by a nun and put in the care of Sister Ada. In 1990, Charlotte, a pilot for a commercial airline, attends an auction with her boyfriend Henri at Hotel Drouot. ... It is there that Henri bids on a box of wine saved from the German occupation during WWII. He gives Charlotte one of the bottles that is considered unworthy of collection. Later, when cleaning it, Charlotte makes a shocking discovery that sends her out looking for the source of this unusual and very valuable (in all senses) bottle of wine"--]cProvided by publisher.
Brief description:
Loretta Ellsworth is the author of the historical novels The French Winemaker's Daughter and Stars Over Clear Lake, and five novels for younger readers--Shrouding Woman, In Search of Mockingbird, In a Heartbeat, Unforgettable, and Tangle-Knot. Her books have received many accolades, including Teen's Top Ten, the Midwest Bookseller's Choice Award, Kirkus Critic's Pick, IRA Notable, BBCB Choice, the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award, and the Charlotte Award.
Review Quotes:
"This unputdownable novel immersed me in the beauty of resilience, honor, and the lovely French culture. Part mystery, part romance, this haunting story connects two timelines and two women from drastically different backgrounds through one bottle of wine. A captivating story of serendipity. Very much recommended." - Historical Novel Society
"A powerful tale of love, war and family, The French Winemaker's Daughter is an emotionally resonant tale of two women whose fates are intertwined across time. Loretta Ellsworth's evocative and poignant page-turner will linger in the heart and make you think about luck, connection and the meaning of loyalty." - Bookreporter.com
"This is a compelling and well-crafted novel that deserves its place among contemporary historical fiction. Ellsworth has created a moving tribute to both the French wine industry's resistance during WWII and the enduring power of family bonds, whether forged by blood or circumstance." - BookClub
"Caroline Hewitt's superb narration takes listeners on a powerfully emotional journey in this dual-timeline audiobook." - AudioFile Magazine
"The French Winemaker's Daughter is a highly recommended for historical fiction enthusiasts and anyone interested in French wine culture or World War II stories. The novel offers both emotional satisfaction and historical insight while remaining accessible to general readers." - The Bookish Elf