First published 2011
Hugues Martin sees potential in a deteriorating Manhattan hotel tucked away on a quiet street. The Swiss hotelier scrapes together his savings to buy the building and transforms it into the luxurious Hotel Vendôme. His meticulous attention creates a sanctuary known for exceptional service and privacy, attracting celebrities and world travelers. When his young wife leaves him, Hugues becomes the sole parent to four-year-old Heloise. The girl grows up surrounded by the hotel's vibrant world of famous guests, socialites, politicians, and devoted staff who cherish her. Years pass as Hugues manages both his business and his role as a father. Heloise dreams of inheriting her father's legacy and running the Hotel Vendôme herself someday. The bond between father and daughter deepens as she learns the hospitality trade at his side, preparing for whatever challenges await them both.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-business, found-family
Setting: Manhattan, Hotel Vendôme
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
250 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Press