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The Old Secret at Hotel Oregon
The old hotel's bizarre paintings are hiding a secret. Sara can feel it.
The very walls of 100-year-old Hotel Oregon vibrate with magic. But is it good magic?
When Sara discovers twelve ghost children trapped in one of the paintings by a witch's curse, she must use her wits to save them before the fast-approaching eclipse make the curse permanent. She's in a high-stakes battle against two formidable foes--evil magic and the ticking clock.
To make matters worse, she needs the help of the one person she can't truly trust--who likely wouldn't care if she failed.
Not once, but twice.
The very walls of 100-year-old Hotel Oregon vibrate with magic. But is it good magic?
When Sara discovers twelve ghost children trapped in one of the paintings by a witch's curse, she must use her wits to save them before the fast-approaching eclipse make the curse permanent. She's in a high-stakes battle against two formidable foes--evil magic and the ticking clock.
To make matters worse, she needs the help of the one person she can't truly trust--who likely wouldn't care if she failed.
Not once, but twice.
219 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Noble Black
3 books1 followerAs an award-winning author, Debbie Noble Black writes for her absolute favorite readers—inquisitive and open-minded 8-12 year-olds. And she writes her absolute favorite kind of books—novels fueled with history, fun and fantasy, with splashes of magic, mystery and mayhem. Her current series includes DEETJEN’s CLOSET (First Place winner, Gertrude Warner International Middle Grade Fiction Awards) and THE OLD SECRET AT HOTEL OREGON (5-star Readers’ Favorite). She’s also the author of the popular blog “RV Camping in Your Own Backyard.” Her home is on the coast of California—a house full of books, sand and dog hair. The cats, apparently, are too tidy to shed
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 4, 2025
This is amazing!!!🤩
The way it’s written is so intriguing!!
I couldn’t put it down the minute I started reading it!!
I also liked how the book continued after Sara left the hotel and did the contest.
This was such a fun read and I really enjoyed this book and recommend everyone should read this!!
This book is definitely worth 5 stars💫🌟💫
And I also have one question: Is there going to be another book?📚
The way it’s written is so intriguing!!
I couldn’t put it down the minute I started reading it!!
I also liked how the book continued after Sara left the hotel and did the contest.
This was such a fun read and I really enjoyed this book and recommend everyone should read this!!
This book is definitely worth 5 stars💫🌟💫
And I also have one question: Is there going to be another book?📚
June 11, 2025
What a cute charming book!
Sara is a newbie in a new town and struggling to fit in. The story narrates her way of connecting with her brother Daniel on their family trip to Oregon. There are many interesting characters who pop up with backgrounds that are quite informative!!
First 2 chapters were slow, however once Silas entered the story got gripping. Chip was my favorite! What a fun way to learn about Howard Hughes, State of Oregon, Calculators, Fungi. If one loves magic, one would love this book even more!!
This is a nice read aloud book for upper elementary kids and middle schoolers!
I look forward to the next set of books in this series.
I received this book from Katrina for my honest review. Yes, you got it, I am blessed 😇!
Sara is a newbie in a new town and struggling to fit in. The story narrates her way of connecting with her brother Daniel on their family trip to Oregon. There are many interesting characters who pop up with backgrounds that are quite informative!!
First 2 chapters were slow, however once Silas entered the story got gripping. Chip was my favorite! What a fun way to learn about Howard Hughes, State of Oregon, Calculators, Fungi. If one loves magic, one would love this book even more!!
This is a nice read aloud book for upper elementary kids and middle schoolers!
I look forward to the next set of books in this series.
I received this book from Katrina for my honest review. Yes, you got it, I am blessed 😇!
February 16, 2025
History and knowledge mix with ghosts and mystery to create a fun read full of surprises, perfect for the younger end of the middle grade audience.
Sara is still trying her best to behave in a way that keeps the kids at school from making fun of her. Now, that the mean girl of the class is gone, it should be easier, but if anyone finds out that she believes in magic, she's done. So when she's chosen to represent the class in a contest (and a Disneyland trip is at stake), she feels doomed, especially since no one in her family has the time required to stand at her side as her 'family' in the contest...except for her brother, who is no help at all. To add to the mess, the family is taking a weekend trip to Oregon, and there she discovers an odd magic with paintings, which speak to her. The portrayed children need help, but she has no idea what to do...and yet, she's the only one who can make a difference.
I didn't read the first book in this series and would recommend picking it up before diving into this one, since the characters and background do help sink into the story. But it's not too hard to grab this one up on its own, either.
There's quite a bit of goodness in these pages. Sara is still suffering from being bullied and is on a journey to learn to stand firm and proud of who she is. This as well as her kind and open spirit make her very easy to root for. Her magical ability to talk to clothes and more, adds a fun twist to create a character to be friends with and root for. Her family is also very supportive, and the difficulties with her brother come across as familiar for those with siblings.
The mystery is well-laid and mixes nicely with the paranormal direction. The ghosts...or objects which speak...fit well to the lower end of this age group with the extra touch of playful imagination, although I'm not sure it works quite as well for the older end of the age group. The author also weaves in a bit of facts to add a light, informative twist. Everything from recipes to maps grounds while sliding in some learning fun. It's nicely done.
This is an enjoyable read, which I can recommend to ghost and mystery fans, who enjoy a lighter atmosphere and adventure with the magical fun.
Sara is still trying her best to behave in a way that keeps the kids at school from making fun of her. Now, that the mean girl of the class is gone, it should be easier, but if anyone finds out that she believes in magic, she's done. So when she's chosen to represent the class in a contest (and a Disneyland trip is at stake), she feels doomed, especially since no one in her family has the time required to stand at her side as her 'family' in the contest...except for her brother, who is no help at all. To add to the mess, the family is taking a weekend trip to Oregon, and there she discovers an odd magic with paintings, which speak to her. The portrayed children need help, but she has no idea what to do...and yet, she's the only one who can make a difference.
I didn't read the first book in this series and would recommend picking it up before diving into this one, since the characters and background do help sink into the story. But it's not too hard to grab this one up on its own, either.
There's quite a bit of goodness in these pages. Sara is still suffering from being bullied and is on a journey to learn to stand firm and proud of who she is. This as well as her kind and open spirit make her very easy to root for. Her magical ability to talk to clothes and more, adds a fun twist to create a character to be friends with and root for. Her family is also very supportive, and the difficulties with her brother come across as familiar for those with siblings.
The mystery is well-laid and mixes nicely with the paranormal direction. The ghosts...or objects which speak...fit well to the lower end of this age group with the extra touch of playful imagination, although I'm not sure it works quite as well for the older end of the age group. The author also weaves in a bit of facts to add a light, informative twist. Everything from recipes to maps grounds while sliding in some learning fun. It's nicely done.
This is an enjoyable read, which I can recommend to ghost and mystery fans, who enjoy a lighter atmosphere and adventure with the magical fun.
February 13, 2025
Mid-year in fourth grade, Sara is in a new school. It’s hard to be the “new kid.” Making new friends is hard and some kids would rather tease and embarrass you, than be friends.
It doesn’t help that she believes in magic. She can’t let kids know, as they would only tease her and say “only babies believe in magic.” But magic is part of her life! She owns a Civil War uniform coat that has the magic gift of speech; a power that she is learning about for herself. She also owns a cat named Casper, who also has some unusual traits.
When her Dad suggests she, her brother and Mom go on a business trip to Oregon, Sara is excited, as she’s never been to another state. She is delighted when they arrive at the McMinamins Hotel Oregon and sees it is an old building with all the trimmings and then some! Maybe a bit of magic too?
Sara finds herself presented with a challenge of helping twelve children escape a witch’s curse that has confined them to being a part of one of the unusual paintings decorating the walls of this 100 year old building. Time is limited and she finds that she has to have the help of someone who isn’t the most helpful type. With Silas, the Civil War coat, to guide her it is a tight race.
This is a fun read about family help, imagination and trust.
I received this through Library Thing Early Reviewers!
It doesn’t help that she believes in magic. She can’t let kids know, as they would only tease her and say “only babies believe in magic.” But magic is part of her life! She owns a Civil War uniform coat that has the magic gift of speech; a power that she is learning about for herself. She also owns a cat named Casper, who also has some unusual traits.
When her Dad suggests she, her brother and Mom go on a business trip to Oregon, Sara is excited, as she’s never been to another state. She is delighted when they arrive at the McMinamins Hotel Oregon and sees it is an old building with all the trimmings and then some! Maybe a bit of magic too?
Sara finds herself presented with a challenge of helping twelve children escape a witch’s curse that has confined them to being a part of one of the unusual paintings decorating the walls of this 100 year old building. Time is limited and she finds that she has to have the help of someone who isn’t the most helpful type. With Silas, the Civil War coat, to guide her it is a tight race.
This is a fun read about family help, imagination and trust.
I received this through Library Thing Early Reviewers!
July 9, 2025
One of the hallmarks of a good second series book is how easily the characters and the important parts of the first one return to you. This is a fine example of that being successful. I immediately saw Silas in the closet at the old hotel in the first book, as well as how hurt Sara was by the girls who bullied her.
In this, she's more bothered by her older brother, a typical teen athlete who thinks he's misunderstood and far too important. When she's roped into a class project that requires a family member to participate, neither of her parents are able to do so, leaving her to ask Daniel to fill in. That thread continues throughout the story, but the bigger one is the mystery she encounters at the old hotel in Oregon the family stays in while her father works with his new company to plan a wine festival. Once again, she meets old clothing that is eager to share stories of their history, but the big mystery, one that she must face numerous challenges to solve, involves twelve children trapped in a painting.
As with the first book, history is sprinkled into the story in a way that's fun and will encourage young readers to learn more.
In this, she's more bothered by her older brother, a typical teen athlete who thinks he's misunderstood and far too important. When she's roped into a class project that requires a family member to participate, neither of her parents are able to do so, leaving her to ask Daniel to fill in. That thread continues throughout the story, but the bigger one is the mystery she encounters at the old hotel in Oregon the family stays in while her father works with his new company to plan a wine festival. Once again, she meets old clothing that is eager to share stories of their history, but the big mystery, one that she must face numerous challenges to solve, involves twelve children trapped in a painting.
As with the first book, history is sprinkled into the story in a way that's fun and will encourage young readers to learn more.
January 2, 2025
Sara loves all things magical...especially an old friend, Silas McCoaty. He talks to her and introduces her to new (but, really old) talking clothes.
When her father says the family is taking a trip and staying at the old hotel, Hotel Oregon, Sara is thrilled! It might just be her chance to make some new friends. But, it isn't all she is in for. Within the hotel are odd paintings...paintings that seem to have children in them that need her help. And, they do!
When Sara learns their story, she jumps into action to lift the curse that trapped them inside the painting. But it all must be done before the very near total eclipse of the sun...virtually only a few hours away. With the help of the one person who she never dreamed would assist her, she must find a way.
Includes Author's Notes, Banana Bump Cookie Recipe, Set Up Your Own Toolbox, Fun Facts About Hotel Oregon, Friendly Fungi and Photosynthesis, How Does an Abacus Work?, and Pioneer Games: Footbag.
When her father says the family is taking a trip and staying at the old hotel, Hotel Oregon, Sara is thrilled! It might just be her chance to make some new friends. But, it isn't all she is in for. Within the hotel are odd paintings...paintings that seem to have children in them that need her help. And, they do!
When Sara learns their story, she jumps into action to lift the curse that trapped them inside the painting. But it all must be done before the very near total eclipse of the sun...virtually only a few hours away. With the help of the one person who she never dreamed would assist her, she must find a way.
Includes Author's Notes, Banana Bump Cookie Recipe, Set Up Your Own Toolbox, Fun Facts About Hotel Oregon, Friendly Fungi and Photosynthesis, How Does an Abacus Work?, and Pioneer Games: Footbag.
May 28, 2025
As a parent reading this book alongside your child, I can confidently say it hits the mark for its target audience.
The story is simple, easy to follow, and filled with colorful illustrations that will keep your child engaged from start to finish. The characters were relatable for young readers (6-10), and the messages about family and friendship were clearly delivered in an age-appropriate way.
That said, as an adult, I didn’t find it particularly engaging. The plot felt overly simplistic, and there wasn’t much depth or wit to keep me entertained during repeat readings. It’s not one of those rare children's books that also appeals to grown-ups.
Still, this isn’t a criticism so much as an observation. The book does exactly what it's meant to do: capture the imagination of young children and hold their attention. Just don’t expect much in the way of entertainment if you're reading it solo as an adult.
The story is simple, easy to follow, and filled with colorful illustrations that will keep your child engaged from start to finish. The characters were relatable for young readers (6-10), and the messages about family and friendship were clearly delivered in an age-appropriate way.
That said, as an adult, I didn’t find it particularly engaging. The plot felt overly simplistic, and there wasn’t much depth or wit to keep me entertained during repeat readings. It’s not one of those rare children's books that also appeals to grown-ups.
Still, this isn’t a criticism so much as an observation. The book does exactly what it's meant to do: capture the imagination of young children and hold their attention. Just don’t expect much in the way of entertainment if you're reading it solo as an adult.
January 18, 2025
This was so much fun to read! The talking clothes made me smile. They made it easy to learn history in a way that was enjoyable. I learned some things too. I think the teacher and librarian were great also. The interactions of the siblings and classmates were so real. I liked the added learning experiences in the back of the book as well. I’ve never been to Oregon and this book made me want to do so. I can’t wait to read more in the series.I think it would be good to read the 1st book in the series before this one. I truly recommend this book.
January 7, 2025
Sara loves all things magical and her favorite is her old friend, Silas McCoaty, who, when they travel, he goes along for the ride. At the hotel, purported to be haunted, Sara finds some really strange paintings on the walls. The children in the paintings seem to be asking for help. How is that possible? After all, these are paintings. Sara turns to Silas McCoaty for help. With his help and the help of an unlikely ally in the form of Sara's brother, she just might succeed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews