Praise for "Vineyard of Lies"

I just finished reading "Vineyard of Lies" and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dakins artfully blended the worlds of wine and mystery, capturing every flavor and feeling along the way. In the aftermath of a major life upheaval, main character Gina follows a hunch with dogged persistence and a disregard for consequences. You find yourself both cheering for her and begging her to stop! Ultimately, her persistence uncovers a scandalous truth, piecing together each clue. I highly recommend this page turner and hope this author writes another! --Goodreads

" Vineyard of Lies" by Deborah Dakins is a win! I was immediately pulled into the story from page one. The prose is witty and full of eloquent descriptions that allow the reader’s mind to explore and conjure images. The book is filled with adventure, mystery, good wine, and characters who are interesting and easy to like, and not so easy to like, as well as emotions and feelings that are inherent to this thing we call life. I highly recommend this read. I couldn’t put it down and was up late turning pages to find out “who dunnit!” I am honored to have received a copy of this book from Deborah and grateful to call her friend. I am leaving this review voluntarily. --Amazon

 "Vineyard of Lies” An enjoyable read. A real page turner. I finished it in two days. Made me want to read another adventure in Gina’s life. She’s an endearing character.  --Amazon

Vineyard of Lies is perfect for readers who enjoy a murder mystery combined with ethical dilemmas and the breathtaking backdrop of winemaking in Italy. What impressed me most about the novel is how Deborah R. Dakins merges the protagonist's personal calamities with the mystery, giving Gina’s quest for truth more urgency. 

I love how the vineyards of Italy are depicted not just as a beautiful setting but as an echo of the story’s contradictions. This lush atmosphere is actually a cover for hidden decay, danger, and lies. Supporting characters, such as friends and associates, bring a warm energy to the story, while others add shadows of betrayal, doubt, and suspense to Gina's journey. Mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy this read.” – Readers Favorites, Five-Star Review

This book blends mystery, personal growth, and a touch of romance in a page-turning, heartfelt tale. We all must face hard choices, and after reading Deborah Dakins’s Vineyard of Lies, I found myself appreciating how Gina's struggles mirrored the reality that circumstances rarely fit neatly into one box. She was relatable since many people know that their judgments may not lead to ideal outcomes, yet they make decisions anyway.

I enjoyed how the romance was present without being the focus. I couldn’t put the book down until I found out what the next chapter could hold. The settings in wine country added richness, reminding me how places can shape both identity and opportunity. I also liked how the secondary characters felt real, each pushing Gina in a different direction without overshadowing her journey. This novel left me reflecting on resilience and how even flawed decisions can lead to unexpected growth.”—Readers Favorites, Five-Star Review

  “Vineyard of Lies" was a gentle change of pace for me as a reader, and I thoroughly appreciated the laid-back vibe of this story. Author Deborah R. Dakins has done a great job of setting the scene … 

Her lead character Gina Pagliaro … was easy to identify with and find empathy for, although, like her friends, it was easy to question some of her emotional decision-making at times. I particularly appreciated the opportunity the author used to educate less knowledgeable readers about the various types, varieties, processes, and pairings of wines and the industry. That gave the story great interest and depth. 

The author’s descriptive prose transports the reader to Italy’s vineyards to feel the salt air on their cheeks and smell the grapes. This is an enjoyable read that I highly recommend.” –Readers Favorites, Five-Star Review