Four and Twenty Beds

"Four and Twenty Beds" by Nancy Casteel Vogel is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The book revolves around a couple, Nancy and Grant, who transition from their life in Los Angeles to owning and operating a motel in Banning, California. Through their journey, the story explores the challenges and humorous moments that arise from running a motel, providing insight into their personal lives and the relationships with their family and customers. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Nancy and her reflections on her shyness and inadequacies compared to her husband, Grant, who is portrayed as the capable partner in their new venture. Following a cold, damp season in Los Angeles, the family decides to take a trip to the desert, where they become enamored with the Moonrise Motel. The narrative captures their excitement as they consider purchasing the motel and the whirlwind of events that ensue as they sell their home and prepare to enter the motel business. The opening effectively sets the tone for a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal growth in an unfamiliar world.