Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read.
A Small Hotel by Suanne LaqueurExpected publication: September 28th 2021
It’s the summer of 1941. Europe is at war, but New York’s Thousand Islands are at the height of the tourist season. Kennet Fiskare, son of a hotel proprietor, is having the summer of a lifetime, having fallen deeply in love with a Swedish-Brazilian guest named Astrid Virtanen. But the affair is cut short and the young lovers permanently parted, first by Astrid’s family obligations, then by America’s entry into the war.
The rigors of military life help dull his heartache, but when Kennet’s battalion reaches France, he is thrown into the crucible of front line combat. As his unit crosses Europe, from the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium to Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, Kennet falls into a different kind of love: the intense camaraderie between soldiers. It’s a bond fierce yet fragile, vital yet expendable, here today and gone tomorrow. Sustained by his friendships, Kennet both witnesses and commits the unthinkable atrocities of warfare, altering his view of the world and himself. To the point where a second chance with Astrid in peacetime might be the most terrifying and consequential battle he’s ever fought.
With her signature blend of soul-stirring prose and emotional complexity, Laqueur takes readers on a journey through events that shape an American family’s weakest moments and finest hours. A Small Hotel illuminates the experience of ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and their once-in-a-generation camaraderie, courage and resiliency. It’s a novel for the world, a heartbreaking, uplifting story of family, love and human endurance.
A new book by Suanne Laqueur! It’s been a while since her latest one but Suanne’s writing is absolutely beautiful and her books are some of my absolute favorites. And you know me, I love historical fiction. I already know this has a big chance of becoming a favorite read of the year. I requested it on NetGalley and got approved quickly so I’m really excited to dig in soon! ?
You know I cannot resist a wartime story!
I hope you enjoy it, Stephanie — it does sound epic, and heartbreaking too.
This sounds so good! I’ve never read this author but it seems like it will be an emotional read?
I’ve never heard of or read this author. I do love a good Historical Fiction and this seems great.
I hope that you enjoy this when you get to read it! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like it could be quite good!
This sounds like a good one for my beach bag! The Thousand Islands are not something that is a typical setting and I am intrigued. I hope that you love it! 🙂
Another author I’d never heard of. Do you have any favorite among Suanne Laqueur’s works? Me, I like historical fiction too, though non-world war would be preferred. 🙂
My favorite series of hers is the Venery series. All the books are SO good!
I haven’t read this author yet, but this sounds super intriguing and emotional. Hope you’ll enjoy!