What an enjoyable heart-warming historical romantic Christmas read by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb! From the beautifully garnished cover to the delightful last page, I was totally captivated and intrigued. Set in the 1950s but with flashbacks from the 1940s, we are able to see our lead characters in the present and how they have changed from the past.
I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and it was not long before I became immersed in the lives of Olive Carter, Jack Devereux and Queen Elizabeth II as they share their various viewpoints. It is a real treat to read a novel that is a writing collaboration between two excellent authors. They blend their talents into a delightful and impressive story filled with a feast of interesting events that centre on both the Royals and those who work for them. There’s lots of creativity, chaos and charm to keep the pages turning. And the Christmas theme adds a special element of fun with its festivities and unexpected appearances.
Queen Elizabeth II’s viewpoint serves as a bookend (with a type of Prologue and Epilogue) for the novel but there are also other passages with her contribution (and clips of her Christmas messages) throughout the storyline. As mentioned, the novel begins and ends with her thoughts. The starting point is Buckingham Palace, Dec 1952 with Elizabeth mentioning an event recorded in history: that of the ‘blanket of thick fog’ known as the Great Smog of London. It lasted five days (from Dec 5-9) and caused major respiratory illnesses and accidents that resulted in thousands of deaths. It was a product of industrial pollution and high-pressure weather. The smoke and fog crippled London. This real event affects more than one character in the story. But even though the Queen mentions it, her focus is more on happy memories of her father and other Christmassy images with trees and the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. There is a great line from the Queen’s inner thoughts: ‘How can one not be affected by the magic of Christmas, even when one is filled with sorrow.’ It is obvious she misses her father but the Christmas activities give her grieving heart a lift.
Besides imagining young Queen Elizabeth II and the magnitude of her new position, we focus on her preparation of Christmas messages but also are led toward another thread of two old friends who bump into each other while working for her. BBC Reporter Olive Carter and royal chef Jack Devereux collide. Their work situations have recently changed and they find themselves in positions far from where they started. They are quite shocked to meet again after seven years of no communication. And to discover their professional dreams have been realised—or, at least, have begun. It was easy to imagine their excitement in being placed inside the Sandringham House for work during the Christmas season. And for this reason, I think Hazel and Heather must have had a lot of fun plotting the possibilities. Speeches and meals/feasts are common occurrences in the Queen’s household, so these two areas are smartly focused upon. Creating ordinary characters and fitting them into the royal household is a clever approach. And to guess the challenges they might face but also the rewards they could harvest— make a great story. It was also enlightening to see how the younger royal family might have responded to people like Olive and Jack. In the story, this pair’s infiltration and influence added a touch of normalcy to those who led extraordinary lives. As it put the royals in touch with those outside their four walls. This may have possibly softened the edges of an austere environment while still maintaining respect for the traditions.
I loved imagining Olive helping the Queen with her Christmas address—giving her some pointers, helping her to connect with her subjects. As well as Jack getting to know the Prince and sharing his thoughts, ideas and foods. Of course, there is a major romantic thread between the ‘old friends’ Olive and Jack and there are some secrets to expose about the past. This portion of the plot unfolds slowly taking a course of a few years with meetings set around major royal events and voyages. There is a ‘will they or won’t they’ scenario with these two but also other lovers’ threads come together quickly providing a visible contrast. Topping this, we get glimpses into other characters’ lives, who are friends, co-workers and family members. This provides a well-rounded picture of society during these changing times.
Christmas With The Queen is a story about second chances, responsibilities, family, love, dreams and patiently waiting for desires to be fulfilled. Olive wants to be a serious reporter and her determination and talent take her a long way. Jack wants his own restaurant and is inspired by his grandfather who left him his book of recipes and great advice. Each of their dreams are believable and achievable—but there is one ingredient missing (which I won’t give away!). By landing at one of the Queen’s residences through an amazing twist of fate to work, they get re-acquainted and exciting things begin to happen. Connections are made and lives are changed. The experiences they share working under Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are monumental but also the time they spend with those who worked for the monarchy create some long lasting friendships.
Christmas With The Queen is without doubt a warm, uplifting story with a happy ending. Hearts are transformed and dreams are renewed. I felt the sparkle and rush of Christmas spirit, too. It is beautifully written, so a delight to read. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the review copy.
