Brisa Carleton joins the Spotlight this week to discuss her debut novel, Last Call at the Savoy

Author Name: Brisa Carleton

Book Title: Last Call at the Savoy

Book Genre: Women’s Fiction / Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing / Hachette

Welcome, Brisa! How would you describe Last Call at the Savoy?

Set against the glittering backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, Last Call at the Savoy follows Cinnamon Scott as she confronts her own troubled past while uncovering the forgotten story of Ada Coleman, the Savoy’s first female bartender, erased from history. Like a well-made cocktail, their intertwined stories deliver just the right punch.

What sparked the idea for this book?

On a solo work trip to London, I wandered into the Savoy’s American Bar with a book and a cocktail. Flipping through the menu, I spotted a footnote about Ada Coleman, the woman credited with inventing the bar’s iconic Hanky Panky cocktail. I was instantly intrigued. How had I never heard of her? When I tried to learn more, I was shocked to discover how little remained of her story, and even more shockingly, how her name had been omitted from the famous Savoy Cocktail Book.

I’m not a historian, but I am a lifelong lover of historical fiction. As Cinnamon says in the novel, sometimes history is found in the spaces between the facts. I wanted to follow that thread of curiosity, to imagine Ada’s world, and to shine a light on a woman who deserved to be remembered.

How long did it take you to write the book?

I fell into writing almost by accident. At the time, I was running the Princess Grace Foundation, working with H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco to support artists and honor Princess Grace’s legacy. It was a glamorous but demanding job with lots of travel, late nights, and delicate diplomacy. I found myself craving an escape from the pressure.

Over the holidays, I signed up for The Novelry’s 90-Day Novel course. The founder, Louise Dean, encouraged us not to tell anyone we were writing. To keep it private and special. It felt like a secret affair with my imagination. I wrote for one hour each morning, no expectations, no audience, and it quickly became the best part of my day.

By the end of the course, I had a solid first draft. A million revisions later… here we are.

What drew you to writing women’s fiction?

I wanted to write the kind of book I love to read; ones that spark conversation and stay with you long after the last page. I’ve always loved talking about books with friends (and even strangers on planes or at bars), so the idea of writing something that invites that same kind of lively discussion felt irresistible. Book club fiction, at its heart, is about connection, and that’s what excites me most.

Fans of which authors or books might gravitate toward your book?

Readers who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, or novels by Fiona Davis, Rebecca Serle, and Josie Silver will (hopefully!!) enjoy Last Call at the Savoy.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Most of all, I want readers to feel transported into the sparkling world of the Savoy. But I also hope they pause to remember Ada Coleman, a trailblazing woman whose nearly forgotten contributions shaped cocktail history. And to reflect on how many other women like her deserve to have their stories told.

Any words of wisdom you’d give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?

Perfect is the enemy of great. Your first draft will be messy. It’s supposed to be. Don’t be precious about it. Write it, share it, listen to feedback, and revise. Commercial fiction is written for readers. Invite them in early, learn from their reactions, and let their perspective sharpen your story.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I’m a Broadway producer, which means I’ve been in the storytelling business my whole career. I’m a lifelong musical theater nerd and still pinch myself that I get to live and work in the middle of Broadway’s creative energy. I’ve been lucky enough to work on shows I adore, including Hamilton and Moulin Rouge!.

Where can readers find you?

I absolutely love connecting with readers. You can find me on Instagram @brisacarleton

 or through my website brisacarleton.com. And if your book club is reading Last Call at the Savoy, definitely let me know. I’d be delighted to pop in virtually and raise a glass with you.

Thank you, Brisa! Last Call at the Savoy is out TODAY.

Last Call at the Savoy

Set amongst the glittering backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy hotel, a young woman 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–“an exhilarating, tender read that will leave you smiling” (Fiona Davis, bestselling author).

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.

Author Bio:

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.