Blood on the Vines: Harvest at Castlewood Manor
Book Seven: My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series
by Veronica Cline Barton
Review by S. S. Bazinet

Description:
Lady Gemma is expecting baby number three any day now as the plans for the Maidenford village fete at her estate are finalized. As the big day approaches, a plethora of poison pen cards and deadly mishaps rile the villagers and residents of Cherrywood Hall. Will the fiendish deeds bring the fete festivities to a crashing halt? From award winning author, Veronica Cline Barton, Book 7 in My American Almost Royal Cousin Series is here…

Spring is in the air as the village of Maidenford prepares for its annual fete to be held in the vineyard at Cherrywood Hall. Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams, heavily pregnant with her third child, and the committee chairs are determined to make the event a success, causing more than a few tempers to flare as the event draws near.

When the villagers and residents of Cherrywood Hall are besieged by a plethora of poison pen cards, heads spin at the estate. As the decision to go forward with the event looms, a famed, local author reveals eerily similar circumstances and secrets occurred a century before.

Is history set to repeat itself? The crystal ball and tarot cards of the village clairvoyant direly predict, yes…

Mayhem, scandalous liaisons, stormy skies, and a Speakeasy Murder Night make this a Maidenford fete not soon to be forgotten. Mysteries, babies, royals, and a wedding or two with cocktails await—are you ready to see what the future may bring?

My Review:
BLOOD ON THE VINES is my favorite book so far in the “My American Almost-Royal Cousin” series! It has so much to like and enjoy. As soon as I began reading the story, I was hooked. I relished the mystery, romance, and family togetherness that flows so beautifully from start to finish. What a perfect way to spend a summer day. I couldn’t help but keep turning pages.

I appreciate how the characters in the series are always evolving and growing. In the first book, our heroine, Lady Gemma, is a single, American woman who decides to visit relatives in England. As the series progresses, she falls in love, marries and starts a family. In book seven, it’s great to watch her three amazing, young children develop and take on their own personalities.

Like Gemma, all the other characters we’ve come to know, bring their newest ups and downs to the story. Reading about their lives made me feel like they’re old friends who are sharing their latest escapades. What fun it is to visit with this wonderful group.

The mystery in this story was presented in a way that always kept my interest. Who was sending poison pen letters to residents of Maidenford village, letters that could ruin reputations? Who was trying to turn people against one another with cruel lies? The author’s brilliant writing evoked a strong sense of empathy for the unfortunate people who received the letters. Clues about the originator of such terrible fabrications were there, but they were subtle enough so that I remained very curious in the best sort of way. When the villain turned violent and began killing people, I was definitely anxious for the mystery to be solved. I’ve become attached to the family and friends of Castlewood Manor and don’t want harm to come to any of them.

I’m so happy that this series continues to get even more enchanting with each book. I loved BLOOD ON THE VINES, and I think you will too. Highly recommended!
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You can visit Veronica Cline Barton’s website or visit her on Twitter.