Welcome To The Hamilton

by Tanya E. Williams

A family fallen on hard times. Two sisters with different dreams. Can a luxurious hotel forever change their lives?

Vancouver, Canada, 1927. The Roaring Twenties are anything but extravagant for seventeen-year-old Clara Wilson. With her family struggling to make ends meet and under the threat of eviction, she applies for a job at the soon-to-be-opened Hotel Hamilton. But with her impulsive, adventure-seeking sister quick on her heels, she may find herself battling more than she anticipated.

Feeling the intense burden of responsibility and doing her best to navigate the opulent hotel's rigorous training program, her hopes for survival crumble when she encounters rivalry from an out-of-place socialite. And as both women strive to win the coveted position, Clara fears she could be losing the only way to keep her family afloat.

Will Clara overcome extreme adversity and save her loved ones from ruin?

Welcome To The Hamilton is the heartwarming first book in the Hotel Hamilton historical fiction series. If you enjoy resilient protagonists, illustrious backdrops, and blossoming sibling relationships, then you’ll adore Tanya E William’s tale of strength.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Canada, Audiobook

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2022

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

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Control is an illusion. We find stability when we switch the focus of that which we rely on. If you require others to provide stability, they will disappoint you more times than not. Instead, focus on your reactions. Those are the places you can assert your will to fix, change or embrace how you see the world. That is all we ever have control over.”

For the last couple of afternoons, Williams has made it possible for me to get lost in another time through the magic of her book. Her newest novel tugged at my heart and pulled it back to Vancouver, Canada in 1927. While my favourite part was that it was set in my own hometown, I loved that Williams was inspired by the history of our city and that she shared her insightful view into the human condition. I was engrossed in reading about her characters’ experiences and how their mindset propelled them on their journey. Her book spoke to my heart and made me smile with her references to my home city and sibling relationships, made me laugh when I remembered my mom making me bubble and squeak and when I read about blind pigs, made me cry when I thought of what Clara had to deal with at such a young age as well as when I read her mom’s words of wisdom, and, finally, it gave me plenty to think about. This is the second book this week that has had me revisit my sibling relationship. It was also good to be reminded that it’s a ‘human’ desire to want to control the world around us and it can get us into a lot of trouble.

I enjoyed the Canadianisms and the nods to our homeland which the author included. I didn’t know about the White Lunch Cafeteria, so I’ll be Googling that immediately, but I appreciated learning again about the milestones in our province’s history. You’d better believe that my next trip downtown will entail visiting the Manhattan Apartments to better envision the Newbury Apartment building where the Wilsons lived.

Speaking of her own sister, Williams says “Without whom I would have only half a memory of childhood, for she is the other half.” This resonated with me because when discussing family memories with my sisters I’ve noted many times that we each remember something different and add to each other’s memories or we have a different perspective on the same event. I cherish discussions that evolve from remembering our family memories. This also puts Clara and Louise’s relationship in a different light. Louise is able to tell Clara about her father’s food preferences which Clara had misinterpreted!

I can’t wait to see what Williams has in store for Clara and Louise in book two!

If you live in or have visited Vancouver and/or love historical fiction, this one will be a great addition to your reading list!

[Lorraine Guild · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. Tanya yet again has me waiting on edge for her next book. This was beautifully written. The characters are strong and the attention to detail as always is amazing.
Cant wait for the next.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you know who you are, you have all you'll ever need. The only thing you can control in this world is your reaction to it. Nothing more. Nothing less." ~ Great words!! ~

Thank you Tanya for the start of a new series and honoring me with the opportunity of reading before the release date...I truly enjoyed this book! Like my last book, it is an easy, light, feel good read that reminded me a smidge of A Gentleman in Moscow (as the plot was based ~obviously~ around a hotel setting). It was just what I have been looking for lately to offset the angst in the world!

Seventeen year old Clara Wilson, lives with her father and her sister, Louisa (who is just a smidge older than her). Her mother passed away five years ago and that left her father in a spiral of grief reaching for escape in the drink. On the brink of becoming evicted, Clara sees an opportunity to rescue her family by possibly becoming a hotel maid at the newly built Hamilton Hotel. When leaving to apply for the position, Louisa follows her after suspecting a hidden secret.

Clara and Louisa couldn't be more different. Clara is responsible, conscientious and practical. While Louisa is flighty, a bit lazy and competitive. When they both apply to be maids, Clara is worried that Louisa could ruin her chances of employment that she is so desperate to gain.

While this is the story of the Wilson family and the bond between two sisters...it is also about the opening and rigorous constitution of running and maintaining a tight "ship" (or hotel, if you will).
The descriptions of how to clean the rooms and make a bed with 'hospital corners' was a vision I could actually view in my head.

Will the girls get the positions in the hotel? With all the competition and coveted spots, will they be overlooked by conniving others? Will only one be chosen? These are just some of the questions that had me coming back to this story. I thought Clara was such a kind and caring person. Her sister, while flighty, is very supportive and protective of Clara. Wonderful character development and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!

Now that we are able to rent houses while on vacation...do you prefer them? Or, is an upscale hotel your thing?

**If I'm on vacation...I want to be on vacation and not worry about cooking or cleaning! So, it's a hotel for me every time!!

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved…part of a series. I plan to read the rest.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book! I was up until early in the morning finishing it. The personalities began speaking to me from the first page. Clara is the youngest daughter who feels a great responsibility to take care for her sister and father since her mother passed away 5 years earlier. Clara's sister Louisa dreams of becoming an actress. Clara and her mother believe that Louisa is of a fragile nature and seek to keep her from distress. Clara's father has not come back from his loss of his wife. He realizes he is failing his daughters with his drinking and the little income he provides barely provides them with food. Then Clara discovers an eviction noice in her father's coat pocket. Clara sets out to apply for a job at The Hamilton Hotel which will open soon. If she does not procure this job they will have to leave their apartment and live on the streets. She and Louisa are both accepted for training. Clara worries that Louisa with her light and easy nature will ruin the opportunity for her. On top of that another girl who is accepted for training comes from a well to do family and blames any of her failings on Clara. Through the anxiety and difficulties Clara again and again calls herself to appear confident and push on. She learns about who she is and not allowing others to change you. She realizes what a friend she has in her sister who is stronger than she knew. We all have struggles in life and seek to find our place. This story is an uplifting reminder of this truth.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Hamilton surprised me in more ways than I expected. As a lover of historical fiction, I always get excited when Tanya E. Williams is releasing a new book. She is one of my favorite authors in this genre and her works are always self-reflective with the way in which she writes her characters.

This book is the story of Clara Wilson in 1927 Canada. Clara lives with her older sister, Louisa, and their father. Their mother passed away a few years ago from cancer and their lives have been forever changed. But now they've moved out of their country cottage and into a city apartment where their father is struggling to work and spending most of their family money on alcohol. The girls are old enough to take care of themselves, but realizing their family is falling on hard times, decides that it's time they start a career to keep their family from being evicted from their small apartment.

What I loved most about this book was how much of it was written from young Clara's reflective thoughts. She is at an age where she feels comfortable with what is expected of her, but is still learning so much about the world around her. Watching her learn and grow into a very admirable young woman, was such a pleasant experience. There are plenty of sad moments where their family's difficult situation sometimes pulls at your heart-strings, but there is no shortage of rooting for them to reach their goals.

Historical Fiction novels bring a fun perspective to reading because it allows you to be immersed in another time where experiences are different, but always similar, to some of the things you already know. This was a refreshing read about a young woman coming of age and finding herself, while also struggling to carry her family. She is brave in ways that motivate you to see your own struggles, but child like enough to appreciate all the weight she is carrying for her family.

This is the start of a new series for Tanya E. Williams and I cannot wait for the next addition to the series so I can visit the Hotel Hamilton again!

[Hayjay315 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Vancouver, Canada, in 1927, Welcome To The Hamilton delivered a mixed reading experience for me.

Here’s a brief synopsis:
Two sisters, Clara and Louisa, along with their grieving father, struggle to rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of their mother. Their father turns to drinking and is thus unable to keep steady employment. When Clara discovers an eviction notice in his pocket, she realizes they are on the brink of losing everything. Clara realizes she must take action to ensure that her family can keep their tiny apartment. When she sees that the newly opened luxury hotel, The Hamilton, is hiring maids, she decides to seek work. She reasons that her conscientious and practical nature will serve her well in this role. Clara is followed to the interview by Louisa, who dreams of becoming an actress and sees working at the hotel as an opportunity to be discovered. Despite Clara’s concerns that her impulsive and carefree sister won’t be a good fit, they are both accepted into the maid-in-training program. The remainder of the book follows them as they navigate through the program.

I was surprised to find the writing style and character interactions to read more like a young adult novel since the book was marketed for an adult audience. This style was particularly evident in the first half of the book when certain descriptions and character thoughts were repeated multiple times. It also contributes to a slow pace for the first 75 pages. Additionally, despite a few references to local places and landmarks, I did not get the strong sense of the Canadian setting I had hoped for.

The pace of the story picks up when the two sisters enter the maid-in-training program in an attempt to secure full-time positions. I enjoyed following the sisters as they navigated through the training program, and each of them experienced growth in different ways. Their evolving relationship was a focal point of the story and kept me reading to the end. The author’s descriptions transported me to the hotel, and this setting provided the perfect backdrop for the characters’ personal growth. Letters from her mother to Clara and to her mother from her Aunt Vivian, who also worked as a hotel maid, added tender and heartwarming moments to the story. I’m settling on 3 stars for this book.

[Sophia Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Whatever the situation, the place where you find yourself is simply a new location from which to begin again." -advice from Tanya E. Williams' character Ruby/'Cookie', assistant to the pastry chef.

Welcome to the Hamilton is the most heartwarming novel by Tanya E. Williams to date. I especially appreciated the unusual perspective of a young woman aspiring to be a maid in a fine establishment. It’s an idea I can hardly fathom, even still, but the endeavor was quite the calisthenic for my mind! Certainly a fresh outlook. Yes, Clara was trying to get the job out of desperation, but Williams embraced the spirit of the 1920s era, the charm of ‘independence’ in earning her own money, of being part of the grandeur of such a magnificent establishment. Hardworking Clara was quite flawed in how she condemned many of those around her (both judgmental and jealous), but she continually caught herself at it. By the end of the novel she was vastly improved—and even more tolerant than I would be (once some of her initial uncharitable assumptions had indeed proven to be true). Williams’ intrinsically kind nature shines through in this novel, an unexpected treasure.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Hamilton is the first in a new exciting series by Tanya E. Williams. This is my fourth book by Ms. Williams. When I heard she was coming out with a new novel, it immediately was on my reading list.

This is a Historical Fiction novel taking place in Vancouver, Canada during the late 1920’s. Basically the story is about a family under hardship. The two main protagonists are sisters. The majority of the novel is written from the younger sister’s perspective. The characters are deep, rich and memorable. There are many moments in the novel where you feel your heartstrings being pulled and plenty of moments where you are cheering them on unabashedly. A well written character, to me, has the reader emotionally invested in them. This is definitely one of Ms. Williams strong points. All of her characters are so well developed.

The plot was refreshing and written about a time and place I had previously learned little about. It was a very interesting story. I am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Williams has in store for us at The Hamilton. Well done!

I would like to thank Ms. Williams for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Mumford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good read! Historical fiction but a relevant read that is easy to connect to in any time period.
I found myself invested in each character if the book, they were so “normal” and relatable.
Two sisters growing together and understanding each other more each day and learning about their family and father through challenges life presents.
Very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more about this family!

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, a MUST read. Two sisters trying to save the family after several hardships. Love the plot, interesting characters, and love the setting. I don't usually care for women's historical fiction, but this was an interesting story!! Can't wait to read more about what happens at The Hamilton!

[Maureen D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is nothing like Downton Abbey.

[Neil McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vancouver...

[David Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FAMILY FALLEN ON HARD TIMES. I can understand this having ben there myself.
Two sisters and their dad , Having lost their Mother ,Trying to get on with their Lives.
The sisters take it on their selves to save the family. They sign up to take jobs at the new Hamilton hotel. This becomes an adventure that keeps you wanting to help the girls succeed.
Once I started reading this I could not put it down. I was living the adventure with the girls. This has to be one of Tanya's best books.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up a book by Tanya E. Williams I know I am in for a very well researched story. This one is about two sisters who are very different. The older sister enjoys acting while the younger one has taken it upon herself to keep the household running smoothly. She is getting less money each week for groceries and has learned to live within her budget. Then…she finds the eviction notice! She takes it upon herself to solve their problems by getting a job at the new hotel. Her sister follows her and also applies. While Clara isn’t happy with her, Louisa is stubborn. Through training the sisters grow closer until they finally have a common goal. This book is fantastic! I am always looking for more from this author! A must read!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an e-arc of this book from the Author.
I really enjoyed this read about teen girls going through the process of becoming maids at a fancy hotel. It showed them being torn between having adult responsibilities and still trying to have a fun side to life while dealing with different personalities.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters in this novel; they truly came to life through the authors storytelling.

The story delves into the complicated relationship that sisters often share. Because of the time in history that it takes place, women are in positions of little power, but yet the story shows their great strength.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story

I haven't read one of Tanya's stories for quite some time, but I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to other readers.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When finds a disturbing note in her father’s coat pocket, she realizes that something must be done in order to be able to remain where they are.
She plans to apply at the new hotel for a maid’s position. However, she was totally surprised when she found out her sister, Louisa, had followed her and decides to join her.
This is an enlightening historical book explaining the trials and tribulations of becoming a hotel maid.
Really good book.

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Downton Abbey (and I do), you must read this book. The historical details of a 1920s luxurious hotel will transport you back in time and you’ll be rooting for Clara’s success.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Hamilton, the first in the Hotel Hamilton series of novels, is not the typical roarin' twenties story of post-war excess and new-found artistic freedoms. Within the opulence of (what would become) historically important luxury hotels in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, Williams weaves a complicated family tale. Heavy is the head of young adult Clara, struggling to meet her family's needs amidst the grief of losing her mother. Yet this is a lovely and uplifting story, as Clara makes surprising discoveries about her father, sister, the changing world, and, most surprising of all, herself! This novel lays the perfect foundation for a new series. I am already anxious to get the next instalment into my hot little hands!

[Nicky McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Welcome To The Hamilton” is a captivating tale of a young woman who is determined to keep her family from falling into ruin. Her grief stricken, alcoholic father is struggling to provide enough for Clara and her sister so Clara takes matters into her own hands. Her confidence is boosted when she allows her sister to become part of her grand plan to secure employment at “The Hamilton”. Will they be successful? How will their father react? Dive into the pages of this book to find out and to learn a few life lessons in how to face challenges along the way.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of this family captured my heart, it was written with such care of the historical facts and yet sparked the imagination to how my city use to be! I could picture Clara and Lousia walking home, in heated conversations!
Such a time for the family to build from their loss and learn to trust in what each-other can handle. Then or today, Tanya developed characters we can each see a bit of ourselves in!
Favorite summer read!

[Laura Kebschull · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled between giving 3 or 4 stars. I really liked the book and enjoyed finding time to read it. However, it won't be a book 'top of mind' to recommend to friends. Although good, I felt like it was missing substance. It did remind me, though, that I need to dust my baseboards.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome To The Hamilton is a wonderful book from one of my favorite authors. I loved everything about it from the title and cover to the very last word. I can't wait for more of this series!

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I never knew what going into running a hotel. Great books loved it

[Jacquie Oermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this is a book for 13 year old girls who like Little House on the Prairie.

[Tammy Wozniak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painfully slow. Too much overthinking written down.

[Sandra Mistretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eager to read a book about Vancouver Canada during the roaring twenties because it seems rare. This is the first of a series.

Clara is a little younger than Louisa, but she is the one with her feet on the ground. Louise is impulsive and wants to be an actress.

Their beloved mother recently died from cancer, and their father has turned to drink. Clara found an eviction notice in his coat pocket, and she wanted to save her family home.

The Hamilton hotel was advertising for cooks, so Clara decided to apply to the new, opulent hotel. Louisa surprised Clara by also applying for the maid position for the adventure.

The hotel had a two week training period which is the time frame in this story. The training is elaborately described as the girls learned to clean the guest rooms and the hallways. There was a socialite whose uncle obtained the trial for her using his influence. She was in trouble with her family for bad behavior and the punishment was to work as a maid. Jane Morgan was spoiled and let the other girls do most of the cleaning while she took the credit for their work.

The maids worked in pairs and Clara was assigned to partner with Jane. Jane actually made several bad mistakes which she tried to blame on Clara. Clara had to learn to stand up for herself while maintaining her own values.

Louisa was very different from Clara with their personalities and outlook on life. As they worked together, they became closer and learned to value their differences.

Miss Thompson, the head of the maids, was worth a mention. She was professional and strict, but she actually cared for the young women and had their best interest at heart.

The relationship between the father and his daughters was loving and tolerant with lessons to be learned for each one. I look forward to continuing with this new series. I can see how this can be a basis for many new stories.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1927, Clara Wilson is the youngest in the family. Her mother has passed away and her family is down on their luck. Her father spends their money on alcohol, leaving them with very little for food or anything else. Clara has stepped into her mother’s role and takes care of all the household responsibilities. She has an older sister Louisa who wants to be in the theater. One day Clara finds an eviction notice in her fathers pocket. They are 3 months past due on rent and if they don’t pay soon they will be evicted. Clara decides the only thing she can do is get a job, specifically at the Hotel Hamilton. She applies but her sister follows her not knowing of the eviction notice or why Clara is wanting a job. Louisa decides to apply too. Clara is not happy about this. However they decide to work together, especially since there is another girl, Jane, who seems up to something.

This was my first read by Tanya Williams. I really enjoyed it. A historical fiction, set in 1927, one of my favorite time periods. I enjoyed this story about two sisters working together to provide for their family. I loved watching their relationship get closer. This book is clean and well written! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.