Dear Readers,
This book grabbed me right from the start. I knew I was in for a wild ride when the first few sentences describe the main character transforming from a toad into a human. Don’t worry, that wasn’t a spoiler. You guys know I hate spoilers even more than cliffhangers. I wouldn’t do that to you, friends. The toad transformation is the very first thing that happens in the first few paragraphs. Needless to say, it hooked me. I think it will do the same for you.
Plot Overview: Elena is a young witch who emerges from a curse to find her entire world has changed. The vineyard where she grew up is failing and under new management.The new manager refuses to believe in witchcraft and forbids Elena to use magic to help save the only home she’s ever known. John-Paul stubbornly sticks to science while Elena struggles to save her legacy and her life.
Pros:
- Trope: Trope: Enemies to lovers has never been more charming.
- Setting: Early 20th century countryside of France comes alive in this novel
- Book Boyfriend: I love a man in glasses. John-Paul is sexy and smart, the total package
- Writing: wonderful prose and beautiful descriptions
- Magic! Who doesn’t love a little wine and magic (actually I hate wine, so never mind)
Cons:
- Pacing: This book started out with a bang, and then fell into one of those pesky quicksand traps.
- Romance: There was a lot of promise at the beginning, but the chemistry was lacking.
- Horror Movie Stupidity: the pieces were all there people, figure it out already
To sum it up: This was a fun read that didn’t quite live up to the hype. There was so much potential here for a really great story, alas—it fell a little short. Don’t read this book while hungry—the descriptions of food and wine are enough to make you eat your shoe. This one intrigued me enough to read the next book in the series, but I am not going to break my neck to get it.
Cheers, Sloane Smith
