Elle Darkling, a young flight attendant, is at the center of The Onionologist by M. J. Parfitt. She has a job that takes her around the world, a partner who has proposed to her recently, and a life all planned. However, an accident at her workplace sets off a chain of events that make her question her choices and change the course of her life as well as those of her close friends Angus and Lucy. Elle decides to embark on a dramatic life change, study winemaking, and become a wine expert (oenologist). Her journey takes her to the vineyards of California, France, and New Zealand where she learns about becoming a winemaker and collecting heartwarming friendships and hilarious mishaps that make her 'La Fille Maladroit.'

The Onionologist by M. J. Parfitt is a humorous and candid narration of Elle’s self-discovery which drew me in page by page, keeping me invested in her journey. I loved the humorous play on the word 'oenologist' for the title and how the author has titled each chapter with the names of different grape varieties. Although Elle’s story did take some time to grow on me, once it did I wanted to know more, not just about Elle, but also about the supporting characters. Elle’s transformation from a self-doubting person to a well-known wine expert is clear. Lucy as Elle’s voice of reason and Angus as the friend we’d all love to have complement Elle’s life, not just by providing unwavering support, but also a healthy dose of reality when needed. Whether it be Hunter, with his controlling mannerisms, Jude with his romantic complexities, or Holly with her sisterly concerns, all these characters added different flavours to the story which helped bring it alive. The Onionologist is a story of the power of friendship, and the pursuit of dreams – personal and professional. Elle’s thoughts reflect the struggles of a modern woman in balancing societal expectations and personal aspirations. M. J. Parfitt’s witty and character-focused storytelling makes The Onionologist a book that offers a mix of laughter and introspection.

The Onionologist by M.J. Parfitt is a bittersweet tale of love, loss, friendship, and family that will take the reader worldwide on a journey of self-discovery in search of life’s passion. Best friends Elle, Lucy, and Angus are flight attendants on a long-haul flight between England and America when a difficult passenger changes the direction of the trio’s lives forever. When Elle discovered her fiance had cheated on her and that the airline was planning to reprimand the trio for their handling of their difficult passenger, she decided now was the time to change the direction of her life. She embarks on a career in the wine industry and enrolls in a local university to learn how to become a winemaker. What follows is a journey of choices between love and her growing passion for wine. Along the way, her best friends’ lives will also take strange and unexpected directions but what will never change is their love and devotion to each other. Elle’s journey will take her to the other side of the world but her heart will always return to the wine country of the Sonoma Valley of Northern California. 

The Onionologist is a delightfully turning, twisting love story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering whether this great love affair will ever actually come to fruition. Author M.J. Parfitt has created a wonderfully diverse group of friends who share a special relationship more akin to close family than a normal friendship. Elle is a complex character who is determined to succeed in her chosen area but will frustrate readers with her emotionally poor decision-making at times. The group dynamic is the highlight of the story and neither time nor distance can create a schism in their relationship. An author rarely manages to capture a reader’s emotions and make them talk to the characters in their head as these characters did with me. The author deserves real plaudits for making this emotional connection with readers. I am a sucker for a good romance but this story has more than just a good romance; it has pathos, genuine sadness, great joy, and most of all an unbreakable bond between true friends. This novel truly captured my imagination and the characters became alive. Highly recommended.