Series: Vine Witch #1
Narrator: Susannah Jones
Length: 8 hours and 42 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
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.
Grab a glass of wine and curl up by the fire with The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith narrated by #SusannahJones #VineWitch #fantasy #audio #debut Share on X*Available in KU upgrade to Audio for $1.99
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
This sounds like it is truly the perfect autumnal read with all of the witches and magic included. I am glad you could enjoy this new world and story so much! I am going to have to look into this one for myself…
Anne
Fabulous review! This sounds really good. I always like magic and mystery.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
A witchy book set in France? That sounds so good! Adding to my TBR right now.
Debbie S Haupt
Both author and narrator are new to me but this looks like something i would really love thanks Kim. I love that cover
Tyler H. Jolley
What a interesting book. Congrats to the author for having such a strong debut novel! Hope you’re feeling great today, Kimba!
verushka
Oh I am loving the good reviews this is getting! Makes me all the eager to get my hands on it!
Ethan
I love the sound of this one! I traveled to France last spring and would love to be transported back to that time period.
Bookworm Brandee
Wow! This certainly sounds like a fantastic read, Kimba. Very atmospheric. I just added it to my Christmas wishlist. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
Melliane
Oh this one looks good there!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
First, love that cover! And second, this sounds so interesting. I searched for it in the library but they don’t have it yet :/ I’ll add it to my TBR! I’d love to listen to the audio.
Sophia Rose
This is one that caught my eye when it was being offered. Wished I’d have snagged it then because it sounds really good still and especially seeing you loved it. 🙂
Kimberly
Do you have Prime? It might be in the lending library.
Sophia Rose
Oooh, good thinking. Thanks!
I checked. It’s on KU so I’ll mark it for that when I activate my membership again.
Jenea's Book Obsession
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one too. Cant believe who had her cursed! The wait for the next book is gonna be torturous.
sherry fundin
i love witches and finding new authors that start out with a hit novel.
Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
I got this book for my Kindle in September and haven’t read it yet. Glad to know you like it, Kimberly. I’ll move it further up my list!
Kimberly
I laughed when it was a choice. Of course I selected a review book that was a prime offering. I do it all the dang time!
kindlemom1
I read this for Fraterfest and really liked it as well Kim and I honestly wasn’t expecting much from it. I love it when a book cab surprise me like that!
Melanie Simmons
I’ve not heard of this author or narrator, but the story sounds so interesting. I will definitely have to add this to my list. Wonderful review.
Theresa (Tessa) Pulyer
I loved this book too! I particularly liked the original approach to witchcraft and the magical world ?