The Glamourist by Luanne G. Smith

The Glamourist (The Vine Witch, #2)

by Luanne G. Smith

A spellbinding novel of bloodlines, self-discovery, and redemption by the author of the Washington Post bestseller The Vine Witch.

Abandoned as a child in turn-of-the-century Paris, Yvette Lenoir has longed to uncover the secrets of her magical heritage and tap her suppressed powers. But what brave and resourceful Yvette has done to survive the streets has made her a fugitive. With a price on her head, she clings to a memento from her past—what she believes to be a grimoire inherited from the mother she never knew. To unlock the secrets of her past, Yvette trusts in one woman to help solve the arcane riddles among its charmed pages.

Elena Boureanu is the vine witch of Château Renard, noted for its renowned wines. Even as she struggles with her own bloodline—and its poisonous threat to her future—Elena can’t ignore a friend on the run. Joined by a cunning thief, the proprietor of an enchanted-curio shop, and a bewitching black cat, Elena and Yvette are determined to decode Yvette’s mysterious keepsake. But what restless magic will be unleashed? And what are Yvette and Elena willing to risk to become the witches they were destined to be?

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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Elena Boureanu, Vine Witch of Château Renard is struggling with her bloodline and is in the city with her fiancé John. Mother-in-laws, poisons and her own struggles don’t deter her from coming to the aid of Yvette Lenoir, as she works to unlock her magic.

Once again Smith pulled me in from the mysterious black cat to the unique proprietor of an enchanted-curio shop. Supernatural creatures, answers to Lenoir’s past and surprising support from unexpected quarters held me captive.

The secrets delighted me as did the characters. While the magic and witchcraft is familiar, Smith weaved a tale that held me captive. Her characters are vivid, well developed and enchanting. Her villain’s ominous presence and plans amped up the suspense and kept me listening.

Elena and her companions will have to use their wit and magic to save Yvette and unlock her magic. While Elena struggles with her own heritage, she is clever and her “intuition” sets her on a course to aid Lenoir. She doesn’t readily rely on others, but we see her open up as the danger mounts.

I loved the cat who comes to Lenoir’s aid and scenes in the tunnels involving them. A person from her past may be an ally or foe. You’ll have to listen to discover which.

Susannah Jones is the perfect narrator for this suspenseful tale. From characters’ voices to pacing and tone, she added another layer to this delightful tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 May, 2020: Finished reading
  • 27 May, 2020: Reviewed