There were four very special bottles of wine to be opened on special occasions, the last one on a one-hundredth birthday celebration. Marcia Breece’s The Last Bottle follows the dynasty of talented musicians through two lines of heritage spanning the United States and France. Beginning in 1938, shortly before World War II breaks out, and leading up to the present day, we meet many members of the family as the story moves swiftly from one side of the Atlantic to the other. One late afternoon of passion leads to an undisclosed birth, and it is not until the general access of DNA testing that the truth is finally revealed. First cousins in France, working in a vineyard, are keepers of the wine, previously hidden during the occupation. Marriages split families apart, loved ones die, but throughout there is a thread of love, sacrifice, and secrets kept. When the truth is revealed, it proves that friendship and family are all important.

I loved The Last Bottle by Marcia Breece, a well-written family saga spanning over seventy years. Each generation experiences love and loss, interspersed with music and poetry. There is a list of recipes at the back, and questions for book clubs. But what I most liked was the non-stop action, nothing frenetic, but the storyline moves swiftly along as one by one the secrets are revealed. Many families have incidents they would prefer to hide, but does the truth always come out? In Breece’s book, it does, with total satisfaction for the reader. The characters are relatable, they are real, and their actions and responses are very believable. This is one of the best books I have reviewed this year, and it is a great read. If you like family sagas, then this is a book for you.

As Audrey celebrates her 100th birthday by opening the last bottle of a rare vintage wine, surrounded by family, she reflects with gratitude on a life lived entirely on her terms. That’s not to say she hasn’t known pain and loss, only that she’s embraced them as essential chapters in her story. In The Last Bottle, Marcia Breece tells the story of Audrey Dupré, a tale filled with music on every page, from the elegance of the masters to the heartfelt melodies of modern legends. It's a story that celebrates everything from the finest French wine and cuisine to the humblest American Thanksgiving dinner. Beginning in the 1930s, Audrey's life unfolds with richness and grace, stretching to wartime Paris and beyond. Though this story begins on a bittersweet note, it ultimately comes full circle, ending in a quiet triumph. Yet it is more than one woman’s journey; it’s a story of interconnection, unlikely bonds, and shared beginnings.

In The Last Bottle, Marcia Breece explores various themes, one of which is the role of women from the early to the mid-20th century, when they were expected to be primarily homemakers. A woman like Audrey’s mother, working full-time and raising a child in the 1930s, was rare. Audrey’s stance is therefore revolutionary and ahead of her time, reflecting her strength, self-awareness, and desire for autonomy. This is likely supported by her upbringing and the inheritance that affords her the freedom to make unconventional choices. The introduction of DNA tests marks a pivotal point in the story, exposing secrets, revealing unexpected connections, and allowing for surprising new bonds to form. Breece uses this not only to drive character development but also to show how the characters confront their pasts and identities, prompting growth, healing, and at times, conflict. Audrey’s story is inspirational, reminding us that living authentically, especially in the face of social pressure, is a kind of courage all of its own. I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy historical fiction and narratives filled with sensory and emotional experiences.