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glo68's review
5.0
I think Iāll have to ransack a Thesaurus to define this bookā¦ Marvelous, amazing, spectacular, breathtaking? They are even too weak words for this book, which has definitely and firmly found a place in the top ten of the books I read this year (and I read quite a few!). Itās certainly very difficult for a new author to live up to the expectations of her readers after a gorgeous first book such as The True Purpose of Vines, but Siniscalchi definitely nailed it, and I dare say that this book is even better than the previous one. The plot is riveting and fast-paced, with the right amount of page time reserved for the development of the love story. The descriptions are beautiful and so vivid that I imagined myself walking on the streets of Lisbon or basking in the sun on a sunny Portuguese beach. And the characters! Anne is wonderful, young and naĆÆve, but so very strong, kind and passionate, the right woman to guide a man out of the shadows into the lightā¦ And Pedro! I love tormented heroes and he wasā¦ perfection! I knew he would make a wonderful hero when I read the first book! I really canāt wait to read other books from Giovanna and I enjoyed the teaser of the next one at the endā¦
jomferraz's review
4.0
3.5 ~3.75
I don't really write reviews I tried a few times, but I guess I don't have the commitment to do this regularly.
But when the author contacted me to read her book and do an honesty review, I was like "hell yes".
Lately I've been really strict about only reading series in order (sometimes I break this, but I try not), so I was disappointed when I realized that due to the I had to read and publish the review for this book I wasn't going to have time to read book 1. And folks, I recommend, read book 1. Although I felt that I didn't spoil my reading, I LOVE a reformed villain who gets he's own book and that's what we have with Pedro, so if we can, read book 1 before book 2 (it's on Kindle Unlimited).
So now let's start talking about A Taste of Light.
Firs of all I was excited to read a Historical Romance setting in Portugal, even tough I never been in the region that the characters live, Iāve been to the country a few times before and when they arrived in Lisbon a lot of the place felt familiar from todayās tourist attractions on the city.
The main characters:
We have the hero Pedro, whom is the villain in the first book of the series, so I missed this whole development. But we can gather from the beginning of this book that heās a very grump hero and has a darkness (for very intense and justified reasons) inside of him that follows him since before the events of book 1. And I really liked this, because I felt with that, I really could understand the character growth through the book.
And we have a Sunshine heroine Miss Anne (Ana) Maxwell, a woman who sees the good in everybody and firmly believes in love, a true light in Pedroās life. She also carries inside of her some regrets and itās very moving when she confides them to Pedro.
I really enjoyed the romance, from the very beginning, I love when the hero or heroine mistake the other when meeting them, this is on my top 3 of meet cute in books. Pedro was a very damaged Hero, and only his Ana had the ability to save him from himself, and their love story was beautifully written. Although I wished some of their scenes were a little bit more spice. I love they had the road trip/ forced proximity trope on their romance as well.
Giovanna is a great writer; I really enjoyed her style. Definitely will read more from this author
I don't really write reviews I tried a few times, but I guess I don't have the commitment to do this regularly.
But when the author contacted me to read her book and do an honesty review, I was like "hell yes".
Lately I've been really strict about only reading series in order (sometimes I break this, but I try not), so I was disappointed when I realized that due to the I had to read and publish the review for this book I wasn't going to have time to read book 1. And folks, I recommend, read book 1. Although I felt that I didn't spoil my reading, I LOVE a reformed villain who gets he's own book and that's what we have with Pedro, so if we can, read book 1 before book 2 (it's on Kindle Unlimited).
So now let's start talking about A Taste of Light.
Firs of all I was excited to read a Historical Romance setting in Portugal, even tough I never been in the region that the characters live, Iāve been to the country a few times before and when they arrived in Lisbon a lot of the place felt familiar from todayās tourist attractions on the city.
The main characters:
We have the hero Pedro, whom is the villain in the first book of the series, so I missed this whole development. But we can gather from the beginning of this book that heās a very grump hero and has a darkness (for very intense and justified reasons) inside of him that follows him since before the events of book 1. And I really liked this, because I felt with that, I really could understand the character growth through the book.
And we have a Sunshine heroine Miss Anne (Ana) Maxwell, a woman who sees the good in everybody and firmly believes in love, a true light in Pedroās life. She also carries inside of her some regrets and itās very moving when she confides them to Pedro.
I really enjoyed the romance, from the very beginning, I love when the hero or heroine mistake the other when meeting them, this is on my top 3 of meet cute in books. Pedro was a very damaged Hero, and only his Ana had the ability to save him from himself, and their love story was beautifully written. Although I wished some of their scenes were a little bit more spice. I love they had the road trip/ forced proximity trope on their romance as well.
Giovanna is a great writer; I really enjoyed her style. Definitely will read more from this author
mrsmar10thereader's review
5.0
Pedro finds his light
Oh my I didn't want this book to ever end. Pedro's past comes to call as he's licking his wounds from the loss of the woman he thought he would marry. When Anne shows up on his doorstep just as something sinister begins, she's forced to go on the run with Pedro and his brother Cris. Anne, unaware of Pedro's past with her brother and sister in law sets her own impression of the withdrawn Pedro Daun, Count of Almoster and she sees that there is more to the man than meets the eye.
Pedro, unable to accept human touch finds that Anne's touch is comforting, it's home, It's his guiding light. However, he's not a good man, an honorable man, and he can't be the man to ruin her.
Their adventure is filled with betrayal, travels on the seas, amazingly beautiful intimacy, and history... The history is as rich as the food and wine.
Giovanna once again gives an amazing read filled with action, love, and history. Her books are always the kind you don't want to put down, but never want to end. Revisiting the cast of characters she's created is always a pleasure and I'm hoping to see so much more of them. Start The Winemakers Series today.
Oh my I didn't want this book to ever end. Pedro's past comes to call as he's licking his wounds from the loss of the woman he thought he would marry. When Anne shows up on his doorstep just as something sinister begins, she's forced to go on the run with Pedro and his brother Cris. Anne, unaware of Pedro's past with her brother and sister in law sets her own impression of the withdrawn Pedro Daun, Count of Almoster and she sees that there is more to the man than meets the eye.
Pedro, unable to accept human touch finds that Anne's touch is comforting, it's home, It's his guiding light. However, he's not a good man, an honorable man, and he can't be the man to ruin her.
Their adventure is filled with betrayal, travels on the seas, amazingly beautiful intimacy, and history... The history is as rich as the food and wine.
Giovanna once again gives an amazing read filled with action, love, and history. Her books are always the kind you don't want to put down, but never want to end. Revisiting the cast of characters she's created is always a pleasure and I'm hoping to see so much more of them. Start The Winemakers Series today.
emmdahl's review
5.0
The Taste of Light was such a pleasure to romp around in! The reader is taken back to Portugal in 1872, where Pedro Daun is, to be honest, sulking after losing his childhood love to another man. Said the man's sister, Anne Maxwell, who ends up at Pedroās estate on a mission from her sister-in-law. She happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she and Pedro go on the run from a nasty fellow from Pedro's past. Thus ensues a quest to clear Pedro's name, and while doing so they also discover redemption and love.
I was intrigued by Pedro, the Count of Almonster from The True Purpose of Vines, and that intrigue was highly satisfied! Heās a complex character who feels he is irredeemable due to his past, both the abuse by his father and his military service in Mozambique.
Anne is such a sweet and loving character, but with a spine of steel. Exactly who Pedro needs!
Giovanna Siniscalchi proved in her debut novel, The True Purpose of Vines, that she writes with such imagery! I felt immersed in her stories and was being shown and taught history in a place I knew little about before.
I was intrigued by Pedro, the Count of Almonster from The True Purpose of Vines, and that intrigue was highly satisfied! Heās a complex character who feels he is irredeemable due to his past, both the abuse by his father and his military service in Mozambique.
Anne is such a sweet and loving character, but with a spine of steel. Exactly who Pedro needs!
Giovanna Siniscalchi proved in her debut novel, The True Purpose of Vines, that she writes with such imagery! I felt immersed in her stories and was being shown and taught history in a place I knew little about before.
tortorreads's review
5.0
Rating: 5/5
Pub: 12/9/22
I received an eARC of this book for my honest opinion
Normally I am not a big fan of historical romance books unless theyāre paranormal, but when I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book, I decided to give it a try and wow I am so happy that I did. When reading this book, you will get a little of everything from a great romantic plot, action, some humor, sexual tension, betrayal and fighting for the right cause. Here is the basics of the plot:
Anne travels to her brotherās estate to help her sister-in-law who is pregnant. While there she takes over for her sister-in-law and travels to neighbors to teach them how to get their vines healthy again. However, Anne goes to the wrong house and meets a handsome but standoffish male. Pedro assumes that she is prostitute that his brother sent to him (Image having to tell your grandkids that story) but everything goes wrong right away for both of them, and they are sent running for their lives, and they have a great adventure to secure their safety and innocents.
I really enjoyed the writing style of Siniscalchi, she has a way with words that brought the Portugal lands to life for me. Not only the land but the characters too, I found myself able to connect with all the characters, well not the villain of the story but everyone else. I was able to start this book and finish it in a day and that is all because of Siniscalchi's way to pull into the book and not wanting to put it down. I loved the build up of romance and all the emotional scenes really give the characters a new depth.
While reading this book I have added visiting Portugal to my must visit countries and I cannot wait to see with my own eyes the countryside of Portugal.
I really could go on and on but I wonāt because I do not want to spoil anything.
I want to thank Giovanna Siniscalchi for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Pub: 12/9/22
I received an eARC of this book for my honest opinion
Normally I am not a big fan of historical romance books unless theyāre paranormal, but when I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book, I decided to give it a try and wow I am so happy that I did. When reading this book, you will get a little of everything from a great romantic plot, action, some humor, sexual tension, betrayal and fighting for the right cause. Here is the basics of the plot:
Anne travels to her brotherās estate to help her sister-in-law who is pregnant. While there she takes over for her sister-in-law and travels to neighbors to teach them how to get their vines healthy again. However, Anne goes to the wrong house and meets a handsome but standoffish male. Pedro assumes that she is prostitute that his brother sent to him (Image having to tell your grandkids that story) but everything goes wrong right away for both of them, and they are sent running for their lives, and they have a great adventure to secure their safety and innocents.
I really enjoyed the writing style of Siniscalchi, she has a way with words that brought the Portugal lands to life for me. Not only the land but the characters too, I found myself able to connect with all the characters, well not the villain of the story but everyone else. I was able to start this book and finish it in a day and that is all because of Siniscalchi's way to pull into the book and not wanting to put it down. I loved the build up of romance and all the emotional scenes really give the characters a new depth.
While reading this book I have added visiting Portugal to my must visit countries and I cannot wait to see with my own eyes the countryside of Portugal.
I really could go on and on but I wonāt because I do not want to spoil anything.
I want to thank Giovanna Siniscalchi for the opportunity to read and review this book.
sturgesschildren3's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Sometimes we make bad decisions and when they done to haunt they come with a vengeance and Iām afraid this was the case for Pedro , yes heās the man we all love to hate but thereās something that makes me feel sorry for him to a degree ā¦..
Anne comes across as a bit if a fading wallflower but donāt underestimate her and her inner Amazonian warrior woman ā¦.
As per the first book I was ready to pack my bags and head out to follow them wherever they were , Iām a picture person and the places I āwentā to and the people I ā interactedā with while reading this was just amazing . These people are complex , deep and intense but thereās a live and respect for them and their stories that you need to experience for yourself ā£ļøš
Anne comes across as a bit if a fading wallflower but donāt underestimate her and her inner Amazonian warrior woman ā¦.
As per the first book I was ready to pack my bags and head out to follow them wherever they were , Iām a picture person and the places I āwentā to and the people I ā interactedā with while reading this was just amazing . These people are complex , deep and intense but thereās a live and respect for them and their stories that you need to experience for yourself ā£ļøš
faithfulgirl4's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
Ā This review is going to be hard to write without spoilers but I'll do my best!
First of all, this is a stand alone book but I HIGHLY recommend reading book 1 (The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love.) so you can have a proper understanding of Pedro. Reading this book first will probably ruin a lot of things for you!
I HATED Pedro in the first book. I mean, a deep loathing for the man. I can't say that now. He's found a way to redeem himself with the way he's handled Anne. It took me awhile to be able to say that but he's earned his redemption!
Anne is helping out her sister-in-law with the vines and dealing with an outbreak of Phylloxera when she meets Pedro. Anne is a polar opposite of Pedro, along with several years younger.
Can Anne show Pedro how to be a decent human being? Will Pedro find his redemption and deal with his past?
There's a little bit of everything to love in this book. A great historical based story that includes some humor, spicy romance, and a redeeming heart!Ā
First of all, this is a stand alone book but I HIGHLY recommend reading book 1 (The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love.) so you can have a proper understanding of Pedro. Reading this book first will probably ruin a lot of things for you!
I HATED Pedro in the first book. I mean, a deep loathing for the man. I can't say that now. He's found a way to redeem himself with the way he's handled Anne. It took me awhile to be able to say that but he's earned his redemption!
Anne is helping out her sister-in-law with the vines and dealing with an outbreak of Phylloxera when she meets Pedro. Anne is a polar opposite of Pedro, along with several years younger.
Can Anne show Pedro how to be a decent human being? Will Pedro find his redemption and deal with his past?
There's a little bit of everything to love in this book. A great historical based story that includes some humor, spicy romance, and a redeeming heart!Ā
mandykim's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
5/5 Stars
The Taste of Light (A Winemakers #2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi
This is the first book I've read by the author. The Taste of Light is the second book in A Winemakers Series. I love the writing style and how the author put the words together.
Anne moves to help her brother and sister in law. Once she gets there she finds herself wishing for true love. She wants someone to love her unconditionally. Then she meets Pedro and things become difficult. Can she make it work? The quote I chose for Anne is: "When Griffin came to live here, he was an adult, but I was not yet your age. Plus, my best friend is Portuguese."
Pedro loses his bride to someone else. Winemaking became his passion after that. Then he meets Anne. He finds himself falling for her, but that causes some trouble. Can he forgive his past? The quote I chose for Pedro is: "If by courting you mean to pay for her brother's debts and not require a dowry, then yes."
Highly recommended for Historical Romance lovers.
nchrisman1's review
5.0
This is book 2 in the series and while I didnāt read book one I was able to read this book and not feel lost. The MMC Pedro is not a knight in shining armor but he still draws you in. A violent past with guilt causing him to drown it out with alcohol makes him belief he deserves the bad and no good. Until the FMC Anne comes along. While she knows he has demons to face she believes that people are a product of their past and at heart are inherently good. She sticks by him but he doesnāt know if itās enough to face all of his past.Ā