Review & Giveaway - - The Secret Christmas Library

The Secret Christmas Library

by Jenny Colgan

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McKinnon, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McKinnon family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.

A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!

PJ's Thoughts:

Jenny Colgan is an author whose holiday novels I look forward to with excitement each year. She always takes me on an intriguing adventure, whether it be to a dusty Edinburgh book store (The Christmas Bookshop and Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop in 2021 and 2023) or a creaky castle at the northern tip of the Highlands in this year's The Secret Christmas Library.

This newest book bubbles over with things to love. Set in the present, there's a bit of fairy tale quality to Mirren's unexpected journey to the Highlands which then transitions into a Gothic vibe when she reaches her destination. Colgan sets the scene beautifully with all the atmosphere I could ask for: a crumbling castle with iffy electrical power at the edge of the North Sea, dusty rooms overflowing with books of all sorts, a dangerous snowstorm, and did I mention no neighbors? Very isolated. 

The cast of characters is small but compelling, especially when the reason for these five being stuck together is a treasure hunt for a priceless book that may - or may not - be somewhere within the hundreds of thousand of books in the castle. Yes, the castle owner's grandfather was a book hoarder. He was also fond of riddles hidden in the most obscure and unlikely of places. 

The hunt is on and it's a gem. I was totally invested in the search for the missing book, in the evolving relationships forming among the characters, in the touch of romance (with a happy ending), and in trying to outwit a wily grandfather who left behind one last riddle to save the estate...or not.

If you can't make it to a castle on the edge of the North Sea this winter, I enthusiastically recommend adding The Secret Christmas Library to your holiday reading list instead. You will definitely feel like you're there! 

Readers, have you ever visited Scotland?

Do you enjoy Gothic romance?

Have you read any of Jenny Colgan's books? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 23 will receive a print copy of The Secret Christmas Library. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Summer in the City

Summer in the City

by Alex Aster

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She’s had writer’s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer. 

In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It’s the perfect place to write her screenplay…until she realizes her new neighbor is tech “Billionaire Bachelor” Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It’s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since. 

When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and he’s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn’t like leaving her emotional support five block radius. 

One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company’s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city.  

Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It’s all pretend. Promise. 

Until it isn’t.

PJ's Thoughts:

This book. What an absolute delight. Aster takes her characters on a lovers (Okay, not really lovers. More of an instant connection make-out session with the lovers potential that goes south when he says something incredibly insulting) - to enemies - to forced proximity - to fake relationship - to (actual) lovers journey that dialed me in and kept me engaged every step of the way.  

I couldn't put this book down. No, really. I read it in one day with a smile on my face the entire time. It's incredibly immersive. The chemistry, the sparkling banter, the swoony, slow-burn romance. How could I not root for these two? I was with Elle and Parker every step of the way. These two complex, fully-dimensional characters had me experiencing all the emotions. I don't want to give away spoilers because this journey deserves to be experienced as it unfolds across the pages so I'll just say that I love Elle's layers and the emotional evolution she undergoes, how she finds her voice and the courage to use it. Parker's evolution is equally enjoyable. I love how he nudges - okay, drags - Elle out of her comfort corner, his unexpected confession, and the decisions he makes when he finally begins to understand what really matters. And I love, love, love that the author took her time with them, gifting readers with this gem of a story that is one of my favorites this year.

While Elle and Parker are the lead characters of this book, there's another one that is just as important: New York City. In many ways, Aster has not only written a romance between Parker and Elle but also a love letter to this vividly and vibrantly depicted city that brings them together. It even made me, a person who craves wide open spaces, want to buy an airline ticket, rent an apartment, and experience all the pleasures of summer in the city. Except running. I draw the line at running. 

If you're looking for a fun, steamy, can't-put-it-down story that keeps you flipping pages late into the night while dreaming of New York City pizza, champagne galas, early mornings in Central Park, found friendships, heroes who cook (yay!), cozy coffee shops, and hard-won happy endings, go no further than Alex Aster's Summer in the City. It has my highest, joyful recommendation. 

Have you visited New York City?

If money were no object, where would you choose to spend a summer in the city?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 3 will receive a beautiful hardcover copy of Alex Aster's Summer in the City. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Unexpected Diva

The Unexpected Diva

by Tiffany L. Warren

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Born into slavery on a Mississippi plantation, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield has been raised in the safety of Philadelphia’s Quaker community by a wealthy adoptive mother. Sheltered and educated, Eliza’s happy childhood always included music lessons to nurture her unique gift: a glorious three octave singing voice that leaves listeners in awe. But on the eve of her twenty-fourth birthday, young Eliza’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her mother dies.

Eliza’s inheritance is contested by her mother’s white cousins, leaving her few options. She can marry her longtime beau, Lucien, though she has no desire to be a wife and mother. Or she can work as a tutor for rich families. Her mother’s dying wish was for Eliza to pursue her talent and become a professional singer, but that grand vision now seems out of reach.

When a chance performance on a steamboat to Buffalo, New York, leads to a surprising opportunity, fearless Eliza seizes her moment. Within a year she is touring America, singing to packed houses, and igniting controversy wherever she goes. In a country captivated by “the Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind, Eliza is billed by tour promoters as “the Black Swan.” An unlikely diva, Eliza is tall, dark-skinned, and robust of figure compared to the petite European prima donna, but even the harshest critics can’t deny Eliza’s extraordinary gift. Menaced by racist crowds, threatened by slave-catchers who kidnap free Black people, Eliza lives a public life full of risk, but one which also holds the promise of great riches, and the freedoms those buy.

From the churches of Philadelphia to Queen Victoria’s salon in Buckingham Palace, Eliza Greenfield will blaze her own path—with a voice that no listener will ever forget.

PJ's Thoughts:

I had never heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield prior to reading this book. The author shares in her notes that she hadn't known of her either until stumbling upon her name while doing research for a different project. Like me, while reading The Unexpected Diva, Warren was fascinated by this extraordinarily talented Black woman in pre-Civil War America. I am grateful she chose Eliza as the focus of her first historical fiction novel.

Warren took the actual facts known about Eliza's life and filled in the spaces to immerse readers into 1850's America and what the life of a Black woman such as Eliza might have been. It would have taken incredible determination to achieve what she did. Warren breathed life into both real people and fictional characters to weave a compelling story I found hard to put down. In fact, her characters were all so vividly portrayed and seamlessly intertwined that I had to read the author's notes at the end of the book to determine who was actually real and who was fictional. Well, except for Harriet Beecher Stowe and Queen Victoria. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Unexpected Diva and learning about Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for her and her accomplishments. They deserve to be known and celebrated. 

I'm eager to discover what Warren has planned next. I hope it's another historical fiction novel. I love being educated while also being entertained. Warren clearly has the knack for it. 

Do you enjoy reading historical fiction?

Had you ever heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield a/k/a The Black Swan?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 29 will receive a print copy of The Unexpected Diva.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Author's Guide to Murder

The Author's Guide to Murder

by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. 

The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. 

Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? 

A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it! 

PJ's Thoughts:

I call this book the tale of two halves. I found the first half a bit too easy to set aside, which I did, on several occasions. It's the stage-setting portion of the book and, while interesting, it's not exactly attention grabbing. At least, it wasn't for me. A number of characters were introduced, creating confusion as to who was who and what their roles were in the castle/community/story. It took me a while to get them all straight and settle into the story. It also took me a while to warm up to the three main characters - the American authors - in much the same way as it took them time to warm up to one another. The highlight of the first half for me was the Detective Chief Inspector, a character we only see (in the first half) through the dialogue of his interrogations. Kudos to the author(s) who wrote those lines!

Part two of the book was a completely different story (pun intended). This is where the action picked up, the tension heightened, and the characters began to unravel...then slowly rebuild into stronger, more authentic versions of themselves. This half I could not put down. In fact, I read it entirely in one sitting, through dinner, and well beyond my normal bedtime. The authors (the writing ones, not the characters) kept throwing in twists and turns that had me gasping with delight and guessing right up until the final reveal. In addition to that, the second half is where the characters really came alive. Their public personas were stripped away, allowing readers to see the authentic, complex women underneath and allowing them to forge the bonds of friendship that would carry into the future. We also learned how they were connected to the deceased Brett Saffron Presley and the traumatic impact he had on their lives. Suffice to say, the not-so-dearly departed was not a nice man. 

While there were tough topics discussed in this book (date rape being one), the overall tone was one of cheeky humor wrapped in gothic mystery with justice prevailing in the end, and women wronged who not only survived but thrived. Those three women with whom I could not connect in the first half of the book? By the time I turned the final page, they felt like dear friends and I could not have been happier for them. And that Detective Chief Inspector I couldn't get enough of in the first part of the book? Well...I'll let you find out what happens to him yourselves but let's just say he gets even better as does the unexpected happy ending awaiting him. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read Williams, Willig, and White? 

Do you enjoy British/Scottish police procedurals  (either TV or book)?

Who else enjoys the twists and turns of a compelling Gothic romance?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 18 will receive a hardback copy of The Author's Guide to Murder. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Secret Keeper of Main Street

The Secret Keeper of Main Street

by Trisha R. Thomas

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: June 4, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

1954: In the quaint town of Mendol, Oklahoma, Bailey Dowery is a Black dressmaker for the wives and daughters of local oil barons. She earns a good living fitting designer gowns and creating custom wedding dresses for the town’s elite. But beyond her needle and thread lies a deeper talent, one passed down from her mother: the gift of insight. With just a fleeting touch or brush against the skin, Bailey has sudden flashes of intuition— witnessing the other person’s hopes, dreams, and nightmares, as well glimpses of their past and future. To protect herself, she wears gloves to keep from grazing the skin of her clients as she pins them into their gowns.

Brides have whispered that Bailey can see if their true love is faithful, or if their marriage will be a success. Her aunt Charlene has always warned her, “It’s safer to stay out of White folks’ business.” But Bailey will reluctantly provide a reading during a fitting, as long as the bride promises to be discreet.

Now Elsa Grimes, daughter of one of the richest oil men in Oklahoma, has come to the Regal Gown as the least joyful bride Bailey has ever seen. Elsa’s big society wedding is imminent and her gown is gorgeous, but what Bailey’s intuition uncovers when she touches Elsa’s hand horrifies her. Against her better judgment, she’s determined to help Elsa in whatever way she can. But when the son of a prominent family turns up dead on the eve of Elsa’s wedding, and the bride-to-be is arrested for his murder, Bailey is suddenly at the center of a firestorm that threatens to overtake her and everyone she loves.

PJ's Thoughts:

This was a good story set in a different era from what I typically read. It's 1950's Oklahoma (which I still have trouble thinking of as "historical") where there's a clear divide between rich and poor, black and white, the town elite and those who serve them. And then there's Bailey Dowery, a Black dressmaker who finds herself somewhere in between. An employee of a white business owner, Bailey is in demand for her fashion skills as well as her psychic skills while clearly not someone who would be welcomed into any of the white women's homes. And yet she finds herself in an alliance, a friendship of sorts, with the white daughter of one of the most powerful families in town, a relationship that won't go down easy for either side. Add in a murder, secret relationships, betrayals, complex family dynamics, and Bailey's "second sight" and this story turns into a compelling drama that kept me flipping pages right up until the end. 

Thomas explores multiple themes in this book that weave in and out of the storylines, connecting unexpected characters as events unfold and secrets are revealed. She isn't hesitant to shine a spotlight on the racial divides that existed, impacting the lives of more than a few of the characters. She touches on the complications and heartache of social restrictions placed on certain characters, particularly women, and of the inability to live an authentic life. She also explores the many layers of relationships - family, romantic, friendship - which bring another level of emotion and understanding to the lives of these characters and enough unexpected twists to keep readers wondering how it will all turn out in the end. I enjoyed it and will be seeking out more of Ms. Thomas's books. 

Content Warning: murder, sexual assault

Have you read any books set in the 1950's? Do you enjoy stories set in that era?

Have you read any books written by Trisha R. Thomas?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 9 will receive a hard cover copy of The Secret Keeper of Main Street. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Excitements

The Excitements: A Novel

by CJ Wray

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: January 30, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

A brilliant and witty drama about two brave female World War II veterans who survived the unthinkable without ever losing their killer instinct…or their joie de vivre.

Meet the Williamson sisters, Britain’s most treasured World War II veterans. Now in their late nineties, Josephine and Penny are in huge demand, popping up at commemorative events and history festivals all over the country. Despite their age, they’re still in great form—perfectly put together, sprightly and sparky, and always in search of their next “excitement.”

This time it’s a trip to Paris to receive the Légion d’honneur for their part in the liberation of France. And as always, they will be accompanied by their devoted great-nephew, Archie.

Keen historian Archie has always been given to understand that his great aunts had relatively minor roles in the Women’s Royal Navy and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, but that’s only half the story. Both sisters are hiding far more than the usual “official secrets”. There’s a reason sweet Auntie Penny can dispatch a would-be mugger with an umbrella.

This trip to Paris is not what it seems either. Scandal and crime have always quietly trailed the Williamson sisters, even in the decades after the war. Now armed with new information about an old adversary, these much decorated (but admittedly ancient) veterans variously intend to settle scores, avenge lost friends, and pull off one last, daring heist before the curtain finally comes down on their illustrious careers.

PJ's Thoughts:

I really didn't know what to expect from this book. I thought there might be a fair amount of humor - and there is - but there is also much, much more. CJ Wray wrote a book I had difficulty putting down, with mystery, danger, poignant moments, life-altering secrets, and flawed, layered characters who kept me coming back for more.

Events unfolded like a movie across my mind as the adventures - both past and present - of these two ninety-something sisters played out over the course of the book. I could visualize Penny and Josephine so clearly. And Archie, their great-nephew, as well. The relationship between Archie and the aunts was so endearing. Granted, it could be a bit frustrating and befuddling for Archie at times, while humorous at others, but always overflowing with mutual respect and love. 

I enjoyed the way the author slowly unveiled the layers of each sister via flashbacks throughout the book. Each of them turned out to be so much more than I had imagined when the book opened in present time. The flashes from present day to WWII era and back - with occasional stops during decades in between - happened sporadically, requiring me to keep my attention focused. Occasionally, if I took a break from reading, I found myself having to re-read pages to reorient myself but for the most part I was able to keep up without confusion. There was a lot going on. These two women did not lead quiet, uneventful lives. I have a feeling I might be reading this one a second time, just to make sure I didn't miss any gems on the first go-around. 

There's a terrific supporting cast - both past and present - who helped drive the story as well as providing insight into events that shaped Penny and Josephine. There's also a fair amount of fascinating historical information about British women who served during WWII, and the sometimes secret missions on which they were sent. 

Humor, suspense, poignant moments, danger, family secrets, and two whip-smart elderly ladies who may be in their sunset years but are still smarter - and more savvy - than the average bear, bring this story to life. I'd love to see it on screen. They'd have to age her a bit but I was picturing Helen Mirren as Penny the entire time I was reading. I give The Excitements an enthusiastic 4.5 stars. 

Review - - The Year of Second Chances

The Year of Second Chances

by Lara Avery

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: August 22, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Robin Lindstrom spent her first year as a young widow cocooned in the safe haven of the Minnesota farmhouse she’d once shared with Gabe, the love of her life—the man she thought she’d be with ’til the end. But her world is turned upside down when she receives an email informing her that her late husband has enrolled in something called “Bubbl”—a dating service. The app subscription lasts 12 months; use it!, Gabe’s message-from-the-grave reads. I don’t like the thought of you being alone. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it as a favor to me. Please.

After twelve months of pulling herself together, Robin’s fragile equilibrium is knocked sideways. How could Gabe, of all people, be asking her to venture out into the murky waters of 21st century online dating? As her underemployed brother, Theo, points out, it’s “only” for a year, and it’s basically Gabe's last request.

And so Robin tentatively takes steps to put herself out into the world once more, even if it means awkward outings at bowling alleys, club-hopping with DJs she meets online, and stammering conversations at dinner. Along the way, she’s surprised to find herself meeting new people, trying new things…and even getting to know a new version of herself. Because everyone deserves a second chance at love—and loving life.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is a humorous, heart-tugging, sometimes poignant, and ultimately hopeful story that kept me flipping pages from start to finish. 

Writing about widowhood is a tricky thing and navigating grief is highly individual. Having said that, and from my own experience only, I thought Avery did a good job of balancing the many emotions that come at you during those first few years. It's an unsettling time. Making decisions is difficult. Clinging to the past is comforting. Moving forward is not. Sometimes, we need a nudge. My late husband promised to come back and haunt me if I didn't choose to move forward, choose to be happy. Robin's husband signed her up at an online dating site. 

One would expect grief, and poignant moments, to be key elements of Robin's story and they are, but there's also humor, hope, the first flickering embers of desire that Robin never thought she'd feel again, and surprising stirrings in her heart (that she really never thought she'd feel again), all leading to a new path forward for a woman who was certain her life path had already been set in stone. I laughed, shed some tears, cringed with her as she reluctantly dipped her toes back into the dating pool, cheered her on as she finally confronted the dysfunctional issues within her family, and sighed with satisfaction as she ultimately found her footing - found herself - and took those first steps forward into a new chapter of her life. 

 

Review & Giveaway - - Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly

Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly

by Marie Bostwick

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Esme Cahill thinks she has failed spectacularly: fired from her New York City publishing job, divorced from her husband, and possessing little more than a broken-down car and a pile of unfinished manuscripts, she drives home to Asheville at the request of her late grandmother, Adele, who had begged her, just before she died, to return to the place she grew up.

There she discovers the once-charming lakeside retreat run by her family is sliding toward financial ruin, so with the help of her grandfather, George; estranged mother, Robyn; and a travelling chef Dawes (maker of the world’s best grilled cheese sandwich) they set to work. In the attic, Esme unearths a trove of museum-worthy art quilts, sewn by Adele. Piecing together the inspiration behind them, Esme discovers a forgotten chapter in her family history and her grandmother’s untold story, that of a gifted artist who never received her due.

This is an always-emotional, sometimes humorous, very human novel of what it means to be family—the ties that bind us together and the unintentional hurts that can rend us apart. And, along the way, Esme learns that failure can be the first step toward the life you’re meant to find.

PJ's Thoughts:

Family, connections, following your dreams, starting over, and, sometimes, accepting that the path life leads you to, the one that brings you to true happiness, might not be the one you had planned. That's the premise of this new thought provoking, humorous, quintessentially southern, and deeply satisfying novel by Marie Bostwick. Like a tall glass of sweet tea, a front porch swing, and a sultry summer's day, I couldn't get enough. 

It's the characters who drive this book with a cast assembled by Bostwick that is intriguing, complex, relatable, and authentic. I happily immersed myself into their lives, celebrating their triumphs, mourning their losses, cringing, laughing, and shedding tears in more than a few places. Esme's relationship with her grandmother was lovingly portrayed and easily relatable. I was fascinated with Adele's (the grandmother) story as it emerged, the historical tie-in of which I was previously unaware, and the impact Adele's journey had on Esme's own life journey. George is the kind of grandfather I think we'd all enjoy having and the flashbacks to his love story with Adele were both entertaining and endearing. 

I appreciated the care Bostwick used in creating the characters in this book, the ones mentioned above as well as others who all have some type of role in this story. Even the ones that would appear at first glance to be the villains have complex layers, unseen challenges, and growth that reveal unexpected qualities, eventually leading to understanding, forgiveness, and mended relationships. 

The theme of family is strong in this book: biological family, found family, and chosen family. And, in one particularly poignant scene, Bostwick brings everything full circle, with caramel cake, from 10-year-old Esme and her grandmother to 33-year-old Esme and 4-year-old Hannah. It's a full-heart, tear-inducing, hopeful moment - one more layer of goodness on an already wonderful story.

Add in a backdrop of the soul-stirring, atmospheric beauty of Western North Carolina's mountains, streams, and waterfalls, the richly artistic and quirky vibe of Asheville, and the historical grandeur of the Biltmore Estate and I was well and truly hooked. Give this one a try. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

One note: don't be put off by the title of this book. While Esme does experience failures (many, many failures), this book is about growth, learning from one's experiences, and picking yourself up and starting over when things go wrong. It has good messages and a successful, happy conclusion. 

*********GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*********

Have you read Marie Bostwick yet?

Have you ever visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC?

Do you quilt or engage in other artistic endeavors?

Have you ever had caramel cake? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 14 will receive a print copy of Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

 

Review & Giveaway - - Coronation Year

Coronation Year: A Novel

by Jennifer Robson

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by Hellie

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.

Hellie’s Heeds

I am an unapologetic Anglophile who reads historical novels like a child eats bon-bons. I’m sure it’s no surprise to those who know this about me that I feel this book was a 5 star-Top Dish because a lot of things would have had to happen for the book to get lesser marks. However, I have read other books by Jennifer Robson (The Gown, Goodnight from London, After the War is Over) and the writing style and historical detail, as it has been all the times before, is just lovely. 

What makes this story particularly delectable for me is the setting: post-war London (WWII specifically) and I was fascinated by the level of detail regarding rations, post-war “scrimping by” anecdotes, and allusions to Queen Elizabeth (yes, yes, I do love The Crown). I also delighted in encountering characters I had discovered before–Miriam from The Gown, Kaz and Ruby from Goodnight from London. I realized I had missed reading one of Jennifer’s books that took place in Italy (as I said, Anglophile) and undoubtedly tied to one of the other characters in this book. So yes, while I do have my particular setting preferences and historical favorites, Jennifer Robson gives such careful attention no matter when she places her story, creating authentic detail, believable characters, and such high stakes that the reader can’t help but care for the outcome of these people. (And they do feel like people–people your grandparents would introduce you to.) 

Jamie Geddes–the in-resident artist who is staying at the hotel in order to paint Coronation Day for a client–is so swoonworthy. Edie, the hotel-owner who fears (just a little) life is passing her by, is so relatable and perfect for Jamie. Just a picture perfect romance. You ever read a book and you can see it on the screen? This is one of those stories. In fact, I’d like to know when Masterpiece Theatre is going to take these related books and create a television series based off them? Something is going to have to replace Call the Midwife eventually–and I think these books would be perfect. 

If you’ve already binged The Crown and still want more–or want more of the young Queen–go find this. She may be a small part of the book, but she’s still memorable. Long live, Jennifer Robson.

~~~~~~~

Thanks for that wonderful review, Hellie. You make me want to one-click Coronation Year immediately and move everything on my reading list behind it.

Readers, have you read any books by Jennifer Robson?

Are you as fascinated with British history as Hellie?

What book(s) would you like to see made into a movie/television series?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 6 will receive a print copy of Coronation Year.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18