Blush

By: Jamie Brenner

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 11 hrs

Publisher's summary

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 vineyard, 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.

©2021 Jamie Brenner (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of:

People's Best New Books

USA Today's 5 Books Not to Miss

Real Simple’s Blockbuster Beach Reads That Are Quintessentially Summer

Bustle’s 44 New Must-Read Books Out This June

E! News’s 16 Books to Add to Your Reading List This June

Good Morning America’s 27 Books for June

Veranda’s 32 New Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Summer

Frolic’s 25 Best Books of Summer 2021

“Jam-packed with outrageous drama, sexy passion, and dysfunctional family dynamics, Brenner’s delectable soap opera is the epitome of escapist reading pleasure. [Blush] is also a homage to the glitz-and-glam novels of the 1980s, a brilliantly conceived and expertly executed tale that provides a welcome reassessment of the often underestimated but in their own way fiercely feminist works of Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz, Shirley Conran, and the other big-shoulder-padded popular fiction stars of the time. Brenner starts with the clever concept of women bonding in a book group dedicated to ‘trashy’ novels and spins it into beach-reading gold.” (Booklist)

“Brenner’s lovely latest begs to be read with a view and a glass of wine.... Brenner tackles complex issues including gender equality and the devaluation of women’s interests with a light hand, balancing heavy topics with copious descriptions of wine, cheese, and classic romances. [Blush] is sure to please.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Brenner deftly pulls from the canon for steamy encounters and dramatic confrontations - some worthy of a Dynasty reboot. A perfect beach read about a family crisis resolved by women.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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!

Loved every minute

This book grabbed hold of me and sucked me down a deep hole of wine, cheese, book clubs, “trashy” romance novels, and strong women. I loved it. Leonard drove me bananas but he finally redeemed himself. Loved the relationships in the story, especially between Leah and Sadie. Of course, Julia Whelan completely nails the narration. Her accents were spot on. She has such a way of being you into a story which makes you feel like you are there. Fantasist narration!

Three generations of women trying to find a voice

This was such a good book, that through the novels of ‘80’s authors, show not only the strides that women have made in becoming respected in their relationships, but also in business. It also shows the lack of progress as well. Grandmother, daughter and granddaughter all bring well-developed clear voices to engrossing characters. I really enjoyed this book. The narrator did a wonderful job.

narrator was exceptional!

good story, good characters, narrator did an exceptional job with all the different voices.

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.

What an interesting story

As it moved between generations and ideals, it was always a surprise and it captured the reader anew. He distinct characterizations as the women struggled was captivating and freeing and thoroughly enjoyable.

Good storyline

The story line was believable while being realistic. In conveys the struggle so many women experience in the world. Most enjoyable,