Another solid story from Jennifer Robson. I wish I had access to the author's notes in the ARC because I would have loved to know which parts of the story were historical fact vs fiction. Some parts of the story felt forced, like Stella's romance but overall this was very enjoyable.

3.5 Stars

The best thing about this book is its cover! The premise of this story is charming, regarding a centuries old hotel called The Blue Lion which housed boarders and where you could take afternoon tea. A legend existed that Queen Elizabeth I once took refuge in this inn during a raging winter storm. This ancient concern had continuously been in the Howard family, leaving it now to Edie Howard to keep it running. As of late it had been barely making a profit, and Edie could not even take a single day off from its management. The character of young woman Edie Howard cannot help but be likeable, as she is as close to a perfect human being as could be drawn. She assumes responsibility, is selfless, compassionate, modest, and non-judgemental. Excitement is heightened during this time as it is 1953 and Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation route will take Her Majesty right past The Blue Lion. However, at the same time someone seems out to get Edie and The Blue Lion in the form of mysteriously cancelled booking reservations as well as the publication of threatening letters on Blue Lion stationery. I enjoyed this mysterious element the least as I do not gravitate towards the mystery/thriller genre in books. I most enjoyed the discussion of afternoon tea with its scones, marmalade, clotted cream, lemon biscuits and triangle sandwiches, and the human interplay of The Blue Lion's regular residents.

This was a pleasant "quiet read" that I popped in and out of while reading other books, just like its slightly more enjoyable predecessor "The Gown". It also imported a married couple from the previous book, which was a sweet touch. If you love reading about London and the British monarchy with a cozy mystery element you'll enjoy this too.

Thank you to the publisher William Morrow for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

I love the way Jennifer Robson writes and I could not stop reading. I really enjoyed this book and I loved the story.

When I saw the title and cover of The Coronation Year, I immediately knew that I wanted to read it. I did go into this book without really knowing what it was about, so imagine my surprise when I realized there was going to be very little about Queen Elizabeth and her coronation. Instead, most of the story revolves around The Blue Lion hotel, and the people inside of it. These people include Edie, who owns and runs the hotel after inheriting it from her parents after they were killed. She had two brothers, but they were also killed. There are a few people who live at the hotel permanently, including "The Hons" and Professor Thurloe, and of course the staff who help keep it afloat. Things have been hard at the hotel, and Edie has barely been able to keep it afloat. Stella Donati has come to stay at the hotel, and she will be inside Westminister Abbey on the day of the Queen's coronation to take photographs for a magazine. Jamie Geddes is an artist who has been commissioned to paint a picture of the Queen as she passes by the hotel on her route to her coronation. His character was perhaps the most interesting to me, as he is half-Indian, and he struggled being stuck between two worlds. He was born and raised in Scotland, yet that doesn't stop him from being treated as an outsider. While Edie and all of her guests are preparing for the Queen's coronation and the influx of guests, things start going awry at the hotel. Someone has been submitting treasonous letters to the papers on the hotel's stationary. The boiler is constantly breaking down, and guests who were supposed to be staying at the hotel have had their reservations cancelled all of a sudden. Edie must get to the bottom of this, or she risks losing her beloved hotel forever. Throughout this story, there is some romance here and there, all set against the backdrop of one of the most famous events in history. I do wish this was more a book about Queen Elizabeth, but for what it was, it was decent. It is very character driven, which I'm not always a fan of, but it was nice to escape into the world of the hotel for a little bit. Overall, I gave this one 3/5 stars. Thank you to the publisher, and UpLit Campaigns for giving me a chance to read a copy of this book.

Coronation Year is a thematic follow-up to a previous Jennifer Robson title, The Gown, this time chronicling the lead-up to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in June 1953. Given how long traditional publishing can take from conception to finished book, was no doubt conceived to honor the seventieth anniversary of her coronation, and now serves double duty of marking the coronation of the new king, Charles III.
Unlike The Gown, which focused solely on Elizabeth’s wedding gown and the preparations for it, there are a few different fictional players who come together for a plot that uses the coronation preparations as a backdrop. Each of them is compelling, having their own things to contribute to the event and the plot. I also liked how each was fleshed out with their own personal stakes in the event, which was widely viewed as a celebration after long hard years of war and the aftermath.
While the narrative initially feels very character-focused and about each of the co-protagonists finding a new sense of purpose or direction, there’s an external plot surrounding bomb threats on Coronation Day. And the way it ties into a dispute over ownership over the Blue Lion created a nice thread of suspense.
This is a great tribute book that also incorporates the experiences of regular people during the time period. If you enjoy historical fiction related to the Royal Family, I recommend checking this out!

I loved this book. I repeat, I LOVED this book. THE CORONATION YEAR by Jennifer Robson had me smiling the entire time. Historical fiction + mystery + royalty + true life characters/moments = all things I love in a book, and this one has it!

It takes place in the coronation year of Queen Elizabeth, 1953, and while she’s spoken of a lot, she’s not a direct character. Edie, Stella, and James are the main characters. I would even add that Blue Lion Hotel is also a main character, and its workers and occupants are fantastic side characters. Robson writes excellent characters. They make you want to care and learn about them while wishing for them to succeed.

This book is super creative in weaving real people and moments into Robson’s historical fiction world. I’ve read and watched this coronation quite a few times, and this made me feel like I was getting ready for the moment.

I 100% want to read more by Robson, but this was an excellent book to start with. If you love the tv show The Crown, historical fiction mysteries, books with royalty, or good whodunit, definitely pick up THE CORONATION YEAR.

CW: war, war PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, racism, grief, antisemitism, Holocaust, familial death

*****Publishing April 4, 2023*****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ After Edie’s parents died, she was left in charge of the Blue Lion Hotel. Some guests had lived there for decades, while others were short-term guests. Edie finds out that the parade for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation will pass right by her hotel. Right before the coronation, letters are sent out to cancel reservations for the Blue Lion. Will Edie find out who is trying to sabotage the success of her hotel? Will she be able to fill the hotel after all and make the money she needs to keep it afloat?

This book is told from 3 points of view; Edie, owner of the Blue Lion hotel, Stella, a photographer commissioned for the coronation and Jamie, an artist who was also commissioned to paint for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Stella and Jamie stay at the Blue Lion. All have their own challenges, but can this event help to save The Blue Lion Hotel and give a boost to Stella and Jamie’s careers?

I love how Jennifer Robson takes an historical event and tells the story of those who work behind the scenes of major events, in this case the owner of a hotel, a commissioned painter, and photographer for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth! Therefore, the lesser known stories are brought to life.

A must read for those who are fans of Queen Elizabeth, The Crown, and love Historical Fiction!

Thanks to William Morrow, I was provided an ARC of Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #CoronationYear #NetGalley

In Coronation Year, Robson introduces us to a group of incredibly likeable characters, all with their own rich backstory and compelling storyline. Set in London, during the historic lead up to Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Robson weaves an interesting tale of an artist, a photographer and an inn keeper. Jamie, Stella and Edie are complex characters who’s lives intersect in wonderful ways.

With Coronation Year, Robson proves once again that she is a master of historical fiction. Her grasp of historic turns of phrase, her commitment to accurate historic storytelling and her dedication to research all make for a wonderful reading experience.

Fans will also be thrilled to find guest appearances from beloved characters previously met in The Gown, which Robson released in 2018.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 2023 coronation year than to pick up Robson’s book and dive into the rich ceremony from an historic perspective.

The Coronation Year is bound to be a big hit with historical fiction and royal fans world over.

Jennifer Robson is a master storyteller that takes an historic event and builds a story that will keep you turning the pages..

The story is told from three points of view: Edie the owner of the hotel Blue , Stella a photographer who will be taking photos of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and Jamie who has been hired to paint the procession as it passes by the hotel.

All three of them have their own story to tell.

Edie is hoping the world wide event will bring the hotel back to solvency but someone is attempting to sabotage her.

Mystery is thrown in with the history and I was fully immersed in all their stories.

Highly recommend The Coronation Year so grab your copy and settle in for another great read by Jennifer Robson.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow, William Morrow Paperbacks for a book I wont soon forget.

The Coronation Year was thoroughly enjoyable. I felt transported back to that time of QEII's Coronation in 1953. Also, very timely in light of the Queen's recent passing and an impending coronation for King Charles.
Edie, the owner and manager of The Blue Lion hotel on the procession route, worked selflessly and tirelessly day in and day out holding onto her family's legacy. The hotel had fallen on tough times, though, and she was struggling to keep going, keep the workers on, and fill the rooms, even during a coronation year.

This is my fourth book by Jennifer Robson, and I just loved every moment spent within the pages of this wonderful tale. I enjoy reading anything set around the royal family. The Gown is a five ⭐, and Coronation Year 👑 is it's twin.

We begin on January 1, 1953, we go through each month till the Coronation on June 2nd 1953, and end with a beautiful epilogue on November 19, 1953. There are three main characters (Edie) Edwina Duncan Howard owns and runs the Blue Lion Hotel. (Jamie) James Geddes the very talented painter. An Italian photographer Stella Donati, who is just like her name (a star).

In reading, Edie orders a Mary Pickford cocktail 🍸. I had to see what it was. It consists of: white rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur, sounds interesting.

I like the Latin inscription on the lintel above the door at the hotel, it says, "Discere faciendo", which means Learn by Doing. I feel this is the best way to learn.

I enjoyed the mystery, the friendship, the romance, and the crowning of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Saint Edward's Crown 👑.

I loved the tale of Elizabeth I, the storm, and the chair, it was absolutely lovely, just love this book 📖. Enjoy ❤️.

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and Jennifer Robson for the e-reader ARC of Coronation Year.

#JenniferRobson
#CoronationYear
#NetGalley
#WilliamMorrow

What I thought was going to be a story about a queen I know very little about turned out to be a lovely story about complete strangers coming together and learning they aren’t complete strangers after all. Drop a fast-paced plot and some interesting characters into a beautiful historical hotel and it is bound to be a 5star read! Definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow, I received an advance reader copy of this book in return for my honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on April 4, 2023.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel is set in London in 1953, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and it’s the first historical fiction novel that didn’t have me sobbing at one point or another (or throughout). The three central characters are Edie, James, and Stella. Edie owns the Blue Lion Hotel, and James and Stella each rent a room there. The characters are all so lovely and kind and selfless as they navigate life while suffering from past trauma.

There is so much sweetness in this book, it could sweeten all the tea in London and the South. Of course, it would be a bland book indeed if there wasn’t some sort of strife. So, there’s some very predictable intrigue and an equally predictable happy ending. But you know what? I liked it. The characters, while improbably perfect, were likeable, and I enjoyed learning a little about Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. It piqued my interest enough that I went to the google machine for even more information about that day. If you like perfectly pleasant plots with positive payoffs, you’ll love this book.

“Her life was beautiful, too, but she’d allowed the tedium of tiresome obligations to obscure that truth for far too long. She had forgotten how to live…. And she would not allow herself to forget again”

I must admit that when I opened this book I thought it was going to Center around the monumental occasion of the Queen’s Coronation. Similar to “the Gown” (which I loved-read it. 5 stars). But it wasn’t really anything to do with the historical event but rather that seems to be more of the backdrop to the storyline.

It’s really about a small hotel that was passed down to sweet Edie. Who just accepted her life as it was instead of hoping or dreaming for more…

It is about an eclectic group that I could picture in my head esp the Hons sisters whose bitty looks of disgust or judgy faces had me thinking of my Nana-in-law. She had perfected those same faces mentioned in the writing.

It’s about Stella, the photographer from Italy who is brought to London with the opportunity of what lies ahead with the coronation.

It’s about a hotel which felt like a character on its own and had me picturing it in my head.

And it’s about Jamie. Kind hearted Jamie who is an artist that was given the task of creating a mural about one specific moment on the special day which will be immortalized in generations to come. He’s a Scottish man of Indian descent and faces all the discrimination and assumptions that you as the reader would guess. But he’s a gem that one. And so is his dad.

So while I may have gone into it thinking it was going to be HF much like the Gown was (informative but fictionalized) this book felt a little bit more like a Maeve Binchy or Jan

Reminds me of Maeve Binchy books or Jan Karon with the cast of characters that charm the pants off of you. If you go into it as you want details (even if fictionalized) on The Coronation, this isn’t it.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a eBook of Coronation Year ahead of publication. I very much enjoyed The Crown, and was looking forward to Robson's newest book.

Coronation Year is aptly titled, it being not about the Coronation, but about the months leading up to London's largest celebration, the time frame between World War II and Queen Elizabeth's coronation and the resulting emotions of all the changes and heartache people are still working through. The book was so much more than I expected, covering three very different characters all brought together by a hotel in the center of the upcoming action. Each character had their own bright spots and problems. I loved each one individually, but as they all interacted and the their circles began to cross and form a community, I loved the "village" as a whole. The book covers Stella and her struggle with her war memories, the Holocaust, the loss of her parents, and her adventures finding her way in a new life and as a working woman. Jamie is pure and good, dealing with prejudice and racism, PTSD, and his great respect for his parents while worrying about their disappointment in him. Then there is Edie, the center of it all, dealing with keeping the historic hotel afloat and her employees reliance on her, and the pressures she puts on herself for its success. Overall wonderful characters and stories, very informative for the times and the author really does a great job with her research and is able to immerse her readers in the settings and the mindframe of the times.

There is a slight twist to the book that someone obviously wants the hotel to fail, who could it possibly be? This part was predictable, and the conclusion of this a bit ridiculous and far fetched, and resolution a bit convenient. This chapter didn't fit with the tone of the rest of the book. I am able to blow this off and move on, but it's the one downfall of the book. The following chapters with the Coronation and the days after are wonderful. My hope now is that there will be a side book focusing on Stella, Miriam and Kaz, with all the other characters popping in and out of their lives (then perhaps another with Edie and her future?). Robson has a solid cast of characters here and a great setting she could get a lot of miles out of! Will recommend. A light hearted, informative historical fiction with a solid background and serious topics, but does not way you down.

Hopefully this book gets a little extra mileage this year with its publication being so conveniently launched near the new coronation of King Charles.

Jennifer Robson is one of those authors who has this incredibly beautiful way of drawing you into a story, making you feel both at home and connected to the well-drawn characters who populate her world. In Coronation Year, the Blue Lion feels so open and inviting, it is as if you can imagine stepping right through the pages and sitting down to tea with lovely Edie, Jamie, and Stella. I fell in love with Robson's writing when I read The Gown several years ago and I was so pleased to have the same wonderful experience reading Coronation Year. I was captivated from the first page and truly enjoyed the journey. Not to give any spoilers away, but I absolutely adored the epilogue. Though the queen herself only makes a very small cameo, Robson's rendition of her was so uncanny. It was like a scene that had happened in real life. She truly is a gifted writer, and one that this writer deeply admires. I can't recommend this novel highly enough. Don't miss it!

I always enjoy books by @authorjenniferrobson and this was no exception. The setting is a the Blue Lion a small historical hotel on Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation route. Edie Howard is the latest of generations to run the hotel which has been open for hundreds of years. The new Queen in her golden coach is just what she needs to boost business in her struggling hotel. James Geddes is a young artist who have been commissioned to do a painting of the young Queen’s coach passing an establishment right across from the Blue Lion. Stella Donati is an Italian photographer who has been hired by a magazine in London and will be photographing the coronation. The stories of these characters intertwine along with a mystery that threatens to disrupt the coronation itself. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction, stories of Queen Elizabeth II or are just an Anglophile like me. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of this book.

Advanced Book Review! Thank you @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is an obvious statement but this book could not have come at a better time with the first coronation since Queen Elizabeth’s happening later this year.
Coronation Year takes place about six years after the events in The Gown and I loved getting to read these books back to back. With the characters from The Gown still fresh in my mind, I was excited to see some cameos in Coronation Year, and then realized some of the characters go back to Goodnight From London. I love the community that Jennifer Robson has created in London through these books.
I loved the perspective of each character leading up to Queen Elizabeth’s coronation day and also thinking about all the different ways that day could have affect so many people in London and beyond. I also really enjoyed reading about Edie running the hotel, Stella learning to take beautiful and impactful photos and Jamie’s work as an artist.
Again, in Coronation Year, one of the main characters is a Holocaust survivor. It never gets any easier to read survivor stories but I’m so glad Jennifer Robson included it because it’s very accurate for this time period and so important to remember.
I really liked this book and I’m only giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5 because I liked The Gown a bit better. Jennifer Robson’s books have been chronological – she started in Paris with World War I, then the Post-WWI Era, moving into the 1920’s and then moving into London for World War II and then two books set in the Post-WWII Era with The Gown and Coronation Year – so I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Thoroughly enjoyed my time with this historical fiction following the months leading up to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on June 2, 1953. We follow three perspectives and one timeline. The main story is about a historic hotel and the owner trying to keep it afloat. There were themes of racism, love, loss, and overcoming the past.

The one aspect that I didn’t love was the “villain” revealed towards the end and their motivation to destroy the hotel. It was out of left field in my opinion and just silly. Although everything wrapped up nicely and I still loved my time with the majority of the story, I wish the author could have reworked that part.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced electronic reader copy of this book for review.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
We are taken back to London during the last coronation year, when Queen Elizabeth the second was crowned .and London was buzzing. The Blue Lion is the hotel on the route, but it is struggling. Having been in business since the last Queen Elizabeth was caught in a storm, the hotel is in need of upgrades and new features, but the owner, the last of the Howard family who have owned it for generations, can barely keep the hotel afloat.
We meet a cast of characters who are staying at the hotel, who have a place at the coronation in some form. What then unfolds is a mystery involving sabotage that moves the story away from the coronation until the end.
I have read The Gown and loved it - and I feel like I am still grieving the death of the Queen, so this book sounding like a perfect salve. But I wanted more about the coronation and less about the interactions of the characters, although they were likeable enough. I wanted more historical fiction and less mystery, but that's OK. The book was still lovely and enjoyable, just not a fit for my particular book club.
It will be liked by patrons and an easy one to recommend to many - since it is clean and has no graphic descriptions. I enjoyed the flashbacks to world wars. I really missed an authors note to describe what was fact and fiction.
3.5* Rounded to 4 since I usually round up for pre-pubs.
This will appear on Goodreads immediately.