Today I’m sharing my review of Blush by Jamie Brenner.
Synopsis
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.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
Based on the description this sounded like the perfect summer book so I decided to pick it up.
Rating
4 Stars (Check out my rating system!)
My Thoughts
This book was a delight! The cover of the book matches exactly with the tone of the book. It has wine, cheese, books, family drama, its a great summer book. Its perfect to read while drinking a glass (or a bottle) of rose. I really liked the alternating viewpoints between the three women (Leah, her daughter Sadie and her mother Vivian).
This book covers the topic of women in the workplace and how it has changed throughout three generations. I loved the women’s trashy books book club and how it impacted their lives. Something about book clubs in books makes my heart warm. These three women are so different and it is fascinating to see them interact. I would say this is a predictable book and not super deep so read this if you are looking for something lighter.
I listened to the audiobook, as soon as I saw Julia Whelan was the narrator I knew I had to do audio for this one. The narration was great (as Julia always is) and I recommend that format.
Content Warnings
Misogyny
Who I Recommend this Book to
If you are a fan of wine, family drama and powerful women this is for you.
Get the Book!
Did this review of Blush convince you to read it? Check out the links below to order it from Bookshop.org and libro.fm. Please consider ordering it from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list of Black owned independent bookstores accepts online ordering.
If you’ve read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments!
