Blush

By: Jamie Brenner

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

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.

Enjoyable

It was a fun listen and held my interest. As noted by other reviewers, it is a light and upbeat "Summer" read, however, I enjoyed it a lot during the end of November. I especially liked the references to wine and vineyards as it is a special interest of mine. I recommend it to readers who enjoy a light, romantic mystery.

Wine, Cheese, Generations, & Magic!!

This book is amazing. I didn’t want it to end. It reminded me a lot of Malibu Rising in storytelling style. Relationships, cheese, wine, generations, family bonds, and Julia!! It doesn’t get much better than that—ever!

Worth The Wait!

I've waited to read this book since it came out on the shelves. I could relate and/or connect with just about EVERY character in this book. I listened to it during any ounce of free time my schedule nalitted, and found myself completely transported each time! This novel was definitely worth the wait and the storyline never left me with the feeling like something was missing. it was simply superb!

Great book. Nostalgic. Well researched and great

Difficult to put down even for a second. recommended to anyone . Great writing skills

Interesting story but with well developed characters

First - I loved the references to the 70/80s early romance novels. While I do recall reading these books way back then (much like Leah- borrowing them from my mom!) - I don’t really remember anything about them and it wasn’t necessary to understand the book. I thought the female characters were pretty well written, not insipid or too abrasive, and they felt real. The male characters were a little more one dimensional and harder to figure out. To the very end, I found Leonard dislikable. Even his “softer” moments were tempered with a “but…”. Literally couldn’t stand him.
I loved the backdrop of the winery and winemaking - it felt like a very complete story. Maybe a little too
“Fairy tail-ish” in the ending but still an enjoyable listen.