The Vine Witch series is a popular collection of books written by author Luanne G. Smith. This fantasy series is set in a world where witches have specific powers related to the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine. The series follows the story of Elena Boureanu, a vine witch who has been curse-bound for seven years and is seeking to break free from her enchantment. The first book in the series, "The Vine Witch," introduces readers to Elena as she escapes from her curse and returns to her vineyard only to find it in disarray. She meets a wealthy vineyard owner named Jean-Paul Martel, who hires her to help revive his struggling vineyard.
Exclusive images and videos of the coin ceremony, as well as Carnival Magic’s fun and exciting features, are available at www.carnivalmagic.com, a micro-site showcasing this spectacular “Fun Ship.”
In a time-honored maritime tradition, a ceremony recently was held aboard Carnival Magic at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, during which a commemorative coin was welded to the ship s mast to mark a significant construction milestone. Carnival Magic s eventual year-round homeport will be Galveston, Texas, so the ceremony had a strong Texas presence with Carnival represented by Texas-based Business Development Director Shannon McElroy, Mike Julius, the company s managing director of U.
She meets a wealthy vineyard owner named Jean-Paul Martel, who hires her to help revive his struggling vineyard. Together, they uncover a plot to sabotage his winery and must navigate a world of magic and mystery to save the vineyard and protect their livelihoods. In the second book, "The Glamourist," Elena finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when a young woman's body is discovered in a neighboring vineyard.
Carnival Magic's Major Construction Milestone Marked with Traditional Coin Ceremony
The magic continues! In a time-honored maritime tradition, a ceremony recently was held aboard Carnival Magic at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, during which a commemorative coin was welded to the ship’s mast to mark a significant construction milestone. Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,690-passenger “Fun Ship” is set to debut in Europe May 1, 2011.
The ceremony – which dates back to the ancient Romans who believed that attaching coins to a ship provided divine protection – signifies the successful completion of Carnival Magic’s exterior outfitting. With just eight months until the ship’s maiden voyage, work continues on Carnival Magic’s dramatic interiors and unique on-board innovations.
Exclusive images and videos of the coin ceremony, as well as Carnival Magic’s fun and exciting features, are available at www.carnivalmagic.com, a micro-site showcasing this spectacular “Fun Ship.”
Carnival Magic’s eventual year-round homeport will be Galveston, Texas, so the ceremony had a strong Texas presence with Carnival represented by Texas-based Business Development Director Shannon McElroy, Mike Julius, the company’s managing director of U.S. sales, and Roberto Fazi, project manager for Carnival’s corporate shipbuilding division. Fincantieri was represented by Shipyard Director Carlo de Marco while Laura Buttignon, a 35-year Fincantieri veteran whose father also was employed by the shipbuilder, served as madrina, or godmother, at the ceremony.
Following the coin ceremony, thousands of talented artisans, craftsmen and workers returned to work on Carnival Magic’s one-of-a-kind features.
Those include a new island-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub, which features its own private-label draught beer; Cucina del Capitano, an authentic trattoria that brings the heritage of Carnival’s Italian captains to the table, and an expansive outdoor sports complex offering cruising’s first-ever ropes course, outdoor weight-lifting area and gargantuan 500-gallon water dump bucket — part of the splash-tastic WaterWorks aqua park.
Spanning 15 fun-filled decks, Carnival Magic will offer other guest-pleasing features such as The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides; Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue; innovative accommodations including cove balcony cabins closer to the waterline and two-bath, five-berth staterooms that should hold particular appeal to families; a mouth-watering array of formal and casual dining options offering cuisines from around the world; the relaxing Serenity adults-only retreat, and the Cloud 9 Spa, one of the largest health and wellness facilities at sea.
In addition to an exclusive look at the coin ceremony, www.carnivalmagic.com offers a “peek through the porthole” at the ship’s features with a full-screen virtual tour, exclusive images and videos, and construction footage, along with details on contests for fans to add their personal touches and “make the Magic theirs.”
Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship.
All staterooms feature: telephone, 110 AC power outlet, individual climate control, Carnival Home™ Signature Bedding Collection, hair dryer, safe, non-stocked mini bar unit and flat-screen TV
As she investigates the crime, Elena discovers dark secrets and uncovers a web of deceit that threatens to unravel the wine industry as they know it. The third and final book in the series, "The Conjurer," takes readers on a thrilling adventure as Elena sets out to find her family's lost vineyard and uncover the truth about her past. Along the way, she must confront her own powers and the legacy of her witches, all while facing dangerous enemies who seek to control her. Throughout the series, Luanne G. Smith masterfully blends elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery to create a unique and captivating story. The vineyard setting adds an extra layer of richness to the narrative, as the author explores the intricacies of winemaking and the unique abilities of the vine witches. Overall, The Vine Witch series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and magic. It offers a fresh take on the witch genre, combining strong characters, intricate plots, and a lush setting to create an enchanting reading experience. Whether you're a wine lover or simply enjoy a good fantasy tale, this series is sure to capture your imagination and leave you eagerly awaiting more from Luanne G. Smith..
Reviews for "The Vine Witch: An Enchanting Blend of Fantasy and Mystery"
1. Amanda - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "The Vine Witch Series" after hearing all the positive reviews, but I was ultimately disappointed. The first book had an interesting premise, but it just fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any real development. I found myself not caring about what happened to them at all. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Mark - 1 star
"The Vine Witch Series" was a total waste of my time. I couldn't connect with the protagonist, Elena, at all. She lacked any personality or charisma, and her motivations were unclear. The plot was predictable, and the supposed twists were anything but surprising. The magic system was poorly explained and felt inconsistent. The writing style was mediocre and lacked any grace or depth. I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Vine Witch Series," but unfortunately, it fell short. The world-building was lackluster, and I never felt fully immersed in the story. The author relied too heavily on telling rather than showing, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Although the concept of vine witches was intriguing, it wasn't executed well. The romance aspect felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, I found the series to be underwhelming and wouldn't bother recommending it to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars
"The Vine Witch Series" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was uneven, with moments of excitement followed by long stretches of boredom. The world-building felt disjointed and poorly explained. The characters lacked depth and their relationships felt forced. The plot twists were predictable, and the resolutions were often too tidy. I couldn't connect with any of the characters or the story as a whole. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I wouldn't revisit or recommend.