Title:  Hotel Laguna   
Author:   Nicola Harrison  
Genre:  Historical fiction   
Rating:  4.5 out of 5

In 1942, Hazel Francis left Wichita, Kansas for California, determined to do her part for the war effort. At Douglas Aircraft, she became one of many “Rosie the Riveters,” helping construct bombers for the U. S. military. But now the war is over, men have returned to their factory jobs, and women like Hazel have been dismissed, expected to return home to become wives and mothers.

Unwilling to be forced into a traditional woman’s role in the Midwest, Hazel remains on the west coast, and finds herself in the bohemian town of Laguna Beach. Desperate for work, she accepts a job as an assistant to famous artist Hanson Radcliff. Beloved by the locals for his contributions to the art scene and respected by the critics, Radcliff lives under the shadow of a decades old scandal that haunts him.

Working hard to stay on her cantankerous employer’s good side, Hazel becomes a valued member of the community. She never expected to fall in love with the rhythms of life in Laguna, nor did she expect to find a kindred spirit in Jimmy, the hotel bartender whose friendship promises something more. But Hazel still wants to work with airplanes—maybe even learn to fly one someday. Torn between pursuing her dream and the dream life she has been granted, she is unsure if giving herself over to Laguna is what her heart truly wants.

I enjoyed this read! Hazel was a fascinating character to read:  she went from a small-town girl who went along with what everyone around her wanted (namely men) to making a live that she wanted and impacting those around her. I enjoyed her relationship with Radcliff and how it shaped her, and I loved seeing who she became.

Nicola Harrison is from England and grew up in California. Hotel Laguna is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

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