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Coronation Close #1
New Neighbours for Coronation Close
Bristol 1936
Jenny Crawford has resigned herself to a loveless marriage living hand to mouth with their two children. Like many others, husband Roy struggles to find work at the docks but a chance encounter turns the family's fortunes around.
Not only does he get regular work but they are also allocated a council house on Coronation Close on the outskirts of the city. Jenny and the children are overjoyed, this is the fresh start she could only ever dream of.
But trouble feels never too far away. With Roy spending more time with Sir Oswald Molsey bullying black shirts, Jenny is left to her own devices and eager to fit in begins to make new friends.
Thankful of peace, Jenny has her head turned firstly by an old love and then by her knight in shining armour.
Does she allow herself to glimpse a chance of happiness?
Whatever happens the consequences could be dire if Roy ever finds out.
Jenny Crawford has resigned herself to a loveless marriage living hand to mouth with their two children. Like many others, husband Roy struggles to find work at the docks but a chance encounter turns the family's fortunes around.
Not only does he get regular work but they are also allocated a council house on Coronation Close on the outskirts of the city. Jenny and the children are overjoyed, this is the fresh start she could only ever dream of.
But trouble feels never too far away. With Roy spending more time with Sir Oswald Molsey bullying black shirts, Jenny is left to her own devices and eager to fit in begins to make new friends.
Thankful of peace, Jenny has her head turned firstly by an old love and then by her knight in shining armour.
Does she allow herself to glimpse a chance of happiness?
Whatever happens the consequences could be dire if Roy ever finds out.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2023
596 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 10, 2022
Bristol 1936: Jenny Crawford has resigned herself to a loveless marriage, living hand to mouth with their two children. Like many others, husband Ron struggles to find work at the docks, but a chance encounter turns his and the family's fortunes around. Not only does he get regular work, but they are allocated a council house on Coronation Close, on the outskirts of the city. Jenny and the children are overjoyed, this is the fresh start she could only ever dream of. But trouble never feels to far away. With Ron spending more time with Sir Oswald Molsey bullying black shirts, Jenny is left to her own devices and eager to fit in, begins to make new friends.
This is a beautifully written and moving story. It's also the first book in a new series. Filled with some lovely characters, but we also get the odd nasty one. Life is hard for Jenny and her children. She is terrified of her husband, who is a nasty bully. There are some parts that are quite dark. Jenny gets allocated a council house and things start getting better. I like the authors style of writing, she never disappoints. I was hooked from the first page. Hopefully we won't have to wait long for book two.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LizzieLane for my ARC of #NewNeighboursForCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully written and moving story. It's also the first book in a new series. Filled with some lovely characters, but we also get the odd nasty one. Life is hard for Jenny and her children. She is terrified of her husband, who is a nasty bully. There are some parts that are quite dark. Jenny gets allocated a council house and things start getting better. I like the authors style of writing, she never disappoints. I was hooked from the first page. Hopefully we won't have to wait long for book two.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LizzieLane for my ARC of #NewNeighboursForCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2022
Five stars for this and I would give it more if I could! A great story with marvelous characters. Jenny is the central person in the story and I loved her. Life was terribly hard and the sheer grinding poverty was well depicted. Every single day was a struggle. Her husband is a law unto himself and she's terrified of him. She does everything she can to protect her two daughters and try to make life more bearable for them.
You might think this would be a depressing read but it's not due to the excellent writing. Every character and there are quite a few, were totally believable, well fleshed out and I felt I knew them personally by the end of the book.. Thelma who lives in Coronation Close already when Jenny moves in, is an absolute hoot!!
There are some dark moments in the part that deals with The Black Shirts. These were certainly scary times to live through and it was great getting to know about this period in history.
I read this in one sitting.
This is a first book of a series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an early copy.
You might think this would be a depressing read but it's not due to the excellent writing. Every character and there are quite a few, were totally believable, well fleshed out and I felt I knew them personally by the end of the book.. Thelma who lives in Coronation Close already when Jenny moves in, is an absolute hoot!!
There are some dark moments in the part that deals with The Black Shirts. These were certainly scary times to live through and it was great getting to know about this period in history.
I read this in one sitting.
This is a first book of a series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an early copy.
January 2, 2023
My first read and review for 2023!
As a fan of Lizzie Lane's The Tobacco Girls series, I was excited by the prospect of this new series featuring the residents of Coronation Close. Set in Bristol once again, there is a slight nod to the aforementioned series with the name of the tobacco company mentioned in passing.
NEW NEIGHBOURS FOR CORONATION CLOSE is set prior to the war beginning in January 1936 with the death of the King and the excitement taking over for that of the new King Edward VIII. I love how the book began, firstly with the then King's death, and King Edward VII's accession and ended with his abdication. It seemed the perfect close of one chapter before beginning the next.
The story begins in the poverty stricken tenements of The Pithay where Jenny Crawford lives with her husband Roy and two daughters Tilly and Gloria. The tenements are ancient, having stood for hundreds of years and are crumbling down around them. There are no indoor luxuries such as running water, electricity or gas. No bathroom or indoor privy. Even the kitchen is shared between tenants in the block. The place is appalling with only vermin thriving within its walls.
Jenny could have done better when she married Roy but naive and full of girlish dreams, she was swayed by his charm at the tender age of sixteen, marrying him two years later. But as they adage goes...marry in haste, repent at leisure. And Jenny has plenty of repenting to do now. Roy had quickly changed as soon as the ring was on her finger. He is a violent bully who is a little too free with his fists, and keeps a tight reign on Jenny should she step out of line. In his opinion, she needs no friends as she has him and her place is in the home keeping house for him and making sure his meal is on the table as soon as he walks in from work down at the docks. And there'd be hell to pay if she didn't.
As Roy takes on more work at the docks, boasting that he has won favour with his superiors, he starts to become a little more secretive and furtive in his behaviour that Jenny wonders if he is seeing another woman. But no, his interest is drawn to politics in the form of Sir Oswald Mosley and his Blackshirts, and is soon donning the uniform of the British Union of Fascist party group. And it is through his ties with Mosley's group that he is able to swing a new council house in the suburbs on the newly named Coronation Close.
Upon moving to Coronation Close, Jenny misses her old neighbours in Isaac and Ruth but it isn't long before she starts to build new friendships in the Close. Thelma, who is a force to be reckoned with, is first to introduce herself along with Cath and Maude. But it's her immediate neighbours, Dorothy and Harriet, that resonate with her...though for other reasons to ther rest of the residents. As their new home is further from the city, Roy must travel longer to work and then there are his Blackshirt meetings which he takes very seriously, as they lend him an air respectability (or so he thinks). This means Roy is away from home more and more until work takes him away for months at a time. Jenny is appalled at his association with the fascist group whilst at the same time relieved that the more time he spends with them, then the less he is at home. Can she live her new life free of the restraints Roy keeps her in when he's at home? Or must she continue looking over her shoulder in fear of his return?
Throughout her journey from the Pithay tenements to the new council estate in the suburbs, Jenny is reacquainted with an old flame in Robin Hubert as well as meeting her knight in shining armour Charlie Talbot. Both men believe she deserves better than the life she has but she reminds both of them that she is married and that is the end of it. Or is it? Which of them holds her heart? Could she be happy with one or the other of them should Roy never come back? Then just as she is beginning to slip into the comfort of her new way of life, a shock return puts her life as she knows it into a completely different perspective. What does it mean for her now?
One thing is for sure...everyone on Coronation Close has secrets.
NEW NEIGHBOURS FOR CORONATION CLOSE is the beginning of a promising new series set around the residents of Coronation Close. And while it was slow to start with the character building in Jenny and Roy and the lives in the tenements, it soon picked up once they'd moved to suburbia. There was one confusing aspect in Thelma being referred to as Dawson and Dawkins - both on more than one occasion - that I was unable to ascertain which was her actual surname.
As with any series, the story ended with a few unanswered questions which are bound to be followed up in future additions to the series. One of which being Jenny's neighbours which we the readers are privy to but not the other residents. There wasn't a lot of focus on either Cath or Maude but I'm sure that will also change with future stories. Of course Jenny was the main focus with Thelma running a close second.
As the era in which this is set, it was a time of prejudice and appearances were everything. People had to be seen to be doing what was expected. Respectability and status mattered. But what went on behind closed doors was no one's business but theirs. Men hitting their wives, wives submitting to obey their husbands in everything, deserters of war, homosexuality even those thought to be living immorally. And even the royal family were not immune for the accession of King Edward VIII saw him having to choose between duty and love. Because as someone who represents the people of the British empire and that of respectability, he could not marry a thrice divorced woman AND be king.
With a few loose threads still dangling in the breeze of Coronation Close, I can't wait to return to find out how they will be tied up or if their threads will unravel unexpectedly.
I would like to thank #LizzieLane, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #NewNeighboursForCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
As a fan of Lizzie Lane's The Tobacco Girls series, I was excited by the prospect of this new series featuring the residents of Coronation Close. Set in Bristol once again, there is a slight nod to the aforementioned series with the name of the tobacco company mentioned in passing.
NEW NEIGHBOURS FOR CORONATION CLOSE is set prior to the war beginning in January 1936 with the death of the King and the excitement taking over for that of the new King Edward VIII. I love how the book began, firstly with the then King's death, and King Edward VII's accession and ended with his abdication. It seemed the perfect close of one chapter before beginning the next.
The story begins in the poverty stricken tenements of The Pithay where Jenny Crawford lives with her husband Roy and two daughters Tilly and Gloria. The tenements are ancient, having stood for hundreds of years and are crumbling down around them. There are no indoor luxuries such as running water, electricity or gas. No bathroom or indoor privy. Even the kitchen is shared between tenants in the block. The place is appalling with only vermin thriving within its walls.
Jenny could have done better when she married Roy but naive and full of girlish dreams, she was swayed by his charm at the tender age of sixteen, marrying him two years later. But as they adage goes...marry in haste, repent at leisure. And Jenny has plenty of repenting to do now. Roy had quickly changed as soon as the ring was on her finger. He is a violent bully who is a little too free with his fists, and keeps a tight reign on Jenny should she step out of line. In his opinion, she needs no friends as she has him and her place is in the home keeping house for him and making sure his meal is on the table as soon as he walks in from work down at the docks. And there'd be hell to pay if she didn't.
As Roy takes on more work at the docks, boasting that he has won favour with his superiors, he starts to become a little more secretive and furtive in his behaviour that Jenny wonders if he is seeing another woman. But no, his interest is drawn to politics in the form of Sir Oswald Mosley and his Blackshirts, and is soon donning the uniform of the British Union of Fascist party group. And it is through his ties with Mosley's group that he is able to swing a new council house in the suburbs on the newly named Coronation Close.
Upon moving to Coronation Close, Jenny misses her old neighbours in Isaac and Ruth but it isn't long before she starts to build new friendships in the Close. Thelma, who is a force to be reckoned with, is first to introduce herself along with Cath and Maude. But it's her immediate neighbours, Dorothy and Harriet, that resonate with her...though for other reasons to ther rest of the residents. As their new home is further from the city, Roy must travel longer to work and then there are his Blackshirt meetings which he takes very seriously, as they lend him an air respectability (or so he thinks). This means Roy is away from home more and more until work takes him away for months at a time. Jenny is appalled at his association with the fascist group whilst at the same time relieved that the more time he spends with them, then the less he is at home. Can she live her new life free of the restraints Roy keeps her in when he's at home? Or must she continue looking over her shoulder in fear of his return?
Throughout her journey from the Pithay tenements to the new council estate in the suburbs, Jenny is reacquainted with an old flame in Robin Hubert as well as meeting her knight in shining armour Charlie Talbot. Both men believe she deserves better than the life she has but she reminds both of them that she is married and that is the end of it. Or is it? Which of them holds her heart? Could she be happy with one or the other of them should Roy never come back? Then just as she is beginning to slip into the comfort of her new way of life, a shock return puts her life as she knows it into a completely different perspective. What does it mean for her now?
One thing is for sure...everyone on Coronation Close has secrets.
NEW NEIGHBOURS FOR CORONATION CLOSE is the beginning of a promising new series set around the residents of Coronation Close. And while it was slow to start with the character building in Jenny and Roy and the lives in the tenements, it soon picked up once they'd moved to suburbia. There was one confusing aspect in Thelma being referred to as Dawson and Dawkins - both on more than one occasion - that I was unable to ascertain which was her actual surname.
As with any series, the story ended with a few unanswered questions which are bound to be followed up in future additions to the series. One of which being Jenny's neighbours which we the readers are privy to but not the other residents. There wasn't a lot of focus on either Cath or Maude but I'm sure that will also change with future stories. Of course Jenny was the main focus with Thelma running a close second.
As the era in which this is set, it was a time of prejudice and appearances were everything. People had to be seen to be doing what was expected. Respectability and status mattered. But what went on behind closed doors was no one's business but theirs. Men hitting their wives, wives submitting to obey their husbands in everything, deserters of war, homosexuality even those thought to be living immorally. And even the royal family were not immune for the accession of King Edward VIII saw him having to choose between duty and love. Because as someone who represents the people of the British empire and that of respectability, he could not marry a thrice divorced woman AND be king.
With a few loose threads still dangling in the breeze of Coronation Close, I can't wait to return to find out how they will be tied up or if their threads will unravel unexpectedly.
I would like to thank #LizzieLane, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #NewNeighboursForCoronationClose in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 27, 2022
I Just love lizzie lanes writing. You get so Connected to the Main characters, it feels like you are a part of their daily lives. . I love the characters , the nosey the quirky. The friendships chefs kiss. . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
December 28, 2022
I hate to say this but I’m giving an honest review as this book was kindly granted by Net Galley - I found this to be an average read and was slightly disappointed - it was a book that I picked up now and again as I felt it lacked substance compared to previous books by Lizzie Lane.
April 13, 2023
received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy to be offered to read and review this book as I’m a long time fan of Lizzie Lane and her fantastic novels, especially The Tobacco Girls Series.
I was overwhelmed by the descriptive detail of what life was like for ordinary people in 1936 just from the first few pages.
Jenny had married Roy when she was just a teenager and what a grave mistake she’d made!. He was a horrid man who beat her made her abide by his rules which meant having no friends and money of her own just the meagre amount that he gave her. The money that he did give Jenny was not even enough to buy proper food or clothing for her and her two girls.
When he got involved involved with the horrible Brown Shirts and got them a council house it was kind of like Jenny had the chance of a new life as she made new friends who loved her fiercely which I adored so much, Thelma was one of my favourite characters who’d also suffered heartache and was just doing what she needed to survive.
I was so invested in this story, I was hoping and praying that Jenny could finally be free and happy on Coronation Close, maybe with her old friend Robin or new friend Charlie.
I soon realised that all residents of Coronation Close have secrets that they want to keep.
I’m so excited for the rest in this new series, I hope I’m not waiting too long.
I was so happy to be offered to read and review this book as I’m a long time fan of Lizzie Lane and her fantastic novels, especially The Tobacco Girls Series.
I was overwhelmed by the descriptive detail of what life was like for ordinary people in 1936 just from the first few pages.
Jenny had married Roy when she was just a teenager and what a grave mistake she’d made!. He was a horrid man who beat her made her abide by his rules which meant having no friends and money of her own just the meagre amount that he gave her. The money that he did give Jenny was not even enough to buy proper food or clothing for her and her two girls.
When he got involved involved with the horrible Brown Shirts and got them a council house it was kind of like Jenny had the chance of a new life as she made new friends who loved her fiercely which I adored so much, Thelma was one of my favourite characters who’d also suffered heartache and was just doing what she needed to survive.
I was so invested in this story, I was hoping and praying that Jenny could finally be free and happy on Coronation Close, maybe with her old friend Robin or new friend Charlie.
I soon realised that all residents of Coronation Close have secrets that they want to keep.
I’m so excited for the rest in this new series, I hope I’m not waiting too long.
May 31, 2024
I gave this book only two stars because of the ending which was so disappointing with no closure. It left me completely up in the air thinking that can't be all there is and I checked to see if I'd missed a page. We never did get to learn if Jenny finally found love with Charlie Talbot or whether she was forever legally trapped in her marriage by her selfish, controlling husband Roy who hated her, severely abused her, then deserted her for another male. She was a doormat yet she kept saying "he's my husband after all and I'm a married woman." Some husband!
We didn't get to know what became of Charlie Talbot. We didn't even know what his background was or if he stayed around after Jenny failed to meet up with him. When you introduce a character into a plot there needs to be a good reason why they are there, otherwise they are just a superfluous distraction. And I think it's fairly reasonable to expect if not a satisfying ending, at least an ending that ties off some loose ends. This book failed to do that.
We didn't get to know what became of Charlie Talbot. We didn't even know what his background was or if he stayed around after Jenny failed to meet up with him. When you introduce a character into a plot there needs to be a good reason why they are there, otherwise they are just a superfluous distraction. And I think it's fairly reasonable to expect if not a satisfying ending, at least an ending that ties off some loose ends. This book failed to do that.
July 31, 2023
carnation close a series of books that started with Lizzie line
Enjoy reading this book and I can say that I will enjoy the series.Turn back in time when Black/Irish people had a different time settling down and to feel able to feed the family.
Enjoy reading this book and I can say that I will enjoy the series.Turn back in time when Black/Irish people had a different time settling down and to feel able to feed the family.
December 30, 2022
Jenny her two daughters Kelly and Gloria and her abusive husband live in tenement houses in a place called the bowl or the pew but no matter what you call it it is a salon it’s been there for hundreds of years and has yet to be updated. Although Jenny at one time loved and adored her husband Roy he started being abusive and now he’s changing for the even worse. he’s never been shy to announce a racial or ethnic slur but now he’s hanging out with the black shirts and they believe England should be for the English and no one else. Little does Roy know but the kind Jewish couple downstairs or the reason they even have Food on some nights because Roy isn’t generous with her household money. When a find Jenny giving a cup of broth to her kind neighbor because he allowed her to go first and cook her meal while we waited… Roy isn’t sensed, he is livid and he will take it out on Jenny and after he does he tells her to steer clear and not talk to the Jewish scum again. Of course Jenny doesn’t listen the kind that generous and in tenements like there’s neighbors have to stick together. The next day while she’s waiting outside for her kind neighbor to come home with whatever extra he could get so she can cook a meal she sees her handicap elderly Jewish neighbor doing his best to get home quickly because there’s three men behind him. When they finally get him to the ground they start to beat him and Jenny knows one of the men is her husband Roy but she screams murder anyway. Three men come who are big and burly and they break up the fight she even see sphere and Roy’s eyes. One of the men warns Roy to stay away from there and that he will be watching and at the Royce links of the man who Jenny learns is named Charlie helped her get him into his apartment she can’t help but feel an attraction to this man but stays her wifely course because she is a proper lady. That doesn’t mean she can’t think about him every now and then in a daydream and when she runs into him again he asked her if she would like to go for a drink she says no but wish she didn’t have to. Soon after Roy comes home saying he has great news one of the men he works for Trevor works for the council estates and is going to get them a proper home. Jenny is beside herself with happiness this is what she dreamed of. A little garden for her daughters to play in . They finally move in to Jenny‘s dream home at coronation close a newly built estate and this is where Jenny‘s life will change for the better and in some cases for the worse. This was a really good book I just thought there would be more to it and a more conclusive ending. I love a feel good breathe but don’t think that’s what I would call this it is a really good book and I love Jenny and Charles I love her neighbor and I even love the evil neighbors husband Harriet… You have to read the book to find out. This is that in 1938 and 39 and I loved reading about the times in place I just wish there was a more definitive ending. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 13, 2023
I have been a fan of Lizzie’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but that is something that I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. When I heard that Lizzie was due to release the first book in a new series, I knew that I had to grab a copy and read it at the earliest opportunity. Well ladies and gents, I managed to get my hands on a copy and ti was well worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would find it rather difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was spot on on both counts. I had picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. This was one of those books that stayed with me whether I had the book in my hand or not. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking of the book. If I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ and I had to say goodbye to Jenny and the rest of the characters. i found ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lizzie Lane. Lizzie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Lizzie grabs the reader’s attention from the synopsis alone and draws them into what proves to be one hell of a story. Lizzie has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time period in which the story is set and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I loved the fact that before the story started people, Lizzie had written a history chapter to give the reader a fuller picture of the domestic and political situations of the time. Lizzie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters. I love the way in which Lizzie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lizzie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would find it rather difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was spot on on both counts. I had picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. This was one of those books that stayed with me whether I had the book in my hand or not. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking of the book. If I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ and I had to say goodbye to Jenny and the rest of the characters. i found ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lizzie Lane. Lizzie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Lizzie grabs the reader’s attention from the synopsis alone and draws them into what proves to be one hell of a story. Lizzie has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time period in which the story is set and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I loved the fact that before the story started people, Lizzie had written a history chapter to give the reader a fuller picture of the domestic and political situations of the time. Lizzie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters. I love the way in which Lizzie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Neighbours For Coronation Close’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lizzie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 4, 2023
New Neighbours of Coronation Close is set in an interesting time in history. Set in 1936, the Molsey’s, in particular, Sir Oswald Molesy is making his mark and his views known (as is Hitler overseas, taking a firmer grip and making his views known ever more prominently); the monarchy is changing as a King is dead, which is where the book begins and the next in line is ascending onto the throne. It captures many moments of history, which puts events into context in amongst what was happening in the wider society. It’s pretty dark at times, as history shows us, but also hopeful as you root for a better life for Jenny.
Coronation Close is where Jenny Crawford and her husband Roy move to. It’s in the suburbs and secured because of Roy’s interest in politics, not just anyone’s politics, but he gets very close to Sir Oswald Mosley’s brand of politics. Life, just because they have a better council house now, is far from cosy. Roy has a temper on him and everything changed once he stuck a ring on her finger. There were money troubles as Roy and life around the docks, searching for work was difficult, prior to him meeting Sir Oswald Mosley. Roy becomes increasingly interested in him and spends vast amounts of time with him and seemingly changing their luck around; giving Jenny time to wonder if she can changer her life from one where she feels tied to the shackles of a loveless marriage to daring to set her sights to something happier.
It gives insight into a different period of time, when things were changing politically and yet domestically, whether you were an average person or monarchy, certain things were the same in certain attitudes and ways of having to be seen as doing what was considered the respectable thing to do above all else as there are consequences, no matter who you are and not always good ones. The question is, will Jenny, upon meeting an old lover, choose to change her life and do something considered radical for the times or will she remain with Roy? What of the monarch too?
It is certainly a book worth checking out.
Coronation Close is where Jenny Crawford and her husband Roy move to. It’s in the suburbs and secured because of Roy’s interest in politics, not just anyone’s politics, but he gets very close to Sir Oswald Mosley’s brand of politics. Life, just because they have a better council house now, is far from cosy. Roy has a temper on him and everything changed once he stuck a ring on her finger. There were money troubles as Roy and life around the docks, searching for work was difficult, prior to him meeting Sir Oswald Mosley. Roy becomes increasingly interested in him and spends vast amounts of time with him and seemingly changing their luck around; giving Jenny time to wonder if she can changer her life from one where she feels tied to the shackles of a loveless marriage to daring to set her sights to something happier.
It gives insight into a different period of time, when things were changing politically and yet domestically, whether you were an average person or monarchy, certain things were the same in certain attitudes and ways of having to be seen as doing what was considered the respectable thing to do above all else as there are consequences, no matter who you are and not always good ones. The question is, will Jenny, upon meeting an old lover, choose to change her life and do something considered radical for the times or will she remain with Roy? What of the monarch too?
It is certainly a book worth checking out.
June 7, 2023
Lizzie Lane returns with a gritty and dramatic saga that will hold readers spellbound from start to finish: New Neighbours for Coronation Close.
In 1936 Bristol, Jenny Crawford’s life is one never-ending struggle full of anguish, sorrow and despair. Her husband Roy is cruel and physically and emotionally abusive, their marriage is a loveless one and every day Jenny wonders how she is going to keep a roof over her family’s heads and her children fed and clothed. With Roy struggling to find work, the future seems bleak and desperate until a chance encounter reverses the family’s fortunes and enables them to leave the slums behind for a fresh start in a council house in Coronation Close on the outskirts of the city.
With her husband gainfully employed and her children settled and happy, Jenny feels positive about the future for the first time in a very long while. But trouble is never too far away. Roy begins spending more and more time with Oswald Moseley and the return of a former flame and a knight in shining armour makes Jenny wonder whether she dares to unshackle herself from the prison she finds herself trapped in and start all over again with somebody willing to give her their heart.
Will Jenny risk it all of love? Or is Roy about to make sure that she pays dearly for even dare thinking about leaving him behind?
Readers looking for a compulsively readable saga will not want to miss Lizzie Lane’s latest, New Neighbours for Coronation Close. Highly-charged, emotionally satisfying and guaranteed to have readers reaching for the tissues, New Neighbours for Coronation Close is a heart-wrenching saga about sacrifice, family, hope and love that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
Lizzie Lane never misses and with New Neighbours for Coronation Close has penned another absorbing saga perfect for Mary Wood and Elaine Everest fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In 1936 Bristol, Jenny Crawford’s life is one never-ending struggle full of anguish, sorrow and despair. Her husband Roy is cruel and physically and emotionally abusive, their marriage is a loveless one and every day Jenny wonders how she is going to keep a roof over her family’s heads and her children fed and clothed. With Roy struggling to find work, the future seems bleak and desperate until a chance encounter reverses the family’s fortunes and enables them to leave the slums behind for a fresh start in a council house in Coronation Close on the outskirts of the city.
With her husband gainfully employed and her children settled and happy, Jenny feels positive about the future for the first time in a very long while. But trouble is never too far away. Roy begins spending more and more time with Oswald Moseley and the return of a former flame and a knight in shining armour makes Jenny wonder whether she dares to unshackle herself from the prison she finds herself trapped in and start all over again with somebody willing to give her their heart.
Will Jenny risk it all of love? Or is Roy about to make sure that she pays dearly for even dare thinking about leaving him behind?
Readers looking for a compulsively readable saga will not want to miss Lizzie Lane’s latest, New Neighbours for Coronation Close. Highly-charged, emotionally satisfying and guaranteed to have readers reaching for the tissues, New Neighbours for Coronation Close is a heart-wrenching saga about sacrifice, family, hope and love that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
Lizzie Lane never misses and with New Neighbours for Coronation Close has penned another absorbing saga perfect for Mary Wood and Elaine Everest fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 21, 2022
New Neighbours For Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane is a marvelous historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book is set in Bristol in 1936 and provides a social commentary on the times. We see terrible slum conditions that some find themselves living in. This contrasts with the new council houses. There were waiting lists but once in your house, there were some surprising rules and regulations to follow. Drop-in inspections also happened.
We witness the camaraderie that slum living created. Bonds formed in adversity remained. People shared what little they had, with those who had even less.
Friendships grew up in the council estates but it seemed harder to make them as people didn’t live so closely together.
We see the historical context too with Edward VIII coming to the throne and having to choose duty or love. Oswald Mosely and his blackshirts began their reign of intimidation and terror. And Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister – this always resonates with me as he was a son of Bewdley, where I live, and there is a lovely statue of him in the town and also a plaque on the house where he was born in High Street.
It was also a time of prejudice as some characters have to either hide their identity or their character, for fear of prison or worse. There was a deserter from World War I and also a homosexual man. Others were judged for something they were not – a single mum is rumoured to be a working girl. Appearances were everything. The modern reader is so glad that we have moved on from these times so that people are free to be who they want to be.
I thoroughly enjoyed New Neighbours For Coronation Close. It was the perfect snapshot of a moment in history. I always love Lizzie Lane’s books.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book is set in Bristol in 1936 and provides a social commentary on the times. We see terrible slum conditions that some find themselves living in. This contrasts with the new council houses. There were waiting lists but once in your house, there were some surprising rules and regulations to follow. Drop-in inspections also happened.
We witness the camaraderie that slum living created. Bonds formed in adversity remained. People shared what little they had, with those who had even less.
Friendships grew up in the council estates but it seemed harder to make them as people didn’t live so closely together.
We see the historical context too with Edward VIII coming to the throne and having to choose duty or love. Oswald Mosely and his blackshirts began their reign of intimidation and terror. And Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister – this always resonates with me as he was a son of Bewdley, where I live, and there is a lovely statue of him in the town and also a plaque on the house where he was born in High Street.
It was also a time of prejudice as some characters have to either hide their identity or their character, for fear of prison or worse. There was a deserter from World War I and also a homosexual man. Others were judged for something they were not – a single mum is rumoured to be a working girl. Appearances were everything. The modern reader is so glad that we have moved on from these times so that people are free to be who they want to be.
I thoroughly enjoyed New Neighbours For Coronation Close. It was the perfect snapshot of a moment in history. I always love Lizzie Lane’s books.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2022
New Neighbors for Coronation Close by Lizzie Jane takes us back to 1936 in Bristol. We get to meet Jenny Crawford who is in an unhappy marriage. She is married to Ron who is a dock worker. Ron takes out his unhappiness and anger on his wife. Jenny takes care of the home and their two daughters. The family lives in a rundown tenement. Ron becomes involved with the Blackshirts. His involvement gets the family moved to a new council house on Coronation Close. With Ron busy with Sir Oswald Mosley’s organization, Jenny is at loose ends. Most of the residents on Coronation Close are friendly. Jenny soon makes friends and begins to come out of her shell. Jenny also has two men who would love to spend time with her. If Roy should find out, the consequences would be dire for Jenny. I enjoyed New Neighbors for Coronation Close. The beginning is a little slow as the author takes the time to establish the setting and the characters. When the family moves to Coronation Close, the story picks up. I thought the characters were realistic. They suited the location and time period. The author brought the locale alive with her vivid descriptions. I could envision the tenement where Jenny lived (it sounded awful). Coronation Close is the opposite of Jenny’s former residence. The story does have some dark sections. Roy was a violent man. He is a bully who takes his anger out on his wife. We learn something about him at the end that explains his attitude. I liked Jenny’s new friends on Coronation Close especially Thelma Dawson. Jenny had some interesting neighbors. The author captured the time period with historical events such as the abdication of Edward VIII for a certain divorcee. I was sorry when the story ended. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. New Neighbors for Coronation Close is a touching tale with a vicious spouse, a dirty dwelling, spiteful letters, friendly neighbors, a brutal beating, a caring charmer, and a startling revelation.
January 7, 2023
Bristol 1936. Jenny Crawford has resigned herself to a loveless marriage living hand to mouth with her two children. Roy, her husband, struggles to find work. A chance encounter turns the tide for the family and they are given a council house. Jenny has a fresh start, especially with Roy spending less time at home. Jenny encounters an old love and her knight in shining armor during all these changes. Does she allow herself a chance at happiness?
So this book was really confusing to follow a lot of the time. I wish it had some trigger warnings because the abusive spouse dynamic came as a surprise. It didn't seem like it was going to be that type of novel. The book jumped around in topics a lot and didn't really seem to have a logical progression. I really struggled to like any of the characters which made it more difficult to read this one. A lot of the novel was full of moments which contradicted those stated just a few pages earlier. Jenny, who wasn't living the most extravagant lifestyle, was incredibly judgmental of people who were in a similar situation to herself.
I spent most of my time confused with the flow of the book and when Jenny moved to Coronation Close it almost read like a different novel. I felt very unfulfilled by reading this one. It didn't feel that anything was resolved and Jenny's infatuation with her childhood love and basically a random stranger really felt out of context, and neither of these dynamics was resolved. The conclusion presented a "reasoning" for Roy's behavior but changed nothing about the outcome of the story. It also didn't resolve any of the issues and then the book ended with a whole other topic. Unfortunately this one was a huge miss for me.
So this book was really confusing to follow a lot of the time. I wish it had some trigger warnings because the abusive spouse dynamic came as a surprise. It didn't seem like it was going to be that type of novel. The book jumped around in topics a lot and didn't really seem to have a logical progression. I really struggled to like any of the characters which made it more difficult to read this one. A lot of the novel was full of moments which contradicted those stated just a few pages earlier. Jenny, who wasn't living the most extravagant lifestyle, was incredibly judgmental of people who were in a similar situation to herself.
I spent most of my time confused with the flow of the book and when Jenny moved to Coronation Close it almost read like a different novel. I felt very unfulfilled by reading this one. It didn't feel that anything was resolved and Jenny's infatuation with her childhood love and basically a random stranger really felt out of context, and neither of these dynamics was resolved. The conclusion presented a "reasoning" for Roy's behavior but changed nothing about the outcome of the story. It also didn't resolve any of the issues and then the book ended with a whole other topic. Unfortunately this one was a huge miss for me.
January 11, 2023
Lizzie Lane is one of those writers that you know as soon as you open the book you’re in for a treat. She writes from the heart and creates characters that you love to love and even love to hate. She doesn’t hold back on telling us just how awful life could be for those living in the slums and indeed how much brighter life can be if you were lucky enough to get a new Council house on one of the brand new shiny Estates. It is a life that Jenny can only dream of. The drudgery of her marriage wears her down. No matter how hard she tries her truly awful husband Roy. (He definitely falls into the “Love to Hate” characters) always manages to ruin everything. He has a violent temper and Jenny tries so hard to protect her two girls as much as she can.
Suddenly things change. Roy is out more, he starts dressing in black and becomes more political in his new found gang headed by Sir Oswald Mosely. Jenny has no idea what he is up to, she is just grateful that he isn’t at home giving her grief.
Then wonder of wonders Jenny and Roy are offered a new council house and a new life is on the horizon. A new life that Jenny grabs with both hands. She makes friends and begins to feel that she has more control over her life. She finds love, or does she? should she? Is this a road to more heartbreak?
This is a gritty and heart felt book that leaves you feeling like you’ve just met a whole load of new friends. Lizzie writes in a style that just draws you in and your emotions are certainly challenged. From sad to happy, angry and even astonished. I truly loved every minute and I’m over the moon this is the start of a new Historical Saga that I know Lizzie will bring to life in every single book. BRILLIANT!
Suddenly things change. Roy is out more, he starts dressing in black and becomes more political in his new found gang headed by Sir Oswald Mosely. Jenny has no idea what he is up to, she is just grateful that he isn’t at home giving her grief.
Then wonder of wonders Jenny and Roy are offered a new council house and a new life is on the horizon. A new life that Jenny grabs with both hands. She makes friends and begins to feel that she has more control over her life. She finds love, or does she? should she? Is this a road to more heartbreak?
This is a gritty and heart felt book that leaves you feeling like you’ve just met a whole load of new friends. Lizzie writes in a style that just draws you in and your emotions are certainly challenged. From sad to happy, angry and even astonished. I truly loved every minute and I’m over the moon this is the start of a new Historical Saga that I know Lizzie will bring to life in every single book. BRILLIANT!
August 2, 2023
Jenny Crawford had thought she was in love when she met her husband Ray as a teenager. That sadly didn’t last long, especially when her parents passed away leaving them with nothing. They lived in a building but no toilet and if she wanted to bake anything there was a community oven she needed to use. You could tell there was a large amount of tension in their place when things seem to fall apart more and more. Ray’s reaction when things went wrong wasn’t good. So when they were given a chance to move to a house on Coronation Close after Ray’s involvement with the Blackshirts of Sir Oswald Mosely was noticed, she was ecstatic. It would mean a new chance for her and the girls at a better life. Especially when after a short period of time Ray was gone for days and days, giving her some peace. But would his involvement in the group end up causing more problems than solutions? Everyone was talking about the Royal scandal but what about the scandal happening in their own neighborhood. Including when an old flame and a new flame of Jenny’s came calling on her. Nothing like neighborhood gossip to keep people entertained.
What many don’t realize is during these times how much control men had over women, whether it was not being allowed to marry or being dependent on your husband to give you money for food. Also if a woman was single or widowed she was expected to have a single bed and just one pillow on it. If there was inspections done on houses everything had to be perfect, daily dusting, everything swept and the list continues. This books touches on all of those topics and more.
It was an interesting start to a new series. I will say that there was a bit of a drag in a few places but knowing Lizze Lane’s books I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
What many don’t realize is during these times how much control men had over women, whether it was not being allowed to marry or being dependent on your husband to give you money for food. Also if a woman was single or widowed she was expected to have a single bed and just one pillow on it. If there was inspections done on houses everything had to be perfect, daily dusting, everything swept and the list continues. This books touches on all of those topics and more.
It was an interesting start to a new series. I will say that there was a bit of a drag in a few places but knowing Lizze Lane’s books I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
November 24, 2022
The story is set in the 1930s and centres around Jenny, a young mother of two girls, married to Roy, who lives in a run down tenement block. Roy is a chauvinistic bully, who resents his wife having any life outside of cooking & cleaning for him – Jenny is a little more educated that Roy & often wonders what exactly she saw in him! When Roy takes on more work at the docks, he starts to become involved with politics and particularly resents Jenny’s friendship with an elderly Jewish couple Ruth & Isaac who live in the same tenement. When he later joins Oswald Moseley’s British Union of Fascists “black shirts” his views get more extreme, but he is also able to use his contacts to get them a council house in the suburbs. Jenny is delighted with the property in Coronation Close and whilst she misses her old neighbours, she starts to build friendships with some of her new neighbours.
As the first book in the series, plenty of time is devoted to establishing the characters, but this leaves the storyline a little light. However it is a good start to the series with plenty of unanswered questions and characters that can become more prominent in future stories. I hope that Jenny does reach her true potential as the war looms closer.
The book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the historical fiction family saga genre.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
As the first book in the series, plenty of time is devoted to establishing the characters, but this leaves the storyline a little light. However it is a good start to the series with plenty of unanswered questions and characters that can become more prominent in future stories. I hope that Jenny does reach her true potential as the war looms closer.
The book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the historical fiction family saga genre.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
December 17, 2022
This is book 1 in a new series and I was initially attracted to this book as it is set in my hometown, Bristol, but although it was interesting to read about conditions at this time in history c. 1936, I soon found the characters taking over. I read this book in a day as I didn’t want to put it down. It’s well written and easy to read and surprisingly dark in some parts.
Briefly, Jenny Crawford married Roy when she was only 18 and they have two daughters. Living in a tenement in The Pithay life is tough, very tough - her husband is physically and mentally abusive and she is a drudge. But when Roy gets friendly with someone who works for the council it seems their fortunes are changing. Given a council house on a development in Knowle West Jenny is ecstatic with her new home. With Roy away working she soon makes friends but can her new life continue unchecked?
This wouldn’t be my normal read but maybe I’ll be reading a bit more in the future as I really enjoyed it. Plenty of action, and not all cozy/romantic. I love the historical information, some of which I wasn’t aware of, and some great characters, especially Thelma and of course Jenny. Cliffhangers (not my favourite thing) lead me to hope book 2 is not going to be far away. A good historical novel, with romance, humour and a dark side - most enjoyable. 4.5⭐️
Briefly, Jenny Crawford married Roy when she was only 18 and they have two daughters. Living in a tenement in The Pithay life is tough, very tough - her husband is physically and mentally abusive and she is a drudge. But when Roy gets friendly with someone who works for the council it seems their fortunes are changing. Given a council house on a development in Knowle West Jenny is ecstatic with her new home. With Roy away working she soon makes friends but can her new life continue unchecked?
This wouldn’t be my normal read but maybe I’ll be reading a bit more in the future as I really enjoyed it. Plenty of action, and not all cozy/romantic. I love the historical information, some of which I wasn’t aware of, and some great characters, especially Thelma and of course Jenny. Cliffhangers (not my favourite thing) lead me to hope book 2 is not going to be far away. A good historical novel, with romance, humour and a dark side - most enjoyable. 4.5⭐️
November 20, 2022
Loved this instantly. Couldn’t put it down, as I was keen to know what happened next.
Jenny Crawford lives by the belief that she must obey her husband Roy, living life to his strict rules. Even when this leaves Jenny and his two daughter not knowing where the next meal is coming from. Then fortunes change when Roy gets more work down the docks. Roy takes part as a blackshirt for Oswald Mosley. This gets him contacts in the right organisation to get them a house. Jenny is delighted with her new home in Coronation Close, mainly because it has a garden. She misses her old neighbours Isaac and Ruth , then over time starts to get friendly with new neighbour Thelma who helps bring her out more.
Thelma was definitely my favourite character. I do hope there will be a follow up!
Jenny Crawford lives by the belief that she must obey her husband Roy, living life to his strict rules. Even when this leaves Jenny and his two daughter not knowing where the next meal is coming from. Then fortunes change when Roy gets more work down the docks. Roy takes part as a blackshirt for Oswald Mosley. This gets him contacts in the right organisation to get them a house. Jenny is delighted with her new home in Coronation Close, mainly because it has a garden. She misses her old neighbours Isaac and Ruth , then over time starts to get friendly with new neighbour Thelma who helps bring her out more.
Thelma was definitely my favourite character. I do hope there will be a follow up!
January 10, 2023
I have read and loved a number of books by this author, so when I heard there was a new book series coming out I was really looking forward to reading it and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Right from the first chapter this book had me completely absorbed and I just knew I was in for a wonderful read. This isn’t just your usual historical saga story! It’s much more than that. We, the reader see from the pages of the book the poverty, violence and hardships many women of these times suffered, Lizzie Lane has a fabulous style of writing and the descriptions of people and places are literally coming out of the book as you read this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
January 12, 2023
I have read a few books by this author and enjoyed everyone. With the 'Tobacco girls' series coming to end, this is the first book of a new series set in Bristol. New Neighbours of Coronation close' Jenny, the main character lives with her husband and 2 daughters in a slum. Her husband is a bully & wife beater. Through his connections he is given a council house. In one way Jenny was sad to leave as she had to leave as 2 of her friends also lived in the slum. In every other way she was happy, a house, bedrooms for her 2daughters and a garden. She had some lovely neighbours she quickly made friends with. This is a great read, and takes up to December 1936 and the abdication. I am looking forward to book 2.
Another brilliant read and another 5* which I fully recommend.
Another brilliant read and another 5* which I fully recommend.
November 12, 2022
Edward will soon be King. The families on Coronation Close are getting ready to celebrate the occasion.
Jenny finally got her dream home but at a cost. Her husband, Roy, is one nasty fellow. I would like to ring his neck.
With the move, Jenny met new friends. These friends helped her through the toughest periods.
I loved the book. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in the story. I am waiting patiently for the next book in this new series.
What is going to happen to Jenny? What path does she want to take? Will her next door neighbor let the people know his/her identity? Can Thelma, Jenny's closest friend, get over Edward's abdication?
Jenny finally got her dream home but at a cost. Her husband, Roy, is one nasty fellow. I would like to ring his neck.
With the move, Jenny met new friends. These friends helped her through the toughest periods.
I loved the book. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in the story. I am waiting patiently for the next book in this new series.
What is going to happen to Jenny? What path does she want to take? Will her next door neighbor let the people know his/her identity? Can Thelma, Jenny's closest friend, get over Edward's abdication?
December 2, 2022
An excellent start to a new series by Lizzie Lane.
A very moving story which is beautifully written. Lizzie has an excellent way of drawing you in so that you feel you are there with them.
I loved the characters, with the exception of a couple, but only because of their characters in the story. My favourites had to be Jenny and Thelma.
An excellent page turner which had me totally gripped from the beginning until the end and I found it incredibly difficult to put down. Really disappointed when I got to the last page and can't wait for the next in the series.
I would definitely recommend this book.
A very moving story which is beautifully written. Lizzie has an excellent way of drawing you in so that you feel you are there with them.
I loved the characters, with the exception of a couple, but only because of their characters in the story. My favourites had to be Jenny and Thelma.
An excellent page turner which had me totally gripped from the beginning until the end and I found it incredibly difficult to put down. Really disappointed when I got to the last page and can't wait for the next in the series.
I would definitely recommend this book.
January 7, 2023
The start of a brand new series by the very talented Lizzie Lane! Based in Bristol 1936 it tells the story of Jenny who is married to Roy. Roy is a violent husband and they in the slums but when Roy gets a promotion they move to Coronation Close where Jenny finds a friend in neighbour Thelma. I loved this book so much that I read it in a few hours. The plot is a fantastic historical saga and the author has done research and experiences from this timeline. The characters are superbly presented and feel like they become friends. I am a little sad that I finished reading as I already miss them and can't wait for more. Overall it is a brilliantly written book that you don't want to miss. I am eagerly waiting for the next book. Well done Lizzie!
July 16, 2023
This is the first in the new series centered around the lives of women in Bristol during the early part of the 20th century. Our heroine is Jenny who lives in the slums and is unhappily married to Roy. She lives very much hand to mouth, trying to ensure her two daughters have food and clothes. The story begins in 1936 with the old king's death and the possibility of a new era with Edward VIII coming to the throne. But the politics of Europe are seeping in and Roy becomes involved with the fascists. Despite his violence and cruel treatment of Jenny, he does manage to get them a council house in Coronation Close. It is here where Jenny forms friendships with her new neighbours and begins to enjoy her life and even starts to consider whether she could have a relationship with someone else.
This is an insightful story as it demonstrates that even in the 1930's, as the country heads towards another world war, there was severe poverty and hardship. Women were expected to run the home with limited money and if they did find a job it often involved long hours and difficult work. I enjoyed this book and I am keen to find out what happens next in the series.
This is an insightful story as it demonstrates that even in the 1930's, as the country heads towards another world war, there was severe poverty and hardship. Women were expected to run the home with limited money and if they did find a job it often involved long hours and difficult work. I enjoyed this book and I am keen to find out what happens next in the series.
May 15, 2024
Lizzy Lane is a new author to me. I’m happy to say this won’t be the last book of hers I read. As most readers do I measure the quality against the speed of which I start and finish the book.
This first in the series left me wanting more. I particularly like the mix of fiction woven into historical events, whether that be political,war or social norms and the impacts it has on the ‘ordinary’ man/woman.
I do find it somewhat uncomfortable reading to be reminded of how oppressed women have been by men and husbands in particular, right up to WW2 and beyond. Thank goodness times have changed ! I very much look forward to the second book in this series.
This first in the series left me wanting more. I particularly like the mix of fiction woven into historical events, whether that be political,war or social norms and the impacts it has on the ‘ordinary’ man/woman.
I do find it somewhat uncomfortable reading to be reminded of how oppressed women have been by men and husbands in particular, right up to WW2 and beyond. Thank goodness times have changed ! I very much look forward to the second book in this series.
November 14, 2022
he start a of a great new series, New Neighbours For Coronation Close. Jenny is married to Roy a nasty vicious bully, he rules Jenny life, beating her and keeping her short of money. They live in a run down tenement, until Jenny finally gets a council with the garden she’s always dreamed of. Life is looking good for her and her two girls, especially as Roy is working away and is never home. She meets new friends and can finally begin to be happy. Really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the 2nd one.
December 22, 2022
New historical saga series.
City of Bristol from the slums to suburbia, Jenny Crawford lived in the pithay, blue blow alley, a dump of proverty.
When her and her husband get moved to a new home in Coronation Close with their two daughters, new friends, new neighbours, and getting rid of Roy working away with the British Union of Fascists, Jenny is now enjoying life with her two girls.
This book is such a lovely read showing womens independent, I enjoyed reading right through jenny's journey. A start of a new series that I will look forward to following on in the year to come.
City of Bristol from the slums to suburbia, Jenny Crawford lived in the pithay, blue blow alley, a dump of proverty.
When her and her husband get moved to a new home in Coronation Close with their two daughters, new friends, new neighbours, and getting rid of Roy working away with the British Union of Fascists, Jenny is now enjoying life with her two girls.
This book is such a lovely read showing womens independent, I enjoyed reading right through jenny's journey. A start of a new series that I will look forward to following on in the year to come.
January 9, 2023
3.5 but I'm going to round up to 4. I did really enjoy this book but I'm such a fan of the Tobacco Girls series that I'm being a little more critical. It's not as good but would definitely recommend to anybody who loves historical fiction. I just loved Jenny. What a strong, capable, loving character. A few twists and turns throughout the book which does make me excited to see what the future holds for the residents of Coronation Close.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
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