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Nicola Harrison

Biography

Nicola Harrison

Nicola Harrison is the author of MONTAUK, THE SHOW GIRL, HOTEL LAGUNA and THE ISLAND CLUB. Born and raised in England, she moved with her family to Southern California when she was 14. She is a graduate of UCLA and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Stony Brook University. Prior to writing novels she worked as a fashion journalist in New York City, where she lived for 17 years. Now she resides in Manhattan Beach, California, with her husband, two sons and a high maintenance chihuahua named Lily.

Books by Nicola Harrison

by Nicola Harrison - Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

1956: On idyllic Balboa Island, life seems peaceful and welcoming. But when the lives of three women begin to unravel in shockingly different ways, an unlikely friendship --- and the game of tennis --- may be the only thing that can save them. Milly Kinkaid's plan to fix her crumbling marriage seems to be falling apart before it even begins. Society matriarch Sylvia Johnson and her husband have begun a new business venture: The Island Club, a place for members to swim, play tennis and dine in style. But when she learns that he has been risking their financial security, she's poised to lose not only the club, but the entire community she holds dear. Meanwhile, standoffish loner Adele Lambert's entire world is on the brink of being destroyed if the dark secrets of her past and her hidden identity are revealed.

by Nicola Harrison - Fiction, Historical Fiction

In 1942, Hazel Francis left Wichita, Kansas, for California, determined to do her part for the war effort. At Douglas Aircraft, she became one of many “Rosie the Riveters,” helping to construct bombers for the U.S. military. But now the war is over, men have returned to their factory jobs, and women like Hazel have been dismissed. Unwilling to be forced into a traditional woman’s role in the Midwest, Hazel finds herself in the bohemian town of Laguna Beach. Desperate for work, she accepts a job as an assistant to famous artist Hanson Radcliff. But Hazel still wants to work with airplanes and maybe even learn to fly one someday. Torn between pursuing her dream and the dream life she has been granted, she is unsure if giving herself over to Laguna is what her heart truly wants.

by Nicola Harrison - Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

It's 1927 when Olive McCormick moves from Minneapolis to New York City determined to become a star in the Ziegfeld Follies. Extremely talented as a singer and dancer, it takes every bit of perseverance to finally make it on stage. And once she does, all the glamour and excitement is everything she imagined and more. Then she meets Archie Carmichael. Handsome and wealthy, Archie is the only man she has ever met who seems to accept her modern ways --- her independent nature and passion for success. But once she accepts his proposal of marriage, he starts to change his tune. Olive must decide if she is willing to reveal a devastating secret and sacrifice the life she loves for the man she loves.

by Nicola Harrison - Fiction, Historical Fiction

Montauk, Long Island, 1938. For three months, this humble fishing village will serve as the playground for New York City’s wealthy elite. Beatrice Bordeaux was looking forward to a summer of reigniting the passion between her and her husband, Harry. Instead, tasked with furthering his investment interest in Montauk as a resort destination, she learns she’ll be spending 12 weeks sequestered with the high society wives at The Montauk Manor --- a 200-room seaside hotel --- while Harry pursues other interests in the city. Bea ultimately finds herself drawn to a man who is nothing like her husband. Inspiring a strength and courage she had almost forgotten, his presence forces her to face a haunting tragedy of her past and question her future.