The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Ayla Phipps

The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Giovanna Siniscalchi. The title grabbed my attention, and I found the synopsis interesting. Personally, I don’t usually read historical romance books, but I was intrigued, and the author did not disappoint. Taking place in Portugal in 1870 this book has dual perspectives. Winemaker Julia Costa, who is out to prove that a woman in this time can make wine not only as good as a man but better. And Griffin Maxwell a proper Englishman who recently inherited his uncle’s vineyard. As a favor to his boss, he checks in on the investment he made to Julia’s late husband.
The two main characters have one main thing in common, their main goal is to provide for their families no matter what. Julia has a 7-year-old son named Tony, as well as her Aunt Rosario and cousin Amelia living with her. Griffin has his mother and younger sister Anne that he is providing for. Griffin has one main goal to give his family the security they have not had since he was 17, in this pursuit he wants to become partners with his boss Mr. Croft. Croft on the other hand has another plan, he doesn’t want Griffin as a partner but as a son. Shocked by this Griffin initially is taken aback but at 31 years old he knew it was time he should marry, and this would give his family their security and status back. Julia’s main goal is to become the best vineyard, to bring wine into the future no longer selling wine by unmarked vats and barrels but glass bottles, marked with her vineyard showing proudly that the wine is from her lands. An intense initial meeting leads to Julia and Griffin at odds, until a mysterious plague threatens to destroy everything, forcing them to work together.
Will they solve the mysterious plague killing the vineyards? Who will Griffin marry? Will Julia’s secret valley be successful? The world that author creates is beautiful, with some humor sprinkled in this was an amazing read. Such diverse characters in a historical time were refreshing to read about and see how they overcame every hurtle before them. I can’t wait to read book two The Taste of Light, the main characters are Anne Maxwell, Griffin’s little sister, and Pedro Daun, who was mentioned by Aunt Rosario as a perfect match for Amelia.

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