In 1942, 19-year-old Hazel Frances left her hometown of Wichita, Kansas and headed to California to help in the war effort working on building bombers for the military at Douglas Aircraft. Once the war ends, Hazel and all the other women lose their jobs. Having a hard time finding work, Hazel secures a job in Laguna Beach working for the famous and eccentric artist Hanson Radcliff as his model and assistant. Hazel is introduced to the area's bohemian art scene, finds friendship at the Hotel Laguna and starts to uncover the secrets of the reclusive artist she works for. She also starts to find her own identity and strength.
Author Nicola Harrison's Hotel Laguna is a very enjoyable book which captured the post-war period well and detailed what it must have been like to be in Laguna Beach during that time. Some romance and mystery added to the appeal. For fans of historical fiction, it's a great choice for a summer read.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: June 20, 2023.
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