Reviews

"A delightful "divertissement," . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times"
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times"
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People"
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . [Mayle's] descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun"
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News"

"A delightful "divertissement." . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times"
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times"
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People"
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . ÝMayle's¨ descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun"
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News"

"A delightful "divertissement. . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . [Mayle's] descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News

Mayle's breezy, uncomplicated fifth novel (Chasing Cezanne, etc.) and ninth book follows 30-something Max Skinner from a sabotaged financial career in London to his adoption of the Proven?al lifestyle on an inherited vineyard in France. Max spent holidays at his Uncle Henry's vineyard as a child, so when he inherits the place, the prospect of returning is tempting; a generous "bridging loan" from ex-brother-in-law Charlie seals the deal. The estate, Le Griffon, is in a dire state of disrepair and the wine cellar is filled with bottles of a dreadful-tasting swill, but it's nothing that vineyard caretaker Claude Roussel and prim housekeeper Madame Passepartout can't resolve. Max settles into his new life easily thanks to the attentions of local notary Nathalie Auzet and busty cafe owner Fanny. The arrival of young Californian "wine brat" Christie Roberts, Uncle Henry's long-lost daughter, complicates matters for Max, but her surprise offer and Charlie's arrival lessen the impact of a vicious vineyard scandal involving a delicious, high-priced, discreetly produced wine called Le Coin Perdu. Mayle's simple story provides lighthearted if unadventurous reading and a fond endorsement of the pleasures of viniculture. Agent, William Morris. (June 3) Forecast: Mayle's soft-touch Proven?al scene-setting is once again likely to translate into big bucks, with Ridley Scott signed up to direct the film version and a 175,000 first printing planned. BOMC selection; 8-city author tour. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

"A delightful "divertissement," . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times"
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times"
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People"
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . [Mayle's] descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun"
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News"
"A delightful "divertissement." . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times"
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times"
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People"
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . YMayle's descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun"
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News"
"A delightful "divertissement. . . .plenty of . . . local color, comic dalliances and a feastful of entertainment." -"The Seattle Times
"Happily snide (and knowledgeable). . . . Wicked turns of phrase . . . . Quite agreeable, with an insouciant nose . . . perfect for summer reading." -"Chicago Sun-Times
"Mayle makes Provence sound like the most enticing place this side of paradise. Reservations, anyone?" -"People
"Bubbly, light-hearted, good-natured. . . . [Mayle's] descriptions of food and country ambience. . . live up to his reputation." -"The Baltimore Sun
"Fast-moving and fun. . . . a deliciously light-hearted tale. . . . The Provencal life never tasted so good." -"Rocky Mountain News