Books » License to Thrill
Lily Bollinger writes her own 'License to Thrill' in this gripping historical novel
A Champagne Widows Novel (coming 2026)
Based on the true story of the woman who defied the Nazis, reinvented champagne and built a family business
A race against time
Lily Bollinger, a childless widow, faces a race against time in the cutthroat world of champagne, where she must innovate to keep her family's legacy afloat. But her path is not without its perils!
The Nazis are stealing her most prized champagne.
She takes Spanish champagne to court for pirating the name and identity of Champagne and exploiting the market.
And she traverses America, claiming Bollinger as the champagne of movie stars, politicians and financial moguls.
Groundbreaking champagnes
In a daring move, Lily introduces groundbreaking champagnes that never existed, like Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged) and Vieilles Vignes Françaises (from ancient ungrafted vines), challenging the status quo and setting a new standard for excellence. But her journey is far from over. She must also battle a skeptical journalist determined to expose her flaws as he writes a tell-all book about her.
World War II to the swinging sixties
Lily's story unfolds in a dual timeline, weaving together the glamour and innovation of the swinging sixties in London with the harrowing realities of World War II in France. As she fights to protect her family's legacy, Lily encounters a cast of unforgettable characters. She also teaches her three nephews the secrets to Bollinger Champagne, preparing them to take over the family business.
And, in a move that would make James Bond himself proud, she and her nephew Christian forge a handshake partnership for Bollinger to become the champagne featured in sixteen Bond films.
A remarkable woman, a timeless legacy, and a champagne that will change the world
Through it all, Lily's passion for champagne and her unwavering determination shine through, making this a story of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of a woman who dared to break the mold.