Reviews

Hotel 21 by Senta Rich

silvia_henry's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

michelle_stevens's review against another edition

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emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I feel like nothing really happened and I wasnt connected to the characters until at least half way through 

maireador20's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

shells1965's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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beereadsxo's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely devoured this!!

The story followed Noelle, who has her fair share of issues! (Note: depictions of Child Abuse and kleptomania due to childhood trauma) She’s recently started a new job at her 21st hotel (link to the name) and she doesn’t intend on staying long, she never does! HOWEVER. She meets the rest of her team. And things change…

First off I’ll start by saying I loved Noelle. I think she was a really well written, believable character and her struggles came through very well.

The story itself is written so well. The trauma storyline gets me everytime, and seeing how it then weaves its way into her adult life was just so real and raw. I thought the plot was very original too, with great representations on mental health!

All in all a brilliant read. I read it in one sitting! Thanks to NetGalley & Bloomsbury for this opportunity of this arc!

jalapenyos's review against another edition

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3.0

A good contemporary slow burn that picked up around page 100. I was weary at first but super satisfied by the end. I want more !!!

You definitely need to go in with no expectations to enjoy it — don’t base this novel off being quirky, funny, or romantic. It is simply, a story. A good one! As someone who mostly enjoys comedy/romance, and while this story goes contains it, it is NOT the strength here and that’s A- okay.

I enjoyed Senta Rich’s style of writing and the heavy internal dialogue. she did an awesome job of creating Noelle (awkward, late bloomer, kleptomaniac), and an even better job at creating Phil (who i couldn’t help but to love.)

*Also, this story was very english. As a U.S. reader, it is definitely different in terms of common-culture so i feel like i learned a bit.

My favorite part of this novel is that each woman had their own story PRIOR to the novel. They’re pre-established and flawed and the MC can’t fix it. it’s so refreshing!! I also love the grace Noelle considers about her mother despite the abuse. it’s something to think about.

pemberley_7's review against another edition

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dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

read_with_tea's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a standout character driven debut novel about a Scottish kleptomaniac hotel cleaner with a troubled past who is constantly on the move to avoid getting caught. Part con/heist novel, part moving dysfunctional family drama, Noelle is a character I won't soon forget and this book is perfect for fans of The maid by Nita Prose. It was also excellent on audio narrated by Jessie Cave. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

CW: alcoholic, abusive parent, kleptomania

bethanybook's review against another edition

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5.0

I am so in love with this book!
The characters, the plot and the writing style was just perfect. I found myself laughing, sad, happy, angry and every other emotion in between. Noelle has my heart and I will protect her with my life! She deserves the world and I will never stop thinking about her and her story.

This debut novel by Senta Rich is a must read for every reader.

Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me this ARC!

*please check TWs before reading*