Logan Belle

Thanks to Chick Lit Central for an advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This book turned out to be so much better than I expected - and one reason is because of the exceptional writing. It has all the drama of a typical chick lit novel - family secrets, forbidden crushes, marital issues, financial woes - situated at a majestic estate winery on Long Island's north shore. But once we meet the characters and learn that the family winery is in financial trouble, author Jamie show more Brenner introduces a unique and clever premise: three different women in the winery family find inspiration and guidance in the trashy novels of the 1980s. Even if you're not familiar with the books of Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz, you'll appreciate the themes of second chances, independent women, and the courage to take risks.

Blush is a novel of three generations of strong women and how they save their family winery against the odds. The world of grape growing and winemaking is juxtaposed with an urban New York City cheese shop, two different businesses that actually have much in common, primarily the determined daughter and winery successor Leah Hollander. In addition to the plot and the characters, the skillful writing made this book unputdownable.

This is an ideal read for book groups - not only because of the book groups in the novel, but because it's the perfect excuse to have a wine and cheese pairing, tasting a variety of chilled rosé wines while discussing this book, of course! show less

Charlotte and William are about to have a new house guest. William’s sister, Mae. Unfortunately, Mae is a wild child and William does not like this. He tasks his wife, Charlotte into watching Mae. It is not long before Charlotte is intrigued by Mae and her short dresses and red lipstick. After Charlotte catches Mae sneaking out a few times to see her girlfriend, Fiona; Charlotte jumps into Mae’s world with both feet.

It is in this world that Charlotte meets Jake. Jake is a bartender at a show more underground club.

I have not read anything from Jamie Brenner or under her pen name Logan Belle. Jamie made me really fall in love with the Victorian era with The Gin Lovers. I flew through this book. This was a good thing as this book is really a combination of books 1 through 6.

The characters and the story came alive. It was like I was transported back in time and could taste the alcohol that was being poured, hear the music that was playing, and felt adventurous with the short dress and red lipstick.

So glad that Charlotte turned out to be fun and not a bore. The more and more that each story progressed, she got stronger. Because Charlotte’s husband was such a jerk, I did not feel bad that she and Jake hooked up. Mae was another person that I liked. However, her clinginess to Fiona got old after a while.

The Gin Lovers is a must read. No matter what era you are in. show less

How shocking would it be to take a genetics test as a work-related project and get matched with a half-sister you knew nothing about? Marin Bishop is sure there must be a mistake with the test when someone from California makes that claim. This discovery leads the two young women to spend the summer on the northern tip of Cape Cod, home of a grandmother they’ve never met.

THE FOREVER SUMMER is a bittersweet tale of family secrets, love, and forgiveness, with a perfect summertime setting. I show more enjoyed the multigenerational cast of strong female characters, and reading about how this group of strangers forged a bond. There were tears, heartache, and other trying revelations along the way. This was a great beach read, and the Provincetown location was beautifully described. Sounds like an amazing place to spend the summer! show less

"The people and places you discover along the way in life can be as significant- sometimes more significant- than the family you're born into."

This is a wonderful book about love and forgiveness and family - not just the family you are born into but the family that you create with the people you love. The characters are well written - flaws and all and feel like people I know in my life.

Emma and her daughter Penny live in Sag Harbor. Emma works long hours at a hotel and struggles financially show more to take care of her daughter. Penny struggles with OCD and her self-esteem. She has befriended a world renowned artist who lives in town and helps her take her drawing talent to a higher level. When he dies unexpectedly, he leaves his home and art work to Penny. No one is more shocked that Bea, an art dealer and good friend from his younger years and she moves into the house and decides to contest the will. As the battle wages over the ownership of the house and art work, there are lessons to be learned about love and family and forgiveness.

This is a wonderful heart warming novel and has a terrific ending.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. show less