A remarkable story of a woman’s struggle to transform a tiny 4-hectare vine plot in the Dordogne into a major estate of 21 hectares. Today, Clos d’Yvigne wines win awards and have been adopted by wine merchants throughout the world.

Customer Rating:
Summary: breath in, breath out, read this book
Comment: Compelling, heartfelt, sensible. Atkinson, while complaining early on, truly evolves and learns many lessons with the help of locals, Edge, etc.
The essence of modern western life is truly the transformation of Atkinson in this true story. Beautiful.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: A soft read
Comment: The Ripening Sun is a restful trip into the charming life of rural France.
The author's detailing of the everyday running of a vinyard is complete and gives you a good understanding of how much work is involved with this age old process of winemaking. It is a soft book to read anytime of the day and leaves you with just a little peaceful smile.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Beautiful non-fiction tale of perseverance and friendship amongst the vines!
Comment: Faced with a formidable challenge of single-handedly turning an overgrown vineyard into a economically viable operation, the heroine of this real-life story has the tenacity to beat the odds and go well beyond what most of us would consider an acceptable workload. Of course, the village setting and the many neighbors whose friendship shines through are the real stars of this wonderful book.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: The Ripening Sun
Comment: This is a "must read" for anyone dreaming of owning a vineyard or wishing for a winery! It is the story of Patricia's journey from a novice to a wine expert in 15 short years. She has an ability to tell her story in a way that won't allow you to put the book down until you have read it through. Her characters are fascinating and the best part is that they are real people. You will want to visit Patricia in France and tour her vineyard and winery after reading this book. Book 2 promises to be even better!

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: A wonderful voyage
Comment: This was such a wonderfully spellbinding book that I couldn't put it down but at the same time did not want it to end. I really felt like the author was sitting down with me telling the story of her life. Unlike other books of this genre, there is some real life stuff going on, some of it truly heartbreaking. I would highly recommend this book over some of the others like "Bon Courage." I hope Patricia Atkinson is writing a sequel between all her other busy moments in life.

---