Member Review
Review by
Olivia C, Reviewer
I'm a sucker for historical fiction but hadn't ever read a piece taking place in the late 1940s.
Synopsis: WWII breaks out and Hazel Francis, who wants to get involved in the war effort, moves to California to build airplanes. But when the war (and by extension, her employment) ends, she finds herself on the train and taking a random stop at the small bohemian town of Laguna Beach. But a lucky overhearing of a conversation sets her up with a job with local artist Hanson, a depressed man who is so weighed down by guilt over a scandal 30 years earlier. We see strong, independent Hazel find her way as a newbie in this small town, doing whatever it takes to make her own money, meet friends in the community, give back to struggling artists, help Hanson close a painful chapter, and maybe even find a romantic connection along the way.
Hazel Francis was such a joy - you could feel her compassion and genuine nature through the pages, and all I kept thinking was that this woman was such a good friend and addition to the Laguna Beach community. Her relationship with Hanson was adorable and felt so fully evolved from the rocky beginning of their employment together to the deep care they held for each other. Hanson really grew on me - I started the book thinking he'd be a crabby creep, but he also evolved, let down his walls, and opened up his heart, and Hazel was the perfect person to bring that out of him.
There are so many layers to this story, different characters and stories that all come together seamlessly. "Hotel Laguna" is a well-written page-turner with a bit of everything that all readers will love: history, romance, friendship, mystery, and kindness.
Big thank you to NetGalley and St, Martins Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, which will be published in June 2023.
Synopsis: WWII breaks out and Hazel Francis, who wants to get involved in the war effort, moves to California to build airplanes. But when the war (and by extension, her employment) ends, she finds herself on the train and taking a random stop at the small bohemian town of Laguna Beach. But a lucky overhearing of a conversation sets her up with a job with local artist Hanson, a depressed man who is so weighed down by guilt over a scandal 30 years earlier. We see strong, independent Hazel find her way as a newbie in this small town, doing whatever it takes to make her own money, meet friends in the community, give back to struggling artists, help Hanson close a painful chapter, and maybe even find a romantic connection along the way.
Hazel Francis was such a joy - you could feel her compassion and genuine nature through the pages, and all I kept thinking was that this woman was such a good friend and addition to the Laguna Beach community. Her relationship with Hanson was adorable and felt so fully evolved from the rocky beginning of their employment together to the deep care they held for each other. Hanson really grew on me - I started the book thinking he'd be a crabby creep, but he also evolved, let down his walls, and opened up his heart, and Hazel was the perfect person to bring that out of him.
There are so many layers to this story, different characters and stories that all come together seamlessly. "Hotel Laguna" is a well-written page-turner with a bit of everything that all readers will love: history, romance, friendship, mystery, and kindness.
Big thank you to NetGalley and St, Martins Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, which will be published in June 2023.
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