Title: The Vine Witch
Author: Luanne G. Smith
First published October 1, 2019
Audio CD
ISBN: 9781721389827 (ISBN10: 1721389822)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
In the enchanting world of turn-of-the-century France, a young witch breaks free from a devastating curse that has shattered her life. The vineyards of Château Renard have always relied on their vine witches to produce the finest wine in the Chanceaux Valley.
However, when Elena Boureanu was cursed, the talent of divining harvests was lost. Now, after breaking free from the curse that has held her captive for years, Elena is fighting to reclaim her life.
But when she returns to the vineyard, she finds that it belongs to a stranger – Vigneron Jean-Paul Martel. Jean-Paul is a man of science, who doesn’t believe in the ancient ways of witches.
But Elena knows something is wrong with the vineyard, and she sees the hexes that cover it. To stay and help the vines recover, she must keep her true identity hidden, and seek revenge against those who have stolen years of her life.
She won’t rest until she can defy the evil powers that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. The Vine Witch is a gripping tale of betrayal, vengeance, and self-discovery that will keep you captivated until the very end.
About the Author
Luanne G. Smith has written multiple bestselling books, including The Vine Witch series, The Raven Spell books, and her upcoming release, The Witch’s Lens, which is set to hit shelves in October 2023.
Her work has been well-received by both The Washington Post and Amazon Charts.
Editoral Review
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and vineyards.
Smith, a California-based author and poet, has crafted a story that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. Published on October 1, 2019, this debut novel has received critical acclaim and has already gained a loyal following among fans of the genre.
The Vine Witch takes place in early 20th-century France, where witches are real and play a crucial role in the winemaking industry. The story follows the journey of Elena Boureanu, a vine witch who has been cursed and turned into a toad for seven years.
When she finally breaks the curse, she returns to her home in the vineyards of Château Renard to find that everything has changed. Her mentor and friend, the vineyard owner Jean-Paul Martel, has died, and his daughter, Jean-Pauline, has taken over the business.
Elena must navigate the new power dynamics of the vineyard while solving the mystery of Jean-Paul’s death, all while dealing with her own complicated past.
Smith’s writing is elegant and evocative, bringing the French countryside and its vineyards to life. The magic system she creates is imaginative, and the way she weaves it into the story is seamless.
The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are complex and nuanced. Elena, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself.
The pacing of the novel is excellent. Smith keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged.
The plot structure is well-balanced, with the mystery of Jean-Paul’s death providing a solid through-line for the story. The themes of love, loss, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, adding depth and resonance to the story.
While The Vine Witch is a work of fiction, it has historical and cultural significance. The novel is set in a time when women had limited rights and opportunities, and Smith does an excellent job of highlighting the challenges women faced in that era.
The vineyard setting also provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of winemaking, with details that will delight oenophiles.
Overall, The Vine Witch is a captivating and well-crafted debut novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. It is a testament to Smith’s skill as a writer that she is able to blend these genres so seamlessly.
The novel is not without its flaws; some readers may find the resolution of the mystery to be somewhat predictable. However, these minor issues do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
I would highly recommend The Vine Witch to anyone looking for an immersive and engaging read. It is a book that will transport you to another world and leave you wanting more.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
