Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel

3.5I didn't have any expectations about "Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel" and picked this book from my tbr pile for a challenge.The book was a positive surprise and I found myself quite entertained by the story.Lauren loves the Moonlight Hotel since her father was working at the hotel during her childhood. When she finds about during a dance class at the hotel, that the hotel will get new owners and a refurbishment, she is not happy.Soon lots of things are happening and getting mixed up with each other, what I found quite entertaining. Some things were a bit too much and over the top but overall the story was quite enjoyable.The setting with the hotel and the small English town were also quite nice.

Who wants to gorge on chocolate at Easter when you can binge read a book; especially one as engaging as Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. This is the first Jane Costello book I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.The story drew me in from the start with its unique, flawed characters. It follows three best friends, Lauren, Cate and Emily as they join a Salsa class, make new friends and find love. But the path of love doesn’t run smooth and along the way the friends face sadness, humiliation and misunderstandings.I loved the way in which the author developed the characters, tapping into their individuality and expressing their vulnerabilities. I loved it so much that I devoured the book in one sitting, reading the last page at 3.30 in the morning.The book gets 5*s from me. It was a fun, engaging read, full of heartwarming moments and Bridget Jones type situations. But, just as important, I’ve added Jane Costello to my must read author list.

I would have easily rated this 5 stars because it was a typical great to read not being able to put down book but here comes my „but“: For me Lauren and Joe simply didn‘t spend enough time together during the book. You could sense their chemistry right away, but the main character Lauren spends too much time chasing Edwin, who she has zero chemistry with from the start. She later realises this too, but sadly the book ends just when it‘s perfect.

The Moonlight Hotel, situated on the shore of Lake Windermere is one of Lauren's favourite places in the word. However when its taken over by a new developer it looks like change is on the way. For the time being at least though Lauren and her best friends, Cate and Emily, are able to enjoy the Moonlight Hotel as it is for just a while longer as they take up salsa lessons, meeting some new faces along the way. At the same time it looks as though the man Lauren has been hopelessly pining over for the last two years might finally be showing an interest in her after the breakdown of his long term relationship. However, feelings and events are about to get a lot more complicated, Lauren really having to question just what it is that will make her happy, or rather who.Another light and easy read from Costello. I personally love the Lakes, and as such the setting for this story, with so many familiar landmarks, was a joy. The story itself gets off to a quick start, with lots of little sub-plots throughout such that there is always plenty happening. Lauren is the central character, though her friends Cate and Emily have their own side-plots too; Cate's story in particular I thought was very relevant and highlighted an unpleasant subject but one that is unfortunately on the rise.Costello touches on topics that are a little more poignant I thought than in her previous books; however, as always there is plenty of humour. Lauren as the central character is easy to like, the supporting cast generally all well drawn too. It was quite obvious from early on who Lauren should end up with, however, for the first half of the book at least she is very much fixated on Edwin, a colleague who she has had a crush on for the best part of two years. Their exchanges were actually very funny, and even though he wasn't perfect I did like Edwin; though I did struggle to always understand his feelings towards Lauren. Her relationship with Joe by contrast is a slow-burning one, Lauren taking much longer than the reader to appreciate her feelings for him; however, even once she does, there are enough misunderstandings and obstacles to overcome to keep readers guessing if and how it will all work out.Overall an entertaining if undemanding read, perfect for the holidays.

I have always fallen in love with Costello's books and this is no exception. Her books are always light and it's not exactly what you would call a surprise ending...it's very obvious what will happen but still the characters are so likable and relatable to that you find yourself engrossed in their lives. I blame costello for a large amount of sleep deprivation. You have a relatable lead (who hasn't felt that unrequited crush??) and a strong and lovable leading man whose ready to steal your heart. it makes for an unputdownable book.Whilst a fluffy romance at its core it deals with far more serious issues that are facing women today, particularly Cate's storyline and even Emily's are ones that are so scary and yet becoming more and more common. I think both these story lines are handled with great care and tact.Well done!!