Member Reviews

This book has everything! I love the premise -- it's the perfect, dreamy escape that we need right now, written so visually and with such sensory appeal that you feel like you're there. Everything just worked, from the flow of the narrative to the little personality quirks, the entanglements, unexpected little treats, and a pleasant slide to the closure. I'll be sure to check out everything else this author has written. This book was a joy!

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Huge fan of Mandy Baggot, So was pleased to read her latest release My Greek Island Summer.
Escapism was what was needed during this difficult time we are currently having across the globe.
Here we meet Becky Rose, she currently works for her sister Megan’s Sandwich making business named Its a wrap.
Having had enough, Becky decides to head out to Corfu to a beautiful villa for 2 weeks to housesit after seeing an advert. Becky feels she needs this time to get away from her sister and all that is goin on at work.
Add to the mix handsome Elias Mardas, who Becky meets on the plane. He is also on the way to Corfu for work. When the couple meet there is an instant spark but Becky doesnt think anything of it that is until they have to spend the night in Athens as they miss their connecting flight to Corfu. Bad weather conditions then lead them to having to spend the night in Kefalonia. Can Becky and Elias become more than friends and will romance blossom!?.
I also enjoyed reading about the supporting cast and had a soft spot for Petra.
Mandy Baggot once again delivers a fast paced smasher of a story, one that is full of love, laughs, friendships and likeable charactors.
Counting on her next book coming soon.

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This is the best book to read during these crazy days, it will transport you to a beautiful island full of sand and happiness; the best way to disconnect, don’t you think?
I was in Greece a long time ago and this book made me travel there again, the descriptions of the food, people, landscape… it was like being transported to Greece instead of being on my boring sofa, and let’s admit it, I really enjoyed the trip, I’ll possibly travel there this night, will you accompany me?
The story is refreshing and with a lot of humour on it, Becky Rowe needs a vacation from her sister and job, so she decides to stay for 2 weeks doing a house-sitting in an impressive villa in Greece. It will not be as easy as she hopes, during the flight from London to Corfu she will meet her two partners in this adventure: Elias and Petra. The story is full of emotive moments, delicious recipes and romance, because who doesn’t love a good romance in summer?
I really liked how the author, Mandy Baggot, created this story. The characters felt real and with a purpose, not simply to entertain the reader. In the end I wanted to know more about them, how will they lives continue and if their happiness will be fulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, the story has a happy ending, but I was so invested with the characters that I didn’t want to end the story. I only hope we will see them in another story…
My Greek Island is a quick read, perfect to make you disconnect from your worries, ready for a sunny trip?

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The first time I started this book I couldn’t get into it. I turned the few pages back to the beginning later on and started again. It was a fun read. All about travel, adventure, family, friendship, and love. Sexy times were fade out. Not a bad read.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

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As I've said already if you want to travel without leaving home and escape, especially from the current situation, at least temporarily, then this is the book for you. I've only ever seen Greece and its islands on TV or in films but this book whisked me off to all of them within seconds of picking it up. We follow Becky as she does something quite out of character and heads off to Corfu for two weeks of complete relaxation. Along the way we get to see her develop and grow as a character but we also get the sights, smells, sounds and even tastes of Greece. The author has described everything so clearly that I defy you to not feel you are in a taverna with the characters, eating and drinking when they are.

I liked Becky's story, it was realistic and it was good to see her change and her character to come out as she tried new things in Greece and on the islands. Before she'd even left the UK I felt she needed a break and a bit more respect and recognition from certain people. She is one of those characters I found it easy to empathise with and to understand her perspective on things. Elias was a bit of a mixed bag. I completely understood his point of view on some things but on others I felt he was being overly harsh though I could see why he would be like that, even if I didn't like it. The islands I feel are also a character in themselves and were described brilliantly. I could see and taste the food, feel the sun and see the sea view, the buildings and the flowers cascading over planters. If I could leave the UK tomorrow I would be on the first plane to Greece and Corfu, probably via Kefalonia though hopefully by choice and not because of the weather.

If you are struggling to concentrate just now or just want to escape for some sea, sunshine and amazing food then I would highly recommend reading this book. It's exactly what everyone needs at the moment, and will also be an excellent choice to brighten a gloomy winter day later in the year. What more could you possibly want from a book?

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I have never met a Mandy Baggot book I didn't like ;) Her writing is always on point and easy to read and her characters are engaging. The storyline was great fun and I highly recommend it for an easy summery read.

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A sugary sweet holiday romance. The story did have a lengthy exposition and set-up for the two characters to meet, and even longer to start expressing romantic interest. (Come on, just get to the good stuff already!) But, that being said, it is a cute read and definitely would make the perfect holiday beach read. Even if you're just missing your own Elias sitting besides you on the plane and travels, but c'est la vie. ;)

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How I've looked forward to this - and how well I've been rewarded!

Becky is on her way to Corfu to house-sit a stunning villa - the chance for the holiday of a lifetime and completely different to her usual day-to-day life. Elias is also travelling to Corfu; partly business, partly to see his parents. Sitting together on the plane, their acquaintance should be brief - but somehow fate intervenes to extend the time it takes to reach their destination. Finally, Becky makes it to her holiday home and dreams of floating in the infinity pool and concentrating on herself, but then Elias turns up ...

A Mandy Baggot novel is always such a treat to read, and I truly loved everything about this one! In the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown, the chilly weather continuing in Scotland despite others posting pictures of beautifully warm spring days, this novel brought the sunshine into my life! Becky and Elias are both very charismatic, each with a differing history - all of which is revealed over the course of the book. With several other characters, there is plenty happening on these pages and so many funny moments to boot. Wonderfully entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely recommended. In these strange times we live in, this book will allow you to take a virtual holiday and enjoy the feel of the sun on your skin - even when the skies outside are grey. A perfect read - earning a perfect five sparkling stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Vicky Joss for my spot in this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

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This is a fun, light book for sure. I did enjoy the second half of the book, but the first half was a struggle for me. I didn't like the way the characters were introduced. During the beginning of the book, I kept thinking like I was missing something, like I was suppose to understand more about the characters than what was written about them.

Books that use current celebrity names or fads in language bother me, because that immediately means this book will be dated and will not stand the test of time. For example, they mention The Masked Singer, which is a brand new show that I do not believe is going to last long. Also, I think a comparison was made to a famous magician that I had never heard of, so of course I didn't get the comparison that was trying to be made. However, I should admit to the fact that I did get all the Hallmark movie references. I might be a fan of Ryan Paevy as well. 

There was an airport scene with a missed connection that just dragged on. The characters really annoyed me in that scene. People miss connections. It should not have taken up as many pages of the book as it did. Also, for all my missed connections in my life, no airline has ever put me up in a 5-star hotel for free.

After the characters leave Athens, I really thought the book got much better. More of the characters' backgrounds came to light, which helped them become more likable. I found Petra an annoying character at first, but by the end of the book, she would turn out to be my very favorite character. It made me wish I could be young and carefree again. The scene where Petra and Becky arrive at their accommodations in Corfu and find a menagerie of unwelcome animals, including a flamingo, was very amusing.

Overall, I enjoyed the new found love, the sisterly bonding, and especially the Greek scenery. A nice way to feel like your traveling from the comfort of your own home.

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Becky Rose has just landed her dream job house-sitting at a top-end villa on the island of Corfu. What could be better than two weeks laying by an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous Ionian waters while mending her broken heart.

Elias Mardas is travelling back to Corfu on business whilst dealing with his own personal demons. Late arriving in Athens, Becky and Elias have to spend a night in the Greek capital. When they have to emergency land in Kefalonia, Becky’s got to decide whether to suck up the adventure and this gorgeous companion she seems to have been thrown together with or panic about when she’s going to arrive at Corfu…

Finally reaching the beautiful island, Becky is happy to put Elias behind her and get on with her adventure. Until he turns up at the villa.

Published in ebook 2nd April and paperback in June by Aria Fiction

Full of perfect Summer escapism, food, conflict, drama, fun and quirky characters I completely fell in love with it and I think you will too.

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An entertaining book that had me wishing I was jetting off to Greece 🇬🇷
Loved the beautiful descriptions of the places and food.
An interesting storyline, with some unexpected moments to keep me page turning.

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This is the second book of Mandy’s set in Greece I’ve read and I adored it as much as I adored the first, she has a way of making you feel like you’re in Greece yourself (which is really helpful psychologically at the moment) and you could step into the pages of the book and be with the characters. I love books like this, so immersive, so lighthearted, entertaining and full of optimism. It’s a slow burn romance which I love and the supporting characters are as well written as the main characters, I adored Elias parents just so funny. A completely fantastic read when I needed it most.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

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After reading the synopsis for My Greek Island Summer by Mandy Baggot, I expected a fun and lighthearted holiday romance, full of beautiful greek culture, and I got that and more.

The characters are likeable and easy to relate to. The writing style is paced well and flows freely. But the most amazing part of the book for me is the wonderful descriptions of Greece and the various places the characters visited. Mandy paints a picture of an enchanting island getaway with alluring views and plenty of cultural heritage. It made me desperately want to visit Corfu which is somewhere I’ve never been. It also made me really hungry with all the amazing food 😂

The romance between Becky and Elias is so cute. I loved the slow burn build up and the challenges each of them faced with their past relationships. Added to that, Petra was a delight I didn’t realise I needed. I loved her lust for life (and other things!).

Having read this during the time of the Covid-19 lockdown, being able to get lost in such an amazing location was just what I needed.

Although this is Mandy’s 20th book it’s the first book of hers I’ve read and after this one I’ll definitely be picking up more of her back catalogue!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Aria Fiction) for providing a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

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This is great chick lit that will take your mind off of things. Sometimes I need to read a book like this that is just fun and doesn't require a lot of thought. The beautiful setting added to the enjoyment for me.

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Never has there been a better time to let a book transport you to the beaches of a Greek Island and it is currently the best way to vicariously soak up some foreign sunshine and feel like you’re on that long awaited holiday abroad.

Becky Rose works for her sister’s sandwich company and while she is very passionate about what she does she’s starting to feel like its not the best place for her. Megan is the ultimate small businesswoman and makes Becky feel inadequate just by being there. So when she sees an advert for someone to housesit a beautiful beach house on Corfu for two weeks it feels like the perfect solution for everyone.

Elias Mardas is travelling back to Corfu on business. He has been avoiding his family home for some time now and the last thing he wants is to face the truths that being back in Greece force him to confront. When their flight to Athens is delayed and they miss the connecting flight to Corfu Becky and Elias have to spend the evening together in the capital.

When the night in Athens then becomes a second night in Kefalonia after their plane has to make an emergency landing Becky has to decide to embrace the uncertainty and adventure or to walk away from the dashing Greek man whose fate has suddenly became intertwined with hers.

Its a fun story that beautifully describes both the scenery and the people of Greece and I defy you not to be hunting in the fridge for a slab of feta cheese and a glass of Metaxa as you read this book. Baggot does an amazing job of making you feel like you’re right there on the island with them and let’s face it for most of us it might be the closest thing we get to a foreign holiday this year.

Supplied by Net Galley and Aria in exchange for an honest review. I’m really excited to be part of the Blog Tour for this release.

UK Publication Date: April 2 2020. 380 pages. Currently included in Kindle Unlimited in the UK.

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Currently living in a lock-down this book was the perfect tonic from being stuck at home. Escape to the sun soaked shores of Greece, and escape I did. The writing allows you to believe that you are really there, watching the characters and the story unfold. Deliciously packed with lip licking Greek food and romance in abundance. This was a lovely read, I just wish I'd been reading it on holiday. A perfect beach read.

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I've always wanted to visit Greece and the wanderlust didn't wane whilst reading this book. The description of Athens has be wanting to jump on a plane right now!

I found Becky to be a little frustrating at times - she seems to let her sister walk all over her and never seems to speak up. She finally plucks up the courage to do something for herself and heads off on a holiday to Corfu but encounters great difficulty on the way. She meets Petra and Elias on the plane to Athens and the story follows not only Becky's journey of discovering herself but her relationships with the two of them as well.

As I always find with Mandy Baggot's books, I always end up daydreaming about the locations she uses and I always love certain characters and dislike others. I really like Petra - sure she can be a little immature and annoying at times but there comes a revelation which makes you completely understand why she is that way.

This book was the escape I definitely needed right now and was a fun read. Perfect for the beach once we can all travel again!

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When a missed connection has them spending a night in Athens, Becky and her accidental traveling companions - one a bit over-the-top, the other Greek - decide to explore a bit of the city.   The coincidences start to pile up when they're all three going to the same final destination.  Even the same small town in fact.

Becky soon learns that her housesitting gig isn't all it was said to be.  But is that a bad thing or good?   Perhaps finally taking a stand against her opportunistic sister's impositions might not have been the best idea she's had.

Not my usual genre, Greek Island Summer is nonetheless a good read,  and the settings are absolutely beautifully described!

[Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]

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Becky has landed a dream job house sitting a fantastic villa in Corfu for 2 weeks. The stranger in the row on the flight Elias helps when the plane has to land in Athens unexpectedly. They meet Petra who is also on the plane. They then have to land in Kefalonia before eventually getting to Corfu.

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I would like to thank Aria for asking me to review this book and to be apart of the blog tour.
Becky Rose deciding on a break from her job as a sandwich filler, takes a job on the island of Corfu and thinks she has it made. Lounging by the pool, what could go wrong? Her journey out there is not what she expected and this is where her adventure begins, meeting the handsome Elias and friend Perta who is an interesting character that really added to the story.
The sun really hits you as you open the pages to this excellent read from Mandy. My Greek Island Summer brings Greece to your living room and is brilliantly written and I was excited to see what drama would behold these two and I was not disappointed.
This is a brilliant read that is full of drama and romance. Perfect escapism.

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