"The details are hyper-real enough to be memorable—the breakups are sad, the backsides are saggy, and no one looks good for their age—without being bleak. The theme of love at any age is well-worn territory; here, it's worn in all the right places." —Kirkus
"A charming tale of second, even third, chances." —Booklist
"“Courses for Divorces.” That’s the plan in Moggach’s (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) latest novel. When thrice-married Russell “Buffy” Buffery leaves London and buys a rundown B&B in the rural village of Knockton, Wales, he targets the niche newly single-traveler market with classes like, “How to Make a Sponge Cake,” and “How to Change a Tire.” However, the eccentric group of guests who show up learn little about practical matters and more about relationships." —New York Post
"I will start this review by declaring how much I adored this book, and Moggach, as both are such a true delight for any reader...Humorous, heartfelt and memorable characters will forever be in the minds of the readers as this book is clearly a masterpiece...I encourage readers to read this book. If possible read all of Moggach's books. Heartbreak Hotel is a wonderful pick-me-up and I promise you will come to love the author as much as I have."—Night Owl Reviews
"Heartbreak Hotel is the first book by Deborah Moggach that I have had the pleasure of reading, and I was pleasantly surprised! The motley crew of characters provided me with no end of entertainment, and the setting was picturesque and quite fun...Heartbreak Hotel was an entertaining read, perfect for enjoying on a relaxing day in the sunshine or at the beach." —The Book Chick
"I recommend this one to anyone looking for a heartwarming, easy read laced with great humor and unlikely friendships." —Many Hats
"Heartbreak Hotel was a cute story. Though I have never read anything by Deborah Moggach I have heard of her and her excellent writing skills. This was a well written story about a B&B that brings some lost people together." —Hyper Ashley
"Heartbreak Hotel was a humorous, touching, fun to read novel sure to appeal to those who loved 'Marigold'." —A Book Worm's World
"I understand from Heartbreak Hotel what makes Moggach so endearing as a writer...What's sweet about this book is the relationships that develop. Moggach's writing is very character-driven. " —Spencer Daily Reporter
2015-01-07
An aging yet charming B&B attracts guests with similar qualities in this follow-up to The Ex-Wives (1993).When Buffy, a retired actor, leaves London to embark on a second career after inheriting the dilapidated Myrtle House in rural Wales, his optimism is endearing. Inspired by conversations with lonely visitors, Buffy decides to offer "courses for divorces," from cooking to auto maintenance, to fill more beds. The courses never quite take off, but the guests pick up other life skills at the newly dubbed Heartbreak Hotel. Postman Andy gets his chance to be a hero after leaving his brave but patronizing ex-girlfriend. Amy, a makeup artist whose boyfriend left her for another woman, coaxes her handsome instructor away from his clingy mother. Buffy's love life is so complicated that there's a character guide in the front of the book for keeping track of all his ex-wives and their adult children. Harold, a writer who mines the fictional small town for story material after staying at the inn, admits, "There were just too many characters jostling for space." But the details are hyper-real enough to be memorable—the breakups are sad, the backsides are saggy, and no one looks good for their age—without being bleak. Most touching is the fact that Buffy, who reminisces about his exes as fondly as he does his acting roles, has never given up on love: "There's a lot to be said for it. The deep peace of the marriage bed, tra-la, after the hurly-burly of the chaise longue." It's hard not to love a rusty lothario who paraphrases Shakespeare in the face of loneliness. The theme of love at any age is well-worn territory; here, it's worn in all the right places.