Book Review for The Queen's Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

 

The Queen's Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

Published:  June 2, 2026 by Ballantine Books

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Women’s History, British History

Taken from Goodreads:  As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to take the throne, three women in her employ will discover where they belong in a rapidly changing world in this heartwarming novel from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

London, 1953. Buckingham Palace and the many employees vital to the smooth running of the monarchy find themselves in bedlam as the Queen's coronation quickly approaches.

Caroline Brimstone, assistant dresser to the queen, watches the queen finding the strength to rule—a woman taking charge of her future. Meanwhile, Caroline’s life is worn thin by her gambler husband, and she is barely holding on as every penny she earns seems to run out the door. When a trip to Balmoral brings her face-to-face with the man she once loved, she finds herself at a crossroads between what her life is and what her life could be. Can she, like the queen, find the strength to define her own future?

Lucy Jones is a junior wardrobe assistant who positively radiates life—she's young, idealistic, and eager to become a famous singer. So when a handsome, wealthy man at the palace promises to help her on her way to stardom, she's over the moon to have such a supportive husband-to-be. And if he's asking some things of her that she's not quite sure about, isn't that just part of the glamorous life?

Miranda Miller has come over from America just in time to help with preparations as a temporary secretary in the palace. The job is a perfect way to gather information for the article she's writing about the coronation for a magazine back in New York; the article that will keep her boss from firing her because of her gender.

But as all three women discover, just because a woman will soon be sitting upon the throne, it doesn't mean that society will change overnight—and if they want to carve places for themselves in this world, they'll have to do it together.

 

My Thoughts:  I love the Royal Family, getting glimpses into their lives is one of my favorite things to read about.   The Queen’s Coronation is a great look at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and how her life changed.   I also enjoyed seeing how the staff of the Royal Family were put to work, how they formed families and relationships, how much their lives were overtaken by the Royal Family.   

This is the story of three women who all are working for Queen Elizabeth during her coronation.  Each has their own story to tell but together they have many things in common.  They are each dealing with personal lives that are not easy or what they pictured for themselves.   They each have their own losses and are struggling with working through them.  I enjoyed how much they came together with their love and support for each other.   Even when they did not agree with each other, they stayed true to their friendships.   

The Queen’s Coronation is a beautiful story that features a Queen that will change the future.  The three women who share their story, help that Queen see that the future is hers while also taking hold of their own futures. 

Thank you Ballantine Books for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

Purchase your own copy on Amazon

 

Meet theAuthor (taken from her website):  Jennifer Ryan is the author of National Bestseller THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR, THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE, THE KITCHEN FRONT, THE WEDDING DRESS SEWING CIRCLE, AND THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY. Her writing has featured in Literary Hub, Moms Don’t Have Time to Write, The Daily Mail, The Irish Times, The Express, BBC Online, YOU Magazine, The Simple Things Magazine, and Good Reading Magazine. Previously a book editor with The Economist, DK, and the BBC, she moved from London to Washington, DC after marrying, and she now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children. Her novels are inspired by her grandmother's tales of the war in Britain.

 

Book Blitz for A Jewel of a Crime: A Venus Bixby Mystery by Valerie Taylor with a GIVEAWAY

 

A Jewel of a Crime: A Venus Bixby Mystery
Valerie Taylor
(Venus Bixby Mystery, #3)
Publication date: June 2nd 2026
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Venus Bixby is ready for a fresh start. With green streaks in her hair and “Rock the Shamrock” polish on her nails, she’s sold her dance studio and set her sights on a glamorous second act: traveling the world to recover stolen art. But before she can book her first flight, she stumbles over the new studio owner’s dead body behind a drawn curtain.

In a town like Chatham Crossing, secrets don’t stay buried and gossip travels faster than the morning coffee line. Suddenly Venus is a suspect in a very public investigation. As she scrambles to clear her name, she uncovers a troubling secret from her late husband’s past: he purchased an emerald ring she’s never seen—and now it’s missing.

When a string of burglaries rattles the town, Venus begins to suspect the murder and the stolen emerald are connected. With rumors swirling, neighbors whispering, and her passport dreams slipping, she’ll need sharp instincts—and a dash of Irish luck—to catch the real culprit.

A Jewel of a Crime is a sparkling cozy mystery filled with small-town charm, amateur sleuthing, loyal cats, and twists that keep the pages turning. Includes cookie recipes and a nostalgic oldies playlist.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Where do you think Margo is?”

Rather than barge uninvited into the classroom looking for her, Gabby and I bided our time and hung out in the lobby. I shifted from one foot to the other while Gabby perused the business cards pinned to a brand-new combination whiteboard and corkboard.

“When I come back with that vase, I’ll bring a few business cards to tack up here.”

“Great idea!” I rifled through my purse until I found a couple of cards promoting Oldies & Goodies and Cats & Their Cradle. I affixed them to the cork and smiled. Part of me wondered whether Sam would take them down before anyone ever saw them.

Still no Margo. Did she not hear the bell when we entered a few minutes ago? Maybe not over Ol’ Blue Eyes. I considered writing a message on the whiteboard. I picked through the pens in the Tremont Regency Hotel mug on the desk, but there didn’t appear to be any of those dry-erase markers.

“Where could she be?” Gabby asked.

“Probably in the back. Should we check?”

I gently opened the glass door to the main classroom. A rush of crisp air reminded me how we’d kept the temperature in the low sixties so the students wouldn’t get overheated. The smell of fresh-cut grass suddenly wafted over me. My nose recognized dance floor wax, forcing me to stifle a sneeze.

The same song we heard when we walked into the lobby still played. Must be on a continuous loop. I listened closely. Ah, Frank was singing “Witchcraft.” An appropriate theme for the day.

The walls were painted a creamy shade of white. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors lined one wall and a row of barres ran parallel to the floor. The mirrors reflected framed images on the opposite wall. I turned to examine them up close. I walked along the wall, studying and touching each gently. Definitely Sam and Margo in their younger years.

This egotistical display was so unlike the studio Paul, and then I, owned. Our walls were proudly adorned with photographs of the young dancers who graced our ballroom.

Where are those pictures? Why didn’t they ask if I wanted them? What else did they keep from me?

“Margo?” I called.

Silence.

At the far end of the room, there was a royal purple floor-to-ceiling drape pulled closed across the width of the ballroom. As I walked toward it, I waved toward Gabby. “I’m gonna check back here.”

I noticed a universal restroom to my right. I motioned to Gabby. “You check in there.”

Then I drew back the curtain. “Never mind. Found her!” I cried out.

Author Bio:

Valerie Taylor lives in Connecticut and considers herself a typical "average Jane." She might remind you of the reclusive neighbor who fancies herself a novelist. Unlike many of her peers whom she admires, she does NOT have a degree in literature. But she is the award-winning author of the romantic comedy trilogy: WHAT'S NOT SAID, WHAT'S NOT TRUE, and WHAT'S NOT LOST. The roots of those three novels, as well as the books in the Venus Bixby Mystery series—A WHALE OF A MURDER and SWITCHED AT DEATH and A JEWEL OF A CRIME—most likely took hold during her early years watching Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, and The Twilight Zone. Her love of oldies music stems from hours listening and dancing to Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and being in the Bobby Darin fan club.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / X

GIVEAWAY!

A Jewel of a Crime Blitz

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Audiobook Review for My Whiskey Redemption: Birdie Whiskey by Melissa Foster

 

My Whiskey Redemption: Birdie Whiskey by Melissa Foster

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, Book 6

Taken from Audible: Birdie Whiskey is ready for love, but the man who knocks her off her feet is the last man her family would ever accept. Come along for the emotional ride as the Whiskeys’ belief in second chances is put to the test, and Birdie faces her toughest decision yet—stay loyal to her family or fight for the man she loves.

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Valley, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.

Audiobook Review:  Listening to My Whiskey Redemption was amazing.   I had already met most of the characters and to hear their voices, hearing their emotions… the characters that I felt I knew just came to life and because my friends.   Audiobooks are my go-to work listening but this one had me taking extra walks, doing extra chores, and finding other times that I can listen just a little more. 

eBook Review:  Truly wonderful Melissa Foster.  Characters that are real with life problems.   A storyline full of love, heat, friends and family.  A HEA ending that has no cliffhanger.   I look forward to every book Melissa writes knowing that it is a chance to catch up with past characters, meet new ones, and read a book that I will not be able to put down. 

This book is Birdie Whiskey’s story.  She wants to meet her soul mate so badly and knows that Redemption Ranch is the place to do it.   Little does she know what meeting that soul mate really means for her.   She meets Crew, hooks up, and her life changes forever. 

Birdie is a character that I met in past books and I knew when it was time for her story it would be epic.   I was not disappointed.  She found that person that encouraged her uniqueness, joined her in adventures, and never tried to slow her down.    He encouraged, supported, and loved everything about her.   

My Whiskey Redemption is a story of second chances, making amends, true love, embracing uniqueness, and happily ever afters.

Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase your own copy :  Melissa's shop:     Amazon:    Kobo:    GPlay:   Goodreads: 

Meet theAuthor (taken from her website):  Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name,  Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

 

Release Blitz for Redline by Amber Vant

 

Redline by Amber Vant is now live!

Rule one: don't get involved with Formula One drivers.
Rule two: definitely don't live with one.

Carter Hayes knows exactly what Formula One destroys.
She watched it take everything from her family once before, which is why moving onto the Valerio estate is supposed to be temporary. A deal. Nothing more. Her father gets a second chance as Dominic Valerio's new head coach, and in return, Carter's dream university is paid for. All she has to do is keep her head down, finish school, and stay far away from racing drama.

Dominic ruins that plan immediately.

He didn't want her father as his coach.
He doesn't want strangers in his home.
And he definitely doesn't want a girl who sees through him faster than anyone ever has.

What starts as irritation turns into rivalry.
Rivalry turns into tension.
And tension becomes impossible to escape when they're living only steps apart.

Because the closer Carter gets to Dominic's world, the more she realizes the real danger isn't Formula One.
It's crossing a line neither of them can come back from.
Some limits exist for a reason.
Others are meant to be pushed past the redline.

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4dJO2qn      

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4v0ZJ2v

 

Meet Amber Vant

Amber Vant is an author specializing in romance, particularly Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels.

She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and their lively cat, both of whom keep her laughing with their playful personalities.

When she's not writing, Amber enjoys traveling the world, exploring new destinations one plane ride at a time.

 

Connect with Amber

Website | https://www.ambervant.com/  

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22032791.Amber_Vant   

Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/author/ambervant    

Facebook | https://facebook.com/authorambervant      

Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/ambervant/    

Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amber-vant     

Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorAmberVant/     

Other |  https://snapchat.com/t/93aAIEBq     

Newsletter |  https://www.ambervant.com  

Available Now!! Forever Fighting by J. Saman

 

Forever Fighting by J. Saman is now live! My best friend is the definition of a bad boy. A billionaire celebrity chef and underground boxer wrapped in muscles, tattoos, and mystery. To me, he's simply Roman Fritz. A little grumpy and a lot broken, but with a heart of gold. When I catch my fiancé cheating, Roman suggests I join him in Las Vegas for the opening of his restaurant, then on to a resort in Mexico where he's starting another. It feels like the perfect escape from everything. Until we wake up married. We say it doesn't mean anything. That our friendship can handle a little Vegas mishap. Then we get to Mexico and somewhere between only one bed in our villa and seeing him in a way I never have before, our friendship crosses the uncrossable line. For five days it's sun, sand, and Roman pushing my limits while taking my body and heart places I never knew were possible. That is until the world catches up with us and unexpected threats crawl out of dark places. And just when we think we're done fighting and have finally won, a one-two punch comes out of nowhere, determined to knock us out for good. Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited http://geni.us/ForeverFighting Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4bIyBh8

Release Blitz for His Reckoning by Nicole Baker

 

His Reckoning by Nicole Baker is now live!

Moving into Sawyer Maccini's penthouse was never part of the plan.

Neither was becoming the one woman he can't control.

He's a billionaire with a reputation for being ruthless, untouchable... and completely uninterested in relationships.

I'm a romance author who suddenly can't write a single word.

We shouldn't work.

But late nights turn into stolen glances.

Tension turns into something sharper.

And the man who swore he doesn't need anyone starts watching me like I'm the only thing he can't afford to lose.

The problem? Sawyer doesn't break.

He doesn't bend and he definitely doesn't fall.

But I'm starting to think I might be the one thing that brings him to his knees.

And when everything he's been running from finally catches up to him...

He'll have to decide-- lose control...or lose me.

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4cGEFHq      

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4vxTyn4 

 

Meet Nicole Baker

Nicole resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs. She spent ten years working in finance before she decided to pursue writing. Nicole loves writing romance novels that feature a strong female lead who knows what she wants in and out of the sheets. She writes about real struggles and people who are trying to find happiness in love and life! 

 

Connect with Nicole

Website | www.nicolebakerauthor.com   

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22485571.Nicole_Baker   

Amazon | https://bit.ly/4cC6hfH 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicole-Baker-Author/100077989801979/  

Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/nicolebaker_author/        

Newsletter |  https://nicolebakerauthor.com  

Release Blitz for The Muse by Jewel E. Ann

 

The Muse by Jewel E. Ann is now live! Flynn Morley has spent his life getting by with as little as possible. No girlfriend. No real home. No money to speak of. Raised in the system, he learned early not to trust people who seemed to have everything. So when he takes a job as a “muse” for a wealthy Minneapolis couple, it feels like crossing a line he never thought he would. Then he meets June. June is a bike tour guide with a quick smile, a calm confidence, and a way of making Flynn feel seen without being judged. Their connection is immediate and playful, built on shared humor, quiet moments, and a mutual longing for a simple life. As Flynn adjusts to his bizarre new job, he starts encountering something he never planned for: kindness without strings attached. It challenges everything he believes about money, power, and who gets to be comfortable in the world. And falling for June only complicates things, especially when it turns out she’s carrying secrets of her own. When June’s past surfaces, Flynn has to decide what scares him more: becoming someone he’s always sworn he’d never be or letting her see his darkest secrets. If he can’t let go of his fears, he might lose the one person who finally feels like home. Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited https://bit.ly/3MxUmGE Audible: https://bit.ly/4toxJUB Amazon Audiobook: https://bit.ly/48JaNrF Narrated by: Tim Paige & Charlotte North Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4aE7PG1

Book Review for The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

 

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

Published:   May 26, 2026 by Berkley

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

 

About the Book

When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van, alone save for her hulking Great Dane, Dude. Until an unexpected inheritance from her pops has Hannah thinking about putting down roots in Cape Split, North Carolina, where she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his gramps.

     As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover it was once home to a timeless love story. As their own relationship shifts from enemies to friends to lovers, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past might be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

     For Hannah, the Split isn’t like anyplace she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—she doesn’t want to let this new life go. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community in the same way, or their first summer share might also be their last.

 

My Thoughts:  Oh this book… it tugged at my heart so much.  I love Simon and Hannah but I love even more Gramps and Pops.   I lived to turn the page and learn more about these two men who each owned half of the cottage in Cape Split.  They lived good lives, they saw so much, and they loved so completely. 

Back to Simon and Hannah.   This is their story.   The chance to find a place of peace and happiness.  The catch, they have to make the decision to keep it or sell it.   I had an idea of where the book would end but it was so fun to see them get there, together.  I liked seeing them work together to find out who their grandpas were.  Those answers seemed to help them figure out who Hannah and Simon were also.   There were lessons learned, advice given, and love shared with each memory they found of Gramps and Pops.  

The Summer Share is a wonderful, sweet story full of love, respect, and lessons.  

Thank you Berkley for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

Purchase your own copy on Amazon

 

About the Author :  Jenn McKinlay is the award-winning New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages in countries all over the world. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.