Sipping Secrets and Stories: The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel
Few things pair better than a sweeping historical fiction novel and a glass of bubbly—especially when the story takes you straight to the vineyards of France during WWII. Kristin Harmel’s The Winemaker’s Wife is a rich, atmospheric novel that does exactly that, offering readers a deeply emotional journey through love, betrayal, and the quiet strength of resistance.
One of my favorite things about WWII-era fiction is how each novel reveals a unique facet of the war’s impact on everyday lives. The Winemaker’s Wife stands out in this way, immersing readers in the beauty of Champagne country while exploring the secrets buried beneath the vines.
From the very first chapter, I felt as though I was walking through the cool, shadowed cellars of Maison Chauveau or strolling past rows of grapevines under a warm French sky. Harmel’s writing is evocative and immersive, making the setting feel just as important as the characters themselves.
A Story Woven in Two Timelines
Told across dual timelines—Nazi-occupied France in 1940 and modern-day New York and Reims in 2019—the novel introduces us to Inès and Céline, two women whose lives intertwine in dangerous and heartbreaking ways. Their choices, both brave and flawed, ripple across generations, ultimately bringing us to Liv Kent, a woman in the present day who must confront the secrets of her family’s past.
This story is full of tension and emotion, with each woman facing impossible choices. From quiet defiance and forbidden love to moments of heartache and hope, Harmel masterfully blends suspense with heartfelt storytelling.
From the Publisher:
"Inès fears for her marriage and her safety as her husband hides weapons for the Résistance. Céline, a French-Jewish woman, risks everything for one final taste of happiness. Decades later, Liv Kent uncovers the legacy they left behind in the very caves that held so many secrets."
If you’re looking for a fast-paced novel that keeps you turning pages while fully immersing you in the past, The Winemaker’s Wife is a perfect pick. It’s one of those books that lingers, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the resilience found in the most unexpected places.
So go ahead—pour a glass of champagne and lose yourself in this beautiful, heartbreaking story. You’ll be glad you did.
Do you enjoy novels set on a vineyard?
You might be interested in Growing into Greatness - A Vintage Vineyard Novel
A daughter's passion. A father's betrayal. A legacy at stake.
Napa Valley, 1920—the dawn of Prohibition casts a long shadow over the Russo family vineyard. Sofia Russo has spent her life among the vines, dreaming of the day she will take her rightful place as winemaker. But when her father names her twin brother, Alonso, as his successor, Sofia's world shatters.
Determined to carve her own path, Sofia refuses to let outdated traditions or the looming hardships of the Great Depression define her fate. As time weaves its way through the vineyard's tangled roots, family loyalties are tested, and long-buried secrets threaten to change everything.
In Growing into Greatness, Tanya E Williams paints a vivid portrait of family and the enduring power of the human spirit. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Napa Valley, this sweeping saga will take you on a journey through time, where vines whisper secrets of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond of family.
