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The Twisted Vine
Every journey is an adventure. Especially one into the unknown. Join Roxanne on her journey, travelling in France, as she discovers the pitfalls of falling in love, the trials of winemaking and unmasks a tragedy. Taste the wine, feel the sun, drive through the Provencal mountains with her, as her courage and resourcefulness are tested to the limit in this exciting vineyard romance. The Twisted Vine is a 1980s romance set in the heart of France and is full of mystery and suspense. Roxanne Rudge, a feisty heroine, escapes her cheating boyfriend by going grape-picking in France. She feels vulnerable and alone in such a big country where she can't speak the language and is befriended by Armand le Clair, a handsome Frenchman. Armand is not all he seems and she discovers a darker side to him before exposing a dreadful secret. She is aided and abetted by three new friends she has made, charming posh Peter, a gifted linguist, the beautiful and vivacious Italian, Yvane, and clever Henry of the deep brown eyes with a chocolate voice to match. Together they unravel a mystery centred around a beautiful chateau and play a part in its future. Review by www.bookviral.com strongly recommends The Twisted Vine. They are a quality control website for authors and said "Wonderfully atmospheric and enticingly mysterious, The Twisted Vine is the debut novel from author Alex Martin. An evocative mystery that takes a delightful foray into the heart of France, where the best laid plans take an unexpected turn. A journey of self-discovery, love and tragedy that elegantly contrasts the essence of French life with darker and infinitely more sinister overtures. Cleverly constructed and written with an acerbic pen, Martin transports her readers to a transient world that she imbues with life through inspired character development and an ear for authentic dialogue. It’s a truly engaging tale which turns a simple journey into an all-encompassing adventure that tests the boundaries of courage and resourcefulness at a time of vulnerability. Impeccable in detail, memorable and enthralling, The Twisted Vine is a notable debut from an author with a bright future ahead of her and is strongly recommended." See Alex Martin's other books including the award-winning Katherine Wheel Series and a ghost story called The Rose Trail Go to www.intheplottingshed.com for more information
- GenresRomance
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2012
98 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Alex Martin
11 books134 followersI came late to writing. No, that's wrong. I came late to publishing my writing. And what a thrilling ride it's proving to be.
I'm never happier than when bashing both brain and keyboard in my Plotting Shed wherever that may be! On gloriously creative days, I can look up and find hours have passed. I'm amazed the scenery is unchanged, fixed, when I've been absorbed in heart-stopping drama or tragedy, or romance.
At last, I am following my bliss. I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm dancing.
There was an old black and gold typewriter knocking about my childhood home. When I wasn't skinning my knees climbing trees or wandering aimlessly in the countryside with my dog and my dreams, I could be found, as now, typing away with imaginary friends whispering in my ear.
My first novel, The Twisted Vine, is based on a happy time picking grapes in France in the 1980s. I met some amazing people there but none as outrageous as those that sprang to life on my screen. Daffodils is based in Wiltshire, where I grew up. It attempts to portray how ordinary lives, and the rigid social order, were radically altered by the catalyst of the First World War. This book developed into The Katherine Wheel Series, with a sequel set in 1919 in the aftermath of WW1, Peace Lily, and Speedwell, taking the characters into the roaring twenties and the dangerous world of motor-racing. Willow (a novella) introduces the next generation who face daunting challenges in WW2 in Woodbine and Ivy, the final book in this epic saga which draws all the many threads together in the previous six books into a dramatic climax.
The Spirit Level comprises two dual-time ghost stories. The Rose Trail is set in the English Civil War and Triskelion has a Druid priestess giving Fay and Percy an urgent message for the modern world.
The next book is always just around the corner. I'm just listening to the whispers from the other side to get the full picture... And now that book (my tenth!) is here. Warrior Queens is the third book in The Spirit Level Series although the link is tenuous. Three friends struggle through adversity and only their bond can get them through. A modern tale of girlpower.
I'm never happier than when bashing both brain and keyboard in my Plotting Shed wherever that may be! On gloriously creative days, I can look up and find hours have passed. I'm amazed the scenery is unchanged, fixed, when I've been absorbed in heart-stopping drama or tragedy, or romance.
At last, I am following my bliss. I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm dancing.
There was an old black and gold typewriter knocking about my childhood home. When I wasn't skinning my knees climbing trees or wandering aimlessly in the countryside with my dog and my dreams, I could be found, as now, typing away with imaginary friends whispering in my ear.
My first novel, The Twisted Vine, is based on a happy time picking grapes in France in the 1980s. I met some amazing people there but none as outrageous as those that sprang to life on my screen. Daffodils is based in Wiltshire, where I grew up. It attempts to portray how ordinary lives, and the rigid social order, were radically altered by the catalyst of the First World War. This book developed into The Katherine Wheel Series, with a sequel set in 1919 in the aftermath of WW1, Peace Lily, and Speedwell, taking the characters into the roaring twenties and the dangerous world of motor-racing. Willow (a novella) introduces the next generation who face daunting challenges in WW2 in Woodbine and Ivy, the final book in this epic saga which draws all the many threads together in the previous six books into a dramatic climax.
The Spirit Level comprises two dual-time ghost stories. The Rose Trail is set in the English Civil War and Triskelion has a Druid priestess giving Fay and Percy an urgent message for the modern world.
The next book is always just around the corner. I'm just listening to the whispers from the other side to get the full picture... And now that book (my tenth!) is here. Warrior Queens is the third book in The Spirit Level Series although the link is tenuous. Three friends struggle through adversity and only their bond can get them through. A modern tale of girlpower.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 10, 2015
A very refreshing romance/adventure novel that will make for a perfect weekend read while you soak up the Autumn sun.
The main heroine, Roxanne, travels to France so she can have a break from all the drama that followed the breakup with her boyfriend. She decides to go grape picking, which sounds like a great way to keep your hands busy and mind distracted with the new scenery. She meets new friends and spends her time pleasantly in their company, drinking wine and tasting French cuisine… However, the stars have other plans for her, and her ‘escape’ turns out to be an adventure. Someone she meets there is hiding a twisted secret, and so this romantic suspense story turns into a mystery.
The original setting of this novel and the beauty of colorful places that Roxanne visits really drew me in. This book was a lot more than I’d expected, because aside from the romantic aspect, there’s a great deal of humor, fantastic friendship, and entertaining dialogue. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes women’s fiction.
*I got a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review
The main heroine, Roxanne, travels to France so she can have a break from all the drama that followed the breakup with her boyfriend. She decides to go grape picking, which sounds like a great way to keep your hands busy and mind distracted with the new scenery. She meets new friends and spends her time pleasantly in their company, drinking wine and tasting French cuisine… However, the stars have other plans for her, and her ‘escape’ turns out to be an adventure. Someone she meets there is hiding a twisted secret, and so this romantic suspense story turns into a mystery.
The original setting of this novel and the beauty of colorful places that Roxanne visits really drew me in. This book was a lot more than I’d expected, because aside from the romantic aspect, there’s a great deal of humor, fantastic friendship, and entertaining dialogue. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes women’s fiction.
*I got a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2012
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun!
I've always been fascinated by seasonal workers, ever since an Irish farmer was prosecuted for feeding his animals better than his berry-picking employees. He served them bread and brown sauce for their meals. Roxanne in The Twisted Vine fares better gastronomically than those unfortunates, hardly surprising as her story is set in France, but she does endure some severe trials in this tale of romantic suspense.
Alex Martin has managed to create a gripping story with atmospheric settings and convincing characters. I sweltered together with Roxanne, Peter, Henry and Yvane under the baking sun and gorged myself on the best of French cuisine. My teeth chattered in the cold and draughty conditions of the Le Clair estate and battled through the torturous grape picking on meagre rations. Yvane's irresistible allure was equalled by Henry's good sense, Peter's spirit and Roxanne's determined sense of fair play.
The Twisted Vine is a great way to soak up the sun (and grape juice) of France's wine region, come rain or shine, and indulge in a tantalising romantic suspense. It captures the energy, innocence and optimism of youth.
I've always been fascinated by seasonal workers, ever since an Irish farmer was prosecuted for feeding his animals better than his berry-picking employees. He served them bread and brown sauce for their meals. Roxanne in The Twisted Vine fares better gastronomically than those unfortunates, hardly surprising as her story is set in France, but she does endure some severe trials in this tale of romantic suspense.
Alex Martin has managed to create a gripping story with atmospheric settings and convincing characters. I sweltered together with Roxanne, Peter, Henry and Yvane under the baking sun and gorged myself on the best of French cuisine. My teeth chattered in the cold and draughty conditions of the Le Clair estate and battled through the torturous grape picking on meagre rations. Yvane's irresistible allure was equalled by Henry's good sense, Peter's spirit and Roxanne's determined sense of fair play.
The Twisted Vine is a great way to soak up the sun (and grape juice) of France's wine region, come rain or shine, and indulge in a tantalising romantic suspense. It captures the energy, innocence and optimism of youth.
July 6, 2016
A wonderful, enjoyable summer read of Roxanne who after her boyfriend has been unfaithful to her decides to leave it all behind and go grape picking in France. She meets some endearing friends and characters but not before a horrible incident. A generous host and then one of a different nature who may be related to the person in the part of her trip she is trying to forget. Wonderful descriptions of grape picking, friendships and adverse weather! There are both light and dark sides to this story which eventually come together (I won’t spoil it!).
The characters, especially Roxanne (who keeps singing “her” Police song!) you easily take to and root for. The scenery is beautifully described along with the hard work of grape picking. Some friendships and easily won and others treasured. A bit of a disappointing ending in one part, but I guess this leaves room for another tale in the future.
The characters, especially Roxanne (who keeps singing “her” Police song!) you easily take to and root for. The scenery is beautifully described along with the hard work of grape picking. Some friendships and easily won and others treasured. A bit of a disappointing ending in one part, but I guess this leaves room for another tale in the future.
October 11, 2012
Alex Martin speaks from experience in her tale of grape-pickers in France. This book is a delight and an excellent read.
The characters are everything they should be, hateful, loveable, annoying etc. the only question I would have was the 'typical Italian'. I would disagree that you would find a typical Italian. I have many who are friends and the only likeness between them all are the gesticulations between themselves often in place of conversation! The descriptive scenes are enchanting and the story is full of twists and turns, many unpredictable.
As her first novel it is commendable - I am looking forward to the launch of her next novel 'Daffodils' already.
March 15, 2016
Adventure, Intrigue, Romance.
Be transported to France with Roxanne. As she attempts to overcome the break up of her relationship, she decides to spend time alone picking grapes in France. Meet the new friends who join her along her journey through the vineyards, along
with some not so likeable characters they meet. An entertaining read, with deception, intrigue, hard work, humour, beautifully described scenery and romance. I enjoyed reading this book.
Be transported to France with Roxanne. As she attempts to overcome the break up of her relationship, she decides to spend time alone picking grapes in France. Meet the new friends who join her along her journey through the vineyards, along
with some not so likeable characters they meet. An entertaining read, with deception, intrigue, hard work, humour, beautifully described scenery and romance. I enjoyed reading this book.
January 13, 2017
Definitely Cpid. Roxanne flees to France after finding her partner sprawled naked on the sofa over another woman. Swearing herself off men for ever, she meets Armand the Henry. An autumn picking grapes is filled with love loss and friendship. An excellent read I thought I could almost smell the grapes.
February 12, 2016
I love love loved this book - it transported me back to grape picking albeit not in France but to everything that goes with it - the pain, the company, the food. I loved the way this is written and for the first time in years I read it in three days! Five star read for sure
December 9, 2012
This book is a great read. I am grateful to a book club colleague for choosing it, it would never have stumbled upon it, but it is a real hidden gem
May 16, 2016
Good summer reading!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - I loved the whole concept of grape picking in France and it has a good storyline too!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - I loved the whole concept of grape picking in France and it has a good storyline too!
November 9, 2019
Loved this, and should have posted a review earlier. What a great film this would make, with its French setting and betrayal a-plenty! Well done Alex Martin! A sequel would be the icing on the cake.
December 17, 2012
Kind of a pathetic main character. Not my favorite.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 358 (chic Lit)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews