“All right, you,” Stephanie said with mock sternness. “I have last-minute details to check on and you have to get changed. Don’t you dare be late to your own party.”
“I’ll be on time,” Mackenzie promised.
She made her way to the farmhouse, thinking about how far they’d all come since the last Solstice Party. Avery was in college, studying at Georgetown. Carson was a senior in high school and still trying to decide between college and going pro. Four, Jaguar and their children were who they always had been—loving, content and unique. Rhys had yet another woman in his life. His relationship with Amy was distant at best. He rarely saw her, and while that made Mackenzie sad, she wasn’t going to push him. Amy was surrounded by people who loved her and Bruno was father enough for ten children.
Lori had married Owen and gotten pregnant right away. Mackenzie had reached out a few times, but Lori really wasn’t interested in being friends. Even more disappointing, Barbara had become something of a recluse. She was rarely seen in public, and from what Stephanie occasionally mentioned, the other woman was more bitter and mean-spirited by the day.
As for herself, Mackenzie was happy—happier than she’d ever been. She had work she loved, a winery that filled her with joy and a husband who made her feel like the most cherished woman alive.
She paused in the driveway to admire the new addition to the farmhouse. Last year they’d added a big family room, along with a larger office for her and Bruno to share. The one upstairs had been turned into a playroom for Amy. They’d also remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms but hadn’t added any bedrooms. Mackenzie had learned her lesson—this house wasn’t big enough for her and Bruno to live separate lives. Their daily routines were completely intertwined and that was how they both wanted it.
Once inside, she called out that she was back.
“We’re upstairs.”
She hurried to join Bruno and found him putting flower clips in their daughter’s bright red hair.
“Mommy,” her two-year-old said, smiling and holding out her arms. “I’m wearing pink.”
Mackenzie took in the frilly dress and matching shoes. “I can see that. You’re beautiful.”
“You are, too.”
“Thank you. Now I’m going to put on my own party dress.”
Bruno, handsome as ever in black pants and a dark gray shirt, raised his eyebrows. “Need some help?”
“I know exactly where your ‘help’ would lead and we don’t have time.”
Although the thought of what he wanted to do made her a little weak at the knees. Even after nearly three years together, they couldn’t get enough of each other. Just last week, while walking the Pepper Bridge vineyard, things had gotten a little out of hand and they’d ended up making love in the truck. A memory that still made her smile.
“Give me fifteen minutes,” she said as she hurried toward the master bedroom.
“Don’t rush,” Bruno called after her. “We have plenty of time. It’s our party—we get to arrive when we want.”
Mackenzie showered and then blew out her hair. After putting on mascara, she pulled on the dress she’d picked out earlier. Given that she would be on her feet for hours, she chose flats rather than heels, then opened her jewelry box to choose something to wear that night.
One of the things she’d learned in the past couple of years was that Bruno liked to buy her jewelry. Just as surprising, she liked to wear it. She put on an emerald choker and slid on several gold bangles. She always wore her wedding ring and added a pretty diamond cocktail ring to her right hand.
“Donna’s here,” Bruno said, walking into the closet and pulling her close.
Donna, their full-time nanny-slash-housekeeper, was a godsend. She loved Amy nearly as much as they did and helped keep their busy lives running smoothly.
“She’s coming to the party, isn’t she?” Mackenzie asked, gazing up into his eyes.
“Yes. She’ll stay until Amy’s ready to come home.”
They went downstairs and collected Donna and Amy before heading to the party. People had already started to arrive. The valet service they’d hired was parking cars and music spilled into the night.
Bruno walked with her, Amy in his arms. The little girl leaned against her father, her soft pink dress a contrast to his darker shirt. A couple of years ago, Mackenzie would have said owning Painted Moon was the best thing that had ever happened to her, but now she knew that was wrong. It was the love that was the true gift in her life. The family she’d built over the years, the daughter she’d given birth to, and the wonderful man who loved her with all his heart. That was what mattered, and tonight was a celebration of all of that. On the best day of the year.
* * *
Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever in a story filled with humor, heartache and maybe even some regrettable tattoos from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery!
Read on for a sneak peek of The Friendship List by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
The Vineyard at Painted Moon
Book Club Discussion Guide
Susan Mallery’s Wine Pairings
Let me begin by saying there is no right or wrong way to drink wine. Drink what you like with whatever foods you like, but be open to trying something different. The lone exception being please don’t put ice in your wine, I beg you! It dilutes the flavor, and the impurities in the water totally change the balance of the wine. If you don’t like your wine getting warm, try using a thermal glass.
Okay—basic wine pairings. The rule of thumb is to balance the flavors and intensity. So, a lighter wine is paired with lighter-tasting foods. A heavy wine will crush the flavors of a light-tasting food and a heavy, spicy dish will make a light wine tasteless. Also, know that food can completely change the flavor of wine and vice versa. Don’t believe me? Taste a dessert wine like an ice wine. Too sweet? Too thick? Try it with a tart lemon bar. Suddenly the dessert wine makes sense. The tartness balances the sweetness.
There are dozens of types of wines, so I’m going to stick with a few basics that are easy to find pretty much anywhere in the country. My suggestions are simply that—my suggestions. They will give you a starting point. If you enjoy wine, then playing with food and wine pairings can be so much fun, and so delicious!
Sauvignon Blanc
This is a lighter, fruitier white wine. It’s best served chilled and is very drinkable. Try it with goat cheese, either plain or lightly flavored. It pairs well with salads made with a light vinaigrette and summer fruits. Honestly, a glass of sauvignon blanc and a ripe nectarine is pretty amazing.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay has changed over the years. Most winemakers are aging chardonnay in stainless-steel barrels rather than in oak, so the flavor is brighter, without the butteriness. I personally love an oaky, buttery chardonnay, but they aren’t everyone’s taste. Either chardonnay is great with a light-flavored fish, especially if there is a delicious cream or butter sauce. Shrimp scampi is a classic. For a good cheese pairing, try Brie on a piece of French baguette with a glass of chardonnay. And you’re welcome!
Pinot Noir
Try to find one from Oregon. They have the best climate for growing pinot. There are a few good ones in Northern California, but if you see one from Oregon, give it a taste. Pinot noir is a lighter red wine, but often with a hint of sweetness. Nothing overpowering, but that sweet edge gives it the ability to pair with some unexpected foods. What you want is a sweet/savory combination. Pork is perfect, but one of the best pairings is Thai food. Seriously. Try it. For a cheese pairing, either burrata or mozzarella would be great. Add basil, a little tomato and olive oil, and you have something magical.
Cabernet Sauvignon
I’ll admit, this is a personal favorite for me. I love a wine with a lot of body and flavor. Cabs and cab blends often
make their way to the dinner table at my house. Pair your cabernet sauvignon with beef, salmon and heavier chicken dishes. Also tomato-based pasta dishes. I speak from experience when I say cab and a burger are delightful. For a cheese pairing, try Gouda or blue cheese. Last but not least...dark chocolate and cabernet sauvignon. So good and the perfect way to end a meal.
Syrah
If you can find a Washington State Syrah, please try it. They’re really good here. Syrah is a heavier red wine, so it goes well with heavily spiced and braised meats. If you’re not sure if you like red wines, don’t start here. There’s a lot of flavor. For a cheese pairing, try a nice sharp cheddar or a blue or Stilton cheese.
Champagne
I know you already know this, but a sparkling wine can be called champagne only if it comes from the Champagne region of France. Otherwise it’s sparkling wine. To open a bottle without “popping” the cork, hold the cork in one hand and the base of the bottle in the other. Rotate the base rather than the cork. I know the pop sounds fun, but the flying cork is dangerous. Plus, you lose a lot of champagne and about half the carbonation! Champagne is a magical wine that literally goes with everything. Really! Having something greasy? The champagne will cut through the grease and bring out the best flavors. Fast food? Tacos? Crab puffs? Champagne works. Brunch—well, we already know that one. Birthday cake? Best with champagne.
So those are my suggestions for pairing food and wine. It all comes down to what you like. Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you want to know more, see if there’s a wine store nearby. They often have tastings on the weekends. Once you’ve explored the basic wines, you can branch out to other wines and different countries. Cheers!
Quinoa Salad Your Way
Here are two delicious variations on a basic quinoa salad, completely adaptable to your tastes. Use whichever ingredients you like, and omit any you don’t. And hey—if you don’t like quinoa, use three cups of cooked and cooled pasta instead.
Thai-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups dry quinoa
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 green onions with tops, sliced
¼ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup peanuts
½ cup fresh cilantro, minced
½ tsp sea salt
PEANUT DRESSING:
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup + 2 tbsp mild rice vinegar
½ tsp toasted sesame oil
½ tsp fresh minced ginger
¼ cup vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the quinoa using your favorite method. I use my Instant Pot pressure cooker. I use 1 ½ cups of dry quinoa to 1 3⁄4 cups water, cook at high pressure for 3 minutes and allow 8 minutes of natural release. Allow to cool.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir well. Allow flavors to marinate. Serve cold or warm.
Italian-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups dry quinoa
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
½ cup cauliflower, diced
¼ cup frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup frozen corn, thawed
½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
4 oz mozzarella cheese, diced
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
VINAIGRETTE:
This is a simple and delicious dressing made from ingredients most of us usually have on hand. Alternatively, you can use about 3⁄4 cup of your favorite ready-made Italian salad dressing.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
⅛ tsp each of salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the quinoa using your favorite method. I use my Instant Pot pressure cooker. I use 1 ½ cups of dry quinoa to 1 3⁄4 cups water, cook at high pressure for 3 minutes and allow 8 minutes of natural release. Allow to cool.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir well. Allow flavors to marinate. Serve cold or room temperature.
Questions for Discussion
Please note, these questions contain spoilers about the story.
We recommend you finish The Vineyard at Painted Moon before reading any of the questions below.
At the Summer Solstice Party at the beginning of the book, Giorgio’s proposal made several characters reassess their own lives. What was it about this moment that made such an impact? Discuss how this propelled both Mackenzie’s story line and Stephanie’s. (In fiction writing terms, this is known as the “inciting incident.”)
What did you think of Mackenzie and Rhys’s marriage when the book began? What was your first clue that all was not well?
Barbara and Mackenzie shared a love of the land of Bel Après. Discuss how this influenced their decisions.
Mackenzie doesn’t have to leave Bel Après. When she and Rhys decide to divorce, she doesn’t have to lose anything but her marriage. No one would care if she got a divorce and then stuck around. In light of all that, why do you think she walked away? What price was she willing to pay for her decision? Did she ultimately pay as severe a price as she feared she would?
What did you think of the way Rhys’s behavior changed after he learned that Mackenzie was pregnant? How did his reaction contrast with Bruno’s? Were you surprised when Mackenzie realized she was pregnant, or did you pick up on some foreshadowing that gave you a clue?
Susan Mallery promises readers that her books will have a satisfying ending. Were you satisfied with the ending of The Vineyard at Painted Moon? Why or why not? Would your answer change if Mallery hadn’t written the epilogue? The wrap-up of Barbara’s story line certainly couldn’t be described as happy, but did it satisfy your sense of justice? Do you think the book would have worked if Barbara had gotten a happy ending? Why or why not?
Four was the youngest of Barbara’s children, but the wisest. What do you think made her so wise?
Discuss Stephanie’s journey. In what ways did she change as the book progressed? What moments motivated her to change?
What are the themes of this book? How does each story line—Mackenzie’s, Stephanie’s and Barbara’s—reinforce these themes?
How did you feel about the setting of The Vineyard at Painted Moon? Were you surprised that Washington State has such a robust wine-making community, or did you already know? Did the book make you want to visit that part of the country?
If you were going to name your dream vineyard, what would you call it?
Share a wine-related memory with the group.
The Friendship List
by Susan Mallery
Chapter 1
“I should have married money,” Ellen Fox said glumly. “That would have solved all my problems.”
Unity Leandre, her best friend, practically since birth, raised her eyebrows. “Because that was an option so many times and you kept saying no?”
“It could have been. Maybe. If I’d ever, you know, met a rich guy I liked and wanted to marry.”
“Wouldn’t having him want to marry you be an equally important part of the equation?”
Ellen groaned. “This is not a good time for logic. This is a good time for sympathy. Or giving me a winning lottery ticket. We’ve been friends for years and you’ve never once given me a winning lottery ticket.”
Unity picked up her coffee and smiled. “True, but I did give you my pony rides when we celebrated our eighth birthdays.”
A point she would have to concede, Ellen thought. With their birthdays s
o close together, they’d often had shared parties. The summer they’d turned eight, Unity’s mom had arranged for pony rides at a nearby farm. Unity had enjoyed herself, but Ellen had fallen in love with scruffy Mr. Peepers, the crabby old pony who carried them around the paddock. At Ellen’s declaration of affection for the pony, Unity had handed over the rest of her ride tickets, content to watch Ellen on Mr. Peepers’s wide back.
“You were wonderful about the pony rides,” Ellen said earnestly, “And I love that you were so generous. But right now I really need a small fortune. Nothing overwhelming. Just a tasteful million or so. In return, I’ll give back the rides on Mr. Peepers.”
Unity reached across the kitchen table and touched Ellen’s arm. “He really wants to go to UCLA?”
Ellen nodded, afraid if she spoke, she would whimper. After sucking in a breath, she managed to say, “He does. Even with a partial scholarship, the price is going to kill me.” She braced herself for the ugly reality. “Out-of-state costs, including room and board, are about sixty-four thousand dollars.” Ellen felt her heart skip a beat and not out of excitement. “A year. A year! I don’t even bring home that much after taxes. Who has that kind of money? It might as well be a million dollars.”
Unity nodded. “Okay, now marrying money makes sense.”
“I don’t have a lot of options.” Ellen pressed her hand to her chest and told herself she wasn’t having a heart attack. “You know I’d do anything for Coop and I’ll figure this out, but those numbers are terrifying. I have to start buying lottery scratchers and get a second job.” She looked at Unity. “How much do you think they make at Starbucks? I could work nights.”
Unity, five inches taller, with long straight blond hair, grabbed her hands. “Last month it was University of Oklahoma and the month before that, he wanted to go to Notre Dame. Cooper has changed his mind a dozen times. Wait until you go look at colleges this summer and he figures out what he really wants, then see who offers the best financial aid before you panic.” Her mouth curved up in a smile. “No offense, Ellen, but I’ve tasted your coffee. You shouldn’t be working anywhere near a Starbucks.”
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