Mini Review: Hotel Laguna

Posted on by BonnieReadsAndWrites

*A mini-review consists of a book review and buy links.

This is beautifully written, captivating historical fiction set in two timelines: During World War II when women are being called into the workforce, and after World War II when the same women are forced to give up their jobs. I think of the earlier timeline more as flashbacks than a true dual timeline novel, as eventually the reader is only shown the post World War II timeline.

Forced out of her job as a riveter in Los Angeles, and with nowhere to go after the war ends, Hazel ends up in Laguna Beach as an assistant to a well-known artist, Hanson Radcliffe. Hanson is an alcoholic with a secret past. Determined to do a good job and also dealing with Hanson’s many personality problems, Hazel doesn’t want to reveal her own heartache–she has a secret past too.

I absolutely loved every bit of this book. Hazel’s journey from lonely girl in Wichita to working with airplanes in Los Angeles seems to end sadly, but takes a new direction in Laguna Beach. I loved all of the quirky characters and the sense of community. The Pageant of the Masters is a real event in Laguna Beach, and it was a treat watching Hazel become part of it. I could see the live depictions of classic paintings come alive through the author’s descriptions. The Hotel Laguna is also a big part of this book and comes alive as almost a character unto itself.

This is a journey of discovery set in a magical place. I recommend it to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

BUY LINKS

Amazon | Google

Unknown's avatar

Published by BonnieReadsAndWrites

I love to read and write book reviews in my free time. I review advance review copies of books on Netgalley for various publishers. I am also a reviewer for Historical Novels Review Magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I review books from publishers of all size, large to small. I have a special place in my heart for indie authors. I will sometimes post a little writing that I might dabble in occasionally. I also am lucky enough to live in the Smoky Mountains, so I'll be sharing photos of the beauty around me from time to time.

5 thoughts on “Mini Review: Hotel Laguna”

  1. I agree with you about the constant use of the “F” word in a book. Even though some may argue that it’s “realistic,” it can be very off-putting and tiresome in writing.

    Now, the second book sounds appealing!

      1. I’ll never forget attempting to read J.P. Donleavy’s novel “Schultz.” It had some many “F” words on the first page, the prose was unreadable, and I quit right there.

Leave a Reply