The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester Publishes 6/2/26

 This book was not at all what I was expecting.  I was blown away with just how powerful this story was.



This novel is told from two time periods.  The first is 1957 and the second is 1964.  Both focus on Aria, an orphan, who has come to  Chateau Marmont to live with her aunt.  Her aunt is a former Hollywood starlet who knows longer acts.  Something happened to her aunt.  Aria befriends two other actresses who become like sisters to her.  Through it all Aria only wants to blend in becoming a recluse herself with her only education the Chateau Marmont.  All that changes when the hotel is bought by a new owner who also happens to be a famous singer.  Things take a turn for Aria and she will have to decide what path she will take. 


Aria is a fascinating character and one that I was drawn too.  I enjoyed the back and forth in the two timelines as we learned what she was like as a child and then what she was like as a young adult.  I loved how she was strong and well educated although she received no formal education. Even though this book is fictional, many of the events that happened in this book are not.  I liked what the author did with the story.  The ending made this novel and I loved the message especially with all that is happening now in the world.  I also enjoyed that this was loosely based on Jane Eyre.  


This is iconic historical fiction with a truly important message for all women!  4 stars


Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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