Hotel Portofino

Welcome to the Hotel Portofino, a beautiful retreat on the Italian Riviera, where romance, parties, and intrigue await. Set in the glamorous atmosphere of the 1920s, J.P. O'Connell crafts an intoxicating drama that shows that not even the most idyllic places are free from trouble.

The Hotel Portofino opened its doors just a few weeks ago, but its owner, Bella Ainsworth, is already facing numerous problems. Pleasing her wealthy and demanding guests is no easy task, and it isn't long before the hotel becomes the target of the machinations of a corrupt local politician who threatens to drag her into the turbulent political landscape of Mussolini's Italy.

To make matters worse, her marriage is in shambles, and her children are still reeling from the trauma of the Great War. Alice is widowed and must train Constance, her little daughter's nanny, and perhaps remarry. But all eyes are on the arrival of her son Lucian's potential wife. However, nothing goes as planned, which could have serious consequences for her entire family and the hotel itself.

Set on the lush Italian Riviera, Hotel Portofino is a story about how personal discovery can emerge even in turbulent times, such as the shadow of fascism in the 1920s, and about the liberating influence of the charms of Italy's culture, cuisine and nature, a perfect read for fans of Downton Abbey and The Crown .

“If you like historical dramas like Downton Abbey and The Crown , then you need to read Hotel Portofino by J.P. O'Connell immediately.” – PopSugar

"O'Connell's historical novel is filled with drama, love, and intrigue, set on the beautiful Italian Riviera during the 1920s. Perfect for Downton Abbey fans. The story is diverse and skillfully addresses the prejudices of the time." – Library Journal