From the New York Times bestselling author of The Program comes a haunting, romantic, and suspenseful story about one girl’s search for healing in a grand and mysterious hotel full of secrets.
Stay tonight. Stay forever.
When Audrey Casella arrives for an unplanned stay at the grand Hotel Ruby, she’s grateful for the detour. Just months after their mother’s death, Audrey and her brother, Daniel, are on their way to live with their grandmother, dumped on the doorstep of a DNA-matched stranger because their father is drowning in his grief.
Audrey and her family only plan to stay the night, but life in the Ruby can be intoxicating, extending their stay as it provides endless distractions—including handsome guest Elias Lange, who sends Audrey’s pulse racing. However, the hotel proves to be as strange as it is beautiful. Nightly fancy affairs in the ballroom are invitation only, and Audrey seems to be the one guest who doesn’t have an invite. Instead, she joins the hotel staff on the rooftop, catching whispers about the hotel’s dark past.
The more Audrey learns about the new people she’s met, the more her curiosity grows. She’s torn in different directions—the pull of her past with its overwhelming loss, the promise of a future that holds little joy, and an in-between in a place that is so much more than it seems…
And the 13th chapter will only add to the mystery behind the 13th floor of Hotel Ruby...and ultimately, what it means for Audrey.
Welcome to the Ruby.
Gr 9 Up–Grief-stricken Audrey Casella and her familyarrive at the glamorous Hotel Ruby after an exhausting, strained car ride. Therecent death of Audrey’s mother has devastated her father. Audrey and herbrother try to watch out for each other, but the journey has been an arduousone. They are not happy about being sent to live with their grandmother. When asign announces that a hotel is close by, their father decides that they willstay one night and continue on in the morning. However, there is more to theRuby than they expected, and as one night turns into several days, Audrey andwhat’s left of her family seem to begin to heal. The place is restful,engaging, glamorous, and strange. It has a ghostly past. Every night certainguests are invited to an elegant party commemorating a fire that killed dozensof people. Audrey is not invited, but her father and her brother both receiveinvitations. She spends her time exploring and making friends. The sweethousekeeper, Lourdes, and the intriguing Elias Lange take her in and show heraround. Unfortunately, the more she learns, the more threatening the hotelbecomes, which culminates in a bone-chilling revelation. Despite some choppyphrasing, this novel is a fast and fun read. VERDICT A great purchase forlibraries where paranormal mysteries circulate well.–Claire Covington, BroadwayHigh School, VA
