About the Book
Book: A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: October 8, 2024
When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?
Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.
Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.
As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Kathleen Denlylives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was inspired first by the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman that occurred at Coronado’s world famous hotel in November of 1892, and second by the fun antics of Miss Scarlet in the Masterpiece television show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
Although Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to make my heroine, Eleanore Wainright, an amateur sleuth who typically puts her keen observation skills to use when secretly writing her own mystery novels. That is, until an unexpected death compels her to use those skills to uncover the truth. Of course my hero, Thomas Harding, gets wrapped into helping her despite the tension of past heartbreak lying between them.
One of the most fun parts of writing this story was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has got the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Glady is snooping through her niece’s room for clues.
To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!
My Impressions
“Secrets truly are the Achilles’ heel of powerful people.”
So many things drew me to this book, A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado. One is that the author is Kathleen Denly, and I always enjoy her historical romance writing! The second is that it is yet another, book eight, to be exact, of the Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, each book by a different author and often featuring a famous hotel of the time that I don’t know much about. Thirdly, we have visited Coronado Island. The hotel there was much too fancy for our pocketbooks, and it is interesting to learn its background. I could only imagine how beautiful the hotel must have been, all decorated for the Christmas season.
I enjoyed seeing the romance between well-to-do Eleanore and her social underling, Thomas. Would they find a way to figure out what divided them in the past, plus figure out a way forward to renew their shattered love?
I do believe that Eleanore’s aunt is my fave secondary character. She knows the hearts of those closest to her, but keeps confidences. She loves the flawed people around her, and isn’t afraid to encourage them without giving away other’s secrets.
Speaking of secrets, there are some good mystery threads going on in this novel. I really enjoyed the twists, and I think other readers of western historical fiction will, too.
There are a few words of language in the book, but they are, in my opinion, totally appropriate.
Reading the author’s notes is a must!!
I received a copy of the book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Novels are nothing more than a poor man’s excuse for not working and a dull-witted woman’s method of passing the time for want of anything worthwhile to do.”
“If God left it up to us to earn His love and forgiveness, we’d all be damned.”
“Precious little is more important than tradition.”
“Surely, God would want her to help, and that trumped any of society’s rules.”
My Rating
So many things to like about this A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado!
Blog Stops
Holly’s Book Corner, October 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29
Texas Book-aholic, October 30
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2
Devoted To Hope, November 3
Pause for Tales, November 3
Connie’s History Classroom, November 4
She Lives To Read, November 5
Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Donna)
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7
Stories By Gina, November 8 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, November 8
Hannahbandanarama, November 9
Cover Lover Book Review, November 10
Blossoms and Blessings, November 11
Bizwings Book Blog, November 11
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of an enamel mug, scented candle, A6 journal notebook, ballpoint pen with black ink, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.