Books & Bottles: Sweethand & 2019 Airfield Late Harvest Riesling

Welcome one and all to this month’s Books & Bottles: Sweethand & 2019 Airfield Late Harvest Riesling! I’m still loving this series but …How in the world are we at the end of October?

I am very aware that I ask this every month during my B&B reviews, but… this year is flying by! It’s practically the Holiday season! I can’t be the only one feeling this way, right?

We’re going to be in Holiday books soon. I don’t even know what I think or feel about that.

Anyway, really happy that I was able to physically read this book for the month. Last month I mentioned that I’ve been listening to aduiobooks on my walks, runs and while I’m working. It’s been SO great, especially when work has been so busy. However, this month, I stayed up reading for an hour a night and it’s been helpful for my bedtime routine.

I’m headed out for a few travel adventures next month. I’m super excited for that. Normally I read on flights, trains, etc. So, we’ll see how many books I get through!

Okay! Shall we get into this months review?

Let’s do it!

Books & Bottles: Sweethands & 2019 Airfield Late Harvest Riesling

Table of Contents

Books & Bottles: Sweethand & 2019 Airfield Late Harvest Riesling

This pairing was so much fun. Especially because the book was all about baking and this bottle is sure to cure any sweet-tooth. At first I wanted to pair this book with a red but as time went on, it just didn’t feel right and I’m so happy I snagged this bottle in my last visit to Airfield Estate’s wine tasting room.

The Book: Sweethand by N.G. Peltier

There aren’t a lot of reviews on goodreads for this book. To be honest, I was draw to the cover after reading about it on another blogger’s site and I added it to my holds’ list at the library asap. I was going to support local and get it from my local bookshop but it became available right as I was ready to read it. So, next book, I’ll definitely have to grab it locally.

A brief synopsis:

Cherisse is in the cupcake business, a pastry chef goddess who creates amazing treats from her own home. After her ex cheated on her, she’d trying her best not to make the same mistakes and has sworn off all other men in the music industry. Unfortunately for her, her social circle revolves around it and her mother is an adamant match maker.

Keiran has had a secret crush on Cherisse since they were in grade school. The problem is, he always acts and says the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. Turning Cherisse and Keiran in to enemies within the same friend group.

When they have a wedding to help organize as Best Man and Maid of Honor, they step up to the plate and forever agree to disagree. When a late rainy night bring them together, alone, they’re forced to work together and the heat turns up.

Honest review:

I’m convinced Cherisse and I would be friends. I genuinely adore her. She works SO hard on her business and always trying to be as professional as possible, despite her swearing addiction. She’s honest with herself, has a great body image complex and truly works on herself from within.

Keiran is one of those guys that grows on you throughout the book and you get a soft spot for him as the story develops. His attitude turns into kindness and he likes Cherisse just as she is. I loved how much he was into her cupcake pj pants over anything silky. They turn to like one another for who they’ve grown to be and listen when they’re being ridiculous.

The spicy scenes were fun and I appreciated that it was all on Cherisse’s time frame. Nothing was forced, everything was fun.

Also – the book takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa! How cool is that??

Book rating: 3.5 stars

I want to give this book a 4 stars but it took me a long time to read. Maybe my life is just busy right now or maybe it was just a slow read. I feel like there are longer books I got through much faster. There’s also a part of me that wonders if it’s because I read it on my e-reader. You guys know I love a paperback.

Have you read Sweethand? Tell me what you thought and/or follow me on Goodreads!

Note: if you’re thinking of buy this book, check out bookshop.org. You can pick it up at your local bookstore or support a small shop near you and have it delivered!

2019 Airfield's Late Harvest Riesling — 2019 Airfield’s Late Harvest Riesling

The Bottle: 2019 Airfield Estates Late Harvest Riesling

Holy sweet nectar, Batman! You guys, if you’re looking for the sweetest of the sweetest dessert wine? You have found it. This is a wine you gotta sip, at the end of a savory meal with friends and family.

Likeeeee, wow! Sweeeeeeet.

It would go fantastic with something salty to counter the sugar and balance out the taste. Though the wine maker suggested cheesecake and blue cheese. Which, I don’t disagree with!

What I’m tasting:

I mean, it tastes like a syrupy honey jam. Not very acidic but with notes of citrus. It’s surprisingly balanced for something that tastes like the juice of candy.

What I’m smelling:

Not gonna lie, smells like a sweet wine. Not alcohol-y or anything outlandish. It smells good! However, it’s not like I can smell peaches or lemon, like I normally do. Which, isn’t a bad thing! At least it’s not lying to you.

Overall wine grade: B+

The reason this isn’t an A for me is because, this is not an everyday wine that will always be on my table. However, I love that it’s been processed without animal bi-products, making this gem vegan. It’s also a wine that can be shelved for a long time because it’s so high in sugar and has a 9% alcohol content.

Honestly, this would be terrific for after Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas Eve.

What have you been reading and drinking, friends?

I hope you’re enjoying this challenge as much as I have. I’m seriously debating changing this up next year because the titles are so long. Standby!

Til’ next month’s B&B! 🍷