Whispers of Her Worth: A Hotel Hamilton Novel

by Tanya E. Williams

In an era determined to silence women, two sisters must decide what it means to be truly seen.

Vancouver, 1928. Change is sweeping across Canada as the courts prepare to decide whether women are to be recognized as “persons” under the law. Inside the gilded walls of The Hotel Hamilton, Clara and Louisa Wilson grapple with questions of love, ambition, and the roles they are expected to play—decisions that could alter the course of their lives as profoundly as the verdict unfolding in court.

For Clara, The Hotel Hamilton has always been both a responsibility and a refuge. But as she steps into the role of temporary hotel matron, she finds herself torn between the value she discovers in her work and the life she might forfeit if she chooses marriage—convinced she cannot have both.

Louisa, never one to remain silent, divides her days between her duties as a maid and a flourishing career on stage. After months of captivating audiences, her sights are set on Hollywood. But when a new director reduces women to mere ornaments in his productions, Louisa must summon the courage to speak out and trust her own talent to carry her forward—or risk losing the future she has fought to claim.

As the Wilson sisters wrestle with loyalty, love, and the pursuit of independence, the ripples of the Persons Case echo through their lives, compelling them to Who decides a woman’s worth? And how far will they go to seize it?

Sweeping in history and rich with emotion, Whispers of Her Worth is a powerful story of sisterhood, resilience, and quiet defiance. Perfect for readers of Hazel Gaynor, Heather Marshall, and Susan Meissner, this unforgettable chapter of The Hotel Hamilton Series will immerse you in its world and echo in your heart long after the final page.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

A writer from a young age, Tanya E Williams loves to help a reader get lost in another time, another place through the magic of books. History continues to inspire her stories and her insightful view into the human condition deepens her character's experiences and propels them on their journey. Ms. Williams' favorite tales, speak to the reader's heart, making them smile, laugh, cry, and think.

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Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the midst of day to day life Canadian women await a verdict on the Persons Case. Is a woman a person? Can a woman be appointed to the Senate? In practical purposes can women be married and work? Can they keep and handle their own finances? Can they open a bank account? When a woman got married ‘if she was allowed to continue to work’ her future husband came into her place of employment to fill out paperwork so her check would go to him.

I absolutely loved this book start to finish. Clara and Louisa have come so far in personal growth and that progress is evident in this book. While Clara still struggles to find her confidence I found her taking hold more quickly when she is asked to be temporary matron while Ms. Thompson recovers from an illness. Clara’s growth shows in her job and as a person with the ability to express her thoughts and sense of her value in her own right. Her maturity of thought in what kind of life she wants and whether she can have that with William or not. That she isn’t just settling for whatever comes.

Louisa, though still headstrong and ambitious, has learned to rein herself in so that these traits work for her and others. She has expanded into someone who is motivated to stand with others and reach for her dreams while helping others see they are able to do the same. She is more aware of others it seemed and working smart to reach her goals. Louisa establishes the Resistance Red Brigade amongst the hotel maids to stand in solidarity with women awaiting the verdict on the Persons Case. You will love the surprise secret unveiled toward the end of the book.

[Lynn Maniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerfully emotional story that continues the lives of two sisters who work as maids at a prestigious hotel.
Both sisters desire careers that will take them a step above other women during a time when women were considered "nothings" who were only suited to marriage and motherhood. The struggles they encountered and courageously triumphed over made me cheer for them! This is a "not to miss" book!

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Her Worth addresses a little known piece of Canadian legislation that determined for a short while that women were essentially not considered people. I'll be honest, the first half I was a little leery that it was going to steer into deeply feminist territory and not the good kind, but the second half dismissed all my fears. Ultimately I found a story that addressed many important women's roles from wanting a family to having a career to finding a way to do both. Although the two main characters, Louisa and Clara, were literally in service roles as maids, they also discovered, through the other women - and men - in their lives, that there are many important types of service right within your own small circle. No act, if done with great love, is too small. I loved how both Clara and Louisa found a way to be with the men they loved, follow their dreams, and still be feminine while doing it.

I would recommend reading at least the book previous to this one before reading Whispers of Her Worth as there are several ongoing storylines.

*I was a beta reader for this novel and received a free copy, but I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.*

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Whispers of Her Worth
A Novel Written By Tanya E. Williams
Historical Fiction
Published October 2025
281 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fourth book in the author’s Hotel Hamilton Series. Each book in the series is well written and well researched. The Hotel Hamilton is located in Vancouver Canada.

Set in 1928, this book continues the story of sisters, Clara and Louisa Wilson. The two sisters are maids working at the Hotel Hamilton. Both women have grown and become independent working women. Louisa is also an actress and has dreams of Hollywood. Clara is given an unexpected temporary promotion as a hotel matron.

This is a troubling time for women in Canada. The Supreme Court has ruled that women are not qualified people. Women are faced with the difficult choice of choosing between a career or marriage. Is it possible to be a working wife and keep your independence? This book reveals challenges women faced in 1928.

“….. men and women are different, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be equal.”

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Tanya E. Williams, and this does not disappoint; this is part of The Hotel Hamilton series. It is 1928 and the Wilson sisters; Clara and Louisa, are both maids at The Hotel Hamilton. Ms. Thompson the Hotel Matron falls ill and requests that Clara fill in for her until she returns. Clara finds being the temporary Hotel Matron overwhelming at first, but finds her rhythm. They hear on the radio about The Person's case; is a woman a person, not a person, no voice? Clara has a boyfriend, William; she learns to stand up for herself. Louisa is a maid, but is also has a flourishing career on stage. She dreams of going to Hollywood. As Papa marries Cookie, her wages are turned over to Papa. All this is part of The Person's case; who decides a woman's worth? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Tanya E. Williams!!!

[Nicky McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted story following the lives of two young women who struggle to answer the questions, “Where is my worth in this life? Where do I make a difference?”, in light of the 1928 Supreme Court of Canda’s decision stating that women are not persons under Canadian law. The author draws the reader in to the ups and downs of life as Clara and Louisa Wilson navigate careers and romantic relationships during this time in history. This novel brought back fond memories of my Grandmother’s stories about how her older sisters navigated this time in history.

[Maureen Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be sent a copy of this to read as an ARC. As usual, Tanya E Williams has included previously unknown (by me, at least), facts regarding Canada in the 1920’s. Her characters are very relatable, but I was quite disappointed when I reached the end of the book, as it seemed too many things had been ‘tied up’, therefore there wouldn’t be another book. Fortunately I was extremely happy to hear that Tanya has already started working on the next book in the series. Once again, another really enjoyable read

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of Her Worth by Tanya Williams is the fifth installment of the Hotel Hamilton series. While this can be read as a stand alone I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to read the series from the beginning.
This story continues the story of sisters Clara and Louisa. I have come to totally enjoy how Ms. Williams creates and transforms these two women. The whole narrative as well as the series centers on these women. The Wilson sisters are rich, deep, kind, loving and memorable. Throughout the story the reader becomes familiar with each sisters struggles as well as their aspirations.
This fifth installment takes place in Vancourver, Canada during the year 1928. Historically this was an extremely important time in Canadian history. Apparently the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women we not legally “persons”. Due to this ruling the sisters are each affected in their own way. This law has the Wilson sisters questioning their loyalties, their independence and the relationships they find themselves in. One of the amazing things about this story is how Ms. Williams makes Clara and Louisa so very realistic and relatable. You feel that you are their friend. You can feel yourself routing for them and supporting them when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Ms. Williams is a gifted writer. In Whispers of her Worth she brings to light the resilience of Canadian women during 1928. The historical detail is immersive and due in no small part to all the research Ms. Williams puts into each story. As with all Ms. Williams stories they will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Well done! I can’t wait to see what this writer has in store for us next.

[Linda Mumford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read following the Wilson sisters growing as people and as young woman making their way in the world. The story brings up factual events in history that make the story even more engaging. I very much enjoyed this read and highly recommend!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. Enjoyed reading about the workings of a hotel and what the matron's duties were. Read this book in one day.