The Villa

Sophia Giambelli loved being part of the large flamboyant Giambelli family and Giambelli/MacMillan wines. She had her own little niche carved out by handling the marketing department smoothly from her San Francisco base of operations, but her family was another matter altogether. Sophia's professional life was firmly in place, but her family was always trying to deal with one drama or another. Her mother Pillar had been married to her father, but unfortunately in name only. Pillar loved Tony Avano, but he made it clear early on that she would only be one of many that he would be a lover to, so they had been living apart for the better part of Sophia's life. It was her grandmother Theresa and her husband Eli that held the iron fist on the family and the family business. Tyler MacMillan loved being in his element, and that was the vineyard. He had loved the vines and the earth they grew in since he was a small boy. Even though he held top position at the vineyards, he always loved the hands on work. It was a part of him, and one that he was unwilling to give up. Tyler always credited Theresa for introducing him to this great love of his, and was so glad that his grandfather Eli had married her. It took him completely by surprise when Theresa summoned the entire family to the big house for an announcement. He was even further shocked to find out he and Sophia were being groomed to take over the business from them. They were to learn all aspects of the company, which meant learning each other's jobs. An outsider named David Cutter was being brought in to oversee everything for 12 months, and then the power would transition to them. Everything was going according to plan until someone started murdering top executives at the company. Someone was trying to bring down Giambelli/MacMillan, but Tyler and Sophia were determined to stop them, and find out who was responsible. What they didn't expect was their attraction to each other or the strong feelings growing between them. Tyler and Sophia only hoped they could identify who was trying to destroy the family before they ended up the next victims. Strong characters in a good story.

I couldn't put the book down when I first bought it. Here it is months later and I've read it again. The story is great! I do wish that Nora Roberts would have continued the story maybe into a trilogy. I would like to know more about what happens to Sophia and Ty. Also Pillar and David----- I highly recommend this book. Its definitely one of her BEST!

I strongly disagree with the reviewers who say that this is not one of Nora Robert's finest books. The character development is incredible, and are some of my all time favorite literary characters. Yes, they are human, and have flaws, and are more realistic for it. The Giambelli women are among Nora's finest characters, having wit, sass, class, the right amount of attitude, and still having the small character flaws that makes them agonizingly human. While they all have the Giambelli spirit, all three women are extremely unique and expertly portrayed. Bravo! The setting is wonderful. Clearly Roberts knows what she is talking about, and it is refreshing to read a book that has such rich background and detail. Some reviewers complained about the detail given to the wine making process. I disagree. The detail Roberts gives simply emphazises that the wine business is central to her characters' lives, and she gives the information in an extremely enjoyable way. Her wit and superb writing style make the words flow together in a seamless rhythm. Please don't let the few bad reviews keep you from picking up this book, especially if you are a Nora fan! Read it and make up your own mind! All I can say is that I use my local library constantly, and it is rare that I will actually buy a book new. The other day I bought myself a hardback copy of "THE VILLA". Definately a keeper. Enjoy!

For the first time that I'm aware of, Nora Roberts tells not one but three love stories in the same book. The primary one, that of Sophia Giambelli and Ty MacMillan, takes two people who have spent their entire lives in and around the family business of wine-making and throws them together to learn what they DON'T know. While the intent was for them to learn parts of the process so they can take over the business, they also learn what they don't know about love. Sophia, growing up essentially fatherless, has developed a consuming ambition to prove herself worthy. Ty, with no real parental influence to speak of, does the same thing in his own quiet way. In all other ways opposite, this common bond draws these two together and makes them see the other in a way few others can.The second love story is that of Sophia's mom, Pilar, and the new COO of the winery. Pilar has spent years in a non-marriage with Sophia's father, and any sense of self-worth she may ever had had is long gone. David rekindles her zest for life, and gives her the confidence to have a strength she's never displayed.Lastly, Tereza Giambelli, matriarch of the clan, rules all with an iron fist. All, that is, but for her husband Eli, Ty's grandfather, who accepted her for what she was and let her grow to love him over time. Their enduring love in the face of family tragedy and impending retirement sets the tone for the others to follow.

The Villa is Nora Roberts at her best. It is a sweeping saga of a family that created and nurtured one of the most power wine dynasty that spans from Italy to the United States. Tereza Giambelli, the matriarch has decided to merge her internationally known winery company with that of her husband, Eli MacMillian. She feels it is time to breathe new life into the dynasty and make sure it will live on with the younger generation. To accomplish this, she wants her key players to know the business from every aspect. Each member is to learn different parts of the business other than the area he or she excels in. To make sure everything goes accordingly to plan, she brings in a new CEO from their biggest competitor, David Cutter, to oversee the transition. David has the tough job of making sure everyone goes with the plan. Unfortunately, not everyone wants this to succeed. Sophia Giambelli, Tereza's granddaughter, is one of the sharpest members of the family. She is one independent, smart woman who succeeds quite well in a man's world. She pairs up with Tyler MacMillian, Eli's grandson. While Sophia is a savvy businesswoman, Tyler is a man of the land. He cares nothing about advertisement and packaging, but growing the grapes that make up his precious wine. They each find themselves learning a side of the business they could very well do without. Then disaster strikes in the form of murder and product tampering and the Giambelli-MacMillan families find themselves banding together to save not only their business, but also their reputations. There is so much happening in this story that it is impossible to review without giving away too much of the plot. One of the things that impressed me most was the cast of characters. You have the tough, feisty, independent heroine, Sophie, and the tough, silent and plainspoken hero, Tyler, who butt heads while being sexually attracted to each other. Then there is Pilar (one of my favorite characters) who is ending an emotionally abusive marriage to Sophie's father, a man who has had more mistresses or affairs than anyone can keep up with including his new, young trophy wife, Rene. Rene is one of those tough, self-serving women we all love to hate. Thrown into the mixture is David Cutter, a divorce man trying to raise two teenagers, Theo the son who has gotten into some trouble and Mandy, the child wise beyond her years with a brain to match. This novel is engrossing. It flat out holds your interest and attention throughout the story. It is one of those books you don't want to put down. However, due to its large cast of characters I would advise you to start out reading slowly so you can figure out who everyone is. Believe me, they all stick around for the story in some way or another. One word of caution to Ms. Roberts' fans, don't expect this to be as chilling, dark, and suspenseful as Carolina Moon-it's not. However, in my opinion it is just as fascinating. I would