Jeannette Baker A Delicate Finish

A Delicate Finish

Jeannette Baker

Mira, Jun 2005, $6.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0778321827

Two years ago Jake Harris walked out on his wife Francesca, their young son Nick, and his family's Santa Ynez vineyards. Francesca reverted back to her maiden name of D'Angelo, rolled up her sleeves, and with the help of her mother-in-law Juliana tried to keep the vineyard alive with increase pressure from conglomerate giant GGI to sell while also raising her son.

Now Jake returns and wants his wife back, but refuses to explain why he left or where he has been. At the same time, GGI agent Mitchell Gillette wants Francesca, but youthful Juliana desires him. While Nick and Juliana welcome Jake back as if nothing happened, Francesca wants nothing to do with him, but Mitch does not feel like the man for her either.

This is an interesting contemporary fiction starring likable realistic protagonists. The storyline centres on relationships at a struggling vineyard trying to stay independent when the large conglomerates are like Pac-Man gobbling up everything. Francesca makes the tale work because though she loves her returning spouse and feels an attraction to Mitch, she keeps both in perspective as the former deserted her son and the latter represents the evil empire. Fans will appreciate this fine wine country tale though the ending seems too easy.

Harriet Klausner