The Hotel Riviera

by Elizabeth Adler

Book Overview

New York Times Bestselling Author American Lola Laforet was swept away in a whirlwind wedding and found herself the chef/owner of the Hotel Riviera. Her life seemed to be a dream come true. But then... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312994796
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.9" x 4.1"

Customer Reviews

A Lot of Vacation for Your Buck

Where else but in the wonderful world of books can you escape the wintry world and stay in an intimate hotel on the coast of France, where the sun shines and the moon glows over the cove? The guests might arrive by dinghy, or motorcycle or more conventional transportation. Lola, transplanted American hostess welcomes her guests and treats them to culinary wonders each evening on the terrace over looking the shimmering sea. But all is not well at the Hotel Riveria, Lola's husband Patrick having disappeared without a trace and the police (who were initially reluctant to investigate the missing husband) are now eyeing Lola suspiciously. Add to this a Queenly British guest, a naked man from an anchored sloop, a greedy millionaire on an enormous yacht, and a sleek and sexy "childhood friend" of the missing husband - as well as a couple of loving pets and the formula moves from languid vacation to international intrigue. A delightful escape/fairy tale and an author who knows how to bring a beautiful painting to life.

A cozy book with a very apt depiction of the south of France

The Hotel Riviera is a wonderful read. The author's descriptions of the south of France are very accurate. I live in Europe so I can say that! Her descriptions of gourmet foods were wonderful and mouthwatering so I was enjoying this book before I ever got to the romance. However, I was not let down by the romance between Lola and Jack or the mystery surrounding her husband. An excellent and fun read. Better than comfort food!

Revel in the Sensual Pleasures of the Riviera

Elizabeth Adler has penned one of her warmest and most sensual novels and set it in the exquisite south of France. Lola Laforet, the endearing heroine, has been desserted by her handsome husband and left as the gourmet chef of a quaint Riviera auberge they had owned. Things become increasingly intense when police suspect Lola of her husband's murder, a handsome American ex-patriate docks his boat in her harbor, and a very Miss Marple-like guest takes a motherly interest in Lola. If you like your wine cool and your men hot, you will thorougly enjoy this romp through a maze of ex-lovers, people with secret agendas, and endearing pets who settle comfortably into your heart.Beyond all the romance and intrigue we have come to expect from Elizabeth Adler, it is the utterly delicious descriptions of the food that will delight the reader. Mouth-watering recipes will leave you wishing for your own romantic getaway to the Riviera. But beware, once you meet the delightful characters in this one, you will be sad to say au revoir.

Characters and settings that enchant!

Elizabeth Adler has once again created a story that vividly transports its reader to an exotic site allowing one to believe they've actually visited. "The Hotel Riviera", an aging eight room villa, sits nestled on a sandy beach near Saint Tropez. Its proprietor and chef, Lola Laforet, quietly caters to the needs of her small but adoring group of guests while her personal life unravels. Her husband, Patrick, has gone missing and the police suspect her of offing him. Several unscrupulous people have approached her claiming to be owed large sums from her missing husband and seeking ownership of her beloved Hotel Riviera. Just when she thinks things can be no worse help comes in the form of an enigmatic but handsome drifter and sailor who has dropped anchor in her bay. Jack Farrar seems too good to be true but he is always there when Lola needs him, and along with her assorted guests they tackle the problem of finding Patrick and saving the Hotel Riviera.Adler skillfully develops her plot and characters, slowly revealing small histories and traits until you find you have grown thoroughly attached and entirely too fond of them. It is almost as if you are leaving friends when the story has ended, but the trip is truly worthwhile.