The Heartbreak Hotel, Ellen O’Clover (Review by Aura Johnson)

After being unceremoniously dumped by her superstar boyfriend for a girl he told her not to worry about, Louisa is a little lost on how to put her life back in order. Problem is, she has no money, no credentials that are only an exam away, and she cannot afford the rent of the amazing house she and her (now ex) boyfriend lived in. Instead of willowing in self-pity, Louisa reaches out to the reclusive landlord, Henry Rhodes, and asks him if he would approve her idea of having a retreat of sorts where she would help those who are recovering from loss/grief/broken heart.

As the people arrive to the house, they experience nature hikes with wrong turns, Louisa’s cleverly disguised attempts at breakfast, they also begin to heal slowly because she has the knowledge to help them, just maybe not the license. More people coming means more usage of the house and as things break or need repair, the reclusive landlord, who is also somewhat easy on the eyes, ends up coming around more and more often, but maybe not just for the repairs. Perhaps he needs to heal from his own grief, too. Perhaps he too, find the heartbreak hotel just as useful as its guests.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book, it almost felt as if I was in therapy myself. Dealing with any kind of loss, whether it is a broken promise, death, or leaving a relationship for your own good, is never easy and Louisa not only dealt with as best she could but also started a place for other people who are going through similar experiences. While it was a romance book, it also highlighted some complicated themes that can be relatable to many people, such as grief (as mentioned), but also complicated family members and unexpected secret connections that are around you. This book did not feel like a “fluff romance” piece with no plot or no real substance, this was a quiet romance with healing qualities.

Highly recommend.