Picnics in the Vineyard: Where Love and Laughter Are Always on the Menu. By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
This newly rewritten 2025 edition of Picnics in the Vineyard is filled with expanded scenes, fresh dialogue, deeper emotion, and even more of the humor and heart readers loved in the original.
In the picturesque heart of Napa Valley, three women embark on journeys of love, self-discovery, and friendship in Gail Robin Raes' delightful romantic comedy, Picnics in the Vineyard. This charming novel follows Jennifer, Presley, and Robyn-each at different stages of life-as they navigate the complexities of relationships, career aspirations, and personal growth.
Jennifer is living her dream, restoring a vine-covered cottage next to the renowned Bishop Vineyards. Her renovation project brings her into the orbit of three intriguing men: Ries, the handsome vintner; Brandon, a towering 6'9" architect; and Rory, a charismatic country-western singing contractor. As she balances the challenges of renovation with the thrill of unexpected romance, Jennifer must decide which of these men, if any, will capture her heart.
Presley, a vivacious redhead who grew up in Las Vegas under the shadow of her Elvis-impersonating father, now runs a cozy Bed and Breakfast in downtown Napa. Life takes an exciting turn when she meets the latest celebrity chef to grace wine country. As sparks fly between them, Presley wonders if Chef Delicious is the perfect ingredient for a happy ending or a recipe for disaster.
Robyn, once an aspiring model, now finds herself in the midst of a midlife crisis. With two grown children and a husband more interested in his Corvette than their marriage, Robyn feels neglected and unfulfilled. As she reconnects with her passions and explores the possibility of rekindling the spark in her life, she learns that it's never too late to redefine happiness.
Set against the lush backdrop of Napa Valley's vineyards, Picnics in the Vineyard is a heartwarming tale filled with laughter, love, and the enduring power of friendship. Inspired by real-life events and the author's experiences in wine country, the novel also includes delicious recipes and playlists that bring the story to life. Perfect for readers who believe that age is just a number when it comes to finding love and joy, this book is a testament to the idea that the best moments in life often happen when you least expect them.
Uncorked: The Story Behind Picnics in the Vineyard. By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
Uncorked: The Story Behind Picnics in the Vineyard offers readers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Gail Robin Raes' novel Picnics in the Vineyard. In this heartfelt companion book, the author takes you on a personal journey, revealing the real-life events that inspired her story and offering insights into what was fact versus fiction.
Written as an engaging conversation between the author and the reader, Uncorked revisits each character and scene from the novel, chapter by chapter. It is filled with fascinating anecdotes, candid reflections, and delightful stories that bring the writing process to life. This book also includes photos of the real people behind the characters, along with PDFs on decorating, entertaining, picnics with friends, costumes, and a book club kit.
More than just a companion to the novel, Uncorked is a piece of the author's heart and soul. It's an exploration of her passion, creativity, and the experiences that shaped her work. Whether you're a fan of Picnics in the Vineyard or simply curious about the story behind the story, Uncorked offers an entertaining and insightful read that celebrates the power of storytelling.
Picnic With Friends Book Club By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
In this book club, every story is paired with laughter, love, and the perfect picnic.
Return to the breathtaking beauty of Napa Valley in Picnic with Friends Book Club, the heartwarming sequel to Picnics in the Vineyard. As Robyn Rossi, now a celebrated author, navigates new beginnings, she finds solace and joy in the monthly gatherings of her beloved book club. But these meetings are about more than just stories—they're a celebration of friendship, life’s surprises, and the bonds that hold them all together.
From a whirlwind proposal that sets hearts aflutter to career shifts, romantic journeys, and personal triumphs, Robyn and her friends support one another through every twist and turn. Jennifer and Ries embark on the next stage of their relationship, while Presley dares to chase her own happiness. Through laughter, heartfelt conversations, and unforgettable picnic spreads, these women prove that love and second chances are always worth savoring.
Complete with delicious picnic recipes inspired by the story’s memorable moments and a curated playlist that captures the essence of Napa Valley, Picnic with Friends Book Club is more than just a novel—it’s an invitation to gather, indulge, and celebrate the beauty of friendship, love, and fresh new beginnings.
So grab a blanket, pour a glass of wine, and join Robyn and her friends for another unforgettable journey through the magic of wine country.
Picnics Among the Vines: A Wine Country Cookbook By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
Gather, sip and savor - one perfect picnic at a time.
Nestled in the heart of California's wine country, Picnics Among the Vines: A Wine Country Cookbook is a love letter to Napa Valley's rich culinary traditions. More than just a cookbook, this stunning collection of picnic-perfect recipes captures the flavors, charm, and effortless elegance of vineyard dining.
From sun-ripened produce to artisanal cheeses and world-class wines, every recipe in this book celebrates Napa's vibrant food culture. Featuring a curated selection of seasonal dishes-savory appetizers, crisp salads, hearty entrées, and indulgent desserts-each recipe is crafted for easy transport and picturesque presentation. With creative tips on packing, plating, and styling-including chic Mason jar meals-this book ensures your outdoor gatherings are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Just Desserts: Sweet Justice, an utterly irresistible and sinfully delicious demise. By Gail Robin Raes (Author) and Wendy Galla (Author)
Wendy Galla has always been celebrated for her to-die-for desserts, but at seventy-eight, she's taking her culinary artistry to an entirely new-and nefarious-level. Rather than serving up another sappy memoir, Wendy, an ordained minister with a killer instinct, is flipping her own mortality the bird and diving headfirst into a delightfully dark adventure.
With her weak heart and ticking clock, Wendy's final days aren't about redemption-they're about revenge. Armed with her baking skills and a pen sharper than any scalpel, she's decided to dish out poetic justice to those who have wronged her. Why bother with a bucket list when you can have a hit list?
In "Just Desserts," Wendy concocts a wickedly humorous plan to murder three people with her infamous pastries. With a grin and a chuckle, she declares, "They wanted their just desserts, and by golly, that's exactly what they got!" This isn't a typical inspirational tale-it's a sweetly sinister romp that mixes humor with homicide.
Buckle up for a hilariously wicked ride as Wendy serves up a side of revenge with her signature desserts. This is a story that will make you laugh, gasp, and keep you guessing-because in Wendy's world, the last course is always to die for.
The Last Supper: A Culinary Journey of Taste, Gratitude and Final Wishes By Gail Robin Raes (Author) and Wendy Galla (Author)
"Fine dining is more than a meal; it's a celebration of life's finest moments. To savor a last supper at a cherished restaurant is to embrace joy and gratitude, even in the face of life's final chapter."
In The Last Supper, Wendy Galla, a 78-year-old woman with a lifelong passion for fine dining, faces a sobering reality: she has only a few months left to live. With a heart full of unfulfilled dreams and a zest for life, Wendy embarks on a poignant culinary journey, determined to savor the exquisite flavors of renowned restaurants she had always longed to visit.
The book chronicles Wendy's final dining experiences, each chapter detailing her visits to exceptional eateries and the memorable meals she enjoyed.
The Last Supper celebrates life's final moments and the transformative power of generosity and fine dining, reminding us of the beauty and connection that can be found in sharing a meal and a story.
Confessions of a Clutter Bug: When Things Go Fabulously Wrong, Blame Barbie! By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
"When life gets cluttered, blame Barbie-and discover the joy of letting go, one fabulous outfit at a time."
In Confessions of a Clutter Bug: When Things Go Fabulously Wrong, Blame Barbie, author Gail Robin Raes takes readers on a laugh-out-loud journey through the highs and lows of modern-day clutter, chaos, and an obsession with the world's ultimate Fashionista-Barbie.
It all began on a magical Christmas morning when a nine-year-old girl unwrapped her first Barbie, igniting a love affair with the doll's endless world of fashion, dream houses, and accessories. From a pink convertible to Ken, Midge, and Skipper tagging along, each new addition brought more fabulous outfits-and more stuff-slowly transforming life into a whirlwind of clutter.
As the collection grew, so did the closet catastrophes and the mounting stress of keeping up with Barbie's stylish demands. Enter Clutter Bug-the quirky, comical alter ego who swoops in with sparkling wit and humorous wisdom. Through laugh-out-loud mishaps and witty observations, Clutter Bug helps navigate the tricky balance between owning fabulous things and keeping life functional.
Packed with hilarious anecdotes-from karaoke nights that end in closet disasters to playful banter with Barbie herself-this charming memoir uncovers a deeper truth: Life isn't about the stuff we collect, but the memories we make. And sometimes, letting go of things makes space for what truly matters-like joy, laughter, and room for future adventures.
With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, Confessions of a Clutter Bug offers readers an uplifting and relatable exploration of organizing chaos, all while learning to embrace the fabulous-and sometimes messy-adventure of life.
Will she finally find the balance between style and simplicity, or will Barbie's glittering influence keep her wrapped in a whirlwind of stuff? Find out in this irresistible tale that proves it's never too late to declutter your life and make room for what truly brings joy!
Will You Marry Me? By Gail Robin Raes (Author)
"Celebrating the magic, surprises, and unforgettable moments of saying "yes" to forever."
Will You Marry Me? is a heartfelt celebration of love in all its forms, told through unforgettable proposal stories. From grand, over-the-top gestures to sweet, intimate moments, this collection captures the magic and emotion behind the most important question you’ll ever ask—or answer.
Each chapter shares the unique journey of a couple's proposal—whether it’s a daring adventure on Half Dome, a romantic waltz on the water, or a surprise on a fashion show runway. These stories are filled with humor, surprise, and heart, perfect for anyone who loves celebrating love.
And because every love story deserves a soundtrack, at the end of each chapter, The Soundtrack of Their Love highlights the couple’s special song and the deeper meaning behind it. Plus, the book includes The Ultimate Love Song Playlist, filled with songs perfect for proposals or simply celebrating your love.
Whether you're planning your own proposal, reminiscing about your special moment, or just a romantic at heart, Will You Marry Me? is a beautiful reminder that love truly is life’s greatest adventure.
Home My Books Purchase Book Uncorked Meet the Author Reader Reviews Playlists Recipes References Quotes
© 2025 Picnics in the Vineyard All rights reserved.