queenmeega's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely easy read
The vine witch is a fairy tale about vineyards and how is there anything better. The world this takes place is filled with people who have magic, some more than others. It's an easy read and like a balm for troubled spirits.
The vine witch is a fairy tale about vineyards and how is there anything better. The world this takes place is filled with people who have magic, some more than others. It's an easy read and like a balm for troubled spirits.
porcinitortellini's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Does this read like a Hallmark movie? Yes
Did I predict the ~*TWIST*~ pretty quickly? Yes
Is this book cheesy as hell? Yes
Luckily cheese and wine do go together*, so while the writing was long-winded at times and the climax was a SLOGGGG to get through, the premise was really fun and I really enjoyed the wine/vine aspect of the book. BUT! Do take that with a grain of salt because I am a GIANT wine nerd (read as: somm and viticulture/enology major) and will be able to find anything to like about anything dealing with wine. The characterization was alright if not a little shaky at times. The last maybe quarter of the book, I did find myself putting it down quite often just because it did seem to drag for just an okay ending (that was also predictable). Also there's like no spice...like maybe cayenne pepper levels, which is fine for me (not a spicy reader), but I know romantasy is becoming a huuuge thing.
* = there ARE "proper" wine and cheese pairings, but as with all things concerning taste, they are mostly subjective!...just don't tell a Master Somm that.
The book wasn't the best pairing I've had, but it got the job done, especially after a really disappointing read that threw me into a slump. I don't think I'll be picking up the next books, but this was a fun read!
Does this read like a Hallmark movie? Yes
Did I predict the ~*TWIST*~ pretty quickly? Yes
Is this book cheesy as hell? Yes
Luckily cheese and wine do go together*, so while the writing was long-winded at times and the climax was a SLOGGGG to get through, the premise was really fun and I really enjoyed the wine/vine aspect of the book. BUT! Do take that with a grain of salt because I am a GIANT wine nerd (read as: somm and viticulture/enology major) and will be able to find anything to like about anything dealing with wine. The characterization was alright if not a little shaky at times. The last maybe quarter of the book, I did find myself putting it down quite often just because it did seem to drag for just an okay ending (that was also predictable). Also there's like no spice...like maybe cayenne pepper levels, which is fine for me (not a spicy reader), but I know romantasy is becoming a huuuge thing.
* = there ARE "proper" wine and cheese pairings, but as with all things concerning taste, they are mostly subjective!...just don't tell a Master Somm that.
The book wasn't the best pairing I've had, but it got the job done, especially after a really disappointing read that threw me into a slump. I don't think I'll be picking up the next books, but this was a fun read!
tellie's review against another edition
4.0
So this not exactly what I was expecting when I started this book but it was a very different take on the usual Witchcraft tales I am used to. It opens my mind more about what is out there and for me (being a Witch myself) it shows that there is always more to the world around you then what you have been taught to know or even realize. The romance in this story isn't over the top and it focuses more on the challenges the main character needs to overcome after everything she had been through prior to the book. I am however curious to see what else Smith can do with this world and am keen to read the other two books in the Vine Witch Series.
kglaham's review against another edition
4.0
A quick read. Started out very interesting but the ending didn’t have the real twist I had hoped for. The author wanted to surprise you but it just fell a bit flat.
lo_readss's review against another edition
2.0
Such an interesting concept! And I liked the first half or so but then, idk it was like the author lost interest in it or had to rush to a deadline. It felt like it was just sort of plopped there and was ultimately unsatisfying :(
goldmorgane's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it. The story didn't really pick up until about half way through, but once it did, I couldn't put the book down! There were some very predictable moments, as well as a couple very surprising twists. This one is a solid comfort read.
liloreadsstories's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
minilove's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad that I took the time to read this book. Its not my favorite book of all time, but I found it relatively interesting none the less. A lot of people complained about it being too romantic but in my own personal opinion this was not the case. While I felt the magic or the romance could have been a little bit more fleshed out, I also felt this was an excellent depiction of a magic that would be closer to living among us. In many depictions of magic what can be done with it is typically quite outlandish. This is not to say I don't enjoy a little bit of that, but it's refreshing to see something a little more relatable. This magic had clear rules that were explained throughout the book, and a hidden world that is only thinly veiled by it's more mundane everyday use. Not only that, I liked how it depicted magic and it's relation to love. While love can be a contributing motivation to us overcoming obstacles, I find it often depicted as the ONLY thing that can. I liked the idea that Elena's intelligence and quick wit could also keep her afloat while still allowing her to feel the pull that love can provide.