Rathfelder's Hotel

"Rathfelder's Hotel" by Annie E. Bosworth is a story from the late 1800s that follows sisters Charlotte and Maria Marlow after they lose their parents and are cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Rossiter. Set in the Cape Colony, the book explores their lives as they grow up, their contrasting personalities, and the adventures they encounter, especially during a trip to Rathfelder's Hotel. The story kicks off with the sisters getting ready for their trip to the hotel -- Maria is excited about the trip, but Charlotte seems more hesitant, with familial bonds, character differences, and the challenges of growing up setting the stage for their experiences at the hotel.