Mimi was a private school English language teacher who was sexually assaulted by her male colleague. He was not reprimanded, and so she took a break in Italy. On the last day of her vacation, a man rescued her from unwanted attention in a bar. His name was Jake Bellini. Jake was a retired lawyer who worked at his uncle’s winery in Italy. He refused to take up the management position at his family’s plush hotel in America. Two souls running away from something met at the bar, and it was love at first sight. But while Jake’s heart was in Italy, Mimi had her heart in America. Can the love they feel for each other transcend thousands of miles? How can they be together? Something must give in Bellini’s Mimosa by Annette G. Anders.

How much would you give up to be with the one you love? Have you ever been plagued by such a dilemma? Bellini’s Mimosa by Annette G. Anders was like a Romeo and Juliet story built around family, work, friendship, joy, challenges, betrayal, and tears. I loved the unique plot, the lighthearted yet educative storyline, development, and dialog. Mimi’s character appealed to me because she was flawed yet wholesome. Jake matched her perfectly. Sally also reminded me never to judge a book by its cover, and she gained my respect. The situation with Derek is a regular but unfortunate occurrence in our world, where women get the blame for sexual assault by men. The world shames them, which has led to silence from victims and increased audacity from their abusers. Annette is a fantastic storyteller, and I enjoyed the first book in the Colors of Happiness series. Is there hope for Paloma and Matt?

Bellini's Mimosa is the first novel in the Colors of Happiness series by Annette G. Anders. Mimi is ready to soak up as much sun and fun in her last leg of forced vacation. Spending her final few days in Venice, Mimi is expecting nothing less than gorgeous views, good food, and great wine. However, things take a bad turn when she is harassed by a drunkard at a café. Her saving grace comes in the form of handsome Jake. Quality time spent with Jake gives Mimi a yearning for more. The two lose contact after that but meet once again in Martha’s Vineyard. Sparks fly, and suddenly it is hard to say no to their hearts. They both want to pursue romance, but they have careers they fought hard for and a life they want to live apart from the influence of their families. Can Mimi and Jake brave the long distance and let love thrive?

Annette G. Anders is a master storyteller, and she does not disappoint with Bellini’s Mimosa. The descriptions are breathtaking and so realistic. Reading the story is enough to place readers right beside Mimi and Jake as they navigate the hurdles of love and their dreams. The narrative is transporting, the pace of the story is fast, and the characters are lovable, to say the least. The descriptions of Tuscany, Jake’s love for winemaking, and his desire to make Mimi a part of his life are so well written that I almost fell in love with Mimi as well. The different POVs make it very easy to form a connection with both of the protagonists. The story may be simple, but its execution is priceless! I highly recommend Bellini’s Mimosa!