Kirjahaku

An affecting memoir from the country's youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country's youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.

An affecting memoir from the country's youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country's youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.

An affecting memoir from the country's youngest sommelier, tracing her path through the glamorous but famously toxic restaurant world At just twenty-one, the age when most people are starting to drink (well, legally at least), Victoria James became the country's youngest sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Even as Victoria was selling bottles worth hundreds and thousands of dollars during the day, passing sommelier certification exams with flying colors, and receiving distinction from all kinds of press, there were still groping patrons, bosses who abused their role and status, and a trip to the hospital emergency room. It would take hitting bottom at a new restaurant and restorative trips to the vineyards where she could feel closest to the wine she loved for Victoria to re-emerge, clear-eyed and passionate, and a proud leader of her own Michelin-starred restaurant.Exhilarating and inspiring, Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from an abusive and traumatic childhood on her own terms; an ethnography of the glittering, high-octane, but notoriously corrosive restaurant industry; and above all, a love letter to the restorative and life-changing effects of good wine and good hospitality.

Winner of the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards Drink Book Award 2021Longlisted for the André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards 2020'Hugely entertaining' Jay Rayner'A brilliantly Bourdain-ish tale of a young woman making her way through the sexist American fine-dining world' ObserverAged twenty-one, Victoria James was named the US's youngest sommelier, working in Michelin-starred restaurants, serving the finest wines. The groping patrons she learned to handle, but, behind the scenes, the world of high-end dining was a mess of fractious relationships and unacknowledged abuse. It would take hitting rock-bottom for Victoria to find her way back to the industry she adores. Wine Girl is the memoir of a young woman breaking free from her traumatic childhood. It's the story of overcoming a notoriously misogynistic business, and of the restorative power of a glass of wine with friends.'Addictive' Stylist 'A must-read' Daily Telegraph'I glugged at the gossipy bits and sipped at the sad parts . . . you'll raise a glass to her extraordinary resilience' Sunday Times**NOW WITH EXCLUSIVE ADDITIONAL CONTENT: WINE PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EACH CHAPTER OF THE BOOK**

Former surgeon and self-professed life-long bachelor Evan Manning has one thing on his mind-to reclaim the career that a car accident stole from him. But when he's forced to return to his hometown of Red River, Evan comes face-to-face with the gorgeous woman who's haunted his dreams for the last year-the woman he rescued from the burning car that injured his hand. Now Evan needs her help. In a month, he'll have the job opportunity of a lifetime...he just needs a wife to get it. Artist Grace Matheson is down on her luck again...until she walks into Evan Manning's office. When her sexy former hero hears that she needs work, he offers her a job and a home-if she'll pretend she's his fianc e. Grace knows she shouldn't fall for him. Once the month is up, Evan will be back to his old life. But the more time they spend together, the more real their feelings become-and the more likely heartbreak is.

Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she's swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate-and sell-her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again...Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush-and heartbreak- and is more gorgeous than ever. He's also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they're butting heads every step of the way... and their attraction is even more electrifying But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can't take...

Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules...until she spends one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, who she's adored since she was a teenager. But six weeks later, things are getting complicated. Because that one unforgettable night just created a bond they'll share for a lifetime. Jake never plays by the rules. But while getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of his life plan, he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to start. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her- and the harder it is to get close. Because falling for Claire would mean sharing two things he's never trusted anyone with...the truth and his heart.

Starting over and starting a whole lotta trouble

Discover the true meaning of Christmas with this beautiful, poignant story about overcoming loss, the strength of family, and finding love again... It's been five long years since Julia Bailey lost everything. Returning to Shadow Creek is every bit as hard and painful as she expected, but she's determined to finally face her fear, which also means spending Christmas with her former in-laws. For the first time in forever, Julia begins to feel the twinges of holiday spirit, especially as she spends more time with an old friend, the irresistible town sheriff, and his adorable daughter. Single dad and county Sheriff Chase Donovan was secretly in love with his best friend's wife for years. But after her traumatic loss, he knew Julia needed to go, even though helping her leave was the last thing he wanted to do. Now she's home and he doesn't intend to lose her a second time. Chase is going to prove to Julia just how good they can be together this Christmas...and forever.

'Tis the season at The Christmas House, and Ruby Harris is getting married--but a winter storm of emotion could derail the whole affair in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Victoria James's second Christmas House novel. Ruby Harris, longtime owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, is tying the knot--on Christmas Eve Olivia Harris is thrilled for her grandmother and can't wait to help plan the event. Newly divorced, with an adorable baby girl, Olivia has spent the last year starting a new life in Silver Springs. First on her list is to renovate the old warehouse she's purchased and launch her dance studio. Second is to find a date for the wedding. And third is to not fall for that date, because she's sworn off relationships forever. When Olivia's meets Scott, a talented contractor, she hires him for the renovation. She also tries to ignore the sparks that fly between them. Then, an unexpected Christmas guest arrives: Olivia's ex, Will, who's come to rekindle their relationship. Now, Olivia must decide if she has it in her heart to forgive Will, or if she should pursue an exciting new relationship with Scott. Packed with Christmas cheer, this "heartwarming holiday romance" (Jenny Hale, on The Christmas House) will have you believing in the magic of the season.

Perfect for fans of Anita Hughes and Jenny Colgan, the mistletoe is hanging and the Christmas lights twinkling in Fortune's Cove--but there are holiday secrets lurking in the far shadows. Annie Hamilton is a single mother of two and veterinarian whose family is on the verge of falling apart. Her husband has passed away, her teenage son is finding trouble at every turn, and she's desperately struggling to keep it all together. When she decides to leave the city for Fortune's Cove in a last-ditch search for peace and togetherness, she's welcomed by her late husband's best friend, Matt--a friend who swore he'd always be there for them. Surrounded by majestic ocean, the island's famous red sand dunes, and a glowing holiday spirit, Annie and her family are embraced by a warm community more than willing to welcome them. As she joins Matt's veterinary practice and her son begins to stabilize, Annie feels hopeful for the future, beginning to realize that true family is all about love and not just about blood. Annie could never have imagined that a thousand hundred miles from the city could feel the closest to home that she's ever been. But this cozy enclave harbors a trove of secrets that could undo the life of a vulnerable young woman. When the past threatens the family Annie is rebuilding, she finds the courage to fiercely protect all of them--and discovers just how far she'll go to save her family and herself.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Victoria James is back with a heartwarming story about three generations of women trying to reconcile for the holidays. It's Christmas in the small town of Silver Springs which is bursting with holiday spirit. The downtown shops boast twinkling lights, and the town square features an enormous Christmas tree. Every Christmas Eve for the past fifty years, Ruby Harris, the owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, has opened her doors to strangers in need, showing them the compassion once denied to her. When Ruby invites her family home for the holidays, including her two adult grandchildren, Charlotte and Olivia, she hopes they will be able to put the past behind them. However, her plans for reconciliation implode as the women unravel secrets from the past that force them to confront the impact they've had on their dysfunctional family. As Charlotte grows closer to Wyatt, the neighbor next door and a friend from the past, old memories resurface that the women would rather forget. they're reminded of a man they want to forget. As the clock inches closer to the New Year, can the magic of the season bring the family closer? Or will a surprise guest threaten their tentative truce and test newly formed bonds? This light-hearted Christmas tale draws inspiration from Victoria James's own historical fixer-upper, offering plenty of warmth and holiday cheer.