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I love a good summer read even if it’s still spring! And if it has a haunted hotel in it, I’m all for it!

Here’s what Goodreads wrote about the 2022 Nominee for Reader’s Favorite Fiction: “after a tragic fire in 1922 that killed 19-year-old chambermaid, Grace Hadley, The Hotel Nantucket descended from a gilded age gem to a mediocre budget-friendly lodge to inevitably an abandoned eyesore — until it’s purchased and renovated top to bottom by London billionaire, Xavier Darling. 

Xavier hires Nantucket sweetheart Lizbet Keaton as his general manager, and Lizbet, in turn, pulls together a charismatic, if inexperienced, staff who share the vision of turning the fate of the hotel around.

They face challenges in getting along with one another (and with the guests), in overcoming the hotel’s bad reputation, and in surviving the (mostly) harmless shenanigans of Grace Hadley herself — who won’t stop haunting the hotel until her murder is acknowledged.

Filled with the emotional tension and multiple points of view that characterize Elin’s books (The Blue Bistro, Golden Girl) as well as an added touch of historical reality, Hotel Nantucket offers something for everyone in this summer drama for the ages.”

This book follows Lizbet Keaton, the general manager of a run-down hotel, as she aims to restore its reputation with a new owner, a celebrity chef, and a charismatic staff.

She faces the hotel’s haunted past, including the ghost of a chambermaid who died in a 1922 fire. The book is a classic Hilderbrand summer read, blending contemporary drama with supernatural elements.

There are a lot of different POVs so sometimes it was hard to remember who was speaking, but there’s never a dull moment. It always felt like the story was moving along. If I was confused who a character was at first it was easy to figure out who it was because each character was unique enough to realize who it was.

I gave the book 3.75 stars out of 5. I liked the writing and the pacing was good. Xavier’s decision towards the end of the book felt like it came out of nowhere, but I liked the ending and how certain people came together.

I liked the bit of supernatural with the ghost, Grace. She was always looking out for the guests and intervening in creative ways if someone wasn’t being nice.

I loved the realization of who Shelly Carpenter was. She is an anonymous hotel reviewer and Lizbet was trying to spot her the entire time.

There were so many side stories and people to follow, but it didn’t feel like too much. There were mixed reviews in book club of how certain things played out in the story, but the ratings were all around 3.75 stars. If you’re looking for a fun summer read, this book is totally for you!