License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger: Gripping WWII Historical Novel of Resistance, Betrayal, and Champagne

by Rebecca Rosenberg

The Nazis wanted her champagne. The critics wanted her erased. Lily Bollinger refused to surrender.
1940: In occupied France, the Bollinger cellars are a battlefield. Newly widowed Lily must host the Nazi Weinführer while Resistance fighters hide in the chalk tunnels directly beneath her feet. To protect her legacy, Lily becomes a master of deception—outwitting the Reich by day and defying them by night, bound by a dangerous secret and a mysterious lover known as the Commodore.
1970: Lily reigns as the undisputed "Dame of Champagne," but the new decade brings new enemies. From triumphant tours of America to high-stakes court battles in London, she has conquered the world—yet her own house is under siege. As feuding nephews tear at the empire from within and a venomous critic dismisses her as a relic, Lily makes her move.
In her most audacious gamble, Lily forges an unbreakable bond between Bollinger and the world’s most sophisticated James Bond.
As her seventy-fifth birthday looms, Lily executes one final maneuver to secure her empire. But when her rarest vintage is uncorked, a long-buried truth resurfaces—proving her greatest achievement wasn’t just the wine she saved, but the secrets she kept.
Two eras. One legacy. A woman who proves the finest vintages are impossible to crush.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Amazon, Historical

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2026

About the author

Rebecca Rosenberg is a triple-gold award-winning author of MADAME POMMERY and CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. Rebecca is a lavender farmer, champagne geek, champagne tour guide, and cocktail creator for Breathless Wines. She is the moderator of Breathless Bubbles & Books and American Historical Novels.
Rebecca writes novels about history’s real-life women of substance who made an indelible mark on the world. Her latest novel begins a series about the true champagne widows, the first of whom was Veuve Clicquot. (Veuve is French for widow.)
Rebecca is a University of Colorado alumni and holds a Stanford University novel-writing certificate. Her novels have garnered many awards including IBPA, IPPY, and starred Publisher Weekly reviews for her novels, THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON (Lake Union 2018) and GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor (Lion Heart 2019). As lavender farmer and founder of the largest lavender products manufacturer in America, Rebecca’s new book is LAVENDER FIELDS OF AMERICA.
Rebecca has researched the CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS novels through a decade of trips to the Champagne region of France, consulting with champagne historians and champagne wineries for delicious exploration.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee]

This was my second book by Rosenberg and I thought it was so good. Based on a True story and person. I learned so much and it was done in such a captivating and entertaining way. I had no idea about Lily Bollinger and how much she did to defy the Reich in 1940, and played such a big role in the resistance. And later in her life in the 70’s, as she saves the Bolinger champagne legacy. What an inspiring woman, and this book was really well written and truly grabbed me. I will definitely be reading this author in the future.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle B]

LICENSE TO THRILL is a historical biographical fiction story that I will not soon forget. Definitely a different type of book than I would normally read, so it was a nice change of pace for me. The dual timelines were great and I can appreciate the WWII era and the 1970s both. They were perfect for this story. The author did an impressive job and I would highly recommend this one for historical fiction fans!

Many thanks to Rebecca Rosenberg for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Alicia]

Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Heart publishing for an advanced digital copy of this amazing novel.

From the first chapter, Rebecca leaves readers wanting more of Lily Bollinger’s amazing life story. WOW! I closed wanting to befriend Madame Bollinger. Every woman could afford to be more like her. Hardworking, tenacious, inventive and unafraid to break barriers. May we all be surrounded by women of her caliber, in daily life.

This masterpiece of historical fiction is great for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Kate Quinn. If you’re a reader of World War II historical fiction, you’re also in luck. This novel includes chapters set in WWII, with a view from the Bollinger manor and vineyards. If none of the above apply but you love quality wine and Champagnes, I’d recommend. You will close this book knowing more about the history and processes of Champagne, than when you first sat.

Far from a boring history lesson, this book is history with the jazz that makes it interesting and entertaining. I loved everything about this novel and look forward to reading the other ‘Widows’ by Rosenberg. Now please excusez moi, mon cheri, it appears I am thirsty…

[Tammy]

5 stars. Lily Bollinger’s story was fascinating — from protecting her champagne cellars during the Nazi occupation.. to battling critics determined to tear down her legacy. I admired her resilience every step of the way + found it just as captivating as the history itself. Loved this. 🎧

[Literary Redhead]

What a glorious dual timeline histfic novel about Lily Bollinger, who took over her husband's champagne company after his death. Her exploits during WWII are thrilling. The way she later saves her company from traitorous nephews and a nasty critic takes the same guts she showed against the Nazis. Book 3 in the author's Champagne Widows series, it makes me want to read the first two books ASAP with a flute of sublime Bollinger in hand. Cheers!

[Andrea Stoeckel]

“To tradition, to resilience, and to the soul of Champagne itself"

Lily Bollinger was an amazing person and well deserving of this story. Rebecca Rosenberg is a historian extrodinare who writes in two different timelines about Lily the fighter and Lily the Grande Dame of champagne. And she seamlessly stitches them together in a world where Lily and her legacy will live on.

I wrote my final paper for cooking school in 1977 on wine. I may know something about the topic but I always learn something when I read Rebecca 's work.

I am a great fan of Author Rebecca Rosenberg and have read almost everything that she has written, being taken into history in a way that defies tradition. Brava and thank you. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author which in no way affected my reading or review]

[Kasey Clark]

A real-life female heroine who is smart, determined and graceful in the face of adversity? International intrigue? Champagne flowing? The French countryside as a backdrop? What more could you want in a book!! I love how the author even weaved the character of Lily Bollinger into New York high society, Monte Carlo racing, and even a James Bond film set! This was a delight to read. I am definitely interested in reading more of the author's books in her Champagne Widows series. Now I absolutely must treat myself to some Bollinger as well ;)

[crafty.jenn.reads]

Historical fiction, particularly when some of the main characters are REAL, is a favourite.

I loved the dual timelines, the story involving The Resistance, and of course the champaign.

Most of all, I loved leaving 1974 knowing the story was going to continue – even if only for a few more years.

This isn’t my first from this author (go read Silver Echoes immediately) and I can’t wait to see what story this author tells next.

[Christina McComiskie]

Some of my favorite historical fiction reads are the ones with actual people from history and this book definitely scratched that itch. I fell in love with Lily Bollinger and her unwavering gumption to save her Champagne empire. This was such an exciting book and I already procured the other two in this series.

[Jacklyn B]

If you love historical fiction, strong female characters and champagne, I think you will really enjoy this book. When I saw this was based on a true story and a real person from history I was immediately intrigued.

Lily Bollinger had so much strength and grit and was a total badass. Her family had been in the champagne business for years and I loved the dual timelines - from the 1940’s as a young widow to the 1970’s as she is looking to retire - she had such a remarkable life.

She was very smart and inspiring. I also enjoyed the overall history and peek into the champagne industry and processes.

✨What To Expect:
▫️Historical Fiction
▫️Dual Timelines
▫️WWII Resistance
▫️Based on a True Story
▫️Family Drama
👀James Bond
🥂Champagne
▫️France Setting

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50)]

License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger: A Champagne Widows Novel
By: Rebecca Rosenberg
Pub Date: April 6, 2026
Publisher: Lion Heart Publishing
Tour: Suzy Approved Book Tours

I was introduced to this author previous book Silver Echoes, so I knew this one was going to hold my interest. A unique novel about champagne and the family behind the name.

I truly was amazed at the process in making champagne. The years, vines, people, and the fight/struggle to keep the families legacy alive. It truly takes a village and this one has the incomparable Lily to Bollinger at the helm.

Lily Bollinger is a strong-willed widow, who is determined to keep their family cellars, champagne and heritage alive after her husband passes away. They did not have children, so she has to figure out how to pass along her legacy to the right people.

Told in a dual time line, 1940 when the Nazis were stealing from their cellars and more. 197O-Lily is frustrated with her nephews. They know she is wanting to retire and offering them the opportunity to work with each other. They have their strengths, but they must learn to work together to keep the Bollinger Champagne future growing. Can they work together or will the legacy die?

Some romance, family drama, and historical fiction at its finest. I loved the mention of James Bond and the bond that ties several scenes. No spoilers, but I highly recommend this one.

Thank you, Rosenberg and Suzy Approved Book Tours, for the book and a spot on your tour. Can’t wait for your next book.

[Mary Yarde]

I pour a pale stream of champagne into Cyril’s flute, the delicate fizzing of the bubbles a soft counterpoint to the quiet room. I then serve Marcel, and finally, myself. I raise my glass. “To tradition, to resilience, and to the soul of Champagne itself,” I say with a small smile.

The very idea of champagne brings to mind celebration and joy, enhanced by dedicated flutes and lively bubbles. The history of the beverage, however, goes much deeper than the simple act of popping a cork on special occasions. In fact, the survival of this delicately crafted drink is rooted in a tumultuous and often perilous history.

In this novel, we join Lily Bollinger, a historical figure whose legacy lives on through the company she so carefully nurtured, the bottles of champagne still enjoyed today, and whose past is vividly revived within these pages. Though not widely known, Lily Bollinger led the company through war, under the influence of the Reich, and across countless political shifts, all in order to preserve the authenticity and good name of Bollinger Champagne.

Lily is portrayed as an incredibly strong individual, whom we meet at multiple stages of her life. In the 1940s, she battles the Reich, forced to supply more champagne than producers could realistically keep up with, at prices where profit was marginal, if present at all. With views of beautiful vineyards disrupted by Nazi soldiers occupying the very grounds of Bollinger, any act of resistance came at an extraordinary cost. And yet, those involved fought for their freedom in whatever small ways they could. The intricacies of how the Champagne makers of France managed to outwit, and consistently stand up to, the Nazis form a poignant chapter of history, proving that not all battles were fought with weapons — some were waged through carefully concealed vintages and relabelled bottles. Lily’s determination not to allow the Nazis to cause the downfall of a company entrusted to her after her husband’s passing is truly courageous. As I read about her defiance and carefully calculated risks, I found my respect for Lily growing with every chapter. She fought to keep people safe while safeguarding the future of Bollinger, all while working in a role that was far from welcoming to female directors.

With multiple timelines woven throughout the novel, I found myself thoroughly enthralled by the way Lily kept the company going through thick and thin, unwavering in her determination that Bollinger champagne would never suffer in quality for the sake of quantity. She refuses to allow changes that would negatively impact the delicate balance of flavours, even when increased production was within reach. Her dedication to preserving the heritage and integrity of the brand is truly worthy of recognition. As we come to know Lily in the 1970s, we see a woman who understands her company inside and out, and who remains fiercely committed to ensuring the Bollinger name is not diluted by lower-quality brands flooding the market. As she approaches retirement, the act of handing over the reins feels almost impossible. She cannot be certain that anyone she entrusts with leadership will uphold the same morals and mission she has worked towards for decades. Between her potential successors, arguments arise, driven by conflicting opinions and priorities. Watching Lily’s turmoil as she attempts to mould the next generation into a team she can wholeheartedly trust is deeply affecting. Lily is so intrinsically bound to Bollinger that stepping away feels akin to removing the heart from the company itself, and her uncertainty seeps into the pages, creating a palpable tension. As a reader, I could not imagine her ever truly stepping aside, as Bollinger is as much a part of Lily as she is of it. Her overwhelming passion for producing the finest champagne possible, and for keeping the brand alive, is profoundly inspiring.

While not necessarily an antagonist, Cyril Ray provides an intriguing source of tension within the novel. A self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, his scathing review of Bollinger’s new R.D. champagne immediately casts him in an unfavourable light with Lily. When her nephew later grants him permission to write a biography of Bollinger — bringing to the world the story of a company spanning generations, surviving through setbacks and careful political manoeuvring — Lily finds herself, on an almost daily basis, face to face with a critic who fails to see the family behind the brand. To Lily, Bollinger is not merely a company, but a close-knit community. Much like the grapes rely on the roots of the vine, the seasons, and the weather, the company itself functions as a collective, each role dependent upon the other for a successful harvest and the continuation of stock year after year. The author’s poetic turn of phrase as Lily speaks of her pride and joy is deeply moving. Her use of language allowed me to connect with Lily on a personal level, and with every chapter my admiration for her dedication, hard work, and care only grew stronger.

"License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger" is far more than a novel about champagne. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the thrilling pursuit of preserving a legacy that is so much more than a name. I found myself captivated by the power behind a name that endured the constraints of the Second World War and extended even into the fictional world of James Bond. Bollinger has been immortalised in more ways than one, and this novel makes it clear why. With beautifully crafted prose and characters you cannot help but grow attached to, this book leaves you with an irresistible urge to raise a glass and celebrate. For, as Lily Bollinger so famously said:

“I only drink champagne when I’m happy, and when I’m sad.

Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.

When I have company, I consider it obligatory.

I trifle with it if I am not hungry, and drink it when I am.

Otherwise, I never touch it.

Unless I’m thirsty.”

Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Debbie Rozier]

I’m going to absolutely shower this book with flowers! It’s so good! It’s informative and entertaining. It spans Lily Bollinger’s life in two timelines that get close together.

We see Lily from 1967-1974 as she has been running the Bollinger Champagne house for close to thirty years. In this timeline, she has revolutionized her brand’s champagne. She also has an annoying writer, Cyril Ray, that is writing a book on the Bollinger legacy. Lily is trying to get the next generation of family to work together as she envisions Bollinger’s future after her retirement. Finally, there is Bond, James Bond who novels Lily loves.

The second timeline begins in 1940 and goes through 1960. Lily is a young widow navigating her business during the occupation of the Germans. Her heroism during this time is incredible. Lily also makes a post WWII trip to the US to get Bollinger’s name back on everyone’s lips. Finally, Lily takes a Spanish winemaker to court to assure the Champagne is only used in the sparkling winemade in that region!

Rebecca did an amazing job bringing Lily to life for me!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm)]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🍾 enjoy champagne
🤩 love to read books about real people
👀 like dual timelines
💜 enjoy books about strong, independent women

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

1940: THE RESISTANCE In an occupied France, where a wrong word means death, newly widowed Lily Bollinger faces the Nazi Wein Führer across her dining table while Resistance fighters hide in the chalk
tunnels of her cellars. To save her heritage, she becomes a master of deception—protecting her vines by day and defying the Reich by night. In the shadows of war, she forges a resolve of steel and a clandestine bond with a man known only as the Commodore.

1967: THE COUNTER-ATTACK Lily is crowned the Dame of Champagne, but her empire is a house divided. While she fights to train her three quarrelsome nephews to take the helm, their infighting threatens to achieve what the Nazis couldn’t: the ruin of Bollinger. The danger peaks when the poisonous critic Cyril Ray dismisses Lily as an “aging widow,” and one of her own nephews unwittingly invites the enemy into her inner sanctum. To silence the critics and outmaneuver her own kin, Lily launches a daring partnership with a cinematic icon: James Bond. By making Bollinger the choice of 007, she bets her entire legacy on a move that turns a family business into a global legend.

1975: THE FINAL RECKONING On her seventy-fifth birthday, Lily must execute one last, daring maneuver to secure the succession and protect her name. But as the first bottle of her masterpiece, Vieilles Vignes Françaises, is uncorked, a secret key arrives from her own “James” —the keeper of her hidden truth. In a heart-rending twist, Lily proves that her greatest vintage wasn’t her Champagne—it was the secret she kept from everyone to protect her empire, and the man she loved.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was an absolutely incredible story! First of all, I had never heard of Lily before, so finding out that she was a real person and total badass at that was awesome! I love a good fighting against the German army story, as do most people I believe. Her strong attitude reminded me a bit of the character in Inglorious Bastards who gets away and ends up owning a movie theater (IYKYK). I’ve never really been a fan of champagne, but reading all about how it’s grown, created, and loved by so many makes me want to give it a second chance. The dual timeline was written so well, and the story has a nice even flow to it. Now to do a deep internet dive on Lily and her empire!

[Stephanie]

Lily Bollinger fearlessly led Bollinger Champagne after her husband died.  During a time when women could only own a business through widowhood, Lily took the reins and didn't back down.  As the Third Reich took over her house and her champagne stores, Lily kept the harvest going and hid her precious stock along with resistance fighters and Allied soldiers.  After the war, Lily must adapt to the changing times and consider the future of Bollinger and Champagne itself. With no heir, she looks to her niece and nephews to continue the line, despite their differences of opinion and unwillingness to work together.  She became a champion of the name Champagne, stopping others from releasing drinks with the same name.   Lily also finds new ways to keep her champagne current by releasing a vintage from ungrafted stock that resisted Phylloxera and a Recently Disgorged Champagne.  Cyril Ray later documented Lily's triumphs so that the Bollinger legacy would not be forgotten.

License to Thrill is a fictionalized story about Lily Bollinger and Bollinger Champagne.  Told through two distinct periods of Lily's life—the 1940s and the 1970s—we learn of the struggles, fearlessness and successes of the Dame of Champagne and her empire.  Lily's courage shines from the beginning of the story as she decides to debut her Recently Disgorged Champagne in the 1970's and keeps her vineyard running in the 1940's.  The writing captures Lily's personality, passion and persistence throughout the years as well as the beauty of the vineyards and the town of Aÿ. I was constantly amazed by Lily's poise as threatening situations loomed.  In comparing herself and her town to the strongest of vines, Lily's character states, "We are battered, but the roots are deep."  With all of Rosenberg's books, I loved learning about a real, iconic woman who impacted the world not only through her work with Champagne but also with her unwavering bravery in the face of danger.

This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Bambi Rathman]

There are books you enjoy… and then there are books that leave you with a true book hangover. License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger by Rebecca Rosenberg is absolutely the latter for me. I am utterly and hopelessly in awe after finishing this remarkable novel.

Oh! My! Gosh! I am almost speechless. I didn’t just read this book—I had a full “Bollinger experience.” It felt as though I stepped right into the pages and became part of the story itself. I found myself completely bonded with Lily Bollinger and her fierce determination to master the champagne industry and honor the Bollinger legacy.

This novel is an unforgettable encounter with an epic story. Honestly, it feels more than worthy of the The New York Times Bestseller List.

From the vineyards of France to the crossing of the Atlantic, then onward to America and Havana, Ms. Rosenberg’s extraordinary prose carried me along on Lily’s incredible journey. The vivid details are so rich and intimate that I truly felt as if I were walking beside Lily through every triumph, challenge, and turning point.

Lily herself is an unforgettable character. The way Ms. Rosenberg reveals her emotions, strength, determination, and unwavering loyalty to the Bollinger family champagne dynasty is simply impeccable. Each page pours out history brought to life through Ms. Rosenberg’s amazing storytelling gift. I especially loved how a beautifully woven love interest deepens the story and adds another dimension to Lily’s already vibrant spirit.

This book is a masterpiece in every way. Much like Lily’s legendary Bollinger R.D., this novel feels rare, bold, and extraordinary.

I want to thank Rebecca Rosenberg for the incredible privilege of reading this magnificent book. This is my honest and heartfelt review of a story that now ranks among my top reads ever.

If I could rate it properly, I would give it an endless flute of sparkling, bubbly stars. ✨🥂📚

[Denise]

Rosenberg Proves it Once Again-A Grand Celebration of a Book.
Another winner by Rebecca Rosenberg in her Champagne Widows series with her third novel and I believe the final installment. This time we learn about Lily Bollinger and her house of champagne. Rosenberg reveals the real Lily with all her quiet strength, wit and determination to not just be known as a “Widow” but also as the power, strength and knowledge behind the making and survival of a superior champagne.
The dual timeline moves between the 1940s and 1970s. It starts in the ‘40s when we learn of Lily’s daring acts to deceive the Reich’s occupation by hiding downed American pilots and her valuable champagne, all while the Nazis lived on the vineyard grounds. How she mediates the bickering family dynamics while also preparing them for their eventual leadership. You will learn of her fight in the courts on behalf of the collective to protect the name “Champagne.” But she isn’t just the strength behind the label she is the visionary behind new concepts in champagne making.
Lily wasn’t just awarded the title of The Grand Dame of Champagne (a highly regarded government honor) for nothing, she earned that award with her devotion to the wellbeing of the people who stood by her and with her in the vineyards, her community involvement and her continued determination to not give up on the traditional methods of production for modern progress, commercial volume and monetary gain. Upholding the legacy and soul of the vines was what made Bollinger one of the best of the best.
Did you know or ever wonder why James Bond raised a glass to Bollinger champagne in the Bond film franchise? Yep, true. You’ll read all about this and so much more.
Raise your glass and toast Lily Bollinger for her innovation and refusal to compromise her standards.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this memorable novel. All opinions are my own.
#RebeccaRosenbergNovelist

[Myra Rose]

I want to thank Lion Heart Publishing for gifting me the kindle edition of this book. It was a fun, bubbly and delicious read. Champagne would be my drink of choice if the really good ones, like Bollinger, weren't so expensive. That being said, License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger: A Champagne Widows Novel was as enjoyable to read as a glass of champagne. The story has two timelines, the Second World War and the decades of the '60's and '70's, that eventually meld into one. Lily Bollinger is left a young widow at a time when the Nazis were commandeering everything in their path. She was determined to keep the Bollinger estate and the other champagne estates continuing to make champagne while also keeping the best bottles from the Germans. Fast forward to the '70's and she's ready to present a new blend to the world. Throughout this book Lily is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman.
Lily's determination to keep the Nazis from destroying her husband's estate is evident throughout the early chapters of the book. She takes risks, refusing to change methods in blending the flavors of the champagne while protecting those around her. Throughout her life, Lily's dedication to her champagne is evident. In her later years she knows that she must hand the reins over to others in her family even though she feels they may not lead the company with the same approach. While faced with these conflicting thoughts and family dynamics, Lily deals with a 'thorn' in her side. He sees himself as a wine connoisseur and writes a scathing review of the new champagne that Lily has been preparing to present. Later on he plans on writing her biography, but will he see that Bollinger is more than just a brand? Will he see that this is a family, a community?
This book was more than a story about champagne. It's a story of survival, of family, of love. Like the Widow Cliquot, it's the story of women who dared to challenge a man's world while holding onto the legacies of a brand.

[Deb Kiley]

Once again this author transports you into the world of champagne. This time through the eyes of Lily Bollinger. This dual timeline takes you from Lily's fight against the Nazis wiping out her cellars in the 1940s to Lily's 1970 fight for the right to claim champagne as the name of their product. Lily had to use all of her strength and intelligence after her husband passed away to keep the War from doing too much damage to the estate. She and the other houses of the region had to pull together to ward off a common enemy. At the end of her career, she had to once again pull the houses together to battle others using the name of champagne for their product. She won that court battle, eventually. Lily also had to carefully guide the next generation of Bollingers to take over production, but that wasn't easy with so many big personalities of the younger generation.
I loved this Champagne Widows novel more than the previous ones. I am constantly amazed at the stories that come out of the second world war and the fortitude of everyday people standing up for what is right against those that just want to take it all. The 1970s timeline presented the friction of old versus new when Lily's nephews struggled to put aside their big personalities and work together for the good of the Bollinger name. Lily give them to space to figure things out, finally retires when her life's work is in good hands, and goes to experience the next chapter of her life.
There were some fun elements in the story with Lily loving James Bond stories and the connection to Bollinger champagne in the 1960s.
I would recommend this book for all historical fiction readers, fans of the other books in this series (but this can be a standalone novel as well), and those that want to be taken to the Champagne region of France.
#LicensetoThrill
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Zagon]

"Cheers" and "Let's Toast" Rebecca Rosenberg, Novelist and Author for " "License to Thrill: Lily Bollinger" (the finale to A Champagne Widows Novel Series) a unique Historical Fiction Novel. This is a skillfully composed, eloquent, and well researched novel. In this captivating, unique, intriguing, and thought-provoking novel, the author is a master story teller. The author vividly and visually describes the history of making Bollinger Champagne, the production, the scenery, and the bold, dramatic and colorful characters. There are two timelines for this story, 1940 and 1970. The female protagonist, Lily Bollinger, a courageous widow shows strength and courage in 1940 in France, when the Germans want the champagne from the Bollinger cellars. Lily must protect her legacy and the champagne during the war from the Nazis. In 1970, an older and well seasoned Lily has to protect the Bollinger name from other companies, and manufacturers. There are legal issues and court appearances. Lily has to choose one of her nephews to continue the legacy, and there is friction and jealousy.

Bollinger Champagne is advertised with "007", James Bond, as Roger Moore's champagne of choice. I certainly am impressed with 007's choice. A wine critic spends time throughout the years with Lily to write about the Bollinger legacy, praising the champagne, and not giving the deserving credit to Lily for her strength, purpose, fight, courage, and hope. As Lily celebrated her 75th Birthday, the true love she worked for and sacrificed many things was Bollinger Champagne. I appreciate that Rebecca Rosenberg writes about a powerful woman that marks her place in the world. I highly recommend this memorable and remarkable book to others. "Salud!"

[Chelsie]

It really is fascinating to read about how much wine was affected by, and also affected WWII. Women are not allowed to own or run businesses, however Lily is a widow and will do anything in her power to continue the legacy her husband and his family has built over generations. So when the Nazi's occupy France and start getting their hands on wine, she knows something must be done. Their requests are absurd and they'll all be out of business within a year or less. Knowing they must somewhat company with the demand, they and the other wineries work together to come up with plans and schemes to try and help save all they've worked for. Hidden cellars, secret tunnels, watering down the wine and pushing back are just a few of the things that work in their favor but until the war ends, they know they are all at risk. I just love reading these novels that give great detail about the grapes, the land, the legacy and what all really goes into making good valued wine. The Bollinger's are still making wine to this day and so I loved reading about this bit of history and how they did hold on through the worst of times. Lily was an abominable woman in the eyes of the Nazi, but she saved her husband's legacy because of her drive to not let anything take the family name down and now she has to try and give the reins over to the next generations. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for another tour invite for this author! I love the history and women she writes about.

[Karen J]

I really enjoyed this story about Lily Bollinger. I did have a little trouble with the jumping back and forth between timelines but the story was great. Lily met Jacque Bollinger as a young woman and had a mostly happy 20 years with him. Their only disappointment was their inability to have children. When Germany invaded France at the start of WWII, Jacque decides to volunteer. He had fought in WWI. A sudden illness takes him before he is even sent to fight. Lily makes the survival of Bollinger Champagne her life's work. She is forced to endure the Nazi's living in her home and attempting to steal her wine under the guise of purchasing it for a very favorable price. Lily finds a way with the old men, women and children to keep the vinyard and winery going. She finds places to hide her most prized wines. As France comes out of the war, Lily takes a gamble on visiting America to promote Bollinger wine. The second timeline starts in 1967 when Lily is revealing her newest idea of Bollinger R.D. She meets Cyril Ray, a wine critic who isn't as impressed as Lily had hoped. Lily is leading Bollinger to try new things while maintaining tradition. In the process, she is nurturing 3 of her nephews in hopes that one will take over the business. Yves has been with her through the war and is the master of the vinyard, Claude (the husband of her niece) is the master of the winery, and Christian is the marketing genius. Can Lily get the men to work together to carry on the Bollinger legacy after she is gone? Will her gambles work out.

[Christine]

After Lily Bollinger's husband dies, Lily is left to run the Bollinger family vineyard and continue the family tradition of making Champagne. As one of the main Champagne houses in France, not only does Lily have to continue to honor the family name, but she has to fight to gain the respect of the other Champagne houses that are mostly run by men.

This historical fiction novel is told in a dual timeline. The first timeline is set in the 1940s during WWII as Lily has to not only try and survive the war and Germany's invasion of France, but save the family vineyard - both the vines themselves and the bottles of wine and Champagne. The second timeline is set in the 1970s as Lily is approaching her retirement from the business.

This is the second of the "Champagne Widows" books that I've read and I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last one. I found Lily to be a much more interesting person and the story to be much faster paced. The one critique I have is that in my personal opinion, this book didn't need the dual timeline. I personally think it would have flowed better in one timeline covering Lily's life. I found that as it went back and forth between timelines, there were big gaps of time which made it feel a bit clunky. Otherwise, a very enjoyable book, especially for wine and Champagne lovers!

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Wirth]

I absolutely loved this book! I honestly don't think I have anything negative to say about it.

I absolutely love a dual timeline, and since I especially love stories set during World War II, I was thrilled that the book opened in that era. What really stood out to me, though, was how well the dual timelines were handled. Instead of feeling completely separate, they almost converged by the end. We follow Lily as a new widow from the 1940s through the 1960s, then transition to an older Lily as she continues her journey into the 1970s. It made her character development feel incredibly satisfying, and I loved watching her become one of the Grande Dames of Champagne.

I also appreciated how the story blended real historical events with the author's imagination. The author included many historical facts, but she wasn't afraid to take creative liberties to flesh out Lily's personal life. I especially enjoyed Lily's romance with James. It felt like such a fun "coincidence" considering how much she loved James Bond.

The references to the James Bond films were one of my favorite parts of the book. I grew up watching those movies with my dad, so they have a special place in my heart. Those moments added an extra layer of nostalgia that made the story even more enjoyable for me.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing Lily to life. Combined with the beautiful writing, it made for an incredibly immersive experience.

Overall, this was an easy five-star read for me. It's a fascinating blend of historical fiction, family legacy, romance, and resilience, and I would absolutely read another book by Rebecca Rosenberg.

[Sheri]

Lilly Bollinger is the head of Bollinger Champagne and a formidable woman. She took over the business when her husband passed away and devoted her life to it. She was in the fields for harvest. She was charming others into loving the brand and positioning it as a brand meant for royalty. She took risks with the Champagne mixture that she would not know for years if it paid off because the time it took Champagne to be ready.

She defended her house from Nazi’s and held them to the “deals” the Champagne houses had and not letting them take one more bottle than was agreed upon. A high level Nazi official asked for extra Champagne and she said no - a word they were not used to hearing- and reported him to the group overseeing what they could take.

Lilly’s story is the 3rd in a series of Champagne Widows but each story is separate from the others. I have read this series since the beginning and absolutely love the strong women of Champagne. The author shows how women took charge in a time women were seen as submissive. I’m so glad these women’s stories are being told and hope there are more in this series!

[Chris]

There are some books that just grab hold of me from the start, the stories are well written, the topics fascinating, and the characters memorable. This is one of those books, the story and the characters remain with me and I am telling everyone about the book. The dual timeline seamlessly blended the events of the years of World War II and the occupation with the years of growth after the war to present a picture of Lily Bollinger as a force to be reckoned with. I appreciated the Afterword which provided additional details about Lily Bollinger, Bollinger champagne, and the characters in the story.

Lily Bollinger is an interesting character. I liked and admired her determination, resilience, and caring about her people. It is her ability to connect and balance the legacy and tradition of the past with the needs of the future that stays with me. The connection of Bollinger to the James Bond franchise is a fun touch that added a lightness to the story.

Thanks to the author and Kate Rock Literary Tours for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and anyone that enjoys champagne.

[Sharon Friedman]

License to Thrill, Rebecca Rosenberg’s newest addition to her award-winning Champagne Widows series, paints a textured portrait of the indomitable Lily Bollinger, head of the renowned Bollinger Champagne business from 1941-1971. Meticulous research and dazzling detail entwine the novel’s dual timeline, seamlessly depicting the horrors and deprivation of the Nazi occupation of France and the cultural changes and glamour of the years that followed WWII. From her efforts to subvert the Germans’ attempts to destroy her precious vineyards, to her refusal to abandon the family’s time-honored Champagne-producing techniques, to her savvy undertaking to associate Bollinger Champagne with the glamour of the James Bond franchise, Lily Bollinger emerges as the rightful claimant to the title Grand Dame of Champagne. A testament to Madame Bollinger’s spirit, dedication, integrity, and resolve and filled with richly drawn characters, Rebecca Rosenberg’s beautifully written historical novel is to be savored like a glass of sparkling wine.

[Ganesh Subramanian]

This is an inspiring and well-written story of strength and resilience. The book brings Lili Bollinger’s journey to life in a simple yet engaging way. It captures both the personal and professional struggles she faces during wartime and beyond.
What stands out most is the portrayal of a strong woman who refuses to give up. Lili’s determination to protect her family business is both moving and motivating. The historical setting adds depth, especially the challenges during the German occupation and the rebuilding after the war.
The book also highlights the social barriers women faced in the 1950s. It shows how Lili breaks these barriers with courage and persistence. Her expansion into international markets is particularly impressive.
Overall, the narrative is a powerful story of grit and ambition. It is easy to read and leaves a lasting impression. Anyone interested in history, business, or strong female characters will enjoy this book.
I thank the author for sharing an advanced review copy for review.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff)]

I love reading about women who broke barriers and changed history. I had not heard of Lily Bollinger before, but now, I will not look at a glass of champagne without thinking of this powerhouse woman.

Rosenberg’s writing is exceptional! It is what pulled me into this remarkable historical (biographical) novel about Lily Bollinger’s cellars and wines. An intriguing and compelling story of how Lily Bollinger became the woman who protected the vineyards through two world wars and a legal battle with the Spanish. Lily also reinvented the Bollinger legacy with several unique champagnes.

Come and enjoy the international intrigue, high society glamour, car racing, romancing James Bond, the beauty of the French countryside, and, of course, the champagne.

“One is always concerned when the fate of a civilization is left in the hands of men who likely believe bubbles are a sign of carbonation rather than a gift from God.”


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @rebeccarosenbergnovelist for this gifted book.

[Carol]

Rebecca Rosenberg’s prose sparkles. She has a rare gift for bringing the women behind champagne houses vividly to life. In License to Thrill, she introduces readers to Lily Bollinger, a woman whose struggles feel strikingly immediate rather than distant history. Lily must navigate the grief of losing her beloved husband, the daunting responsibility of running his family’s storied champagne house, and the persistent threat of a journalist determined to tarnish her reputation.

Told through dual timelines set during World War II and the 1970s, the novel layers tension and glamour with skill. The later years offer cameos from figures such as Mick Jagger and Jane Seymour, adding a sparkle of celebrity to the narrative. Yet the true heart of the story lies with Tante Lily, her would-be nemesis Cyril Ray, and the loyal family that surrounds her.

Rosenberg’s writing is elegant and immersive. Every chapter, every page, every sentence feels carefully crafted. Brava, Rebecca!