They say wine gets better with age—but love? That has its own timeline.
A vineyard tour through Tuscany is the gift that brings Giovanni D’Angelo and Emma Rutledge face to face. Both turning thirty, both searching for something more—what begins as a scenic escape soon becomes the spark for something unexpected, unforgettable, and maybe even forever.
Beginning of Forever is a story of passion, second chances, and what happens when two people finally put their own dreams first. If you’ve ever craved a romance wrapped in rolling hills, full glasses, and heartfelt moments—you’ll want to pour yourself into this one.
Book Info
Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee
Series: The D’Angelos #3
Publish Date: August 15, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
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Book Description
The story of two wine enthusiasts who ride the ups and downs of love in the vineyards of Tuscany.
Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.
For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.
When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.
As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine. It’s each other.
My Review
This book had all the ingredients I’ve come to expect from Catherine Bybee—heart, humor, family warmth—but Beginning of Forever surprised me with just how deeply it cut emotionally. It starts with wine and wanderlust, but what it really delivers is a story about choosing yourself, healing from old wounds, and letting someone in during life’s most uncertain moments.
Emma is strong, successful, and yet constantly underestimated—especially by her own father. Her frustration was palpable, and I loved seeing her reclaim her voice and future. She doesn’t crumble when things get hard—she gets strategic. Even when faced with a shocking medical diagnosis, Emma doesn't let it define her, and watching her evolve into someone who lets love in on her own terms was incredibly satisfying.
Gio is, hands down, one of the most emotionally available heroes in the series. He's quietly powerful—never flashy or overbearing, but always present. He never tries to fix Emma. He listens, supports, and shows up again and again. His patience and deep love reminded me of the kind of steady partner we all root for in romance.
And then there's Tuscany. The setting isn’t just backdrop—it’s a character in itself. From the wine tastings to the food to the sensory details, you can practically feel the Tuscan sun and hear the laughter around the dinner table. Bybee made the cultural richness feel immersive and romantic, and the contrast between Italy and California worked beautifully to show how their relationship matured.
Bonus vibe I loved: the light, joyful beats—lost luggage, competitive vineyard games, and food scenes that made me crave pasta—give the story a lived-in, cinematic feel while the D’Angelo clan adds that deliciously Italian warmth.
What stood out most was how Beginning of Forever blended lighthearted charm with emotional gravity. The scenes of lost luggage and wine tour mishaps had me smiling, but the quiet, intimate moments—Emma facing uncertainty, Gio whispering promises of forever—those are what stayed with me. This book reminds us that even when plans change and life throws detours, love can be the anchor that keeps us grounded.
And as a D’Angelo? Gio brings his own flavor to the family legacy. He’s not just the youngest—he’s the dreamer. And seeing him grow into a man who creates his own vision, apart from his family’s expectations, gave his story depth and resonance.
Quote Spotlights
“I was lost from your first kiss. And even when you got in my face and told me that this wasn’t the beginning of forever . . . I knew you were wrong. I want to spend every moment of my forever with you at my side. I love you, Emma. With every fiber of my being. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Read If You Like
- Wine-country settings and food-as-love language
- Competent, kind heroes who show up
- Heroines reclaiming their careers and legacy
- Found family, meddling siblings, cozy community vibes
Final Thoughts
Beginning of Forever is about love, legacy, and choosing a future—even when life throws you curveballs. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth, humor, and heartfelt romance. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Gio and Emma when I turned the last page—and I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to this series.
One More Quote That Hit Home
“Don’t work so hard that you miss out. Work should be a part of your life, not your only life.”
Personal note: The work–life balance thread hit home for me—career, family, and that daily balancing act.
Series Progress: The D’Angelos
Book 1: When It Falls Apart ✅
Book 2: Be Your Everything ✅
Book 3: Beginning of Forever ✅
Book 4: The Whole Time (review coming soon)
Book 5: Maybe One Day (review coming soon)
This post contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Forever Book Lover. When you purchase from Bookshop, you are supporting local, independent bookstores.
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