My name is Emmy Oak, and I’d like to share with you the three things I love most in this world.

The first has to be my family home, Oak Valley Vineyards. Located in Sonoma in the heart of California’s Wine Country, our ten acres of plump vines and ancient oak trees is a tiny slice of heaven that I’ve enjoyed since childhood. The winery and surrounding vineyard have been in our family for generations, and I’m now the sole caretaker of that legacy. Not that I set out to be a winery owner. In fact, I left home in my late teens to enter the CIA. (Just not that CIA—the Culinary Institute of America. Though, I’d put my knife skills up against any federal agent’s!) But when a family tragedy had our small winery in danger of being gobbled up by the corporate giants of the region, it was a no-brainer for me to leave my culinary career and come home to take my place at the helm of our little-winery-that-could. Our equipment may not be fancy and new, and the employees here may act more like an eclectic family some days than strict professionals, but our grapes are grown with love and wines handcrafted the way my great-grandparents made them.

The second piece of my heart definitely belongs to my best friend, Ava Barnett. In fact, she’s been more like a sister to me over the years, and some say we even look alike. We’re both somewhere in the size eight realm, even if Ava is all athletic lines and I’m more ice cream–loving curves. We both wear our blonde hair long, though Ava’s is naturally silky smooth while mine needs copious product to behave. And while I usually tend toward jeans and the occasional pair of high heels to jazz things up, Ava’s style is a feminine boho chic that perfectly matches her artist personality. But in a pinch, I know I can always count on her. In fact, she’s even agreed to help me coordinate our very first wedding ceremony and reception at Oak Valley Vineyards. Which I’m sure will go off without a hitch! (Pardon the pun.)

Not that every event I’ve hosted at Oak Valley has gone off without a hitch so far. In fact, a couple of the last ones ended in some interesting situations. . .bordering on dangerous, even!

Which brings me to the third thing I love. Actually, I’m really vacillating on what to list here. You see, last year the answer would have unequivocally been cooking. Savory, sweet, or even cute cocktails—I love everything about creating culinary delights. But lately, something else has started to pull at my heart a bit.

Or maybe I should say, someone else.

Detective Christopher Grant, of the Sonoma Country Sheriff’s Office VCI, Violent Crimes Investigations Unit. He and I have had a few runs-ins in a professional capacity when things have gotten interesting at Oak Valley. But lately it seems we’re meeting more and more on a personal level. While his broad shoulders, dark eyes, and enticing smile all make my insides sigh, his hard edge, his messy past, and his lone wolf attitude make me hesitant to attach a label to my emotions where he is concerned.

Okay, you know what? Let’s play it safe here. Let’s go with food for number three. Yep, definitely food. I mean, who wants to get lost in a pair of bedroom eyes with little hazel flecks that dance in a mischievous frenzy every time he looks at me? Not me. I’d much rather enjoy a nice light cocktail in the sun!

To that end, I’ll share a recipe for you that I plan to make for the bride’s brunch before our upcoming wedding at Oak Valley Vineyards. I hope you enjoy it as much as the bridal party. And wish me luck with this wedding—I mean, what could go wrong, right?

Brunch Sangria
1 orange, thinly sliced
½ lemon, thinly sliced
20 large strawberries, sliced
1 cup orange juice
1 750ml bottle sweet white wine, like a Riesling
1 750ml bottle champagne or sparkling wine

Place all fruit and orange juice in a large pitcher or bowl, add wine, and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though it’s best overnight. Right before serving, add champagne.

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win one (1) digital (Kindle or Nook) copy of A Sip Before Dying, the first book in the series. Contest ends February 6, 2020. Good luck everyone!

Marriage, Merlot & Murder is the fourth book in the “Wine & Dine” cozy mystery series, released January 28, 2020.

Emmy Oak is hosting her first wedding at her family’s Oak Valley Vineyards, and she’s worked hard to make sure it goes smoothly. And why wouldn’t it? The blushing bride is beautiful, the groom is charming, and the parents-of-the-bride are paying Emmy a tidy fee that may just put her struggling winery in the black next month. Only all her best laid plans fizzle faster than flat champagne when the groom goes missing just moments before the ceremony. . .and Emmy finds him bludgeoned to death on her terrace! Suddenly Emmy’s dream wedding turns into a crime scene, and when the entirely-too-enticing Detective Christopher Grant sets his sights on the wrong suspect, Emmy knows it’s up to her to find out who committed the matrimonial murder. Was it the overprotective father-of-the-bride who seems to be harboring secrets of his own? The jealous ex-boyfriend with a violent streak? The victim’s calloused and cunning cousin? Or was the groom charming women other than his fiancée. . .and his philandering ways finally caught up to him? Emmy isn’t sure, but the deeper she digs, the more she realizes the victim wasn’t exactly innocent. . .and his killer may threaten to strike again!

Simple and delicious recipes & affordable wine pairings included!

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About the author
Gemma Halliday is the #1 Amazon, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author of several cozy mystery and suspense thriller novels. Gemma’s books have received numerous awards, including a Golden Heart, two National Reader’s Choice awards, a RONE award for best mystery, and three RITA nominations. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with large, loud, and loving family.

All comments are welcomed.