A heartwarming contemporary fiction story filled with nostalgia, humor, and family secrets set in a fading Catskills resort.
Elyssa Friedland’s Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is a delightful, heartfelt novel that transports readers to the beloved but crumbling Golden Hotel — a once-glamorous Catskills resort. As the Goldman and Weingold families reunite to decide whether to sell the property or save it, three generations collide in a tangle of ambition, nostalgia, and long-held secrets.
 
The story’s humor and warmth balance perfectly with its reflections on changing times, aging dreams, and the enduring power of family connection. Friedland captures the tension between preserving the past and embracing the future, making this both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a touching portrait of love and renewal.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A warm, multi-generational story that blends humor with heart.
Nostalgic setting reminiscent of Dirty Dancing and summer vacations past.
Explores family legacy, loyalty, and the bittersweet pull of change.
Witty, sharply written, and full of charm — perfect for book clubs.
From acclaimed author Elyssa Friedland, known for her heartfelt contemporary fiction.
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of The Nest and Malibu Rising.
Readers who love family sagas and nostalgic summer reads.
Book clubs looking for engaging discussion about legacy and renewal.
Collectors of Book of the Month Club editions and heartfelt fiction.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed Last Summer at the Golden Hotel, you might also like:
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid — a sweeping family saga set over one unforgettable summer.
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney — a witty, heartfelt look at family and fortune.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth — a domestic story about love, secrets, and the ties that bind.