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Coronation Year
The USA Today bestselling author of The Gown returns with another enthralling and royal-adjacent historical novel—as the lives of three very different residents of London’s historic Blue Lion hotel converge in a potentially explosive climax on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.
It is Coronation Year, 1953, and a new queen is about to be crowned. The people of London are in a mood to celebrate, none more so than the residents of the Blue Lion hotel.
Edie Howard, owner and operator of the floundering Blue Lion, has found the miracle she needs: on Coronation Day, Queen Elizabeth in her gold coach will pass by the hotel’s front door, allowing Edie to charge a fortune for rooms and, barring disaster, save her beloved home from financial ruin. Edie’s luck might just be turning, all thanks to a young queen about her own age.
Stella Donati, a young Italian photographer and Holocaust survivor, has come to live at the Blue Lion while she takes up a coveted position at Picture Weekly magazine. London in celebration mode feels like a different world to her. As she learns the ins and outs of her new profession, Stella discovers a purpose and direction that honor her past and bring hope for her future.
James Geddes, a war hero and gifted artist, has struggled to make his mark in a world that disdains his Indian ancestry. At the Blue Lion, though, he is made to feel welcome and worthy. Yet even as his friendship with Edie deepens, he begins to suspect that something is badly amiss at his new home.
When anonymous threats focused on Coronation Day, the Blue Lion, and even the queen herself disrupt their mood of happy optimism, Edie and her friends must race to uncover the truth, save their home, and expose those who seek to erase the joy and promise of Coronation Year.
It is Coronation Year, 1953, and a new queen is about to be crowned. The people of London are in a mood to celebrate, none more so than the residents of the Blue Lion hotel.
Edie Howard, owner and operator of the floundering Blue Lion, has found the miracle she needs: on Coronation Day, Queen Elizabeth in her gold coach will pass by the hotel’s front door, allowing Edie to charge a fortune for rooms and, barring disaster, save her beloved home from financial ruin. Edie’s luck might just be turning, all thanks to a young queen about her own age.
Stella Donati, a young Italian photographer and Holocaust survivor, has come to live at the Blue Lion while she takes up a coveted position at Picture Weekly magazine. London in celebration mode feels like a different world to her. As she learns the ins and outs of her new profession, Stella discovers a purpose and direction that honor her past and bring hope for her future.
James Geddes, a war hero and gifted artist, has struggled to make his mark in a world that disdains his Indian ancestry. At the Blue Lion, though, he is made to feel welcome and worthy. Yet even as his friendship with Edie deepens, he begins to suspect that something is badly amiss at his new home.
When anonymous threats focused on Coronation Day, the Blue Lion, and even the queen herself disrupt their mood of happy optimism, Edie and her friends must race to uncover the truth, save their home, and expose those who seek to erase the joy and promise of Coronation Year.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Robson
14 books3,237 followersJennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 980 reviews
November 23, 2022
Read this one for a cover quote, and it's definitely Jennifer Robson's crowning achievement! A sensitive, introspective examination of post-war Britain and the way its damaged citizens piece their lives together: a harried hotelier struggling to save her family home, a half-Indian war hero turned artist, a Jewish photographer and Holocaust survivor haunted by past losses. All three find hope and opportunity in the imminent crowning of their new queen, whose coronation will change their lives forever. Feels particularly timely given the current moment!
February 20, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Historical Fiction
The year is 1953, and Queen Elizabeth II is being crowned monarch for the first time. The citizens of London are excited to commemorate this momentous anniversary. The story takes place in the Blue Lion Hotel, which is recognized as a landmark in the city of London. On that particular day, the hotel's position will be quite important since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be traveling through the area. The tale is delivered in a third-person narrative and is recounted from the points of view of three different individuals. This hotel was left to Edie Howard by her parents, and despite the fact that it is struggling financially, she has decided to keep it and try to make it successful, especially considering the prospects that are being presented by the coronation.
Then there is James Geddes, a Scottish artist with Indian ancestry. He is hired to create a painting of the coronation day. The third character is Stella Donati, who is a Holocaust survivor and travels from Rome to London for a job opportunity as a photographer. Jamie and Stella will both end up staying at the Blue Lion Hotel, where they will develop a relationship with the owner. Everything looks promising up until the point when threats emerge and attempt to derail everyone's plans. The three protagonists are going to do all in their power to work together and bring the unknown dangers to light.
This was a novel that kept my interest throughout. I think the author did a good job of capturing the historical atmosphere of that time period. The ambiance of London is captured really accurately in this piece, and I believe that it will result in a reading experience that will stick with the reader. The narrative begins in January 1953 and continues through the month of June, when the coronation takes place.
I think the writer did an excellent job developing the characters and giving them interesting backstories. Every one of them has its own unique history. The reader will have an easy time relating to them and connecting with them. The work as a whole is enjoyable, but the mystery component just doesn't pack the same kind of punch that I often expect when reading a novel that has some kind of mystery in it. The resolution of the mystery aspect was foreseeable and, at some points, also convenient. Despite that, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book.
Genre: Historical Fiction
The year is 1953, and Queen Elizabeth II is being crowned monarch for the first time. The citizens of London are excited to commemorate this momentous anniversary. The story takes place in the Blue Lion Hotel, which is recognized as a landmark in the city of London. On that particular day, the hotel's position will be quite important since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be traveling through the area. The tale is delivered in a third-person narrative and is recounted from the points of view of three different individuals. This hotel was left to Edie Howard by her parents, and despite the fact that it is struggling financially, she has decided to keep it and try to make it successful, especially considering the prospects that are being presented by the coronation.
Then there is James Geddes, a Scottish artist with Indian ancestry. He is hired to create a painting of the coronation day. The third character is Stella Donati, who is a Holocaust survivor and travels from Rome to London for a job opportunity as a photographer. Jamie and Stella will both end up staying at the Blue Lion Hotel, where they will develop a relationship with the owner. Everything looks promising up until the point when threats emerge and attempt to derail everyone's plans. The three protagonists are going to do all in their power to work together and bring the unknown dangers to light.
This was a novel that kept my interest throughout. I think the author did a good job of capturing the historical atmosphere of that time period. The ambiance of London is captured really accurately in this piece, and I believe that it will result in a reading experience that will stick with the reader. The narrative begins in January 1953 and continues through the month of June, when the coronation takes place.
I think the writer did an excellent job developing the characters and giving them interesting backstories. Every one of them has its own unique history. The reader will have an easy time relating to them and connecting with them. The work as a whole is enjoyable, but the mystery component just doesn't pack the same kind of punch that I often expect when reading a novel that has some kind of mystery in it. The resolution of the mystery aspect was foreseeable and, at some points, also convenient. Despite that, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
The best thing about this book is its cover! The premise of this story is charming, regarding a centuries old hotel called The Blue Lion which housed boarders and where you could take afternoon tea. A legend existed that Queen Elizabeth I once took refuge in this inn during a raging winter storm. This ancient concern had continuously been in the Howard family, leaving it now to Edie Howard to keep it running. As of late it had been barely making a profit, and Edie could not even take a single day off from its management. The character of young woman Edie Howard cannot help but be likeable, as she is as close to a perfect human being as could be drawn. She assumes responsibility, is selfless, compassionate, modest, and non-judgemental. Excitement is heightened during this time as it is 1953 and Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation route will take Her Majesty right past The Blue Lion. However, at the same time someone seems out to get Edie and The Blue Lion in the form of mysteriously cancelled booking reservations as well as the publication of threatening letters on Blue Lion stationery. I enjoyed this mysterious element the least as I do not gravitate towards the mystery/thriller genre in books. I most enjoyed the discussion of afternoon tea with its scones, marmalade, clotted cream, lemon biscuits and triangle sandwiches, and the human interplay of The Blue Lion's regular residents.
This was a pleasant "quiet read" that I popped in and out of while reading other books, just like its slightly more enjoyable predecessor The Gown. It also imported a married couple from the previous book, which was a sweet touch. If you love reading about London and the British monarchy with a cozy mystery element you'll enjoy this too.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
The best thing about this book is its cover! The premise of this story is charming, regarding a centuries old hotel called The Blue Lion which housed boarders and where you could take afternoon tea. A legend existed that Queen Elizabeth I once took refuge in this inn during a raging winter storm. This ancient concern had continuously been in the Howard family, leaving it now to Edie Howard to keep it running. As of late it had been barely making a profit, and Edie could not even take a single day off from its management. The character of young woman Edie Howard cannot help but be likeable, as she is as close to a perfect human being as could be drawn. She assumes responsibility, is selfless, compassionate, modest, and non-judgemental. Excitement is heightened during this time as it is 1953 and Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation route will take Her Majesty right past The Blue Lion. However, at the same time someone seems out to get Edie and The Blue Lion in the form of mysteriously cancelled booking reservations as well as the publication of threatening letters on Blue Lion stationery. I enjoyed this mysterious element the least as I do not gravitate towards the mystery/thriller genre in books. I most enjoyed the discussion of afternoon tea with its scones, marmalade, clotted cream, lemon biscuits and triangle sandwiches, and the human interplay of The Blue Lion's regular residents.
This was a pleasant "quiet read" that I popped in and out of while reading other books, just like its slightly more enjoyable predecessor The Gown. It also imported a married couple from the previous book, which was a sweet touch. If you love reading about London and the British monarchy with a cozy mystery element you'll enjoy this too.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
December 14, 2022
Jennifer Robson you are a great author. I really enjoyed this book. I have always been intrigued by Queen Elizabeth and I couldn't get enough as I flipped the pages. Jennifer Robson returns with another historically adjacent mystery. Coronation Year, 1953, is a promising time for many, including the Queen herself. At the heart of this novel is a mystery involving those who are attempting to ruin Coronation Day for everyone involved. If suspense and mystery are your favorite types of books this is the perfect the book for you. Robson's deep knowledge of WWII and post WWII-England is perfectly used here to tell royal-adjacent stories. It's such a refreshing take on historical fiction to see people living ordinary lives in extraordinary times. I highly recommend.
July 23, 2023
Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson. The book was fast paced. It kept my attention. Well written. Had some lovely action moments which turned into a mystery by the end Told by 3 points of view. Telling the same story. Became confusing at times
April 18, 2023
Another terrific read by Jennifer Robson. Carefully researched and steeped in charm and historical detail. I love how the regular people shine in her novels.
April 2, 2023
“What difference would a half hour make in the grand scheme of things?”
For Edwina Duncan Howard, Stella Giovanna Donati and Alexander James Geddes, half an hour made all the difference in the world.
Edwina is weary from trying to keep The Blue Lion, a hotel that’s been in her family for centuries, afloat. Stella is a Jewish photographer and Holocaust survivor who is trying to move on with her life, and James is a war hero of Indian descent who is suffering from PTSD. All three lives are intertwined and benefit from the crowning of a new queen and a coronation procession that will pass in front of them - for 30 minutes.
This spectacular story grabbed me from the first page and I found I couldn’t put it down. I think it comes down to Robson’s ability to place me in the story and engage with her endearing characters. I became part of the Blue Lion and was looking forward to the Coronation Day as much as the staff and patrons. The mystery kept my attention and pulled me deeper into the story, but it was the characters who stole the show. They were so authentic and relatable and I found myself cheering them all on, wanting the best for all of them come Coronation Day.
Robson begins her story six months ahead of Coronation Day and each chapter, a month, counts down to the procession. I loved the three different perspectives and the exploration of victory in the face of adversity.
One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of a character from Our Darkest Night, my favourite book by this author. Seeing postwar London through this character’s eyes definitely added to the story. I also appreciated the parallels between Edie and the young queen.
Robson capably shows her readers how ordinary people’s lives were fundamentally changed by the events of June 2nd, 1953.
With the countdown on to Britain’s coronation this year, this book has greater poignancy. I loved it! You’ll have to uncover the secrets of the Blue Lion for yourself and see if Edie can restore the hotel’s fortunes as a result of Coronation Day.
I was gifted this copy by William Morrow and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
For Edwina Duncan Howard, Stella Giovanna Donati and Alexander James Geddes, half an hour made all the difference in the world.
Edwina is weary from trying to keep The Blue Lion, a hotel that’s been in her family for centuries, afloat. Stella is a Jewish photographer and Holocaust survivor who is trying to move on with her life, and James is a war hero of Indian descent who is suffering from PTSD. All three lives are intertwined and benefit from the crowning of a new queen and a coronation procession that will pass in front of them - for 30 minutes.
This spectacular story grabbed me from the first page and I found I couldn’t put it down. I think it comes down to Robson’s ability to place me in the story and engage with her endearing characters. I became part of the Blue Lion and was looking forward to the Coronation Day as much as the staff and patrons. The mystery kept my attention and pulled me deeper into the story, but it was the characters who stole the show. They were so authentic and relatable and I found myself cheering them all on, wanting the best for all of them come Coronation Day.
Robson begins her story six months ahead of Coronation Day and each chapter, a month, counts down to the procession. I loved the three different perspectives and the exploration of victory in the face of adversity.
One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of a character from Our Darkest Night, my favourite book by this author. Seeing postwar London through this character’s eyes definitely added to the story. I also appreciated the parallels between Edie and the young queen.
Robson capably shows her readers how ordinary people’s lives were fundamentally changed by the events of June 2nd, 1953.
With the countdown on to Britain’s coronation this year, this book has greater poignancy. I loved it! You’ll have to uncover the secrets of the Blue Lion for yourself and see if Edie can restore the hotel’s fortunes as a result of Coronation Day.
I was gifted this copy by William Morrow and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 20, 2022
Set during the time of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, Coronation Year blends mystery with incredible research and unforgettable characters. Jennifer Robson has such an exquisite gift for bringing history to life and truly shines in this compelling read!
September 19, 2023
Comfort reading par excellence. A pleasant, light, and engaging story about a fictional small hotel and its inhabitants on the procession route for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. The proprietor is a young woman hoping the additional bookings will save her struggling hotel. Her guests include a biracial former soldier, now an artist, who has been commissioned to paint the procession; a woman photographer who is a Holocaust survivor; and various well cared-for elderly people. There’s light romance, light mystery, tasty descriptions of food, atmospheric descriptions of London, and yes, I think I’ll recommend it to my mother. 3.5.
August 11, 2023
Jennifer Robson is back with another great piece of historical fiction penned and published in the year of another coronation. The world prepares for the coronation of Elizabeth II and the plans are ongoing. A small hotel owner, whose property has been in the family for centuries, readies herself for events, as the coach procession will pass right in front of her door. With people seeking the best spot, the drama surrounding securing a room will take centre stage. All while a plot could derail it all. Robson dazzles once more with this piece.
When the calendar is flipped to January 1953, all the preparations begin for the coronation of Elizabeth II. The world waits and many in London are scurrying around to ensure everything is in order. Residents of the Blue Lion Hotel are particularly excited, as the procession with Queen Elizabeth II will pass right by their front door.
Edie Howard, the proprietor of the Blue Lion has been trying to make ends meet. Her family has owned the hotel for four centuries, but profit is a word foreign to Edie or her bookkeeper. However, with the hoopla of a coronation, she will be able to raise prices for those who want to secure a sport along the way. All seems to be in order as the world celebrates a new queen around Edie’s age.
Stella Donati emerges as a bright and young photographer looking to make her break in London and take up residence at the Blue Lion. Hailing from Italy and having survived the Holocaust, Stella has many stories from the Second World War, which she tells intermittently. Her time in London, with the coronation as a backdrop, helps her to see that things have a purpose and that her past can be seen as a stepping stone towards an amazing future.
James Geddes also took part in the war, but in an active role. His Indian heritage has him seen through a particular lens and pre-judged from the outset. His passion for the arts is alluring to those who are able to reach his inner core, though Edie seems to be one of the few. Their friendship blossoms throughout and the Blue Lion is soon seen to be an especially welcoming places for James.
When things begin to happen around the Blue Lion that leave Edie feeling baffled, James and Stella step up to help. An apparent threat to the future queen is released on hotel stationary, reservations are cancelled with Edie’s apparent signature, and other events all promise to leave the Blue Lion with a significant blemish on its reputation, which Edie cannot have as she is just seeing profits. Working with her tenants and new-found friends, she will have to get to the bottom of it before the coronation, which could be in jeopardy. Another sensational piece by Jennifer Robson, proving that historical fiction is alive and well in the right hands.
This is the second novel of Jennifer Robson’s that I have read, both of which focus on key events in the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Robaon uses a powerful narrative, not only to spin a tale, but to breathe fact throughout this piece of historical fiction. The narrative does flow very well and mixes truth and fiction in an effortless manner, such that Robson has to address some of the events in the author’s note so as not to confuse the reader. The cast of characters, varied and yet homogenous in their excitement, is a wonderful collection. They offer perspectives and social representations that help shape not only Britain at the time, but also key aspects worth contemplating in 21st century events. The central plot of the book, while fictitious, is well paced and keeps the reader on their toes throughout the experience. The momentum builds and keeps things interesting, all with the historically accurate coronation fuelling the larger story. I have come to enjoy yet another of Robson’s books and cannot wait to find some time to read explore the others!
Kudos, Madam Robson, for another impressive piece that held my attention throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
When the calendar is flipped to January 1953, all the preparations begin for the coronation of Elizabeth II. The world waits and many in London are scurrying around to ensure everything is in order. Residents of the Blue Lion Hotel are particularly excited, as the procession with Queen Elizabeth II will pass right by their front door.
Edie Howard, the proprietor of the Blue Lion has been trying to make ends meet. Her family has owned the hotel for four centuries, but profit is a word foreign to Edie or her bookkeeper. However, with the hoopla of a coronation, she will be able to raise prices for those who want to secure a sport along the way. All seems to be in order as the world celebrates a new queen around Edie’s age.
Stella Donati emerges as a bright and young photographer looking to make her break in London and take up residence at the Blue Lion. Hailing from Italy and having survived the Holocaust, Stella has many stories from the Second World War, which she tells intermittently. Her time in London, with the coronation as a backdrop, helps her to see that things have a purpose and that her past can be seen as a stepping stone towards an amazing future.
James Geddes also took part in the war, but in an active role. His Indian heritage has him seen through a particular lens and pre-judged from the outset. His passion for the arts is alluring to those who are able to reach his inner core, though Edie seems to be one of the few. Their friendship blossoms throughout and the Blue Lion is soon seen to be an especially welcoming places for James.
When things begin to happen around the Blue Lion that leave Edie feeling baffled, James and Stella step up to help. An apparent threat to the future queen is released on hotel stationary, reservations are cancelled with Edie’s apparent signature, and other events all promise to leave the Blue Lion with a significant blemish on its reputation, which Edie cannot have as she is just seeing profits. Working with her tenants and new-found friends, she will have to get to the bottom of it before the coronation, which could be in jeopardy. Another sensational piece by Jennifer Robson, proving that historical fiction is alive and well in the right hands.
This is the second novel of Jennifer Robson’s that I have read, both of which focus on key events in the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Robaon uses a powerful narrative, not only to spin a tale, but to breathe fact throughout this piece of historical fiction. The narrative does flow very well and mixes truth and fiction in an effortless manner, such that Robson has to address some of the events in the author’s note so as not to confuse the reader. The cast of characters, varied and yet homogenous in their excitement, is a wonderful collection. They offer perspectives and social representations that help shape not only Britain at the time, but also key aspects worth contemplating in 21st century events. The central plot of the book, while fictitious, is well paced and keeps the reader on their toes throughout the experience. The momentum builds and keeps things interesting, all with the historically accurate coronation fuelling the larger story. I have come to enjoy yet another of Robson’s books and cannot wait to find some time to read explore the others!
Kudos, Madam Robson, for another impressive piece that held my attention throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
August 3, 2023
Wow, a contemporary novel that I absolutely adored and would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction. The three main characters in this novel (we get each of their perspectives throughout the novel) are so wonderful. In their own ways, Edie, Stella, and James are each brave, kind, moral, and steadfast, and I blinked back tears multiple times. Everything about this novel was spot on for me. The characters are wonderful, the historical detail is delightful, the plot is gentle and compelling, the setting at the Blue Lion hotel is both realistic and idyllic. It was poignant to read this novel so soon after both Elizabeth II’s death and Charles III’s coronation. It makes the history in the novel seem alive. The aftermath of WWII and the racism of the time are handled sensitively as well.
Can I say again how much I loved Edie, Stella, and Jamie? I am going to be on the lookout for my own copy of this novel. I want these characters taking up room in my imaginative world and on my shelves.
Can I say again how much I loved Edie, Stella, and Jamie? I am going to be on the lookout for my own copy of this novel. I want these characters taking up room in my imaginative world and on my shelves.
March 13, 2023
What I thought was going to be a story about a queen I know very little about turned out to be a lovely story about complete strangers coming together and learning they aren’t complete strangers after all. Drop a fast-paced plot and some interesting characters into a beautiful historical hotel and it is bound to be a 5star read! Definitely recommend!
April 3, 2023
This was undoubtedly one of my most-anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint!! Set in 1953 London the story follows Edie Howard, owner of the (fictional) Blue Lion Hotel and the people who work and stay there in the days leading up to the Queen's coronation.
I really enjoyed that this story didn't actually focus all that much on the Queen herself but rather a group of very different people who were drawn to the city because of the celebration. Edie is depending on the fact that her hotel is on the parade route to help bolster revenue and possibly help save the hotel.
Meanwhile we also learn about an Italian woman photographer and a war hero turned artist, who are both assigned to cover the coronation in different ways. Throw in a surprising element of suspense in the form of a threat to the queen and a kidnapping and this book was highly entertaining!
I'm super excited to see the author later this month when she and her friends present at the HarperCollins High Tea in Toronto and the KPL Historical fiction panel the next day! Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsCA for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed that this story didn't actually focus all that much on the Queen herself but rather a group of very different people who were drawn to the city because of the celebration. Edie is depending on the fact that her hotel is on the parade route to help bolster revenue and possibly help save the hotel.
Meanwhile we also learn about an Italian woman photographer and a war hero turned artist, who are both assigned to cover the coronation in different ways. Throw in a surprising element of suspense in the form of a threat to the queen and a kidnapping and this book was highly entertaining!
I'm super excited to see the author later this month when she and her friends present at the HarperCollins High Tea in Toronto and the KPL Historical fiction panel the next day! Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsCA for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 30, 2023
This book tried way too hard… same storyline told by 3 points of view. It was scattered & had a rough transition to a mystery at the very end. It was a stretch being categorized as historical fiction. But the cover was fantastic!
March 29, 2023
Set within the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in June 1953, Coronation Year is a quiet, character-focused story that incorporates history, vivid descriptions of post-WWII London and a bit of mystery. The ceremony plays a (surprisingly) minor role and instead, Robson focuses on the lives, loves, and struggles of a handful of people and their preparation for the Queen's coronation which is expected to bolster citizens after the atrocities they experienced in WWII.
The story is told using three diverse perspectives:
Edie is the owner of The Blue Lion, a floundering historic hotel that is on the procession route and has been in her family for generations. Edie is compassionate (almost to a fault) and her entire life is focused around the hotel.
Stella has just moved to London from Italy and bears the scars of war and loss. She is staying at The Blue Lion and works as a newspaper photographer who is tasked with documenting the procession.
Jamie is a Scots war hero and artist who has been commissioned to paint the Queen on her royal route. He faces his own troubles with PTSD and racism and was truly the gem of this book.
In the first part of the book readers get to know Edie, Stella, and Jamie, as well as a gaggle of eclectic hotel boarders, hotel staff and two characters from The Gown who make a cameo. Through her characters Robson introduces themes of racism, the on-going effects of the war and the weight of familial responsibility. A mystery is later added into the mix, but I found it to be the weak point of the story. It felt contrived with its obvious culprit and a resolution that wasn't quite satisfying.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, quiet read and Robson beautifully captures the historic period and eager mood of the world for the impending royal coronation. I enjoyed its focus on a cast of ordinary characters whose lives collide in the lead up to an extraordinary event and is a great pick for fans of a HEA (happily ever after).
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to William Morrow for my advanced digital copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2023
So many thanks to Libro.fm for the chance to listen to this book early.
As an Anglophile, and lover of our late queen, I absolutely adored this story! The intersecting stories, laced with historical reality and the imagined made for the coziest listen. It was wonderful tribute to Queen Elizabeth and added to the excitement of the upcoming coronation.
As an Anglophile, and lover of our late queen, I absolutely adored this story! The intersecting stories, laced with historical reality and the imagined made for the coziest listen. It was wonderful tribute to Queen Elizabeth and added to the excitement of the upcoming coronation.
May 5, 2023
More like a 3.5.
Really enjoyed this historical novel by Robson; however, I felt that the shift to the dramatic threat to the hotel was a bit jarring and didn't fit the tone of the beginning of the book. It wasn't helped that readers could spot the culprit to who was behind the troubles at the Blue Lion a mile off. Still, an entertaining story. I particularly enjoyed how the author brought back some characters from her previous novels.
Really enjoyed this historical novel by Robson; however, I felt that the shift to the dramatic threat to the hotel was a bit jarring and didn't fit the tone of the beginning of the book. It wasn't helped that readers could spot the culprit to who was behind the troubles at the Blue Lion a mile off. Still, an entertaining story. I particularly enjoyed how the author brought back some characters from her previous novels.
April 4, 2023
TITLE: Coronation Year
AUTHOR: Jennifer Robson
PUB DATE: 04.04.2023 Now Available
A story set in 1953 - a year some of us may remember as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Robson offers us an intimate exploration into three different lives intertwined by The Blue Lion hotel on the Queen’s procession route.
The story is told during the months leading to the coronation in June, and told in the points of views of Edie who struggles to keep the hotel afloat, Stella a Holocaust Survivor working for the newspaper to take photos of the procession, and Jamie an artist who is also part Indian who struggles with racism and PTSD from serving in the war.
This is a quiet yet a feel good story during post WWII London, with the backdrop of the Queen’s coronation to set the stage, allowing these characters to shine through.
AUTHOR: Jennifer Robson
PUB DATE: 04.04.2023 Now Available
A story set in 1953 - a year some of us may remember as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Robson offers us an intimate exploration into three different lives intertwined by The Blue Lion hotel on the Queen’s procession route.
The story is told during the months leading to the coronation in June, and told in the points of views of Edie who struggles to keep the hotel afloat, Stella a Holocaust Survivor working for the newspaper to take photos of the procession, and Jamie an artist who is also part Indian who struggles with racism and PTSD from serving in the war.
This is a quiet yet a feel good story during post WWII London, with the backdrop of the Queen’s coronation to set the stage, allowing these characters to shine through.
October 28, 2022
A unique, immersive dive into 1953 London with memorable characters.
I loved "The Gown," Robson's behind the scenes look at the women who embroidered Elizabeth II's wedding gown in 1947 - and this is lovely follow-up. Robson's deep knowledge of WWII and post WWII-England is perfectly used here to tell royal-adjacent stories. It's such a refreshing take on historical fiction to see people living ordinary lives in extraordinary times.
Full review to follow. Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved "The Gown," Robson's behind the scenes look at the women who embroidered Elizabeth II's wedding gown in 1947 - and this is lovely follow-up. Robson's deep knowledge of WWII and post WWII-England is perfectly used here to tell royal-adjacent stories. It's such a refreshing take on historical fiction to see people living ordinary lives in extraordinary times.
Full review to follow. Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
4.5
Thank you Partner Bibliolifestyle & William Morrow Books for the #gifted copy
It’s such a great feeling diving into a new story and finding sincere characters who’s histories are extraordinary. I was instantly drawn into the world at the Blue Lion and quickly connected to the colorful characters who were residing there.
There were a few truly touching moments and one particular instant, with parental pride and the ability to voice it, that got me all teary! I really enjoyed this London based story and can see my fellow historical fiction lovers liking this one a lot!
Thank you Partner Bibliolifestyle & William Morrow Books for the #gifted copy
It’s such a great feeling diving into a new story and finding sincere characters who’s histories are extraordinary. I was instantly drawn into the world at the Blue Lion and quickly connected to the colorful characters who were residing there.
There were a few truly touching moments and one particular instant, with parental pride and the ability to voice it, that got me all teary! I really enjoyed this London based story and can see my fellow historical fiction lovers liking this one a lot!
May 8, 2023
Really enjoyed this one! I loved the cast of characters and the peek at life in post-war Britain. I was sad when the book was over, which is always a good sign!
April 3, 2023
Coronation Year takes us back to 1953 London where the country prepares for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.
The Blue Lion is a hotel that has been in Edie's family for centuries but has seen better days. When she learns that the hotel is on the coronation parade route, she feels hopeful that her family business can be turned around.
Two of the hotel patrons have both been hired to capture different aspects of the coronation. Jamie is a painter working on a painting to commemorate the anniversary of a local business on the parade route and Stella is a photographer for a magazine. Within the walls of the Blue Lion contains a mix of people who care about one another and support the monarchy but there are also some amonst them who cannot be trusted. Embedded in this historical fiction novel is a mystery that comes to life through the well developed diverse characters. I loved every bit of this book! Thank you to the author at @Uplitreads for both the #arc and finished copy of this book.
The Blue Lion is a hotel that has been in Edie's family for centuries but has seen better days. When she learns that the hotel is on the coronation parade route, she feels hopeful that her family business can be turned around.
Two of the hotel patrons have both been hired to capture different aspects of the coronation. Jamie is a painter working on a painting to commemorate the anniversary of a local business on the parade route and Stella is a photographer for a magazine. Within the walls of the Blue Lion contains a mix of people who care about one another and support the monarchy but there are also some amonst them who cannot be trusted. Embedded in this historical fiction novel is a mystery that comes to life through the well developed diverse characters. I loved every bit of this book! Thank you to the author at @Uplitreads for both the #arc and finished copy of this book.
May 14, 2023
This was a random pick off the library shelf. A new royal was being coronated and I have a bit of a fascination with Elizabeth. Basically historical romance, I enjoyed the interwoven stories and setting and story that seemed so real, I had to keep reminding myself it's fiction.
October 12, 2024
I enjoyed “Coronation Year” quite a lot. I had already read “The Gown” and loved it, although to be fair I am an avid embroiderer so every detail about the construction of The Gown was of keen interest to me and I identified with a number of the characters. However, I found myself also really liking and caring about the characters in “Coronation Year”. It is just such a quiet and comforting sort of read, and one I genuinely recommend. I am grateful for the advance copy I received through Goodreads and I apologize that I wasn’t able to read it immediately because I moved and didn’t uncover it in a box for a while. I do recommend the book, whether you’re a fan of the Royal Family, interested in British history or just looking for a lovely read about the lives of a group of people drawn together in an historic hotel to witness the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
November 6, 2022
** BOOK REVIEW ** Out April 4. I received a complimentary ARC from @williammorrowbooks via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.25 stars
You can always count on Jennifer Robson to write interesting stories that transport you into the time period of her novels. The setting for this novel is 1953, just before Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.
The story’s chapters countdown from January 1953 to Coronation Day in June which was a good frame for the unfolding of the story. The plot is told from three points of view - Edie, the owner of a small hotel on the Queen’s procession route, Jamie, an artist commissioned to paint the Queen’s procession, and Stella, a photographer hired to take photographs of the procession. This is a story of how the Coronation impacts the lives of these characters and how their lives come to be entwined.
The setting is largely the wonderful but struggling Blue Lion family-run hotel which the author describes so well that I could imagine being there. There is a mystery and romance and the description of the Queen’s Coronation procession is very well done. The timeframe is well-described, including the subtle and overt racism that Jamie experiences as the British-born son of an English man and an Indian woman.
The first half of the book is more character-driven and so a bit slower-paced than this author’s other (WWII) novels but it is so compelling. I enjoyed this read right up to its satisfying ending, including the characters’ interactions with The Queen!
4.25 stars
You can always count on Jennifer Robson to write interesting stories that transport you into the time period of her novels. The setting for this novel is 1953, just before Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.
The story’s chapters countdown from January 1953 to Coronation Day in June which was a good frame for the unfolding of the story. The plot is told from three points of view - Edie, the owner of a small hotel on the Queen’s procession route, Jamie, an artist commissioned to paint the Queen’s procession, and Stella, a photographer hired to take photographs of the procession. This is a story of how the Coronation impacts the lives of these characters and how their lives come to be entwined.
The setting is largely the wonderful but struggling Blue Lion family-run hotel which the author describes so well that I could imagine being there. There is a mystery and romance and the description of the Queen’s Coronation procession is very well done. The timeframe is well-described, including the subtle and overt racism that Jamie experiences as the British-born son of an English man and an Indian woman.
The first half of the book is more character-driven and so a bit slower-paced than this author’s other (WWII) novels but it is so compelling. I enjoyed this read right up to its satisfying ending, including the characters’ interactions with The Queen!
August 18, 2023
I feel cold-hearted writing this because I have seen mostly glowing reviews for this book. And I wanted to love it- a historical fiction mystery that takes place around the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II? What's not to like? The execution was dull and I could not get into it. I kept reading because I wanted to see if it would pick up speed...nope. It was somewhat of a cozy mystery, but doesn't really advertise as that so I was left disappointed.
April 10, 2023
Jennifer Robson writes wonderful historical fiction. I loved these characters, and I was entertained by the plot. This is the kind of book that makes me smile while I'm reading it and that's a lovely thing to be able to do.
April 15, 2023
Coronation Day was a reflective read for me since my late grandmother had been one of the guests at the Queen's coronation June 2, 1953 (which also happened to be my dad and uncle's second birthday). Although this is a fictional tale, it is told within the confines of history so some of the events were described as the Coronation Day unfolded. I could see the gold carriage and the pomp and circumstance, as I read the description and thought about and the pictures that my grandmother had cherished. It was interesting to learn that guests were not to wear hats to the event - which is why my grandmother wore a small veil. I sure wish that I had learned more about that event from her!
The creative license made the story difficult to put down and the characters were likeable and easily visible in the reader's mind. As with all of Jennifer Robson's books, they are accessible and share bits of British history, making readers keen to learn more... at the end she is explicit that readers will not find the hotel, the paintings or evidence of the beloved characters that were created in her mind.
One thing that was a bit odd was the smell of the book... I am not sure if is the ink from the cover but it was a bit off-putting and I am hoping it will dissipate.
The creative license made the story difficult to put down and the characters were likeable and easily visible in the reader's mind. As with all of Jennifer Robson's books, they are accessible and share bits of British history, making readers keen to learn more... at the end she is explicit that readers will not find the hotel, the paintings or evidence of the beloved characters that were created in her mind.
One thing that was a bit odd was the smell of the book... I am not sure if is the ink from the cover but it was a bit off-putting and I am hoping it will dissipate.
April 15, 2023
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
With the upcoming coronation of Prince Charles next month, this was a interesting story about a privately owned hotel along Elizabeth's coronation route in June of 1953. When Edie, the owner of the Blue Lion Hotel, finds out that her hotel will be along the coronation route, she thinks the revenue from this event just might save her hotel from going under. With the coronation happening just a few months away, you get to know the hotel's residents and newcomers. Add in some mystery and suspense and you have an enjoyable story of what it might have been like at this time in history. The narration is well done.
With the upcoming coronation of Prince Charles next month, this was a interesting story about a privately owned hotel along Elizabeth's coronation route in June of 1953. When Edie, the owner of the Blue Lion Hotel, finds out that her hotel will be along the coronation route, she thinks the revenue from this event just might save her hotel from going under. With the coronation happening just a few months away, you get to know the hotel's residents and newcomers. Add in some mystery and suspense and you have an enjoyable story of what it might have been like at this time in history. The narration is well done.
May 6, 2023
I really liked this! Got me even more excited to wake up at 4 am tomorrow to watch the coronation and also made me miss my uk trip so much!! I visited so many of the places in this book! Okay it’s 1953 and we’re gearing up for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. We have three main people. Edie owns the Blue Lion hotel which she is struggling to keep afloat. Lucky for her, the coronation procession will pass right by, so people are paying a lot of money to stay. One guest is Stella (from Our Darkest Night) who is new to London and working as a photographer. Then there’s Jamie. He’s an artist working a coronation commission. Their stories all weave together as London gets ready for the coronation.
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