Book Review: Hotel Laguna - Nicola Harrison

 

“Hotel Laguna” is a historical fiction book by Nicola Harrison. This book takes place in one of my favorite places to visit - Laguna Beach, California. It starts off with our main character, Hazel, working for Douglas Aircraft during WWII. At the end of the war, she wants to continue to work, but is let go. She ends up in Laguna Beach and finds work as an assistant for an artist. Long story short - there’s a bit of a mystery (where is a painting), a bit of a slow romance, and Hazel’s overwhelming love for the town. I would have loved to have had an Author’s Note about how she came up with the story - and what was factual and what the author made up (for instance, was the artist based upon someone). This book is a bit predictable, but it was an enjoyable read (I read it in about 24 hours), but I didn’t mind as it was also a fun read. Additionally, I spent a bit of time online looking up paintings (Lady Hamilton at the Spinning Wheel is a real painting) and recalling the lovely coastline of Laguna Beach.