Red Mountain: A Novel (Red Mountain Chronicles Book 1)

This is a very good book. It was written 9 years ago and it's the book that started the successful Red Mountain trilogy. Boo Walker sold the movie rights back about 3 (or is it 6?) years ago, so eventually we'll see it on HBO, or Netflix, or Apple TV. It would make for a very successful series because the book is episodic in design and would be easy to adapt to the screen. As for reading this book, the cast of characters is large and there really is no single central character that the stories revolve around. The closest to a MMC probably would be Otis, the ailing, 60+ master winemaker. At times Boo would rotate a character back into the story and I would have to go backwards several chapters to figure out who the character was. This made for a slow read. But I persevered. Overall, the several smaller stories weaved together into such a rich tapestry that it made Red Mountain very entertaining. Character development was top-notch, too. While the novel, like many, sort of stumbled on its way towards the end, it did provide a cliffhanger that set up the next book in the series. This might read like a negative review, but it really isn't. As I mentioned before, I found Red Mountain to be well-written and entertaining. I recommend this book.

Ignore the reviews of those who only read the first book! This is a chronicle set of 3 books. You must read all 3 to get the full story and context. If you have ever visited Red Mountain or spent any time there, then you would know it is a magical place that produces some of the best red wines you will ever taste. As a child I remember going to the Tri-Cities (Richland/Pasco/Kennewick) to visit our grandparents and seeing mostly dry desert and blowing tumble weeds. But to see it today and the vast acres of vines producing world class wines is to see visions and dreams become a reality for others to enjoy. So my advice to you is order all 3 books, open up a bottle of your favorite red wine and read on. This eclectic set of characters will grow on you and you will find yourself laughing, possibly crying, and definitely wishing more chapters were coming. Here is a toast to Otis, Brooks, Emilia, Jake, Jasper, and my favorite, Margot. #AWalkInTheClouds #UnderTheTuscanSun #MidNightInParis

You will be transported to Red Mountain and the wonderful love that is all around this beautiful mountain. The whole book is a page turner. You can’t wait to find out what happens.

A fabulous novel that transported me to Red Mountain where my tongue tingled with the taste of wines and my heart belonged to my new friends. Rarely am I so engrossed by a novel that the world stops for a couple of days. This was one of those books. The characters were real and relatable, and the writing so polished that at times I forgot I was reading at all and felt I was there beside my new friends. The rich cast of characters ranged in age from eight-year-old Luca to eighty-something Aunt Morgan. It doesn't matter your protagonist preferences when reading this story, you loved them all: Ottis the aging winemakers; eccentric Aunt Morgan intent on finding Ottis a woman; the famous Foresters each with their own set of issues and joys; Joan the shamanistic yogi bringing calm to the turbulent lives of her friends; Brooks rescued from the streets by Ottis and indoctrinated into to art of winemaking; Abby the nanny to Emilia and Luca Forester and assistant to Carmen Forester who becomes indispensable to the family and community; and last but not least, Margot who, after escaping her own heartache, is set on opening an inn and animal sanctuary to help the mountain flourish; and her son Jasper who grows into a mature, professional musician. Each character had plenty of point-of-view time and when their lives intertwine, you will not expect the paths they take. I don’t read other reader reviews before I write my own but I did see a couple reviews when I downloaded the book from Amazon. Some mentioned the reader was “left hanging at the end” and the book was “a story without an ending.” I felt this to be wholly untrue. This novel was complete, at least in the short time-period spanned by the storyline. Each character’s internal conflict was resolved and decisive actions were taken. Yes, there is a sequel (and a prequel as well) as the Red Mountain residents’ lives continue, but unless the story was of epic length and everyone dies at the end, there will always be inferences and hints about the future. Red Mountain brought us to and over crucial points in every character’s development so we can either guess with some degree of certainty how it pans out for them, or decide to read the sequel and learn more. I loved this book and was taken by surprise by Boo Walker. The fluidity of his storytelling rivals any accomplished fiction writer on the best-seller list today.

Excellent.

I just loved these three books about a group of people living on Red Mountain. The characters were so well described that you thought you knew them personally and I liked all of them - even the grumpy and strange ones. The setting, the wine, the wine making: everything is vivid and enticing and you just wish you could be part of this group and join them in their endeavors. The story is compelling and contains some action and suspense but mostly it is about being human, about companionship, about nature, about hope and never giving up.

A cozy book that you can't put down.

I must admit that I bought this book for the cover! Grape vines, man and a dog - looks promising. It turned out to be a very pleasant story with enough interesting characters to make me want to keep reading, to find how things turn out. I will probably read the sequel.

Full of depth and nuances, a novel that breathes life, love and forgiveness. If you are depressed, read this for solace. If you are happy read this to give words to your feelings. Well crafted, amazing depth and body and far fewer calories than wine- although reading this did make me want to seek out a good bottle just to join in the fun.