Book Review: Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison #HistoricalFiction #LagunaBeach #California

I am recreating this review of Hotel Laguna because I originally had it posted as a mini review along with the review of another book and I think it deserves its own spot in the sun. It’s one of my favorites of the year.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Hampshire, England, Nicola Harrison moved to California when she was 14. She studied Literature at UCLA and received an MFA in creative writing at Stony Brook University. She has short stories published in The Southampton Review and Glimmer Train as well as articles in Los Angeles Magazine and Orange Coast Magazine. She has an essay in the anthology Mom’s Don’t Have Time. She was the fashion and style staff writer for Forbes and had a weekly column at Lucky Magazine. Nicola has spent many summers in Montauk and currently lives in Manhattan Beach, California.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | X (formerly Twitter) | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

BUY LINKS

Amazon | Google