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The Historic Hotels Collection #3
Biltmore Girl
New York City, 1968. Elka Hansen, a former teen cover girl, is done with modeling. Now she’s a hostess for the Palm Court restaurant in the beautiful Biltmore Hotel. As she sees it, Elka’s other job is to watch out for her younger sister, Colleen, an idealistic but reckless college student at Barnard.
With her sister, Elka attends her first civil-rights protest, and there, she runs into Jacob Lewis, a co-worker from the Biltmore. He’s a student at Columbia University and a friend of Colleen’s. Jacob becomes an unexpected ally when rescuing her sister from trouble becomes more than Elka can handle independently. Out of this turmoil, a romance grows between Jacob and Elka, but can it last?
With her sister, Elka attends her first civil-rights protest, and there, she runs into Jacob Lewis, a co-worker from the Biltmore. He’s a student at Columbia University and a friend of Colleen’s. Jacob becomes an unexpected ally when rescuing her sister from trouble becomes more than Elka can handle independently. Out of this turmoil, a romance grows between Jacob and Elka, but can it last?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
22 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Klinge
8 books80 followersDawn Klinge is a Pacific Northwest native who loves a rainy day, a hot cup of coffee, and a good book to get lost in. This wife and mom to two young adults is often inspired by true personal and historical accounts. Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Sorrento Girl is her debut novel, the first in the Historic Hotels Collection.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 11, 2022
1968 comes to life in this novel by Dawn Klinge. Former teen model Elka Hansen works at the Palm Court at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City, and wants to establish an identity beyond her former glory. She has a good reputation at the hotel, but will an injury sideline her rise to management?
Jacob Lewis wants to go to law school, but while he waits for acceptance letters, he works and studies hard. Is New York going to be his home, or will his native Seattle call him back?
I really appreciated the look at this era. The author seamlessly weaves in the culture of the day, from the war in Vietnam War to the civil rights movement to political shifts. There's so much in this little book! I liked the characters, but the setting of the novel may have been my favorite thing about it.
The characters in this novel are Catholic, attend mass, and grasp rosary beads when they are upset. It was a different faith journey than my typical reading selections, though it was genuine and fitting for the characters. Some readers may feel differently.
Overall, a sweet read in a time period which should definitely be covered more.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
Jacob Lewis wants to go to law school, but while he waits for acceptance letters, he works and studies hard. Is New York going to be his home, or will his native Seattle call him back?
I really appreciated the look at this era. The author seamlessly weaves in the culture of the day, from the war in Vietnam War to the civil rights movement to political shifts. There's so much in this little book! I liked the characters, but the setting of the novel may have been my favorite thing about it.
The characters in this novel are Catholic, attend mass, and grasp rosary beads when they are upset. It was a different faith journey than my typical reading selections, though it was genuine and fitting for the characters. Some readers may feel differently.
Overall, a sweet read in a time period which should definitely be covered more.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
April 12, 2021
I couldn’t put this sweet romance down, I read it all in one sitting!
This is the third book in The Historic Hotels Collection and it was my favourite of the three! Set in 1960s New York amid the civil rights movement, the fear and frustration of the draft, and taking the reader through beautiful, historic locales, this love story swept me back in time. Historic details and descriptions of the sounds, smells, and flavours of New York truly grounded this story and brought it to life.
I loved that the heroine had to make real choices about her future, to the point that I wasn’t sure which option I wanted her to choose. Rarely is love simple!
Elka was an engaging heroine, and Jacob felt realistic while still being a hero to admire.
Like the other books in the series, the Christian element is presented with a light touch, taking the book just over the line from clean fiction to Christian.
I definitely recommend this new release if you’re looking for a sweet and clean romance with an edge of gritty civil rights history.
This is the third book in The Historic Hotels Collection and it was my favourite of the three! Set in 1960s New York amid the civil rights movement, the fear and frustration of the draft, and taking the reader through beautiful, historic locales, this love story swept me back in time. Historic details and descriptions of the sounds, smells, and flavours of New York truly grounded this story and brought it to life.
I loved that the heroine had to make real choices about her future, to the point that I wasn’t sure which option I wanted her to choose. Rarely is love simple!
Elka was an engaging heroine, and Jacob felt realistic while still being a hero to admire.
Like the other books in the series, the Christian element is presented with a light touch, taking the book just over the line from clean fiction to Christian.
I definitely recommend this new release if you’re looking for a sweet and clean romance with an edge of gritty civil rights history.
May 26, 2021
Biltmore Girl is third in the Historic Hotels series by Dawn Klinge and covers a period of history I don’t often see in Christian fiction. Admittedly, I didn’t read the blurb for it too carefully. I grabbed the book because firstly, I’d read the previous title in the trilogy and, second, it was on sale. So, before anyone else does the same let me point out that this is NOT connected to the famed Biltmore Estate in North Carolina built by one of the scions of the Gilded Age. This was the New York City hotel opened in 1913 and in existence until 1981 when it was gutted and turned into offices.
Nineteen sixty-eight was a difficult year in American history. Biltmore Girl starts with a pivotal event in the NYC Civil Rights and anti-war movements: the protest over planned Columbia University construction, and the consequent occupation of one of the buildings on campus. The shadow of the Draft looms over everything, including Jacob’s decision making regarding his post-graduation future. Readers experience the protest and Robert Kennedy’s assassination through the eyes of Elka and Jacob. The book also touches briefly on the plight of runaway and abused children in New York City when Elka becomes a mentor to a teenage girl.
Despite these heavy subjects, however, I found Biltmore Girl to be an easy read. My first thought upon finishing it was that it was “very cute.” It is the third title in a series but can be read as a standalone. Having read two books in the trilogy, I can now tell that this is a family saga, but I don’t think I lost anything in not having read the first book of the series. I do, however, want to read about Jacob’s parents since they appear to be the focus of that.
Nineteen sixty-eight was a difficult year in American history. Biltmore Girl starts with a pivotal event in the NYC Civil Rights and anti-war movements: the protest over planned Columbia University construction, and the consequent occupation of one of the buildings on campus. The shadow of the Draft looms over everything, including Jacob’s decision making regarding his post-graduation future. Readers experience the protest and Robert Kennedy’s assassination through the eyes of Elka and Jacob. The book also touches briefly on the plight of runaway and abused children in New York City when Elka becomes a mentor to a teenage girl.
Despite these heavy subjects, however, I found Biltmore Girl to be an easy read. My first thought upon finishing it was that it was “very cute.” It is the third title in a series but can be read as a standalone. Having read two books in the trilogy, I can now tell that this is a family saga, but I don’t think I lost anything in not having read the first book of the series. I do, however, want to read about Jacob’s parents since they appear to be the focus of that.
April 9, 2021
One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction and Biltmore Girl is the perfect book to satisfy this need. Dawn Klinge wrote this book as part of the Historic Hotels collection.
The story is set in 1968 in New York City and highlights Elka, her sister Colleen, and Jacob. Elka and Jacob both work at the Biltmore Hotel and soon become friends as he steps in to help Elka when a situation evolves with her sister Colleen. I found the storyline kept me intrigued and interested through the end of the book. I loved the character development, romance, civil rights protest component, and the unexpected twists. I highly recommend this book.
I received an early copy of the book from Ms. Klinge in return for my honest review.
The story is set in 1968 in New York City and highlights Elka, her sister Colleen, and Jacob. Elka and Jacob both work at the Biltmore Hotel and soon become friends as he steps in to help Elka when a situation evolves with her sister Colleen. I found the storyline kept me intrigued and interested through the end of the book. I loved the character development, romance, civil rights protest component, and the unexpected twists. I highly recommend this book.
I received an early copy of the book from Ms. Klinge in return for my honest review.
March 27, 2021
I have loved Dawn Klinge’s other 2 books in her Historic Hotel series and this book did not disappoint! Dawn’s style of writing transports you back to the beautiful Biltmore and you fall in love with her characters. I did not want this book to end especially after I learned it was the last in her series! I am hoping she decides otherwise. I highly recommend that you get all 3 books of the series!
April 23, 2021
Set in 1968 New York, this historical fiction follows the life of former teen-model, Elka Hansen, as she navigates working a job at the elite Biltmore Hotel, looking out for her younger sister in college, and finding the right fit for her future career.
When an unexpected friendship with a kind and considerate fellow hotel employee, Jacob Lewis, begins to blossom, her decision is made even more complex.
Civil rights protests, fear of the draft, and a general sense of unrest—the author clearly put in the time researching New York in the late 1960s, and gives great attention to detail.
A sweet story for lovers of historical fiction, with the bonus of a New York setting!
I received a free copy of this book from the author—my opinions are my own.
When an unexpected friendship with a kind and considerate fellow hotel employee, Jacob Lewis, begins to blossom, her decision is made even more complex.
Civil rights protests, fear of the draft, and a general sense of unrest—the author clearly put in the time researching New York in the late 1960s, and gives great attention to detail.
A sweet story for lovers of historical fiction, with the bonus of a New York setting!
I received a free copy of this book from the author—my opinions are my own.
April 9, 2021
In Dawn Klinge’s third Historic Hotels novel, we meet Elka Hansen, a New York model turned restaurant hostess. Most think her decision is crazy. Some, like her parents, are even angry about it, but Elka no longer wants to pose for a camera. She wants to go to college, and working at the Biltmore is how she’s chosen to make the money it will take for her to get there.
After Elka seats the wealthy crowd of Palm Court patrons at their tables, a fellow employee takes over to serve them. His name is Jacob, and from their first meeting, Elka is struck by his kindness. What Jacob begins to realize about Elka is that she brings out the protective side of him. He’s a busy pre-law college student at Columbia, but Jacob finds himself wanting to spend more time with Elka. And then they discover that he’s actually a friend of her sister Colleen, a student at the same university. How will Jacob keep up with his studies and his job while helping Elka and her sister? There’s a lot going on in his world, too, as he waits for a law school acceptance letter while many of his friends are heading out to the war in Vietnam.
Biltmore Girl is a story that easily transports the reader back to the tumultuous days of the ‘60’s in America. Against the backdrop of a war across the ocean and a blanket of tension on the home front, God brings two serious young people into a steady relationship of mutual trust that leads to a tender love between them. But for things to go further, a lot of circumstances must line up and work out.
This was a quick read with characters I was happy to get to know. I enjoyed seeing life in New York through Elka’s eyes and envisioning the protest that takes place on Colleen’s college campus; however, it also made me glad that I lived through those years too young to have fully experienced them. But God always has a plan, and he’ll see that it comes to pass, as the writer of this book reminds us in the story of Elka and Jacob.
I highly recommend this book by Dawn Klinge.
After Elka seats the wealthy crowd of Palm Court patrons at their tables, a fellow employee takes over to serve them. His name is Jacob, and from their first meeting, Elka is struck by his kindness. What Jacob begins to realize about Elka is that she brings out the protective side of him. He’s a busy pre-law college student at Columbia, but Jacob finds himself wanting to spend more time with Elka. And then they discover that he’s actually a friend of her sister Colleen, a student at the same university. How will Jacob keep up with his studies and his job while helping Elka and her sister? There’s a lot going on in his world, too, as he waits for a law school acceptance letter while many of his friends are heading out to the war in Vietnam.
Biltmore Girl is a story that easily transports the reader back to the tumultuous days of the ‘60’s in America. Against the backdrop of a war across the ocean and a blanket of tension on the home front, God brings two serious young people into a steady relationship of mutual trust that leads to a tender love between them. But for things to go further, a lot of circumstances must line up and work out.
This was a quick read with characters I was happy to get to know. I enjoyed seeing life in New York through Elka’s eyes and envisioning the protest that takes place on Colleen’s college campus; however, it also made me glad that I lived through those years too young to have fully experienced them. But God always has a plan, and he’ll see that it comes to pass, as the writer of this book reminds us in the story of Elka and Jacob.
I highly recommend this book by Dawn Klinge.
May 28, 2021
This story takes place in 1968. Violent protests. War in Vietnam. Assassinations. Ms. Klinge shows us some of that tumult through the take over of a college building by young protesters, including her sister, and Jacob’s understandable dread of being drafted and sent to Vietnam.
Biltmore Girl is a story of finding love and purpose despite the insecurity and upheaval of the time. With Elka’s sweet spirit, it’s easy to see why Jacob is attracted to her. In Jacob, Elka finds a kind soul, gentleman, and supporter, along with the family dynamics her parents failed to provide for her or her sister. But it’s not all roses and picnics when life-affecting decisions must be made.
I really liked the these characters, especially Elka, and enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between them. If you’re looking for a feel-good, recent-history read, this is the book for you. I give it 4.6 stars.
I received this book from the author. My opinions are my own.
Biltmore Girl is a story of finding love and purpose despite the insecurity and upheaval of the time. With Elka’s sweet spirit, it’s easy to see why Jacob is attracted to her. In Jacob, Elka finds a kind soul, gentleman, and supporter, along with the family dynamics her parents failed to provide for her or her sister. But it’s not all roses and picnics when life-affecting decisions must be made.
I really liked the these characters, especially Elka, and enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between them. If you’re looking for a feel-good, recent-history read, this is the book for you. I give it 4.6 stars.
I received this book from the author. My opinions are my own.
December 27, 2021
I enjoyed this history through the ages, in this series of historic hotels. It gave me a clear picture, with great story lines.
April 12, 2021
This thought-provoking Historical Christian Fiction is set in the tumultuous 60s.
Elka is a hostess in a beautiful restaurant in the famous Biltmore Hotel, trying to decide what she wants for her life.
With a plot featuring runaways, Civil Rights protests, and an abundance of anti-Vietnam War sentiment, there is much to ponder here.
Since my family has a long history of military service—including enlisted service during the Vietnam era—this spurred several interesting discussions in my family.
I like a book that makes me think and sparks discussion!
Elka is a hostess in a beautiful restaurant in the famous Biltmore Hotel, trying to decide what she wants for her life.
With a plot featuring runaways, Civil Rights protests, and an abundance of anti-Vietnam War sentiment, there is much to ponder here.
Since my family has a long history of military service—including enlisted service during the Vietnam era—this spurred several interesting discussions in my family.
I like a book that makes me think and sparks discussion!
April 18, 2021
Dawn always writes a beautiful story! Her attention to historic details adds background to the maturing and decision-making that's taking place in her main characters. I loved all of them! Especially Elka and Jacob. Elka is beautiful inside and out. Jacob is hard-working, kind, and caring. They work through life's challenges individually and together and learn a lot about the world and each other in the process. I highly recommend you join this cast of characters in NYC at the Biltmore Hotel.
April 12, 2021
Dawn Klinge has done it again with the latest addition to the Historic Hotels Collection. Historically accurate and completely engaging! I can't wait for her next book to be written! If you like historical fiction you are going to love this book!
April 16, 2021
Interesting
A different type of book than I normally read. Enjoyed it. It incorporates issues of the time into the storyline, that make you sense what it would have been like. Like the main characters and how they resolve the issues facing their future. A good ending.
A different type of book than I normally read. Enjoyed it. It incorporates issues of the time into the storyline, that make you sense what it would have been like. Like the main characters and how they resolve the issues facing their future. A good ending.
April 10, 2021
Loved this book! Surprised by cultural similarities between 1968 and 2020. Elka is a strong female character, and I enjoyed the blooming romance. Great third book in this series. I loved each one!
April 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this story! I loved getting to know Elka and Jacob and read about their love story. I also loved the historical setting of the Biltmore Hotel in the 1960s. There is something about old hotels that just bring history to life, and I definitely felt like that happened in this novel. I would love to read the previous installments in the future!
May 24, 2022
What an enjoyable story. Real-life characters struggle with making everyday decisions. Dawn depicts this time period accurately. Can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
July 2, 2021
Historic Hotels
This was a good story. I thought it might focus more on the hotel, but it was still a good read. I would also like to find out more about the characters HEA ending.
This was a good story. I thought it might focus more on the hotel, but it was still a good read. I would also like to find out more about the characters HEA ending.
June 29, 2023
I give this book 3.5 stars. It’s an easy, fairly uncomplicated read—not a lot of dialogue, and not a lot of action. I’m not exactly sure what moves the plot, but I was able to keep reading it without difficulty.
I liked how the heroine, although beautiful, had a sweet and helpful personality. She had a way of nurturing those who drifted towards trouble.
I’m not sure how I felt about the issue of dodging the draft to avoid serving in Vietnam. I know this war was hotly contested, but on the other hand, it feels somewhat unpatriotic to refuse to be part of the military force to help his countrymen. The character could’ve signed up as a conscientious objector or offered to help his country in some other way. Like I said, I’m unsure of how I feel about how this was presented. I’ll let you decide!
I liked how the heroine, although beautiful, had a sweet and helpful personality. She had a way of nurturing those who drifted towards trouble.
I’m not sure how I felt about the issue of dodging the draft to avoid serving in Vietnam. I know this war was hotly contested, but on the other hand, it feels somewhat unpatriotic to refuse to be part of the military force to help his countrymen. The character could’ve signed up as a conscientious objector or offered to help his country in some other way. Like I said, I’m unsure of how I feel about how this was presented. I’ll let you decide!
January 21, 2022
I really liked the setting of this one, but unfortunately it wasn't much more than a backdrop. I thought the history of the time would play a bigger part in the novel, but there were only tidbits. It was still a good idea for a story, but I didn't think the writing was very good. The dialogue was stilted and overly formal in some parts, which took me out of the moment. And Elka and Jacob's relationship really didn't develop that well. They were written pretty well, as individual characters, but their romance needed a lot of work. It was a quick enough read that I managed to finish it, but I probably wouldn't read more by this author. 2.5 stars.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 12, 2021
📘 I've got a wonderful new book to recommend!
From author Dawn Klinge comes a heart-warming story set in the '60s in New York City.
Interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, romance, and a captivating tale from start to finish!
I highly recommend this book!
From author Dawn Klinge comes a heart-warming story set in the '60s in New York City.
Interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, romance, and a captivating tale from start to finish!
I highly recommend this book!
September 9, 2025
This is a sweet love story that took place in the sixties. It mentioned current events from the time. Both the girl and the guy worked at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews