Very sorry but this book was awful. It's not often I say that and I tried to find something positive to say. It just felt very contrived. It was completely unbelievable. I don't know the authors but is one or both of them American? That possibly would go a long way to explaining why this book felt so false. I can't for one minute imagine our late Queen behaving in such a manner or speaking that way. I'm not a royalist but being a Brit you can't fail to have been exposed to the Firm and all the machinations.
The writing style was very odd as though it couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to be, a bit split personality
Such a shame as this looked to be a bit of light relief after some very heavy reads but I struggled to finish this

I really loved reading about our lovely Queen when she first did her Christmas Broadcast ,it was interesting reading about the Queen and Prince Philip when they were young and the wonderful descriptions of Sandringham at Christmas .I liked Olive and Jack especially, Olive trying to work in a man's world but their on/off romance was very predictable and quite annoying at how long it took especially as there was a child involved ..Altogether a nice feel good story .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC

I had high hopes for a nice easy read cosy Christmas tale. Unfortunately the story dragged on over several years of repetitive nonsense. The main character drinking lager and even lager and lime in a pub in the 1950’s was extremely unlikely as although lager was a thing then most pubs wouldn’t have stocked it and women would be more likely to drink a shandy or even a stout if they weren’t drinking sherry or gin and orange! I’m afraid this definitely wasn’t a book for me.

This book was fascinating as it gave a glimpse into the lives of the Royals , alongside the on off love story of royal correspondent Olive and royal chef Jack.

I loved reading of the Christmas traditions in the royal household Growing up our family always watched the Queens Christmas broadcast and the first Christmas broadcast was the perfect setting as we met Jack and Olive who have met up after over seven years .

Their lives have gone in different directions and it seemed they have been destined to remain apart until the chance meeting which changes both their futures. As their bond grows, a secret is uncovered which will truly test their relationship.

This historical fiction book explores the 1950 era in a way I found spellbinding, the perfect mix of history, royalty and love story which made me wish I could spend Christmas with the Queen.

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to deliver her first Christmas speech, staff work behind the scenes to get ready for the festivities at Sandringham Estate. Among them are Jack and Olive – old friends who are surprised to be reunited after seven years apart.

While Olive works for the BBC reporting on the royal family, and Jack is employed in the Queen’s kitchens, their bond deepens – until a secret threatens to tear them apart. When the truth comes to light, it could change Olive and Jack's lives forever.

A captivating story set around Christmas and the late queens first Christmas broadcast.
Loved the characters Jack and Olive and their relationship and the impact it had.
Although obviously fiction , it is with credit to the authors in giving a behind the scenes insight to what may have gone on.

What a super book this is. Completely different to your usual Christmas reads. I absolutely loved the main characters and the behind the scenes Royal life. It’s a big recommendation from me.

A very interesting story set in 1952 and onwards about her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. This was a very enjoyable story which made the Queen seem very approachable. Loved this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Well written book allowing us a small snippet of life with Queen Elizabeth from her newly appointed reign until later years. Intertwining two great characters Jack and Olive who face over the years complex lives.
Written showing a human side to the Queen as if you knew her personally this was extremely well written and a pleasure to read.

A slow burner of a romance, this was a real "will they, won't they" book which makes it a perfect Christmas read. With a bit of nostalgia thrown in as the story is based around the Queens Christmas Speeches in the 1950s.

I loved this book from the very first page. It’s going to be one of the books I buy as a Christmas gift for friends. The story is an absolute delight and the characters are completely believable. Fabulous read!