Member Reviews
As sparkling and refreshing as a strawberry daiquiri on a sweltering hot day, One Last Greek Summer is a sexy, sassy and scintillating summer romance that is simply irresistible!
Life has had its fair share of challenges lately for Beth Martin. Although she is only thirty-one, poor Beth feels as if she’s endured more in her three decades than some people do in a lifetime. Newly divorced, Beth cannot help but wonder what life has in store for her. What will the future hold for her? Will it continue to be full of heartache and disappointment? Or will there be some much needed light at the end of the dark tunnel she seems to be trapped in? Hope and optimism are sadly missing from Beth’s life and her future does seem to be looking rather bleak, however, her best friend Heidi is not about to let her wallow in self-pity because Heidi thinks that she knows just the place where Beth can get her mojo back and all their problems will melt away like ice cream under the hot Mediterranean sun – Corfu…
The sun-drenched Greek island is packed with fantastic memories of when the girls where younger. In their youth, Beth and Heidi had spent long, hot summers topping up their tans, drinking cocktails and partying from dawn to dusk. Heidi is convinced that returning to Corfu will put a spring back in her friend’s step and stop her from thinking about where her life went wrong. However, little do the girls realise that returning back to Corfu will mean coming face to face with memories from the past that refuse to stay buried – as Beth realises when she meets the one man she has never managed to forget: Alex Hallas…
Under the bright blue skies, never forgotten feelings resurface with a vengeance and as old passions rekindle, Beth finds herself falling for Alex all over again. Being back in Corfu has enabled Beth to let go of the pain and heartache of the past and embrace the endless possibilities of the future….but only if she is fully prepared to take a leap of faith and take back her life.
Will Beth find the happiness which she has been searching for for so long in Corfu? Or will this last Greek summer just end up yielding more disappointment and regret?
Funny, uplifting and deliciously feel-good, One Last Greek Summer is a deliciously readable summer romance that effortlessly transports you to Corfu and will keep you giggling, engrossed and delighted as you find yourself swept away by this fantastic tale about love lost and found, second chances and letting go of the past. Mandy Baggot writes with plenty of flair, humour and heart and has written a superb romance that will touch your heart and have you roaring with laughter.
A breezy page-turner that ticks all the right boxes, One Last Greek Summer is a brilliant romp that is a must-read this summer.
This was one summer sizzler that is in need of a sun lounger, a pool and a tropical cocktail at the ready. Reading this gorgeous number whisked me away to the sun drenched island of Corfu, without having to leave my sofa. It was an utter joy to behold. The book was laced in Greek charm, from the abundance of sunshine down to the Greek giros.....I was in heaven.
The narrative was everything I wanted from a summer read. A hot and heady destination, a profusion of adventure down to a sizzling Greek love interest thrown in for good measure. Beth and Heidi are throwing caution to the wind on a 'thirty-one is the new twenty-one' mission, to reclaim an element of carefree adventure back to their lives amidst the relentless rat race of the corporate world. Capturing this newfound inner freedom takes them on a whirlwind tour of the beautiful island of Corfu in a witty and wonderful adventure that had me turning the pages at lightening speed.
Beth and Heidi are chalk and cheese character creations that brighten up the pages of the book with their wit and charm. Heidi, for me, was the standout star in this story with her witty quips and one liners that made me giggle into the pages of my Kindle. But wait.....I haven't introduced you to Alex yet!!!! Be still my beating heart at the mention of this Greek Demigod. This 'jack of all trades' is an Adonis, a dreamboat and the stuff summer romances are made of. The chemistry bursting off the pages between Alex and Beth had me reaching for a fan and a cool, cold drink of ice water! I was cheering them on from the start and desperately hoping for that much needed happy ever after.
One Last Greek Summer is like a burst of sunshine beaming off the pages of this book. I was enraptured from start to finish and I couldn't think of a better book to add to that summer tbr pile.
Heidi was Beth’s best friend. Professional steel was the attire they both wore when Charles was around. Charles was CEo of the company which made him their boss and was Beth’s ex husband. They were throwing a divorce party for Beth as Charles was to be out of the office until the next day. Apparently it was a real thing now. Women, and some men - in the articles Beth had read, organized a celebration of them being completely bad at keeping a relationship together. The woman she had trained to do her job when she got promoted also was now with her ex husband-Kendra. But than again of Kendra could end their marriage than the union had obviously been on rocky grounds. Beth was still a bundle of crushed futures and upset, facing directionless weeks ahead if she didn’t get her act together. What exactly was she going to do with her life now everything had changed? One of Charles’s best traits was generosity, that was how Beth ended up here in the beginning. Beth looked after investments and helping people with too much money make the most of it. Beth’s mom-Rose- had needed a knight in shining armor and Charles turned out to be him. She was diagnosed with third stage cancer. Beth and Charles probably wouldn’t have married otherwise. Beth didn’t love Charles but she had hoped to in the beginning. Charles had given her and her mother everything they needed and he wanted Beth in his bedroom as well as his boardroom. Beth accepted that because her mom needed her to and it would be akay. She had liked Charles and he made her laugh. Beth told Heidi money doesn’t make the world go round. But being married to Charles she had made her mom’s world continue a little longer with money until even the private health care hadn’t been enough to save her. Heidi was a lesbian and Beth thought she would understand more. But Beth needed a break. Some time to not think about the collapse of their relationship. A true period of being on her own. Being Beth Martin whoever Beth was now. Heidi suggested they take a vacation together and let Kendra deal with the paperwork while she was gone. Heidi wants to go for a couple of weeks and she wanted to go to Greece. All Beth could think about when she had went to Corfu ten years ago. She had been twenty one, single, and carefree. Back than she had dreams and a whole world waiting for her to launch herself into it. Heidi had been there with her. It was the last time she had been intimate with a man. Beth had been a DJ called Alex. beth felt a little out of sorts what was she doing in Corfu? Single. Without Charles. Her mom was gone. She still couldn’t get her wedding band off her ring finger. Heidi was so enthusiastic and said this was amazing and added they were out of the stifling corporate environment. If the only thing this break did was make her friend happier it was worth it. When they got to the cottage and went in the door half of the roof collapsed luckily no one got hurt. The original repairment that came for the troof was Alex. but he said it was too big of a job for him to do. Alex was the same long ago man Bath had been with. He recognized her right away as he had never forgotten her or her him. Alex offered to come back with a sample of the lotion his cousin and he were developing with a few other health care products made from kumquats.
I enjoyed this book. It was a second chance at romance novel with some humor shot in.I love Heidi and Beth’s friendship. I like seeing both Alex and beth grow throughout this book. I liked that Charles realized to late what he had in Beth and came to try to get her back. I liked the plot alot. But this book dragged for me at times. I was happy Heidi found someone also. I liked how Beth and Alex met again and went from there. I loved how the author described Corfu. I could picture it on my mind. We went to Greece but stayed in Athens. I think Alex should not have gave up his music if that was his passion. I loved the characters and the twists and turns in this book and I recommend it.
This is a perfect rom-com beach read for the summer, with some deeper themes of changing life's directions; assessing your happiness; looking after number one and divorcing the negative influences in your life, but this is also about having fun!
This is my first book by Mandy Baggot, as I'm typically a thriller and crime reader, but I thought I'd try something lighter and more fun! And this book certainly delivered.
It's mainly set on the beautiful island of Corfu and I could really feel the environment as I read, the warmth, the landscape, the people and the food. This book is also about re-connecting and taking chances. The couple who reconnect are Alex and Beth, after their whirlwind and intense holiday romance.
I really enjoyed it, and there's a host of fabulous supporting characters that either make you yell at the book or have a good giggle...
Now, I need to book a holiday for myself...
This is a sweet, gentle story of lost love, re-evaluating life and new beginnings and it was charming from start to finish. I loved the fact that this was not a book about twenty-somethings, but people slightly later on in life who have made mistakes, lived life a little and are making decisions based on experience and thought rather than impulse and dreams, although there is still some room for romance and dreams in the novel!
Set on the sun-drenched island of Corfu, the author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader into the heart of that beautiful place and surrounding them with all the sights, sounds and smells of Greece. I could almost smell the lemon groves and feel the sand between my toes. It really lifted my spirits after a trying period for me and I savoured every minute of it. This is the perfect book with which to kick off the summer holiday season.
There is nothing to dislike about the characters in this book. The heroine, Beth, is someone I connected with from the start of the book and I was fully invested throughout. Alex was attractive without being two-dimensional and I really believed in their romance and was willing them on. Heidi, Margalo and the goats provided a lot of fun throughout the book and the ‘villain’ was not really villainous to the point of caricature, which is sometimes the downfall of a romance novel, so all in all, this book was pretty perfect.
I thoroughly enjoyed One Last Greek Summer. It was easy reading from start to finish, well-paced throughout and the prose carried my through effortlessly. If someone is looking for a great, escapist read with a warming dose of romance and a really charming story, you won’t do better. I highly recommend it.
What an amazing summer read! One Last Greek Summer should be a staple of all beach bags and pool side tables!
This is my first book from Mandy and man have I been missing out. Her writing is on point and the story that she tells in One Last Greek Summer was amazing. I felt completely in love with the characters and this feel good novel!
My first book by this author and I loved it from start to finish and admit to shedding a tear at the ending. I would love a sequel to see how the relationship develops and if there is a baby. A lovely feel good read which would be perfect to take on holiday. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this title in exchange for an honest review. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
This will make you want to travel to Corfu asap! Beth and Heidi head to Corfu because Beth is in the dumps after parting from Charles, the man she never should have married. Heidi's her best friend and Heidi was sure right that time in the sun would cheer her up. Alex, a man Beth met years before and has had a longing for, turns up = and now you know what's going to happen! That said, the course of romance does twist a bit to keep things lively. The characters are delightful but the setting- and how Baggot uses it- make this a real treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for the beach or if it's winter and you WISH you were at the beach!
This was the very first for me to read a book written by Mandy Baggot. Let me tell you how much I LOVED this book and Mandy’s writing style! I think I have found a new favorite author! This book happening during a vacation in beautiful Greece is all about new beginnings, hopes, changing work careers, entrepreneurship, romance, love, party and good life! But also about friendship, family and doubts. I urge you to read this book! It’s been a while I am considering changing my work career and this book is so inspiring to me!!!!
Newly divorced Beth is at an impasse, her divorce now final and none of the other jobs she sought panning out, she’s working with both her ex-husband and his new fling, and feeling very stuck. Mired in both grief and guilt, and worried about what will come next, her best friend Heidi has convinced her that a two week getaway some decade after their wild adventures on Corfu will be her best option and help her recapture her joy. Last time they were on the island, it was a time spent drinking, flirting and sunning, with a few romantic moments tossed into the mix, but after all that time, Beth is totally detached from the fun and carefree girl of her youth. There is, however, one person from that time she can’t forget, and doesn’t really want to.
Aleko is struggling to make ends meet, take care of his irascible mother, start a new company with his cousin Elektra as they make kumquat-based beauty and health products, and dreams of escaping. A promising DJ, he’s been manipulated by his mother’s health and temper, and with all of the work and the small landholding and animals they have – he’s got no time or interest in a relationship. They all end up paling in comparison to the time he spent with Beth a decade before. Now as he juggles his mother, cousin and his desire to leave, Beth is suddenly there….
Oh this was cute and adorable and funny and kept me smiling throughout – from goat-carting, collapsing ceilings, the return of Charles as they try to hike him to death, Heidi and Elektra’s miscommunications and Alex and Beth’s clear connection, one that seems fated and timeless. From describing the scenery to hilarious tips from Heidi as she vacillates between “healthy” and outrageously ‘vacation only, think about it tomorrow’ moments, the story moves quickly and seamlessly from one moment to the next. Narrated by Beth and Alex, their concerns, worries and joys are easy to access, and you can’t help but enjoy the ‘rightness’ of them together. A lovely holiday read sure to leave you with a smile.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-arO/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>
5 Star review of One Last Greek Summer by Mandy Baggot
Mandy Baggot is a relatively new author to me and if this book is anything to go by I will be reading more from her as soon as I can.
Recently divorced Beth Martin returns to Corfu with her best friend Heidi, to reflect and make plans. They return to the land where they partied hard when younger and she again meets Alex, her first love, the man she never really got over.
Can old flames re ignite the sparks from the past and create a bright future together, or are they destined to be apart forever?
I loved the setting of this story and Mandy Baggot really brought Corfu to life for me; I felt I was there, such was her ability to transport me. Beautifully written with a great story line which kept me engaged throughout and often laughing.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
Wow what can I say other than Mandy has done it again, another fantastic and wonderful story which has kept me captivated from start to finish. I loved every single moment of it.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters of Beth and Heidi, seeing the close friendship they have & how they are there for each other, just how a proper friendship should be. As for Beth and Alex, well the first words that come to mind is Hot, and what a connection they have for each other. I loved seeing how their story played out and was routing for them right to the very end, in the hope that they'd end up together. This is certainly no ordinary tale of a love story that's for sure.
Other than friendship and love, there was plenty of other small storylines/events happening throughout the book. One such event was the 'goat' karting which was certainly a hoot, sure did make me giggle. Want to know what I am on about, well you'll just have to read the book yourself, so as to find out ;-).
This author has such a way with words and the detail that goes into the story, that I felt as if I was really there for real, getting to know the characters and experiencing the wonderful moments in Corfu. It was all just so amazingly well written.
Lastly, as a massive fan of Mandy's books, I can highly recommend them. Her books are truly delightful, entertaining, heartfelt and contain a fair few laugh out loud moments too.
A light travel romance that was a lot of fun. Best friends Beth and Heidi decide to remake their favorite vacation to Corfu when they were in their early 20s. Once they arrive a series of mishaps with the house occur and Beth bumps into her vacation flame from years before. Romance ensues as does best friend adventures.
This is one of those books that gave me a reading high, then a real book hangover when I’d finished it. I was craving for more!
Mandy Baggot is the absolute queen of the summer escape, and this is a perfect summer read.
I absolutely fell in love with this fab book, the characters, and with Corfu itself. It was lovely to escape in my head to Corfu for some sun, and what a fabulous time I had.
Beth’s colleagues, best friend Heidi and Tilly, throw her a divorce party while her boss Charles is away on a business trip. Charles is also her ex. Rich, overbearing and controlling and a bit of a posh boy. He also doesn’t realise what he had in Beth until it was too late.
Heidi realises that they really need to get away. Remembering a holiday they took 10 years ago, when they were 21, she decides it has to be Corfu again and promptly books up a rental property. It’s right on the beach, just perfect. A maintenance issue creates a chance meeting with someone familiar.
Alex Hallas is working for a car rental firm, and a bit of a handyman on the side. He did a spot of DJ-ing back in the day and dreams to be a resident DJ for a summer in Ibiza. He spends a lot of time looking after his ageing mother at their smallholding, where they have many goats. The kids were so cute!
Alex’s Mum is a typical strong-minded Greek lady. He always tries to please her. She constantly pesters him to be a mechanic at his uncle’s garage which is the last thing he wants to do.
Alex and his cousin Elektra have a secret underground business, hoping it will make some money in the future.
Straight away Beth relaxes into holiday mode and realises she’s lost her sparkle and her own identity. She and Heidi embark on some madcap and bold activities to try and relive those feelings from 10 years ago. After all 31 is the new 21!
I just loved the tranquillity of her wandering along the sand collecting beach glass, and I craved the feeling of sand between my toes.
A few twist and turns, an unexpected/unwanted visitor, romance, a beach party, some crazy driving and lots of fun make this a fabulous story.
I loved the scene in the beach cabana! *fans self*
Thanks to Mandy Baggot, Aria and NetGalley for the early review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
It has been a while since I read a book of this genre and I wasn't disappointed. This was just what I needed to break up the intensity of the thrillers and mysteries I have been leaning towards recently. Beth has just divorced Charles and the book starts hilariously, with a divorce party being planned by her work colleagues. Did I forget to mention Charles is the CEO of the company she works for?
Seeing that Beth needs a break from seeing her ex husband and his new floozy day in day out, her best friend Heidi persuades her to head back to Corfu, ten years after their first holiday there. Ten years after that holiday romance with Alex or 'Lex' as Beth liked to call him.The characters were well written, Beth seemed lovely although a little bit of a people pleaser. Heidi, her best friend and work colleague, seemed a little intense at times but you could tell that all her actions were borne out of love for her friend. Charles was as you would expect the ex husband to be - a bit of a cad who doesn't realise what he had until it was gone. I really liked Alex - I liked that they encountered him once again in a completely random situation that was totally believable - I was worrying that she would bump into him at places they had been ten years ago but it really was a chance encounter and I appreciated that.
I liked that the author delved into their history and also the development of other characters such as Alex's cousin Elektra and his mother. His mother seems very overbearing but you can tell everything she does is out of love for her son. I did find Alex a little weak to begin with - perhaps because of how overbearing his mum was - but I liked how he took chances and stood up for himself as the book went on.
Overall, this is a great summer read and definitely one I would suggest if going on holiday soon - it is the perfect poolside or beach book. I'll definitely be checking out more from the author.
Once again Mandy Baggot transports you to beautiful Greek island of Corfu. In 2009 Beth and Heidi has a holiday to remember, now ten years later, Beth is 31 and newly divorced. Heidi convinces her they need a holiday and they soon find they’re back on Corfu. Sun, sand, ouzo cocktails and a trip down memory lane. Add in Alex Hallas, the Greek god Beth has never quite forgotten, some crazy goats and a kumquat empire and you have the perfect summer read.
I love this book and would rate it 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Aria and the author for the chance to review.
This book has a cracker of an opening paragraph, I was instantly in giggles and knew I'd picked the right book for this week. Serendipitously the sun started to shine in Derbyshire not long after I started so I felt truly at one with the Ionian island.
Mandy Baggot writes the best Greek holiday fiction, always stunning sun, sea, sand and souvlaki! Her previous novels Truly, Madly Greekly, Those Summer Nights and Desperately Seeking Summer are all set in Corfu, Greece and are perfect, sizzling, sunny reads.
Like her previous books, you get a great glimpse of Corfu resorts such as Acharavi, Sidari and Paleokastritsa. The mouthwatering food (I am sure I was drooling at some point), the golden beaches and cloudless skies; you feel immersed in the easy nature of the island, as if you can feel the warm sand between your toes and hold that ice cold glass of Mythos. It's some years now since I went to Corfu, but there were things I remembered from our stay and it evoked some special memories; each island is different but Greece has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return to Kos later this Summer.
Beth was a likeable character, if a little lost at first, understandably in the circumstances. She is consumed by grief for her dear Mum and disentangling herself from a disappointing divorce, so feels about as far away from the Beth of ten years ago, who had an amazing Summer in Corfu, as she can get. Yet, her whacky and loyal friend, Heidi, decides that is exactly what they both need, a step back in time to the Greek Summer before everything got complicated. So off they fly to Corfu for 2 weeks reminiscing and they soon find they rediscover more than just the mountain sunsets, azure skies, and hair-raising road journeys.
I enjoyed myself reading this story, there is character growth, unexpected developments and plenty of chemistry and fun. It is entertaining and leaves you feeling a warm glow inside. There's always this underlying theme in Mandy's books of discovering what really matters in life and not giving up on your true calling.
This is a holiday romance read, so you know what to expect, however it shows that two people can have very different lives, priorities and independently chase their dreams without compromising on happiness and I think that's a fantastic outlook for relationships, and well done to Mandy for writing that ending with balance and realism.
Right, that's the end of my review, I am off googling Corfu holidays, again!
One Last Greek Summer follows Beth, a woman in her early thirties who, at the insistence of her best friend, recreates a trip to Corfu following her divorce. Beth's best friend Heidi insists they recreate their trip from 10 years ago to reconnect with their former selves. The result is a fun adventure that shows Beth's personal growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending as it went against the grain of typical endings in this genre.
Overall the book is light and easy to read. My only issue is with the overused pop culture references. The references were too frequent, clunky, awkward and were solely from Netflix programs. I felt like I was making my way through the Netflix roster!
After her divorce to a man she never loved, Beth and her friend Heidi decide to go Corfu Greece on a holiday to rewind and be herself again and reminisce of the holiday they had there ten years previously, when they were young, free and single. Where she met Alex or ‘Lex’ who was Beth first love and only love. When they returned home, she met Charles. Charles the boss of Mountbatten Global and then they start seeing each other and they eventually marry.
When Beth and Heidi get to Corfu their villa is not what they hoped for and what’s worse the celling comes down. So, when someone is called to fix it. Who does Beth meet but Alex from years previously. They start up where they left off. Telling each other of their hopes and dreams. Even Heidi meets someone too, as they enjoy their holiday together like it was 2009.
When I hear of a new book of Mandy Baggot, I get excited. I am normally read crime novels, but Mandy is an exception. This is a great summer read. Not only is beautifully written, funny and a great plot. I love the descriptions of the Greek island it makes want to go there.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria books for a copy of this book
A great summer read, full of humour and fun. Two great female leads full of character and a completely loveable male lead. I loved this, very relatable and I’ll admit to being a little sad at the ending because I wanted a little more for them and their future. A great fun read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion