Lush
books by Rochelle Dowden-Lord
For readers of Sweetbitter and The Paris Novel, an intoxicating debut novel set in the glamorous, exclusive, and unexpectedly raucous world of wine. Four wine experts receive a mysterious invitation to an exclusive weekend tasting at a famous French vineyard. Avery is a cash-strapped sommelier and wine social media influencer; Sonny, a rich American who owns a popular but unimpressive wine brand; Maëlys, a French food and drink critic; and Cosmo, a sommelier who is one of the youngest Masters in the world. It seems at first that these four have little in common except for their love of wine and their belief in its transformative power. But, as the quartet awaits the penultimate night of the trip, when they will taste the only bottle of one of the rarest wines in the world, it... The author’s use of language emphasizes precision and readability. Word choice supports clarity while still allowing for expressive nuance, enhancing narrative quality. The themes explored throughout the book are introduced gradually, allowing readers to absorb them naturally. Rather than overwhelming the audience, the author integrates these ideas into the story’s progression. This subtlety enhances impact.