Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Guest Post with Nicole Baart, Author of The Moment Between & Giveaway

by

Please join me in welcoming Nicole Baart, author of The Moment Between to Peeking Between the Pages today. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her novel yesteday and you can see my review here. I loved Nicole’s book so much that I’ve already ordered the other two she has published. So, let’s sit back and relax with a coffee or a glass of wine since that is exactly what Nicole is going to share with us. It’s just a perfect topic as it ties in so wonderfully with the novel. Enjoy…

Several years ago I made my first trek to a honest-to-goodness winery and fell in love at first sip. People far more sophisticated than I have suggested that wine is an acquired taste, much like coffee or caviar–you have to suffer through many bad samplings before you begin to develop a wine palate. But before my first real taste of wine, my experience was limited to the ubiquitous Boone’s, a terrible preparatory for someone who longed to be a sommelier the moment a decent Cabernet Sauvignon passed my lips. So I’ve decided that wine is not necessarily an acquired taste; you just need to find the right wine.

Now before you start to think me an expert in all things vine-related, let me assure you that I’m a rookie at worst and a wine-lover at best. Years of sampling at our unofficial wine club has taught me that nothing is better than a fantastically expensive bottle of French Bordeaux, but in a pinch, when friends, laughter, and good food abound, a supermarket special is nothing to scoff at. Unless you are a sommelier, in which case, send me a bottle of the fancy stuff and we’ll talk.

The Moment Between is rich with imagery and symbols relating to wine and viticulture, and I’ve often thought that it should come with a tasting guide and a collection of recipes. So, with summer in the air and a grill close at hand, I’m going to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of my favorite affordable wines and the foods that love them. Cheers! Salud! A votre sante…

Syrah/Shiraz
Called Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia (with the rest of the world seemingly flip-flopping between), this full-bodied, powerful wine is spicy and bold. Its notes can range from earthy to peppery or smoky. Syrah is one of the only wines that can hold it’s own with an American staple: pizza. I like the Australian McWilliams Hanwood Estate Shiraz. Chill it for about ten minutes in the refrigerator before serving, and fire up the grill for homemade pizzas. I’m partial to Hawaiian with green peppers and pineapple seared on the grill before the pizza is assembled. End with homemade ice cream sandwiches. A nice, dark chocolate ice cream (or espresso!) goes great with a moody Shiraz.

Chardonnay-Viognier
This summery blend plays a memorable role in a scene from The Moment Between. It’s one of my favorite warm-weather wines because it’s smooth and clean, but not too sweet. The Chardonnay gives hints of butter and oak while the Viognier adds fruit and floral notes. I like the French Le Grand Noir Chardonnay-Viognier. It’s fruity but light and has a smooth, easy finish. Our go-to meal with this wine is shrimp alfredo on cappellini. Grilled asparagus with olive oil and sea salt adds a nice contrast, and strawberry pie is the perfect dessert.

Riesling
Some wine connoisseurs consider Riesling a lesser wine because it’s so very drinkable. It’s usually quite sweet and may be sparkling–the bubbles only make its flowery bouquet more fragrant. Riesling is a great place to start if you are uninitiated in wide world of wine. Serve it nice and cold. I like the German Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Drachenstein “Dragonstone” Riesling. It has hints of honey and grapefruit and is perfect with a light, summer meal like grilled chicken kabobs with a plate of fresh crudités and cheese. No dessert needed! The wine is more than enough. But if you must, top some berries with chocolate and whipped cream. You’ll be a wine-lover for life.

-Nicole Baart

__________
BOOK INFO:
It is us against the world, Abigail thought. You and me. . . . Sisters.
Abigail Bennett was completely in control of her life until tragedy pushed her to the brink of something she’d never experienced: obsession. Now, she’s given up everything she’s ever worked for to chase down the object of that obsession. His name is Tyler Kamp. As Abigail follows him across the border into Canada to a beautiful winery in British Columbia, her journey is awash in memories of family and childhood, especially those of her younger sister, Hailey. Dangerously beautiful yet indefinably needy, Hailey seemed to take all the risks Abigail avoided. Until now. But even as Abigail races into her future, her past continues to pull her back. Only when she is brought to the edge of her obsession will she be able to come to terms with the tragedy that ignited it.
A breathtaking story about the emotional risks of relationships, The Moment Between explores the cost of regret, the desire for revenge, and the redemptive power of forgiveness.
__________
AUTHOR INFO:
Nicole Baart was born and raised in a small town in Iowa.
She is the mother of two young sons and the wife of a pastor. After the adoption of their infant son, Nicole discovered a deep passion for global issues and is a founding member of a non-profit organization that works with a church and orphanage in Liberia. After the Leaves Fall and the sequel, Summer Snow, were Nicole’s first books. Summer Snow is a 2009 Christy Award finalist for excellence in fiction. The Moment Between is her third book. The inspiration for Nicole’s next novel was an unsolved murder near her hometown. Her fourth book is set for release in 2010.
Nicole and her family live in Iowa.
__________
GIVEAWAY:

I’m excited to share with 2 lucky readers of my blog their own copy of The Moment Between by Nicole Baart. Here’s what I need from you…
  • For one entry leave me a comment (please remember to leave me your email address too)

  • For two entries tell me what your favorite wine is or if you’ve ever visited a vineyard.

  • For three entries blog or tweet about this giveaway and spread the word about Nicole’s book.
The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes). The publisher will be shipping the winners their books directly. I will draw for the winners on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Good luck everyone!
Share this post!
Share

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oh no – I can’t enter this one. Never mind – great interview. I know my red wines, not so good on the white wines. Just to answer your question about Water For Chocolate – my cover was paperback. I get the impression that the covers we get in England are completely different to the ones you get.

  2. Oh, this sounds like a really different read I would love to have. I like merlot if I drink which isn’t much but did visit an interesting vineyard in Florida around Orlando but don’t remember the name. I was fascinated because I didn’t know they could have on in FL.

  3. The book sounds wonderful and I would love to have.

    Like your thoughts on wine and I am like you I like what I like and it is not always the expensive one.

    My favorite wine at the moment (it changes over time but it is always a red wine) is Shiraz

    Yes, I have visited several vineyards

    beachlover20855ATyahooDOTcom

  6. I’m not a big wine drinker, but I do have a sparkling wine occasionally. No visits to a vineyard for me, but I’d love to go sometime!

    BookCrossingKitten22[at]gmail[dot]com

  7. I’d love a chance to win. I haven’t been that big on wine yet (haven’t acquired a taste yet), but I think with time I may like White Zin. It’s delicate and sweet. I’ve never gone to a vineyard, but we have one in this area that I’ve thought about visiting.

  8. Ha! It is funny I should comment on a book and you just happen to be giving it away!
    So… Please enter me – 3X. (I will blog about it on Mon.)

    Well I just happen to live smack dab in the middle of NY Wine Country! I forget what a luxury it is and take it for granted. We do not ever go to the liqueur store. We just hop on over to any of the 50 wineries close by! I like White semi dry or rose’ and blush. I do not care for red wine. One of the Wineries here “Americana Winery” has a white with a hint of grapefruit that is outstanding!

  9. OOOPPPSSS! Did it again forgot the email!

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  10. This sounds like an awesome book–please enter me!
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  11. Ok…I love my wines so this one is up my alley! Just as an fyi, the Shiraz is also very wonderful when paired with barbecued food. Another good pairing that I have discovered is Pinot Noir with Lasagnae. Oh that is just yummy! I personally prefer red wines to white wines, but my all-time favorite is Rosa Regale. This one is actually considered a champagne (and yes, champagne is considered to be a wine)so it should be chilled. This is a more expensive bottle from Italy, but well worth it for a special occasion.
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  13. Oh this sounds great! It’s weird because it’s not a book that I’d normally pick up. But I was drawn in by her love of wine and how she uses it in the book. I love wine but am not a connoisseur (can’t afford it) but I love a good wine. Usually my husband and I get Chilean wine but I started out loving Australian wine. I haven’t been to a vineyard or winery but I’d love to in the future.

  14. Thanks for this great giveaway. I enjoyed the interview and this book would be the ultimate pleasure to read. I drink sparkling white wine and have not visited a winery. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  15. Thanks so much for hosting me, Dar! It’s been a pleasure hanging out at “Peeking Between the Pages” the last few days. You have an awesome blog and a great community of readers. I know I’ll be back.

    For all of you lovely readers who don’t drink wine but would like to try it, you should be able to find a nice Reisling (Polka Dot or Castle) in your grocery store. So yummy and so perfect for this time of year!

    I hope the sun is shining where you are.

    Warmly,
    Nicole

  16. She is after my own heart! We are quite the wine lovers here in this house. We tend to drink the Sav. Blancs in the summer and the rich reds in the winter, and pinot noir all the time. My favorite specific wine is the Caymus vineyard that makes a ROCKIN’ Cab. For our 10th anniversary, my husband and I went to Napa/Sonoma for a week and hit over 40 vineyards. We go back every few years, and now hone in on the “appointment only” vineyards.

  17. This sounds like a wonderful book. I’ve never been to a vineyard, but I do like to visit Conneaut Wine Cellars when we’re in the area. My favorites are mostly Merlots.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

  18. This sounds so good! Your praise definitely makes me want to read it. My favorite wine is a good cabernet although I’ve been enjoying some shiraz/syrah’s lately.

    bookingmama(at)comcast(dot)net

  19. No need to enter me, darling. I’m dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this posted at Win a Book for you.

  20. enter me in the drawing please!! i love nicole baart’s books. independentfae[at]yahoo[dot]com. Thanks!

  21. I love wine and this book sounds wonderful! Before I had my son, my husband and I took a trip to San Francisco and we drove to Napa Valley. I couldn’t splurge in the wine but did have the sparkling wines without alcohol which were quite good. What a wonderful experience to see the beauty of wine country in CA. I enjoyed reading about Ms. Baart’s favorite wines and will be looking for them when I am wine shopping. My favorite is Riesling. I have to buy a big blue bottle, the name escapes me, every time I host my book club. It’s our signature wine. I really should know the name!

    I’m adding this giveaway to my blog sidebar!

  25. I live in NY and it was pure delight to be able to visit the wineries along the Finger Lakes region. My Favorite was Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard. I absolutely loved thier Red Cat Wine. My ex-husband and I used to order it by the case and give it away on the holidays.

    Thanks! Indigo

    ravensquietscreams@gmail.com

  30. I don’t really drink, and I’m definitely not a wine aficionado at all, but in the past I remember liking Arbor Mist! I know wine connoisseurs will turn their noses up at me! haha

    sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com

  32. Well I dont drink so I dont have a favorite wine, but I’d still love a chance to read this book because it sounds like a good book and reminds me of my own sister.
    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  33. Great review and awesome guest post and giveaway! Definitely entering!

    danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com

  34. Nicole Baart’s “After the Leaves Fall” changed my life in numerous ways. Nicoel has an incredible gift with her words and I can’t wait to read “The Moment Between!”

    And I’m new to the whole wine drinking thing, but do I love some Yellow Tail Chardonnay!

    bsa05a@acu.edu

  35. I’m so blown away by all the awesome comments that I have to say “hi” again. 🙂 Dar, I think you got more comments on this little post than I have on my entire blog (and it’s been up and running for two years!). Tee-hee. Can I post here again? 😉

    Have a lovely weekend!
    Nicole

  36. My grandparents used to live in Sonoma, so I’ve visited a few wineries. The one I remember as being particularly pretty was Chandon in Napa Valley.

    Thanks for the wine info! I’d love to win the book. Thanks!
    Sararush (at) hotmail (dot) com

  37. I’d love to read this book – please count me in!

    Thanks,
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

  38. I visited a winery in Ohio once. As for my favorite wine, I’d have to say a blush zinfandel.

    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

  39. What a unique and compelling novel. It is wonderful. When I do drink wine I drink a red wine that is sparkling and light. I have never visited a winery.
    bencanada1(at)yahoo(dot)com

  40. This sounds like a wonderful book – please count me in.

    msboatgal at aol.com

  41. Enter me please – this looks great.
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  42. My favorite wine is Tuscan Chianti! Vin Santo is my favorite dessert wine.
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  44. I have to say it’s refreshing to learn of an Iowa author. I’d love to read her book.

    I don’t have a favorite wine but the ones my brother occasionally makes aren’t bad.

  45. oo enter me please i’d love to win this!!

    nicolemarielum @gmail.com

  46. i have visited a vineyard and it was a pretty cool experience!! got to see how wine was made and got to stomp some grapes too!!

    nicolemarielum @gmail.com

  47. This book sounds awesome!

    I like Merlot and Pinot Noir. I love champagne, when I have occasion for it!! Problem is, I don’t drink any very often. I pretty much have it when my husband does and sip off of his. I have less than 1/2 a glass of any alcohol and I’m under the table. LOL! The only exception is champagne, I will drink to the point of Bill having to help me to the car. I just love the stuff!

    I blogged about your giveaway here:

    http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/05/giveaways-galore_08.html

  48. After reading your review I really want to read this one and so would love to be entered for a chance to win a copy, thanks!

    Had a glass of Jost Maple Wine recently that was very nice! 🙂

    I’ve posted this giveaway here.

    wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com

  50. Nicole, thanks so much for popping in. I do hope you’ll come back often and you can comment here on this post as many times as you want-lol. It’s always great when the author takes the time to pop in.

    Everyone else, I’m really enjoying reading about your wine choices and if you’ve visited vineyards or not. I don’t live so far away from some of them in BC so I really should go visit this summer.

  52. I dont really like wine, unless it is cheep and fruity,sweetlike arbor mist. Sorry wine lovers. I would love to be entered in your drawing.
    Thanks
    Carlene
    iluvreading(at)verizon.net

  54. About two years ago I really started getting ‘into’ wines. Did all the research, kept a notebook and sampled many different varietals. My current favorite is the Shiraz, especially in cold winter months. For summer I like chardonnay. Thanks for entering me in your contest. I loved this post!

    lisamos64@gmail.com

  55. Please enter me in the giveaway

    “Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
    CoolCanucks.ca”

  56. I have been to a vineyard twice. The first time was when I was on the island of Rhodes in Greece, we did the tour thing and ended up with a busload of Brit’s. It was one of the best days I had on the island. I have also been to a vineyard in Finger Lakes in New York State. Went to visit my ex boyfriend’s family and they brought us there.

    “Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
    CoolCanucks.ca”

  58. Sounds great. Please enter me!!!!!
    Please Please Pretty Please.
    Beckie
    loki304[at]tds[dot]net

  60. I’m eager to get my hands on this newest book. Baart’s first two books I couldn’t put down and found myself up until all hours of the night. As far as my favorite wine, Boone’s Farm after its been in the freezer for two hours, take it out, open it up and you have a great slushie!

  61. I would love to be entered! 😀

    I don’t know the name of my favorite type of wine, since I was in France and a Frenchmen bought it for me. 😉

    lovejessicamarie [@] gmail [.] com

  67. Please enter my name in the drawing. I’ve never been to a winery but I do enjoy the fruit wines from Door Pennisula Winery in Wisconsin. Its not sold here but I order it from time to time.

    When I don’t have that I like a very inexpensive wine that’s made by Asti Spumante.

  70. My favorite wine is Pinot Noir (never Merlot –hey I watched Sideways).
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

  73. I would like to read this book. It is about a subject I don’t know much about and sounds like a unique setting for a book. I have been to a few vineyards, I don’t know much about wines but I like the blush wines. Most reds are too strong for me. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
    Tobi
    tokemise@hotmail.com

  74. Would love to read this! I’ve read Nicole’s other 2 books and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one!

  75. Well I love wine and I love dramas about family, so this sounds right up my alley. Thanks so much for offering this book.

    pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

  77. Thanks for the giveaway-when I was in France I visited vinyards in the Colmar countryside area. The area was beautiful-everything that you would expect it to be.

  78. Enjoying your blog, and would love to be entered in your giveaway for Nicole Baart’s book. It looks really good and I enjoyed the interview.

    Thank you,
    SandyG

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

  79. We have visited several wineries in the Napa valley and in NC at Ashville they make their own wine and we went to the tasting room. Robert Mondavi riesling is one of my favs. Funny that Bingo mentioned the FL winery, we have driven past that so many time and have never been there.

    I am a follower

    florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com

  82. Please enter me for this giveaway. I’d love to have this book. I enjoy books about winerys and history of wine. I can’t drink it anymore because of medication. So I can at least read about it. Thank you.
    makeupgirl21@comcast.net

  85. I don’t drink wine much but Merlot has a great flavor! I’ve never been to a winery but there is one about an hours drive from my home that I’ve been meaning to visit.