More like “Christmas With the Two Most Tepid Characters Who Ever Lived.” I have loved every other Hazel Gaynor/Heather Webb book, but this one frustrated me. Both of the protagonists were dull, and this book promised a years-long push/pull, which turned me off. The only thing I enjoyed was the sweet glimpses into Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s lives, and ended up giving up reading in linear fashion at around 17% and simply reading their bits.

I loved this book! I would give it 4.5 stars!

The book starts with Queen Elizabeth II, who is preparing to give her first Christmas Day message as Queen. Jack is a royal chef who is dealing with the loss of his wife and Olive is a young reporter who dreams of being a royal correspondent for the BBC. When Jack and Olive reunite after 7 years, they slowly come to care for and love each other over the span of 5 Christmas while working for the Queen.

This book wasn’t what I expected, but I loved it! Both authors did a great job of bringing the history of Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign to life while also weaving in a fictional second chance love story. It was so beautifully written and each chapter left me wanting more!

I loved the happy ending and the romance was sweet, but realistic. I loved how the romance was drawn out over several years and the flash backs to when they first met allowed it all to flow so nicely. It was closed door and the most that happened on the page was kissing and implied sex.

There was a bit of mild swearing, but overall I loved this story and would definitely read it again!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love reading historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth II and this one was great! I loved the different POVs and how they complemented the other. The earlier timeline made the later one more emotional because of what happened. The writing was beautiful and flowed nicely making it a quick read. I loved the focus on the holidays and the small parts Olive had with the Queen. My first holiday story of the year did not disappoint.

Thank you @msheatherwebb @hazelgaynor @suzyapprovedbooktours @netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy.

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a delightful historical holiday romance. If you are any kind of royal watcher than you will enjoy this book.

The story is written from three points of view. One is a single mother who is trying to work her way up to the ‘royal beat’ at the BBC. The second is an American born chef who is trying to find his way after a tragic event in his life. Finally the third point of view is from Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II. The brilliance of this story is how these three peoples lives intersect. I love historical fiction and given what I know of the era and HRH the authors did an excellent job in their research.

The story takes place during the very early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Hazel Gaynor is an author I always enjoy reading. Her co-author Heather Webb is a delight. The combination is unbeatable. I was so excited to review this book. It did not disappoint. It was heartbreaking, heartwarming, full of Christmas spirit and beautifully written. I would highly recommend reading this book during the upcoming holiday season. I am looking forward to another collaboration of these two authors.

I would like to thank Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb, William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love books about the British royal family but this book was a little difficult to get into and keep my interest.

“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.