“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. ( )

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! ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )