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Blush
From acclaimed author Jamie Brenner comes a stunning new novel about three generations of women who discover that the trashy novels of a bygone era just might hold the key to saving their family's coastal winery--and to finding the love that's eluded them.
For decades, the lush vineyards and majestic manor house of the Hollander Estates winery made it the North Fork of Long Island's premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips. Now the Hollander family fortunes have suffered, and as matriarch Vivian Hollander prepares for the arrival of her daughter and granddaughter for their annual summer reunion, she fears it might be their last. Worse, selling the family legacy to strangers might expose the dark secret she's harbored for thirty-five years....
Visits to the winery have been bittersweet for Leah Hollander Bailey ever since her father refused to let her take her place in the family business. Now a successful Manhattan shop owner, Leah loves the life she's built with her husband and daughter--but with her store, and her marriage, at a crossroads, she can't help but view this year's pilgrimage home as a sorely needed escape.
College senior Sadie Bailey has a thesis to write, and the towering shelves of the manor's library offer endless academic inspiration. But when Sadie discovers evidence that her proper Grandma Vivian once ran a book club dedicated to the scandalous women's novels of decades past, the shockingly outrageous tomes give her new insight into her family's glory days.
Resurrecting the trashy book club begins as the distraction all three women need. But as they battle to save their birthright and heal old wounds, they just might find that the pages contain everything they need to know about how to fight for what they want--and for the life, and love, they deserve.
For decades, the lush vineyards and majestic manor house of the Hollander Estates winery made it the North Fork of Long Island's premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips. Now the Hollander family fortunes have suffered, and as matriarch Vivian Hollander prepares for the arrival of her daughter and granddaughter for their annual summer reunion, she fears it might be their last. Worse, selling the family legacy to strangers might expose the dark secret she's harbored for thirty-five years....
Visits to the winery have been bittersweet for Leah Hollander Bailey ever since her father refused to let her take her place in the family business. Now a successful Manhattan shop owner, Leah loves the life she's built with her husband and daughter--but with her store, and her marriage, at a crossroads, she can't help but view this year's pilgrimage home as a sorely needed escape.
College senior Sadie Bailey has a thesis to write, and the towering shelves of the manor's library offer endless academic inspiration. But when Sadie discovers evidence that her proper Grandma Vivian once ran a book club dedicated to the scandalous women's novels of decades past, the shockingly outrageous tomes give her new insight into her family's glory days.
Resurrecting the trashy book club begins as the distraction all three women need. But as they battle to save their birthright and heal old wounds, they just might find that the pages contain everything they need to know about how to fight for what they want--and for the life, and love, they deserve.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
470 people are currently reading
18351 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Brenner
26 books1,628 followersJamie Brenner is the author of The Wedding Sisters, The USA TODAY bestseller The Forever Summer, and several other beach books. Jamie's short story "Gold Party" (Blackstone Publishing) is currently in development as a feature film.
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,151 reviews
December 11, 2022
If you truly fancy tons of cheese and gallons of wines which could be the ideal choices to take them with you when you’re stranded in an secluded island, this book may be godsend for you !
This is also great tribute to women empowerment, showing how the things change in modern women’s lives in last 4 decades: how they learn to thrive, stand for themselves, fight against adversity!
It’s a heartwarming approach throughout three women from different generations: their life perspectives, their experiences, their motives, their expectations couldn’t be more different from each other and it was pleasure to read their stories and to be witnessed how their characters evolved.
Grandmother a.k.a. matriarch Vivian chose to be stay at home ( which is understandable choice when she’s compared with the other women from her generation) for helping her husband chase his dream to start a winery at Long Island’s premiere destination : North Folk by using his knowledge he’d gotten from his family winery in California. Vivian didn’t want to be involved into business so it took too much time for her to find out how bad their financial status till her husband inform him they should immediately sell the estates to earn enough profit compensate their expanses through their old ages.
On the other hand, their daughter Leah gets more frustrated to hear their selling decision. She’s already owns a popular cheese shop in Manhattan which is quite business success with her wise contributions. But she’d always dreamed of being inherited the winery and control the business but her father chose his son Asher who never has any intention to take over the business. Now Leah seizes this news as an opportunity to get away from her way too much friendly marriage which lost its passion at the bedroom and doing her best to save the winery with her marketing campaigns.
Granddaughter Sadie, college senior, tries to finish her thesis, working hard to be inspired by manor library’s endless resources but she finds out her matriarch grandma had a secret book club at 80s and the books they’d read were truly different from the books written in 80s which include so many sexist messages. Her mother and grandma also join her to read those books to see how those books were bold enough to awaken the women empowerment at those days which inspired them.
Overall: even though it is started a little slow burn, it was promising, strong family saga with inspirational feminism messages and unique emotional women bounding from different generations. It’s also about wine and cheese! Of course I couldn’t help myself enjoy it too much.
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN PUTNAM GROUP/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
This is also great tribute to women empowerment, showing how the things change in modern women’s lives in last 4 decades: how they learn to thrive, stand for themselves, fight against adversity!
It’s a heartwarming approach throughout three women from different generations: their life perspectives, their experiences, their motives, their expectations couldn’t be more different from each other and it was pleasure to read their stories and to be witnessed how their characters evolved.
Grandmother a.k.a. matriarch Vivian chose to be stay at home ( which is understandable choice when she’s compared with the other women from her generation) for helping her husband chase his dream to start a winery at Long Island’s premiere destination : North Folk by using his knowledge he’d gotten from his family winery in California. Vivian didn’t want to be involved into business so it took too much time for her to find out how bad their financial status till her husband inform him they should immediately sell the estates to earn enough profit compensate their expanses through their old ages.
On the other hand, their daughter Leah gets more frustrated to hear their selling decision. She’s already owns a popular cheese shop in Manhattan which is quite business success with her wise contributions. But she’d always dreamed of being inherited the winery and control the business but her father chose his son Asher who never has any intention to take over the business. Now Leah seizes this news as an opportunity to get away from her way too much friendly marriage which lost its passion at the bedroom and doing her best to save the winery with her marketing campaigns.
Granddaughter Sadie, college senior, tries to finish her thesis, working hard to be inspired by manor library’s endless resources but she finds out her matriarch grandma had a secret book club at 80s and the books they’d read were truly different from the books written in 80s which include so many sexist messages. Her mother and grandma also join her to read those books to see how those books were bold enough to awaken the women empowerment at those days which inspired them.
Overall: even though it is started a little slow burn, it was promising, strong family saga with inspirational feminism messages and unique emotional women bounding from different generations. It’s also about wine and cheese! Of course I couldn’t help myself enjoy it too much.
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN PUTNAM GROUP/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
June 22, 2021
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!
Blush refers to both a kind of wine and what happens when we read “trashy” novels. Three generations of women in this book are tied together by a winery and by the less-than-scholarly books the granddaughter finds on her grandmother’s shelves.
Matriarch Vivian largely accepted the more traditional role of stay-at-home mother when her husband started a winery in New York state, using what he learned at his family winery in California. Even though Vivian had shed her upper-crust upbringing to work in the fields in the beginning, she was no longer taken much into account with the business once her labor wasn’t necessary. This is why she didn’t know how dire the finances had gotten until Leonard informs her they have to sell immediately and may not make enough profit to see them through old age.
Daughter Leah had grown up thinking she’d take over the reins of the winery when she was an adult, but that spot was given to her brother Asher not because he wanted it or was interested in running operations, but because their old-fashioned father was taught that women should have nothing to do with this sort of business. Though Leah has a loving husband who supports her unequivocally and she has a successful cheese shop in New York City, she has always felt a loss for being forced out of the family business. When she hears that the company is being sold, her visit turns into a longer stay as she tries to use her marketing skills to save it. Also, she could use a break from her husband because even though she deeply loves him, they’ve become roommates more than lovers.
Leah’s daughter Saddie had been a powerhouse student right up until the summer before her senior year when she couldn’t make progress on her honors thesis. When she loses her summer job because she kept missing deadlines, she also decides to spend the summer at the winery. The handsome young employee Mateo also draws her to the ancestral home. She discovers the novels her grandmother read years earlier as well as a journal Vivian kept in which she wrote about the book club she held. Even though Saddie is a feminist, she can see some things other than the sexism of the books written in the ‘80s (which reflected the times). Her mother and grandmother start reading the books as well, and they take the messages of strong women who don’t take crap from men to heart.
I enjoyed this novel and learned some things about wine that I will undoubtedly promptly forget. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Blush refers to both a kind of wine and what happens when we read “trashy” novels. Three generations of women in this book are tied together by a winery and by the less-than-scholarly books the granddaughter finds on her grandmother’s shelves.
Matriarch Vivian largely accepted the more traditional role of stay-at-home mother when her husband started a winery in New York state, using what he learned at his family winery in California. Even though Vivian had shed her upper-crust upbringing to work in the fields in the beginning, she was no longer taken much into account with the business once her labor wasn’t necessary. This is why she didn’t know how dire the finances had gotten until Leonard informs her they have to sell immediately and may not make enough profit to see them through old age.
Daughter Leah had grown up thinking she’d take over the reins of the winery when she was an adult, but that spot was given to her brother Asher not because he wanted it or was interested in running operations, but because their old-fashioned father was taught that women should have nothing to do with this sort of business. Though Leah has a loving husband who supports her unequivocally and she has a successful cheese shop in New York City, she has always felt a loss for being forced out of the family business. When she hears that the company is being sold, her visit turns into a longer stay as she tries to use her marketing skills to save it. Also, she could use a break from her husband because even though she deeply loves him, they’ve become roommates more than lovers.
Leah’s daughter Saddie had been a powerhouse student right up until the summer before her senior year when she couldn’t make progress on her honors thesis. When she loses her summer job because she kept missing deadlines, she also decides to spend the summer at the winery. The handsome young employee Mateo also draws her to the ancestral home. She discovers the novels her grandmother read years earlier as well as a journal Vivian kept in which she wrote about the book club she held. Even though Saddie is a feminist, she can see some things other than the sexism of the books written in the ‘80s (which reflected the times). Her mother and grandmother start reading the books as well, and they take the messages of strong women who don’t take crap from men to heart.
I enjoyed this novel and learned some things about wine that I will undoubtedly promptly forget. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
June 22, 2021
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” - Andre Simon
The Hollander Estates winery located on the North Fork of Long Island, has long been a premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips. Owned by the Hollander family, it is a place that Leah, her husband Steven and their daughter, Sadie come every summer to visit her family. It is always a bittersweet trip. Leah grew up hoping that she would have a place at her family's winery. She has beautiful memories of growing up there - walking the vineyard with her father, eaves dropping on her mother's trashy book club (only to read her mother's books in secret) But her father, Leonard, so set in his ways and beliefs, shut her out, instead having her brother Asher take a place of management at the winery.
Leah, now a successful cheese shop owner is shocked when she hears that the winery is in trouble and the only solution is to sell it. Her mother, Vivian is reeling, she cannot believe things have gotten so bad, what is worse, her husband has informed others of this weeks ago but not here. This is Vivian’s home, where she raised her children, where she worked. The winery was the legacy they wanted to leave their family. She is heartbroken.
This was an enjoyable yet frustrating book. I cheered for the women who bonded together, fought for the winery while examining their own lives. Leonard was the frustrating part. He annoyed me the entire book. So stubborn, so old fashioned, so set in his ways. UGH! Leah wants to save the winery, but her father believes there is no hope. She has always had ideas of how to improve the winery, the workers have had ideas of how to improve the winery over the years – but Leonard….
At its heart, this book is about family - about three generations of women. The female characters are the strength of this book. I also loved their discussions on the "trashy" novels they read. You will also be privy to the inner workings of the winery and may even learn a little about cheese as well.
Charming and engaging, this is a perfect book for summer. Sit back, grab your favorite glass of wine, and enjoy!
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
The Hollander Estates winery located on the North Fork of Long Island, has long been a premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips. Owned by the Hollander family, it is a place that Leah, her husband Steven and their daughter, Sadie come every summer to visit her family. It is always a bittersweet trip. Leah grew up hoping that she would have a place at her family's winery. She has beautiful memories of growing up there - walking the vineyard with her father, eaves dropping on her mother's trashy book club (only to read her mother's books in secret) But her father, Leonard, so set in his ways and beliefs, shut her out, instead having her brother Asher take a place of management at the winery.
Leah, now a successful cheese shop owner is shocked when she hears that the winery is in trouble and the only solution is to sell it. Her mother, Vivian is reeling, she cannot believe things have gotten so bad, what is worse, her husband has informed others of this weeks ago but not here. This is Vivian’s home, where she raised her children, where she worked. The winery was the legacy they wanted to leave their family. She is heartbroken.
This was an enjoyable yet frustrating book. I cheered for the women who bonded together, fought for the winery while examining their own lives. Leonard was the frustrating part. He annoyed me the entire book. So stubborn, so old fashioned, so set in his ways. UGH! Leah wants to save the winery, but her father believes there is no hope. She has always had ideas of how to improve the winery, the workers have had ideas of how to improve the winery over the years – but Leonard….
At its heart, this book is about family - about three generations of women. The female characters are the strength of this book. I also loved their discussions on the "trashy" novels they read. You will also be privy to the inner workings of the winery and may even learn a little about cheese as well.
Charming and engaging, this is a perfect book for summer. Sit back, grab your favorite glass of wine, and enjoy!
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 18, 2020
This book really got ahold of me. It frustrated and inspired and ached and soothed, and by the end of it, yes, I had ordered all of the books the characters read for their book club.
January 21, 2023
Good story about a failing vineyard and the 3 generations of women who want to save it.
Loved all the wine and cheese talk! With the exception of Steven, all the men in this book were terrible, especially Leonard (the patriarch) who everyone inexplicably worshipped and were falling over themselves to constantly excuse his bad behavior. I could have done without Sadie's POV (entitled and condescending granddaughter) but I really enjoyed the rest of the characters.
3.5 rounded up
Loved all the wine and cheese talk! With the exception of Steven, all the men in this book were terrible, especially Leonard (the patriarch) who everyone inexplicably worshipped and were falling over themselves to constantly excuse his bad behavior. I could have done without Sadie's POV (entitled and condescending granddaughter) but I really enjoyed the rest of the characters.
3.5 rounded up
August 17, 2021
I usually enjoy multi-generational family sagas, but had a hard time getting into this one set in an East Coast winery - some of the characters felt quite over-the-top and cartoonish to me. What I liked best was the “book club” where old 80’s women’s novels were read! Those dated J. Krantz/J. Collins sagas really kept my interest. Bumping my rating to 3 stars for the literary angle only…
July 6, 2021
Three generations of strong women, trashy books, and wine! Love multi generational stories about strong, smart, savvy women. In this story we have Vivian, Leah, and Sadie. Vivian has silently stood behind her husband as he’s ran the family Vineyard the past three decades. Leah left the family vineyard behind after realizing that her father intended to hand the Vineyard reins over to her brother rather than her. Sadie is a college senior still trying to figure things out. Grandmother, mother, and daughter join forces to help save the family Vineyard, even though the men in the family have not appreciated any female contributions throughout the years. Loved all the women in the story and the overarching theme of girl power. Also even though I’m not a wine drinker I enjoyed learning more about the wine making process. And as a cheese connoisseur I loved learning more about cheese, this book made me want to bust out the charcuterie board. The book also references some trashy books that I loved in the 80s, Lucky Santangelo, anyone? The perfect book to throw in the beach bag, your carry-on, or just to enjoy at home on a lazy summer afternoon.
This book in emojis: 🍷 🧀 🍇 📚
*** Big thank you to GP Putnam for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis: 🍷 🧀 🍇 📚
*** Big thank you to GP Putnam for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
August 3, 2021
Goodness gracious, Blush by Jamie Brenner is another book I waited way too long to finish and ended up completely adoring. I started out reading my digital copy as a buddy read with a friend but then had to set it aside for other ARCs. I left it sitting for quite a while and finally realized it was out which led me to the audiobook as I am prone to do. Imagine my surprise and delight when I found out it is narrated by my favorite narrator Julia Whelan! Obviously, I just had to listen to the entire thing even though I had been almost halfway done because every book is better when you listen to Whelan read it. Just like I knew she would, Whelan knocked it out of the park with her narration, and audiobook fans need to listen to it! I loved every single thing about this novel, the different characters, the viewpoints, the themes, and especially the vineyard, wine, and cheese. I love me a glass of wine, and it was fascinating to learn all of the different things that happen at a vineyard to turn those grapes into wine.
Most of all though, I loved the Hollander family even with all of their faults. Apparently, vineyards are a man's world, and even though sexism abounds, I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Leah's dad. He was so stubborn and so set on being the provider, that he let that get in the way of what really matters - his family and the women in it. The "trashy" book club was so fun, and I loved the book within a book aspect. Blush immediately hooked me from the first page, and I really liked that the viewpoints alternate between Leah, her daughter Sadie, and her mother Vivian. I wasn't mad that there were no male viewpoints, and this really was the perfect way to do it. I was already a huge fan of Brenner and I love her even more for giving us this beautiful novel of relationships and family. If you are a fan of wine drinking, family dramas, and/or powerful women, I highly recommend picking up Blush in whatever format you like.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Most of all though, I loved the Hollander family even with all of their faults. Apparently, vineyards are a man's world, and even though sexism abounds, I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Leah's dad. He was so stubborn and so set on being the provider, that he let that get in the way of what really matters - his family and the women in it. The "trashy" book club was so fun, and I loved the book within a book aspect. Blush immediately hooked me from the first page, and I really liked that the viewpoints alternate between Leah, her daughter Sadie, and her mother Vivian. I wasn't mad that there were no male viewpoints, and this really was the perfect way to do it. I was already a huge fan of Brenner and I love her even more for giving us this beautiful novel of relationships and family. If you are a fan of wine drinking, family dramas, and/or powerful women, I highly recommend picking up Blush in whatever format you like.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 14, 2021
Thank you Penguin for my review copy, all opinions are my own.
.
Jamie Brenner, where have you been all my life? Why have I not been reading you? You are a gem hiding out in the wide open space. Thank goodness I woke up and read one of your books. It won’t be the last for sure!
.
Let me tell you a story.
Young Amy loved to read....much like she does now. She loved all the classics. Danielle Steele...Nora Roberts....Jackie Collins...you know the good ol days of shoulder pads and dripping wealth. Blush, brought me back y’all. I could literally smell the White Diamonds (if you don’t get that perfume reference...we can’t be friends...I kid, kinda.).
.
This three generational story of a grandmother, mother and daughter brings to light family and feminism (as I knew it as a 45 year old 🙋🏻♀️). Sprinkling throughout rebuilding relationships , finding new love and what is really important. I was completely invested.
.
The vineyard as the setting is stunning. I want to live on a vineyard. Somebody make it happen please. I’ll have you over for bookclub while we drink Rosé. I’ll wait.
.
In all seriousness this book was lovely. It was a delightful trip back to sneaking books that were way too “racy” for me, with a fantastic story to immerse yourself in.
.
Enjoy it with a glass of wine...trust me ok?
.
Jamie Brenner, where have you been all my life? Why have I not been reading you? You are a gem hiding out in the wide open space. Thank goodness I woke up and read one of your books. It won’t be the last for sure!
.
Let me tell you a story.
Young Amy loved to read....much like she does now. She loved all the classics. Danielle Steele...Nora Roberts....Jackie Collins...you know the good ol days of shoulder pads and dripping wealth. Blush, brought me back y’all. I could literally smell the White Diamonds (if you don’t get that perfume reference...we can’t be friends...I kid, kinda.).
.
This three generational story of a grandmother, mother and daughter brings to light family and feminism (as I knew it as a 45 year old 🙋🏻♀️). Sprinkling throughout rebuilding relationships , finding new love and what is really important. I was completely invested.
.
The vineyard as the setting is stunning. I want to live on a vineyard. Somebody make it happen please. I’ll have you over for bookclub while we drink Rosé. I’ll wait.
.
In all seriousness this book was lovely. It was a delightful trip back to sneaking books that were way too “racy” for me, with a fantastic story to immerse yourself in.
.
Enjoy it with a glass of wine...trust me ok?
November 22, 2021
4.5 stars
Wine, cheese, and trashy romance novels from the 80s? Yes, please! I'm all in for Jamie Brenner's Blush .
The Hollander Estates winery was once the pride of Long Island’s North Fork, but it’s not the jewel it once was, and the family’s finances are in a bit of trouble. Vivian Hollander is determined that the winery can survive, but her husband isn’t much interested in her opinions where the business is concerned.
Leah, Vivian’s daughter, always dreamed of running the winery, but after her father made it clear women had no place in the wine business, she made her own way, eventually running her own successful wine and cheese shop in NYC. But now she’s not sure what she wants—in business or her marriage—so she heads home for a visit.
Her daughter Sadie, in the midst of an academic crisis, heads to her grandparents’ for a visit, too. While trying to write her thesis, she uncovers journals from the book club Vivian used to run at the winery in the 1980s. Those women used to read “trashy” romance novels by authors like Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz.
Vivian, Leah, and Sadie decide to restart the book club and read some of these books again. They discover that the heroines of these “trashy” books are stronger than they appeared to be, which provides each woman the inspiration they need. At the same time, decisions are made, old secrets are revealed, and truths are uncovered.
Jamie Brenner is such a great writer and her books always mesh emotion and gorgeous scenery. Blush was a fun concept—I read many Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz books back in the day!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Wine, cheese, and trashy romance novels from the 80s? Yes, please! I'm all in for Jamie Brenner's Blush .
The Hollander Estates winery was once the pride of Long Island’s North Fork, but it’s not the jewel it once was, and the family’s finances are in a bit of trouble. Vivian Hollander is determined that the winery can survive, but her husband isn’t much interested in her opinions where the business is concerned.
Leah, Vivian’s daughter, always dreamed of running the winery, but after her father made it clear women had no place in the wine business, she made her own way, eventually running her own successful wine and cheese shop in NYC. But now she’s not sure what she wants—in business or her marriage—so she heads home for a visit.
Her daughter Sadie, in the midst of an academic crisis, heads to her grandparents’ for a visit, too. While trying to write her thesis, she uncovers journals from the book club Vivian used to run at the winery in the 1980s. Those women used to read “trashy” romance novels by authors like Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz.
Vivian, Leah, and Sadie decide to restart the book club and read some of these books again. They discover that the heroines of these “trashy” books are stronger than they appeared to be, which provides each woman the inspiration they need. At the same time, decisions are made, old secrets are revealed, and truths are uncovered.
Jamie Brenner is such a great writer and her books always mesh emotion and gorgeous scenery. Blush was a fun concept—I read many Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz books back in the day!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 6, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley @ Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
I was originally interested in “Blush” because 1. Wine is awesome and 2. I too love trashy romance novels so what’s not to love about putting both together. I will admit I was a little let down. The summary made me believe this would be more of a light read but it’s heavy on the family drama and. And while I did love the references to some of the best Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz novels there were times where I felt the author was really trying to force the connection between the women in those books and the characters in this book.
Also, there were times that the book just felt like it was dragging. The constant “back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth again” of the family dynamic grew a little bit weary towards the end and I kind of had to check out of the book for a couple days before I continued.
Overall, the book is a solid 3 stars. It wasn’t my favorite by the author but it’s certainly not the worst book I’ve ever read. Had there been a little bit more editing to the book I think this could have easily been a 4 star book.
I was originally interested in “Blush” because 1. Wine is awesome and 2. I too love trashy romance novels so what’s not to love about putting both together. I will admit I was a little let down. The summary made me believe this would be more of a light read but it’s heavy on the family drama and. And while I did love the references to some of the best Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz novels there were times where I felt the author was really trying to force the connection between the women in those books and the characters in this book.
Also, there were times that the book just felt like it was dragging. The constant “back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth again” of the family dynamic grew a little bit weary towards the end and I kind of had to check out of the book for a couple days before I continued.
Overall, the book is a solid 3 stars. It wasn’t my favorite by the author but it’s certainly not the worst book I’ve ever read. Had there been a little bit more editing to the book I think this could have easily been a 4 star book.
May 4, 2021
Interesting look at strong women between today and across the years in a family saga.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With all of the strides that women have made even in my own lifetime, it’s still interesting to read stories where females are shunned from family business.
But this is also a story about strong women. It’s a story of a comparison from today to forty years ago. It’s a story about power and knowledge. It’s a story about being able to stand tall against adversity and buck the system.
This is an interesting story in that multiple generations of women are brought together and choose to help during troubling times. And yet within that they start a book club, of sorts. Reading books about “feminist women“ from the 1980s.
Interestingly enough, I’ve read all of the books that are mentioned in this story but I don’t think that this family has learned much in the last 40 years. Daddio is hard-core sexist and is very stubborn to a fault.
Refusing help even if it means losing everything is not a good choice for him or the family. Stepping up and standing up may be the only way to help save the family business.
Brenner tells a story with strong ties to the family home. It is about choices that can shape and affect the family. It is about not taking no for an answer and forcing to help regardless if it is determined to be needed or not. It is about strength and toughness.
Blush is also about love. The love of family, business, personal needs, and recognizing what is best for you regardless of what others think.
Blush is a fabulous family saga. It will cause emotional outbursts here and there… frustration, smiles, tenderness, sadness, and more. But it is a study in feminism in time and a hope for a way forward, finally.
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/blush-by-jam...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With all of the strides that women have made even in my own lifetime, it’s still interesting to read stories where females are shunned from family business.
But this is also a story about strong women. It’s a story of a comparison from today to forty years ago. It’s a story about power and knowledge. It’s a story about being able to stand tall against adversity and buck the system.
This is an interesting story in that multiple generations of women are brought together and choose to help during troubling times. And yet within that they start a book club, of sorts. Reading books about “feminist women“ from the 1980s.
Interestingly enough, I’ve read all of the books that are mentioned in this story but I don’t think that this family has learned much in the last 40 years. Daddio is hard-core sexist and is very stubborn to a fault.
Refusing help even if it means losing everything is not a good choice for him or the family. Stepping up and standing up may be the only way to help save the family business.
Brenner tells a story with strong ties to the family home. It is about choices that can shape and affect the family. It is about not taking no for an answer and forcing to help regardless if it is determined to be needed or not. It is about strength and toughness.
Blush is also about love. The love of family, business, personal needs, and recognizing what is best for you regardless of what others think.
Blush is a fabulous family saga. It will cause emotional outbursts here and there… frustration, smiles, tenderness, sadness, and more. But it is a study in feminism in time and a hope for a way forward, finally.
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/blush-by-jam...
June 23, 2021
Today is Pub Day for Blush! 🍷💕
Leonard was taught that only men made wine. He was taught this by his father and grandfather, and they, in turn, by their fathers and grandfathers. Vivian understood all this, even before she married Leonard and gave up her financial inheritance to do so. Her parents, wealthy ‘Manhattanites,’ did not approve of Leonard. But after working side by side with Leonard, planting every plant in the dusty, hot sun, she still felt some resentment that he never considered her his equal partner in the vineyard.
Now, Vivian was furious, having just been told that they needed to sell the winery and their 18th century home because they no longer could afford to sustain it, or them. So much for the knowledge and experience of men, both her husband and his ancestors.
Vivian, her daughter Leah, who owned and operated a successful cheese shop in Manhattan, and her daughter, Sadie, decided they would save Hollander Estates Winery. Back in the mid-1980’s, when Vivian was ostracized from the day-to-day operations of the vineyard, she took on running tours, hosting lavish parties, even conducting book clubs that were the envy of women from Manhattan to North Fork, always featuring the winery’s pale pink rose, ‘Blush.’
Leonard turned up his nose at this popular rose, calling it ‘swill’ preferring his traditional wines. But women knew wine was similar to fashion, there will always be classics but there is also room for trends. The trick is to know when trends will start, and when they start to fade, then it’s time to get out. Rose was having another popular resurgence, this time it was a dry rose versus the sweeter blend of the eighties. But Vivian, Leah and even Sadie knew what they could do to market a new “Blush” to save the winery.
This is an adventure of three generations of intelligent women who finally get their turn in saving an old winery and turning it into a real family enterprise.
Just a mention of Vivian’s book club during the 80’s, they read lovely, ‘trashy,’ novels by authors such as Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz, that the women begin to read again. Tons of fun, while learning a whole different way of being a strong woman.
I totally recommend this fun and enlightening book, with a glass of your favorite wine, of course,
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House – Putnam, and Jamie Brenner
Leonard was taught that only men made wine. He was taught this by his father and grandfather, and they, in turn, by their fathers and grandfathers. Vivian understood all this, even before she married Leonard and gave up her financial inheritance to do so. Her parents, wealthy ‘Manhattanites,’ did not approve of Leonard. But after working side by side with Leonard, planting every plant in the dusty, hot sun, she still felt some resentment that he never considered her his equal partner in the vineyard.
Now, Vivian was furious, having just been told that they needed to sell the winery and their 18th century home because they no longer could afford to sustain it, or them. So much for the knowledge and experience of men, both her husband and his ancestors.
Vivian, her daughter Leah, who owned and operated a successful cheese shop in Manhattan, and her daughter, Sadie, decided they would save Hollander Estates Winery. Back in the mid-1980’s, when Vivian was ostracized from the day-to-day operations of the vineyard, she took on running tours, hosting lavish parties, even conducting book clubs that were the envy of women from Manhattan to North Fork, always featuring the winery’s pale pink rose, ‘Blush.’
Leonard turned up his nose at this popular rose, calling it ‘swill’ preferring his traditional wines. But women knew wine was similar to fashion, there will always be classics but there is also room for trends. The trick is to know when trends will start, and when they start to fade, then it’s time to get out. Rose was having another popular resurgence, this time it was a dry rose versus the sweeter blend of the eighties. But Vivian, Leah and even Sadie knew what they could do to market a new “Blush” to save the winery.
This is an adventure of three generations of intelligent women who finally get their turn in saving an old winery and turning it into a real family enterprise.
Just a mention of Vivian’s book club during the 80’s, they read lovely, ‘trashy,’ novels by authors such as Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz, that the women begin to read again. Tons of fun, while learning a whole different way of being a strong woman.
I totally recommend this fun and enlightening book, with a glass of your favorite wine, of course,
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House – Putnam, and Jamie Brenner
May 2, 2022
Audiobook
From someone who doesn’t drink wine, I really enjoyed Blush! It was a slow burn family drama with 3 generations of women as they fight to save the family winery. I thought this was a solid story with an enjoyable balance of character development and relationships.
From someone who doesn’t drink wine, I really enjoyed Blush! It was a slow burn family drama with 3 generations of women as they fight to save the family winery. I thought this was a solid story with an enjoyable balance of character development and relationships.
August 10, 2021
The sexism in this book was miserable. I kept reading waiting for the women to take charge and it didn't happen until about 75% into the book! I liked the concept of the story but wish the men who sucked weren't the focus for almost the whole book.
November 14, 2021
BLUSH tells the story of three generations of women who discover that the trashy novels of the Jackie Collins/Judith Krantz era might hold the key to saving their family’s winery. Jamie Brenner’s BLUSH is the second book in my ABC author challenge [B].
This is a sweeping novel that gives a lot (!) of details about wine and vineyards. The Hollander family owns their Long Island winery—belonging to matriarch Vivian and her husband, Leonard. Leonard, who is quite firm in his ideas about gender roles, would not let their daughter Leah take over, so she runs a cheese shop in New York City. Leah’s daughter Sadie is struggling in college with her thesis.
When they all converge at the vineyard, they discover Leonard is thinking of selling. He refuses to accept any of Leah or Vivian’s ideas to help save it. But when Sadie finds Vivian’s trashy old novels from her book club days, the three women come together. It’s fun to hear about the old novels (you’ll enjoy this book if you like Krantz or Collins) and watch the women triumph over Leonard, who, honestly can be sort of awful. The themes of marriage, sexism, and family run strong and make this an interesting read, even if the characters sometimes frustrate you to no end. 3 stars.
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This is a sweeping novel that gives a lot (!) of details about wine and vineyards. The Hollander family owns their Long Island winery—belonging to matriarch Vivian and her husband, Leonard. Leonard, who is quite firm in his ideas about gender roles, would not let their daughter Leah take over, so she runs a cheese shop in New York City. Leah’s daughter Sadie is struggling in college with her thesis.
When they all converge at the vineyard, they discover Leonard is thinking of selling. He refuses to accept any of Leah or Vivian’s ideas to help save it. But when Sadie finds Vivian’s trashy old novels from her book club days, the three women come together. It’s fun to hear about the old novels (you’ll enjoy this book if you like Krantz or Collins) and watch the women triumph over Leonard, who, honestly can be sort of awful. The themes of marriage, sexism, and family run strong and make this an interesting read, even if the characters sometimes frustrate you to no end. 3 stars.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Smashbomb ~ Instagram
November 22, 2020
Jamie Brenner has brought so many wonderful things together in her latest big-hearted novel - a spectacular summer setting, a well-set table to gather, plenty of wine, food, love, and big family secrets. Now add the sexy fiction of Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz, and you're in for a treat! I was rooting all the way through for the Hollander women as they fight to hang on to everything that matters most to them.
January 12, 2022
This book became extremely personal to me. I grew up on Long Island, and we went to the wineries every year once they were open to the public. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book written so close to home where I could full envision the sceneries and what came to light.
The first quote is by Ms Hargrave, the first winery on Long Island. Lastly they mention Summer Blush, an homage to Pindar’s wine. We drank bottles and bottles of it back in the 90’s.
But let’s talk BOOKS!!!!! Leah is relatively my age.
I read the books and watched the mini series of each on TV. I fell in love with reading with Lace & Scruples. Blush has inspired me to re-read these novels.
I took a break from mysteries for what I thought was an easy romance novel.
It was so much better than that! It’s a reminder that women are strong & ballsy & powerful. That we can accomplish so much when we stick together.
The first quote is by Ms Hargrave, the first winery on Long Island. Lastly they mention Summer Blush, an homage to Pindar’s wine. We drank bottles and bottles of it back in the 90’s.
But let’s talk BOOKS!!!!! Leah is relatively my age.
I read the books and watched the mini series of each on TV. I fell in love with reading with Lace & Scruples. Blush has inspired me to re-read these novels.
I took a break from mysteries for what I thought was an easy romance novel.
It was so much better than that! It’s a reminder that women are strong & ballsy & powerful. That we can accomplish so much when we stick together.
May 11, 2021
I really love the ways that author Jamie Brenner ties the work of the romance authors into more modern literature and seamlessly intertwines the lives of three generations of lovely women. Vivian is the graceful matriarch of the family, Leah is her daughter and Sadie is Leah's only child. We also meet Leah's brother and his new girlfriend, and a few other adorable characters like Vivian's husband and the employees at the winery.
This book is the book that once read, stays with the reader for quite some time with all the book club conversations and the drama/struggles that each of the female members of the Hollander women. With time comes change and dealing with deep rooted drama seems to be happening with or without Vivian's permission. Love these women! Such good, solid women with issues and secrets!! Lurid novels serve as the backbone of this story about the women of Hollander Winery and the choices they make. Well done, Jamie Brenner! I must read more of your work!!!
This book is the book that once read, stays with the reader for quite some time with all the book club conversations and the drama/struggles that each of the female members of the Hollander women. With time comes change and dealing with deep rooted drama seems to be happening with or without Vivian's permission. Love these women! Such good, solid women with issues and secrets!! Lurid novels serve as the backbone of this story about the women of Hollander Winery and the choices they make. Well done, Jamie Brenner! I must read more of your work!!!
July 3, 2021
A good read, but I found it repetitive at times (things were literally explained more than once and it was annoying) and frustrating (the misogyny!)
This book definitely has me intrigued about trashy romances from the 80s. Expect to see a few pop up on my read list soon, lol.
This book definitely has me intrigued about trashy romances from the 80s. Expect to see a few pop up on my read list soon, lol.
August 2, 2021
Blush, by Jamie Brenner, is an enchanting, multi-generational story about family, generations of women, standing up for themselves in their own, individual ways. It’s a book about the magical, transformational power of books. In fact, much of the story revolves around a book club and a group of women drawn together from various situations in life to discuss iconic books by women authors of the 80s.
There were times I laughed out loud at the dialogue between characters and yet this story also gave me things to ponder and take note of.
It elevates the premise that all genres should be appreciated and that lessons can be gleaned from any story. It’s truly a charming ode to past romance novels and those “scandalous”, legendary authors who made them popular decades ago.
This book is also about the creation of wine, life on a vineyard and the ever popular blush wine. The world of wine came alive with interesting facts and vivid details.
This story was delightful and engaging, and though the men in this book are infuriating and obstinate at times, the women are strong, each generation representing a valuable insight. The writing was captivating, drawing your into the narrative, and the story was meaningful and memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
There were times I laughed out loud at the dialogue between characters and yet this story also gave me things to ponder and take note of.
It elevates the premise that all genres should be appreciated and that lessons can be gleaned from any story. It’s truly a charming ode to past romance novels and those “scandalous”, legendary authors who made them popular decades ago.
This book is also about the creation of wine, life on a vineyard and the ever popular blush wine. The world of wine came alive with interesting facts and vivid details.
This story was delightful and engaging, and though the men in this book are infuriating and obstinate at times, the women are strong, each generation representing a valuable insight. The writing was captivating, drawing your into the narrative, and the story was meaningful and memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 6, 2020
I finished Blush last night and I'm not sure what to say about it. I love Jamie Brenner and have been a fan since book 1 but I feel her last 3 books haven't worked for me which crushes me and breaks my heart.
What I did love about this book were the references to the older books by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins. These were two authors I read as a teenager that I probably shouldn't have that I am now going to go back and read. Scruples was and is one of my favorite books and I hope this book makes it popular again.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the book and the theme around the wine it was just a lot of wine references.
This book comes out June 2021 and I'd definitely add it to your TBR.
Thanks to the publisher Putnam and Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
What I did love about this book were the references to the older books by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins. These were two authors I read as a teenager that I probably shouldn't have that I am now going to go back and read. Scruples was and is one of my favorite books and I hope this book makes it popular again.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the book and the theme around the wine it was just a lot of wine references.
This book comes out June 2021 and I'd definitely add it to your TBR.
Thanks to the publisher Putnam and Edelweiss for my advanced ebook copy.
June 20, 2022
An entertaining story about three generations, grandmother, mother, daughter, coming together to save their family vineyard & finding camaraderie, purpose & love--both new & renewed--along the way. Interesting descriptions of the winemaking process & cheese boards . . . Also, nostalgic as the women bonded over reading novels by Judith Krantz, Shirley Conran & others. I did not read those books, but I watched the miniseries based on them: Mistral's Daughter, Lace, etc. (With Stefanie Powers, Lee Remick, Robert Urich, Trevor Eve, Bess Armstrong . . . ah, the golden age of the TV miniseries)
February 13, 2023
A stunning novel about three generations of women who discover that the trashy novels of a bygone era just might hold the key to saving their family's coastal winery--and to finding the love that's eluded them.
I received an ARC of this book in 2021 and started reading it, then put it aside for other obligations. I didn’t pick it back up until this year, and I’m glad I finally did.
I loved the setting on Long Island’s Northfork Wine Trail. I’m from
Long Island so I’m familiar with this area, and I liked reading about Hollander Estates and the decisions of the patriarch of what wines to produce.
The dynamic between the women in the family was the best part of this book though. I adored Vivian and her passion for the winery and not wanting to lose it. Her daughter, Leah and granddaughter, Sadie, all brought different outlooks to the struggles the Hollander family was going through. The book club they created reading smutty books from Vivian’s heyday was so fun and I loved getting all of the different points of view.
Although there is some romance in this novel, this was more about the strength of women and them coming together to save something that was important to all of them.
I decided to listen along to the audiobook while reading this one, and I was pleasantly surprised that my favorite narrator, Julia Whelan, narrated this one. I highly recommend listening to this one if you can.
Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in 2021 and started reading it, then put it aside for other obligations. I didn’t pick it back up until this year, and I’m glad I finally did.
I loved the setting on Long Island’s Northfork Wine Trail. I’m from
Long Island so I’m familiar with this area, and I liked reading about Hollander Estates and the decisions of the patriarch of what wines to produce.
The dynamic between the women in the family was the best part of this book though. I adored Vivian and her passion for the winery and not wanting to lose it. Her daughter, Leah and granddaughter, Sadie, all brought different outlooks to the struggles the Hollander family was going through. The book club they created reading smutty books from Vivian’s heyday was so fun and I loved getting all of the different points of view.
Although there is some romance in this novel, this was more about the strength of women and them coming together to save something that was important to all of them.
I decided to listen along to the audiobook while reading this one, and I was pleasantly surprised that my favorite narrator, Julia Whelan, narrated this one. I highly recommend listening to this one if you can.
Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2021
I always enjoy Jamie Brenner's novels. While Blush is different from her usual beach town stories, it still carries her essence throughout. This one takes readers through the glamorous eighties novels by Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins, etc., with a winery as both a backdrop and the central focus.
This was an interesting story overall. It reminded me of when my mom would read those books and I was curious, but too young to attempt them at the time. Still, seeing the title Scruples brings back memories. It also made me think of how I share books with my mom, sister, and mother-in-law, and also how I try to pass along my favorite childhood books to my kids. (Although my daughter has no interest in The Baby-Sitters Club as of yet, even though she loves the TV series.) When I was old enough to start reading scandalous novels, V.C. Andrews was there for me. I even shared those books with my sister and grandma (no way I was letting my mom see what was happening in them). I also remember reading Forever by Judy Blume in eighth grade and how "naughty" it felt at the time.
Anyway, back to the novel at hand! I liked all three women and could relate to them, even though Vivian and Sadie were significantly different in age from me. They had compelling narratives and I cared about what happened to them. The men in their lives could be so frustrating at times! I'm not much into wine or cheese (very particular about both), but this story made wine production sound really interesting. So much goes into it! The descriptions and dialogue brought the story to life even more. I felt like I was right there on the veranda at the winery and could practically smell the air in that environment.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I've already recommended to my mom. (It will be a long time before I'll share it with my daughter though....)
Movie casting suggestions:
This was an interesting story overall. It reminded me of when my mom would read those books and I was curious, but too young to attempt them at the time. Still, seeing the title Scruples brings back memories. It also made me think of how I share books with my mom, sister, and mother-in-law, and also how I try to pass along my favorite childhood books to my kids. (Although my daughter has no interest in The Baby-Sitters Club as of yet, even though she loves the TV series.) When I was old enough to start reading scandalous novels, V.C. Andrews was there for me. I even shared those books with my sister and grandma (no way I was letting my mom see what was happening in them). I also remember reading Forever by Judy Blume in eighth grade and how "naughty" it felt at the time.
Anyway, back to the novel at hand! I liked all three women and could relate to them, even though Vivian and Sadie were significantly different in age from me. They had compelling narratives and I cared about what happened to them. The men in their lives could be so frustrating at times! I'm not much into wine or cheese (very particular about both), but this story made wine production sound really interesting. So much goes into it! The descriptions and dialogue brought the story to life even more. I felt like I was right there on the veranda at the winery and could practically smell the air in that environment.
Overall, an enjoyable read that I've already recommended to my mom. (It will be a long time before I'll share it with my daughter though....)
Movie casting suggestions:
Vivian: Barbara Niven
Leah: Michelle Monaghan
Sadie: Erana James
Leonard: Victor Garber
Steven: Jay Duplass
Mateo: Rafael L. Silva
Asher: Josh Duhamel
Bridget: Samara Weaving
July 6, 2021
What a fantastic, layered, and stunning read! Jamie Brenner’s latest is a feast of a novel - full of gorgeous settings, complex characters, and a fascinating exploration of the wine industry. As three generations of women explore their romances, their careers, their choices, and their mistakes, they uncover hidden strengths they did not know they possessed. Jamie weaves in the lessons of the great 1980’s novels by Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz in a wholly unique and thoughtful way. This is a book you don’t want to miss!!
July 7, 2022
“When women gather, there is power.”
BLUSH- Jamie Brenner 💞📖
This multi generational story of women, grandmother, mother, daughter is full of joy, complicated relationships, and at the helm the discovery of a bookclub. I loved the different perspectives in this story of how each generation deals with angst and emotions differently. There is strength in numbers and these women banding together to not only save the family business and legacy, but finding commonality between the pages of books.
The role in which each woman held based on the generation they grew up in was relatable, yet touching to see each step outside of their comfort zone and the roles they were expected to just accept. Beautiful beautiful book - I saw myself, my mother, my grandmother in this story! The woman in me, the book lover in me was immersed in this !! 💞💞💞💞
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
BLUSH- Jamie Brenner 💞📖
This multi generational story of women, grandmother, mother, daughter is full of joy, complicated relationships, and at the helm the discovery of a bookclub. I loved the different perspectives in this story of how each generation deals with angst and emotions differently. There is strength in numbers and these women banding together to not only save the family business and legacy, but finding commonality between the pages of books.
The role in which each woman held based on the generation they grew up in was relatable, yet touching to see each step outside of their comfort zone and the roles they were expected to just accept. Beautiful beautiful book - I saw myself, my mother, my grandmother in this story! The woman in me, the book lover in me was immersed in this !! 💞💞💞💞
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 8, 2021
Bring on the wine, cheese, camaraderie and drama…oh and a “trashy” book club too! Blush is a beautiful story full of layers and dynamic characters!
🍷What appealed to you the most in this story?
Family drama! You know I’m a sucker for a good saga full of family drama, and Blush hit the mark! From the very beginning I was invested in each of the female characters, so I felt like I was going through their lives with them. This may have caused some emotional outbursts here and there from me, but there were also so many sweet and tender moments full of love and support.
I also loved the inclusion of the book club and their “trashy” romance novels! Bring on the Jackie Collins!
🍷Were the characters believable?
Each woman in this story felt like someone I would befriend in my own life. This is a heartwarming and moving story that encompasses three generations of women. Their life perspectives, their experiences, their motives, their expectations couldn’t be more different from each other, and yet so very real. I loved watching their characters evolve and grow together as the story progressed.
🍷How is the pace?
This is a slow burn, but it holds your attention the whole way through!
🍷Do you recommend this book?
If you are looking for a character driven story that has an emphasis on the importance of realizing and working towards your dreams, and the strength of family and friends then this book is for you. I know it is one I’m going to remember!
Thank you, Putnam books, for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
🍷What appealed to you the most in this story?
Family drama! You know I’m a sucker for a good saga full of family drama, and Blush hit the mark! From the very beginning I was invested in each of the female characters, so I felt like I was going through their lives with them. This may have caused some emotional outbursts here and there from me, but there were also so many sweet and tender moments full of love and support.
I also loved the inclusion of the book club and their “trashy” romance novels! Bring on the Jackie Collins!
🍷Were the characters believable?
Each woman in this story felt like someone I would befriend in my own life. This is a heartwarming and moving story that encompasses three generations of women. Their life perspectives, their experiences, their motives, their expectations couldn’t be more different from each other, and yet so very real. I loved watching their characters evolve and grow together as the story progressed.
🍷How is the pace?
This is a slow burn, but it holds your attention the whole way through!
🍷Do you recommend this book?
If you are looking for a character driven story that has an emphasis on the importance of realizing and working towards your dreams, and the strength of family and friends then this book is for you. I know it is one I’m going to remember!
Thank you, Putnam books, for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2021
I REALLY REALLY enjoyed this summer story about three generations of women and the Long Island vineyard they're trying to save. A perfect summer read, this book has strong women characters trying to figure out their place in the Hollander family business as well as complicated romantic relationships. I was 100 per cent there for the way that PhD student Sadie took advantage of her grandmother Vivian's old book club notebook to revive and analyze some of the club's 1980s selections. I learned lots about wine and cheese and the power of a good book club to empower women in both mind and spirit.
This book thoroughly exceeded my expectations for a 'light' summer women's fiction story. I loved that the title refers to both the Rosé wine that eventually saves the vineyard and also the so-called 'trashy' novels full of sex that make the women blush. The women end up embracing these books written by authors like Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins and Nora Roberts, finding inspiration to be braver in real life and to go after what they really want. Recommended for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner. Great on audio narrated by Julia Whelan!
Favorite quote:
"That's why she loved those old novels so much: the heroines had balls. They didn't ask permission, and they didn't beg forgiveness. They were bosses. Fine, it was fiction. But why couldn't it also be a playbook?"
This book thoroughly exceeded my expectations for a 'light' summer women's fiction story. I loved that the title refers to both the Rosé wine that eventually saves the vineyard and also the so-called 'trashy' novels full of sex that make the women blush. The women end up embracing these books written by authors like Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins and Nora Roberts, finding inspiration to be braver in real life and to go after what they really want. Recommended for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner. Great on audio narrated by Julia Whelan!
Favorite quote:
"That's why she loved those old novels so much: the heroines had balls. They didn't ask permission, and they didn't beg forgiveness. They were bosses. Fine, it was fiction. But why couldn't it also be a playbook?"
May 24, 2025
Zdravo dragi čitatelji!
Dugo vremena sam odgađala da pročitam ovaj roman, jer nekako to nije bila priča za mene i po meni ne bi se snašla dobro u tome svijetu!
Bila je sve samo ne to! Puna je tako lijepih riječi, dijela i prikaza ljubavi koju nitko nikada ne treba da osjeti. Kada vas vaša druga polovica kojoj ste vjerovali iznevjeri, prestanr te na neki način vjerovat u ljubav!
Na jednom dijelu ove knjige stvarno sam pomislila da neće gubitak sretni kraja I sretnih događaja, a onda se odjenom sve promijenilo na bolje i tako na jedan divan način oporavilo od svega lošeg što se izdogađalo!
Glavna junakinja puno je propatila, ali na kraju uspjela vratiti sve što je izgubila! Jer kada vjerujete u svoje snove, ti snovi će se krenuti ostvarivati! ❤️
Svatko djevojci, nebitno kojega ste uzrasta bi preporučila da ovu knjigu barem jednom u životu pročitate!
Od mene ogromna preporuka!
Danica 😊🩷
Dugo vremena sam odgađala da pročitam ovaj roman, jer nekako to nije bila priča za mene i po meni ne bi se snašla dobro u tome svijetu!
Bila je sve samo ne to! Puna je tako lijepih riječi, dijela i prikaza ljubavi koju nitko nikada ne treba da osjeti. Kada vas vaša druga polovica kojoj ste vjerovali iznevjeri, prestanr te na neki način vjerovat u ljubav!
Na jednom dijelu ove knjige stvarno sam pomislila da neće gubitak sretni kraja I sretnih događaja, a onda se odjenom sve promijenilo na bolje i tako na jedan divan način oporavilo od svega lošeg što se izdogađalo!
Glavna junakinja puno je propatila, ali na kraju uspjela vratiti sve što je izgubila! Jer kada vjerujete u svoje snove, ti snovi će se krenuti ostvarivati! ❤️
Svatko djevojci, nebitno kojega ste uzrasta bi preporučila da ovu knjigu barem jednom u životu pročitate!
Od mene ogromna preporuka!
Danica 😊🩷
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