Read with Sharon - August 2023
Hotel Laguna - Nicola Harrison
Author Nicola Harrison leads us through the female-staffed factories of World War II to the sun-splashed beaches of southern California, plunging into one woman’s daring journey to demand more for herself. With rich period detail and skillful consideration of a post war society in flux, Nicola spins a tale of love, identity, and the hidden secrets of the art world.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. I found Hotel Laguna to be an easy, breezy beach read. Having spent time at Laguna Beach over the past three decades, I found Nicola’s descriptions spot on of both the place and the vibe of this SoCal community.
I loved the protagonist Hazel Francis and her boss, the eccentric artist Hanson Ratcliffe. A mystery, a romance and a story of courage. It’s a quick read…I finished the book in an afternoon by my pool. My only criticism was that I found the opening chapters a bit stagnant and the ending a little too predictable. But that’s what beach reads are all about! Romance and predictability!
This month we will be meeting on Thursday, August 24 at 7:00 pm EDT. Until then, I hope you find Hotel Laguna as entertaining as I did.
Until then, I hope you enjoy reading Hotel Laguna
Buy the Book
Reviews
Hotel Laguna is a vivid, compelling tale that takes you into the life of Hazel Francis, an independent young woman who, after moving from Kansas to California to help in the war effort, finds herself settling in the artsy city of Laguna Beach after the war ends working as a girl Friday for the temperamental, eccentric Hanson Radcliff and developing a budding attraction for Jimmy, the handsome, helpful bartender at the Hotel Laguna.
Hazel Francis is a young woman who works at the Douglas Aircraft plant during the war. When the war ends, she is jobless and goes to California, hoping to find a life and a purpose for herself. She ends up in an artist community, working for a crusty old artist as an assistant/model.
HOTEL LAGUNA - NICOLA HARRISON
Book Club Questions
THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY
- Did you like Hazel?
- Could you relate to any of the struggles Hazel faced?
THE STORY PLOT
- There were a few strong supporting characters. Who was your favorite?
- The author mixed fact with fiction. Did you learn anything you didnot know?
THE ENDING
- Did it work for you? What would you have changed?
- What do you think is the author’s message to readers of Hotel Laguna?
- What did you take away from the book?
- Are you left with any questions?
SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING
- Did you notice any symbolism?
- What foreshadowing did you notice?
THE WRITING
- Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
- What would you change if you could rewrite Hotel Laguna?
DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC
- What did you love most about the book?
- Did the book change any views/opinions that you have?
