Hard Times in Red Grape uncovers the truth and lies beneath the surface of the perfect small town just south of Napa, California. Surrounded by vineyards, Red Grape is the perfect get away. And, everyone seems to show up there including old boyfriends. The picture perfect town has its share of trouble with rising water rates, water rationing, overbuilding, a corrupt city council and too many developers. At the center of the novel are Brad and Helen Elsen who have been married for seven years, but have yet to have children. Brad is a successful CPA with a thriving business in Napa. His wife Helen is a nervous housewife trying to keep her readers interested in a colorful cooking blog. Her marriage to Brad is not perfect but there are secrets. Kate is the colorful local neighborhood gossip who secretly writes under a penname for the local paper, The Grape Leaf. And, a corrupt mayor, Beau Geyser is getting rich on contractor and developer contributions. Behind it all is the struggling state of California running out of water during a serious drought. Who has secrets in Red Grape? Everyone living in this perfect little suburban town. A page turning combination to enjoy with a glass of Napa Red Zinfandel.