This is my first book by Maggie Stiefvater, and I have to say, if all of her work is so alive with atmosphere and vibes, it won't be my last. You won't find fantasy here. This is a historical novel based on true events, crossed with magical realism. And while the magic is intriguing, it is in the background, while woven into the story seamlessly.

There is the Avallon hotel, a luxury establishment, finding itself amidst WWII and having to host Nazi diplomats. There is June, running the hotel and having to find her own path in these cruel times. There are other guests of the Avallon that are very unique characters, including dachshunds. And there is the sweetwater, the heart of the hotel, and source of the magic. The story consists of three POVs and a plot that is all atmosphere and little to no action. This book is not about a heavy plot though (the theme itself is already providing plenty of that), it is of the quiet kind, looking into the hearts of the characters and the hotel itself. It's more like a river flowing, but you're always in fear of the flood hitting. Stiefvater has found a very unique aspect of WWII, and has taken some true events to weave them in with her fiction and added magical elements. 4/5 stars Thank you @netgalley and @headlinebooks for the eARC! #TheListeners #Netgalley #Bookstagram #MaggieStiefvater