A Study in Sparkling by Jodi McAlister

A Study in Sparkling is a contemporary romance set in Tasmania, told in dual point of view. Twenty-something Satoshi Tsukamoto owns the very trendy wine bar/cafe/bookstore where customers can enjoy a meal, participate in wine tasting or simply enjoy a glass of the finest family-produced wine while perusing a book. With his brother's support, he has everything he could possibly want. Except Fiona.

Thirty-something Fiona Fisher also has everything she could want: a husband, three adorable children, a home, the loving support of a brother and her friends. And then her husband tells her he is leaving her to live with his ‘other’ family. Not only does he have another woman, but they have two children and she is pregnant again this time with twins. Fiona is crushed and flees into the arms of Satoshi, who has become a close friend and confidant.

As much as Satoshi wants Fiona, he has his hands full running the wine bar and studying for his Master Sommelier exam, which is reportedly one of the hardest in the world. How on earth can he fit in a relationship? Besides, legally, Fiona is still a married woman.

The story follows the lives of these two one year on as Fiona navigates the emotional highs and lows of solo parenting and divorce proceedings. Acknowledging the feelings she has for Satoshi are stronger than she anticipated they’d ever be, she has no idea if she should act on them as she rebuilds her life. What if he wants children? What if he doesn’t want hers? What if he meets someone his own age and leaves her?

A Study in Sparkling is a well-written slow-burn romance peppered with some funny, some romantic and some sexy moments. This story is the second in a series by Australian author Jodi McAlister.

Reviewer: Carole Brungar

Simon & Schuster