I've read a number of dark and heavy going (albeit utterly brilliant) novels recently and was looking for a lighter read. "Beneath The Lemon Trees" caught my attention due to the bright colours, and summery themed cover.
The storyline is about Stella who has been struggling since the death of her childhood friend Harriet some months previously, and while trying to support Harriet's family, and simultaneously ignoring her own (Al, Lily, and Hector). In Order to take a much needed break, Stella decides to holiday in Crete with a good friend Louise and Louise's two children. She books the magical Villa Ariadne, in Porto Liakáda, and the fun begins.
From reading the book blurb, it was clear that some difficult themes such as grief and depression would be covered in this novel but the deeply beautiful setting, helps to lift the topic and adds a dynamic of lightness.
Also, the characters are far from flawed but very realistic and this makes themselves the more likeable as we all make unwise decisions from time to time.
A very worthwhile read and I'm looking forward to reading another novel from Emma Burstall.

Beneath the Lemon Trees was a quick read but not quite what I expected. From the cover art and description I expected a light hearted book set on the island of Crete. The descriptions of Crete were well done and I enjoyed feeling as if I were vacationing there. The themes in the book were pretty heavy and I found it rather depressing. I will definitely read another book by the author and see if it was the storyline and not the author's style of plot development and writing that put me off. 2.5 ⭐️ rounding up.

"Beneath the Lemon Trees" is an absolute gem and the perfect summer escape. This novel masterfully weaves together a fractured family, strained friendships, and an irresistible mix of mystery, love, and loss. It's a brilliant, escapist read that draws you in with its enchanting world of family secrets, sibling rivalry, and summer romance. From the first page, I was hooked, captivated by the beautifully described landscapes and the mouthwatering details of Crete’s cuisine.

Burstall’s writing goes beyond typical women's fiction; she has an incredible talent for transporting you right into the heart of her story. Every moment spent with this book felt like a holiday. The setting, characters, and storyline are all wonderfully crafted, making it impossible to put down. Whether you’re dealing with September blues or just need a getaway, this heartwarming and heartbreaking tale is the perfect escape. I loved every minute of it and highly recommend it!

This was a quick book set against the backdrop of Crete. It’s descriptive and definitely made me wish I was on the beach and in the water. I loved the cover!
It was a little predictable, had some quirky characters and some heat thrown in towards the end.
It would make a good beach read.

Really enjoyed this new read from Emma Burstall, there’s something about books set in sunny climes read when the wind is blowing and the rain is lashing at the windows that brings me a sense of comfort and joy. This was one such book. Of course not all the characters are perfect , I wanted to shake Jon, and Hector, tell Louise she was behaving really badly towards her friend , and give Stella a good shake too,That’s the whole point though , they were human and fallible….much like us all! Highly recommended.

I could totally imagine the scenery and the characters, beautiful description and well written. I looked forward to reading this book each day!

I loved this book for the stunning setting of Crete and Burstall really transports the reader. The characters were great too, I warmed to them and got to know them well. The plot was okay but nothing really happened. It was an easy read and one that I enjoyed, I was just disappointed with the lack of action.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

A wonderful lighthearted book from Emma Burstsall. Two families set off on holiday to Crete but will all be well? Stella needs a break as her best friend dies, her friends husband needs a break and her own husband is separated from Stella. An unusual family dynamics in an unusual house where the owner only accepts guests if the “house tells her they have special needs. A mixture of fun, family disharmony and romance. Thanks to Emma and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

I received an ark from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I expected a happy uplifting story set and beautiful island of Crete and instead I got the story. I want us selfish woman who created the breakdown in her own marriage and he had expected everybody to believe that somehow her husband Was to blame. Suddenly I found the heroine Stella a totally boring and self sacrificing martyr. Yes of course I could understand her grief over the death of her best friend but the way in which she then took over responsibility for the best friend’s husband and daughter to the extent that she was prepared to sacrifice her own children and husband was totally unappealing. When her husband turns up because he’s so concerned about her we realise that he’s not a bad guy after all. I have to say the one and only sex scene was cringeworthy. I love a well written sex scene which gives us some character development and this emotionally satisfying. This was not one of those sex scenes. There was so much about this book that could be good but the main female character was so unattractive that I couldn’t engage. Sorry this was not make up of tea.

Loved the setting and characters.
Would recommend this to others.
Thank you for providing me with a copy to read.

I received a free copy of, Beneath the Lemon Trees, by Emma Burstall, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Stella is hurt and starting to heal from the loss of a dear friend, and the end of her marriage, she decides to take a trip to Greece, Corfu, to reset. I think we all need to get away from our troubles, at some time in our life, why not do it in beautiful Corfu. I liked this book, and seeing Stella start to heal.

I loved being transported to the villa in Crete.

I loved the story about the villa and and all the characters from Crete and the beautiful scenery. The depiction of the delicious Cretan food transported me right back to the beautiful island.

I found the main character difficult to connect with but I loved lots of the other characters. The story is about family and in the end the important bonds that cannot be broken.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book.
Unfortunately I will not be posting a review of this anywhere because I DNF’ed this book.
I couldn’t get into the story no matter how hard I tried but the description and the setting were good so I will rate it 2 stars solely for them.

Thank you netgalley & publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my review. I got caught up in this.book I binge read it in record time. This is a story that follows the journey of family and friends who embark on a holiday on the beautiful island of Crete to try and mend broken hearts & relationships.

This started off well but, I instantly didn't like the characters which spoilt it for me. The children were spoilt and and very rude. They didn't appreciate their surroundings at all. The story drifted off quite quickly and really didn't like the mention of bleeding scabs and bruises. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I liked.the premise.of.this book, the.setting and some.of the well written description of the setting. I fell in love with the villa but not all its inhabitants. I found the main character a martyr and she makes some very strange decisions. all in all readable but a good edit would make this book so much better.

Fabulous, fabulous book, loved every minute of it. The storyline, the varied characters. The setting made me feel I was on holiday. There were many magic moments, some sad, but a lot that made me happy. Not one to be missed, await the next book please.

This book was really a 2.5 star book for me, rounded down because I just can’t give it a 3. The premise of the story sounded promising, and it started out strongly. The description of Greece and its people/food/sights throughout the book were A+. I was ready to pack my bags and head out to this villa myself. I still might, as long as this group of horrible characters has left the building.

Stella has recently separated from her husband, and lost her best friend to cancer. She brings her children and second best friend and HER children along for a two week vacation in what could be paradise. However, Stella is so whiny and wishy washy and weak that she can’t let anyone enjoy themselves. Her inability to say no results in a new houseguest to join the vacation, a houseguest that probably should have been drowned at the start to put everyone else out of their misery.

This book really just needs an overhaul of these characters. The vacationing women and houseguest drag down the story because they are such over the top miserable people. The people of the village are so vibrant and magical and well written that it makes it even more apparent. I really did love the Villa and its backstory and proprietor. I would love to read a book about that.

On a last note- I myself am not a fan of spicy content, and I wasn’t really expecting it from this book in particular. When it popped up near the end, following a weird, extensive conversation about scabs and bruises? Very out of place and frankly gross. Still not sure what the authors fascination with picking scabs is all about.

Great read that included the senses allowing the read to enjoy the scenery, smell the atmosphere and share the emotions of the characters.

I liked the direction of the storyline that the author wanted to go. Family vacation to a beautiful country, marriage in crisis, finding herself and what she wanted in life. The need to get away from every day life.

However, there were lots of ick factors that added nothing to the storyline. Her being accident prone is fine -but we didn't need all of the blood, scrapes, scab picking, sucking of her own blood. We didn't need the teeth picking and then eating it. Those are huge ick factors that I could've done without.