Tangled Up in Tinsel by Candis Terry

HarperCollins Publishers | September 2017 | 368 pgs

Source: Library

Candis Terry's Tangled Up in Tinsel is the third book of her Sunshine Creek Vineyard series and despite I haven't read any of Terry's books I'm glad this works well as a stand-alone although I'm quite curious of the backstories of a few characters who made their appearance in this book. I suppose I'll have to catch up on the previous installments someday. 

This book features one of the Kincade brothers whose family owns a vineyard which was passed down by their late parents. Parker Kincade has been stressing over his new restaurant despite it is still under renovation. He has decided to remodel and revamp their old barn as a restaurant not only as a new concept but also to continue the legacy of their late parents who had worked hard in building and running the vineyard. Aside from this, Parker also needs to consider having the revamp done before his brother's wedding as the latter wants the place for his perfect Christmas wedding. But the biggest problem of all is having a stunning woman who appoints herself as his new chef before he's ready to hire one. 

Gabriella Montani has been watching Parker serving food to his customers at his food truck for some time. When she knew he is opening up his own restaurant soon, she took the initiative and apply for the chef position since being the first stands a higher chance of succeeding, right? Plus, she needs this job and a chance to prove to herself as well as her father that she could do it without his fame and reputation as a well-known chef. She managed to impress Parker through her enthusiasm and her skills but she is also attracted to him (and vice versa) even though she has not met any man who has ever lived up to her expectations. As Gabriella sees more of Parker she also sees a new side of him which he rarely show to people, not even his family members. Will Gabriella allow herself to be swept up by this attractive man, ever? 

Truth be told, I'm a little skeptical about holiday romances (in real life anyway). It's so easy to fall in love and be sentimental especially during the festive season; after all Christmas is about giving love and it's hard not to be affected by that "love is in the air" aura. That said, I'm still a romantic and it's especially heartwarming to see two people who are so different in their family background and personalities find the courage and abandon whatever their fears or insecurities to accept a relationship with the other person. This story is such a case as Gabriella and Parker are so different when their family background are concerned. Parker comes from a big family while Gabriella is living all by herself with no siblings. Parker has some issues with his past while Gabriella is trying to find her own feet without feeling she has to live by her father's fame and reputation; and most of all she has not much faith when relationship is concerned after seeing through their parents divorced. Although it was desire which has brought them together in the first place, ultimately they discover something more of each other as the days go by but are they willing to put away their issues? There are many books with similar plots but the point is it is about the characters as well as the "feel" and the concept of "love" which is essential in a holiday romance book and I'm glad the author is able to capture my attention with that holiday magic moments with elements of family bonds, friendship and love in this story. And the bonus is the book adds in a few recipes, too (Ricotta cheese cookies with lemon icing, Sweet onion carbonara, Mascarpone sorbetto with rosemary honey and Mac and Cheese.)  

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