Member Reviews
Elena Boureanu, é uma bruxa que passou muito presa a um feitiço enquanto o legado de sua família era usurpado. Após se livrar do feitiço ela precisa lidar com séculos de mudanças e com o fato que seu legado está no controle de um homem que vai atrair sua atenção de muitas maneiras. Um romance sobrenatural divertido de ler é perfeito para entrar no clima de Halloween! Primeiro de uma série! |
This story didn't quite work out for me. I was interested in the vine witch magic system and world-building at first, but then the story dragged on very slowly without anything happening. Unfortunately. the main character didn't develop any likable characteristics and the love interest turned out to be pretty flat as well. I think I stopped reading at about 80% since the plot started to break down and not make since around then. I wasn't interested in continuing to read something that seemed to veer wildly off the rest of the story. |
Kay M, Reviewer
i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the plot itself. I look forward to more from the author. |
I've tried a few times to read this so that I could give it a proper review, I was hoping that it just wasn't the right time for me to read it, and that I would eventually get to love it but I think its just not for me. The pacing felt a bit off and j just want enjoying it But I definitely think it has a lot of potential and its definitely something a lot of people will enjoy especially fans of historical fantasies but it just wasn't quite what I expected. I think I will try reading it again some day as I wanted to love it |
This book had a lot of potential but it fell flat. The author wasn't able to do proper justice to it. It wasn't paced well, and I really couldn't root for the main characters. Ended up DNFing. |
I was provided with an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review. I LOVED this book!!! The setting, the magic system, the characters, the story - all of it was wonderful and atmospheric and unputdownable! At under 300 pages, this was the perfect quick read for a lazy Saturday, and I immediately went and ordered the 2nd in the series (the 3rd is coming in January!) because I couldnt get enough! Perfect for those who love a witchy vibe and great story telling. |
Librarian 450665
This story had an intriguing premise - a witch who helps a French vineyard succeed is cursed by a rival. But unfortunately I don't think it delivered successfully; the writing wasn't very strong, and it moved too quickly through the plot. |
I loved Elena and Jean-Paul and Grand-mere was one of my favourite characters. This book was great, and the title held up to the book. <3 Look forward to reading more in this series. |
Dnfed--unfortunately the book was archived before I was able to read it. However, I will be back with a review if I am able to read the book in the future! |
Brenna P, Bookseller
I started this book a few months ago and just couldn't get into. I ended up putting it down with no intention of finishing it. I eventually found the motivation to give it another try, and I'm glad I did. The pacing threw me off a little, as the reason I had put off continuing was that it just seemed to drag on in the beginning, but once I picked up where I left off the story took me all over the place in a hurry, sometimes too quickly. Elena was kind of hard to like, as shes miserable all the time (understandable, as shes cursed, then comes home to a stranger in her home) but I was still invested in her getting her revenge. I found the romance to be forced, all of a sudden they're talking about love after saying and thinking nothing kind about eachother? Didnt feel organic, even though its 'enemies to lovers' which I enjoy. I liked the little part in the story about the dessert shop that draws customers in with love potions added into the pastries. I like to see the ways in which this world is different because of the magic. More of this! I definitely didnt predict the ending, not sure if I missed it or if the hint to who the owner of the watch was just well hidden. Looking forward to reading more from this author :) |
As others have mentioned, this book feels more like historical fiction than fantasy. The writing was fantastic and beautiful, but the story just didn’t hook me the way I was hoping. I think it’s just a genre preference for me, rather than the quality of the book, because I thought the writing was great! |
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of an honest review. I was excited to read this book because I love magical books. This one was very unique because it deals with a a woman named Elena and a man named Jean-Paul . I wish that we had more drama, magic and fighting . I will say that although I enjoyed this book, my only dislike was the romance, it felt forced and they told us and felt out of the blue. How did we get here? The romance was the enemies to lovers trope, which I usually enjoy but with this book it just happened. Overall this was an okay read, I just wish there was more action or let us know its more of a romance. |
Why does it take me so long to read books that I just know I’ll probably love? I have no answer. It will be a question that will continue to haunt me, as The Vine Witch becomes the latest proof that I just need to trust.my.gut.instinct and read the books I pick up. Just look at that cover and tell me I shouldn't have known better. Magic, wine, France, curses, and a hint fo romance; what else could I have asked for. Thanks to 47North and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. What is it about herbs, spell books and secret rituals that is so utterly enticing to so many of us? In The Vine Witch we encounter age old traditions, passed on by a mentor, which are deeply embedded in the natural surroundings of our main characters. Perhaps it is this, connection, that makes it do heartwarming. Luanne G. Smith manages to create a world much like our own, with the definite difference that magic is real and, kind of, accepted. People don't like to see it too much (which Muggle has ever enjoyed knowing their lack of power) but they know the benefits it brings. What sets The Vine Witch apart, for me, is the genius of combining something as intricate and moody as wine making with witchcraft. Both require an intricate knowledge of the elements and the earth. Both require spending time pouring, measuring, stirring, testing, tasting. Both are full of tips and tricks particular to each region and family. I was thrilled from the very beginning! Elena is not living her best life at the beginning of The Vine Witch. I won't betray the nature of her curse but it was not only a great start, it also retains its relevance throughout the novel. Once she manages to find her way back to her home, the vineyard where she learnt her craft, she finds out that years have passed and nothing is the same. As Elena sets about trying to fix her vineyard, Smith weaves in different plot elements that all come together rather neatly at the end. There is vengeance required for the curse. There is a brooding, science-minded city boy to deal with. And then there are the other, strange, magical happenings throughout the Chanceaux Valley that will need a witch to unravel them. The Vine Witch moves rather quickly but knows where to pack its emotional punches. Smith's novel soars on its premise, which I've already discussed in the first paragraph. It is a great idea that she is able to unpack and broaden throughout the novel without relying on exposition. She easily creates a sense of tradition and lore, while also leaving plenty of hints at further expansion. Her main character, Elena, is easy to adore as her passion for her craft, loved ones and vineyard shines through every action. I also found myself warming to the other characters rather quickly. The Vine Witch is not an overly complicated novel and perhaps has more of a romance theme than the blurb suggests. However, it is a very comfortable and warm read that lets you escape into another world for a few hours. There is enough intrigue and mystery to keep a reader less in love with magic interested as well. Although The Vine Witch is the start of a series, it does feel like a complete book on its own. Although there are a few story lines left open for the next novel, The Glamourist, The Vine Witch begins and ends its own story, refusing to leave readers waiting for a conclusion. I adored The Vine Witch and absolutely raced through it. With a nice concept and solid world building, Smith has crafted a lovely standalone and great starter to her Vine Witch series. I'll be reviewing its sequel, The Glamourist, later this month. This review is featured on A Universe in Words from 6/9/2020. |
I enjoyed this book but I had a hard time getting really into it. I wanted more from the MC and more romance. |
I enjoyed this title so much! I thought the plot was so intriguing, and the characterization very strong! The description used by the author was so evocative I felt transported, and I kept turning until the very last page. I think the cover is very cute - I'll be sure to purchase this for my store! |
Nope. This was a DNF at 35% from me. It’s unfortunate, because I loves me some witches. Hedge witches, the kinds that make potions, and healing compounds are particularly good for me. I LOVE books by Alice Hoffman for instance, where magic is part of life and used to help people around them. This book was not that. Other bloggers have since described it as more of a romance or historical fiction book than a fantasy and I’d have to say that’s a more than fair assessment. Again, unfortunately, I am not really into romance stories for the most part. Especially the one in this book. These two characters have no chemistry, they pretty much hate each other, and as far as I can see the point of the plot is for her to win over his science loving heart to appreciate her witch-y goodness. Yeah, that’s just not … believable? Realistic? It just doesn’t work in this particular story. I hold out no hope for them. I mildly liked one of the secondary characters, but not enough to continue reading. It’s just a no from me dog. On the other hand if you like a hate-to-love romance type book with a tiny bit of magic, this might be for you, but it’s not something I’d really recommend. |
I really enjoyed reading this awesome story. The witchcraft was very fascinating. The murder was interesting. I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review |
Review on The Reading Fairy This book was interesting to say. I liked it, but at the same time, up until page 100, I would have gave it like 2 stars because I simply did not care. I didn’t know the characters as much as I wanted too. They were just there, and I barely even understood them. Elena was a little self-absorbed into her love-interest (totally can’t relate! But my friends are equally as bad. I’m now the third wheel once more) and her character suffered because of that. Like what is her personality minus the fact she is weary and is a vine witch which is pretty awesome by the way. The characters were really lacking and kinda were one-dimensional, unfortunately. I just wanted more from them. The plot was decent, minus the fact that most of the book was spent being a prisoner and than being an outlaw and that was it. It kept me entertained, but I’m pretty that’s it. I like the writing, but the world-building needed a bit more work. |
3.5 Stars 'The Vine Witch' is the first book in a new fantasy/paranormal series that fans of witch fiction are going to love. I personally adore anything witch or witchcraft related, so I was already excited to read this book. Then I read the description and found out it was set in France. Since I'm also a huge Francophile, I knew I absolutely had to read this novel. Witches in France? I don't know if you can get much better than that in my opinion. I did generally enjoy the story, although the plot ended up being a little dull for my tastes. I liked getting to know Elena and the other major characters throughout the story. They were all pretty realistic and I could identify with them at least a bit. The two things that I loved the most were what I was most excited about - the magic and the setting. I loved learning everything I could about Elena and her vine magic as well as the other types of magic out there. The setting was perfect and the author did a fantastic job of describing it to the point where I could close my eyes and picture it all perfectly. There were two big issues I had with the book. The first I already mentioned - the plot being boring and not at all what I had been expecting, and the writing style the author chose to write the story. She used the third person point of view with Elena as the main character. I personally don't care much for this style and almost always prefer the first person POV. That definitely was the case with this novel. I honestly believe that if the story had been written in the first person POV with Elena as the narrator, I would've had a completely different reading experience. I think the first person POV would have been perfect for this story and would've let me connect more deeply with Elena and invest in the story on a higher level. Sadly, this wasn't meant to be, so I ended up with a less than great reading experience. Don't get me wrong - these are wholly my own personal opinions and don't reflect on the book itself. I know plenty of other readers won't have the same "issues" that I did and will love the story. Again, this is a completely unbiased and honest review and it represents my own personal opinions. This was an okay start to a new paranormal series that definitely has potential. If I had it my way, the next book would be done a little different, but that's just me and my preferences. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy paranormal, fantasy, witches, magic, and books set in France. |
I loved Vine Witch, though I felt it was a little bit long. The beginning was almost too gross for me, but I am not a fan of frogs so that might have had something to do with it. Once I figured out that it was a cursed witch and that she was breaking the curse by eating her shed skin, I could appreciate the intelligence of the opening, if not the visual it created. The action in the end made up for some of the length in the build up. The entire end confrontation felt perfectly paced and ended beautifully. Can't wait to read another book by Luanne Smith. It feels like she has more stories to tell. |








