TANGLED VINES

This time out, Dailey (Aspen Gold, etc.)—sets her dynasty- feudin' romance in the wine-growing country of California. But after the start—a TV anchorwoman in New York has a terrifying childhood flashback, and threats fly in Napa Valley—it's all on automatic pilot. On the Rutledge estate—a class winery run by a proud, cane- stumping ancient, 90-year-old Katherine Rutledge—some plans to merge with a French winery are fermenting. In the meantime, Katherine has never set much store by taciturn grandson Sam, and Gilbert, Katherine's surviving son, hates his mother so much that, along with his son Clay, he's established his own excellent winery down the road. Also growling around the vines is ne'er-do-well drunkard Len Dougherty, owner of ten acres of Rutledge vineyard that were given to him after the job-related death of his father. Len has one daughter—none other than the East coast anchorwoman now known as Kelly Douglas. Kelly won't give her dad a dime—not after a childhood of abuse—but now Len needs money and so offers his services to Gilbert, who would love to muck up the French deal for Mom. Eventually, Kelly will be forced to return to home territory to cover the merger story—but before the happy close, there'll be a murder, an old scandal uncorked, a confrontation between Kelly and Len, and (of course) romance. It's all here: the still-handsome dynasty head, sharp as a tack at 90; head-butting family rows; and just enough about that wine biz for a fleeting infusion of reality. (And, believe it or not, to fuel a pun: ``Life,'' says Sam, ``is a cabernet.'') Easy going for Dailey fans. (Literary Guild Triple Selection for October)