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Christmas with the Queen
’Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones’s Diary, in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, bestselling authors of Meet Me in Monaco and Three Words for Goodbye.
December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue in the tradition of her late father and grandfather’s beloved Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must move with the times, and the Queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.
As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, two old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—find themselves reunited for the festivities. A single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter, Olive leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, despite self-doubts. When a chance encounter with the Queen presents an exciting opportunity, Olive begins to believe her luck might change.
Jack, a grief-stricken widowed chef originally from New Orleans, accepts a last-minute chance to cook in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. When he bumps into a long-lost friend, an old spark is reignited.
Despite personal and professional heartache, Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmas seasons and they find themselves growing ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret.
Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, Olive decides to reveal the shocking truth of her secret, which threatens to tear her and Jack apart forever. Unless Christmas has one last gift to deliver…
December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue in the tradition of her late father and grandfather’s beloved Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must move with the times, and the Queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.
As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, two old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—find themselves reunited for the festivities. A single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter, Olive leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, despite self-doubts. When a chance encounter with the Queen presents an exciting opportunity, Olive begins to believe her luck might change.
Jack, a grief-stricken widowed chef originally from New Orleans, accepts a last-minute chance to cook in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. When he bumps into a long-lost friend, an old spark is reignited.
Despite personal and professional heartache, Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmas seasons and they find themselves growing ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret.
Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, Olive decides to reveal the shocking truth of her secret, which threatens to tear her and Jack apart forever. Unless Christmas has one last gift to deliver…
First published November 19, 2024
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About the author
Hazel Gaynor
22 books3,911 followersHazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel award and the 2024 Audie award for Best Fiction Narrator, she was also shortlisted for the 2019 HWA Gold Crown, and the Irish Book Awards in 2017, 2020 and 2023.
Hazel’s co-written historical novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim, winning or being shortlisted for several international awards.
She is a regular speaker at literary festivals, co-founder of The Inspiration Project, and programmed and hosted a series of Historia Live events in association with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature in 2024. Her work is translated into 20 languages and published in twenty-seven territories to date. Her latest novel, Before Dorothy, the imagine life story of Dorothy’s Aunt Em from The Wizard of Oz, will be published in June 2025.
Hazel lives in Ireland with her family.
For more information, visit www.hazelgaynor.com
where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
Hazel’s co-written historical novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim, winning or being shortlisted for several international awards.
She is a regular speaker at literary festivals, co-founder of The Inspiration Project, and programmed and hosted a series of Historia Live events in association with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature in 2024. Her work is translated into 20 languages and published in twenty-seven territories to date. Her latest novel, Before Dorothy, the imagine life story of Dorothy’s Aunt Em from The Wizard of Oz, will be published in June 2025.
Hazel lives in Ireland with her family.
For more information, visit www.hazelgaynor.com
where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,651 reviews
December 22, 2025
“It is inevitable that I should seem a rather remote figure for many of you. But now, at least for a few minutes, I welcome you to the peace of my own home.” – Queen Elizabeth II, December 25, 1957
This story begins with Elizabeth’s first Christmas at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. As Queen. Readers will also learn what it takes to prepare the estate for the holiday before her important annual Christmas radio message to the people.
Readers also meet recent widow Jack Deveraux, a chef trying to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, Andrea. And, Olive Carter, an up-and-coming BBC writer. Olive also has a past connection to Jack, and, she has an opportunity to meet the Queen and write the story of the preparations when the regular male writer calls in sick.
Will this be Olive’s big break as a royal correspondent? And, what is this past connection between her and Jack? Also, will Jack be able to overcome his grief and find his way as a chef-in-training for royalty? And, what might happen between Jack and Olive as they navigate their lives?
“Life is complicated but love is not, and neither is forgiveness. That is more important than almost anything.”
From each of their P.O.V.’s (including the Queen), readers get a sense of what Christmas feels like in 1952, and over the following five Christmases as the characters share the changes that encompass their lives. Readers will also go back in time to catch a glimpse of the past. As well as, get an intimate view of royal life and behind the scenes with staff as they make preparations for the Christmas season.
And, sometimes there are lives that are touched by the characters that make a difference, especially when they don’t even know what they did at the time. And, who doesn’t appreciate Christmas miracles?
And, what may be in store for Jack and Olive when long ago secrets are finally revealed?
A sweet, heart-felt Christmas story that will touch anybody who longs for happy endings. And, loves stories that feature English royalty. Kleenex may be needed.
And, of course, this reader couldn’t help but get her corgi fix in with the Queen’s dogs making their appearances throughout the pages.
Also, please read the Authors’ Note at the end.
This story begins with Elizabeth’s first Christmas at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. As Queen. Readers will also learn what it takes to prepare the estate for the holiday before her important annual Christmas radio message to the people.
Readers also meet recent widow Jack Deveraux, a chef trying to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, Andrea. And, Olive Carter, an up-and-coming BBC writer. Olive also has a past connection to Jack, and, she has an opportunity to meet the Queen and write the story of the preparations when the regular male writer calls in sick.
Will this be Olive’s big break as a royal correspondent? And, what is this past connection between her and Jack? Also, will Jack be able to overcome his grief and find his way as a chef-in-training for royalty? And, what might happen between Jack and Olive as they navigate their lives?
“Life is complicated but love is not, and neither is forgiveness. That is more important than almost anything.”
From each of their P.O.V.’s (including the Queen), readers get a sense of what Christmas feels like in 1952, and over the following five Christmases as the characters share the changes that encompass their lives. Readers will also go back in time to catch a glimpse of the past. As well as, get an intimate view of royal life and behind the scenes with staff as they make preparations for the Christmas season.
And, sometimes there are lives that are touched by the characters that make a difference, especially when they don’t even know what they did at the time. And, who doesn’t appreciate Christmas miracles?
And, what may be in store for Jack and Olive when long ago secrets are finally revealed?
A sweet, heart-felt Christmas story that will touch anybody who longs for happy endings. And, loves stories that feature English royalty. Kleenex may be needed.
And, of course, this reader couldn’t help but get her corgi fix in with the Queen’s dogs making their appearances throughout the pages.
Also, please read the Authors’ Note at the end.
September 3, 2024
Based on the true events of Queen Elizabeth's first Christmas broadcast at Sandringham, I absolutely loved all scenes with the royal family displaying their strengths and foibles. Unfortunately, the remaining story of the years-long ups and downs between the two main characters was incredibly tedious. I wanted to like this so much more as the writing is lovely, but as the years went on I was just annoyed at their lack of communication when much more than themselves was at stake. I wish the writers had based the entire story on the royals and left Jack and Olive in the far background.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2024
It was December 1952 and a young Queen Elizabeth II was preparing for her first radio speech to the Commonwealth. Sandringham was bustling with energy, staff trying to keep up with all that had to be done. Single mother Olive Carter was with the BBC and when her colleague who delivered the royal news fell ill, Olive took his place. Her nervousness and excitement were keeping her awake; she hoped she could pull this off and not mess it up. Meanwhile, Jack Devereux had been shattered by his young wife's death and when his good friend Mason took him along to Sandringham to join the kitchen staff for the royals, Jack wasn't sure. But they were intensely busy, so it took his mind off his loss. Jack's life in New Orleans with his grandfather, who had been a top chef, meant Jack was also a well respected cook; he soon earned his place in the palace kitchens.
When Jack and Olive bumped into one another, they were both astounded. Not having seen each other since just after the war back in 1945, they had a lot of catching up to do, but little time, both having jobs to do. And when Queen Elizabeth requested Olive help her run through her speech, Olive was thrilled. They'd encountered each other briefly a few hours before; Olive had no idea this would happen, but what an opportunity it was. As the years went by, each Christmas found Olive back at Sandringham, seeing the friendly faces, including Jack's...
Christmas with the Queen is an absolutely delightful story set around Queen Elizabeth II, by Hazel Gaynor. I enjoyed my visit to Sandringham, to the kitchens as well as Queen Elizabeth's office, along with Prince Philip and his mischievous ways. Christmas with the Queen is an exciting look into the inner circle of the royal family, when Charles and Anne were young children. Although the story is fictionalised, with a light romance on the side, the main characters are real. In the author's notes at the end, learning about her research was intriguing, although quite sad. I've read one book previously by this author, and loved it - I'll definitely look at her other books. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Jack and Olive bumped into one another, they were both astounded. Not having seen each other since just after the war back in 1945, they had a lot of catching up to do, but little time, both having jobs to do. And when Queen Elizabeth requested Olive help her run through her speech, Olive was thrilled. They'd encountered each other briefly a few hours before; Olive had no idea this would happen, but what an opportunity it was. As the years went by, each Christmas found Olive back at Sandringham, seeing the friendly faces, including Jack's...
Christmas with the Queen is an absolutely delightful story set around Queen Elizabeth II, by Hazel Gaynor. I enjoyed my visit to Sandringham, to the kitchens as well as Queen Elizabeth's office, along with Prince Philip and his mischievous ways. Christmas with the Queen is an exciting look into the inner circle of the royal family, when Charles and Anne were young children. Although the story is fictionalised, with a light romance on the side, the main characters are real. In the author's notes at the end, learning about her research was intriguing, although quite sad. I've read one book previously by this author, and loved it - I'll definitely look at her other books. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 18, 2024
“Life was full of twists and turns. If you were lucky, it was full of second chances, too.”
I’ve discovered this year that I’m fascinated by characters who dare to dream big. I think it’s because I’m inspired by their determination, resilience, and the lengths they’ll go to achieve their dreams. The transformation, driven by experiences, challenges, and personal growth that happen while they are striving for a goal, makes these stories memorable.
Authors Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor collaborate well together, and this heartwarming historical novel set during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth is a testament to their skills.
As much in all as I’m dazzled by royalty, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are secondary characters. At first, I was a little disappointed, but soon the love story between Jack Devereux and Olive Carter captured my attention and I could see what the authors were trying to achieve. Jack and Olive meet in London on VE Day and their lives go in different directions until they are both hired in service to the royal family at the same time. They each face many hurdles over the 5-year span of the book, but the most difficult one they face is learning to forgive.
Olive faces discrimination in the workplace and the challenges of being an unmarried, single mother. Jack is trying to keep afloat in the grief that tries to drown him and struggles to allow the possibility of second chances. Challenging expectations, confronting societal norms, learning to forgive and trusting in second chances are transcending issues that we still deal with today. It doesn’t matter that this book was set in the mid-1940s, it still resonates with us in modern times.
I loved a chance to Google the blue doors of Sandringham estates and Darren McGrady, the inspiration for Jack.
Royal watchers will enjoy this heartwarming novel set at Christmas.
I’ve discovered this year that I’m fascinated by characters who dare to dream big. I think it’s because I’m inspired by their determination, resilience, and the lengths they’ll go to achieve their dreams. The transformation, driven by experiences, challenges, and personal growth that happen while they are striving for a goal, makes these stories memorable.
Authors Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor collaborate well together, and this heartwarming historical novel set during the early reign of Queen Elizabeth is a testament to their skills.
As much in all as I’m dazzled by royalty, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are secondary characters. At first, I was a little disappointed, but soon the love story between Jack Devereux and Olive Carter captured my attention and I could see what the authors were trying to achieve. Jack and Olive meet in London on VE Day and their lives go in different directions until they are both hired in service to the royal family at the same time. They each face many hurdles over the 5-year span of the book, but the most difficult one they face is learning to forgive.
Olive faces discrimination in the workplace and the challenges of being an unmarried, single mother. Jack is trying to keep afloat in the grief that tries to drown him and struggles to allow the possibility of second chances. Challenging expectations, confronting societal norms, learning to forgive and trusting in second chances are transcending issues that we still deal with today. It doesn’t matter that this book was set in the mid-1940s, it still resonates with us in modern times.
I loved a chance to Google the blue doors of Sandringham estates and Darren McGrady, the inspiration for Jack.
Royal watchers will enjoy this heartwarming novel set at Christmas.
Read
December 18, 2025I liked this one even if it wasn't as good as Last Christmas in Paris
September 21, 2024
A interesting and lovely story about the Queen in 1952 and onwards. Great descriptions of her Majesty and the Palace and Sandringham. I really enjoyed this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 2, 2025
Delightful A lovely story of the young Queen Elizabeth Christmas 1952 as she prepares to make her Christmas speech.
I loved how she interacted with the staff. It gave a new perspective of the Queen.
This is a story of love and family traditions at Christmas.
Very enjoyable.
I loved how she interacted with the staff. It gave a new perspective of the Queen.
This is a story of love and family traditions at Christmas.
Very enjoyable.
November 21, 2024
Princess Elizabeth has become the Queen of England, and we meet her and other characters at Sandringham House.
What a lovely bustling place to be. Cooks, housekeepers, and all the staff rushing around to make Christmas perfect and special for the first Christmas with the new Queen.
The kitchen is the busiest place of all and where we meet Jack Devereux, a fill-in chef, and Olive Carter a typist and reporter for the BBC.
How did they meet? Well....they met many years ago and have a history and run into each other at Sandringham House.
Neither could believe they had run into each other. Why were they surprised but pleased?
Find out in this wonderful read by master storytellers Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb as we spend Christmas with the Royals, many lovely characters, and as we follow Olive and Jack both past and present.
Both authors know how to tell a story that you won't be able to put down and that you will think about long after you turn the last page.
A lovely, lovely storyline, wonderful behind-the-scenes information about the Royals, and a beautiful read all around. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a lovely bustling place to be. Cooks, housekeepers, and all the staff rushing around to make Christmas perfect and special for the first Christmas with the new Queen.
The kitchen is the busiest place of all and where we meet Jack Devereux, a fill-in chef, and Olive Carter a typist and reporter for the BBC.
How did they meet? Well....they met many years ago and have a history and run into each other at Sandringham House.
Neither could believe they had run into each other. Why were they surprised but pleased?
Find out in this wonderful read by master storytellers Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb as we spend Christmas with the Royals, many lovely characters, and as we follow Olive and Jack both past and present.
Both authors know how to tell a story that you won't be able to put down and that you will think about long after you turn the last page.
A lovely, lovely storyline, wonderful behind-the-scenes information about the Royals, and a beautiful read all around. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2025
I could not finish this book, I did not care for Olive at all.
October 2, 2024
The dynamic author duo has done it again. Co-written a lovely histfic tale, this time featuring young Queen Elizabeth II during the years 1952 to 1957, and two MCs Olive and Jack, as they work for the BBC and the Royal kitchen, respectively. The charming story captures the era with grace and poignancy.
As the book opens we find ourselves in London during the infamous fog of 1952, which leads to the death of many due to illness caused by the toxic smog, or to tragic accidents as visibility is impossible. Jack's life is forever changed as a result.
Olive bravely makes her way through the impenetrable "soup" to the BBC, and talks her way into covering the Royal Family at Christmas when a veteran reporter becomes ill. The stage is set for a wonderful holiday gathering, and the chance for Olive and Jack, filling in at the Sandringham kitchen, to reconnect.
I was enthralled by the vivid scenes that make you feel you are with the young Queen as she celebrates the holiday and makes her first Christmas address. She has just lost her father to lung cancer, and become Queen so much earlier than anyone ever imagined. She is a wonder!
As the novel unspools during the next five years, I found myself incredibly nostalgic for the Queen, who reigned longer than any other Royal except for King Louis XIV of France. I was also totally invested in the compelling lives of Olive and Jack, and of England post WWII.
Highly recommended for fans of the Queen, The Crown, historical fiction, and the talented authors. And a perfect holiday gift!
As the book opens we find ourselves in London during the infamous fog of 1952, which leads to the death of many due to illness caused by the toxic smog, or to tragic accidents as visibility is impossible. Jack's life is forever changed as a result.
Olive bravely makes her way through the impenetrable "soup" to the BBC, and talks her way into covering the Royal Family at Christmas when a veteran reporter becomes ill. The stage is set for a wonderful holiday gathering, and the chance for Olive and Jack, filling in at the Sandringham kitchen, to reconnect.
I was enthralled by the vivid scenes that make you feel you are with the young Queen as she celebrates the holiday and makes her first Christmas address. She has just lost her father to lung cancer, and become Queen so much earlier than anyone ever imagined. She is a wonder!
As the novel unspools during the next five years, I found myself incredibly nostalgic for the Queen, who reigned longer than any other Royal except for King Louis XIV of France. I was also totally invested in the compelling lives of Olive and Jack, and of England post WWII.
Highly recommended for fans of the Queen, The Crown, historical fiction, and the talented authors. And a perfect holiday gift!
December 28, 2024
“plans are not permanent—they are fleeting moments, a whisper on the wind, a mere possibility. Nothing more. “
“Life is complicated but love is not”
My holiday romance read!
The story is told from three points of view: the Queen, Olive and Jack. It's 1952 and the Queen has just ascended to the throne. In this feel good story about Olive, a budding BBC reporter and Jack, a widower and expat chef who are unexpectedly reunited after being part of a hard and fast group of friends brought together after VDay and of course Queen Elizabeth II.
A delightful, heartwarming read where readers get a glimpse of royal life, the significance of family, and an exploration of journey of love.
“Life is complicated but love is not”
My holiday romance read!
The story is told from three points of view: the Queen, Olive and Jack. It's 1952 and the Queen has just ascended to the throne. In this feel good story about Olive, a budding BBC reporter and Jack, a widower and expat chef who are unexpectedly reunited after being part of a hard and fast group of friends brought together after VDay and of course Queen Elizabeth II.
A delightful, heartwarming read where readers get a glimpse of royal life, the significance of family, and an exploration of journey of love.
December 16, 2025
Super sweet holiday romance that spans a number of Christmas's and connections to Queen Elizabeth.
January 10, 2025
An easy 5 shiny stars rating from me ✨✨✨✨✨
I want to share my thoughts and feelings with you about this book. I absolutely loved it!! I have always been fascinated with Queen Elisabeth 11. She was a woman of strength, beauty, grace, intelligence and elegance in everything she did. She was a woman to be admired. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb did at great job at showing the young Queen of England as she delivered her first Christmas greetings in 1952 - 1957. You see how she grows from a young lady into a confident woman. Her loving relationship with Prince Philip and their family are beautiful!!
Jack is a chef and hired to be the chef to the Queen and her royal family during the next five Christmases. How exciting for him!! I really liked Jacks character. He's recently lost his wife in a horrible accident and is grieving when he takes the job as Royal chef. His relationship with Prince Philip is fun to read about! Imagine being friends with Prince Philip when humble Jack is just a chef!!
Olive is a single mother and BBC reporter hired to write about the first 5 Christmases of Queen Elisabeth 11 reign. The Queen is happy to have a woman reporter to talk to and actually asked her advice about her first Christmas greetings over the wireless!! Can you imagine how she felt? Their relationship grows over the years and I really enjoyed reading about it.
As it turns out, Jack and Olive are old friends!! They meet for the first time in a few years at the palace. Their relationship developed over time and both have have feelings for each other and don't admit them. I kept rooting for them just to say their true feelings for each other! Do they ever?
The way the story ends is perfect! Thank you, Aj for your kindness of hoping that I would love the ending, I did!! 😄
If you are a Royal watcher or just looking for a good read, you'll enjoy this beautiful story of love, hope, friendships and second chances!!
I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone who loves a wonderful story!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨👑
I want to share my thoughts and feelings with you about this book. I absolutely loved it!! I have always been fascinated with Queen Elisabeth 11. She was a woman of strength, beauty, grace, intelligence and elegance in everything she did. She was a woman to be admired. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb did at great job at showing the young Queen of England as she delivered her first Christmas greetings in 1952 - 1957. You see how she grows from a young lady into a confident woman. Her loving relationship with Prince Philip and their family are beautiful!!
Jack is a chef and hired to be the chef to the Queen and her royal family during the next five Christmases. How exciting for him!! I really liked Jacks character. He's recently lost his wife in a horrible accident and is grieving when he takes the job as Royal chef. His relationship with Prince Philip is fun to read about! Imagine being friends with Prince Philip when humble Jack is just a chef!!
Olive is a single mother and BBC reporter hired to write about the first 5 Christmases of Queen Elisabeth 11 reign. The Queen is happy to have a woman reporter to talk to and actually asked her advice about her first Christmas greetings over the wireless!! Can you imagine how she felt? Their relationship grows over the years and I really enjoyed reading about it.
As it turns out, Jack and Olive are old friends!! They meet for the first time in a few years at the palace. Their relationship developed over time and both have have feelings for each other and don't admit them. I kept rooting for them just to say their true feelings for each other! Do they ever?
The way the story ends is perfect! Thank you, Aj for your kindness of hoping that I would love the ending, I did!! 😄
If you are a Royal watcher or just looking for a good read, you'll enjoy this beautiful story of love, hope, friendships and second chances!!
I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone who loves a wonderful story!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨👑
December 4, 2024
Yet another entry for good-concept-terrible-execution. The chapters of the three main characters - Jack, Olive, and Queen Elizabeth - were all in 1st person POV and sounded exactly the same. The only way I knew who was who was from the chapter heading. It's a good thing the fact that Jack was from New Orleans was mentioned over and over again, because you wouldn't know from his part of the book.
I also found the storyline between Olive and Jack to be somewhat trite and tropey. The will they/won't they just fell flat, and I honestly didn't care if they ended up together or not. The big reveal was barely a pebble in the pond, and was resolved within 20 pages at the end of a 300+ page book.
A stronger book would have focused on any one of the three characters and showed their lives around Christmastime over the course of several years - Jack as a chef in the royal household, Olive as a young BBC reporter looking for a way to establish herself, or the Queen as she finds her way in the beginning of her reign.
I also found the storyline between Olive and Jack to be somewhat trite and tropey. The will they/won't they just fell flat, and I honestly didn't care if they ended up together or not. The big reveal was barely a pebble in the pond, and was resolved within 20 pages at the end of a 300+ page book.
A stronger book would have focused on any one of the three characters and showed their lives around Christmastime over the course of several years - Jack as a chef in the royal household, Olive as a young BBC reporter looking for a way to establish herself, or the Queen as she finds her way in the beginning of her reign.
December 20, 2024
Looking for some Christmas reading, I turned to this great piece of historical holiday fiction by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. It is Christmas season 1952 and England’s new monarch must speak to her people for the first time, as did her father and grandfather every December 25th. Young Queen Elizabeth is up for the task, as is a budding journalist, Olive Carter, who helps shape the speech over a number of Christmas seasons. Along the way, Olive reunites with an old friend, Jack Devereux, now a chef in the royal household. Their pasts and present times collide, as the British Commonwealth undergoes a fresh experience with a new monarch bringing them together each Christmas. A great piece of historical fiction sure to light up the reader wherever they may be.
Young Queen Elizabeth has been thrust into the limelight when she ascended the throne. Now, in December 1952, she is tasked with continuing the tradition of her father and grandfather, delivering the annual Christmas Day radio address. Tradition fuels a great deal and Elizabeth does not want to let her people down. All the while, the country—the Commonwealth too—seeks a new perspective in a post-war world and Elizabeth must adapt with the times.
A young reporter, Olive Carter, is sent to cover the preparations for the address and all festivities taking place in the royal household. Olive wants nothing more than to break some of the traditions of her trade and inject a feminine perspective into the Christmas Day message. While Olive seeks to make a difference, she reconnects with an old friend, Jack Devereux--a widower and American from Louisiana--who is now a chef in the royal household. Their pasts come to light as Olive seeks to keep much covered up as she tries to make sense of the feelings that have begun bubbling over once more.
While the 1952 address goes off without a hitch, there are others that will shape the world into the middle of the 20th century. Queen Elizabeth seeks to implement change and uses the wherewithal of Olive Carter to help her. The more time they spend shaping things, the deeper the connection between Jack and Olive, whose narrative had yet to be properly written. Each Christmas season brings out the best in everyone, but there are a few gifts yet to be unwrapped and truths that could change the flavouring of the holidays, if only they came to light. A great story that explores the history of the Christmas Day radio address, as well as many of the moving parts behind the scenes. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb do well to illustrate all this in a holiday story like few I have read this season!
I am always on the lookout for great stories about Christmas and the holiday season, not solely about Scrooge or the baby in the manger. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb deliver one well worth my time and dedication that I stumbled upon by accident. The story clips along with a strong narrative that never lets the reader get too comfortable. Using great moments in history, the authors provide the reader with something well worth their time. Characters flavour the story well, offering up both British and American perspectives, as well as sentimental views of the new Queen Elizabeth at a time when she tried to carve out her own perspectives. Twists and turns in the story keep the reader entertained and educated, helping to pass the time as things progress. I could not have asked for more in this great holiday story, leaving me eager to discover more by these accomplished authors.
Kudos, Madams Gaynor and Webb, for a story that has a little of everything and kept me hooked until the very end!
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Young Queen Elizabeth has been thrust into the limelight when she ascended the throne. Now, in December 1952, she is tasked with continuing the tradition of her father and grandfather, delivering the annual Christmas Day radio address. Tradition fuels a great deal and Elizabeth does not want to let her people down. All the while, the country—the Commonwealth too—seeks a new perspective in a post-war world and Elizabeth must adapt with the times.
A young reporter, Olive Carter, is sent to cover the preparations for the address and all festivities taking place in the royal household. Olive wants nothing more than to break some of the traditions of her trade and inject a feminine perspective into the Christmas Day message. While Olive seeks to make a difference, she reconnects with an old friend, Jack Devereux--a widower and American from Louisiana--who is now a chef in the royal household. Their pasts come to light as Olive seeks to keep much covered up as she tries to make sense of the feelings that have begun bubbling over once more.
While the 1952 address goes off without a hitch, there are others that will shape the world into the middle of the 20th century. Queen Elizabeth seeks to implement change and uses the wherewithal of Olive Carter to help her. The more time they spend shaping things, the deeper the connection between Jack and Olive, whose narrative had yet to be properly written. Each Christmas season brings out the best in everyone, but there are a few gifts yet to be unwrapped and truths that could change the flavouring of the holidays, if only they came to light. A great story that explores the history of the Christmas Day radio address, as well as many of the moving parts behind the scenes. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb do well to illustrate all this in a holiday story like few I have read this season!
I am always on the lookout for great stories about Christmas and the holiday season, not solely about Scrooge or the baby in the manger. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb deliver one well worth my time and dedication that I stumbled upon by accident. The story clips along with a strong narrative that never lets the reader get too comfortable. Using great moments in history, the authors provide the reader with something well worth their time. Characters flavour the story well, offering up both British and American perspectives, as well as sentimental views of the new Queen Elizabeth at a time when she tried to carve out her own perspectives. Twists and turns in the story keep the reader entertained and educated, helping to pass the time as things progress. I could not have asked for more in this great holiday story, leaving me eager to discover more by these accomplished authors.
Kudos, Madams Gaynor and Webb, for a story that has a little of everything and kept me hooked until the very end!
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November 26, 2024
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a holiday novel that brings in the spirit of Christmas tradition. Set at Sandringham 1953, during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the story intertwines the lives of the royal family and their staff. It explores themes of tradition, family, and love. The historical detail to this novel makes it a nice, cozy read for the season.
November 28, 2024
Disappointed by this book. Great cover. Good title. And the premise is good. But there weren’t enough chapters of the Queen. I feel like the authors really missed a good opportunity here. Especially having read the series by Sophie Bennett about Queen Elizabeth solving mysteries, I know that there is lots of primary source material about the Queen’s life and this story could have been so much more detailed and richer. It fell flat IMHO and did not deliver.
November 30, 2024
The story itself was interesting and a unique concept. I liked that the book followed regular people and their challenges and aspirations at Christmastime, but yet it also incorporated the queen and royal traditions as well.
I think the authors’ note at the end where they said they wanted to explore the notion of what happens when “ordinary people might become entangled with the royal traditions through their own jobs and how that might lead them to become entangled with each other” perfectly sums up the book.
Where Christmas with the Queen fell a little flat for me was in the writing. Some of the conversations just felt stilted and unrealistic. It was also more telling readers what happened rather than showing them.
This book is good for readers who enjoy stepping into the world of royalty, enjoy a holiday romance, and don’t mind a little cheesy dialogue. :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I think the authors’ note at the end where they said they wanted to explore the notion of what happens when “ordinary people might become entangled with the royal traditions through their own jobs and how that might lead them to become entangled with each other” perfectly sums up the book.
Where Christmas with the Queen fell a little flat for me was in the writing. Some of the conversations just felt stilted and unrealistic. It was also more telling readers what happened rather than showing them.
This book is good for readers who enjoy stepping into the world of royalty, enjoy a holiday romance, and don’t mind a little cheesy dialogue. :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 18, 2024
I don’t know why but I also feel like Christmas is a fantasy land and full of wishes and happiness. I know this isn’t true for everyone but this book is that exactly. I love second chance romance books and ml the fact that you got to peak into a royal Christmas was so much fun. I can’t wait for the holidays I will be re reading this at that time.
December 9, 2024
The story was good & it was a neat concept. It was repetitive & could’ve been about 20 chapters shorter.
January 6, 2025
I really enjoyed Last Christmas in Paris by this duo, so I when I saw they had written another holiday historical novel, I knew I had to read it. I started with the audio while I prepared a holiday dinner for my family. What a great accompaniment! I found it absolutely delightful. The audiobook is narrated by Fiona Hardingham, Gary Furlong, and Ester Wane. They gave great voice to the characters in this story. I switched to the ebook later in the evening to finish.
The story follows Jack and Olive in first person interspersed with Queen Elizabeth II as they embark on their individual duties or jobs for Christmas in 1952 and follows the characters through the holiday in subsequent years leading up to 1957. Olive is a typist and aspiring reporter with the BBC and is ready to take on more responsibility, namely covering the Queen as she prepares her Christmas address. Olive is juggling her job with raising a young daughter with the assistance of her bickering parents. Jack is a grieving widower and chef from New Orleans who has a second chance at an opportunity to work in the royal kitchens for the holiday. He aspires to own his own restaurant and cook cuisine inspired by his grandfather.
I loved the characters in this story. I was a little nervous about reading this one because I guessed that it had a trope that I’m not particularly fond of in books, but the characters were so delightful that I enjoyed the story so much regardless. I enjoyed reading about Olive’s perspectives into what it was like as a woman to pursue a career during this time period and for Jack to work through his grief and reach for his dreams.
Recommended to historical fiction lovers for a different type of holiday read.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for a copy provided for an honest review.
The story follows Jack and Olive in first person interspersed with Queen Elizabeth II as they embark on their individual duties or jobs for Christmas in 1952 and follows the characters through the holiday in subsequent years leading up to 1957. Olive is a typist and aspiring reporter with the BBC and is ready to take on more responsibility, namely covering the Queen as she prepares her Christmas address. Olive is juggling her job with raising a young daughter with the assistance of her bickering parents. Jack is a grieving widower and chef from New Orleans who has a second chance at an opportunity to work in the royal kitchens for the holiday. He aspires to own his own restaurant and cook cuisine inspired by his grandfather.
I loved the characters in this story. I was a little nervous about reading this one because I guessed that it had a trope that I’m not particularly fond of in books, but the characters were so delightful that I enjoyed the story so much regardless. I enjoyed reading about Olive’s perspectives into what it was like as a woman to pursue a career during this time period and for Jack to work through his grief and reach for his dreams.
Recommended to historical fiction lovers for a different type of holiday read.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for a copy provided for an honest review.
December 18, 2024
A charming, heartwarming story about Christmas, second chances, and, of course, the Queen.
December 23, 2025
This was just the lovely read I hoped for this Christmas season! No bad language, just a nice, clean story.
Set in the 1950s when Queen Elizabeth was first taking the throne after her father's passing. She is to address the Commonwealth at Christmas. The royal family goes to Sandringham each holiday season, and it's there we meet the main characters. Jack is a working in the royal kitchen after he gets an invitation to join from one of his best friends. His heart is breaking this first Christmas as his young wife has just passed. He is surprised to meet a former friend, Olive, who works with the BBC and is there with the press to cover the story. The long-lost friends are drawn to each other, but both are reluctant to tell each other. Olive is holding a secret that affects them both.
I really enjoyed this book, and appreciate having good, wholesome Christmas stories!
Set in the 1950s when Queen Elizabeth was first taking the throne after her father's passing. She is to address the Commonwealth at Christmas. The royal family goes to Sandringham each holiday season, and it's there we meet the main characters. Jack is a working in the royal kitchen after he gets an invitation to join from one of his best friends. His heart is breaking this first Christmas as his young wife has just passed. He is surprised to meet a former friend, Olive, who works with the BBC and is there with the press to cover the story. The long-lost friends are drawn to each other, but both are reluctant to tell each other. Olive is holding a secret that affects them both.
I really enjoyed this book, and appreciate having good, wholesome Christmas stories!
December 2, 2024
A cozy, sweet story. Well written, with solid characters. I truly felt like I was in London and Sandringham. However, the title of the book is a little misleading. There are only a few chapters with the Queen, and then only chance encounters throughout the book. The rest of the story is mainly about Jack and Olive, which unfortunately, became somewhat monotonous. The pining for lost love, miscommunication trope took up a big portion of the book. I wish more chapters had been written with the Queen. I still enjoyed it tho. It would be the perfect story for a beautifully produced Christmas movie!
December 19, 2025
3.5 stars! Christmas with the Queen is a historical fiction that follows a couple characters and their interactions during Christmas with Queen Elizabeth II (1952-1957 range). Jack is working in the royal kitchens in Sandringham House for the holidays and Olive is a BBC trainee reporter in the Home Affairs Dept who travels to Sandringham to report on the Queen’s Christmas speech and the royal family’s holiday.
Jack Devereux is originally from New Orleans and begins working in the royal kitchens in Sandringham House for the holidays. He has something tragic happen in his life during the story. Then we also get Olive’s POV chapters, she’s a trainee reporter at BBC who gets her big break to travel to Sandringham House when a colleague gets sick and observe/report on Queen Elizabeth II and her first year of delivering the Christmas speech in December 1952. Olive is a single mom to her daughter Lucy and feels like she could connect to the young Queen. Olive has some interactions with the Queen over the years in the book, and we also see she has a connection to Jack. They were part of the same friend group after the war ended.
I read another book from this author duo collab last year that I absolutely loved, Last Christmas in Paris. That was such an emotional, epistolary WWI historical fiction that instantly became an all-time favorite of mine, so I was excited to read more from them. I of course knew this would have different vibes but I loved the cover and jumped in. Overall, this was a quick, solid read. While I don’t think anything in this will stick with me quite as much as the previous book I read from these authors, I can also just have a good enough time reading a book that entertains me while I’m reading it and that was the case for this one. I think we got just enough glimpses of the Queen without it feeling too odd (I’m really particular about real-life figures and fictionalized stories featuring them). There are some tropes in here regarding the romance of it all that I was surprised, but not mad at. Overall a decent read!
Jack Devereux is originally from New Orleans and begins working in the royal kitchens in Sandringham House for the holidays. He has something tragic happen in his life during the story. Then we also get Olive’s POV chapters, she’s a trainee reporter at BBC who gets her big break to travel to Sandringham House when a colleague gets sick and observe/report on Queen Elizabeth II and her first year of delivering the Christmas speech in December 1952. Olive is a single mom to her daughter Lucy and feels like she could connect to the young Queen. Olive has some interactions with the Queen over the years in the book, and we also see she has a connection to Jack. They were part of the same friend group after the war ended.
I read another book from this author duo collab last year that I absolutely loved, Last Christmas in Paris. That was such an emotional, epistolary WWI historical fiction that instantly became an all-time favorite of mine, so I was excited to read more from them. I of course knew this would have different vibes but I loved the cover and jumped in. Overall, this was a quick, solid read. While I don’t think anything in this will stick with me quite as much as the previous book I read from these authors, I can also just have a good enough time reading a book that entertains me while I’m reading it and that was the case for this one. I think we got just enough glimpses of the Queen without it feeling too odd (I’m really particular about real-life figures and fictionalized stories featuring them). There are some tropes in here regarding the romance of it all that I was surprised, but not mad at. Overall a decent read!
November 17, 2025
I needed more time with the couple happy and together!
December 21, 2024
I loved ‘Last Christmas in Paris’ and so I was excited to start this one! The cover is beautiful and I am a lover of all things English and enamored by all things Royal. Seems like the perfect fit, right? Unfortunately, wrong.
I did love the select chapters from the POV of ‘Queen Elisabeth’. I’ve always found hers and Philip’s relationship intriguing. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Cajun cooking, the importance of family, and the extensive historical details.
But overall I felt frustrated by the plot and the characters. Jack and Olive are supposed to be the love interests, but through almost the whole book they are distant, experiencing miscommunication and withholding from each other. They lacked the gumption to pursue the other or tell the truth.
I really disliked that Olive kept a major secret from Jack for so long. And when she finally revealed it, it pushed them even farther apart. The timeline was startlingly jumpy: I would finally feel like something was starting to happen, and all of the sudden we jumped forward a year, or even 18 months, all during which Jack and Olive never spoke to each other.
Other than an illusion to a night spent together, this book is refreshingly clear of any explicit sexual content or language.
I did love the select chapters from the POV of ‘Queen Elisabeth’. I’ve always found hers and Philip’s relationship intriguing. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Cajun cooking, the importance of family, and the extensive historical details.
But overall I felt frustrated by the plot and the characters. Jack and Olive are supposed to be the love interests, but through almost the whole book they are distant, experiencing miscommunication and withholding from each other. They lacked the gumption to pursue the other or tell the truth.
I really disliked that Olive kept a major secret from Jack for so long. And when she finally revealed it, it pushed them even farther apart. The timeline was startlingly jumpy: I would finally feel like something was starting to happen, and all of the sudden we jumped forward a year, or even 18 months, all during which Jack and Olive never spoke to each other.
Other than an illusion to a night spent together, this book is refreshingly clear of any explicit sexual content or language.
November 27, 2024
Took a long time to tell a short story.
November 12, 2025
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is in many ways, a follow-up to their extraordinary Last Christmas in Paris, as there is a few unexpected Easter Eggs that subtlety and loosely unite the two stories. The long and drawn out slow-burn romance is a delight that highlights the post-WWII with period details that too many would take for granted. It is one of those stories that some readers would expect to see a deep secret revealed and wait for the outcome. Instead, the big secret is revealed and we get the pleasure of seeing two people slowly fall in love. And the dual timeline only adds to that intensity. Writing a story centered around the queen’s first Christmas speech on the radio in 1952 and those between until her first televised one in 1957, and around those who interact with the queen during each of those speeches was very cleverly done.
The biggest delight for me in this story, though, are the brief scenes with Queen Elizabeth II. Having grown up always hearing how the monarchy is out of touch, it was a delight to see “Lilibet” just taking the reigns as a young queen, still years away from the always regal and elegant monarch of her later years when her public truly did adore her, even if they didn’t always understand her, or the monarchy. I’m not English, but I’ve always had a deep respect for the queen, and with her death only a few short years ago at the end of her silver jubilee, it seems only fitting to read a story that swirls around her in her earliest years, when she is still inexperienced and unsure. Even the brief conversations between her and Prince Philip are a delight. As the authors state in their notes, it was touching that at the end of her life, to see such an outpouring of gratitude by her subjects for a queen who had ruled through so many years, and had experienced so much in our changing world.
Easily five stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The biggest delight for me in this story, though, are the brief scenes with Queen Elizabeth II. Having grown up always hearing how the monarchy is out of touch, it was a delight to see “Lilibet” just taking the reigns as a young queen, still years away from the always regal and elegant monarch of her later years when her public truly did adore her, even if they didn’t always understand her, or the monarchy. I’m not English, but I’ve always had a deep respect for the queen, and with her death only a few short years ago at the end of her silver jubilee, it seems only fitting to read a story that swirls around her in her earliest years, when she is still inexperienced and unsure. Even the brief conversations between her and Prince Philip are a delight. As the authors state in their notes, it was touching that at the end of her life, to see such an outpouring of gratitude by her subjects for a queen who had ruled through so many years, and had experienced so much in our changing world.
Easily five stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2025
I truly enjoyed this one, and I'm not usually too keen on historical fiction novels. I loved that we were given Olive AND Jack's POVs, I think it added more depth for me and reeled me in even more. This had some twists in it which kept me going. I was rooting for them the entire time. I liked how this was a fictional look behind the scenes of the royal bits as well, made me feel more interested as I felt I might learn something. Overall, this was a cute read. I enjoyed the historical bits!
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