I thought this was a really good book. I do think there were parts that didn’t add anything to the plot. But over all I really good historical fiction novel.

Hotel Laguna is the story of Hazel Francis, a young woman from Wichita, Kansas. Longing for a change in her current situation, Hazel takes a chance and sets out for California to take her place among other women working in an airplane factory during WWII. Once the men return home, and their jobs are returned to them, Hazel again sets out to find her way, with only herself to count on. Hotel Laguna is a great story of perseverance, friendship, and determination. The way Nicola Harrison balances a historical fiction story while making her characters feel understood and relevant in current times is one of the reasons she is a favorite author of mine. Hazel is a young woman finding her way in often uncertain situations, and her flawed history to me is a reason to fall in love with her story. The beautiful setting of Laguna Beach, California, a mix of friendship, romance, and deceit are just a few more reasons I very much enjoyed this book. This is a perfect mix of historical fiction and a light beach read, and I loved it. Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book which is set to be released June 20th 2023, all opinions are my own.

Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison is a great historical fiction that takes us to post-WWII in California.

I really enjoyed being transported to another place and time within history. Visiting California (Laguna) in the immediate post-war years was a treat. This is a locale and a time period that really could be explored more.

The author did a great job immersing the reader into the environment, the social attitudes, and the surroundings.

Hazel Francis was a joy to follow. Being a midwest transport to the west coast, and seeing her navigate society, the times, and trying to find and balance her hopes, dreams, and her heart amongst the obstacles was the best part of the book.

It was well done.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St Martins Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/20/23.

I have enjoyed Harrison’s earlier novels, but I found this a bit thinner than the others. The plot centers around Hazel, a woman who escapes her Kansas roots and fiancée during WW II to find a future in California. As tge daughter of a Norden Bombsite worker, I was fascinated by Hazel’s job building planes. I also was interested in the difficulties faced by single women when the soldiers returned.

After the war Hazel drifts to the art colony of Laguna Beach where she becomes an assistant to an eccentric artist. She finds a place in the community and makes friends. The author filled this part of the book with too much information about artists and events, that don’t move the plot along.

I felt this devolved into a simplistic romance at the end. Too many happy coincidences.

This is a nice, enjoyable read, but not the great novel that Harrison produced in the past.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC from a favorite author.

I adored this book! Such a beautiful story. I didn’t want to put this one down. I finished in about a day. Hazel was such a sweet character to follow. The author did a wonderful job making me as a reader truly feel like I was in another time. I want to travel back in time to post WWII Laguna Beach! Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.