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The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio
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The Beautiful Strangers (original 2019; edition 2019)

by Camille Di Maio (Author)

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7313362,115 (4.45)1
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 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 Coronado wending its way through her soul, she must follow her dreams...wherever they may lead.… (more)
Member:Micheller7
Title:The Beautiful Strangers
Authors:Camille Di Maio (Author)
Info:Lake Union Publishing (2019), 319 pages
Collections:Your library
Rating:****1/2
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The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio (2019)

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“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. ( )
  Thebeautifulsea | Aug 4, 2022 |
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! ( )
  MaraBlaise | Jul 23, 2022 |
The story was unique, and fun. I didn’t care for the frequent repetition of the protagonist’s doubts, and the scenes with Kate and Marilyn Monroe were too precious, for lack of a better word. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the unique story and setting. ( )
  emrsalgado | Jul 23, 2021 |
Beautifully Executed. Set during the 1958 filming of the 1960 Golden Globe Aware Winner for Best Motion Picture- Comedy SOME LIKE IT HOT, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, Di Maio's work here takes just enough historically accurate details and uses them to make her fictional world and its tale all the more real. Indeed, all three award winning actors make appearances in the book, and one of them even advances a crucial plot point. But the tale here is one of leaving home to find your true destiny, and it is in this tale that the book truly shines. Kate Morgan steals every scene she is in and is one of the more loveable main characters I've come across of late. The mystery of the Beautiful Stranger is compelling, and the execution of including the Stranger's perspective at the end of every chapter really keeps things moving nicely. This was my first book from Ms. Di Maio. It won't be my last. ( )
  BookAnonJeff | Jul 11, 2021 |
The Hotel de Coronado during the filming of Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and a ghost, what a fabulous story. I enjoyed every page. ( )
  SharleneMartinMoore | Apr 24, 2021 |
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Epigraph
"And every day her loveliness shines pure, without a flaw; new charms entrance our every glance, and fill our souls with awe!"
---L. Frank Baum, of the Hotel Coronado in 1906
"Thee best to have in plenty---sunshine, wisdom, and generosity."
---Irish saying
Dedication
For my husband, Rob, who was the first to suggest that I write a book about Coronado, and who is the most amazing sounding board in regard to writing and so many other things.  Love you!
For my in-laws, Joe and Inge, longtime residents of California who have opened my eyes to the beauty of the state and been so loving to me.
Though I met you both outside California, I associate the state with Sarah Weaver and Erin Gross.  Sarah---thank you for many years of friendship.  Erin---thank you for a friendship that was meant to be!
First words
Tom disappeared several stations before we arrived in San Diego, which is just as well, since I have papers in my bag that will begin the process of my leaving him for good.
Quotations
Granddad was like a diary whose key had been lost.
"Kate, the thing about mica is that if all that sand was made of it, there would be so much sparkle that you wouldn't even notice how special it is anymore. You need the plain, basic sand that makes up the rest of it to elevate the mica to shine the way it does."
Coronado---the magical place that feels like an island.  But one little tendril of land to the south reminds you that you are still tethered to real life.
"No one should contradict your dreams, Kate. And if they're not a little far-fetched, how much of a dream can they really be?"
"When you've lived as long as I have, you learn that time moves like lightning. And if you try to lasso it, you'll only get burned."
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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 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 Coronado wending its way through her soul, she must follow her dreams...wherever they may lead.

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