The Beautiful Strangers was just a wonderful, engrossing read that I didn't want to put down. I typically don't care for historical fiction, but I fell head over heels for this feast for all the senses that Camille Di Maio sent forth to be loved by readers everywhere.

I have visited the Hotel del Coronado and the area several times and was happy to see this novel was set in that gorgeous location. There was obviously a lot of research put into this book and I loved that. I learned several things about movie making, the history of the Hotel del Coronado and about the stars themselves during the course of reading this book and was fascinated, waiting to see what I'd learn next. I loved the characters of Kate and Sean and would loved to have met them.

Honestly this book is stunning in the breathtaking descriptions of everything and everyone. The Beautiful Strangers is the first book I have read by Camille Di Maio, but it most certainly will not be the last. If you are looking for a wonderful, decadent and refreshingly lovely look at a bygone era, this is the book for you. Camille Di Maio proves with this novel that she is a master of historical fiction and I am absolutely thrilled that I received an ARC from Netgalley, the author and publisher. My thoughts, even though they do not do this book justice, are my own.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Camille DeMaio weaves a wonderful tale. If you hadn't read one of her books you must!
The book has beautifully captured the description of Hotel Del Coronado in California and weaved in this story a supposed ghost that resides there.. Part mystery, part historical fiction, part romance and all mixed together to become a touching, well written, engaging story with very likeable characters.

A beautifully written story of how our pasts can shape our future. Also to take risks and be who you are. The interconnection between present day and the past gives such a beautiful look into how lives and the world has changed thru the years, yet how everything comes full circle.

A wonderfully written story by an awesome author. I have read two other books by her and this one didn' t let me down! I really enjoyed the way it was told, set in the present in 1958 and switching back and forth to 60 years before. Kate Morgan sets out on a mission for her grandfather to a legendary hotel and soon finds herself surrounded by bits and pieces of mysterious information. Filled with many emotions this book kept me entertained throughout. I strongly recommend this 5 star book!
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and the author for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy. The opinions here are strictly my own.

I really wanted to love this book but just liked it in the end. For some reason, I just couldn't get into it at the beginning, but it improved as I kept reading.

Kate Morgan runs away from her family in San Francisco to Coronado Island in San Diego. She is told by her grandfather to find the "beautiful stranger" at the Hotel del Coronado. When she gets there she finds there's a ghost with the same name, Kate Morgan. She meets a handsome young man who guides her through the hotel and helps her get a job there, and then she discovers the story of the "other" Kate Morgan and how she relates to her grandfather.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 bright shiny stars for Camille DiMaio’s fourth novel, one that I humbly believe is her best yet! In The Beautiful Strangers, we are taken on a journey to to Coronado, California during the filming of Some Like it Hot! While Kate Morgan is the real star of this story, along with her grandfather George & co-worker Sean, cameos from Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon will surely bring a smile to your face. As Camille has a knack for, relationships and family are the strong points of this novel. Told in a bit of a unique dual timeline (no spoilers so I’m leaving it there), the story unravels in a way that will have you wishing for more time with this crew.

I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio. When young Kate Morgan is encouraged by her ailing grandfather to search out her own dreams in life she leaves her family restaurant and finds herself at the Hotel Del Coronado. I loved the breathtaking imagery that Di Maio’s writing evoked. Her adept abilities at weaving a story into history make you feel like you are right there with Kate for all of the twists and turns as she learns about herself and her grandfather’s history. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

The Beautiful Strangers is the perfect blend of fact and fiction and told from 2 different viewpoints. Kate Morgan, the ghost of the Del Coronado Hotel in 1892 and Kate Morgan, a young woman on location to work on the movie set of Some Like It Hot in 1958. The 1958 Kate has moved to San Diego to figure out the family connection with the hotel and why she shares a name with the ghost of the Del Coronado. Camille Di Maio expertly weaves history, mystery and a bit of romance into her best work yet!

This is a heart-warming story about a girl who is following her dreams and trying to learn more about her family's history. There's romance, intrigue, ghosts, hope and best of all, the beach. I loved this story. The characters were enticing and the plot-line had me hooked from the very beginning. The progression felt natural and I am so so happy with how it ended. I stayed up late to finish this book and had a hard time putting it down.

Told in dual narrative and timeline by Kate Morgan who, in 1958, embarks on a journey to the Hotel del Coronado at her grandfather's insistence and to follow her dreams of leaving San Francisco and working in her uncle's fish restaurant; and in 1892, where something very different happened at the Hotel del Coronado as told by the ghost of the hotel.

I found the history of the hotel fascinating and thoroughly researched because yes, I did google the hotel. The vivid descriptions of the hotel made me feel like I was there discovering all its majesty with Kate in 1958.

This book had everything I look for in a book...historical events, romance, a beautiful setting and relatable characters, and for the first time I enjoyed a ghost story!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced review copy; all opinions are my own.

I have to say I was expecting more from this book. This is the first book I've read by her, but I've heard good things about her books. It's based on the true story of The Hotel del Coronado. Like most of the other reviewers, I liked the ghost story part and how it fit in with the story, but the main story just didn't ring true. Liberties have to be taken, but I think it went overboard with them. A happy ending is usually the norm in this kind of book. I will read more by this author.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.Thank you so much, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.

The newest historical fiction from Camille Di Maio is a delightful blend of old Hollywood, intriguing suspense, love story, and likable characters. This complex story was beautifully woven together and comes together seamlessly at the end.
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Kate Morgan is stuck living with her family, working at the family fish restaurant, and always dreaming for more. Her beloved grandfather begs her to find “the beautiful stranger”. He implores her to go and follow her dreams, sending her to the landmark Hotel del Coronado on his mission to find the beautiful stranger. Kate begins her search for her grandfather and also begins to work on the movie set “Some Like it Hot”, a dream come true for her. Also told in the perspective of the ghost of a woman who tragically died at the hotel 60 years prior, these two women will find their stories interwoven generations apart.
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This was a fun read set in a beautiful locale. I enjoyed seeing Kate come into her own and follow her dreams. The old Hollywood actors were portrayed fabulously, particularly Marilyn Monroe. The mystery of “the beautiful stranger” was a wonderful addition to this story. For me, The Beautiful Strangers was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. Thank you @amazonpublishing For this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this book! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Hauntingly beautiful, and meticulously researched, both rich in history and character (trust me after you read), you will be Googling "Kate Morgan" and her story. A well-woven mystery. Old Hollywood meets Kate Morton and Nicholas Sparks —Suspense, history, and romance.

One of my favorite authors, Camille Di Maio returns following The Way of Beauty with her latest "THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS". Set in the legendary iconic Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California between the timeline of 1892 and 1958, the author masterfully blends fact and fiction.

From the real-life Kate Morton (a resident ghost and a real woman whose body was found on the steps of the Hotel del Coronado 1892) to Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and the movie set of Some Like it Hot. I Loved this book!

Kate Morgan helps her family at their struggling restaurant. Her granddad, George is suffering from Dementia. Times are tough and little time for big dreams. She and her grandfather share a love of movies. He has requested she sell her grandmother’s ring and travel to the San Diego hotel and find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER. He wants her to get a job at the hotel and the movie set. He discloses no other information.

With limited money and a family desperate for her assistance, she risks it all to follow her dream and her granddads. Her family does not approve. However, things soon go south, and she is guilt-ridden from letting her family down. However, she is desperately trying to honor her grandfather’s wishes. She must earn enough to buy back the ring she left at the pawn shop.

There is something from her granddad’s past, and she must find a way to connect the dots. At the same time, she meets someone on the ferry who helps guide her, and she befriends the enigma surrounding Marilyn Monroe and slowly unravels the secrets of the past.

Switching back and forth, we meet another Kate Morgan who died at the hotel years ago. Her death was not as it appeared. She still lives at the hotel watching and waiting. Searching. How are these two women connected?

From a mysterious death, and a determined young girl with love for a better life and a promise to her granddad, she will stop at nothing until she has her answers.

A timeless classic with all the history, intriguing setting, well-drawn characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, makes this a Top Books of 2019! It has it all! Filled with humor and emotion, family and loyalty - Camille di Maio adds her own signature style to make this a must- read book for the spring and summer. (what a great beach read).

Check out my upcoming fun and fascinating interview! 💌 Coming March 5, 2019! (so good)!

What is not to LOVE? 🏖 Southern California, the Grand legendary Hotel Del Coronado, glamorous 1950's, movie stars, a mystery of the past, a ghost, loads of history, secrets, intrigue, mystery, and romance. You are going to love this cast of characters especially, Kate Morgan and her quest to find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER for her beloved granddad.

Having the pleasure of reading all four of the author's books, she always manages to deliver unique stories of the heart, creates magic, digs up secrets, and always some fascinating history for a perfect blending of fact and fiction. This may be my favorite thus far!

For fans of Kate Morton—both Kate and Camille possess a magical talent with words, stories, and beautiful places. They both share a love of travel and architecture and reflective throughout their work and love of books— as they create memorable characters who come alive and linger long after the book ends.

Highly recommend!

PS. I would love for Camille to write a story set at our Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, FL. It has the glamour and the famous history of this hotel with many secrets. If the walls could speak!

A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an early reading copy. PS Honored and thrilled for the Instagram name mention! (thank you). Always a thrill to see your name jump out in acknowledgments.

#JDCMustReadBooks

Kate works at a restaurant but her grandfather's calls come first before customers.her grandfather's request sends her on a strange trip

Another amazing book by Camille Di Maio! The characters she writes are so realistic that I’m always able to watch them experience their stories - I’m just along for the ride. I particularly loved The Beautiful Strangers for its amazing story and side characters - characters such as Marilyn Monroe and other stars of the time! As usual, I can’t wait to read the author’s next book.

So much to love in this book! Historical fiction set among the beauty of Southern California and the Hotel Del Coronado in the glamorous 1950's. There are movie stars, mystery, romance, and a ghost. Kate Morgan is from a hard working family who owns a restaurant in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Kate dreams of more out of life, but is not sure how to make it happen. Her grandpa has been filling her mind with stories of Southern California, telling her to find the beautiful stranger. How can she go down there on the whim of an old man? Kate does just that, pawning the only thing her family has of value, her grandma's wedding ring, and landing a job at the Hotel Del. Camille has woven a delightful tale that will have you turning the pages to find out the answers to several mysteries. Kate gets to meet a few movie stars who are filming at the hotel, Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. I loved how Marilyn was portrayed. I've always had a soft spot for her and to have Marilyn help Kate on her quest to find the beautiful stranger was genius. I truly felt I was transported to Coronado Island and the Hotel Del with Camille's descriptive writing. Thank you to the author for the review copy, all opinions are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheBeautifulStrangers

A beautiful location, a captivating story of love and destiny, movie stars, and a ghost...what’s not to love? Author Camille Di Maio has written an entertaining but poignant book about a young girl who takes a chance by leaving her family and her future in San Francisco when her grandfather urges her to go to San Diego, specifically the Hotel Del Coronado. What follows is a romantic, charming, and touching story of following one’s heart, as well as the mystery and secrets that are uncovered on a quest to look for the perfect stranger.

Kudos to Camille Di Maio, Author of “The Beautiful Strangers”, Lake Union Publishing, March 5, 2019 for such a delightful, captivating, intriguing, enthralling, charming, page turning, and entertaining novel. Camille Di Maio has written all the ingredients for an amazing best seller. I love the author’s writing style and the vivid descriptions of “Hotel del Coronado” in Southern California. The clear water, the crystals in the sand, the breezy air. Hold on a moment!! I am ready to make a reservation myself!

The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women’s Fiction, with a touch of enchantment and a dash of ghosts. The Hotel was the scene for celebrities such as Frank Oz, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, former presidents and more. “Some Like it Hot” was filmed at this Hotel. If you look up the hotel up on-line, or “Google “it, you will see there is a reference to the hotel being haunted by a benign ghost Kate Morgan, who met her untimely death there. What can be better in a book than movie stars, ghosts, a beautiful destination that sounds like paradise?

The author has described her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated. They are looking for something more than they already have. Maybe they are pursing a dream, or looking for their reality?? Kate Morgan (not the ghost in the story, but that is relative), is following her dream and her Grandfather’s wish to find the “Beautiful Stranger”. She leaves her home and family back in San Francisco, and risks everything to go to “The Hotel del Coronado”. Luckily she meets a handsome stranger, who is able to offer her a job at the Hotel.

I loved this story, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a fascinating Historical Fiction novel with a ghostly presence. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

The Hotel del Coronado during the filming of Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and a ghost, what a fabulous story. I enjoyed every page.The Hotel del Coronado during the filming of Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and a ghost, What a fabulous story. I enjoyed every page and highly recommend this one. It has everything a great book needs.