Picture a storyteller who weaves magic into the vineyards of early 20th-century France—meet Luanne G. Smith! This American novelist has enchanted readers with her historical fantasy novels, blending witchcraft, wine, and redemption in a way that feels like sipping a fine vintage under a starry sky. Best known for her bestselling Vine Witch series, Smith crafts immersive worlds where magic flows as freely as the finest Chardonnay.
With a knack for rich historical detail and nuanced characters, Smith has carved a unique niche in historical fantasy. Her stories transport readers to a time when superstition and science clashed, all while delivering tales of vengeance, love, and self-discovery. Ready to uncork the story of this rising literary star? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Luanne G. Smith
Luanne G. Smith grew up with a love for stories, sparked at age ten by Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain. Living at the base of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, she found inspiration in nature, later earning a bachelor’s degree in Resource and Environment Management. Her work as a naturalist, handling creatures like painted turtles and bull snakes, honed her appreciation for the world’s hidden magic. This blend of environmental insight and storytelling passion set the stage for her writing career. Though it took decades to publish her first novel, Smith’s persistence paid off with her 2019 debut, The Vine Witch, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller.
Luanne G. Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s breakout work, The Vine Witch (2019), introduces Elena Boureanu, a vine witch cursed into a toad for seven years. Set in the fictional Chanceaux Valley, the novel follows Elena’s quest to reclaim her vineyard and seek revenge, all while navigating a romance with the science-minded Jean-Paul Martel. Critics praised its “grown-up fairy tale” vibe and lush, wine-soaked atmosphere, calling it “pure escapism” (Forbes).
The Vine Witch series continued with The Glamourist (2020) and The Conjurer (2021), expanding the magical world with characters like Yvette, a fugitive witch with a mysterious grimoire. Smith’s gothic-tinged The Raven Spell (2022) and The Raven Song shift to Victorian London, blending mystery and magic in a Jack the Ripper-inspired setting. Her standalone novels, The Witch’s Lens and The Wolf’s Eye, explore darker themes, including World War I and supernatural photography. Smith’s lyrical prose and intricate magic systems, often inspired by real-world practices like winemaking and moon cycles, make her stories both enchanting and grounded.
Her upcoming novel, The Golden Age of Magic (July 2025), promises to continue her signature blend of historical depth and fantastical allure. Smith’s ability to weave historical accuracy—researched through nonfiction books and period details—with magical elements sets her apart, creating worlds that feel as real as they are otherworldly.
Why Luanne G. Smith Matters
Luanne G. Smith has redefined historical fantasy by infusing it with a distinctly feminine perspective, celebrating women who wield magic to overcome adversity. Her heroines, from Elena to the Blackwood sisters in The Raven Spell, resonate with readers for their strength and complexity. By grounding her stories in historical settings, Smith bridges the gap between fantasy and reality, inviting readers to explore themes of empowerment and resilience. Her novels have topped bestseller lists and been translated into seven languages, a testament to their global appeal.
Smith’s work also highlights the power of persistence. After years of honing her craft, she debuted in her late career, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. Her stories inspire readers to find magic in the everyday, whether in a vineyard or a quiet moment with a book.
- Born: United States (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: The Vine Witch, The Raven Spell, The Witch’s Lens
- Residence: Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains
- Hobbies: Hiking, gardening, and enjoying a glass of wine
Snag The Vine Witch and dive into Luanne G. Smith’s spellbinding historical fantasy! Whether you’re a fan of magic, history, or just a good story, her books are your ticket to an enchanting escape.