What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Call at the Savoy
Set amongst the glittering backdrop of London's iconic Savoy hotel, Cinnamon Scott is forced to confront her troubled past as she uncovers the story of the hotel’s first female bartender who has been erased from the history books. And like a well-made cocktail, their intertwined stories pack just the right punch.
Six years ago, Cinnamon Scott was a young writer on the rise in New York City. But since the sudden loss of her parents, she's been stuck in place, retreating to a life of endless partying—made possible by the massive fortune she's inherited. Despite their tragic loss, she and her older sister Rosemary have always had each other to lean on. But now, with Rosie living in London and about to give birth to twins, Cinnamon feels more lost than ever.
When Rosie is put on bedrest, Cinnamon flies to her sister's side, where she's temporarily living at The Savoy. Immediately swept away by the beauty and history of the legendary hotel and its famed American Bar, Cinnamon finds ample opportunity to distract herself. When the late shift bartender tells her the story of Ada Coleman, the woman who crafted the cocktail recipes The Savoy popularized in its famous handbook a century ago, Cinnamon is inspired by the bartender's vivid stories of Ada's fearlessness and can't understand why Ada's name is nowhere to be found.
After meeting a handsome historian researching the hotel and realizing that Ada is likely to be once again overlooked, Cinnamon must decide if she can overcome her demons and stand up for Ada's story. And, along the way, she might just save her own story too.
Six years ago, Cinnamon Scott was a young writer on the rise in New York City. But since the sudden loss of her parents, she's been stuck in place, retreating to a life of endless partying—made possible by the massive fortune she's inherited. Despite their tragic loss, she and her older sister Rosemary have always had each other to lean on. But now, with Rosie living in London and about to give birth to twins, Cinnamon feels more lost than ever.
When Rosie is put on bedrest, Cinnamon flies to her sister's side, where she's temporarily living at The Savoy. Immediately swept away by the beauty and history of the legendary hotel and its famed American Bar, Cinnamon finds ample opportunity to distract herself. When the late shift bartender tells her the story of Ada Coleman, the woman who crafted the cocktail recipes The Savoy popularized in its famous handbook a century ago, Cinnamon is inspired by the bartender's vivid stories of Ada's fearlessness and can't understand why Ada's name is nowhere to be found.
After meeting a handsome historian researching the hotel and realizing that Ada is likely to be once again overlooked, Cinnamon must decide if she can overcome her demons and stand up for Ada's story. And, along the way, she might just save her own story too.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2025
157 people are currently reading
11846 people want to read
About the author
Brisa Carleton
1 book80 followersBrisa grew up in the Pacific Northwest before moving to Midtown Manhattan to turn her passion for musicals and "flair for the dramatic" into an award-winning career as a Broadway producer. Three Tony Awards later, she’s worked on numerous productions including Hamilton, Beautiful and Moulin Rouge. In 2019 at the request of HSH Prince Albert of Monaco Brisa joined his foundation to lead philanthropy efforts in theater, dance and film on behalf of his mother, Princess Grace Kelly. Most recently she turned her entrepreneurial spirit to actual “spirits,” launching Literati Spirits, a premium vodka created by book lovers for book lovers. She enjoys spending her days traveling to literary destinations with a martini in one hand and a manuscript in the other, collecting stories with her husband Mark and her chihuahua, Mister Big.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 22, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
LAST CALL AT THE SAVOY by Brisa Carleton is an engrossing story with two intertwined timelines. The women’s fiction timeline is set in the present featuring two sisters at an emotionally charged moment in their lives and the second timeline is historical fiction set in the early 1900’s featuring the first female bartender in The American Bar in the London Savoy.
Cinnamon Scott is taking a break from her rich New York girl’s party life to fly to London to help her sister, Rosemary, who is on bedrest with a twin pregnancy at the Savoy while her new flat is being renovated. While Rosemary is a successful attorney, Cinnamon has struggled since leaving college early due to a scandal and the death of their parents in a plane crash. While Cinnamon hoped to be a famous writer, the last ten years have been nothing but partying with no writing.
Bored just hanging in their Savoy suite, Cinnamon goes to The American Bar in the hotel. She meets Joe, the older nightshift bartender, who regales her with a new story of the glamorous past of the bar and its first female bartender, Ada “Coley” Coleman, who is responsible for the famous Savoy Cocktail Book. At the same time during her stay, she continues to run into a sexy celebrity historical writer who is researching the Savoy.
Cinnamon becomes entranced with Ada’s story, even as her personal struggles and past demons are coming to a head.
Both timelines were interesting and pulled me into the story to keep me reading and the ending was not what I was expecting but was very satisfying as well as a bit surprising. Cinnamon was a flawed character with terrible coping skills, and she was very immature, but there was also something compelling about her because her sister always believed the best of her. The sisters were forced to deal with many issues, and yet their love for each other always persisted. The historical fiction timeline about Ada’s life was extremely interesting. From famous and inventive mixologist to a not surprising ending, Ada, like most women of her time had her history written by men and that seems to never go well.
This is a compelling read with many interesting historical facts, historical people, and cocktail recipes interwoven throughout the story as well as being an emotional women’s fiction story of sisters.
LAST CALL AT THE SAVOY by Brisa Carleton is an engrossing story with two intertwined timelines. The women’s fiction timeline is set in the present featuring two sisters at an emotionally charged moment in their lives and the second timeline is historical fiction set in the early 1900’s featuring the first female bartender in The American Bar in the London Savoy.
Cinnamon Scott is taking a break from her rich New York girl’s party life to fly to London to help her sister, Rosemary, who is on bedrest with a twin pregnancy at the Savoy while her new flat is being renovated. While Rosemary is a successful attorney, Cinnamon has struggled since leaving college early due to a scandal and the death of their parents in a plane crash. While Cinnamon hoped to be a famous writer, the last ten years have been nothing but partying with no writing.
Bored just hanging in their Savoy suite, Cinnamon goes to The American Bar in the hotel. She meets Joe, the older nightshift bartender, who regales her with a new story of the glamorous past of the bar and its first female bartender, Ada “Coley” Coleman, who is responsible for the famous Savoy Cocktail Book. At the same time during her stay, she continues to run into a sexy celebrity historical writer who is researching the Savoy.
Cinnamon becomes entranced with Ada’s story, even as her personal struggles and past demons are coming to a head.
Both timelines were interesting and pulled me into the story to keep me reading and the ending was not what I was expecting but was very satisfying as well as a bit surprising. Cinnamon was a flawed character with terrible coping skills, and she was very immature, but there was also something compelling about her because her sister always believed the best of her. The sisters were forced to deal with many issues, and yet their love for each other always persisted. The historical fiction timeline about Ada’s life was extremely interesting. From famous and inventive mixologist to a not surprising ending, Ada, like most women of her time had her history written by men and that seems to never go well.
This is a compelling read with many interesting historical facts, historical people, and cocktail recipes interwoven throughout the story as well as being an emotional women’s fiction story of sisters.
October 28, 2025
The history part of this story about Ada Coleman I really enjoyed. I hadn't heard about Ada Coleman before and I found it interesting to learn more about her creations and experiences of being a woman bartender during a time in history where nothing was equal among men and women. The modern portion of the story including the main character, Cinnamon and her friend, Piper however tended to irritate me and I found myself not really caring much about their designer clothes or their future choices in general. I felt more invested in Cinnamon's sister, Rosemary and I think maybe if the story had been told from her point of view it would have held my interest more. The use of a few modern slang terms seemed thrown into conversations and didn't really seem to fit the setting/situation.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2025
A book about forgotten women of history? Sign me up! This one was so special. I always love niche subjects and unique takes on world events — even when they’re works of fiction that don’t necessarily mirror historical reality.
This story weaves together two timelines, and I honestly can’t decide which one I loved more: Cinnamon and Rosemary with their strong bond, or the fascinating bartending secrets behind The Savoy Cocktail Book. I loved it all.
I especially enjoyed the story of the two sisters and their resilience. Their family is proof that all it takes is standing up for one another and being there when it matters most.
I also adored the narrator — she did a wonderful job bringing the story to life!
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 4 stars
This story weaves together two timelines, and I honestly can’t decide which one I loved more: Cinnamon and Rosemary with their strong bond, or the fascinating bartending secrets behind The Savoy Cocktail Book. I loved it all.
I especially enjoyed the story of the two sisters and their resilience. Their family is proof that all it takes is standing up for one another and being there when it matters most.
I also adored the narrator — she did a wonderful job bringing the story to life!
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 4 stars
September 19, 2025
I thought this was a wonderfully charming debut that mixed historical fiction and women's fiction in creative ways. I could tell that the author has a theatrical and cocktail background in the ways her knowledge shines through the text to add color to the story.
This is a book that shines a spotlight on queer women who get erased from history. Cinnamon Scott is an heiress and failed writer who has drowned her grief over losing her parents to an airplane crash in party girl escapades. In the present day, she is on lockdown at the Savoy hotel in London as she helps out her pregnant sister, who is on bed rest. The names of the sisters, Cinnamon and Rosemary, were a little too precious, but I digress. It didn't bug me too much and their names were mocked frequently in the story.
In the meantime she learns about the storied history of the Savoy and all the colorful characters that made up the rich tapestry of the luxury hotel's history. She also bumps elbows with a celebrity historian who is writing a history of the hotel. I had to laugh at the notion of a sexy celebrity historian always with a hot bimbo on his arm, but I enjoyed their charming, sweet romance to the side of the main story.
Cinnamon finds herself down at the American Bar most nights, where she meets an older bartender working the midnight shift named Joe. At first I was afraid this was going to be a pocket universe or time travel book and I'm glad it didn't go there. The mysterious Joe, who only appears when the bar is empty except for Cinnamon, regales her with stories from the Savoy's past and in particular, a firecracker trailblazer of a bartender named Ada Coleman who invented famous cocktails but never got the credit.
Ada's story is told in snippets that look back at her past exploits, interspersed with contemporary scenes, and the two protagonists both have similar struggles, as Cinnamon is also facing the drama of her creative work being stolen by a man.
At times I wished this book went a little deeper into these characters, showed them as more complex. It was a little surface level. But overall I found this debut charming, unique and entertaining.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a book that shines a spotlight on queer women who get erased from history. Cinnamon Scott is an heiress and failed writer who has drowned her grief over losing her parents to an airplane crash in party girl escapades. In the present day, she is on lockdown at the Savoy hotel in London as she helps out her pregnant sister, who is on bed rest. The names of the sisters, Cinnamon and Rosemary, were a little too precious, but I digress. It didn't bug me too much and their names were mocked frequently in the story.
In the meantime she learns about the storied history of the Savoy and all the colorful characters that made up the rich tapestry of the luxury hotel's history. She also bumps elbows with a celebrity historian who is writing a history of the hotel. I had to laugh at the notion of a sexy celebrity historian always with a hot bimbo on his arm, but I enjoyed their charming, sweet romance to the side of the main story.
Cinnamon finds herself down at the American Bar most nights, where she meets an older bartender working the midnight shift named Joe. At first I was afraid this was going to be a pocket universe or time travel book and I'm glad it didn't go there. The mysterious Joe, who only appears when the bar is empty except for Cinnamon, regales her with stories from the Savoy's past and in particular, a firecracker trailblazer of a bartender named Ada Coleman who invented famous cocktails but never got the credit.
Ada's story is told in snippets that look back at her past exploits, interspersed with contemporary scenes, and the two protagonists both have similar struggles, as Cinnamon is also facing the drama of her creative work being stolen by a man.
At times I wished this book went a little deeper into these characters, showed them as more complex. It was a little surface level. But overall I found this debut charming, unique and entertaining.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
Last Call at the Savoy
4/5 stars ⭐️
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Author: Brisa Carleton
ALC Publisher: Hachette Audio
Narrator: Christine Lakin
The audiobook narrator truly brought Cinnamon and her story to life! Spoken with such conviction and clarity, Cinnamon’s connection to Ada is truly felt by the listener and she really brings Cinnamon’s spunk and quirkiness alive!
A fun historical fiction novel that focuses on Cinnamon, a quirky history enthusiast and writer who is staying at the Savoy while accompanying her pregnant sister on her travels who is simultaneously recovering from a physical injury. While staying at the Savoy, Cinnamon discovers a female bartender Ada Coleman who invented all the famous drinks at their establishment but was erased and replaced by the usual “straight white man” in the history books. Harnessing her love for history and writing, Cinnamon makes it her mission to research the history of the Savoy and write Anna Coleman back into history.
While doing so, she crosses path with a famous British history writer Kit Clarke who she herself also adores, having read all his work during her studies. Always playing up the character of the “lost party girl,” Kit sees past this facade and recognizes her true identity- the intelligent writer and historian Cinnamon is.
No longer able to hide her true self, Kit is forced to face the difficult memories associated with the last time she worked as a writer. She’s faced with a choice: continue to run from her true self to avoid facing the traumatic memories, but lose Kit in the process (the only man who she’s ever connected with at a deeper level)? Or face her past and become her true self, but work through her difficult emotions with Kit at her side?
Huge thank you to #NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinion expressed are my own.
Last Call at the Savoy is an absolute delightful read that mixes historical fiction with romance and deeper questions of identity!
4/5 stars ⭐️
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Author: Brisa Carleton
ALC Publisher: Hachette Audio
Narrator: Christine Lakin
The audiobook narrator truly brought Cinnamon and her story to life! Spoken with such conviction and clarity, Cinnamon’s connection to Ada is truly felt by the listener and she really brings Cinnamon’s spunk and quirkiness alive!
A fun historical fiction novel that focuses on Cinnamon, a quirky history enthusiast and writer who is staying at the Savoy while accompanying her pregnant sister on her travels who is simultaneously recovering from a physical injury. While staying at the Savoy, Cinnamon discovers a female bartender Ada Coleman who invented all the famous drinks at their establishment but was erased and replaced by the usual “straight white man” in the history books. Harnessing her love for history and writing, Cinnamon makes it her mission to research the history of the Savoy and write Anna Coleman back into history.
While doing so, she crosses path with a famous British history writer Kit Clarke who she herself also adores, having read all his work during her studies. Always playing up the character of the “lost party girl,” Kit sees past this facade and recognizes her true identity- the intelligent writer and historian Cinnamon is.
No longer able to hide her true self, Kit is forced to face the difficult memories associated with the last time she worked as a writer. She’s faced with a choice: continue to run from her true self to avoid facing the traumatic memories, but lose Kit in the process (the only man who she’s ever connected with at a deeper level)? Or face her past and become her true self, but work through her difficult emotions with Kit at her side?
Huge thank you to #NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinion expressed are my own.
Last Call at the Savoy is an absolute delightful read that mixes historical fiction with romance and deeper questions of identity!
March 2, 2026
it was giving … empty ? like quick easy read not too bad but also … not a lot ?
October 25, 2025
OK. I just have to say that this one was really special!
Cinnamon (no, not kidding, that’s her name) and her sister Rosemary have been very close, forever. They lost their parents several years ago…and Rosie pretty much acted as Mom and Dad for Cinnamon.
But, now they’re all grown up!
Rosie is in London and is a big shot lawyer. She is very pregnant with twins! When her doctor places her on bed rest due to complications, Cinnamon runs right over to help her out… from NYC. Apparently their parents left them a lot of money when they died… and Cinnamon has been using it all on drinks… to numb her pain. But it doesn’t seem to help…
Cinnamon HAD a promising career as a writer before her parents died… but since then she’s lost her way.
BUT, while in London, living at the Savoy with her sister, she goes to the American Bar in the hotel every night when sis goes to sleep. There she meets a famous writer who actually intrigues her AND sparks something inside!
Also, she meets Joe, the late night bartender, who shares stories of the famous first female bartender, Ada, at the Savoy many moons ago…. He tells tales of the ‘Drinks Book’ that she created all these amazing cocktails in… but for some reason, her name is not listed as the creator.
More and more things are bothering Cinnamon about Ada’s story… so she keeps going back to speak to Joe.
And of course, don’t forget about her sister and the twins!!
This was a fabulous story!! But it was also heartbreaking in so many ways…. So many realistic events. A lot of sad stories. But then, we have family…. And love… and friendships… and so… much… more!
And the twists that come will have your head spinning… 😵💫 but in such a GOOD way!
Absolutely adored this one!
All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#LastCallAtTheSavoy by @BrisaCarleton and narrated beautifully by @ChristineLakin (who is one of my favorites!)
This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HachetteAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Cinnamon (no, not kidding, that’s her name) and her sister Rosemary have been very close, forever. They lost their parents several years ago…and Rosie pretty much acted as Mom and Dad for Cinnamon.
But, now they’re all grown up!
Rosie is in London and is a big shot lawyer. She is very pregnant with twins! When her doctor places her on bed rest due to complications, Cinnamon runs right over to help her out… from NYC. Apparently their parents left them a lot of money when they died… and Cinnamon has been using it all on drinks… to numb her pain. But it doesn’t seem to help…
Cinnamon HAD a promising career as a writer before her parents died… but since then she’s lost her way.
BUT, while in London, living at the Savoy with her sister, she goes to the American Bar in the hotel every night when sis goes to sleep. There she meets a famous writer who actually intrigues her AND sparks something inside!
Also, she meets Joe, the late night bartender, who shares stories of the famous first female bartender, Ada, at the Savoy many moons ago…. He tells tales of the ‘Drinks Book’ that she created all these amazing cocktails in… but for some reason, her name is not listed as the creator.
More and more things are bothering Cinnamon about Ada’s story… so she keeps going back to speak to Joe.
And of course, don’t forget about her sister and the twins!!
This was a fabulous story!! But it was also heartbreaking in so many ways…. So many realistic events. A lot of sad stories. But then, we have family…. And love… and friendships… and so… much… more!
And the twists that come will have your head spinning… 😵💫 but in such a GOOD way!
Absolutely adored this one!
All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#LastCallAtTheSavoy by @BrisaCarleton and narrated beautifully by @ChristineLakin (who is one of my favorites!)
This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HachetteAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 23, 2025
Overview
Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, Last Call at the Savoy by Brisa Carleton is a heartfelt, glamorous novel about grief, sisterhood, and rediscovering one’s passion — all served with a twist of history and a splash of gin.
This is a book that sparkles with charm, whisking readers into a world where old secrets, forgotten women, and second chances intertwine beneath chandeliers and cocktail shakers.
🍹 The Story
Cinnamon Scott’s life has come to a standstill after the loss of her parents and the unraveling of her once-promising writing career. When her sister Rosemary — pregnant and on bed rest — invites her to stay at London’s luxurious Savoy Hotel, Cinnamon reluctantly accepts.
At the Savoy, she learns about Ada Coleman, the real-life early 20th-century head bartender who made history at the hotel’s American Bar. Intrigued by Ada’s overlooked legacy, Cinnamon starts to dig into her story — and in the process, uncovers her own reason to write again.
Between sisterly bonds, new romance, and the art of storytelling itself, Last Call at the Savoy reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite our own narrative.
🌷 What I Loved
✨ The Setting
The Savoy leaps off the page — the polished marble floors, the soft glow of the bar, the quiet hum of history lingering in every corner. Carleton captures that rare blend of nostalgia and modern elegance, making the hotel feel like both a haven and a character in its own right.
💞 The Heart of the Story
Cinnamon’s emotional arc is deeply relatable. Her journey through loss, creative burnout, and renewal feels authentic and hopeful. The parallels between her story and Ada Coleman’s bring extra depth and a touch of historical intrigue.
👯 The Sisterhood
While the romance adds warmth, the sisterly relationship between Cinnamon and Rosemary is what really grounds the novel. Their dynamic — loving but imperfect — gives the story a genuine emotional anchor.
☕ Minor Quibbles
Some plot points resolve a bit too conveniently, and a few secondary characters feel more decorative than developed. The pacing leans cinematic — fast and engaging, but occasionally at the expense of depth. Still, these are small trade-offs for such a lush, enjoyable read.
🍸 Final Thoughts
If you love novels that mix history, glamour, and personal growth — think The Paris Library, The Chelsea Girls, or Hotel Portofino — Last Call at the Savoy will be right up your alley. It’s a celebration of storytelling, sisterhood, and the forgotten women who shaped history behind the scenes. Pour yourself a cocktail (preferably Ada Coleman’s legendary Hanky Panky) and enjoy this charming, uplifting read.
Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, Last Call at the Savoy by Brisa Carleton is a heartfelt, glamorous novel about grief, sisterhood, and rediscovering one’s passion — all served with a twist of history and a splash of gin.
This is a book that sparkles with charm, whisking readers into a world where old secrets, forgotten women, and second chances intertwine beneath chandeliers and cocktail shakers.
🍹 The Story
Cinnamon Scott’s life has come to a standstill after the loss of her parents and the unraveling of her once-promising writing career. When her sister Rosemary — pregnant and on bed rest — invites her to stay at London’s luxurious Savoy Hotel, Cinnamon reluctantly accepts.
At the Savoy, she learns about Ada Coleman, the real-life early 20th-century head bartender who made history at the hotel’s American Bar. Intrigued by Ada’s overlooked legacy, Cinnamon starts to dig into her story — and in the process, uncovers her own reason to write again.
Between sisterly bonds, new romance, and the art of storytelling itself, Last Call at the Savoy reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite our own narrative.
🌷 What I Loved
✨ The Setting
The Savoy leaps off the page — the polished marble floors, the soft glow of the bar, the quiet hum of history lingering in every corner. Carleton captures that rare blend of nostalgia and modern elegance, making the hotel feel like both a haven and a character in its own right.
💞 The Heart of the Story
Cinnamon’s emotional arc is deeply relatable. Her journey through loss, creative burnout, and renewal feels authentic and hopeful. The parallels between her story and Ada Coleman’s bring extra depth and a touch of historical intrigue.
👯 The Sisterhood
While the romance adds warmth, the sisterly relationship between Cinnamon and Rosemary is what really grounds the novel. Their dynamic — loving but imperfect — gives the story a genuine emotional anchor.
☕ Minor Quibbles
Some plot points resolve a bit too conveniently, and a few secondary characters feel more decorative than developed. The pacing leans cinematic — fast and engaging, but occasionally at the expense of depth. Still, these are small trade-offs for such a lush, enjoyable read.
🍸 Final Thoughts
If you love novels that mix history, glamour, and personal growth — think The Paris Library, The Chelsea Girls, or Hotel Portofino — Last Call at the Savoy will be right up your alley. It’s a celebration of storytelling, sisterhood, and the forgotten women who shaped history behind the scenes. Pour yourself a cocktail (preferably Ada Coleman’s legendary Hanky Panky) and enjoy this charming, uplifting read.
December 1, 2025
Last Call at the Savoy completely swept me away. I loved learning about this time period, the history of The Savoy hotel, and especially the bartender & cocktail genius Ada Coleman and her legacy. Every time a historical detail popped up I found myself going down a rabbit hole to learn more (I mean… Gucci started as a bellhop at The Savoy?!).
The present-day storyline was just as compelling. Cinnamon is a wonderfully flawed character, navigating unresolved grief and leaning too heavily on alcohol to cope. Her bond with her sister- who’s on bedrest waiting to deliver twins- is complicated, loyal, and incredibly close, and those scenes ended up being some of my favourites.
Both timelines shine, and together they create a thoughtful, atmospheric story about legacy, loss, resilience, and rewriting history. I loved this one.
The present-day storyline was just as compelling. Cinnamon is a wonderfully flawed character, navigating unresolved grief and leaning too heavily on alcohol to cope. Her bond with her sister- who’s on bedrest waiting to deliver twins- is complicated, loyal, and incredibly close, and those scenes ended up being some of my favourites.
Both timelines shine, and together they create a thoughtful, atmospheric story about legacy, loss, resilience, and rewriting history. I loved this one.
December 18, 2025
This was a fun read with some history of The Savoy hotel in London thrown in. It also focuses on some writers. Cinnamon is called from NYC to stay at the Savoy in London while her lawyer sister waits out her final month of pregnancy with twins on bed rest. Cinnamon learns some stories about the hotel while visiting the bar each night. Lots of drama thrown in including the birth of twin girls.
March 24, 2026
*3.5 stars ✨
October 19, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up.
We get it — the main character is rich. The nonstop designer references got old fast. And while I usually enjoy a flawed protagonist, Cinnamon (a cutesy name that I suspect was meant to make her charming but ended up just being odd in this particular book) was more grating than compelling.
We get it — the main character is rich. The nonstop designer references got old fast. And while I usually enjoy a flawed protagonist, Cinnamon (a cutesy name that I suspect was meant to make her charming but ended up just being odd in this particular book) was more grating than compelling.
May 5, 2025
Cinnamon Scott is well on her way to being a member of the literati when she is suddenly derailed by a tragic accident and heartbreaking betrayal. Years later she’s coasting through life in an endless stream of parties and cocktails until duty calls. Her pregnant sister summons her from New York to London to help her through bedrest and they settle into the Savoy.
This book was fascinating with its historic details and lush descriptions of the people and decor within the world famous hotel. I’ve stared up at the entrance to the hotel more than once on holiday and wondered what it was like inside and Carleton offers us a glimpse.
Carleton weaves together a riveting tale of messy lives and forgotten personas. It held my attention to the very last page. It paid homage to the cocktails that made the American bar famous, giving a taste of a forgotten time.
Taste being the operative word though. The book only gives a taste of Ada’s story. She appears fully formed and disappears after a few witty vignettes. We only get a taste of Cinnamon’s journey towards healing. She’s broken one moment and stable in the next. We have only a taste of Rosie. How did she end up with Everett? How did she come to terms with a completely new life than the one she expected? We get a taste of Kit. He appears almost one dimensional and never fully gets fleshed out. What was his life like when he wasn’t wandering the halls looking for Cinnamon? And we get only a taste of Joe. Which honestly is perfect. Like a good drink we savor and then finish, the taste we get of Joe is exactly as it should be.
This book had intriguing stories and at times they outshine the characters they belong to but that’s what makes it a great book in my opinion. I do wish we had more to go on but it wrapped up in a way that most of the stories felt complete. This is the kind of book you keep on your shelf and pull out every year for a comfortable reread or that sends you down a rabbit hole of checking out hotel history. Or the kind of book you read with a good drink.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was fascinating with its historic details and lush descriptions of the people and decor within the world famous hotel. I’ve stared up at the entrance to the hotel more than once on holiday and wondered what it was like inside and Carleton offers us a glimpse.
Carleton weaves together a riveting tale of messy lives and forgotten personas. It held my attention to the very last page. It paid homage to the cocktails that made the American bar famous, giving a taste of a forgotten time.
Taste being the operative word though. The book only gives a taste of Ada’s story. She appears fully formed and disappears after a few witty vignettes. We only get a taste of Cinnamon’s journey towards healing. She’s broken one moment and stable in the next. We have only a taste of Rosie. How did she end up with Everett? How did she come to terms with a completely new life than the one she expected? We get a taste of Kit. He appears almost one dimensional and never fully gets fleshed out. What was his life like when he wasn’t wandering the halls looking for Cinnamon? And we get only a taste of Joe. Which honestly is perfect. Like a good drink we savor and then finish, the taste we get of Joe is exactly as it should be.
This book had intriguing stories and at times they outshine the characters they belong to but that’s what makes it a great book in my opinion. I do wish we had more to go on but it wrapped up in a way that most of the stories felt complete. This is the kind of book you keep on your shelf and pull out every year for a comfortable reread or that sends you down a rabbit hole of checking out hotel history. Or the kind of book you read with a good drink.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
I wish I had a better rating for this book for the time it took to get through it but it was so cringy. The only interesting part was the female bartender story. You go into it and think it’ll be a little saucy and some character development but no. There’s no spice even though there’s a lot of build up, the main character seems to hate kids but decides to stay for her sister anyways (don’t think you can just stay in England to babysit), and her alcohol problem is never really dealt with. Also the ghost bartender doesn’t make sense at all, is she drunk hallucinating? Overall it felt surface level across the board with me as a reader, hoping and grasping for a crumb of interest. TLDR: There may be hanky pankys in this book, but the plot is dry of substance and spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
“Historical Fiction”
No.
No.
January 9, 2026
You learn something every day from books an interesting read
November 10, 2025
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for my #gifted finished copy and thank you Hachette Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Last Call at the Savoy! #GrandCentralPublishing #GrandCentralPub #hachetteaudio #LastCallAtTheSavoy #BrisaCarleton #ChristineLakin
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
4★
Last Call at the Savoy is a wonderful novel that effortlessly intertwines the stories of present day Cinnamon Scott as she faces her troubled past and uncovers the history of Ada Coleman, the first female bartender who was erased from the history books. I really enjoyed Cinnamon’s character as we learned about her past and personal struggles. I loved how the author told this story and while I thought it would have more of a focus in the past, I really like how it all unfolded. It is largely focused in the present day, and I actually liked how the author took that approach, which is different than most historical fiction novels. Ada Coleman’s story was so interesting and I loved learning more about her. In the process, I loved seeing the growth in Cinnamon as she stood up for herself and Ada’s story too.
There’s a lot to love about this book. It blends historical fiction with a hint of romance and a powerful feminist message. Best of all, it will leave you with a smile on your face. This is one you will want to pick up with a cocktail (or mocktail)!
🎧The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Christine Lakin. Listening to this reminded me why I love listening to audiobooks narrated by Lakin. It was flawless! Once I started, I couldn’t stop listening because she just takes the reader to a whole new world and it’s all so effortless. I loved this one on audio and I would definitely recommend this one on audio!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
4★
Last Call at the Savoy is a wonderful novel that effortlessly intertwines the stories of present day Cinnamon Scott as she faces her troubled past and uncovers the history of Ada Coleman, the first female bartender who was erased from the history books. I really enjoyed Cinnamon’s character as we learned about her past and personal struggles. I loved how the author told this story and while I thought it would have more of a focus in the past, I really like how it all unfolded. It is largely focused in the present day, and I actually liked how the author took that approach, which is different than most historical fiction novels. Ada Coleman’s story was so interesting and I loved learning more about her. In the process, I loved seeing the growth in Cinnamon as she stood up for herself and Ada’s story too.
There’s a lot to love about this book. It blends historical fiction with a hint of romance and a powerful feminist message. Best of all, it will leave you with a smile on your face. This is one you will want to pick up with a cocktail (or mocktail)!
🎧The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Christine Lakin. Listening to this reminded me why I love listening to audiobooks narrated by Lakin. It was flawless! Once I started, I couldn’t stop listening because she just takes the reader to a whole new world and it’s all so effortless. I loved this one on audio and I would definitely recommend this one on audio!
October 25, 2025
This novel is about Cinnamon, a woman in her 20s who is stuck in her life. Then her older sister, who is pregnant with twins, asks her to come stay with her in London where she’s just been put on bedrest - and where they are staying at the Savoy Hotel while her sister’s apartment is under construction. While there, Cinnamon becomes fascinated by the story of Ada Coleman, a female bartender who worked at the Savoy in the 1920s and invented many famous cocktails - but had become forgotten to history. And just maybe Cinnamon will also figure out a way to move past the difficult things in her past that have left her stuck in life - and maybe find a little romance along the way too.
I initially assumed this would be historical fiction or dual timeline, but it really is about 90% set in the present, with just little scenes about Ada as Cinnamon hears about her. I wouldn’t have minded more of the history, but luckily the present day storyline was good! Cinnamon was definitely frustrating early on, but I understood why she was acting that way and was rooting for her to grow up and figure herself out, and loved following her journey. And the Savoy Hotel was such a fun setting - I’ve never been but now I really want to go! Really enjoyed this debut and look forward to seeing what Brisa Carleton writes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 11/4/25); all opinions are my own.
I initially assumed this would be historical fiction or dual timeline, but it really is about 90% set in the present, with just little scenes about Ada as Cinnamon hears about her. I wouldn’t have minded more of the history, but luckily the present day storyline was good! Cinnamon was definitely frustrating early on, but I understood why she was acting that way and was rooting for her to grow up and figure herself out, and loved following her journey. And the Savoy Hotel was such a fun setting - I’ve never been but now I really want to go! Really enjoyed this debut and look forward to seeing what Brisa Carleton writes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 11/4/25); all opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
Optimistic, informative, and sincere!
𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘 is a tender, insightful tale that takes you into the life of Cinnamon, a young woman who is struggling with her grief and self-identity until a trip to the Savoy Hotel to help her sister sparks her imagination and causes her to reevaluate her guilt, choices, and decisions for the past six years since she lost her parents in a tragic accident and she gave up her dream of becoming a writer.
The writing is genuine and sweet. The characters are damaged, heartbroken, and disillusioned with the setting, the Savoy Hotel, being a character itself with its rich history, traditions, glamour, and secrets. And the plot is a touching blend of life, love, grief, guilt, nostalgia, drama, introspection, friendship, special moments, sisterhood, healing, moving on, and second chances.
Overall, 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘 is a layered, astute, compelling debut by Carleton that does a fabulous job of reminding us to always try to remember and acknowledge all those remarkable, pioneering women whose lives and contributions are often unknown, overlooked, or, unfortunately, long forgotten.
𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘 is a tender, insightful tale that takes you into the life of Cinnamon, a young woman who is struggling with her grief and self-identity until a trip to the Savoy Hotel to help her sister sparks her imagination and causes her to reevaluate her guilt, choices, and decisions for the past six years since she lost her parents in a tragic accident and she gave up her dream of becoming a writer.
The writing is genuine and sweet. The characters are damaged, heartbroken, and disillusioned with the setting, the Savoy Hotel, being a character itself with its rich history, traditions, glamour, and secrets. And the plot is a touching blend of life, love, grief, guilt, nostalgia, drama, introspection, friendship, special moments, sisterhood, healing, moving on, and second chances.
Overall, 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘 is a layered, astute, compelling debut by Carleton that does a fabulous job of reminding us to always try to remember and acknowledge all those remarkable, pioneering women whose lives and contributions are often unknown, overlooked, or, unfortunately, long forgotten.
September 6, 2025
“Last Call at the Savoy” is a very entertaining debut novel by Brisa Carleton. The story has some historical elements about the iconic Savoy Hotel in London, but is much more of a glitzy and bittersweet family drama. The premise revolves around a young woman who is an up and coming author who becomes totally derailed by her parents sudden and tragic death. As she spirals into the world of wild parties, cocktails and excess funded by a huge inheritance, she is summoned to London to help her sister who is forced into full bed rest because of her pregnancy with twins.
Now living in London at the Savoy Hotel caring for her sister, she becomes enchanted with the hotel’s legendary history, specially around the pioneering female bartender whose legacy is completely forgotten. As she obsesses over this woman’s story we are given a glimpse of the opulence of this iconic hotel at its heyday, as well as insight into this woman’s complex journey to tackle her demons.
I found this to be a quick and enjoyable story, but wished there was more details about the history of the female bartender and the numerous famous patrons of the American Bar at the Savoy.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2026
This charming debut novel is a clever weaving of contemporary and historical women's fiction. Cinnamon's life is stalled when her parents died while she was in college and she lost her way. Cinnamon was a fine writer until a generous trust fund from her parents temporarily soothed her grief or so she believed while turning her into a notorious NYC party girl. Cinnamon goes to London at the request of her sister Rosemary, an attorney, who is living at the Savoy Hotel on bed rest awaiting the arrival of her twins. Suffering from loss and the challenge of growing up simultaneously is a theme mentioned in this book that definitely affected Cinnamon. Rosemary was older and handled their parents death as best she could but Cinnamon never came to terms with the tragedy. Joe, a bartender at the Savoy, regales Cinnamon with tales of the hotel's first female bartender, Ada Coleman, who invented numerous delectable sounding cocktails and served the likes of Winston Churchill and Mark Twain. Joe' stories and Rosemary's guidance restore Cinnamon's confidence is her writing ability. Cinnamon is outraged that Ada's life story has been neglected and she is inspired to write again focusing Ada's place in history. I very much enjoyed this clever story. Brisa Carleton writes with wit and style and I'm on board for her next book.
March 15, 2026
Thank You to Goodreads for a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved everything about this book, from the setting, the characters, and the historical reference to The Savoy.
Cinnamon and Rosie, two sisters who lost their parents and have dealt with the grief in different ways. Now Rosie has been told by her doctor that the rest of her pregnancy will be bed rest and she is relaying on Cinnamon to look after her. This time allows Cinnamon to re-evaluate the way she has dealt with her grief and to create a new future. She becomes interested in the history of The Savoy and discovers that one of the first female bartenders worked in its bar.
This story will make you cry, cheer and fall in love with the characters. You will get a touch of history and perhaps a little romance. You will live through all their ups and downs, becoming emotional invested.
Great read and am looking forward to more books by Brisa Carleton.
I loved everything about this book, from the setting, the characters, and the historical reference to The Savoy.
Cinnamon and Rosie, two sisters who lost their parents and have dealt with the grief in different ways. Now Rosie has been told by her doctor that the rest of her pregnancy will be bed rest and she is relaying on Cinnamon to look after her. This time allows Cinnamon to re-evaluate the way she has dealt with her grief and to create a new future. She becomes interested in the history of The Savoy and discovers that one of the first female bartenders worked in its bar.
This story will make you cry, cheer and fall in love with the characters. You will get a touch of history and perhaps a little romance. You will live through all their ups and downs, becoming emotional invested.
Great read and am looking forward to more books by Brisa Carleton.
November 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC of this audiobook.
The narrator was fantastic!
I found the constant reference to how rich the characters were to be a tad unnecessary. Rosemary was unnecessarily rude, Cinnamon was an embarrassment and insanely vapid. I just wished every time she complained, that she's just grow up and be an adult and get over her shit.
I felt like there were a lot of stories within this book and that it could go in a number of different directions.
The narrator was fantastic!
I found the constant reference to how rich the characters were to be a tad unnecessary. Rosemary was unnecessarily rude, Cinnamon was an embarrassment and insanely vapid. I just wished every time she complained, that she's just grow up and be an adult and get over her shit.
I felt like there were a lot of stories within this book and that it could go in a number of different directions.
December 13, 2025
Cinnamon uses partying to cover her grief and pain. When her sister goes on bed rest, she steps in to take care of her at the famous Savoy Hotel. While there she learns the story of Ada - a female bartender there from the early 1900’s. As Cinnamon learns her story, she also learns more about herself. Such a great story of grief and redemption. Love and loss. #bookstagram #bookreview #loveyourlibrary #readersgonnaread #booknerd #lastcallatthesavoy #pagesandprimrose
March 17, 2026
I have been to the American Bar and The Savoy, so it was extra fun to read while picturing the bar/hotel and have the story come to life. Loosely based historical fiction brought to life by intertwining stories Cinnamon & Ada.
December 13, 2025
Stunning debut!!!
February 9, 2026
3.5🌟
It may have been intentional to overuse the word “literally”, as many times as she did, but it drove me to distraction.
It may have been intentional to overuse the word “literally”, as many times as she did, but it drove me to distraction.
January 29, 2026
3.5 Some of the characters’ story lines were more interesting than others. A nice palate cleanser
February 16, 2026
I was disappointed by this book. The history that was included was sparse and I felt the writing was lackluster. I felt the story was predictable and therefore insulting to my intelligence.
November 15, 2025
Loved this debut! Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway. Interesting story that I knew nothing about and wanted to know more and more as I continued reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews