Many thanks to my friends at @librofm for the #gifted audiobook.  

 

Completely charming and utterly delightful.  This book left a sweet smile on my face.  

 

A country still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, Britain finds itself with proper cause for celebration.  A royal coronation!  For many Londoners, including Edie, the proprietor of the Blue Lion, the merriment (and hopes of a turning tide) couldn’t come at a better time.  

 

The storyline rotates through three primary characters: Edie, James, and Stella.  With unique perspectives and richly detailed backstories, I found myself eagerly cheering for all.  But mostly, I enjoyed the way they began to coalesce into a supportive and encouraging unit.  (It’s no secret that found family is my catnip.)

 

There is a bit of a mystery at play as well.  Its execution allowed the themes of a post-war recovery to smoothly unfold.  

 

Don’t be misled, as I was, by the picture on the cover.  The queen plays but a background role.  Instead, this is a royal-adjacent story following the positive effects of progression after the drudgery of war.  

 

It’s not loss on me that this book’s release nearly coincided with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II’s successor.  How Robson managed that bit of magic is beyond.  And yet, I somehow believe it was in her prevue given how enchanted I felt with this tender story.  

 

🎧 This was an audiobook listen for me.  With a cast narration, the three characters were afforded distinct voices, enhancing the overall experience.