The Villa

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Length: 16 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Sophia Giambelli has never worried about competition. For three generations, the Giambelli wines have been renowned for their quality - from Napa Valley to Italy, and throughout the world. The pride of the Giambelli family and a top PR executive, Sophia loves her job - and excels at it.

But things are about to change at Villa Giambelli. Tereza, the matriarch, has announced a merger with the MacMillan family's winery - and Sophia will be assuming a new role.

As a savvy businesswoman, she knows she must be prepared for anything...but she isn't prepared for Tyler MacMillan. They've been ordered to work together very closely, to facilitate the merger. Sophia must teach Tyler the finer points of marketing - and Ty, in turn, shows her how to get down and dirty, to use the sun, rain, and earth to coax the sweetest grapes from the vineyard.

As they toil together, both in and out of the fields, Sophia is torn between a powerful attraction and a professional rivalry. At the end of the season, the course of the company's future - and the legacy of the villa - may take an entirely new direction. And when acts of sabotage threaten both the family business and the family itself, Sophia's quest will be not only for dominance, but also for survival.

©2004 Nora Roberts (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Excellent

Story was amazing but the narrator brought it to life!! The narration made it spectacular

Loved the story

In true Nora Roberts fashion, this was a very compelling, thrilling story. Hard to interrupt or stop listening. Enjoyed every bit right up to the twist ending. The story leaves you wanting more. Would love to see this as a tv mini series!

So GOOD!

I’ve listen to at least 20 of Nora Roberts stories and trilogies. This was AWESOME!!!

More love than suspense

Bond and strength between the women was perfect. No knight in white armor necessary to save these women.

Loved the love story and the loyalty story.

An unexpected pleasure

I really enjoyed this book, much more than I thought I would. The ending had a great plot twist. Once more Nora has a winner!

Absolutely LOVED It!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes definitely and I already have.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Villa?

There were so many good ones that it is hard to just pick one!

Which character – as performed by Laural Merlington – was your favorite?

La Senora and Pelar and well all of them. She had a great accent and you always knew who was talking becaus she was that good at changing her voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was just an overall good story with great love stories, a great family story, and a great mystery with good twists and turns.

Any additional comments?

A great listen, you won't be dissappointed.

Great Novel

I think this is one of Roberts better novels. I read it as a teenager and still love it today.

Good Story

Would you listen to The Villa again? Why?

I never listen to audio books again but if I ever run out of things to listen to, I'll give this one another listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Villa?

The ending was the most memorable. I didn't see it coming at all. Without saying too much, I'll say that I thought the way the book ended was great.

Which character – as performed by Laural Merlington – was your favorite?

She was able to switch from different voices and accents with ease. It made listening enjoyable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It kept you on your toes.

A good Nora Roberts...

As usual.. the typical mix of love, romance, treachery, murder, "I love you, I hate you, I never want to see you again.... and I love you forever".
A satisfying meal of Nora Roberts..

Steady Going Nora Roberts -Long But Worth It

Where does The Villa rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've reviewed over 200 books (not sure how many I've read) so it's hard to say - middle headed toward the top.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tyler & his grandfather-fantastic, strong men.

What does Laural Merlington bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was a great performer.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Sophia Giambelli has never worried about competition. For three generations, the Giambelli wines have been renowned for their quality - from Napa Valley to Italy, and throughout the world. The pride of the Giambelli family and a top PR executive, Sophia loves her job - and excels at it.

But things are about to change at Villa Giambelli. Tereza, the matriarch, has announced a merger with the MacMillan family's winery - and Sophia will be assuming a new role.

As a savvy businesswoman, she knows she must be prepared for anything...but she isn't prepared for Tyler MacMillan. They've been ordered to work together very closely, to facilitate the merger. Sophia must teach Tyler the finer points of marketing - and Ty, in turn, shows her how to get down and dirty, to use the sun, rain, and earth to coax the sweetest grapes from the vineyard.

As they toil together, both in and out of the fields, Sophia is torn between a powerful attraction and a professional rivalry. At the end of the season, the course of the company's future - and the legacy of the villa - may take an entirely new direction. And when acts of sabotage threaten both the family business and the family itself, Sophia's quest will be not only for dominance, but also for survival.

Any additional comments?

I've noticed NR likes to show off her research and a lot of the time it can get tedious but that was not the case here. I could care less about wine but the detail did not distract or bore me.