Welcome to Litsy!

This was a little softer and more lightweight than I expected. It was sweet and cozy and all the characters were fun to root for. The mystery doesn‘t really get going until the second half, maybe the last third of the book. The plot is mostly predictable, though she does bring a twist out of nowhere, and the resolution of the mystery doesn‘t quite stand up to scrutiny. But that‘s ok, it‘s not a book to scrutinize. Happy endings for everyone. 👑🖤

1. Edie Howard - doing everything she can to save her business and home, The Blue Lion Hotel
2. James Geddes- artist and current resident at the Blue Lion Hotel. Flawed.

(favorites from this book, not my overall favorites of all time. Can't choose one except Emily from Emily of New Moon. Think Anne Shirley but sweeter.)

@Eggs @Jabberwocky

Second book (and first fiction pick) off my #AuldLangSpine list from @MallenNC . It was perfect timing because I JUST finished watching “The Crown.” The book was a nice, gentle read about nice, gentle people — with a slightly thriller-ish subplot about sabotage that kind of took away from the rest of the story, in my opinion. I just wanted a sweet story where good things happened to the characters.

#jolabokaflod23

Merry Christmas! Sorry for the delay - we had a party Christmas Eve, and I didn‘t open my package until this morning. I love it! The chocolates are delightful and I can‘t wait to read both of these books! And that turtle bookmark is adorable - I‘ve never seen one like it before. Thank you, Julie!

I expected slightly more action, given the description, but I loved the character work and my pulse was pounding when the crap finally hit the fan, so overall, it worked! I'd love to spend more time at the Blue Lion with Edie, Jamie, and Stella in the future. #historicalfiction

Three people hoping that the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II will help change their fortunes- Edie needs the coronation to drum up enough business to save her inn, capturing the coronation could determine the success of Stella‘s new photography career, and James‘s commissioned painting could help him secure his place in the world. Three easy to root for characters and a mystery that was more silly than suspenseful. A light pick. #fourfoursin23

6-9-23: My 64th finished book of 2023! Lovely story which takes place during the 6 months leading up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth on June 2nd, 1953. Edie the newest owner of the Blue Lion Hotel, is gearing up for a full house for coronation week. Her friend from Italy, Stella, a photographer, works for Picture Weekly and will be covering the coronation, and Jamie, and Indian/Scottish artist is commissioned to paint the procession.

A nice, gentle read. The lives of three residents of the historic Blue Lion Hotel intersect in the months leading up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There‘s a light mystery and a bit of action, but mostly just an uplifting story about friendship and new beginnings. If you liked The Gown, I think you‘ll enjoy this.

This was a fun book about the owner of a small hotel, its residents and guests before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth as they prepare for the Queen to pass on the way to Westminster Abbey. There‘s a little mystery (some sabotage of the hotel) but it is mostly about these people and how they‘re still affected by World War II. It gets a little dramatic toward the end, but is overall a sweet book about people doing their best.

I‘m watching on the sidelines as my DIL plans a massive fundraising event for a not-for-profit while the NFL football draft is happening a few blocks south. It‘s gonna be crazy! So, I have appreciation for those one-time events happening in a city and how they generate opportunities for all sorts of adjacent but unrelated activities. Funny that this book took me to this week‘s American football draft, but that‘s the magic of storytelling!

This isn‘t a story about Queen Elizabeth. This is a story of normal people with different backgrounds, crossing paths together. This is a story of aftermath of WWII, traumas, triumphs, friendships, families, romance, racisms, and new beginnings. This is about ordinary people with dreams during the year of Coronation. What a great way to see from this people‘s perspectives on preparations from January 1st to June 2nd, 1953 for the main event.

I went in for the tagged book but came out with four!!! Does that ever happen to anyone else? 🙋🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️📚

This was a delightful read! I loved all the characters and found myself not wanting to say goodbye as the end drew closer, especially Edie 🥹 Definitely worth adding or moving to the top of your TBR pile ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Since we‘re in the “fake spring” phase where I live, I‘m not bringing out patio furniture. I will however gladly sit in front of an open window and soak up the sun and breeze while sitting on my couch 🥰

I just started Jennifer Robson‘s “Coronation Year” last night and all I want to do sit down, set aside responsibilities and read it!! The first couple of chapters have me hooked 🤗🤩

#bookmail part 2

Cursed Bread is for my #WomensPrize reading. Old God‘s Time was just calling to me. And I really enjoyed The Gown so looking forward to tagged.

This story is just perfect! A little mystery. A whole lot of nostalgia for the time of Queen Elizabeth II. This author manages to take the reader back in time. Add the characters and storyline and voila. A perfect read with a cuppa tea. This will be available in April.

In our current times with the Queen's passing and Charles' ascension to the throne, this is the perfect time for a novel like this. Harkening back to the joy so many felt when Elizabeth was crowned, this book wraps all of that into a mystery that will keep the reader guessing. This book completely immerses you into the atmosphere of the Coronation Year and will make you want to brew a cup of tea and enjoy a scone while reading it.

Goodreads win! I loved The Gown so excited for this one.