If you are a historical romance lover and looking for more unique historical romances that are not just focused on London Society than Giovanna Siniscalchi is the author for you. The Taste of the Light is the second book in Siniscalchi's The Winemakers series and it is an utterly beautiful read. I highly enjoyed the first book in the series, The True Purpose of Vines, and this novel step up and really shows Siniscalchi's growth as an author. Not only are her titles elegant and evocative, but the pages between are held with the same beauty and care. Siniscalchi's writing has a grace and poise to it that works perfectly in the context of a historical romance. Siniscalchi's characters are well rounded, her story lines are interestingly plotted and she expands the world with her various side characters which help to give a depth to the action of the novel outside of the main romantic couple. This novel is well paced, it has some action which keeps things moving, and at its heart is a lovely romance that is able to take the time to develop and grow at the pace it needs to.
I always enjoy a redemption story for a hero and in this novel that is what Siniscalchi gives us. Pedro was introduced to us in the first novel, and while this can be read as a standalone, you will get a better depth of understanding of his character if you read the books in order. Pedro is an aristocrat, hardened and haunted by his sins and shut up on his winemaking property nursing his broken pride over losing his fiance to an Englishman. Anne, who is his ex fiance's new sister in law, is helping her sister in law out when she turns up at the wrong house and mistaken for a sex worker by Pedro. But her whimsicle and kind nature soon reveal her to an innocent young miss and Pedro can not help but feel drawn to her angelic nature, while Anne is drawn to his yearning passion. These two are swiftly thrown together when a conspiracy arises and a false accusation makes them have to go on the run.
I just adore a road trip romance, and this road trip romance takes place on the bows of a ship and various European ports, giving this road trip a more unique setting for a historical romance. I love that Siniscalchi uses the elements of danger and forced proximity to build up the tension and chemistry between Pedro and Anne. Pedro is constantly waging war within himself over his past sins and if his touch will taint Anne. Anne is the sunshine to his gloom, she wants to move beyond his past and embrace what they could be. I love that Anne is able to slowly ware Pedro down as she shows him over and over that his is attracted to him and sees beyond what he can not forgive of himself. Siniscalchi uses a light hand when it comes to the intimate explorations between Pedro and Anne, their physical interactions are a bit more on the subtle poetic side, but I think this works well for the tone and style that Siniscalchi sets from the beginning. I also love the use of sick bed trope and age gap, they work so wonderful in this story.
This historical romance is gently crafted and uses imagery to bring an immersiveness into the story and setting. The characters have an authentic nature to them which easily endears the readers to their plights. And the setting of 1872 Portugal is a nice reprieve from the London society ballrooms. I highly recommend this novel for a fresh take on a historical romance. I highly recommend Giovanna Siniscalchi as a new author you should check out. You will definitely not be disappointed! 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you so much to Giovanna Siniscalchi for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.