A family story about overcoming differences and challenges in order to save the family business and find true love.
Can two sisters who loathe each other save the family winery? A story of determination, tragedies, hope, and good wine.
Set within the Temecula Valley Wine Country of Southern California.
“McWhorter’s story is a fitfully engaging family drama that does a great job of scene-setting and…an ambitious exploration of complex, interpersonal relationships.” – Kirkus Review
“I love the strong female led plot and I have to admit a few tears were shed along the way, but also a good amount of laughs and naturally a few glasses of wine too.” – Traveling Corkscrew
Coming Soon
Bound By Vines is a stand-alone novel, but a stand-alone sequel is coming in 2026.
Smashing Brides! is about the crazy misadventures of a bridal shop in Temecula. A mother and her daughters try to find unique ways to increase bridal gown sales, but can they stay safe from spear-throwing customers and keep from gassing, and possibly killing, their potential brides?
About the author
G.R. McWhorter
Dr. G.R. McWhorter is the author of the novel Bound By Vines, which won Best Novel for both the London Indie Film Festival and the Hollywood Hype International Film Festival in 2025. A multiple award-winning short film was recently released based on one of McWhorter’s short stories, and another film based on McWhorter’s writing is preparing to film. McWhorter has been collecting books and writing both fiction and non-fiction for several decades. McWhorter’s writing has been published in journals, newspapers, magazines, and anthologies in several countries. McWhorter holds a doctoral degree and has shared writing with groups across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and at the San Diego Comic Con.
What readers said about Bound By Vines
★★★★★
This book delivered so much: a wonderfully entertaining novel and a short study of wine, vineyards, and wineries. So much information was woven into the story and blended so well. I do have an interest in wine and enjoyed the knowledge. Also, there were nuggets of the Jewish faith which increased understanding of some of their holidays and beliefs Again shared with no disruption to the story flowing seamlessly. Great job! I cannot imagine who ever could read this and not enjoy every page. -Lin Tings
★★★★★
I truly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with strong women characters, love, family, friends and of course, wine. The book has some suspenseful moments that kept you intrigued and a few moments that will bring a tear to your eye. It was especially fun reading a book that felt close to home as someone who lives near the books locations. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoy a weekend at the winery. I could truly see this made into a hallmark movie one day, I would definitely watch it! -Stephanie Kittleson
★★★★★
Bound By Vines is a compelling story as two very different sisters are brought together to save the family vineyard after a tragedy. The sisters face conflicts and struggles with the vineyard, as well as with their own lives.
I found details of the care of running a vineyard to be very gripping. I found the sisters were easy to connect with. I cheered for the success of the vineyard throughout the pages of this book. This page-turner makes for an interesting read. -Rebecca Osborne
★★★★★
Bound by Vines is a beautifully written book about the complexities of relationships. Male or female, McWhorter captures the essence of love bonds and family bonds. Each character stays with you long after you’ve read the book. It’s a beautiful look into lives lived on a Californian vineyard (please… take me there now!) Take this book on vacation with you – or read it sipping a glass of – wine – because Rose, Lea, Bill, Manuel, Isobel, Ryan… are all strong characters we can find within ourselves and our loved (and not so loved) ones. We are all bound by vines and the ties that bind us. Highly recommended! -Susan Leckie-Pontin
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