Mary Wood and Rosie Clarke fans will not want to miss Lizzie Lane’s latest saga Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close.

It’s 1937 and the whole country is still reeling from the shocking news that King Edward VIII has abdicated the throne. With his brother, the Duke of York, about to be crowned in May, everybody up and down the country is excited about the coronation. The residents of Coronation Close in Bristol are also eagerly anticipating the big event and as they dust off their Union Jacks and bring out the bunting, preparations are being made about the massive street party that will take place during the big day. But there are some other residents who have other things on their mind as Thelma and Jenny soon discover…

Dark secrets and shameful sins are hidden behind the closed doors of Coronation Close and even though some people go to great lengths to keep their skeletons firmly locked in their closets, the truth has an unfortunate habit of getting out – when it’s least expected. Will shocking revelations and life-threatening discoveries end up casting a pall over the king’s coronation? Or will love, friendship and hope find a way to triumph against the many obstacles standing in the residents of Coronation Close’s way?

Gritty, compelling and poignant, Lizzie Lane’s Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close is a dramatic and entertaining saga that readers will struggle to put down. Lizzie Lane has got a wonderful gift for creating characters that leap off the pages and come immediately to life and readers will find themselves completely and utterly caught up in all of her protagonists’ trials and tribulations.

Lizzie Lane is a terrific saga writer who never misses and with Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close has another surefire hit on her hands.

I really enjoyed the previous books in this series by Lizzie Lane and this book again ticked all the right boxes for me. Very good story which is based around the families who live in Coronation Close. So true to a real neighbourhood with all the twists and turns, intrigue and secrets which happen!
So enjoyed this book although it seemed to stop very suddenly which left the reader hanging.........obviously cleverly planned as now I can't wait to read the next installment!!
Loved all the characters, even the rather "nastier" ones, they all had their place in this book!

Another venture to the residents of Coronation Close is just like visiting old friends. Thelma's story is one of the main threads of this book and I feel it was an important one, I love the writing in these books and was glad to be given a copy to continue reading this series, I look forward to the next instalment of what is a wonderful series.

It was lovely to revisit Coronation Close and its occupants and meet some new folk.

It can be read as a standalone, but it's worth reading the first book as some older characters are here.

The central part of the story revolves around Thelma, the descriptions of the characters and their lives are very well written and you become pulled into it right from the first chapter. You really can imagine you were there back in Bristol in 1937.

It has secrets, love, and loyalty that make this book a must for the summer holidays.

Thank you so much, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this lovely book. xx

The neighbors on Coronation Close were an interesting bunch. But they all had their secrets.

Sad, that by keeping secrets they couldn't get the help they could have benefitted from.

Thelma found herself in a predicament. But she carried on with her secret.

Harriet aka Harry kept his secret out of fear.

Jenny didn't let anyone know why her husband wasn't home and why she didn't care he was away.

I love reading historical books based in England. This was an enjoyable read.

This is the second book in this series and it picked up where book 1 ended. Jenny and her brute of her husband and had moved into Coronation Close. Jenny made friends with some of the neighbours which her husband despised. Coronation Close is in Bristol, the setting for the other fantastic series by Lizzie, The Tobacco Girls. I have never been to Bristol but from the descriptions I feel I know.

Jenny and her friends prepare for the Coronation of George VI. It was very interesting. Thelma who lives opposite and Jenny form a committee to organize a street party on the day of the Coronation.

We get to know Thelma, her working life and girls. The neighbours of Jenny. 2 sisters who keep themselves to themselves, however one is a trouble maker. It is another brilliant read which I can recommend.

Another good one from Lizzie Lane. I do enjoy her books as they are always true to life. I read this one quickly and enjoyed the turmoils within the story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I loved this, the second in the Coronation Close series, as much as I loved the first. I find the characters of Thelma and Jenny very interesting, but, I feel we haven't really quite got to grips with the character of Cath - I'm sure that will follow in future books, but, so far, there's very little to know other than the little we've been told.
The story was interesting and left enough hints at future storylines to know that whatever comes next will definitely be worth reading.
I love how honest this author always is (in this and other books) about the realities of being a woman in the early part of the 20th century. She always strikes the right balance between humour and gritty reality. I, for one, can't wait to read the third book in this series.

***Warning: there is a rape scene and a brief mentions of domestic violence that can be very triggering to those that have been in a similar situation. If you or someone you know has experienced something like this... please seek professional help A.S.A.P***

Although each Installment in the Coronation Close series can be read as a stand-alone, I would suggest reading them in order starting with the first book, New Neighbours For Coronation Close, #1. This allows the reader to gain some undertanding of the characters and the setting, so they can follow the story with ease.

Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close is a detailed fast paced story, that has a slowly unfolding plot based in 1937.

Lane has researched the history of Bristol to give the reader an in-depth account of the lifestyles, culture and daily routines of the working class citizens of Coronation Close. Lane mentions important historical events like the aftereffects of the Great War, King George VI's coronation to add the experiences and authenticity of the plot. The writing style has a little bit of repetition and became a little jumpy at times, with some characters being mentioned at random, but there is a good mixture of description and dialogue.

The character development of Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close gives the reader background information, flashbacks, recaps and links to the previous book, in order to form a connection.

Thelma is a brave woman, who prides herself on her appearance, always making sure that she was smartly dressed. She has a full time job at a ladies dress shop, called Bertram's. Thelma is very family oriented, one of the most important things in her life being her children. She has an ongoing love interest Cuthbert Throgmorton (Bert), who she considers to be safe and predictable.

Cath is possessively jealous of others and guards her friendship with Thelma. She has a poor education and comes across as being insensitive.

Jenny is a private person. Having grown apart from her overbearing husband Roy, as they are both unhappy with their marriage, they have separated. Roy has joined the army and has been sent to an undisclosed location abroad. Even though she has her daughters to care for, Jenny still gets lonely and develops feelings for more than one man...

Overall I felt that Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close had too much going on at once. Although there are twist there are alot of things that are left open ended, leading me to believe that they will hopefully be settled at a later point. There are sections in the story that don't really lead anywhere. There are some character viewpoints that are very questionable anc there are to many to keep an eye on...

I would suggest reading Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close to people who enjoy reading historical fiction, women's fiction and saga novels, as it is a character driven story that focuses on friendship, community and a neverending suply of drama as the reader once again follows the lives of the residents of Coronation Close.

I really am enjoying the Coronation Close series, great cast of characters. I do think the ending was rather abrupt but i hope there is a follow up

I loved this book so much, it is a seamless follow-on from the first book in this wonderful series. The characters are so well written and feel real and relatable. I felt for the characters in this book as they went through their trials and tribulations, I think the community feel of this novel illustrates what it was like in that time period perfectly. I am so happy we are getting a third book as there is so much more we need answers about.

Shameful Secrets On Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane is a delightful book and the second one in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading book one first to see both story and character progression.
The year is 1937 and the residents of Coronation Close are very much looking forward to the King’s coronation in May, much like we are today. The reader is caught up in the excitement and preparations as the residents celebrate together. They are a close-knit bunch, offering help where it is needed. They share lives but some are hiding secrets.
We see the dreadful effects of shell shock from World War I which still persisted. “Looking at the mud brought back fragments of memories that still haunted him.” Shell shock or PTSD was not understood. It never goes away. We see a character who has hidden his identity since deserting in World War I. He hides behind more than just curtains, as the reader’s heart breaks for this gentle soul.
Other characters have secrets too. Some are kept because to let them out would put lives at risk. Others are kept through guilt and shame although they have nothing to be ashamed of, having been caught up in unwanted action.
There is a shadowy presence hanging over a resident. We fear for the resident as we are unwilling participants in following her. Tensions rise in us as we fear what might be. Dark nights mirror our fears.
We see the effects of poverty on families as an extra mouth to feed, is seen as a source of anxiety and not happiness.
All the residents of Coronation Close are community minded. When new families move in, they are welcomed, even if they do seem rather feral.
I absolutely love this series. There are some wonderful characters with huge hearts that are warm and welcoming. I am looking forward to the subsequent books.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

The second book in the series and I loved it just as much as the first. I quickly became engrossed in the lives of the neighbours on Coronation Close. Jenny and Thelma are my favourite characters and I think there friendship was even further cemented in this book which was great too see. Everyone has different issues and dramas happening in there lives some are life changing but whether for good or bad they all battle through. The descriptions are so well written that I could picture myself living on Coronation Close with the sense of friendship and community. I'm already missing the characters who feel like friends and I can't wait for the next book.

The second book in the Coronation Close series. Just like the first book I absolutely loved this one. We are back again with Jenny, Thelma and their neighbours on Coronation Close. They are all dealing with their own problems, some problems are more serious than others but despite this everyone is doing their best to get on with their daily lives. As soon as I finished reading the first chapter I just knew this was going to be another fantastic read. As you’re reading this book you can actually visualise being part of life on Coronation Close so vivid are the descriptions portrayed by the author. I was completely engrossed from the very first page. This book could be read as a standalone but I do really recommend reading the first book to get a better picture of the characters.

I loved the first book in this series and I was happy to catch up with all the characters again. Lizzie has a great way of writing that draws you into the story. It’s very descriptive and easy to feel the emotions all with the characters. In this book they’re a few sad things that happen but the camaraderie of the friends help them to get through their problems. I recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s my stop on the Blog Tour for Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close, I hope you enjoy my review and all the others on the tour.

I’ve read and reviewed the first book in this series and I fell totally in love with all the characters and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next for everyone

Read my previous review for the first in the series here : https://yorkshirecarly.wordpress.com/2022/12/14/new-neighbours-for-coronation-close-by-lizzie-lane-book-review/

This story starts in January 1937.

The residents are organising a street party for the Coronation of King George.

Thelma is beside herself with happiness at the thought of her son coming home on leave from the Navy and she wants everything perfect but will it last?.

This instalment mainly focuses on Thelma’s story which I loved even though it’s tinged with sadness and heartbreak, with that being said we still get to hear about the other families on Coronation Close. I especially loved catching up with Jenny and her family as they try to navigate life with all its ups and downs and finding out how she gets on with her male suitors now her husband Roy is abroad.

Some storylines in this book will really resonate with so many women as the women on Coronation Close find themselves with problems and deal with devastation just the same as what we deal with in modern day life, unfortunately in that respect not much has changed.

This a fantastic Wartime Family Saga that will break your heart but then put it back together with the healing power of friendship and make you feel like you’re a resident on Coronation Close. ( or wish that you was)

Love this series really enjoyed catching up with the characters their lives their loves..This is so well written so involving saga series at its best.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks

I really enjoyed the first book of this series and the second book was even more enjoyable and for me a bit faster paced. I raced through each chapter, loved all the characters and enjoyed reading about their relationships and life’s trials and tribulations. I would definitely recommend this as a brilliant saga series and can’t wait for next one!

Bristol 1937

Life in Coronation Close was rocked when King Edward VIII abdicated from duty in favour of love and none more so than Thelma Dawson whose royal collection was her pride and joy...after her children, of course. So shocked was she by his betrayal to the crown that she smashed and destroyed any commemorative edition featuring him as King, albeit short-lived.

But now the country has a new King. Albert has stepped up to become King George VI, with his coronation set for 12th May. And preparations are in full swing for a street party in the close with the hope that everything will run smoothly on the day. Thelma has appointed herself as organiser but finds herself overwhelmed when a shocking tragedy befalls her on the evening that her first born, her son George is coming home on leave from the Merchant Navy. She was so focused on getting out the door of Bertram's at six on the dot, so focused on getting home in time to see her son again that she didn't see anything untoward...not even when the bus' gearbox died in a howling blizzard. Not even when the kindly man hook her arm through his to guide her way. Not even then. But she finally made it home and threw her arms around her only son and wept tears of joy at his return...even if just for a few months. But her joy was slightly overshadowed though only Jenny could see it.

Jenny Crawford and her girls had been in Coronation Close for nearly a year and had formed friendships with just about everyone who lived therein. With the exception of "her next door", the curmudgeonly Dorothy Partridge who saw it as her duty to complain to the council at every turn about the goings on within the Close and her abject distaste of it all. Nobody liked Dorothy but accepted her as part of the furniture (so to speak) and they all felt a little sorry for her poor sister Harriet, also widowed. But Harriet has a secret which only Dorothy knows and has kept for over two decades. But what will happen if their secret is suddenly made known?

Jenny's husband Roy was in Palestine in the army and the further away he is, the better. Roy's secret is known only by Jenny but it is one that made him abusive with her on the receiving end of his fists. He has found contentment in the army along with adventure, and Jenny receives his army pension to help support her and the girls in his absence. But lately she has felt restless. It is no secret that Robin Hubert (or is it Godwin? Because the name keeps changing throughout the story) wants to be more than friends but he's still married to Doreen even if she lives a separate life with the children and her rich men friends. And then there is Charlie Talbolt who has taken her out from time to time but there is something just a little bit off about him.

Cath is still just as possessively jealous of Thelma's friendship with Jenny and still gets about in her metal curlers, like Winnie from "Mrs Browns Boys".

Then Thelma gets a shock which proves to be somewhat problematic at both her age and for her life going forward. Particularly in her relationship with Bert, the council rent man. She still hasn't met his mother so it comes as something of a surprise when he rolls into the Close in his car with his mother at the Coronation street party! But just what will his mother think of her, her son's lady friend?

So many secrets and two new families move into the Close in this second installment of Coronation Close and still so many to unravel. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, there is one thing that the story was leading up to that didn't eventuate this time round so I'm guessing we'll have to wait and see what happens in the next book. I'm not sure about the new neighbours just yet as we haven't really gotten to know them yet. I'm sure their stories and secrets will come out in the wash soon enough.

In the meantime, I'm hoping for a happy ending for Jenny as well as for Thelma. I thoroughly enjoy this series as the threat of war looms ever closer but not yet touching lives just yet. And I can't wait for the next one!!

I would like to thank #LizzieLane, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ShamefulSecretsOnCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

The second in the Coronation Close Series and I definitely recommend reading book 1 as there is so much background, particularly to Jenny’s story. Set in Bristol in 1937 in the period leading up to and shortly after the coronation of King George the Sixth. This book concentrates on Thelma’s story alongside Jenny, Cath and Dorothy and her ‘sister’ at Number 1. Well written and be aware these are not as cosy as the covers indicate. The author is not afraid to uncover unpalatable truths, in this instance rape and spousal abuse.

Briefly, Jenny’s husband is still away in the army and so much the better for her and the children. Thelma is still being courted by Bert and she is excited that her eldest son George is coming home from the navy on leave. However, her excitement is curtailed when on the eve of his return she is attacked after getting off a bus that had broken down. Can she get through the trauma that follows?

The women in this series are strong, they have to be, life wasn’t easy for women of their generation and social class in the 1930’s. The author has clearly done a lot of research and as a Bristolian (well almost) I love reading about the city as it was back then. Harriet’s storyline was the one I found really upsetting, I can’t say more for fear of spoilers. A well written and very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to book 3.