Some betrayals arrive like a lightning strike—sudden, devastating, and irreversible. Others, like Inés’s, are woven into the fabric of a life already in motion, unfolding with an almost fated inevitability.

Three weeks after Inés gave birth to her daughter, her husband ran off with her sister. The warning signs were there, but she ignored them. Orange Wine by Snyder tells her story—not just of heartbreak but of endurance, of carrying the weight of her family’s past while forging a future. The novel reads like a family secret passed down through generations, intimate yet distant, painful yet mesmerizing. Snyder’s poetic, economical prose mirrors the way elders recount tragedy—not with hysteria, but with a quiet, knowing acceptance.

This book is for those who love stories that feel both deeply personal and universal, for fans of Isabel Allende, Elena Ferrante, and Gabriel García Márquez. It lingers, much like the scent of citrus long after peeling an orange. Though Inés’s choices can be maddening—at times returning to pain like a dog to its own vomit—the novel evokes a full spectrum of emotions, making it an unforgettable read. Five stars.

Oh, this book hurts. That opening line alone knocked the wind out of me, and it does not let up from there.

Orange Wine is a gorgeously written, gut-wrenching novel about betrayal, identity, and the impossible choices women are forced to make. Set against early 20th-century Colombia, it follows Inés de la Rota, a woman trapped between societal expectations and her own artistic, passionate spirit. Her world is shaped by duty and sacrifice—until the weight of it all threatens to crush her.

Snyder’s prose is lush—like a glass of the book’s namesake, it’s both bitter and sweet, rich and sharp. The themes of sisterhood, motherhood, and self-liberation feel deeply resonant, and Inés’ struggle for agency is both devastating and inspiring.

Read this if you love The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende or the kind of literary fiction that makes you stare at the ceiling and rethink your entire life. Absolute chef’s kiss of a book.

Some stories are told as they unfold, urgent and immediate. Others are recounted with a layer of distance, shaped by time and memory, emotions softened by the years but never lost. Orange Wine belongs to the latter.

From its opening lines, the novel introduces us to Inés, a woman who, while giving birth to her daughter Lucy, unknowingly loses her husband to her sister Isabel. The revelation is devastating yet presented with a quiet, almost fated inevitability—a betrayal not just personal but woven into the very fabric of her life and lineage. There is a matter-of-factness to Inés‘s narrative voice that reminded me so much of listening to my grandparent’s stories around a kitchen table, hearing the most devastating things they experienced as if they weren’t the ones to experience it.

That is to say—Snyder’s storytelling mirrors the way family lore is passed down—not always direct, but full of echoes. Snyder is a poet, and her language is beautiful in a precise and economical way.

Inés’s story is one of survival, not just in the immediate sense of picking up the pieces after Alessandro’s departure but in the way she carries the burdens of those who came before her. Her mother, Aura, a woman who lived for beauty and roses, cultivated a life of refinement but left her daughters unprepared for a world that required more than aesthetic devotion.

This book is for anyone who loves books that unfold like a family secret—one that is painful, but also intoxicating in its telling. This is for those who appreciate narrative as something that unfolds like a folktale—personal yet collective, distant yet deeply felt. This is for readers drawn to the works of Isabel Allende, Elena Ferrante, or Gabriel García Márquez. This is for anyone who has ever listened to an elder tell a story—one where sorrow and survival are spoken of in the same breath, where tragedy is recounted with the simple knowledge that it happened.

I hope that like the scent of citrus on the hands long after peeling an orange, this one stays with you and that with time, Ines’s story burrows into your heart.

Thank you Bindery Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Oh Orange Wine.... the book that you are. This was absolutely incredible, the writing was lovely and the storytelling was dark and emotional. Other than this ARC I have never read a book by this author and I will absolutely be seeking out more. Wonderful.

Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

This book was fascinating, frustrating, and fruitful all at the same time. Esperanza writes beautifully and simplistically, the same way she has a character describe art in the book. “The importance of simplicity in art.”

I will state that the first 100 pages or so were incredibly frustrating as Alessandro is just a living, breathing red flag. It very much mirrored the “bitter” taste of orange wine. I could not, or maybe would not, understand some of the decisions Ines made, but truly those decisions did reflect human nature.

I also struggled with Ines quite a bit. As stated earlier, the author is a talented and has such beautiful prose. But I didn’t believe the feelings or emotions coming from Ines. It felt like we the reader were kept at arm’s length from her as a character. Maybe that was deliberate. I felt what the author said, but I didn’t feel Ines felt it. Her actions just didn’t reflect what she said or thought.

As much as we watched Ines struggle with decision, loss, sorrow, I do think we deserved to see more of her wins and triumphs. We hear about her art in galleries in Paris (which she never sees in the book), and she is selling soaps that sell out. But we didn’t stay with that for too long. It felt like it was cut short. I would have loved more of that.

Lastly, sisterhood was mentioned in the synopsis. However, there was none. In fact, I would call it the opposite of sisterhood. She incredibly suffered because of her sisters (minus Chata), and she seemed almost indifferent to them at times. I don’t think sisterhood is accurate.

Overall, I enjoyed this. The writing was beautiful, the struggles of just being born a woman, and basically being punished for that was poignant. The act of betrayal and overcoming loss, grief, and society was written frustratingly well. Ines deserved more of her triumphs to shine through though. Maybe reading this book, others will have the first bitter taste and have the same hopeful ending in the end. Just like Ines.

I liked this one a lot! The pacing was very good and it was very beautifully written, I read it in a day. It was shorter than I am used to in a novel, but the points get across. The book is character driven through the eyes of the MC, and while I loved diving into the different relationships - romantic and otherwise - the POV left it feeling a little one-sided.
Overall it was a solid read, one I will certainly recommend, and I look forward to diving into more books from this publisher!
Thanks again to Netgalley and Bindery/Mareas for the eARC!

Great read, I enjoyed the story and plot line, It was a story filled with deep meaning and great character development.

This book has everything! Lyrical language, multi- generational saga, love story, magical realism, characters that leave their mark on the reader, international backdrop ( Columbia and Europe) and much more! Very reminiscent of Isabel Allende’s writing style. I want to read everything Esperanza Snyder writes! Bravo!

From the second this book started, I was engaged! I loved every aspect of it! I cannot wait to promote this book when it releases, and get all my friends to read it!

This story follows Ines through her past and her present. The novel starts off in such a striking way with Ines in bed after giving birth to her daughter Lucy, meanwhile, her husband Alessandro is in bed with her sister Isabel. Three weeks after she gives birth, Alessandro runs off with Isabel, and Ines must figure out what to do. The novel immediately flips to the past explaining Ines background of her family, how Isabel is a sister from her mother's previous marriage, and she has 3 sisters from her mother's second marriage (Ines's father). As a child, Ines met a woman in the fields who showed her the face of a man that is going to cause her grief, but also happiness. The book flips back to the present as Ines doesn't work and takes care of her two children full time, her money runs dry and she has to sell her childhood home, and she heads to Bogota to live with her sisters.

This novel not only deals with heartbreak, but touches on so many things such as the endurance to go on, facing grief, the struggles of being a single woman. It was such a beautiful story, very nostalgic. The author did such a great job of making you feel like you were in all of these places with such rich descriptions of scenery and food. I liked how the story parallels the flavors of orange wine - it starts off with a bitter taste and leaves you with a delicious ending.

(Check my Instagram story highlight ARCs to see the saved story review at @the.bookish.dietitian) - Bindery reposted on their story today on 3/03/25. Also totally jealous of the PR package people got lol it was what made me want to read this in addition to the synopsis sounding great!

🍊 ARC Review 🍊
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Thank you to @netgalley for the early copy to read
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Orange Wine by Esperanza Hope Synder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Release date: Sept 30th, 2025
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Man to live during the early twentieth century in Columbia, where the Catholic Church pretty much decides how a woman lives is rough to imagine. But that's what Inés did. She struggles living in this society as she is told to look for a suitor to marry & how to carry herself as a woman. Only to marry a man who ends up betraying her.. by sleeping with her sister!! Inés now has to pivot, figure out how to live her life without it being tied to men. From then on, Inés goes on a journey of self-discovery, and I loved that for her. I was rooting for Inés all the way through, crying when she cried, grieving when did, and cheered for Inés through her joys.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Orange Wine is a story that captures the tumultuous and wonderful experience that is pursuing joy in life. Inés is a woman of resilience and determination, from her whimsical childhood to growing pains with sisters and her turbulent first marriage, she uses her drive to continually move forward and grow to eventually find her love, peace and legacy.

You can feel the love Snyder has for her characters as you follow Inés. She is a strong protagonist that allows herself, and pushes herself to adapt, even when she didn’t want to. Each character was well rounded, their choices and actions made sense, and the complexities of their relationships we expressed with thoughtfulness.

My favourite part of this novel though was the passion in exploring the many wonders and beautiful places in the world. This book felt like an ode to detail. I was never left feeling confused, and I always felt the atmosphere written on the page.

4 stars

I got more and more involved with the characters and life of this book as I read. I did it expect to have such a connection and was initially drawn in by the book and the cover. I realized I was in love by pages 268 and 269. My heart felt the struggle. We don’t always let ourselves love and definitely don’t always feel deserving of love. So we make stupid mistakes and decide for ourselves when our fate is so willing to let us feel what we rightfully are owed. Thank you for the ARC. Thank you for the opportunity to read this story.

**Review: *Orange Wine* by Esperanza Hope Snyder**

Imagine a story that unfolds like the layers of a fine, unexpected vintage—*Orange Wine* is an experience that seduces the senses and lingers like a whispered secret. At its heart, the novel follows a woman who returns to her coastal hometown after years of living elsewhere. Confronted with the echoes of a past she thought she’d left behind, she finds herself swept up in a tapestry of rekindled relationships, long-hidden family secrets, and the bittersweet pull of memories that refuse to fade.

As she navigates the familiar streets and rediscovered haunts of her youth, every encounter—whether with an old flame, a trusted friend, or even a mysterious stranger—uncovers another hidden layer of her identity. Snyder’s narrative is lush and evocative, exploring the delicate interplay between love and loss, and how the passage of time can both heal and haunt. The title itself hints at the transformative journey ahead: much like orange wine, the protagonist’s life is complex, unexpected, and enriched by every nuanced moment.

If you’re drawn to stories that invite you to savor life’s complexities and embrace both its joy and its sorrow, *Orange Wine* is an intoxicating journey into the depths of personal discovery.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**

This story really felt like a memoir to me. The author notes that it was inspired by her grandparents. The story follows Ines as she deals with the fallout of her marriage and family relationships. This story explores themes of love, forgiveness, betrayal, and navigating societal pressures in the search for authentic love. The writing is engaging and I loved the descriptions of all the settings the story takes us to. I will say the story did not focus on sisterhood. Most of the sisters have antagonistic relationships to Ines and each other. Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction, emotional family dramas, and romance.

Orange Wine is a poignant and evocative novel that masterfully blends themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery against the rich backdrop of early 20th-century Colombia. Esperanza Hope Snyder brings Inés de la Rota to life with a voice that is both tender and fierce as she navigates the suffocating expectations of family, religion, and society. Inés’ journey is deeply moving, as she grapples with the bitter betrayals that surround her while striving to reclaim her identity as an artist, a sister, and a woman. Snyder’s prose is beautifully layered, mirroring the transformative process of turning oranges into wine—finding sweetness in life’s bitterness. The novel’s exploration of artistic freedom and feminine awakening feels both timeless and personal, making it resonate deeply.

this book was really good! I like the themes of despair, growth, love, relationships, and moving on. I think this was a good story with well written prose and character development that was well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This book reminded me a lot of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Rather than following a patriarch in a fictitious town, In Orange Wine, we follow the life of Ines de la Rota, the youngest daughter of an Italian nobleman who moved to Columbia and married a poet. It occurs in early twentieth-century Columbia, with moments in Italy and Spain. The story is equal parts love and loss. Just like with any life, moments of joy intertwine with moments of frustration and sadness. It’s full of passion, love triangles, and independence. Ines discovers her strengths, creativity, and true love through all this. I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me wanting to know what happened next. I am giving it a 4.5 instead of a 5 because the ending felt abrupt. This would make a fantastic movie.

Thank you, Net Galley, Bindery Books, Mareas, and Esperanza Hope Snyder, for the privilege of this advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this book, set in the early 20th century, which explores themes of love, family relationships, betrayal, despair, and the strict rules of the Catholic Church. The writing was engaging, with a fast-paced narrative and short chapters that made it easy to read. I found myself deeply invested in the characters and eager to see how the story unfolded. I also appreciated that the novel was inspired by the author's grandparents and loved the analogy of orange wine, transforming from bitterness to sweetness. The ending was fantastic.

I received an advanced review from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Beautifully written and deeply moving book. I devoured this in just a few hours. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the chance to read Orange Wine before its release!

I requested this book on a whim, unfamiliar with the author, but intrigued by the summary. This story was absolutely breathtaking, and I am so honored that I had the chance to read it early.

Orange Wine is the story of Inés, a young woman in Columbia in the early 20th century. As Ines navigates the ups and downs of love and womanhood, she is faced with extreme pressures of her religion, family, and generational and societal expectations.

Following Inés through various phases of life as a wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, and Catholic, the reader becomes acutely aware of the pressures and inequities of women to men in society. Simultaneously, Inés is faced with the harsh reality of sisters and a community who choose to turn a blind eye to her pain, and also shun her success. Her story is one of love and hope, but also pain and internal and societal conflict.

This book gave me all the feels. Snyder does a fabulous job of creating complicated characters with depth, and a story of love, hope, faith, art, madness, and the reality that there are things, good and bad, that happen in our lives that we just cannot explain.

On a personal level, as a Spanish major, I loved the culture of this story. I loved reading of Bogota and the different towns in Inés’ life. Having studied in Spain in college, the last part of the book filled my heart with nostalgia and love for a country that means so much to me. I also found myself very much wanting a nice glass of Orange Wine. 🧡

I cannot wait to add the hard copy to my book collection. Thank you Esperanza Hope Snyder for this beautiful story. 💕