A very enjoyable read! Jennifer Robison always does a great job researching her books. The story of characters living everyday lives around a historical event, the Queen’s Coronation, makes you feel as if you were right there. The characters are pleasant and relatable, you root for Edie and the Blue Lion Hotel.

Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson is a wonderful novel set during 1953 the Coronation year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The story is told from three different perspectives Edie the owner of Blue Lion Inn, Stella a photographer, and Jamie an artist. This beautifully written story weaves together all perspectives during a fascinating time period to make an enjoyable historical fiction novel.

Coronation Year contains a little romance, mystery, and characters that I connected with. I felt immersed in the story as I walked through the streets of London in the shoes of each character. The backdrop of the year of the coronation for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was fascinating and gave me a greater understanding of the historical events of the time. I found that the well written details of each character’s profession, background and passions added to the story. A truly inspiring read.

I enjoyed my visit to 1953 London during the time of the Coronation for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The story drew me in and the characters were so absorbing. I very highly recommend Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson. I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

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 Blue Lion Hotel and the people who work and are staying 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 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!

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Jennifer Robson, the author of “Coronation Year,” has written a captivating and intriguing Historical Fiction Novel with a touch of mystery and suspense. The timeline is Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953 in London. As this spectacular historical event is planned, the author transports us to the Blue Lion Hotel. This is a small hotel, and the owner Edie Howard is hopeful that this occasion will financially help the failing hotel. The Queen’s procession will pass by the hotel, and this might be the miracle that Jennifer needs.

A war hero, James Geddes, takes a room in the hotel to illustrate the royal procession and the new Queen. Stella Donati, a young Italian photographer, who also is a Holocaust survivor, depends on her pictures for the big day.

Unfortunately, someone is trying to sabotage Edie and the hotel. Letters are sent out on the hotel stationary, canceling guests and contacting various news sources. Edie’s signature is on some. This draws attention to law enforcement, looking to ensure the royal procession is safe. There are betrayals and danger. Someone has to find out what is going on for the safety of everyone.

I would highly recommend this memorable and historical novel to others.

Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson is an entertaining novel filled with several surprising twists. It is January of 1953 and Edie Howard is struggling to keep her London hotel, The Blue Lion, open. The small hotel has been in her family for almost four hundred years. Edie inherited it just before she turned 21 after the shocking death of her parents. Edie is thrilled with the news that Queen Elizabeth's coronation parade will pass by the hotel and she hopes that this will result in more bookings. Robson creates many interesting characters with their own fascinating stories. There is also a wonderful love interest for Edie. When someone starts a sabotage campaign against The Blue Lion, Edie is stunned. She must catch the perpetrator before it ruins her hopes for the coronation. Coronation Year is about a hotel that becomes a home to many and how strangers turn into family.

“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.

London, 1953, the year of the Queen’s coronation.

Don’t let the title and the cover mislead you, this book is not about the Queen’s coronation. Rather, it is the backdrop to a story of three individuals who live & work at the Blue Lion, an inn on the Coronation Day parade route. The author did a nice job of capturing the lives of the characters and the excitement of the anticipated day.
Though not as good IMO as the author’s previous book, The Gown, I did enjoy this story even though it was somewhat predictable.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the advanced copy of Coronation Year, one of my most anticipated books of 2023.

Jennifer Robson is an auto read author for me. Her love of all things royal and England is evident in her social media accounts and her writing. She is actually the first author that I attended an author event for.

In her latest novel, The Coronation Year, Robson takes us on a journey through the six months leading up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Through the eyes of three individuals scarred by the war, we witness their struggles and triumphs as they make their way towards this historic event.

Edie, the owner of the Blue Lion Hotel on the coronation route, faces one trial after another as she prepares for the big day. Stella, a photographer who survived the war in Italy, is in England for a fresh start after losing most of her family in various camps. And James, a Scottish painter with Indian roots, must navigate not only the aftermath of the war, but also racial tensions.

As the new monarchy becomes official, the coronation year is a story of hope for the future, despite the trials and tribulations that these characters face. And of course, there is a touch of romance to round things out nicely.

My thanks to William Morrow (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

I absolutely loved The Gown, which led me to reading other books by Jennifer Robson. I was so happy to see Coronation Year and it did not disappoint. This book publishes April 4, 2023.

Jennifer Robson has a unique way of transporting the reader to the setting and making them feel like they are watching the events unfold.

This story, which surrounds the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, had three different story lines that were all equally absorbing.

Edie the owner of the Blue Lion hotel has the luck of having the coach pass by carrying the Queen to her coronation. Her hope is that this will draw customers and help her save the hotel that has been in her family for so long. The Blue Lion is its own character in this story and I loved it!

Stella is a holocaust survivor who is trying to start over and has gotten a job at Picture Weekly. Seeing her gain confidence in her abilities as a photographer was wonderful. It was also a treat to see a few characters from a previous novel.

James has been given the commission of painting a building across from the Blue Lion, and knowing it will be in the path of the Queen on coronation day has given him a unique take on the building.

Reading about the relationships and lives of these characters was such a pleasure. Each is overcoming something and also growing into their own through their experiences. They way the all joined together to save the Blue Lion when it was under threat was so well done. Family is so much more than blood and this unlikely family is such a treat to get to know.

I love the timing of this book with a Coronation set to take place this year. This glimpse into a possible setting from the day of Queen Elizabeth II was such a joy.

As with other books by the author, I got very wrapped up in each story line and was so sad to see it end. The mystery was second in the story for me only because of the characters’ stories! The how surrounding the mystery definitely surprised me! I truly enjoyed every bit of this book.

Thank you to Uplit Reads and William Morrow for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

I requested a copy of The Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson because I absolutely loved The Gown. The Coronation Year did not disappoint.

The book opens with the announcement of the coronation route for Queen Elizabeth. Being the absolute most popular event to take place, everyone is excited about the possibility of seeing the queen pass in her golden coach. The story is told through three points of view, all of whom will have their own unique experience on coronation day.

There's Edie, who owns a hotel that's been in her family for centuries. Her hotel will be along the parade route and she's hoping to capitalize on that to save her family's hotel. Then there's Stella. She is a photographer based out of Italy, recently hired at a magazine in London. Finally, there's Jamie. He is a struggling/starving artist who gets hired to paint a picture of the moment Queen Elizabeth's coach passes by a certain building.

At the beginning, the only real connection the characters have to one another is the fact that they all have big plans for the big event. But gradually as the story moves along, the characters develop deeper connections with one another.

The Coronation Year is very much a historical fiction novel. There's of course, the history, but there's also various love stories too. One thing I didn't quite expect was the bit of action that came at the end. I'm not going to give anything away, but it really was unexpected.

Overall, I give it four stars. The drama that led up to the ending was a bit predictable (the who, not the how). There was also a lot of backstory for one of the three characters. I understand without it, her role in the story would almost be pointless, but maybe there could have a been a little more backstory for the other two characters too.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Marrow for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I love reading about The Royal Family, I love watching The Crown and historical fiction, and I love Jennifer Robson. The Gown was such a great read, so when I saw I had a chance to read her latest, I jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately, this book didn't pack the same punch as her previous book and I didn't find myself enjoying it as much either.

With this book, we get a glimpse of a historic hotel, the Blue Lion, that is struggling to make ends meet that will be on the path of Queen Elizabeth's route to her coronation and the hotelier who runs it along with a photographer and artist who are staying there, who will be commissioned to capture the event.

I thought the characters were enjoyable. I really liked how we were introduced to the three main characters early on prior to the big event and the book's namesake, the Coronation Year. We see how they are interconnected and weaved together. I just had a hard time becoming emotionally connected to this story as a whole, and unfortunately, I thought the mystery aspect was juvenile and was easily predicted early on. Overall, I thought that aspect of the book felt silly and too simple. I finished this book wanting more and felt it was just too predictable. It tied up into a nice little bow from the villain, to the romance, to the happy ever after. I finished this book not thinking it was very memorable or motivating.

**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy of this book and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I am posting this review to my Goodreads account immediately and will post it to my Amazon & Instagram accounts upon publication.

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.

A historical fiction novel with a little bit of extra 'oomph' is basically The Coronation Year! While I did expect most of this book to be based on the actual Coronation, I shouldn't have as it followed a similar pattern to The Gown, also by Jennifer Robson. Ultimately, it was more enjoyable as the story it was, rather than fully surrounding the coronation of the Queen.

The first half of this book reads very slow and very descriptive, both of London, the characters and their stories. I did struggle a bit through it, finding it hard to focus and get fully involved, but the second half really takes off and captures the reader through the unfolding mystery and character developments. While it won't be my favourite of Robson's books, it's definitely a great historical fiction read!

It took a while for me to get into this one. There was too much jumping around to the three different people in the first few parts, which made it hard to connect with them. It also took quite a while to get to the whole mystery/threat element, which again made it less engaging. Once the book got rolling, I was super into it and found it really interesting. But it was a journey to get there.

Nostalgic, mysterious, and immersive!

Coronation Year is a captivating, lighthearted tale set in London in 1953 that takes you into the lives of the residents of the Blue Lion hotel, especially Edie Howard, the hardworking owner who, after struggling for the last few years to make ends meet, is hoping the upcoming coronation will provide the influx of cash she so desperately needs; Stella Donati, a Holocaust survivor and up-and-coming photographer who just received the chance of a lifetime when due to unforeseen circumstances she is chosen to photograph the queen on this incredibly momentous occasion; and James Geddes, a Scottish man with Indian ancestry who after leaving law school to pursue his dream of becoming a successful artist secures a lucrative commission to paint the queen’s procession as it passes by the esteemed Cartwrights’ Hall.

The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are plucky, supportive, and kind. And the plot is a delightfully engaging tale about life, loss, love, friendship, family, loyalty, uncertainty, good intentions, self-discovery, meddling, mischief, deception, and a touch of romance.

Overall, Coronation Year is a vivid, sentimental, timely read by Robson that does a lovely job of interweaving historical facts, endearing characters, and intriguing fiction into an insightful, compelling tale that is atmospheric and highly absorbing.

Jennifer Robson’s Coronation Year captures the thrill and majesty of the year leading up to Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Day, June 2, 1953. Readers view the approaching day from three different perspectives. Main character Edie Howard, proprietor of the 400-year-old Blue Lion Hotel, is desperately trying to keep the hotel in the “black.” News that the floundering hotel is right on the Coronation Day route might be the business boost Edie needs. Two other Blue Lion residents that play an important role in the year leading up to Coronation Day are Stella Donati an Italian photographer and Holocaust survivor, and Jamie Geddes, a Scottish artist of Indian heritage, a war hero. Robson seamlessly threads their personal stories into Blue Lion activities and the planning of royal events.
Robson’s novel, like an English trifle, is one delicious layer after another. The foreboding nightmares, compelling memories, and catastrophic situations Stella and Jamie have endured are sweetened in the narrative by the genuinely compassionate, supportive nature of Edie. Robson convincingly reveals Edie’s anxiety and stress as Coronation Day plans begin to unravel. With the receipt of anonymous threatening letters, what was at first a hectic but jolly lead up to the big day takes a sinister, mysterious turn. Readers endure the weight and tension of the impending deadline stretching right up to Coronation Day.
Robson’s descriptions of the parks, iconic buildings, and statues bring London to life as readers are swept into the hysteria and mass of humanity surrounding preparations and the ceremony itself. As the new “telly” is installed in the Blue Lion lobby for the first televised coronation, throngs of royal followers are packed out front, madly waving the Union Jack in wild anticipation of the queen in her golden coach.
Put on a pot of tea and get a glimpse of royal pageantry as a menacing mystery unfolds on June 2, the biggest day in 1953, Coronation Year.

Jennifer Robson is back with another novel revolving around her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧.

Set during the time of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 London, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 follows a group of people residing at London’s historic Blue Lion Hotel.

Edwina (Edie) has inherited the hotel and is trying to keep it afloat. Edie learns the coronation procession will be passing right in front of The Blue Lion and Edie is hoping to use this to gain interest (and sales) in her hotel!

Edie’s friend Stella has accepted a job with Picture Weekly and moves into The Blue Lion as she prepares for her biggest job yet, taking photos during the coronation.

James Geddes is a talented artist and has been hired to paint a depiction of the coronation procession, and moves into The Blue Lion, which has the perfect view for his painting.

As all these characters (and more) converge on the hotel, something more sinister is afloat, and someone is out to ruin this momentous day.

Once again, I absolutely love how Robson can mix fiction with history. Her words flow seamlessly on the page and you become completely enthralled with this story. She so easily transports you back in time.

I loved the setting of The Blue Lion Hotel, and the hotel itself is its own character. I could easily picture this beautiful building with all its charm and history.

And I absolutely loved the Easter eggs to some of Robson’s other novels.

If you love historical fiction, mixed with a little suspense and mystery, and just a beautifully written book, then you need to grab this book when it comes out on April 4th.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson in pre-publication format.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Coronation year. This book was not quite what I expected yet the unexpected was excellent. The characters, the writing, the story, the romance, intrigue and humor were all perfectly put together in the setting of the historic Blue Lion hotel in London. In particular, I loved the use of the language of 1953 London.

This book touches on events and happenings of the time as well as the telling of a really good story. The environment and politics in London, England, early 1953, were brought to light in this novel. I like to feel like I have learned something new when I read historical fiction and Jennifer Robson always adds somethings that is interesting, fascinating and fun.

Congratulations on the release of this new novel. I loved every minute of the experience of reading along with The Coronation Year!

Wow! What an incredible story. I was so invested in this plotline and the characters; I could NOT put it down. I loved that while it focused on the year of Queen Elizabeth's coronation, there were other incredible storylines happening, including the mystery surrounding the Blue Lion and the friendships developing between Jamie, Stella, and Edie. I felt like Robson packed a lot into a really wonderful book including the racism that Jamie faced, which was prevalent in the 50s in the UK, and Stella's backstory of being in a concentration camp.

While this was a work of fiction, there were certainly times I felt like I was reading a memoir, and watching all of this unfold in real-time. I had to remind myself several times this was set in 1953, and not 2023, simply because I could picture so much of it happening in today's world.

If you're a historical fiction fan, you will love this. If you're not, this one will convince you to start reading more.

Amazing book!
{Thank you, William Morrow, NetGalley, and Uplit Reads for the eARC!}

This is the third Robson book I’ve read, and I just love her writing! This book is about a historic hotel along the parade route of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, intertwining the lives of three very different people who become a found family. I've already read it and absolutely adored it. You fall in love with Edie, Jamie, and Stella, and their innate goodness and unlikely friendship is refreshing.

I also loved the details about Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and what it meant to regular Londoners. How amazing that it is coming out just one month before the next coronation of Elizabeth’s son, Charles. What great timing!

Having been to London just last year, I could picture the Blue Lion hotel and its refuge from the busy-ness of central London. And the description of tea and sandwiches made me want to run to my nearest tea room!

This is a delightful book that restores your faith in human nature. I especially loved the little “Easter eggs” relating back to Robson’s previous books. It’s a wonderful novel perfect for any fans of British historical fiction and British royalty!