I’ve been an avid reader of Elin Hilderbrand for more than a decade now, but I have to admit that The Hotel Nantucket wasn’t an auto-buy for me because I was a little hesitant about the ghost aspect of the story. I don’t typically read anything paranormal, so it fell down my reading list for a bit after its release last year.
But . . . I can now tell you that I’m sorry I put it off. Like all of Hilderbrand’s books, it was a fantastic beach read. Or, in my case, listen. I started this one while walking along the beach in Carmel, California, and I was quickly sucked into the story.
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I think everyone can relate to the main character, Lizbet Keaton, who is fresh off a bad breakup from her longtime boyfriend. Who hasn’t been there and ready for a new start? For Lizbet, that new start is as the general manager of the Hotel Nantucket, a historic hotel that has fallen into ruin until a billionaire owner invests in its complete renovation.
Lizbet is tasked with getting a perfect review from Instagram hotel reviewer Shelly Carpenter in order to put the hotel back on the map. From their perfectly renovated and appointed hotel to an expert staff, Lizbet believes they have everything they need to be the first hotel to land five keys from Shelly. But, of course, not everything is as perfect as it seems.
From drama with the staff to difficult guests and an active ghost, Lizbet has her work cut out for her. And her own life isn’t without drama either as her ex fights to win her back while a new crush captures her attention.
As someone who loves to write about historic buildings, I couldn’t resist the tale of this hotel and the people who cross its path. Bonus points for it being a Gilded Age beauty, because the characters in my debut novel are obsessed with this era.
This one had all the Hilderbrand elements I love, from a beautiful Nantucket setting to complex characters woven into a tight community. For me, she’ll always be the queen of the beach read.
Do you like reading books like this set in real places? If so, check out my other favorite reads set in places you can visit!
