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Sugar Sun #0.5
Hotel Oriente
The Oriente is the finest hotel in Manila . . . but that’s not saying much.
Hotel manager Moss North already has his hands full trying to make the Oriente a respectable establishment amidst food shortages, plumbing disasters, and indiscreet guests. So when two VIPs arrive—an American congressman and his granddaughter Della—Moss knows that he needs to pull out all the stops to make their stay a success.
That won’t be easy: the Oriente is a meeting place for all manner of carpetbaggers hoping to profit off the fledgling American colony—and not all of these opportunists’ schemes are strictly on the up-and-up. Moss can manage the demanding congressman, but he will have to keep a close eye on Della—she is a little too nosy about the goings-on of the hotel and its guests. And there is also something very different about her . . .
This novella is no longer available for sale. A forthcoming revised edition will be released at a later date.
Hotel manager Moss North already has his hands full trying to make the Oriente a respectable establishment amidst food shortages, plumbing disasters, and indiscreet guests. So when two VIPs arrive—an American congressman and his granddaughter Della—Moss knows that he needs to pull out all the stops to make their stay a success.
That won’t be easy: the Oriente is a meeting place for all manner of carpetbaggers hoping to profit off the fledgling American colony—and not all of these opportunists’ schemes are strictly on the up-and-up. Moss can manage the demanding congressman, but he will have to keep a close eye on Della—she is a little too nosy about the goings-on of the hotel and its guests. And there is also something very different about her . . .
This novella is no longer available for sale. A forthcoming revised edition will be released at a later date.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2016
About the author
Jennifer Hallock
5 books35 followersJennifer Hallock spends her days teaching history and her nights writing historical happily-ever-afters. She has lived and worked in the Philippines, but she currently writes at her little brick house on a New England homestead—kept company by her husband, a growing flock of chickens, and a border collie mutt puppy who likes to chew computer power cords.
Author Courtney Milan wrote of the Sugar Sun series: “If you’re looking for a meaty historical romance that will transport you somewhere you’ve never been, Jennifer Hallock’s books…are must-reads.”
Author Courtney Milan wrote of the Sugar Sun series: “If you’re looking for a meaty historical romance that will transport you somewhere you’ve never been, Jennifer Hallock’s books…are must-reads.”
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 20, 2016
4/4.5
Excellent novella. More fearless fiction from Jennifer Hallock...including a deaf heroine and more fascinating history in early 20th century Philippines.
I'm really impressed with how Hallock blends historical details into the narrative--it adds a real richness to the story, perfect for historical romance.
My only small complaint was that the sex scene was maybe a tad too much for a novella...although it was well-written and sexy. I think I'm just a prude. *tightens cardigan*
Jennifer Hallock is off to a rockin' start with her writing career.
Excellent novella. More fearless fiction from Jennifer Hallock...including a deaf heroine and more fascinating history in early 20th century Philippines.
I'm really impressed with how Hallock blends historical details into the narrative--it adds a real richness to the story, perfect for historical romance.
My only small complaint was that the sex scene was maybe a tad too much for a novella...although it was well-written and sexy. I think I'm just a prude. *tightens cardigan*
Jennifer Hallock is off to a rockin' start with her writing career.
March 4, 2017
Enjoyable novella.
Nice writing style with good historical accuracy and evocative setting.
March 23, 2016
2.5 stars
January 31, 2022
‘The Oriente is the finest hotel in Manila . . . but that’s not saying much.
Hotel manager Moss North already has his hands full trying to make the Oriente a respectable establishment amidst food shortages, plumbing disasters, and indiscreet guests. So when two VIPs arrive—an American congressman and his granddaughter Della—Moss knows that he needs to pull out all the stops to make their stay a success.
That won’t be easy: the Oriente is a meeting place for all manner of carpetbaggers hoping to profit off the fledgling American colony—and not all of these opportunists’ schemes are strictly on the up-and-up. Moss can manage the demanding congressman, but he will have to keep a close eye on Della—she is a little too nosy about the goings-on of the hotel and its guests. And there is also something very different about her . . .’
______________
Hotel Oriente is the prequel novella from Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series and I read it as part of the Romancing the Past- Historical Romance Anthology featuring novels and novellas from 10 historical romance authors.
It’s a novella, so inevitably the romance is always going to feel a bit rushed but otherwise I was happy with the pacing of the plot. I do wish there had been a bit more of a sense of Manilla. I hadn’t previously read a book with this setting and I was looking forward to reading it for that reason, but was a bit disappointed that it felt like it could have taken place anywhere.
I am not familiar with the series that this novella is a part of, but I may read it at some point or at least the two full-length novels in the series.
_____
I would like to thank the authors of Romancing the Past (Darcy Burke, Jackie Barbosa, Catherine Bilson, Clair Brett, Jennifer Hallock, Carrie Lomax, Eve Pendle, Erin Satie, Erica Taylor, and Tanya Wilde) for sharing an electronic copy of this anthology with me. This is my honest review on Hotel Oriente.
Hotel manager Moss North already has his hands full trying to make the Oriente a respectable establishment amidst food shortages, plumbing disasters, and indiscreet guests. So when two VIPs arrive—an American congressman and his granddaughter Della—Moss knows that he needs to pull out all the stops to make their stay a success.
That won’t be easy: the Oriente is a meeting place for all manner of carpetbaggers hoping to profit off the fledgling American colony—and not all of these opportunists’ schemes are strictly on the up-and-up. Moss can manage the demanding congressman, but he will have to keep a close eye on Della—she is a little too nosy about the goings-on of the hotel and its guests. And there is also something very different about her . . .’
______________
Hotel Oriente is the prequel novella from Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series and I read it as part of the Romancing the Past- Historical Romance Anthology featuring novels and novellas from 10 historical romance authors.
It’s a novella, so inevitably the romance is always going to feel a bit rushed but otherwise I was happy with the pacing of the plot. I do wish there had been a bit more of a sense of Manilla. I hadn’t previously read a book with this setting and I was looking forward to reading it for that reason, but was a bit disappointed that it felt like it could have taken place anywhere.
I am not familiar with the series that this novella is a part of, but I may read it at some point or at least the two full-length novels in the series.
_____
I would like to thank the authors of Romancing the Past (Darcy Burke, Jackie Barbosa, Catherine Bilson, Clair Brett, Jennifer Hallock, Carrie Lomax, Eve Pendle, Erin Satie, Erica Taylor, and Tanya Wilde) for sharing an electronic copy of this anthology with me. This is my honest review on Hotel Oriente.
September 5, 2022
Find this review, my favorite quote, and companion read recommendations at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...
Historical fiction is not limited to any specific time or place, but it does not take a genius to note the spotlight shines on some nations more frequently than others. There are many reasons for this, none of which bear repeating here, but as someone who spends a great deal of time with the genre, I will admit I get genuinely excited when I stumble across stories set in less popular locales.
Now it’s not impossible to find historical fiction set in the Philippines. I recommend both Apostol’s INSURRECTO and Hooper’s ANGELS OF THE PACIFIC, but novels that take place in the archipelago are few and far between. This being the case, I jumped at the prospect of Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series and immediately procured a copy of the first installment, HOTEL ORIENTE, for my library.
At only one hundred and twelve pages, the novella proved a quick but delightful read. I loved that the plot played on a real profiteering scandal that occurred at the Hotel de Oriente, but I was equally intrigued by Hallock’s heroine. Della Berget’s independent nature engaged my imagination, but I was fascinated by how Hallock used her character to illustrate the practical and social challenges faced by the deaf community at the turn of the twentieth century.
A deliciously steamy love scene makes HOTEL ORIENTE an excellent choice for fans of historical romance, but I would caution those interested in political dialogue to keep an open mind. The book features enlightening details on commercial operations in the Philippines in the early 1900s, but its modest length prevents Hallock from delving into the details of the Philippine–American War.
Historical fiction is not limited to any specific time or place, but it does not take a genius to note the spotlight shines on some nations more frequently than others. There are many reasons for this, none of which bear repeating here, but as someone who spends a great deal of time with the genre, I will admit I get genuinely excited when I stumble across stories set in less popular locales.
Now it’s not impossible to find historical fiction set in the Philippines. I recommend both Apostol’s INSURRECTO and Hooper’s ANGELS OF THE PACIFIC, but novels that take place in the archipelago are few and far between. This being the case, I jumped at the prospect of Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series and immediately procured a copy of the first installment, HOTEL ORIENTE, for my library.
At only one hundred and twelve pages, the novella proved a quick but delightful read. I loved that the plot played on a real profiteering scandal that occurred at the Hotel de Oriente, but I was equally intrigued by Hallock’s heroine. Della Berget’s independent nature engaged my imagination, but I was fascinated by how Hallock used her character to illustrate the practical and social challenges faced by the deaf community at the turn of the twentieth century.
A deliciously steamy love scene makes HOTEL ORIENTE an excellent choice for fans of historical romance, but I would caution those interested in political dialogue to keep an open mind. The book features enlightening details on commercial operations in the Philippines in the early 1900s, but its modest length prevents Hallock from delving into the details of the Philippine–American War.
September 21, 2016
This book took a little while to warm up, but the intimate moments between Moss and Della were just exquisite.
Full review at Book Thingo.
Hotel Oriente is a novella-length prequel to Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series. As with most shorter romances, the story suffers from speeding through the external plot at various places. That I wanted Hallock to linger in the story more, however, is a sign of my enjoyment rather than a criticism of the form. I think I got a little lost between the descriptions of Manila and the development of the romance. Della’s character is so vivid that I was just focused on her for most of the book.
The love scenes in this novella are detailed, but the level of eroticism is perfect for the characters. The strength of this book, aside from the lyricism with which it describes Manila in what was arguably its heyday, is the intimacy between Della and Moss.
Full review at Book Thingo.
Full review at Book Thingo.
Hotel Oriente is a novella-length prequel to Jennifer Hallock’s Sugar Sun series. As with most shorter romances, the story suffers from speeding through the external plot at various places. That I wanted Hallock to linger in the story more, however, is a sign of my enjoyment rather than a criticism of the form. I think I got a little lost between the descriptions of Manila and the development of the romance. Della’s character is so vivid that I was just focused on her for most of the book.
The love scenes in this novella are detailed, but the level of eroticism is perfect for the characters. The strength of this book, aside from the lyricism with which it describes Manila in what was arguably its heyday, is the intimacy between Della and Moss.
Full review at Book Thingo.
November 27, 2018
It's a novella, so the romance part feels too rushed, but I loved the setting -- Manila a couple of years after the United States grabbed the Philippines as a colony in 1898. I definitely liked it enough to continue with the series.
February 24, 2017
The book has a lovely cover, representing well its mysterious and passionate heroine. But it was the title that really caught my attention: I mention the same historic hotel in my book, Woman in a Frame, not such a big coincidence really, since there were very few choices for hotels in Manila at the turn of the 20th century. The name should be familiar to all heritage architecture buffs. Pictures show the Hotel Oriente was indeed a gem, so I wish that there had been more detailed descriptions of its architecture, as well as of the clothing and food. That's part of the charm of period fiction. Those who have never tasted dalandan would have needed a good description, those like me who have would have savored it. Lingering on such details would have elevated this book to an Edith Wharton-like novella set in the Philippines. Certainly the opinionated and passionate Della is much like one of Wharton's protagonists. The hero is quite likable and easy to sympathize with as well.
There's heat here, but I wasn't swept into it (pardon mixed metaphors) for two reasons. First, the physical involvement of the characters came too soon, before their attraction was fully established and they had really gotten to know each other. If I didn't sympathize with her, as I did with the blind heroine of Tracy Chevalier's Lady and the Unicorn, I would have found the character slutty; nevertheless the love scene coming as early as it did made it seem she was more interested in the act than in the man. Second, there were a few off words in the love scenes that occasionally dampened the thrill. I feel the heroine earned her happy ending but this feeling is more motivated by pity; I would have wanted more concrete evidence she was a good writer and perceptive as well as persistent observer.
The plot is good, though, and using telegrams for a storytelling device was quite clever. I liked the humor that showed local color and wish there had been more of it, as well as more detailed description. And tension. Lots of it.
There's heat here, but I wasn't swept into it (pardon mixed metaphors) for two reasons. First, the physical involvement of the characters came too soon, before their attraction was fully established and they had really gotten to know each other. If I didn't sympathize with her, as I did with the blind heroine of Tracy Chevalier's Lady and the Unicorn, I would have found the character slutty; nevertheless the love scene coming as early as it did made it seem she was more interested in the act than in the man. Second, there were a few off words in the love scenes that occasionally dampened the thrill. I feel the heroine earned her happy ending but this feeling is more motivated by pity; I would have wanted more concrete evidence she was a good writer and perceptive as well as persistent observer.
The plot is good, though, and using telegrams for a storytelling device was quite clever. I liked the humor that showed local color and wish there had been more of it, as well as more detailed description. And tension. Lots of it.
November 2, 2016
A sweet novella, a prequel of sorts to Under the Sugar Sun. Here we meet Moss, the proprietor of the Hotel Oriente, and Della, the deaf daughter of an American politico. The historical details are amazingly well-researched, and I enjoyed learning just how complex and thankless a job running a hotel in the American colonial period is. Moss is a bit of a beta male and suffered a bit in comparison to the dashing Javier of UTSS. Della is fun and feisty.
April 13, 2016
I love how the deaf heroine is portrayed in this novella. She is not helpless, and she is smart in her own ways. I also enjoyed the setting. Manila in the early 1900s always fascinates me. I just love the rich culture presented in this novella, something that we don't see that often in contemporary romance.
January 2, 2017
I’m so glad to have started 2017’s reading list with this novella. I’d tell you it was the perfect length, but that would be a lie because I had to force myself not to read the preview chapter of “Under the Sugar Sun”. That said, if you love historical romance—and are looking for something new & different to add to your repertoire than Scots, Vikings and Regency—Hotel Oriente is for you.
Hallock’s story is set in Manilla. The heroine reads lips so the interactions between Della and Moss are intimate. The couple has to pay attention to one another closely and the conversations between them are teasing and humorous as they get to know one another.
The use of telegrams to show the passage of time was ingenious. (My heart actually stopped for a minute thinking that the story had been left on a cliffhanger and it was a list of other works.) It’s a difficult task, without two characters having a backstory together, to believe that characters would fall into any mutual respect style love in a short amount of time. This story does that quite well.
Hallock’s story is set in Manilla. The heroine reads lips so the interactions between Della and Moss are intimate. The couple has to pay attention to one another closely and the conversations between them are teasing and humorous as they get to know one another.
The use of telegrams to show the passage of time was ingenious. (My heart actually stopped for a minute thinking that the story had been left on a cliffhanger and it was a list of other works.) It’s a difficult task, without two characters having a backstory together, to believe that characters would fall into any mutual respect style love in a short amount of time. This story does that quite well.
September 21, 2021
Although confusing at first, once I got past the initial chaos I actually did enjoy this book. Manila in 1900 was caught up in post-war bureaucracy, skullduggery, and opportunism. Della accompanies her grandfather on a tour of the new colony, giving him credence to his claims about the safety and security of Milan, playing up the fact that she is a vulnerable and deaf individual. The hotel manager, Moss North, quickly realizes that whilst the congressman might think his granddaughter is of no real consequence, she is really quite intelligent and could just be his undoing. However, in attempting to placate her for his gauche errors in judgment, he wins her trust, and she surprises him with information that would paint him in a bad light. Once the dust settles, Della is no less determined to reach Moss than he is to find her, resulting in some more chaos. The novella ultimately ends on a happy note, and even grandfather is satisfied. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 20, 2021
Never have I ever read a romance set at the turn of the century in Manilla. A background of American military installation and politics. Worse is the illegal selling of stolen food from military supplies. This is a close call for the arrest of the manager, Moss North, of the Hotel Oriente. Very clever and funny how the supplies were hidden. Oh, yes, the love story. Della is the granddaughter of an American congressman. Very observant, she is deaf, can read lips and writes for newspapers. Most people don't notice her, except for Moss. They spend time together learning about each other and their attraction turns into love. Different and steamy. This novella is included in ROMANCING THE PAST anthology.
September 18, 2021
This was a completely unexpected story. Nothing in it was quite what I thought it was going to be. I loved the unconventional setting: the Philippines in the early 1900’s. I was fascinated by our leading couple: a young deaf woman seeking her career as a journalist and a young man working as a hotel manager. Della is so remarkable, it seems fitting that Moss should be so perfectly ordinary in every way except his ability to recognize what a treasure Della is. I quite enjoyed this story. It pushed me outside of my usual comfort zone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.
March 16, 2019
I admit that I might be biased here, but I literally could not bring myself to care about two completely underwhelming milquetoast white folk falling in love when I wanted to know more about what Manila was like in the 1900s. The fact that the "hero" fought for Dewey did not endear him to me either.
Might give the other book in this series a try instead. At least that one actually involves a Filipino main character.
Might give the other book in this series a try instead. At least that one actually involves a Filipino main character.
June 15, 2017
Highly entertaining read.
Highly entertaining and fast paced historical novella. The characters are well definitely defined and believable. Recommended for those interested at the turn of the century Philippines and lovers of history. Guaranteed not to disappoint.
Highly entertaining and fast paced historical novella. The characters are well definitely defined and believable. Recommended for those interested at the turn of the century Philippines and lovers of history. Guaranteed not to disappoint.
December 22, 2019
A pleasant an enjoyable little tale of early American colonial Manilla, with a likable deaf heroine and realistic lip reading.
September 11, 2021
Quick little read about imperialism in the Philippines. I'd have preferred more history and less romance, although the main character was interesting.
January 11, 2023
Short was good. Quite good.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews