such a fun premise and read! the romance was cute and it was a super relaxing read! the setting was so unique to read about and added extra appeal to the story!

Lucy Checks In is about romantic comedy about rebuilding a hotel, but also rebuilding ones self. This is a perfect light read, and a great story to get lost in. I felt after reading the synopsis this might be a sad, heart-aching book, but I think Dee Ernst takes the story of self discovery and makes it her own. I've always loved a book set in Europe/France, and I think Dee paints a perfect picture to get a reader, even from the Midwest, lost in the love of the French rich buildings and style. This is a witty, feel-good read with a believable main character and relatable situations of finding ones self through life's unexpected bumps.

A Witty and heart inspiring and feel-good novel about reclaiming your life, finding love, and creating a home in places you never thought possible.

August 16, 2022
NetGalley
St Martin’s Griffin
Romance, fiction, digital
277 pages 4/5
Dates read: 10/17/22-10/23/22


Lucia "Lucy" Giannetti is enjoying her career as a hotel manager in NYC which also provides her living accommodations. When Lucy makes the mistake of becoming romantically involved with the hotel owner, her life takes a dramatic free fall. Apparently, the owner skipped town taking millions of dollars with him and consequently leaving Lucy unemployed. The Fielding Hotel scandal forced Lucy to move back home to reevaluate her life.

Two years later, she is 49 years-old and starting over in Renne, France where she is hired to manage Hotel Paradis. She is less than excited when she arrives and find the hotel is not what she expected. She finds she is now a manger of a charming but extremely run-down hotel in need of a make over to draw tourists. Fortunately, there are still some employees willing to help renovate the old building, including attractive, annoying artist, Bing. Of course, just as life starts to make sense again, Lucy receives some news from home which alters her life plans once again.

This is a lovely romance novel with the main character an older woman who seeks a new beginning in a different country with different cultures. It demonstrates how resilience and romance is possible at any age.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for sending this book for review
consideration. All opinions are my own.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Move over Eat, Pray, Love- Lucy is checking in.

Lucy was a whirlwind of emotions in this book. Her journey of rebuilding the hotel and well, her life was like a slow car wreck that I couldn't look away from. It gets raw, dirty, emotional, and at times makes you introspective. Lucy struggles with herself, I mean who hasn't?? People of a certain age will immediately relate to her life struggles, anxiety, and general desperation to find their "thing" in life.

Lucy is the epitome of perseverance and determination and I was not so silently rooting for her along the way.

The Paris background I think was the icing on top of a very messy, emotional cake.

This is a fantastic feel-good story about finding yourself, building the home you want, and learning to love yourself to love others.

My only qualm is that its a bit slow but honestly- pour the wine and take it in.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review. You can follow me on IG @JessicaReadsIt.

Really enjoyed this one - it was a nice, quick trip to France that I didn’t have to buy a plane ticket for! I liked how the main characters weren’t average ones for romantic fiction, and seeing Lucy experience real growth by having to renovate the hotel thousands of miles from home. The pacing could have moved a bit faster, but I enjoyed the impromptu trip to France and was sad when the novel ended. Will definitely check out more from this new to me author.

"Lucy Checks In" is an absolute page-turner! Written by Jo Baker, this gripping novel takes you on a thrilling journey through the life of Lucy, a maid at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City during the 1920s.

As a 22-year-old who loves historical fiction, I was completely captivated by Lucy's story. From the glamorous setting of the Waldorf Astoria to the intriguing characters she encounters, Baker paints a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties.

Lucy's determination to uncover the hotel's secrets and her quest for independence resonated with me on a personal level. Her journey from a humble maid to a bold investigator kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to unravel the mysteries hidden within the hotel's walls.

With its rich historical detail and suspenseful plot twists, "Lucy Checks In" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good historical mystery. Baker's writing is immersive and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with glitz, glamour, and intrigue.

If you are in the mood for a light read with all of the fill good emotions, you will enjoy this book! It is filled with heartache, family, business and love. The majority of the story takes place in France and is filled with a mixture of interesting characters. I truly enjoyed this book.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinPress, #DeeErnst and #LucyChecksIn for the ebook for my honest review.

LUCY CHECKS IN is a lovely story about a woman's journey in rebuilding her life after divorce. When Lucy travels to France to help renovate an old hotel, she discovers herself in the process. I finished this book in one night!

I found this book to be enjoyable, just not my favorite type of book. Reminded me of a book I read last January (The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson). Dee Ernst assembled a fun cast of characters that I enjoyed reading about. Mostly, this book just made me want to get a job in France and move. Fun book, but not unmissable.
3.5/5

Lucy Checks In by Dee Ernst provides a refreshing change for readers used to younger protagonists in fantasy. This blend of women's fiction and romance follows Lucy, a mature woman navigating unexpected challenges in a French hotel. While the storyline is enjoyable, certain aspects limit its rating.

The slow-burning romance between Lucy and Bing, while appreciated by some, may feel prolonged and rushed for others. Lucy's character transformation is redeemable, yet moments of immaturity may hinder reader connection. The hotel subplot adds depth, though it sacrifices some romantic emphasis.

The story's conclusion takes an unexpected turn, introducing a tragic event that feels unnecessary and hastily executed. Despite these nuances, Lucy Checks In imparts valuable lessons on love and personal growth, enriched by poignant quotes.

In summary, it's a cute, quick read suitable for those seeking a lighthearted tale of self-discovery. While not catering entirely to hardcore romance enthusiasts, it offers an enjoyable narrative with a unique premise and charming characters. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy.

Loved Lucy as a character and the premise of turning an old, run down hotel that is owned by several different people that live there into a new and exciting place. However, the romance was really not it for me, I don't mind when MMC's have a bit of a rocky start with the heroine but this guy was straight up mean without provocation for the first part of the book. I didn't find anything redeeming enough to make Lucy want to sleep with him let alone fall in love with him. Wasn't for me, would've liked it more with more of a chick lit vibe than straight romance.

Lucy Checks In was the refreshing read that I needed! I loved that it was not your normal romance read with the main character being 49 years old. The author did an amazing job at setting the tone for this book and created an inspiring environment for anyone to realize that yes, you can start over and yes, it will be okay. Did I mention that I now want to go to France?

I tried multiple times to get into this one and it just wasn't for me. I think the pace was a bit on the slower side and perhaps that is why.

I loved this story of Lucy rebuilding herself and doing something she is passionate about. This was a great story of determination and motivation. Loved the story and the romance.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! Everything about it from the location to the personal transformation alongside the hotel's transformation... I didn't want this book to end! Highly recommend.

The story was intriguing and interesting. It really was about Dee journey and learning about herself. I thought it was nice that the main part of the story was her getting a handle on what she wanted in life. The romance was cute and I enjoyed it as well.

Lucy Checks in a wonderful mid life romance fun of hope when you find yourself at the lowest point in life. Dee Ernst tackled some very challenging topics including a destroyed career, loss of a sibling, and needing to find your place in the world. Dee Ernst did a fabulous job of creating hope and bringing us a HEA we could only wish for in real life.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. Lucy Checks in as a lovely story that follows Lucy's journey of transformation. With changes big and small, Lucy learns more about herself and learns what matters most.