Book: The Vine Witch
- Author: Luanne G. Smith
- My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses
I got to read this book before it’s official release through Amazon First Reads. I had zero expectations because I’d never heard of the book or the author. I was so pleasantly surprised – literally from page one – read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I have a theory that if you read a book at the right time, you enjoy it more. And I’ll just say, reading The Vine Witch in the fall was perfect timing for this story. Also, I may or may not have spent an hour looking at Airbnbs in France after I finished reading this. (A girl can dream, right?)
In case the word “witch” is scaring you away from this one, while the story has good and bad magic and witches, The Vine Witch reads more like a love story to France and the art of winemaking than anything else. Elena, a vine witch, returns to her vineyard after breaking a seven year curse, only to discover it is under new management. Jean-Paul, who doesn’t believe in witches and thinks he can make good wine with science and determination, is in for a big surprise.
I know it sounds plain – a witch helps make wine, the new owner doesn’t believe in magic – who cares? Y’all! This story has a little of everything. A very unconventional beginning. Magic. A teensy bit of romance. Beautiful scenery. A murder mystery. A prison break. A traveling circus. A surprising twist at the end.
Speaking of the ending, it was a bit lackluster for me. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so much as it just sort of ends. I can’t say it was unsatisfying, but it felt odd – like when you record a show and your DVR cuts off in the last 30 seconds. You know enough to know how it ends, but you still feel like you missed it. Overall, I thought this was a great autumn read!
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.
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