I’ve had a few of Elin Hilderbrand's books on my TBR list for ages, but what finally pushed me to dive in was seeing one of my favorite foodie chef's, Meredith Hayden (aka Wishbone Kitchen), reading The Hotel Nantucket. That was all the encouragement I needed to finally pull the trigger, and I’m so glad I did!
The Premise:
After a devastating fire in 1922 claims the life of 19-year-old chambermaid Grace Hadley, the once-glamorous Hotel Nantucket falls into decades of disrepair. That is, until wealthy London businessman Xavier Darling buys and meticulously renovates it from the ground up, determined to turn the place into the most sought-after stay on the island.
To lead the charge, he hires beloved local Lizbet Keaton as general manager. Lizbet, who’s navigating heartbreak and career reinvention, assembles a team of staffers who are passionate, if a bit inexperienced about restoring the hotel’s reputation. But there are hurdles: tense staff dynamics, finicky guests, high expectations… and a ghost. Grace Hadley isn’t exactly a terrifying presence, but she is stuck haunting the hotel until someone finally acknowledges the truth about her untimely death.
Another fun layer to the story is Xavier’s mission to earn a coveted five-key rating from an anonymous hotel and travel blogger known only as Shelley Carpenter. Shelley has never awarded a perfect score to any property, and her true identity remains a mystery. This quest adds an exciting element of suspense and pressure for Lizbet and the team, as they bend over backward to impress all the guests.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book! I didn't really know what to expect going in. While there is romance, this story offers so much more. The ensemble cast kept things engaging, and I loved how each character had their own arcs and secrets. The hotel itself almost felt like a character, with its layered history and luxe makeover breathing life into the story.
I also really loved the addition of Grace, the ghost. Her presence added a whimsical, heartwarming touch that made the book feel unique without veering into anything overly spooky. It was such a clever way to blend mystery into the narrative without overshadowing the contemporary storyline.
Elin Hilderbrand's writing felt easy to read. She balances the light and the heavy with giving readers romance, friendship, reinvention, and redemption all under one roof. I especially appreciated how the story wasn't just focused on a single romance, but on the various ways people love, lose, and rebuild.
This one definitely lived up to the hype for me. If you’re looking for a layered summer read with great characters, just the right amount of drama, and a little ghostly charm, I highly recommend checking into The Hotel Nantucket.
What other Elin Hilderbrand books should I put on my TBR?!
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