Fine As Wine Reading

Terrior – Sheila Scubba Banning

Suzanne Mathews is going through a lot. Her plate is full with not only the task of harvesting vintage wine (her first love), but also adjusting to the demands of her impending divorce. She is hit by the news of her terminally ill sister in Iowa condition worsening and rushes to her bedside. Rather than be welcomed with open arms, her sister loathes the idea of her death being a spectacle and treats her with disdain. The story moves on to other themes, with Suzanne struggling to find the balance of caring for both her passion and her morale sense of duty. In the midst of it all, she reunites with an old flame and discovers the parallel between wine and relationships.

This is a fine tuned story that reaches into the heart and mind, and doesn’t let up until the very end. Banning’s writing is simple and elegant, which kept me engaged throughout the entire ride. Complex characters are at the heart of the tale, making it a definite page-turner. And the powerful ending accented the work. A must read for all those who appreciate stories that center on family, relationships, and loss. 4/5 stars