The Vintner's Luck by Elizabeth Knox

Basically what we have here is the story of Sobran Jodeau who – as a young man – comes across a male angel named Xas one night in his family's vineyard. Starting the next year in 1809, they meet on the same day, at the same place, every year.

We see the relationship between Sobran and Xas grow, then change, all the while seeing the relationships Sobran has with the people in his life. But who cares about them. The relationship between Sobran and Xas is both beautiful and heartbreaking - the up and the downs. And the downs are dramatic; and the ups are beautiful. The writing is likewise. Such gorgeous descriptions and emotional dialogue.

And I knew the end would be sad. I'm telling you right now, be prepared if you ever set out to read this. Let me put this was: Xas, being an angel, never ages. Xas is always a beautiful young man. Sobran, however, being human, ages. So, think about that for a minute.

I don't know if I'm even making sense right now, but for such a short book, there was so much packed into it. I could have finished it in a day or two, but that wouldn't have been fair. I also think that would have been too much for me because it's such an emotional story. I prefer to have my heart wrung out slowly rather than all at once.

There's nothing for me to even compare this to, so I wouldn't know who to recommend this to. It's part historical fiction, part fantasy, part romance. It can't be classified. It was an incredibly unique, emotionally gripping story that should only be read by eyes that can appreciate it.