Camille Di Maio is never a miss for me! She writes my favorite type of Historical Fiction, with the storyline having truth to it, and her own fun fiction around it. I love that she also writes about events or places that are maybe not as well known.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC

Lovely dual time line story set at the wonderful Hotel Coronado. Kate Morgan discovers that she's not the first woman to bear that name; there's a ghost by that name who haunts the halls. Set alternately in 1958 and the late 1890s-1928, it has a nice sense of time and place. There's a family secret, a deep appreciation for history, and good characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. DiMaio has written a nice one.

When I was a traveling nurse I took an assignment in San Diego and had the opportunity to visit Coronado Island. It is a beautiful place that seemed filled with history. When I came across The Beautiful Stranger and saw that it was set at the Coronado Hotel during the filming of Some Like it Hot I knew this was a read for me. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Books for allowing me to go back to a time period that I don’t often visit in my reading adventures - 1958.

There are many aspects to this well thought out book that I enjoyed. From the rich descriptions of the setting, to the details of family relationships that define us, this book captured my imagination. As did Kate and her determination to find her own path in life. Her pluck, wit, and intelligence during a time that didn’t truly appreciate what women could bring to the table was delightful and had me rooting for her all the way.

I wasn’t sure, initially, how I felt about the partial telling of the mystery from a ghost. But in the end I came to appreciate ghost Kate’s insight, and her own story. And Sean, oh Sean, nothing warms my heart more then when a good honest man understands and loves a smart forthright woman.

This was a wonderful tale of love and sadness, family duty, and the healing ability of the human spirit. A four star read for me!

I received a free advanced copy for my honest review.

In Camille Di Maio‘s novel, The Beautiful Strangers, we are transported to 1958 San Diego and to the glamorous Hotel Del in Coronado while the filming of Some Like It Hot is happening. I loved the setting and the history, this is a fast, fun read that will make you want to book a trip to California so you can explore the Hotel Del yourself.

The year is 1958 and Kate works for her family’s restaurant in San Francisco. Her beloved grandpa who is suffering from dementia encourages her to head down to the Hotel Del and seek employment, he wants her to find “the beautiful stranger.” If she stays in San Francisco she knows her life is a dead end working for the restaurant, but if she goes to San Diego, her life might take a turn. She decides to take a huge risk and leave the comforts of home. Once in San Diego, she gets a short term job helping out at the hotel while the movie films.

At the hotel, she tries to seek out this “beautiful stranger” but of course, mysteries begin to unravel and she learns that she shares the name of a ghost who supposedly haunts the Hotel Del. This book was so well-written and fun, I really loved how the author told the story of a woman in 1928, plus Kate’s story in 1958. This historical fiction is a book you can read in a day, it flows so smoothly and is engaging and intriguing.

1958. Kate Morgan, tethered to her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant, is looking for an escape. She gets her chance by honoring a cryptic plea from her grandfather: find the beautiful stranger. The search takes her to Hotel del Coronado, the beachfront landmark on the Southern California coast where filming is underway on the movie Some Like It Hot.

For a movie lover like Kate, it’s a fantasy come true. So is the offer of a position at the glamorous hotel. And a new romance is making her heart beat just as fast. But as sure as she is that the Coronado is her future, Kate discovers it’s also where the ghosts of the past have come to stay. Sixty years ago a guest died tragically, and she still haunts the hotel’s halls.

Due out March 5.

The Beautiful Strangers is another wonderful novel from Camille DiMaio. It's told in two time lines - Kate in 1892 and another Kate in 1958. It takes place at the Hotel Del Coronado in beautiful southern California. There appears to be no connection between the two Kates except for their names but as their lives intertwine - despite living years apart - the courage that they both possessed comes to light.

The year is 1958 and Kate, who waitresses at her uncle's restaurant in northern California, wants to see more of the world. Her grandfather, who is suffering from dementia, tells her during one of his lucid phases that she needs to go to LA and 'find the beautiful stranger". Kate loves the movies and when her grandfather finds a job opening working on a film set, he encourages her to apply for the job. When she arrives, she finds out that Some Like it Hot is filming at the Hotel Del Coronado and when she gets a job, she meets Jack Lemon and Marilyn Monroe along with the rest of the cast. It's a dream come true for Kate plus there is a nice young man at the hotel that she begins to fall in love with. When she starts asking questions about 'the beautiful stranger' she finds out that she was a ghost who had the same name she did. Was there are connection between the two of them? Why was the ghost still haunting the hotel and why did her grandfather know about the ghost? The connection with the Kate in 1892, made this story all the more interesting and we get chapters told from 1892 and about the dilemma that is going on in Kate's life.

Camille Di Maio has once again brought us a story that it rich in plot with wonderful characters. It's apparent that she did significant research about movie making in the mid 50s. She made the hotel and the location in California come alive with her wonderful descriptions. As the stories twist and turn, they become intertwined in a way that makes the story even more interesting. I have been a fan of all of Camille's writing and think this is her best book yet.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Camille Di Maio’s stories have always pulled me in. The Beautiful Strangers is no different. Immediately, you are taken to the shores of California, to San Fran and a girl’s dreams, to family secrets that yet to be unearthed. Who is this beautiful stranger Kate’s grandfather always mentions? The rest of her family thinks it’s all nonsense, just his aging mind. But Kate? Kate just has this feeling. She knows it’s something more.

So what does she do? She heads to the famous Hotel del Coronado of course. Along with Kate, you are swept up in old stories and old Hollywood. As you read, you get a feel of just how much research went into the portrayal of real-life characters that cameo in the book. Di Maio does a marvelous job of weaving Kate’s path of discovery in with the ghostly memory of one hotel guest from 60 years before in 1892.

Why are we hearing this guest’s story? Is Kate’s grandfather’s mind really just relaying whistful memories? The Beautiful Strangers takes you to a time of hope and promise and Di Maio delivers another amazing story of human connection. Grab a Coke and settle into California circa 1958. This book is going to grab you.

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

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