The vine witch is a captivating mythical character that has been prevalent in various folklore and legends throughout history. This enchanting being is believed to possess magical powers associated with the natural world, specifically the vineyards and the production of wine. In ancient times, the vine witch was often depicted as a mysterious sorceress or a wise old woman with deep connections to the earth and the vineyards. She was believed to have the ability to control the growth and quality of grapes, ensuring a bountiful harvest and exquisite wines. Farmers and winemakers would seek her guidance and blessings to ensure the success of their vineyards. Legend has it that the vine witch could communicate with the spirits of the vines, listening to their needs, and nurturing them to fruition.
My favorite thing about The Vine Witch is the setting. Set in turn-of-the-century France, the story is so saturated with history you can almost smell the wine in the pages. The language is beautiful and the writing is marvelously descriptive. The characters are interesting, and Elena especially is a great main character. She’s clever, confident, and has a tongue sharp as a whip. She sees the world through a fantastical lens of magic and superstition that will have you wishing it’s true.
As the plot thickens he gets pulled deeper and deeper into those traditions, struggling to keep his grip on his belief that there s always a scientific explanation. A young witch emerges from a curse to find her world upended in this gripping fantasy of betrayal, vengeance, and self-discovery set in turn-of-the-century France.
Legend has it that the vine witch could communicate with the spirits of the vines, listening to their needs, and nurturing them to fruition. She would use her magical powers to protect the vineyards from diseases, pests, and any other threats that might harm the grapes. With her touch, she could heal damaged vines, restore their vitality, and enhance their flavors.
Caffeinated Reviewer
A young witch emerges from a curse to find her world upended in this gripping fantasy of betrayal, vengeance, and self-discovery set in turn-of-the-century France.
For centuries, the vineyards at Château Renard have depended on the talent of their vine witches, whose spells help create the world-renowned wine of the Chanceaux Valley. Then the skill of divining harvests fell into ruin when sorcière Elena Boureanu was blindsided by a curse. Now, after breaking the spell that confined her to the shallows of a marshland and weakened her magic, Elena is struggling to return to her former life. And the vineyard she was destined to inherit is now in the possession of a handsome stranger.
Vigneron Jean-Paul Martel naively favors science over superstition, and he certainly doesn't endorse the locals' belief in witches. But Elena knows a hex when she sees one, and the vineyard is covered in them. To stay on and help the vines recover, she'll have to hide her true identity, along with her plans for revenge against whoever stole seven winters of her life. And she won't rest until she can defy the evil powers that are still a threat to herself, Jean-Paul, and the ancient vine-witch legacy in the rolling hills of the Chanceaux Valley.
The Vine Witch written by Luanne G. Smith and narrated by Susannah Jones transports the listener to twentieth century France as it shares a tale of witches, magic, mystery and love.
Elena Boureanu is a vine witch who casts spells to enhance the vineyards of the Château Renard, situated in the Chanceaux Valley. Or at least she did before someone cast a spell on her.
She had been missing seven years. Most suspected she was dead. Upon her return she discovers the woman she thinks of as a grandmother has sold the vineyards to Jean-Paul Martel. Jean-Paul is a former lawyer and man of science who doesn’t believe in the areas practice of vine witches, but something is wrong with the vineyards. Elena will need to do some serious work to save them. She has other plans as well and those involve poison and revenge.
What a delightful tale from the setting to the paranormal elements. I loved everything from the characters to the dirt in the vineyards. I can hardly believe this is Smith’s debut novel. Fans of fantasy like the Discovery of Witches will want to add this series to their bookshelves. I am actually hoping the movie rights are acquired as these would be delightful on the big screen.
The tale delivered a few twists, as we discover who cursed Elena. This first book wraps up nicely, and I am curious to see what book two, The Glamourist, brings us in June of 2020.
Susannah Jones was a new to me narrated by she quickly added voice to these characters enhancing emotions, tensions and quirks. Through pacing and tone she helped to build the suspense and add tension to key moments. Subtle inflection brought a genuineness to the romantic elements.
A fantastic debut, The Vine Witch has left me excited to read more from this author.
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Furthermore, the vine witch was believed to possess the knowledge of alchemy, capable of transforming ordinary grapes into extraordinary wines. She would carefully choose the right moments for harvesting the grapes, making sure they were perfectly ripe and full of flavor. With her magical touch, she could control the fermentation process, creating wines that were not only delicious but also possessed unique qualities and enchanting aromas. The vine witch was also believed to have the ability to cast spells on the wines she produced. These spells would imbue the wines with mystical properties, such as healing abilities, love potions, or even eternal youth. Many tales speak of noble kings and queens who would seek out the vine witch's wines to find solace, happiness, and even eternal life. However, it is important to note that the vine witch is not always portrayed as a benevolent figure. In some legends, she is depicted as a mischievous enchantress, capable of wreaking havoc in the vineyards and causing chaos among winemakers. These stories serve as warnings against disrespecting the spirits of the vines and the importance of treating nature with reverence and gratitude. Overall, the vine witch is a fascinating character deeply rooted in human fascination with the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine. Her mythical powers and connection to the natural world have inspired countless tales and legends, making her an enduring figure in folklore and culture..
Reviews for "The Vine Witch's Resurgence in Modern Winemaking"
1. Emily - 2/5: The Vine Witch was not at all what I expected. The story dragged on with unnecessary and repetitive descriptions, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters lacked depth, leaving me uninterested in their fates. Additionally, the plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. Overall, I found The Vine Witch to be a disappointing read that failed to hold my attention.
2. Adam - 2/5: I found The Vine Witch to be extremely boring and slow-paced. The author's attempts at creating suspense fell flat, as the story failed to deliver any real excitement or intrigue. The writing style was also a struggle to get through, with densely descriptive passages that seemed to go on forever. On top of that, the characters felt one-dimensional and unrelatable. I was hoping for a thrilling and immersive read, but unfortunately, The Vine Witch did not deliver.
3. Sarah - 1/5: The Vine Witch was one of the most unenjoyable books I've ever read. The writing was overly flowery and pretentious, making it difficult to follow the story. The plot itself was confusing and disjointed, with random elements thrown in that seemed unnecessary. I found myself skim-reading through most of the book, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I wouldn't recommend The Vine Witch to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written novel.
4. Michael - 2/5: The Vine Witch had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The main character lacked any real development, making it hard to connect with her or care about her journey. The romance plotline felt forced and came across as unrealistic. The pacing was also a letdown, with long stretches of monotony followed by rushed resolutions. I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by the overall story, making it a forgettable read.