Really enjoyed this one - it was a nice, quick trip to France that I didn’t have to buy a plane ticket for! I liked how the main characters weren’t average ones for romantic fiction, and seeing Lucy experience real growth by having to renovate the hotel thousands of miles from home. The pacing could have moved a bit faster, but I enjoyed the impromptu trip to France and was sad when the novel ended. Will definitely check out more from this new to me author.

"Lucy Checks In" is an absolute page-turner! Written by Jo Baker, this gripping novel takes you on a thrilling journey through the life of Lucy, a maid at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City during the 1920s.

As a 22-year-old who loves historical fiction, I was completely captivated by Lucy's story. From the glamorous setting of the Waldorf Astoria to the intriguing characters she encounters, Baker paints a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties.

Lucy's determination to uncover the hotel's secrets and her quest for independence resonated with me on a personal level. Her journey from a humble maid to a bold investigator kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to unravel the mysteries hidden within the hotel's walls.

With its rich historical detail and suspenseful plot twists, "Lucy Checks In" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good historical mystery. Baker's writing is immersive and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with glitz, glamour, and intrigue.

If you are in the mood for a light read with all of the fill good emotions, you will enjoy this book! It is filled with heartache, family, business and love. The majority of the story takes place in France and is filled with a mixture of interesting characters. I truly enjoyed this book.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinPress, #DeeErnst and #LucyChecksIn for the ebook for my honest review.

LUCY CHECKS IN is a lovely story about a woman's journey in rebuilding her life after divorce. When Lucy travels to France to help renovate an old hotel, she discovers herself in the process. I finished this book in one night!

I found this book to be enjoyable, just not my favorite type of book. Reminded me of a book I read last January (The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson). Dee Ernst assembled a fun cast of characters that I enjoyed reading about. Mostly, this book just made me want to get a job in France and move. Fun book, but not unmissable.
3.5/5

Lucy Checks In by Dee Ernst provides a refreshing change for readers used to younger protagonists in fantasy. This blend of women's fiction and romance follows Lucy, a mature woman navigating unexpected challenges in a French hotel. While the storyline is enjoyable, certain aspects limit its rating.

The slow-burning romance between Lucy and Bing, while appreciated by some, may feel prolonged and rushed for others. Lucy's character transformation is redeemable, yet moments of immaturity may hinder reader connection. The hotel subplot adds depth, though it sacrifices some romantic emphasis.

The story's conclusion takes an unexpected turn, introducing a tragic event that feels unnecessary and hastily executed. Despite these nuances, Lucy Checks In imparts valuable lessons on love and personal growth, enriched by poignant quotes.

In summary, it's a cute, quick read suitable for those seeking a lighthearted tale of self-discovery. While not catering entirely to hardcore romance enthusiasts, it offers an enjoyable narrative with a unique premise and charming characters. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy.

Loved Lucy as a character and the premise of turning an old, run down hotel that is owned by several different people that live there into a new and exciting place. However, the romance was really not it for me, I don't mind when MMC's have a bit of a rocky start with the heroine but this guy was straight up mean without provocation for the first part of the book. I didn't find anything redeeming enough to make Lucy want to sleep with him let alone fall in love with him. Wasn't for me, would've liked it more with more of a chick lit vibe than straight romance.

Lucy Checks In was the refreshing read that I needed! I loved that it was not your normal romance read with the main character being 49 years old. The author did an amazing job at setting the tone for this book and created an inspiring environment for anyone to realize that yes, you can start over and yes, it will be okay. Did I mention that I now want to go to France?

I tried multiple times to get into this one and it just wasn't for me. I think the pace was a bit on the slower side and perhaps that is why.

I loved this story of Lucy rebuilding herself and doing something she is passionate about. This was a great story of determination and motivation. Loved the story and the romance.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! Everything about it from the location to the personal transformation alongside the hotel's transformation... I didn't want this book to end! Highly recommend.

The story was intriguing and interesting. It really was about Dee journey and learning about herself. I thought it was nice that the main part of the story was her getting a handle on what she wanted in life. The romance was cute and I enjoyed it as well.

Lucy Checks in a wonderful mid life romance fun of hope when you find yourself at the lowest point in life. Dee Ernst tackled some very challenging topics including a destroyed career, loss of a sibling, and needing to find your place in the world. Dee Ernst did a fabulous job of creating hope and bringing us a HEA we could only wish for in real life.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. Lucy Checks in as a lovely story that follows Lucy's journey of transformation. With changes big and small, Lucy learns more about herself and learns what matters most.

A truly sweet, and heartwarming "starting over" type of story for Lucy, as she finds herself and purpose again in Rennes, France. I was actually surprised that Lucy was nearly fifty, and was endeared by her slow burn romance with someone not at all surprising. While so much happened in the book, not a lot happened, and while most of the plot points were predictable, it was written in a way that you're always rooting for Lucy and the success of Hotel Paradis. I recommend this for anyone who wants a light read, that transports you to the beauty of Brittany region in France: where you can pretend you're building a hotel inside an old chateau alongside Lucy.

Thank you to Netgalley for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am sure I requested this one because I liked the title and it takes place mostly in France...that's kind of how I roll. But I am happy to say that I really liked this one. :)I loved the characters, I loved the basic story line and I obviously loved the location :) I was able to dive immediately into the story and stay interested the entire time...the older I get, the more amazing that actually is lol. I would recommend this one to anyone that likes chick lit, basically.

A realistic FMC struggling with real world problems had be intrigued from page one. This story was a nice fresh plot that I had not read before which made me enjoy it even more.

I was actually drawn to this book immediately from the cover, for some reason it gave me a slight twinge of Scott’s creek vibes with the rundown hotel and everything but in the best way possible. Although, I felt I couldn’t really connect with the MC as they are quite a bit older than myself I still found the book to be enjoyable and It think that goes for a wide range of audiences.

I don't think I was the right audience for this book, but that doesn't mean it was bad! The writing was really good and I do think this would be a great read for the right audience. It just didn't exactly work for me!

what is not to like about this. must read and enjoyed this one. I was hooked from the first page and will read more.