Miranda's Vines: Friendship, Survival, and Two Women Who Find a Place to Call Home

by Kimberly Kafka and Kimberly Kafka

Book Overview

Miranda Perry has risen to the top of San Francisco?s competitive culinary world, and investors are willing to help her launch her own restaurant, but her life suddenly takes a different turn when she learns that her grandfather has died, leaving the family vineyard to her. Returning to Oregon, she is soon joined by her lifelong friend Bridie, who has suffered a debilitating injury. By returning to their roots, both women find unforeseen healing and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452286174
• ISBN13: 9780452286177
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Very good read!

We are first introduced to Miranda Perry, a young woman with a 6 year old son, who has all ready tasted the agony life can bring when she suffered the death of her husband before the birth of her son. Her life is about to change once more. Miranda has worked hard to make her way in the world of culinary in San Francisco. Close now to owning her own restaurant, again life gets in the way as her father dies and she must return to Oregon and face the prospects of what to do with his winery, and the beautiful vineyards that have been in her family for years. She has worked hard at her new life in San Francisco, yet her heart seems to be drawing her to her heritage. We are also introduced to her friend Bridie, a fiery young woman , independent and strong in the beginning, but soon becoming dependent, despondent and discouraged after a terrible sled-dog accident. As fate would have it, these two women are drawn together at Miranda's fathers home where they must face the changes that life has given to them. The book has many facets to it that I found very good. One was the rich characters and their true life struggles against immense odds. I love how the author showed the raw emotions in each one. She also added some slices of romance to a couple that you did not think would ever taste of it. Very good. Ms. Kafka brought to life the world of wine making and the problems they face; I found that to be very interesting and I love the way she added the often hard living that the migrant workers endure day to day. This was a great read. Life's battles played out and raw emotions dealt with all wrapped up in a very good storyline. I recommend this book; I believe you will truly enjoy this read. Shirley Johnson

from a reader who loves the setting and the wine

I couldn't put this book down. It features great characters (and a great love story), a fascinating setting, and wonderful food and drink. I've already recommended the novel to two book groups because Kimberly Kafka makes everything come alive in these pages. She knows a lot about sled dogs and restaurants and vineyards and migrant workers, and she puts it all together in an irresistible story. A terrific book! Can't wait for her next one.

Rich in relationships and setting

I am drawn to books that blend a sense of place (environmental and/or social) along with rich relationships and colorful people (and animals). Katfka's writing bought me into such a place in the Oregon Vineyards on a vacation, and I did not want to leave. I knew nothing about the winemaking process, and now feel a sense of what it must be like. This book makes me want to go buy a bottle of Oregon wine and visit a winery! A combination of excellent writing, imagery, and character development, I was disappointed when the book ended. I have interests in multiple areas and I think that is one reason this book appeals to me - organic wine growing, immigrant issues, cooking, iditarid, etc. I want to meet the characters and have a good discussion over a platter of goat cheese and fruit!!

Kafka Always Leaves You Wanting Another Book To Explore

Kimberly Kafka's new novel is so well woven. If you like close friendships, canine friendships, the workings of vineyards including some of the migrants' problems who work them and the trials of a good crop of both grapes and children you'll thoroughly enjoy this in-depth look at the above and more. I wouldn't spoil this great read by giving away too much of the clever plot. I've bought many extra copies to share with friends and family.

superior

I got the chance to meet the author at a reading in Oak Park, IL...she was awesome. I could not set the book down. I am using this as me book club selection of the month. Everyone should read this wonderful, moving book.