The Hostess

The Hostess by Michelle F. Santos, published by Author House on January 13, 2015, is a 300-page work of fiction that immerses readers in the vibrant and tumultuous world of Harlem in the 1920s. The story follows Nicci, who has abandoned her dreams of becoming a successful musician to run the Savoy, a club that transforms into a speakeasy amid the challenges of Prohibition. As men return from war, the club becomes a backdrop for a mix of excitement, danger, and intrigue, featuring elements of love, murder, and the mob.

In this edition, readers will discover Nicci’s second diary, which offers her perspective on the societal upheavals of the time, including the Great Depression and the complexities of her life as she navigates a world filled with vampire killers, faeries, and other supernatural elements. The narrative explores themes of identity and secrecy, particularly as Nicci continues to pass for white in a society fraught with racial tensions. This engaging tale blends fantasy with historical fiction, providing a unique lens on a pivotal era.