Synopsis
London, 1952, the world is watching as a young princess takes centre stage . . .
Caroline Brimstone, an Assistant Dresser at Buckingham Palace, battles with an abusive husband and seeks a better life for her daughter and herself.
Lucy Jones, young and ambitious, navigates the challenges of societal expectations and personal dignity, driven by her mother's aspirations for a better marital match.
American journalist Miranda Miller, reeling from personal loss, dives into the palace's world under a guise, aiming to pen a groundbreaking story, only to find herself entangled in a web of personal and professional dilemmas.
Together, these women, through shared lunches and secrets, form an unbreakable bond, offering support and strength in a time of great change. Their stories explore themes of female resilience, the pursuit of independence, and the complexity of relationships against the 1950s' backdrop of gender roles and royal intrigue. Through their eyes, readers are given a glimpse into the intricacies of palace life, the era's societal expectations, and the personal battles waged behind closed doors, all framed by a historically significant event.
Details
05 March 2026
9781035060917Reviews
Quick and delightful . . . Ryan’s subtlety shines in her acknowledgment of the importance of remembering the people who pass through our lives and in her descriptions of how war and conflict can teach empathy and change people for the betterThe New York Times Book Review on The Spies of Shilling Lane
A deliciously warm and heartrending tale . . . It’s empowering to see women helping women. . . . A lovely reminder that helping others is one of the things that make life so satisfying.Martha Hall Kelly on The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle
A delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humourHazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage on The Kitchen Front
What a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun – a real treat. Beautifully detailed – you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new lifeVeronica Henry on The Kitchen Front
