Last Call at the Savoy - by Brisa Carleton (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Set amongst the glittering backdrop of London's iconic Savoy hotel, Cinnamon Scott is forced to confront her troubled past as she uncovers the story of the hotel's first female bartender who has been erased from the history books. And like a well-made cocktail, their intertwined stories pack just the right punch.

Six years ago, Cinnamon Scott was a young writer on the rise in New York City. But since the sudden loss of her parents, she's been stuck in place, retreating to a life of endless partying--made possible by the massive fortune she's inherited. Despite their tragic loss, she and her older sister Rosemary have always had each other to lean on. But now, with Rosie living in London and about to give birth to twins, Cinnamon feels more lost than ever.

When Rosie is put on bedrest, Cinnamon flies to her sister's side, where she's temporarily living at The Savoy. Immediately swept away by the beauty and history of the legendary hotel and its famed American Bar, Cinnamon finds ample opportunity to distract herself. When the late shift bartender tells her the story of Ada Coleman, the woman who crafted the cocktail recipes The Savoy popularized in its famous handbook a century ago, Cinnamon is inspired by the bartender's vivid stories of Ada's fearlessness and can't understand why Ada's name is nowhere to be found.

After meeting a handsome historian researching the hotel and realizing that Ada is likely to be once again overlooked, Cinnamon must decide if she can overcome her demons and stand up for Ada's story. And, along the way, she might just save her own story too.

Review Quotes

"An irresistible novel about second chances, Brisa Carleton's sparkling debut is a gripping look at the bonds of sisters, the power of finding home and the courage of following your heart, no matter how hard it may be."--Brooke Lea Foster, author of All the Summers In Between

"With sparkling wit and a fearless heart, Bris Carleton invites us into the storied halls of The Savoy in London for a tale that is equal parts history, mystery and emotional reckoning. Last Call at The Savoy asks us to reconsider the stories we've been told -- and the ones we tell ourselves -- as Cinnamon Scott uncovers a forgotten woman's legacy through The Savoy Cocktail Book and reclaims her own in the glow of the gilded hotel. Carleton writes with the intimacy of a dear friend, reminding us to be brave, to confront the truths we've long avoided, and to dare to live the life we're called to. This page-turning novel, set in my favorite hotel, is a toast to the power of women, memory, and the voices that history tries to silence. Stirred with heart, shaken with secrets, this is one cocktail you won't forget."--Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author

"Carleton beautifully pairs a lush, sophisticated setting with a heroine who is hilarious, complicated, and an absolute delight. I only wish I could've jumped into the story to join Cinnamon on her quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious female bartender who ruled the Savoy's watering hole during its heyday. Brimming with romance and fueled by cocktails and calamity, this is an exhilarating, tender read that will leave you smiling."--Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

"The only thing more delightful than getting into bed every night with Brisa Carleton's novel, Last Call at the Savoy, would have been doing it at The Savoy. But I was there in spirit, drinking in all the intrigue, luxury, and romance of an extended stay at a legendary hotel. There is no juicier fantasy for me, and I loved being along for the ride as heroine Cinnamon turns her extended stay into an epic adventure. Without ever leaving the hotel's walls, Cinnamon goes on a journey of self-discovery that helps her reclaim her own power and with it the legacy of the forgotten woman who helped create The Savoy. Last Call at the Savoy has it all: sex, money, glamour, humor, drama, laughter, surprises, and at its heart, a powerful feminist message."

--Pamela Redmond, author of Younger, the basis for Darren Star's Netflix show

"Blissfully charming! Last Call at the Savoy is at once as decadent as its setting and as incisive as the forgotten history it uncovers. Like Cinnamon herself, a wryly frothy voice makes the story's deceptive depths all the more surprising. With stellar side characters, a swoony hero, and a heroine bent on rediscovering the past while reclaiming her own, this debut novel from Brisa Carleton went down like the smoothest martini. I can't wait to see where she takes us next."--Julia Whelan, author of Thank You for Listening

"Bright and sassy, Brisa Carleton's Last Call At the Savoy is a heart-felt book of sisterly devotion. A bit of history, a dash of romance and a splash of glitter are all swirled together in this stunning debut novel. Don't miss it!"--#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson

About the Author

Brisa grew up in the Pacific Northwest before moving to Midtown Manhattan to turn her passion for musicals and "flare for the dramatic" into an award-winning career as a Broadway producer. Three Tony's later, she's worked on numerous productions including Hamilton, Beautiful and Moulin Rouge. In 2019 at the request of HSH Prince Albert of Monaco Brisa joined his foundation to lead philanthropy efforts in theater, dance and film on behalf of his mother, Princess Grace Kelly. Most recently she turned her entrepreneurial spirit to actual "spirits," launching Literati Spirits, a premium vodka created by book lovers for book lovers. She now spends her days traveling to literary destinations with a martini in one hand and a manuscript in the other, collecting stories with her husband Mark and her long-haired chihuahua, Mister Big.