Hotel Laguna: A Novel

Nicola Harrison

Jun 2023 · Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Carlotta Brentan

About this audiobook

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

Ratings and reviews

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Carlotta Brendan. The narration was perfect for this book. This historical fiction revolved around Hazel. She like many other women were working "men's jobs" during WWII. She worked in an airplane factory and really loved it, but when the war was over she was told to go home to her husband and children. Hazel had neither. Her struggle to find a job that would support her and also be fulfilling was difficult. The eccentric, very famous, older artist she signs up to be an assistant to soon becomes family to Hazel. There is a small mystery surrounding one of his paintings and in trying to solve it, Hazel and her new friends could end up in trouble. Overall, a good book about finding yourself, what's meaningful to you and also finding "family". Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

About the author

Nicola Harrison is the author of two historical fiction novels, Montauk and The Show Girl. Born and raised in England, she moved with her family to Southern California when she was 14. She is a graduate of UCLA and received her MFA from Stony Brook. Prior to writing novels she worked as a fashion journalist in New York City and now lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her husband, two sons and a high-maintenance chihuahua named Lola.