The Book Club Hotel
By Sarah Morgan
ISBN: 9781335005120
Website sarahmorgan.com/books/The-Summer-Seekers
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.
But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter? (Goodreads)
Review:
The Book Club Hotel was bound to be a hit with me as I love reading, I am in a book club, Christmas is a favourite time of year for me and I really enjoy the writing of Sarah Morgan (though to date I have only read two books, soon to be rectified 🙂 . So, I am pleased to report that I could not put this book down – it captivated me so much. Furthermore, this was the January 2024 read for the Page Turners Book Club (for which I am a member).
The story begins with three besties (Erica Chapman, Claudia Price and Anna Walker) getting together over the holiday season to have a “girlfriends’ book club holiday”. They choose a quaint inn, Maple Sugar Inn, located in Vermont. The inn is run by a widower of two years, Hattie Coleman (mother to a five-year-old daughter, Delphi) and this holiday season is going to be a challenge. Especially since Chef Tucker is being difficult (to say the least) and the head housekeeper Stephanie is threatening to walk out.
Each of the three besties have recently had some life “challenges” which have not necessarily been shared amongst each other and the constant hiding is difficult. Luckily, as the story progresses, each explain in detail what is going on in their lives (and each situation was interesting and so like the issues we have in everyday life) and they each support and encourage each other. They just needed time together to reconnect and re-establish their “bestie” bond and not let life and expectations get in the way of confiding in each other. The support of good friends always makes life’s challenges easier.
Hattie has challenges of her own this holiday season. First and foremost a temperamental chef, who should be fired…and then the head housekeeper with a big chip on her shoulder. Both of whom need to be replaced in short order. Luckily, the book club gals lend a helping hand. And there are some additional twists in the story, but I shall leave discussing for so that the reader can discover them on their own, as I did. These challenges added some depth to what is an otherwise easy holiday based read.
I liked (okay maybe liked is a bit on an overstatement) the slow progression of Hattie and Noah Peterson. It seemed a wee bit too slow for me, but then, who am I to judge how long the healing process takes when one is widowed? I am glad that Hattie was finally able to acknowledge both her feelings for Noah and that she knows Noah has reciprocating feelings back. It is tough being a single mom in these types of situations. I felt that part of the story line was well written. I did like Noah’s mom trying to push these two slow pokes together though J. Trust a mom to know what is best for her son. And the way that Noah interacted with Hattie’s daughter was just priceless. He seemed to always know what to say.
While the “book club” aspect of the story was actually quite minimal, I really liked the idea of the book club members going away on vacation to discuss the book. And the description of the library in the hotel – seemed like the perfect place for a book club to meet! And who doesn’t like Vermont in the winter?
If you like Hallmark movies, then this is the book for you. The Book Club Hotel is a feel good, romance driven at times story that hits all the marks. A scenic location with just the right amount of snow for wintertime, interesting protagonists with a bit of angst and romance all with a HEA ending for each of the women. And speaking of Hallmark movies – would love to see this story made into one!
