As the war rages, the women must keep the home fires burning…
Bristol 1941 Coronation Close survives the brutal Bristol Blitz but with rationing, call up papers and new rules and regulations everyone’s lives are changed forever.
Resident do-gooder PC Percy Routledge's obsession with rules being upheld finds him spying and reporting fellow neighbours on the slightest infraction whilst his poor brow-beaten wife, Margaret can only watch on in shameful silence. It’s whispered that one day he’ll get his comeuppance…
Times are hard for everyone and Thelma Dawson certainly has her fair share of upset. Devastating news arrives that her son Charlie’s ship has been torpedoed and sank in the Atlantic, his whereabout unknown. Will he ever return to his wife and their unborn child? Meanwhile, seventeen years old daughter Mary has had her head turned by a certain overseas soldier. But where will temptation lead them?
Tough times, it seems, are here to stay and the women of Coronation Close all have their own battles and problems to overcome. As friendships are nurtured and relationships are tested, tragedy strikes and some home truths need to be faced.
It was great to be back in Coronation Close with all the people I feel I'm come to know well through the last three books. The Close is in the throes of war. For some the daily struggle of finding enough food in the shops to feed their families is a bigger battle than the war itself. Jenny and Thelma, the two friends who live opposite each other are as close as ever. They're both trying to bring up their children safely. Thelma is having a time of it trying to keep Mary in check. She's growing up now and wants to have fun and a good time. Jenny's Tilly is around the same age but is a sensible girl with plans of her own. There's also a new family in the Close. The father is Percy Routledge who's a policeman and who soon has antagonised everyone of his neighbours and then he disappears. This book didn't grab me as much as the others in the series. Thelma has always been my favourite but in this book she's changed. Her feistiness is gone and she spends a lot of time brooding about things she can't changed and it got quite repetitive. Towards the middle of the book the story dragged and then in contrast the round up at the end was very rushed. However, it's still a four star read for me as I look forward to the next in the series and can't wait to see what's in store for all in the Close.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
Returning to Coronation Close was like coming home. Even with the nosy and often bad neighbours. Catching up with the lives, loves and times with all those who reside there and beyond is like catching up with old friends. Life has not been easy to those living on the Close, and even less so now that war rages on around them.
We see something more of Mary Dawson as she has grown into a young woman working at the tobacco factory (a feature of and a nod to Ms Lane's previous series) whilst making friends with a Canadian airman Beau Blackbird. Though it is on a bus ride home one evening after work that thrusts Mary into something a little more exciting in the weeks to come. A man claiming to be from the Channel Islands begins quizzing them about the local airport and things roundabout. Mary is at once suspicious as she and her friends corner the passenger, prompting the driver stop and call for police to come sort the situation.
Unfortunately the responding policeman is none other than pompous resident know-it-all of Coronation Close, PC Percy Routledge. The stranger laughs the women off and Percy, such as he is, laughs with him. Mary is furious not to mention suspicious. The stranger makes an offer Percy couldn't refuse and all sorts of promises which leaves the constable puffing with pride. But what is he really after?
Meanwhile, Percy's poor long-suffering wife has done his bidding for far too long and when Percy refuses point blank for her to call a doctor on their sick son then leaves in the night, Margaret decides to call for him herself. But then matters are taken out of her hands as her neighbours offer their assistance.
Jenny is still lovelorn after Robin who cannot see the manipulation of his ex-wife in their children, even to the point of danger. Thelma has one blow too many but then another offer comes along on the horizon.
The lives and loves of those on the Close continue as war rages on and I look forward to seeing what's in store for the residents and their loved ones in the next installment.
I would like to thank #LizzieLane, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ToughTimesOnCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve really been enjoying reading historical sagas lately and the latest release by Lizzie Lane was another great novel. The story begins in June 1941 and is set in Bristol (where I lived for twelve years). It is very authentic and well-researched, and I enjoyed learning more about the time period – for example, I never realised servicemen had a daily ration of tobacco or that there was a shortage of knicker elastic! We meet many of the residents of Coronation Close in Knowle West. My favourite character is Thelma Dawson, who lives at 12 Coronation Close and works in a posh dress shop. She has two teenage daughters Mary and Alice, as well as her son George (who is away with the Navy), who lives with his (pregnant) Italian wife Maria and daughter Francesca. The anti-Italian abuse Maria receives from some of the women in the area shocked me, as I hadn’t realised that kind of thing went on. The interesting and irritating PC Percy Routledge lives at 5 Coronation Close with wife Margaret and their three kids – son Howard (14), daughter Judith (11) & son Albert (8). I felt really sorry for downtrodden Margaret and the children who all have to behave exactly as Percy instructs. He is a conceited and arrogant man who feels he is superior and destined for better things, so when he meets Quentin Appleyard, he’s easily flattered by the attention from this apparently Honourable man. Each household has its own story and I also liked following the antics of Thelma’s daughter Mary Dawson, Percy’s sister Cath Lockhart, who lives at 8 Coronation Close and Jenny Crawford, who lives at 2 Coronation Close with her daughters Gloria and Tilly. The story is very easy to get into and a well-paced read featuring relatable characters, particularly strong women and strong mothers, with good community spirit. It is emotional and has some very sad parts, but overall it is a positive and uplifting book and I look forward to reading more in the series.
The fourth book in the Coronation Close series and this was definitely my favourite. Set in my hometown of Bristol in 1941, during World War II, this is another captivating read in the series. I was so engrossed in the book, I read it in one sitting. It’s great to be back with Thelma Dawson, Jenny Crawford and their family and friends. I really recommend reading the series in order to get the full experience.
Briefly, lives aren’t easy what with their men away as part of the war effort, rationing and all the wartime rules, but the women are strong and have learned to make do and mend. Thelma’s daughter Mary has fallen for a Canadian soldier, Thelma’s son is missing after his ship was torpedoed, her gentleman friend hasn’t been in contact recently and she is worried about losing her job. Then unpopular PC Percy Routledge who also lives on the close goes missing.
The book is full of that indomitable British spirit much lauded during the war. Thelma and Jenny are such strong characters, women who work all day, keep their homes clean and tidy, cook wholesome meals from anything they can get hold of and still have time to support their friends and families. There is so much going on besides their day to day lives. Murder, missing people, misogynistic behaviours, romance and grief but most of all friendship. A very enjoyable read.
I picked up The Close without having read the earlier books in the series, and I’m so glad I did! This story stands strong on its own, with a rich cast of characters and an atmospheric setting that instantly pulled me in. Set during the struggles of wartime, it highlights the quiet resilience of everyday people—especially the women—trying to keep their families safe and their friendships intact.
I loved the dynamic between Jenny and Thelma, two strong women doing their best while raising their daughters amid uncertainty. Their friendship felt authentic, their worries real. The new addition to the neighborhood and the mystery surrounding Percy Routledge brought a compelling thread of tension that kept me turning the pages.
Even as a newcomer to the series, I felt completely immersed in the lives of these characters. It’s a heartfelt, tender, and sometimes bittersweet read, filled with strong emotional moments and the kind of community bonds that leave a lasting impression.
I’m now excited to go back and read the previous installments—and I can’t wait to see what’s next for everyone in the Close. Highly recommend this one!
__________ Thank you Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
In the latest book in the Coronation Close series, readers return to 1941 Bristol where Margaret, Thelma, and Mary are doing their best to survive World War II and the Bristol Blitz. Margaret’s husband Percy takes his duties and do-gooder nature too seriously, spying and reporting on his neighbors for the smallest things, and Margaret can only sit by and watch. Thelma’s son Charlie’s ship was torpedoed and sank, so she has no idea if he will return to his pregnant wife, and her teenage daughter Mary has a crush on a soldier headed overseas. Forced to confront their own struggles and challenges as the war continues and things seem dark, the three women must face the truths and reinforce their friendships and relationships when they most need their support. A great continuation of this World War II historical fiction series, readers will love this return to Coronation Close and the new challenges that Thelma, Margaret, and Mary face. The character development is particularly well done, and the three women are all so distinct that their perspectives do not confuse readers and allow multiple storylines to coexist in harmony. The historical detail is absolutely fantastic, and the setting is incredibly vivid, immersing the reader in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Another delightful instalment in the lives of those that live in Coronation Close.
It’s been a while since we met these, mostly, ladies and I had to delve a bit to remember their storylines. But again we get to know Thelma and Jenny, their children and their neighbours.
I felt that sometimes the detail slipped a little - I would have loved to have known more about PC Percy and what happened and who the mystery person was. But in some ways Percy deserved what happened and it will allow his wife and children to flourish when out from under his thumb. I also wanted to know more about how Thelma’s son got home - he just arrived - and was due to leave again.
The resilience and community of the Bristolians was a joy to read though - even though the end was terribly rushed and seemed unfinished somehow. Hopefully that means there will be more to follow - along with Lizzie Lane’s other series’ which we wait for.
A thoroughly enjoyable book despite my comments - I recommend the whole series
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This WWII saga is the first in a series, and follows the residents of Coronation Close in Bristol. I found that once I started reading, Coronation Close and its characters came to life easily for me. I was interested in following the characters, to see how they interacted with one another. I connected with some characters a little bit more than others, and found some more likeable than others. I think the character that made the biggest impression on me was Mary, as she was quite a feisty character, and sure of herself.
This was an easy and relaxing read, and I found it a little bit comforting in some ways.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
The latest addition to the Coronation Close series by the incredibly talented Lizzie Lane is Tough Times on Coronation Close.
The residents of the Close continue to grapple with family challenges and the ongoing war, much like countless other neighbourhoods in towns and cities across the country. Thelma is heartbroken to discover that her son George’s merchant navy ship has been bombed, leaving him missing. Will the local, overly strict, and self-proclaimed expert bobby on patrol, PC Routledge, who emotionally mistreats his wife, eventually face the consequences of his actions?
You won't want to miss this installment; it's a must-read to witness the strength of women in action! Inspired by her mother's tales of resilient women during the war, Lizzie aims to tell these stories in the hope that such tragic events remain a thing of the past.
Coronation Close is in the throes of war and Thelma and Jenny are trying to keep a check on their teenage daughters who are growing up fast. There is also a new family on the Close and he is a police officer. It was great to visit with the characters I have come to know and love and too find more. The plot is filled with sadness and laughter and plenty of authenticity. I couldn't seem to get as invested in the characters as I have in previous books because they seem to have changed a lot especially Thelma. Despite that it is still a brilliant historical saga littered with facts. I enjoyed the melodrama and the emotionally charged tale and I hope to see the characters back to themselves in future books.
Book four in the Coronation Close series was another really good read. I’ve been reading and loving this series from the very start. Life isn’t easy for the residents of Coronation Close as the w@r continues on. The women of the close are doing their best to cope even though life can be a struggle at times . Food and clothing have been rationed and there are also rules to be adhered to. However in spite of all this the women are determined to stay strong and get on with life. I just love this series and the characters. Once I started reading I was right back with all women who are part of this close knit community. We get more of an insight into Police Constable Routledge who I found to be rather a pompous character and his poor wife Margaret had a lot to put up with. This is another engrossing read in this historical saga series and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Book four, and make do and carry on... Bristol 1941. Such an enjoyable read. And all the rules and regulations hit the people at Coronation Close in this WW2 Blitz with tough times here to stay. This is where married women spend all day working then home to washing cooking and trying to put a decent meal on the table. Single women looking forward and dreaming of a good night out. I loved reading all this series and tough times is what it means on the cover. Full of highs and lows from all these amazing characters. Once again the author will well and truly touch her readers bringing this amazing book to life. I loved it.
The residents of Coronation Close are tight knit and treat each other like family. This book is set during WW2, life is stressful, scary and very hard. Follow these lovely people as they live their lives and support each other as best they can during a war. It gives a bit of an insight into how hard life would have been, trying to make ends meet and not knowing if your family would survive. I really enjoyed this book, looking into the lives of the residents of Coronation Close. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend, it’s an entertaining read.
I really enjoyed this book. After the first 3 books I knew i was going to love it. Its such a cosy book. This book is full of that British spirit everyone had during the war and really gets your mind thinking. There is so many side plots happening at once it grabs your attention from the firsg page. Highly recommend!
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Lizzie Lane and Boldwood Books📚 📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
I have been waiting for the next book in one of my favourite saga series to be released for so long and it's finally here!
Tough Times on Coronation Close is book 4 in the series, but it is well worth reading the entire series in my opinion - set on a Bristol council estate during WWII, we catch up with friends and neighbours Thelma and Jenny as the continue to get through the stress and worry of war, rationing and raising their children. There is a mystery man causing suspicion, but is the suspicion unwarranted? There is also the scent of kindling romance for more than one of these fabulous characters...
A brilliant new instalment from the pen of the fabulous Lizzie Lane! I really hope there will be a book number 5.
It was good to read what the residents of coronation close had been up to tears and laughter I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but I hope that we will get another book to let us know how things have went with the war and the residents as well if you have read the other books from coronation close then you've got to read Lizzie 's new book
It was great to find out what happened to all the people who lived in Coronation Close. Finding out what had happened to everyone. Thank you again Lizzie
It had me hooked right from the start catching up with the neighbours on Coronation Close it took a twist with PC Rutledge that I didn't see coming got his just desserts though nosy old so-so!
I so love this series! Although our friends in coronation close are still struggling with rations and all the difficulties during the war, their friendships and families are as strong as ever. It is one of my very favourite series and I truly hope it carries on for a long time.
This is set during the war and follows a number of residents living on Coronation Close.
Mary is the one that stood out to me first because of her tenacity. She's an interesting character trying to find her way in life but also getting caught up in something along the way. She has good instincts although still very young and has a lot to learn.
Percy is another that stands out for all the wrong reasons and you can't help but feel annoyed that he holds a position of trust despite being a nasty man.
The community is an interesting one and you learn about the difficulties they experienced given rationing and the blackouts. I always find this time period intriguing as it's the erra my gran lived through. It must have been tough to bring up a family during a time of fear, uncertainty and little in the way of necessities such as food and clothes. My gran said it was a hard life but a good life. The people living on Coronation Close seem to look out for each other despite their own hardships.
Set during the Bristol Blitz, this story captures the challenges faced by women as the men are away fighting in the war. Life is tough for these women, but you can warm to some characters. The descriptions of the houses are vividly portrayed.
PC Percy Routledge is a man to admire; however, he also spies on and reports any wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities. Home truths begin to emerge, leaving the residents uncomfortable, and tested.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. If you like a good saga, this book is definitely for you
The next installment of this compelling series unfolds in Bristol, 1941. Coronation Close has survived the devastating Bristol Blitz, but with rationing, call papers, new rules and regulations, everyone’s lives are irrevocably altered. However, life is far from idyllic for the residents, as they face heartbreaks and disappointments in matters of love. The neighborhood’s self-appointed enforcer, PC Percy Routledge, becomes obsessed with every is followed, spying on and reporting neighbors for the slightest actions, while his long-suffering wife, Margaret, looks on in shame. Thelma Dawson bears her share of sorrow in this installment. Tragically, she learns her son Charlie’s ship has been torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic, leaving his whereabouts unknown while his wife is heavily pregnant. Meanwhile, her seventeen-year-old daughter, is coming of age and enjoys meeting overseas servicemen for some lighthearted fun, though this behavior could lead to disastrous consequences. These challenging times persist, and the women of Coronation Close each face their own struggles and dilemmas. As friendships are cultivated and relationships are tested, tragedy strikes, forcing the characters to confront some painful truths.
This is a great addition to the series as we see the characters develop and pull the story along. There are high and lows as the war is really starting to impact on those on the home front. I would recommend to those who are fans of historical fiction as it gives us an insight into the lives of those left at home during this turbulent period. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.