Author: Jamie Brenner
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Book Description: From acclaimed author Jamie Brenner comes a stunning new novel about three generations of women who discover that the scandalous books of their past may just be the key to saving their family’s future.
For decades, the Hollander Estates winery has been the premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips on the North Fork of Long Island. But behind the lush vineyards and majestic estate house, the Hollander family fortunes have suffered and the threat of a sale brings old wounds to the surface. For matriarch Vivian, she fears that this summer season could be their last—and that selling their winery to strangers could expose a dark secret she’s harbored for decades. Meanwhile, her daughter, Leah, who was turned away from the business years ago, finds her marriage at a crossroads and returns home for a sorely needed escape. And granddaughter Sadie, grappling with a crisis of her own, runs to the vineyard looking for inspiration.
But when Sadie uncovers journals from Vivian’s old book club dedicated to scandalous novels of decades past, she realizes that this might be the distraction they all need. Reviving the “trashy” book club, the Hollander women find that the stories hold the key to their fight not only for the vineyeard, but for the life and love they’ve wanted all along.
Blush is a bighearted story of love, family, and second chances, and an ode to the blockbuster novels that have shaped generations of women.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: Jamie Brenner has become a mainstay author for me during the summer season. I was delighted when I saw the setting of the new novel Blush is set on the North Fork of Long Island where wineries are most prevalent.
The Hollanders opened the first winery in this area. They have always had a modest success with their classic wine offerings. When the story opens, the winery is struggling and the patriarch of the family wants to sell it. This becomes a decisive issue for the entire family.
Told through three generations of Hollander women, Brenner gives us the story of the past, present and future of this winery and above all the family. There is a lot of tension to work through, but Brenner, gave us a very readable story.
There were times I found characters very irritating, especially the male family members. It was pretty hard to accept that men can still have such an antiquated mindset, but it does help make these women look even stronger.
This was a nice read, and had a lot of fun with this one. This is a perfect read paired with a nice glass of Rosé.
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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