Blush

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!

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.

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.