"The future belongs to those that believe in the power of dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt penned these words that are probably an innate aspect of every human being and which drive the passion behind every love. Some people and circumstances comspire to fulfill those dreams and others put up walls to obstruct them. Margaret Broderick intrepidly explores the world of passion and obstruction for everyone who has entered the world of business, in this case the entrepreneur efforts of a unique winery. Every small business owner should read this book!

Margaret and Angie, life partners, decide to open a small winery business that differs from the usual country or farm-like style, a store where customers can taste wine, eat good food and even have catered parties in a stylish, intimate setting. They are initially successful in obtaining the funds to begin their venture but as their vision expands they are forced to meet the obstacles that could make or break their dream.

Broderick describes these problems with serious, frank, humorous, bold and intimate strokes and one senses the grit of determination that lies behind her passion. So hauling packets of wine down narrow stairs, hiring and evaluating a myriad of potential permanent employees, cleaning up wine floods, deepening a loving relationship with her partner, working through serious illness, hurdling financial ropes and loopholes, and working through a complicated legal maze are a few of the daily business owner grinding experiences that threaten but never overcomes the passion to succeed in these two dedicated and loving winery owners.

Two aspects of this book stand out for any reader! The first is the care and education that business owners must take to enhance and protect their visionary ideas! That includes working with people who are committed, cooperative, ambivalent and both subjectively and objectively determined to block expansion of a small business. The second is the financial and legal education and experience required to understand how financial institutions can make or break a new enterprise. There is nothing funny about this - indeed Broderick correctly perceives the arrogance behind the powerful who control the futures of small business owners. She also contends, however, that one can succeed despite those machinations that seek to financially bankrupt those who still dare to embody that dream.

Broderick is honest about success and failure and her book is a tribute to the fire that lies behind any passionate liver and business owner! Margaret and Angie's goal, after all these events, is clearly filled with Churchill's fire, "Never, never, never give up!"

Well done, Ms. Broderick!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on February 21, 2005

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