A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado is finally here!

Today is release day for my novella, A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado, book 9 in the Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts multi-author series!

I found the inspiration for A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado through two captivating sources: the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman at Coronado’s renowned hotel in November 1892 and the lively spirit of Miss Scarlet from the PBS television series, Miss Scarlet and the Duke. While Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to take a different path with my heroine, Eleanore Wainright.

Eleanore is an amateur sleuth, one who typically keeps her sharp observation skills hidden in plain sight as she pens her own mystery novels under a pseudonym. However, when an unexpected death occurs at the Hotel del Coronado the event pushes her to neglect her plans to win the handsome heir her father has chosen for her and focus instead on uncovering the truth of the mysterious woman’s death.

To further complicate matters, Thomas Harding, the story’s hero, finds himself drawn into Eleanore’s quest despite the unresolved tension of a past heartbreak still lingering between them. Neither of them is prepared for how complicated and personal the truth reveals itself to be.

What early readers are saying

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado not only weaves together intrigue, family, romance, and mystery, for a page-turning read, it also captures the charm and elegance of one of California’s most iconic landmarks during the Christmas season. Early readers have remarked how they felt entirely drawn in and “as if [they] were there” while reading the story. Those who’ve had the privilege of visiting the historic hotel have confirmed that my descriptions match the location (or how it would have appeared in 1892). As a former San Diego County resident, I do have personal familiarity with the location, but my descriptions could not have been as accurate nor as rich without the selfless generosity of the Hotel del Coronado’s history docents who tirelessly answered my many questions.

One of the most fun parts of writing A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. (Another thing early readers said they adored.) Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has gotten the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Gladys is snooping through her niece’s room for clues. Shh!

Let’s play a game

Can you help Aunt Gladys satisfy her curiosity by spotting the differences in the two images below? There are three differences and each is a clue. Put the clues together and you’ll have the two-word title Aunt Gladys eagerly wants to know! To verify your answer, you can scroll to the very bottom of this post. (If you are visually impaired, I did create Alt text for these images which should allow you to participate in this game as well.)

An antique clock set to midnight sits on a shelf with old hardcover books behind it. The book spines are visible. One book is titled "Mermaid of the Murky Lagoon" and another is titled "Behind Closed Doors."

Image 1

An antique clock with no clock hands sits on a shelf with old hardcover books behind it. The book spines are visible. One book is missing 3 letters from its title and reads: "Mermaid of the ___rky Lagoon." Another book is also missing part of its title and so reads, "Behind Closed ____."

Image 2

To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!

About the Book

When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?

Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.

Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.

As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.