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The Beautiful Strangers
A legendary hotel on the Pacific becomes a haven where dreams, love, and a beguiling mystery come alive.
1958. Kate Morgan, tethered to her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant, is looking for an escape. She gets her chance by honoring a cryptic plea from her grandfather: find the beautiful stranger. The search takes her to Hotel del Coronado, the beachfront landmark on the Southern California coast where filming is underway on the movie Some Like It Hot.
For a movie lover like Kate, it’s a fantasy come true. So is the offer of a position at the glamorous hotel. And a new romance is making her heart beat just as fast. But as sure as she is that the Coronado is her future, Kate discovers it’s also where the ghosts of the past have come to stay. Sixty years ago a guest died tragically, and she still haunts the hotel’s halls.
As the lives of two women—generations apart—intertwine, Kate’s courageous journey could change more than she ever imagined. And with the Coronado wending its way through her soul, she must follow her dreams…wherever they may lead.
1958. Kate Morgan, tethered to her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant, is looking for an escape. She gets her chance by honoring a cryptic plea from her grandfather: find the beautiful stranger. The search takes her to Hotel del Coronado, the beachfront landmark on the Southern California coast where filming is underway on the movie Some Like It Hot.
For a movie lover like Kate, it’s a fantasy come true. So is the offer of a position at the glamorous hotel. And a new romance is making her heart beat just as fast. But as sure as she is that the Coronado is her future, Kate discovers it’s also where the ghosts of the past have come to stay. Sixty years ago a guest died tragically, and she still haunts the hotel’s halls.
As the lives of two women—generations apart—intertwine, Kate’s courageous journey could change more than she ever imagined. And with the Coronado wending its way through her soul, she must follow her dreams…wherever they may lead.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
910 people are currently reading
5949 people want to read
About the author
Camille Di Maio
11 books1,221 followersCamille recently left an award-winning real estate career in San Antonio to become a full-time writer. Along with her husband of 27 years, she home schooled their four children - most of whom are now grown. She has a bucket list that is never-ending, and uses her adventures to inspire her writing. She's lived in Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California, and spends enough time in Hawai'i to feel like a local. She's traveled to four continents (so far), and met Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. She just about fainted when she had a chance to meet her musical idol, Paul McCartney, too. Camille studied political science in college, but found working on actual campaigns much more fun. She overdoses on goodies at farmers markets (justifying them by her support for local bakeries), and belts out Broadway tunes whenever the moment strikes. There's almost nothing she wouldn't try, so long as it does't involve heights, roller skates, or anything illegal.
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She appreciates you stopping by, and welcomes you to reach out and share a love of books!
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9G...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/camilledimaio.author
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/camil...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
March 12, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
Kate Morgan is a dreamer and feels there is more to life than just working at her parent's San Francisco restaurant. It is 1958 and when the grandfather that she adores encourages her to seek out " the beautiful stranger" at Hotel del Coronado. Deciding to take a risk, Kate pawns her grandmother's ring and heads out on the train. Although her adventure gets off to a rocky start, Kate soon meets Sean O'Donnell, an Irish-American that happens to be an employee of Hotel del Coronado. Soon Kate has a job and meets the cast of the film Some Like It Hot that is filming on location in the hotel. Surprisingly, Kate is told over and over again that she has the same name as the ghost that many believe still haunts the hotel. But what does this ghost have to do with Kate?
Well, I read this story in one sitting and while the p.o.v of the ghost unravelled the mystery quite early on, I was still very much captivated by Kate and her adventures. This is my third read by this author and there is something that always draws me into her novels. Partially, because of the those gorgeous book covers!
Kate Morgan is a dreamer and feels there is more to life than just working at her parent's San Francisco restaurant. It is 1958 and when the grandfather that she adores encourages her to seek out " the beautiful stranger" at Hotel del Coronado. Deciding to take a risk, Kate pawns her grandmother's ring and heads out on the train. Although her adventure gets off to a rocky start, Kate soon meets Sean O'Donnell, an Irish-American that happens to be an employee of Hotel del Coronado. Soon Kate has a job and meets the cast of the film Some Like It Hot that is filming on location in the hotel. Surprisingly, Kate is told over and over again that she has the same name as the ghost that many believe still haunts the hotel. But what does this ghost have to do with Kate?
Well, I read this story in one sitting and while the p.o.v of the ghost unravelled the mystery quite early on, I was still very much captivated by Kate and her adventures. This is my third read by this author and there is something that always draws me into her novels. Partially, because of the those gorgeous book covers!
April 3, 2019
The Beautiful Strangers is a historical fiction novel predominately set in the 1950s in California. Kate Morgan lives in San Francisco with her family but craves more. She is drawn to the lifestyle of Southern California with its beaches and Hollywood glamour. Her grandfather is growing old and suffers from dementia though Kate still gives him more credit than most people do. He tells Kate to find the beautiful stranger.
With encouragement from her grandfather, Kate decides to embark on this journey down south to Hotel del Coronado, and seek out answers to his request. She ends up working at the hotel and running into celebrities who lodge there while filming, including Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. These scenes were fine, but not my favorite.
There is a dual timeline at play in The Beautiful Strangers though Kate’s story is the primary one. It took me a little while to establish how the two stories intertwined, which was confirmed a little later in the book. There is an element of mystery in the story, but I would not classify the book as a “mystery”.
The Beautiful Strangers was a good story but didn’t blow me away. There were several predictable elements but I did enjoy the California setting and the timeframe of the story. I thought Kate was a likable main character too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With encouragement from her grandfather, Kate decides to embark on this journey down south to Hotel del Coronado, and seek out answers to his request. She ends up working at the hotel and running into celebrities who lodge there while filming, including Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. These scenes were fine, but not my favorite.
There is a dual timeline at play in The Beautiful Strangers though Kate’s story is the primary one. It took me a little while to establish how the two stories intertwined, which was confirmed a little later in the book. There is an element of mystery in the story, but I would not classify the book as a “mystery”.
The Beautiful Strangers was a good story but didn’t blow me away. There were several predictable elements but I did enjoy the California setting and the timeframe of the story. I thought Kate was a likable main character too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2019
The Beautiful Strangers is as delightful as a warm chocolate chip cookie
SUMMARY
The luxury beachfront Hotel Del Coronado becomes the mecca for two women sixty years apart. In 1928, a woman died tragically on the hotel steps leading to the beach and she still haunts the hotel today. Not many know her story. In 1958, Kate Morgan works in her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant and she’s looking for a way out. Kate’s grandfather, suffering from dementia, begs his granddaughter to go to San Diego and find “the beautiful stranger.” Kate, risking her family’s wrath makes the perilous and expensive journey. The search takes her to the hotel were filming is underway for the movie Some Like it Hot. For Kate, a movie lover, this is a dream come true. She is offered a position at the hotel and even finds romance along the way. Remembering her grandfather’s plea, Kate searches for the beautiful stranger and finds much more than she ever imagined.
REVIEW
A beautiful historical fiction story with a beautiful setting at the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado. The story was as delightful as a warm chocolate chip cookie. THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS is a just perfect blend of characters, setting and story. Everything fits.
I particularly loved the overlay of the stories of the two women at the hotel and the unique way author Camille Di Maio told the story. The portion of the story told by the beautiful stranger added great depth and value to the book. Di Maio’s writing was smooth and her descriptions were vivid. One of my favorite parts was when Kate first met Sean at the Coronado ferry. I think fell in love with Sean when he grabbed Kate’s hand on the ferry and took her to feed the seagulls. Just what she needed, what a guy!
Camille Di Maio lives in San Antonio, Texas and her other books include The Memory of Us (2016), Before the Rain Falls (2017) and The Way of Beauty (2018) Thanks to Netgalley, Camille Di Maio and Lake Union Publishing for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union Publishing
Published March 5, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
The luxury beachfront Hotel Del Coronado becomes the mecca for two women sixty years apart. In 1928, a woman died tragically on the hotel steps leading to the beach and she still haunts the hotel today. Not many know her story. In 1958, Kate Morgan works in her family’s failing San Francisco restaurant and she’s looking for a way out. Kate’s grandfather, suffering from dementia, begs his granddaughter to go to San Diego and find “the beautiful stranger.” Kate, risking her family’s wrath makes the perilous and expensive journey. The search takes her to the hotel were filming is underway for the movie Some Like it Hot. For Kate, a movie lover, this is a dream come true. She is offered a position at the hotel and even finds romance along the way. Remembering her grandfather’s plea, Kate searches for the beautiful stranger and finds much more than she ever imagined.
REVIEW
A beautiful historical fiction story with a beautiful setting at the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado. The story was as delightful as a warm chocolate chip cookie. THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS is a just perfect blend of characters, setting and story. Everything fits.
I particularly loved the overlay of the stories of the two women at the hotel and the unique way author Camille Di Maio told the story. The portion of the story told by the beautiful stranger added great depth and value to the book. Di Maio’s writing was smooth and her descriptions were vivid. One of my favorite parts was when Kate first met Sean at the Coronado ferry. I think fell in love with Sean when he grabbed Kate’s hand on the ferry and took her to feed the seagulls. Just what she needed, what a guy!
Camille Di Maio lives in San Antonio, Texas and her other books include The Memory of Us (2016), Before the Rain Falls (2017) and The Way of Beauty (2018) Thanks to Netgalley, Camille Di Maio and Lake Union Publishing for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union Publishing
Published March 5, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
March 5, 2019
Kate Morgan didn’t want to spend her entire life frying fish in her family’s restaurant so with her grandfather’s insistence, she sold her grandmother’s ring, took the money, and went to the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California, to work in the kitchen on a set for the movie SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Kate was anxious as she left and especially as she continued on her journey that none of her family knew she had taken. As she traveled, her suitcase was stolen, she was hungry, and she was not very presentable when she arrived.
When Kate arrived she is told there is a ghost that lived at Hotel Del Coronado in 1892 with the exact same name. When I heard this, the connection between the two Kates and the connection her grandfather was trying to remember must have had something to do with the Kate from 1892 and made THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS even more intriguing.
We find out as Kate Morgan from today and Kate Morgan from the past tell their story in alternating chapters and time periods as the story of who the beautiful stranger is becomes unraveled.
Camille Di Maio has written another beautiful, fantastic book with marvelous research.
Her beautiful prose and story line pull you in and keep you anxious for the characters and for information about the history of Kate's grandfather and his connection to San Diego and the Hotel Del Coronado.
Ms. Di Maio's descriptions of buildings, colors, landscapes, and simply everything made me feel as though I were there and wanting to be there.
I just loved the characters and both time periods....well...most of the characters. If you read the book or have read the book, you will know which character is very unlikable.
The story line is absolutely marvelous. We get taken onto a movie set, meet Marilyn Monroe and other actors, follow Kate on her journey and quest for information, and best of all enjoy another award-winning read by Camille Di Maio.
THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS has a marvelous dual-time story line as well as what historical fiction fans, movie buffs, and California fans are looking for.
DO NOT MISS reading this book. It is heartwarming, amazing, and an all-around gem. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kate was anxious as she left and especially as she continued on her journey that none of her family knew she had taken. As she traveled, her suitcase was stolen, she was hungry, and she was not very presentable when she arrived.
When Kate arrived she is told there is a ghost that lived at Hotel Del Coronado in 1892 with the exact same name. When I heard this, the connection between the two Kates and the connection her grandfather was trying to remember must have had something to do with the Kate from 1892 and made THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS even more intriguing.
We find out as Kate Morgan from today and Kate Morgan from the past tell their story in alternating chapters and time periods as the story of who the beautiful stranger is becomes unraveled.
Camille Di Maio has written another beautiful, fantastic book with marvelous research.
Her beautiful prose and story line pull you in and keep you anxious for the characters and for information about the history of Kate's grandfather and his connection to San Diego and the Hotel Del Coronado.
Ms. Di Maio's descriptions of buildings, colors, landscapes, and simply everything made me feel as though I were there and wanting to be there.
I just loved the characters and both time periods....well...most of the characters. If you read the book or have read the book, you will know which character is very unlikable.
The story line is absolutely marvelous. We get taken onto a movie set, meet Marilyn Monroe and other actors, follow Kate on her journey and quest for information, and best of all enjoy another award-winning read by Camille Di Maio.
THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS has a marvelous dual-time story line as well as what historical fiction fans, movie buffs, and California fans are looking for.
DO NOT MISS reading this book. It is heartwarming, amazing, and an all-around gem. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Beautiful Strangers is another amazing book from the talented Camille Di Maio!
What it's about: It is 1958 and Kate Morgan wants more for her life than working in her family's restaurant in San Francisco. So when her grandfather's failing health sends her on a search to find "the beautiful stranger," she finds herself pawning her grandmother's ring and setting off for the Hotel del Coronado. Some Like It Hot is being filmed when she arrives and she ends up being hired to cater to the stars, well one star in particular, Marilyn Monroe. While experiencing the glamour of Hollywood stars, she also manages to fall in love with a hotel employee plus finds out there is a ghost at the hotel that shares her name. Kate is following her dreams of bigger things, learning secrets from her grandfather's past, and experiencing so many other things in this fascinating tale of secrets, heartbreak, and love.
There are two POVs in The Beautiful Strangers, the ghost Kate Morgan and the young Kate Morgan, which was a really great way to bring two generations of stories together. I loved the story of the ghost (which is apparently partly true!), and I loved Kate Morgan's peek into Hollywood while finding her grandfather's 'beautiful stranger.' I was even starstruck reading some of the old Hollywood people's names! Sometimes the book gave me chills which was amazing.
Camille Di Maio's last book was a 5 star read for me, and while I didn't love this one quite as much, I still really enjoyed it. There is something about her writing that really draws me in, and the characters always seem to be very relatable. The romance aspect to the book was cute and I didn't mind it at all even though romance in books isn't always my favorite.
Final Thought: The main mystery ends up being unraveled fairly early in the novel for the most part, but the way the story unfolds and the other things that are happening kept me interested and wanting to find out more. It also felt like I was reading very quickly even though it still took me just over 5.5 hours to finish. I was thoroughly enjoying the storyline and reading slower to take in all in. Once again I cannot wait to see what Camille Di Maio comes up with next!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book!
The Beautiful Strangers is another amazing book from the talented Camille Di Maio!
What it's about: It is 1958 and Kate Morgan wants more for her life than working in her family's restaurant in San Francisco. So when her grandfather's failing health sends her on a search to find "the beautiful stranger," she finds herself pawning her grandmother's ring and setting off for the Hotel del Coronado. Some Like It Hot is being filmed when she arrives and she ends up being hired to cater to the stars, well one star in particular, Marilyn Monroe. While experiencing the glamour of Hollywood stars, she also manages to fall in love with a hotel employee plus finds out there is a ghost at the hotel that shares her name. Kate is following her dreams of bigger things, learning secrets from her grandfather's past, and experiencing so many other things in this fascinating tale of secrets, heartbreak, and love.
There are two POVs in The Beautiful Strangers, the ghost Kate Morgan and the young Kate Morgan, which was a really great way to bring two generations of stories together. I loved the story of the ghost (which is apparently partly true!), and I loved Kate Morgan's peek into Hollywood while finding her grandfather's 'beautiful stranger.' I was even starstruck reading some of the old Hollywood people's names! Sometimes the book gave me chills which was amazing.
Camille Di Maio's last book was a 5 star read for me, and while I didn't love this one quite as much, I still really enjoyed it. There is something about her writing that really draws me in, and the characters always seem to be very relatable. The romance aspect to the book was cute and I didn't mind it at all even though romance in books isn't always my favorite.
Final Thought: The main mystery ends up being unraveled fairly early in the novel for the most part, but the way the story unfolds and the other things that are happening kept me interested and wanting to find out more. It also felt like I was reading very quickly even though it still took me just over 5.5 hours to finish. I was thoroughly enjoying the storyline and reading slower to take in all in. Once again I cannot wait to see what Camille Di Maio comes up with next!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book!
October 14, 2019
“Find her. Find the Beautiful stranger”.
This is the plea that Kate Morgan’s grandfather makes to her. Kate has no idea what he’s talking about but she know she has to honor this request. The journey she is about to take will transform her forever.
This gorgeous piece of historical fiction will appeal to many different types of people I’m sure. It is a mystery. It is a ghost story. It is a story about old Hollywood. (Marilyn Monroe makes several appearances). It is a romance. It is a coming-of-age story. It is a story of a beautiful historical and mystical Hotel, the hotel Del Coronado in California. It is a story of the sea. It really offer something to everybody.
I was slow to get into the spot I must admit. But the story becomes mystical and fascinating. Most of the book takes place at the Hotel Del Coronado as Kate's quest to fulfill her Grandfather's wishes will take her there. And the story primarily takes place in the Nineteen Fifties but parts of it take place even earlier as once upon a time long ago there was another Kate Morton and this one lived and died at this hotel. Although she has died, her presence is still felt at there. And she has a story to tell as well.
The lives of these two women with the same name will intersect in ways that the reader does not see coming
I loved the atmosphere in this book. Most of it takes place at the hotel in Southern California and the ocean is incorporated into this book in a captivating way.
If I had to use words to describe the atmosphere I would call it Sultry and languid. You will feel like you’re right there with the palm trees swaying, the ocean water roaring and the feel of the hot sand and sea spray all around you.
The pace on this one is slow so I would suggest reading it when you have some time to really feel the book because if you go in any other way you will not be able to totally absorb the lush atmosphere.
It’s a warm and wonderful story that also carries with it the themes of personal freedom and fighting to go beyond one's own perceived limitations and society's expectations to make the life one wants for themselves.
It is very well written and I am really glad I read it. I think, if you decide to read it, you will be too.
This is the plea that Kate Morgan’s grandfather makes to her. Kate has no idea what he’s talking about but she know she has to honor this request. The journey she is about to take will transform her forever.
This gorgeous piece of historical fiction will appeal to many different types of people I’m sure. It is a mystery. It is a ghost story. It is a story about old Hollywood. (Marilyn Monroe makes several appearances). It is a romance. It is a coming-of-age story. It is a story of a beautiful historical and mystical Hotel, the hotel Del Coronado in California. It is a story of the sea. It really offer something to everybody.
I was slow to get into the spot I must admit. But the story becomes mystical and fascinating. Most of the book takes place at the Hotel Del Coronado as Kate's quest to fulfill her Grandfather's wishes will take her there. And the story primarily takes place in the Nineteen Fifties but parts of it take place even earlier as once upon a time long ago there was another Kate Morton and this one lived and died at this hotel. Although she has died, her presence is still felt at there. And she has a story to tell as well.
The lives of these two women with the same name will intersect in ways that the reader does not see coming
I loved the atmosphere in this book. Most of it takes place at the hotel in Southern California and the ocean is incorporated into this book in a captivating way.
If I had to use words to describe the atmosphere I would call it Sultry and languid. You will feel like you’re right there with the palm trees swaying, the ocean water roaring and the feel of the hot sand and sea spray all around you.
The pace on this one is slow so I would suggest reading it when you have some time to really feel the book because if you go in any other way you will not be able to totally absorb the lush atmosphere.
It’s a warm and wonderful story that also carries with it the themes of personal freedom and fighting to go beyond one's own perceived limitations and society's expectations to make the life one wants for themselves.
It is very well written and I am really glad I read it. I think, if you decide to read it, you will be too.
April 4, 2019
I liked this book it was a quick read . It’s about a girl named Kate Morgan and she leaves her family in San Francisco to get a job at hotel del coranato. There a movie being shot there a Marilyn Monroe movie ,some like it hot. There’s a bit of romance , a bit of mystery, a ghost and Marilyn Monroe . I really did like it but I never would have read it if it didn’t come in my once upon a book box so I got some fun treats as I read . I’m glad I did read it it was a break from fantasy that has been putting me in a slump lately.
June 11, 2019
First of all I want to thank Netgalley, Lake Union publishing and the author for providing me with the e-ARC of this lovely historical fiction set in the 1950s. I read this book way back in April but never got around to writing a review for it so here I am finally attempting one.
Kate Morgan has always felt that life has a lot more to offer her than just working around the clock in her family's failing seafood restaurant in San Francisco. She gets her chance to escape that deary life when her grandfather, who suffers from dementia, in one of his rare moments of clarity gives and tells her to answer an advertisement of temporary employment at the Hotel de Coronado in Southern California, where the filming of the movie 'Some Like it Hot' is scheduled to take place, alongwith the cryptic plea to 'find the beautiful stranger'. Pawning her grandmother's engagement ring, Kate makes her way to the beachfront landmark. Her adventure gets off to a rocky start at the train station but there she also meets Sean O' Donnell, an Irish-American who incidentally works at the same hotel and is able to procure for her an employment which brings her in contact with the stars of the movie, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. He surprisingly also tells her, which is repeated again by other workers at the hotel, that she shares her name with a ghost that is believed to haunt the hotel. According to legend, this ghost Kate Morgan was a young woman who died in mysterious circumstances while staying at the hotel in 1892. While her death was pronounced as suicide, many still believe it to be not so. As the modern Kate weaves her way in her new job and surroundings while searching for an answer to her grandfather's cryptic clue, she slowly comes to the realisation that there could be a more deeper connection between her and the ghost Kate.
The story is told in a dual time-line format with each chapter beginning with the modern Kate and her story and ending with the ghost Kate and her story with both story lines slowly merging together to a convincing end. The writing is smooth and easy with vivid descriptions of sunny, southern California, the hotel, the beaches and the stars which make you feel that you are right there living in the moment. There are so many lovely moments in the book which includes the interaction between the modern Kate and Marilyn Monroe in Marilyn's suite where Marilyn uses her popularity to help Kate in her mission to solve her grandfather's cryptic plea.
When I saw this labelled as a historical fiction it wasn't difficult to figure out the historical aspect of it which was the filming of the movie 'Some Like It Hot' at the Hotel de Coronado and the stars related to the movie. What I didn't know and was surprised to find out (after I Googled) was that the 'ghost' Kate Morgan is not a ficitional character but she too was a real person who had died at the hotel (aged 24) in 1892. She is said to still haunt the hotel even today and even though her death was termed suicide many still question the authenticity of that and believe otherwise.
This is the picture of the real 'ghost' Kate Morgan I found on the internet.
Kate Morgan has always felt that life has a lot more to offer her than just working around the clock in her family's failing seafood restaurant in San Francisco. She gets her chance to escape that deary life when her grandfather, who suffers from dementia, in one of his rare moments of clarity gives and tells her to answer an advertisement of temporary employment at the Hotel de Coronado in Southern California, where the filming of the movie 'Some Like it Hot' is scheduled to take place, alongwith the cryptic plea to 'find the beautiful stranger'. Pawning her grandmother's engagement ring, Kate makes her way to the beachfront landmark. Her adventure gets off to a rocky start at the train station but there she also meets Sean O' Donnell, an Irish-American who incidentally works at the same hotel and is able to procure for her an employment which brings her in contact with the stars of the movie, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. He surprisingly also tells her, which is repeated again by other workers at the hotel, that she shares her name with a ghost that is believed to haunt the hotel. According to legend, this ghost Kate Morgan was a young woman who died in mysterious circumstances while staying at the hotel in 1892. While her death was pronounced as suicide, many still believe it to be not so. As the modern Kate weaves her way in her new job and surroundings while searching for an answer to her grandfather's cryptic clue, she slowly comes to the realisation that there could be a more deeper connection between her and the ghost Kate.
The story is told in a dual time-line format with each chapter beginning with the modern Kate and her story and ending with the ghost Kate and her story with both story lines slowly merging together to a convincing end. The writing is smooth and easy with vivid descriptions of sunny, southern California, the hotel, the beaches and the stars which make you feel that you are right there living in the moment. There are so many lovely moments in the book which includes the interaction between the modern Kate and Marilyn Monroe in Marilyn's suite where Marilyn uses her popularity to help Kate in her mission to solve her grandfather's cryptic plea.
When I saw this labelled as a historical fiction it wasn't difficult to figure out the historical aspect of it which was the filming of the movie 'Some Like It Hot' at the Hotel de Coronado and the stars related to the movie. What I didn't know and was surprised to find out (after I Googled) was that the 'ghost' Kate Morgan is not a ficitional character but she too was a real person who had died at the hotel (aged 24) in 1892. She is said to still haunt the hotel even today and even though her death was termed suicide many still question the authenticity of that and believe otherwise.
This is the picture of the real 'ghost' Kate Morgan I found on the internet.
February 21, 2019
Another beautiful, lyrical story by Camille Di Maio. The setting is exquisite and so original, and I love the way she wove fact and fiction together. Lots of surprises and a really satisfying read. Highly recommended.
July 10, 2022
Check out my Q&A Elevator Ride with Camille and learn the inspiration behind this fascinating novel and fun facts about the author!
One of my favorite authors, Camille Di Maio returns following The Way of Beauty with her latest "THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS". Set in the legendary iconic Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California between the timeline of 1892 and 1958, the author masterfully blends fact and fiction.
From the real-life Kate Morton (a resident ghost and a real woman whose body was found on the steps of the Hotel del Coronado 1892) to Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and the movie set of Some Like it Hot. I Loved this book!
Kate Morgan helps her family at their struggling restaurant. Her granddad, George is suffering from Dementia. Times are tough and little time for big dreams. She and her grandfather share a love of movies.
He has requested she sell her grandmother’s ring and travel to the San Diego hotel and find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER. He wants her to get a job at the hotel and the movie set. He discloses no other information.
With limited money and a family desperate for her assistance, she risks it all to follow her dream and her granddads. Her family does not approve. However, things soon go south, and she is guilt-ridden from letting her family down. However, she is desperately trying to honor her grandfather’s wishes. She must earn enough to buy back the ring she left at the pawn shop.
There is something from her granddad’s past, and she must find a way to connect the dots. At the same time, she meets someone on the ferry who helps guide her, and she befriends the enigma surrounding Marilyn Monroe and slowly unravels the secrets of the past.
Switching back and forth, we meet another Kate Morgan who died at the hotel years ago. Her death was not as it appeared. She still lives at the hotel watching and waiting. Searching. How are these two women connected to her grandfather?
From a mysterious death, and a determined young girl with love for a better life and a promise to her granddad, she will stop at nothing until she has her answers.
A timeless classic with—history, intriguing setting, well-drawn characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, making this a Top Books of 2019! It has it all! Filled with humor and emotion, family and loyalty - Camille di Maio adds her own signature style to make this a "must-read" book for the spring and summer. (what a great beach read).
What is not to LOVE? 🏖 Southern California, the Grand legendary Hotel Del Coronado, glamorous 1950's, movie stars, a mystery of the past, a ghost, loads of history, secrets, intrigue, mystery, and romance. You are going to love this cast of characters especially, Kate Morgan and her quest to find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER for her beloved granddad.
Hauntingly beautiful, and meticulously researched, both rich in history and character (trust me after you read), you will be Googling "Kate Morgan" and her story. Heartwarming and heartbreaking.
A well-woven mystery. Old Hollywood meets Kate Morton and Nicholas Sparks —Suspense, history, and romance.
Having the pleasure of reading all four of the author's books, she always manages to deliver unique stories of the heart, creates magic, digs up secrets, and always some fascinating history for a perfect blending of fact and fiction. This may be my favorite thus far!
Read My Reviews: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Beautiful Strangers
The Way of Beauty
Before the Rain Falls
The Memory of Us
For fans of Kate Morton—both Kate and Camille possess a magical talent with words, stories, and beautiful places. They both share a love of travel and architecture and reflective throughout their work and love of books— as they create memorable characters who come alive and linger long after the book ends.
Highly recommend!
PS. I would love for Camille to write a story set at our Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, FL. It has the glamour and the famous history of this hotel with many secrets. If the walls could speak!
A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an early reading copy. PS Honored and thrilled for the Instagram name mention! (thank you). Always a thrill to see your name jump out in acknowledgments.
JDCMustReadBooks
One of my favorite authors, Camille Di Maio returns following The Way of Beauty with her latest "THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS". Set in the legendary iconic Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California between the timeline of 1892 and 1958, the author masterfully blends fact and fiction.
From the real-life Kate Morton (a resident ghost and a real woman whose body was found on the steps of the Hotel del Coronado 1892) to Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and the movie set of Some Like it Hot. I Loved this book!
Kate Morgan helps her family at their struggling restaurant. Her granddad, George is suffering from Dementia. Times are tough and little time for big dreams. She and her grandfather share a love of movies.
He has requested she sell her grandmother’s ring and travel to the San Diego hotel and find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER. He wants her to get a job at the hotel and the movie set. He discloses no other information.
With limited money and a family desperate for her assistance, she risks it all to follow her dream and her granddads. Her family does not approve. However, things soon go south, and she is guilt-ridden from letting her family down. However, she is desperately trying to honor her grandfather’s wishes. She must earn enough to buy back the ring she left at the pawn shop.
There is something from her granddad’s past, and she must find a way to connect the dots. At the same time, she meets someone on the ferry who helps guide her, and she befriends the enigma surrounding Marilyn Monroe and slowly unravels the secrets of the past.
Switching back and forth, we meet another Kate Morgan who died at the hotel years ago. Her death was not as it appeared. She still lives at the hotel watching and waiting. Searching. How are these two women connected to her grandfather?
From a mysterious death, and a determined young girl with love for a better life and a promise to her granddad, she will stop at nothing until she has her answers.
A timeless classic with—history, intriguing setting, well-drawn characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, making this a Top Books of 2019! It has it all! Filled with humor and emotion, family and loyalty - Camille di Maio adds her own signature style to make this a "must-read" book for the spring and summer. (what a great beach read).
What is not to LOVE? 🏖 Southern California, the Grand legendary Hotel Del Coronado, glamorous 1950's, movie stars, a mystery of the past, a ghost, loads of history, secrets, intrigue, mystery, and romance. You are going to love this cast of characters especially, Kate Morgan and her quest to find THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER for her beloved granddad.
Hauntingly beautiful, and meticulously researched, both rich in history and character (trust me after you read), you will be Googling "Kate Morgan" and her story. Heartwarming and heartbreaking.
A well-woven mystery. Old Hollywood meets Kate Morton and Nicholas Sparks —Suspense, history, and romance.
Having the pleasure of reading all four of the author's books, she always manages to deliver unique stories of the heart, creates magic, digs up secrets, and always some fascinating history for a perfect blending of fact and fiction. This may be my favorite thus far!
Read My Reviews: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Beautiful Strangers
The Way of Beauty
Before the Rain Falls
The Memory of Us
For fans of Kate Morton—both Kate and Camille possess a magical talent with words, stories, and beautiful places. They both share a love of travel and architecture and reflective throughout their work and love of books— as they create memorable characters who come alive and linger long after the book ends.
Highly recommend!
PS. I would love for Camille to write a story set at our Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, FL. It has the glamour and the famous history of this hotel with many secrets. If the walls could speak!
A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an early reading copy. PS Honored and thrilled for the Instagram name mention! (thank you). Always a thrill to see your name jump out in acknowledgments.
JDCMustReadBooks
March 3, 2019
THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS is a glorious historical novel--dual timeline--that hit all my sweet spots as a reader. It has a stunning real-life setting, a touch of darkness, a family mystery, a ghost, a love interest with a heart of gold, and two strong heroines who have the courage to seek more from life. The appearance of Marilyn Monroe as a secondary character is a bonus. At the heart of this story is the legendary Hotel del Coronado, which was Hollywood's playground in the 1920s. To me it became a character. Also--no spoilers--the last page is one of the best I've ever read.
December 4, 2018
Expertly capturing the postwar world of the mid-1950’s, THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS, is a delightful story of one young woman’s determined flight from home to find the answer to a riddle posed by her ailing grandfather. The setting, featuring California’s famous old Hotel Del Coronado, is lush and as beautifully depicted as the roster of its guests in those days, involving any number of famous movie stars, plus one ghost, who may hold the key to what is a generation’s old family mystery. But time is of the essence, and balancing what could be a wild goose chase against the demands of your family can bring on a near unbearable pressure. Possibly as it is in the case of this story you may have taken on more than you bargained for and in addition to unlocking a family secret you could very well find the courage to follow the dreams of your heart as well. Intriguing and uplifting, THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS is not to be missed.
March 5, 2019
The Beautiful Stranger is a perfect feel-good book. Perfect if you like ghost stories, love stories, and old Hollywood movies. As a big fan of the movie Some Like it Hot was I thrilled that the setting of the book took place at Hotel del Coronado where the movie is being filmed. Which meant that movie stars like Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and last, but not least, Marilyn Monore.
Storywise must I say that some parts were better than others, I loved the movie parts the best, the love story didn't really rock my boat, but it was still pleasant to read about, it's not like I disliked it. I liked how Kate learned more about her grandfather's past. And, honestly? Who doesn't love a ghost story? The ending was pretty cool must I say, didn't see that coming.
This is the second book I have read by Camille Di Maio (The second being The Way of Beauty) and I'm looking forward to reading more books.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Storywise must I say that some parts were better than others, I loved the movie parts the best, the love story didn't really rock my boat, but it was still pleasant to read about, it's not like I disliked it. I liked how Kate learned more about her grandfather's past. And, honestly? Who doesn't love a ghost story? The ending was pretty cool must I say, didn't see that coming.
This is the second book I have read by Camille Di Maio (The second being The Way of Beauty) and I'm looking forward to reading more books.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
March 14, 2019
Kate Morgan dreams about escaping her mundane life in San Fransisco and when her ailing grandfather who suffers from dementia encourages her to find the beautiful stranger she decides to do it. She arrives in San Diego to work at the Hotel Del Coronado. She finds a job, meets movie stars, falls in love and learns all about the hotel ghost. Camille Di Maio expertly weaves this delightful story together. I was transported to Hotel del Coronado in the 1950s through these pages and loved solving the mystery of the beautiful stranger with Kate.
This was the second book I read by Di Maio and once again she did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the second book I read by Di Maio and once again she did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2018
I have been a fan of Camille DiMaio's books ever since I picked up The Memory of Us. With The Beautiful Strangers, she shows once again what a skilled writer she truly is. While this novel has a lighter feel than her previous three (with a sprinkling of sad scenes), it's still compelling and there's even a mystery involved.
I really enjoyed the visualizations, as well as the relationships between the characters. I even learned some new things about film making. I had no idea where the story was going to end up and was pleasantly surprised. I was hoping that Kate would have an interaction with the ghost, but maybe that wouldn't have been realistic in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down and wanted to know what was going to happen next. It also made me want to watch Some Like it Hot. This novel is perfect for fans of Susan Meissner's books.
Since this book is all about making a movie, it wouldn't be complete without a movie cast of its own! Hollywood, in case you're looking for ideas, please take these into consideration:
Kate (1958): Samantha Isler
Kate (1892): Haley Ramm
Sean: Rarmian Newton
Janie: Katherine Langford
Marilyn: Jessica Amlee
I really enjoyed the visualizations, as well as the relationships between the characters. I even learned some new things about film making. I had no idea where the story was going to end up and was pleasantly surprised. I was hoping that Kate would have an interaction with the ghost, but maybe that wouldn't have been realistic in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down and wanted to know what was going to happen next. It also made me want to watch Some Like it Hot. This novel is perfect for fans of Susan Meissner's books.
Since this book is all about making a movie, it wouldn't be complete without a movie cast of its own! Hollywood, in case you're looking for ideas, please take these into consideration:
Kate (1958): Samantha Isler
Kate (1892): Haley Ramm
Sean: Rarmian Newton
Janie: Katherine Langford
Marilyn: Jessica Amlee
December 31, 2018
What a beautiful story! The story of Kate Farmer Morgan will break your heart and also make your heart smile. Kate Morgan, granddaughter of George, is such a strong willed woman. I was extremely happy with the ending of this novel and had a smile on my face. This story had mystery, love, sadness and overall joy! Five stars all around.
February 27, 2019
4.5/5
DiMaio wrote one of my favorite HF last year, The Way of Beauty so I’ve been eagerly awaiting her latest since then. When I read the blurb for this and realized it was set in the late fifties while a movie was being filmed I was even more excited and I’m thrilled to say that I loved this one just as much as TWOB!
This is told via dual perspectives, Kate as she sets out on her own for the first time in her life and the other POV is so unique and unexpected that I don’t want to say anything about it, except it was really cool and unusual. Kate was such a darling character, I was endeared to her immediately and following her to the Hotel del Coronado was a blast. DiMaio worked in cameos from Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in an authentic and believable way, she truly brought this era to life and made it so effortlessly easy to envision the story.
Much like her last book this had a little something for everyone, a light romance, a stunning setting and even a light mystery that kept things exciting. Totally recommend for HF fans and even for those that like old Hollywood glitz and glam!
The Beautiful Strangers in three words: Glamorous, Dramatic and Classic.
DiMaio wrote one of my favorite HF last year, The Way of Beauty so I’ve been eagerly awaiting her latest since then. When I read the blurb for this and realized it was set in the late fifties while a movie was being filmed I was even more excited and I’m thrilled to say that I loved this one just as much as TWOB!
This is told via dual perspectives, Kate as she sets out on her own for the first time in her life and the other POV is so unique and unexpected that I don’t want to say anything about it, except it was really cool and unusual. Kate was such a darling character, I was endeared to her immediately and following her to the Hotel del Coronado was a blast. DiMaio worked in cameos from Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in an authentic and believable way, she truly brought this era to life and made it so effortlessly easy to envision the story.
Much like her last book this had a little something for everyone, a light romance, a stunning setting and even a light mystery that kept things exciting. Totally recommend for HF fans and even for those that like old Hollywood glitz and glam!
The Beautiful Strangers in three words: Glamorous, Dramatic and Classic.
March 31, 2020
This book alternates between timelines and narrators. This is a blend of a couple of my favorite genres including romance and historical fiction.
There is an element of fate and family history to bring people together in this story that I really enjoyed. There is also the intriguing ghost story to add just the right amount of suspense and mystery to the novel.
The two narrators served well as a way to connect the generations of family in the story. The ending was nicely done and wrapped the story up for the reader.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
There is an element of fate and family history to bring people together in this story that I really enjoyed. There is also the intriguing ghost story to add just the right amount of suspense and mystery to the novel.
The two narrators served well as a way to connect the generations of family in the story. The ending was nicely done and wrapped the story up for the reader.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
May 25, 2019
I love this book. I love how it is set in San Francisco and San Diego. I will definitely read more books by Camille Di Maio, she is an excellent storyteller and I love her writing style.
February 24, 2019
A beautiful location, a captivating story of love and destiny, movie stars, and a ghost...what’s not to love? Author Camille Di Maio has written an entertaining but poignant book about a young girl who takes a chance by leaving her family and her future in San Francisco to go to San Diego, specifically the Hotel Del Coronado. What follows is a romantic, charming, and touching story of following one’s heart, as well as the mystery and secrets that are uncovered on a quest to look for the beautiful stranger.
October 7, 2018
"Great love stories make your heart pound, your dreams soar, and your sense of daring heighten as you risk all for the person who put fire into your life.”
Camille Di Maio’s The Beautiful Strangers will captivate fans of historical fiction and anyone wishing to lose themselves in a beautiful love story. Set in the elegant 1950s Hotel del Coronado, the novel follows Kate Morgan on a courageous journey to find the beautiful stranger, a woman whose spirit is inexplicably tied to her own, all while tending to a blossoming romance. Cameos by Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon make for a delightful glimpse beneath the glamourous facade of the film world and set the stage for a story that both touches and transports. There are beautiful strangers among each of us—depending on how closely we choose to look.
Camille Di Maio’s The Beautiful Strangers will captivate fans of historical fiction and anyone wishing to lose themselves in a beautiful love story. Set in the elegant 1950s Hotel del Coronado, the novel follows Kate Morgan on a courageous journey to find the beautiful stranger, a woman whose spirit is inexplicably tied to her own, all while tending to a blossoming romance. Cameos by Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon make for a delightful glimpse beneath the glamourous facade of the film world and set the stage for a story that both touches and transports. There are beautiful strangers among each of us—depending on how closely we choose to look.
February 20, 2019
4.5 bright shiny stars for Camille DiMaio’s fourth novel, one that I humbly believe is her best yet! In The Beautiful Strangers, we are taken on a journey to to Coronado, California during the filming of Some Like it Hot! While Kate Morgan is the real star of this story, along with her grandfather George & co-worker Sean, cameos from Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon will surely bring a smile to your face. As Camille has a knack for, relationships and family are the strong points of this novel. Told in a bit of a unique dual timeline (no spoilers so I’m leaving it there), the story unravels in a way that will have you wishing for more time with this crew.
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2019
Haunting, Informative, Page-turner, Romantic, Tear-jerker. Beautiful Strangers straddles two fully-imagined worlds, both of which intrigue us with their compelling stories. At the center is Hotel Del Coronado with its glamorous past and the movie stars who sought refuge there. Camille Di Maio draws us into the story through the love of a granddaughter and her grandfather with Alzheimers, that won't quite let him explain what she is searching for at Hotel Coronado. The mystery unfolds in a delicious manner. Highly recommended!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Haunting, Informative, Page-turner, Romantic, Tear-jerker, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Haunting, Informative, Page-turner, Romantic, Tear-jerker, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters
July 19, 2020
Why do I feel mad love for this novel?! Because everything about it pleased me! I can't remember the last time I had this much pure reading enjoyment. 😊
This novel had:
- A dual timeline structure where both story arcs were interesting and had likable characters
- A great setting - the Hotel Del Coronado during the filming of "Some Like it Hot."
- Old Hollywood glamour
- A Ghost
- A cute love story
- A family mystery
- A very satisfying ending; with a cool little surprise in the vary last line
Just the perfect summer read. I wish I hadn't devoured it so quickly!
This novel had:
- A dual timeline structure where both story arcs were interesting and had likable characters
- A great setting - the Hotel Del Coronado during the filming of "Some Like it Hot."
- Old Hollywood glamour
- A Ghost
- A cute love story
- A family mystery
- A very satisfying ending; with a cool little surprise in the vary last line
Just the perfect summer read. I wish I hadn't devoured it so quickly!
April 2, 2023
Interesting and engaging story of Kate, a young girl coming into adulthood and finding herself when she decides to leave home and follow her dreams. The beautiful and famous Del Coronado hotel in lovely San Diego is where she runs to and ends up there during the filming of the classic comedy Some Like it Hot. I've been there and even attended a wedding at this famous spot and can attest to it's magical allure. Kate also comes across the sad story of a woman who died at the hotel and supposedly still haunts its halls after being abandoned by her lover.
January 7, 2019
Thanks to #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing for a free copy of #TheBeautifulStrangers by Camille Di Maio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The legendary Hotel Del Coronado off the coast of San Diego, California is the picturesque and glamorous setting for this story of a ghost, movie stars, mystery, chasing a dream, and romance.
In 1958, Kate Morton, a teenager living in San Francisco, seizes her chance to escape from the demands of working in her family's struggling restaurant to impulsively travel alone to Coronado in response to her ailing grandfather's plea to find "the beautiful stranger" and to also search for a job at the hotel which will enable her to dream of a new life. A few surprises await her: the true identify of the beautiful stranger, a family mystery, celebrity encounters, and romance.
Although ghost stories and romances are not my usual genre choices, this story quickly engaged and intrigued me. In fact, I was ecstatic to read a story set at the historic Hotel Del Coronado in sunny Southern California. Growing up in Southern California, I've had occasion to visit this magnificent landmark. My fondest memory happened one summer during my high school years when I went to Coronado with my best friend to spend a few days with her family at their rented beach house. Of course, my friend and I hung out at the public beach in front of the hotel and loved sneaking into the back entrance to walk the halls and take peeks at various aspects of the hotel. In those days, we could walk right in the back door, but I imagine that has changed with the invention of keyed and gated access. It was great fun to read this book and reminisce about the hotel, the beach and the surrounding beach community, and my summer memories.
In addition to the setting and my memories, the characters are well drawn and the story is engaging and well paced. Even though the story is told from two time periods, it is straightforward and the transitions are smooth.
I recommend The Beautiful Strangers for fans of historical fiction, for readers of paranormal, mystery, and romance, for fans of Camille Di Maio (The Way of Beauty), and for those who are in search of an engaging and light read with a unique premise.
We appreciate the author's kind shout out to the Bookstagram community in her acknowledgments!
Pub Date: March 5, 2019
For more reviews visit my website readingladies.com
Bookstagram: @readingladies_book_club
The legendary Hotel Del Coronado off the coast of San Diego, California is the picturesque and glamorous setting for this story of a ghost, movie stars, mystery, chasing a dream, and romance.
In 1958, Kate Morton, a teenager living in San Francisco, seizes her chance to escape from the demands of working in her family's struggling restaurant to impulsively travel alone to Coronado in response to her ailing grandfather's plea to find "the beautiful stranger" and to also search for a job at the hotel which will enable her to dream of a new life. A few surprises await her: the true identify of the beautiful stranger, a family mystery, celebrity encounters, and romance.
Although ghost stories and romances are not my usual genre choices, this story quickly engaged and intrigued me. In fact, I was ecstatic to read a story set at the historic Hotel Del Coronado in sunny Southern California. Growing up in Southern California, I've had occasion to visit this magnificent landmark. My fondest memory happened one summer during my high school years when I went to Coronado with my best friend to spend a few days with her family at their rented beach house. Of course, my friend and I hung out at the public beach in front of the hotel and loved sneaking into the back entrance to walk the halls and take peeks at various aspects of the hotel. In those days, we could walk right in the back door, but I imagine that has changed with the invention of keyed and gated access. It was great fun to read this book and reminisce about the hotel, the beach and the surrounding beach community, and my summer memories.
In addition to the setting and my memories, the characters are well drawn and the story is engaging and well paced. Even though the story is told from two time periods, it is straightforward and the transitions are smooth.
I recommend The Beautiful Strangers for fans of historical fiction, for readers of paranormal, mystery, and romance, for fans of Camille Di Maio (The Way of Beauty), and for those who are in search of an engaging and light read with a unique premise.
We appreciate the author's kind shout out to the Bookstagram community in her acknowledgments!
Pub Date: March 5, 2019
For more reviews visit my website readingladies.com
Bookstagram: @readingladies_book_club
January 2, 2019
It's an okay read. Kind of typical dreamy romantic feel to it. I prefer stories that are truly unique.
March 13, 2019
As a kid we stayed at the Hotel De Coronado and I remember loving it. Of course the rich history of it alluded me then but if I were to go back I would want to know more about it.
Ms. Di Maio does that with this book. She gives you some history of the hotel, the ghost and the making of a classic Hollywood film. In it though lies a family’s history that is about to be unraveled.
Kate is a wonderful and endearing character that will have you rooting for her the whole novel. The connection she has with her grandad is living and warm. It is evident they share a bond.
This is a novel that will hook you from the first few pages and won’t let you go until you read the final two words.
I received an advanced copy of this novel.
Ms. Di Maio does that with this book. She gives you some history of the hotel, the ghost and the making of a classic Hollywood film. In it though lies a family’s history that is about to be unraveled.
Kate is a wonderful and endearing character that will have you rooting for her the whole novel. The connection she has with her grandad is living and warm. It is evident they share a bond.
This is a novel that will hook you from the first few pages and won’t let you go until you read the final two words.
I received an advanced copy of this novel.
March 29, 2019
What do you get when you combine a Hollywood movie set and a ghost? One thing you might get is Camille Di Maio’s newest novel “The Beautiful Strangers” where she combines these two things with a young woman looking to help her grandfather solve a mystery, while also wanting to strike out on her own. Find out from my latest #bookreview what I thought of this historical, biographical novel.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/03/2...
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/03/2...
August 18, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read recently, with a great and tangible atmosphere and one of the sweetest love stories between two really adorable characters. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I have a soft spot for novels set in a famous hotel, like this one. I loved the setting and the descriptions, I could really picture the beautiful Southern California landscapes. The protagonist, Kate, was a darling, such a sweet and honest girl with strong ideals and a lot of heart. I particularly appreciated her relationship with her grandfather, since I was deeply fond of mine and I miss him so much. And the male protagonist, well... One of the loveliest ever, really. He is exactly the kind of male protagonist I want to find in a book, quite the contrary of the bold, arrogant and powerful businessman/nobleman/boss/whatever who I hate with a passion. No, Sean is a sweet, endearing, thoughtful and charming boy with a lot of respect for other people and I literally swooned every time he and Kate were together, hoping that they would made at least a little progress in their romance, which developed rather slowly, but in the best way. I loved them together, I loved the story and how Kate’s present days and experiences in Coronado intertwined with the pieces of Grandad George’s past as Kate managed to put them together and unfold the whole mystery. The character of Marylin Monroe played a great role as well and I truly appreciated her intervention and the real details of the filming of Some Like It Hot. Highly recommended, I look forward to Camille Di Maio’s next books!
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