Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison

 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.

Pick up your copy here...

Hotel Laguna: A Novel: Harrison, Nicola: 9781250277381: Amazon.com: Books

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. Montauk was her debut novel and The Show Girl is her second.

www.NicolaHarrison.com 

My Thoughts...

First, I have to say I love this cover. 

California during  WWll what more needs to be said. This is a book that once you start it you can't put it done. I loved following Hazel on her journey.  Finding her way.

This is a book that I recommend. I can't wait to read Harrison's next book.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.