Portola Book Club! November Book Pick: Hideaway by Nora Roberts
Nov 4, 2026
Welcome back to another Portola Book Club blog! This month, we're heading down the coast to Big Sur for a story filled with family history, romance, and a little suspense. With a Big Sur setting and plenty of twists, it's a great pick for settling in with a good book this November. As always, you'll find copies of this month's book available to borrow from our lobby library during your stay.
November Pick
This month, we're taking our Portola Book Club down the coast to Big Sur with Hideaway by Nora Roberts. We chose this month's book because of its connection to one of the most beautiful places along the California coast. Big Sur plays an important role in the story, from the Sullivan family's longtime home to the events that change Cate's life. It's a fun way to explore a familiar part of the Central Coast through a work of fiction. If you're planning a trip down Highway 1, this is a great book to bring along.
About the Book
Published in 2020, Hideaway follows Caitlyn Sullivan, a young girl born into a famous Hollywood family. At nine years old, Cate disappears during a game of hide-and-seek at her family's Big Sur home. She manages to escape and finds help from a nearby family, but the events of that night change her life. Years later, Cate returns to Los Angeles and begins putting her life back together. As she reconnects with people from her past, she discovers that some old secrets and problems haven't gone away. With family drama, romance, and plenty of suspense, Hideaway is a story about finding your way forward and learning to trust again.
Where to Visit
One of the best ways to see Big Sur is by experiencing it through a drive down Highway 1. See the coastline, redwood forests, and mountains through this drive. Spend the day taking in the ocean views, exploring the area, and seeing the landscape that sets the scene for the book. Some popular places to visit are Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where you can explore redwood groves, walk along the Big Sur River, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
Where to Read
Take your copy of Hideaway along for the drive down the coast and find a spot to enjoy the views of Big Sur. Whether you're stopping at a coastal overlook or taking a break after exploring the trails, it's a fitting place to read a story set in this part of California. If you'd rather stay closer to the hotel, grab a copy from our lobby library and find a comfortable spot at Portola Hotel & Spa to read.
Cocktail Pairing
Pair Hideaway with a Portola Private Barrel Manhattan from Jacks Monterey. Made with Angel's Envy bourbon, orange bitters, and Gran Lusso vermouth, it's a classic cocktail to enjoy while settling in with this month's pick.
Book Your Literary Itinerary
Spend some time exploring the coast that inspired this month's book. From the beaches and trails of Big Sur to the shops and restaurants of downtown Monterey, Portola Hotel & Spa is a convenient home base for your literary getaway. After a day of exploring, settle in with a copy of Hideaway from our lobby library and enjoy a little reading time. To reserve your stay, visit our website or call us at (888) 222-5851.
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