The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance which had me hooked from start to finish. Set in Portugal during the 1870’s, and Julia Costa is the best winemaker in Douro, but following her husband’s death she has gained his substantial debt, and is at risk of loosing both her vineyards and with them her legacy. Julia was expecting someone to come for what she owes, but was not expecting handsome Englishman, Griffin Maxwell. Griffin agreed to travel up the Douro river to chase a reluctant debtor, in order to gain a partnership with Oporto’s largest trading firm, but he was not expecting to come face to face with headstrong winemaker, Julia. Julia introduces Griffin to the vibrant Portuguese culture, but even as the couple fall in love with one another their different roots and cultures clash. After all Julia is not the ‘proper Englishwoman’ he intended to marry, and Griffin is an arrogant man who came onto Julia’s lands thinking he was entitled to them, but resisting each other is difficult.

The couple must put aside their differences and work together when the vineyards are in danger from a mysterious plague. In the end they must decide to either allow their cultural differences to keep them apart, or fight for love. This is a wonderfully written and obviously heavily researched, heartwarming historical romance novel. The beautiful settings are brought vividly to life and along with the historical details I felt transported to Portugal in the 1870’s, and felt fully immersed in the story. The characters are likeable and relatable and I loved the slow burn romance with an enemies to lovers theme between Julia and Griffin. The mix of winemaking, Portuguese culture, amazing settings and of course romance made this a real page turner and one which I definitely recommend.

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