“Christmas With the Queen” by Authors Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a delightful, charming and enjoyable novel that I loved everything about. In this well-written and feel-good story, the Authors capture a young Queen Elizabeth, her corgis, and family and surrounds the royal family with the Christmas festivities in Sandringham House in Norfolk. The authors vividly describe the colorful characters that join along and weave them into this memorable story. The genres for this novel are are Christmas Historical Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Romance, British Historical Fiction, and Biographical Historical fiction.

The timeline for this story is approximately 1957, and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the events and characters. Olive Carter, a young reporter is looking for a way to cover bigger stories, and the opportunity for writing her dream pieces occur in Sandringham, when she gets the opportunity to go there and does meet and help the young Queen. Jack Devereux, is a chef , and a recent widower who is offered the opportunity to cook in the royal kitchens in Sandringham. Both Olive and Jack were friends from long ago, and their chance meeting is a surprise. They have much more in common, than Jack realizes.

It is wonderful to watch the growth of these characters. I highly recommend this memorable and captivating novel for others.

With a satisfied sigh, I finish the final words of #ChristmaswiththeQueen. I was swept away by the historical elements mixed with Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb's enchanting characters.

The authors brilliantly blend the Queen's Christmas broadcasts with Olive and Jack's stories. Readers receive a royal glimpse into her transformation from young ;Lilibet; to Queen Elizabeth II.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #ChristmaswiththeQueen in exchange for an honest review. The novel reads like a love letter to the Queen service with fictionalized 'Downton Abbey' staff. The relationships between the royals and employees personalize their encounters.

My favorite parts of this book were the glimpses into the family life of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. I wish more of the focus of the book had been placed on these characters and how her early ascension to the throne shaped their marriage and young family.

The main story in the book, a second-chance, will-they-or-won't-they situation between American chef Jack and BBC reporter Olive, was frustrating and disappointing. Going in, I knew this would be a slow burn because the book was organized by Christmases taking place during various years in the 1950s. While both characters experienced character growth and things worked out in the end, I do think that the extended timeline weakened what could have been a wonderful second chance love story.

While well written and engaging, ultimately I didn't love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

First! I love Hazel and Heather! I love the books they write so much! Whether they write them together or apart these authors are an automatic buy for me! When I heard this book was coming out I called Barnes & Noble right away and pre-ordered! Then my pre Christmas luck walked right in and allowed me the privilege and beautiful right to read this story early on Netgalley! 🎙️

First off, the cover of the book absolutely positively jingle bells drove me to claim the chance to read it! A beautiful background with wreath around a red door, signaling warmth and joy. And a woman in a beautiful emerald green coat opens its secrets into the next step in her life! ☕

We have our main female character of a story Olive! She takes an assignment to interview the people of a Christmas house that belong to the Royal Family! I have to say knowing that Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II were characters in this book brought my Royal loving heart so much joy! Olive runs into an old acquaintance she once held a set of emotions for in the past. (No spoilers lol) 🎁

Jack is a widowed chef who's trying to mend his broken heart by working in the Christmas kitchens when he runs into Olive! It's as if the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future are at play! What will happen? What journey will these two beautiful souls have that will lead them to the next few chapters in their lives?! 🍨

A true Christmas romance that has my book heart all warm and fuzzy! Throw in the 1950s vintage aesthetics and this book is forever a Christmas winner! Once again Hazel and Heather spend their talents together to create a colorful tapestry through their words, scenes, and a way to really grab at any reader's heart and say "Get ready for a ride!" ☕

I always look forward to when these two work together! Every century has a writing duo that automatically graces the shelves of any bookworm! Hazel and Heather are the writing duo of this century! 🎆

I hope I'm once again privileged to read such amazing books by them through Netgalley! 🌹

Bravo ladies!! 🍾

Thank you Netgalley and to the publisher for this early advance copy! The opinions in this review are entirely my own! (And they are entirely awesome!)

When Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, she changed the royal vibe once and for all. English newspapers and magazines had a field day with a young family at Buckingham Palace and a stylish young monarch on royal tours. In Christmas with the Queen, coauthors Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb imagine all this through the experience of Olive Carter, a single mother and ambitious reporter for the BBC, looking to make a name for herself on the royal circuit. The authors masterfully weave historical details (e.g. the tension between Elizabeth and Phillip, the first televised Christmas speech) with the narrative arc making for the perfect accompaniment to your first cup of Christmas tea.

Olive reconnects with an old friend, now a recently widowed chef in the royal kitchens, and their paths cross at Christmas time as their connections with the royal family take them to unexpected places. Will the secret that lies between them bring them together—or will it ultimately drive them apart?

A triple character time line story that starts interesting but quickly becomes stale tsomething that I've heard before. There is a refound romance & found child element. While the stories start as likeable, Olive, the female main character, soon becomes angsty and annoying. While I usually love the authors of this nonel, this is not one I enjoyed.

A delightful story of Jack, a budding chef and Olive, a BBC reporter and how their love story forms over the years. Set in England against the backdrop of 5 years of Queen Elizabeth’s traditional Christmas Address, a bit of monarch life is included as these unlikely characters cross paths.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Christmas with the Queen” is a warm, historical romance. If you enjoyed “The Crown “, you will like this book. The story is written from three points of view, a chef-in-training who works for the Royals; an inspiring BBC journalist trying to make her way to cover the Royals and finally, from Queen Elizabeth view. The story is set early in Queen Elizabeth’s career mid-1950’s. Beautifully written story of two young people that work for the Royals and the intersection of their lives. Put this on your pre-order list. It comes out November 19th. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for this advance read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story! Both the title and the gorgeous cover had me excited to read it, and I was not disappointed!!! It was a delight to read of young Queen Elizabeth (especially after watching the Crown and learning more about her) and the preparations for Christmas as she took on such responsibility with grace. I felt her anxiety as she dealt with everything thrown at her such as radio and television broadcasts and even being separated from her children and her husband during Christmas! It was all so well written and believable, I felt like I was actually reading a true story rather than fiction. However, that part of the book is more of a side note, as the main story is about Jack, a chef for the royal family, and Olive, a BBC reporter. I loved how destiny intervened and kept throwing them together! Although I guessed early on who Lucy’s father was, it did not deter from my enjoyment of the story at all. The ending had me sighing with contentment and joy and put me in the holiday mood! Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction as I do! Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for a complimentary advance review copy!

Loved this story of the queen’s first Christmas. This is a wonderful book for those of us who enjoy shows like The Crown .
This is my second book by Heather Webb . Can’t wait for more .

This is a review of the Kindle version of this book.

This was a lovely novel set in the days of Queen Elizabeth II's first years on the throne. This book is really about how two people who met many years ago (on VE day) then lose touch with each other and meet up again when both of their jobs take them to Sandringham. Jack is one of the chefs, and Olive as a minor reporter for the BBC. The Queen and Prince Phillip really play secondary characters in this novel of love found, lost, and found again.

Olive, a single mother, has a secret, and we fret with her as she wonders if she should let the cat out of the bag. Jack is dealing with the unexpected loss of his wife yet finds that when he meets Olive again and spends time with her, he may have feelings for her.

It is a lovely, warm novel that is a tad slow in parts - especially in the first quarter of the book, but then grabs you and won't let you go until you've read every word.

*ARC was provided for review by the publisher Blackstone Publishing, Inc., the author's Hazel Gaynor; Heather Webb, and NetGalley.

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb serves up royal life, post-war Britain, and a slow-burn romance that’ll have you cheering like it’s the Queen’s Jubilee. Think The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally—minus the diner scene but packed with holiday charm.

It’s December 1952, and Queen Elizabeth is prepping her first Christmas broadcast. No pressure—just the entire country hanging on her every word! Meanwhile, Jack, a widowed chef reluctantly cooking in the royal kitchens, and Olive, a BBC journalist and single mom with big dreams, find themselves unexpectedly reunited. Over five Christmases, missed moments, and growing affection, they navigate life, loss, and maybe even love. By the time her first televised Christmas speech rolls around in 1957, you’ll be rooting for Jack and Olive’s own “Christmas miracle.”

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝘁:
🎄 Festive Feels: Cozy, nostalgic, and bursting with royal holiday spirit.
👑 A Queen’s Cameo: Elizabeth is as regal, sharp, and endearing as you’d hope.
💘 Slow-Burn Romance: Jack and Olive’s chemistry builds like a perfect holiday pudding.
📻 1950s Britain Vibes: From foggy London streets to early BBC broadcasts, it’s a cozy time capsule.

💭 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: This book is the perfect holiday escape—charming, nostalgic, and full of heart. Jack and Olive’s relationship unfolds beautifully, though the pacing might feel a bit slow as they grow closer over multiple Christmases. Still, the historical details and the Queen’s moments of wit make it well worth the journey. If you’re a fan of “The Crown”, holiday romance, or second-chance love stories with a British twist, you’ll adore “Christmas With The Queen.”

⚠️ 𝗖𝗪: Grief, post-war themes, single parent struggles. A couple of minor swear words.

⭐ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 stars

A royal christmas, Hazel and Heather's writing and a second chance romance?!

Sign me up!

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC.

This is exactly what a cozy, charming, holiday historical fiction book should be! Curl up with this book and the time flies reminiscing on a young Queen Elizabeth at Christmastime, a gutsy young journalist forging a path for herself and how grief, an open heart and mind, and the magic of the holidays all add up to the most wonderful time of the year. Thank you Hazel, Heather and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy of Christmas with the Queen.

I have a deep admiration and love for books that put me in the mood for Christmas, especially during the crazy times which we are experiencing, however this book surpassed that. I loved this book. As someone who reads purely for enjoyment, this book hit home. Thank you to NetGalley and to William Morrow Books for the early Christmas gift of this ARC.

The book begins in 1952 when the beautiful Queen Elizabeth is very young and is working on the broadcast of Christmas Day following in the capable footsteps of her father, King George VI who had recently passed away leaving Elizabeth next in succession to the throne. She also has the responsibility of preparing Sandringham for the upcoming holidays.

We also follow the relationship between Olive,, who works as a reporter for the BBC and Jack, a widower and a chef.

I appreciate the charm and beauty of this novel that made me feels as though I was there and enjoying Christmas with Royalty.

I enjoyed this book so much! It was a lovely choice for my first Christmas read this year. I have enjoyed all of the books that these two authors have written together, and this one was no exception. I thought the parts that involved the Queen seemed believable, as in these things could have happened, and I enjoyed the stories of the two main characters. I look forward to recommending this book to our patrons.

If you are looking for a hardcore Christmas novel, this is not it. That is not a criticism. I decided to read this a bit too early (in my mind) for holiday books because I enjoy these authors' works and love historical fiction. This fits the bill.
In addition, if you are the kind of historical fiction person that does not enjoy romance featuring prominently in your books, this may not be the novel for you. Romance is as important in this novel as the history. Personally, I enjoy my historical fiction with and without romance.
I also read a critique of Christmas with the Queen that stated that the reader would have preferred more pomp and circumstance because, after all, Queen Elizabeth is a character in the book. There is a point to this, depending on what you like. This is NOT about the queen as a Queen, per se. She is not even what I would call, a main character. This explores the Queen as a human being and a woman rather than a representative of the monarchy. The fact that Queen Elizabeth is not who the novel is really about is indicated in the title. It references people who are with the Queen during the holidays. It is really a love story between Jack, a chef, and Olive, a reporter. The romance overtakes the history, which is fine and it works for me, but potential readers should know this so that they expect a romance with a historical angle instead of a work of historical fiction with a side of romance.
The characters, including the side characters are compelling. There are elements about the story that are, perhaps a little on the maudlin side but given the state of the world today, that did not bother me.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

⭐⭐⭐⭐3/4

"'Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, bestselling authors of Last Christmas in Paris, Meet Me in Monaco, and Three Words for Goodbye.

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father's Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends - Jack Devereux and Olive Carter - are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn't go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive's paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen's first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver..."

Chance encounters can often lead to change during the most magical time of the year.

A feel good story of second chances and good mix of historical and fanciful happenings starting with Queen Elizabeth’s II inauguration and Olive Carter, a reporter with the BBC and their rare and intricate relationship. This is also a story of a chance meeting that leads to a second chance for both Olive and Jack Devereux. This is a sweet ‘feel good book’ with engaging characters and delightful descriptives of the happenings and historic events in the Palace and at Sandringham.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collin’s Publishers for the early copy of this truly delightful book. This review is my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's Christmas 1952 an young Queen Elizabeth has just ascended the throne and preparing for her first Christmas as queen and first Christmas speech to be broadcast across her kingdom. Ambitious new journalist Olive Carter has managed to snatch a plumb assignment covering the preparations at Sandringham House in Norfolk. She even stumbles her way into meeting the queen even helping with her speech. When lunch is brought to her she can not believe her eyes, its Jack. Jack Deveraux has had a rough year and lost his way after the tragic death of his wife. Originally from New Orleans he has been working as a chef in England since the war ended. He had a friend set him up with a position at the palace cooking for the royal family. He is shocked to see Olive, a beautiful young woman he met the day the war ended. They had become fast friends and then she vanished from his life. Here she is sitting in front of him, their second chance.

I am a huge fan of Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb individual but had not read any of their joint work and was excited to receive a copy. This was an enjoyable light Christmas romance. The story unfolds over the course of five years as Sandringham prepares each year for the holidays. I absolutely loved the scenes with the royals and the descriptions of the Christmas preparations but it is really in the background of Jack and Olive's romance. Their part of the story becomes a bit repetitive by the end. There was not a lot of action and the story dragged at points with too much filler like her parents relationship. That being said the writing style is very good and liked the dual POV with the Queen sprinkled in. Given the title of the book I expected her to be a bigger part of the story. Overall this is a great holiday read and I will definitely read more of their work both together and solo.