Books Books: Domestic Fiction

Growing into Greatness

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 by onemoreexclamation

Welcome to the Growing into Greatness by Tanya E Williams Book Tour hosted by Suzy Approved Book Tours.

About the Book

Title: Growing into Greatness

Author: Tanya E Williams

Release Date: July 18, 2024

Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction

Find it: Amazon

Born amidst the dawn of Prohibition, Sofia Russo always dreamed of being her family’s next winemaker. But when her father chooses her reluctant twin brother, Alonso, to carry on the family legacy, Sofia standsby as her hopes for a future in wine crumble alongside the relationship with her father. Feeling the intense sting of her father’s rebuke, Sofia is determined to rise above inequality and the hardships of The Great Depression to prove him wrong.

As decades pass and the Russo vineyard stands the test of time and adversity, Sofia and Alonso find themselves at a crossroads with the announcement. Alonso will supersede their father as the next Russo winemaker. With the weight of their father’s expectations pressing down upon them, Sofia must confront the ghosts of the past to reconcile her relationship with her father and try to claim the legacy she feels destined to inherit.

In Growing into Greatness, Tanya E Williams paints a vivid portrait of family and the enduring power of the human spirit. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Napa Valley, this sweeping saga will take you on a journey through time, where vines whisper secrets of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond of family.

About The Author

A writer from a young age, Tanya E Williams loves to help a reader get lost in another time, another place through the magic of books. History continues to inspire her stories and her insightful view into the human condition deepens her character’s experiences and propels them on their journey. Ms. Williams’ favorite tales, speak to the reader’s heart, making them smile, laugh, cry, and think.

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Review for Growing into Greatness

“One can only grow into greatness when they’ve been challenged to rise above the struggle.”

I don’t know about you, but I think a trip to Napa Valley was in order to read this book. Luckily, the author did a fantastic job with the setting and gave me a bookation. Is that a word? If not, you heard it here first.

The wine business is tough. Add Prohibition, the Depression, World War II, and a family legacy, it becomes brutal. Told in dual timelines, it covered the span of 30 years, 1930-60. Born at a time when women were not destined to be leaders, Sophia struggled with being bypassed to take over the family wine business. I felt bad for Sofia as she was not only competent but enthusiastic about the opportunity. The ensuing plea to earn her father’s trust (or love) and to prove she was good enough was hard to take. I appreciate her resilience, as I wouldn’t have been able to deal with the pain of learning the reason she was overlooked. Pity consumed me as she clung to the hope of being appreciated for her skills.

I would have appreciated a subplot or two to have more to focus on but overall it was a good read.