A charming book about marriage, grief, friendship and parenting, all set in a charming villa under the Cretan sun.
I felt like I was on holiday, tasting the delicious pastries, drinking the wine and swimming on the beach. There are some sad, serious parts of the book but over all this is a lovely, heartwarming story. Yamas!

What a lovely story, full of loss and grief, love and hope.
There were points in the book where I really wasn’t keen on Stella and the way she behaved, but grief can do strange things to people!
Emma has such a lovely writing style, and you can really immerse yourself in the book and that characters, almost as if you’re there with them.
Definitely a book to recommend to others!

Stella can't get over the death of her friend Harriet even after 2 years. She's split from her husband Al and hopes a holiday to Crete can help her broken family. Things don't always go they hope they will. Lovely book

Stella, seeking solace after personal losses, travels to Crete’s Villa Ariadne, where the serene environment initially soothes her. However, an old acquaintance’s arrival and a troubling revelation disrupt her peace, forcing her to make tough choices. With Crete’s beauty and local kindness, Stella learns that Villa Ariadne offers not just an escape, but a chance for new beginnings and love.

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This was an escapist novel alright. It painted the vacation house beautifully and if I hadn't wanted to visit Crete before, there's no doubt this book would have convinced me to do so.

Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the "magic" of the villa. The prologue did a great job of setting the mysterious tone that hummed through the entire novel. Unfortunately, except for the revelation about the house's owner, most of the plot just wasn't exciting for me.

Half the time, I was annoyed at Stella's inability to say no. She infuriated me. The rest of the time, I wondered when a certain character (not gonna spoil) would show up. When this character finally showed up, it felt too late because by then I had already decided that this novel was just okay for me.

It's not bad, it just wasn't as good as I thought it'd be based on how the prologue made me feel.

I did like the vivid imagery and how the author painted the culture and the quirky townspeople. But I did find some parts overly described, like, was it really necessary to say that they went to this restaurant and found the food bland? I was wondering if the food review would figure into the plot later on but it didn't, so what was it for???

Overall, I thought the world-building was great, the magical aspect of the novel was good (the grand reveal could've been more exciting), and the romance was meh.

P. S. Early praise for this book said this escapist novel contains family secrets, sibling rivalry, and summer romance. There were lots of family secrets, sure. I don't know if I'd categorize this as a summer romance, but okay. I found sibling rivalry nowhere though. (Not a criticism of the book or author, I just felt compelled to mention that.)

Wow, what an incredible rollercoaster of a read! From the minute I picked up this book, I was swept away by the vividly described landscapes and mouthwatering descriptions of Crete's delectable cuisine. The magnetic cover promised a dream escape and the story delivered in spades. Stella’s journey is both heart-wrenching and intensely relatable, as she navigates through personal loss and rediscovery amidst the stunning backdrop of Villa Ariadne. The rich, evocative storytelling immediately made me want to pack my bags and experience the magic of Crete firsthand.

Just when you think Stella might get a moment of peace, the arrival of Harriet’s widower Jon throws a wrench into her plans, adding unexpected drama and depth to the story. The dynamic between the characters is brilliantly portrayed, making you feel the tension and raw emotion with every page. Louise's sudden betrayal and Stella’s longing for her husband add layers of complexity that keep you hooked. The warm and eclectic community of Porto Liakáda, with its captivating residents like Alice, Marina, and Kater, adds a delightful touch of charm and unpredictability. This book is an absolute gem and a must-read for anyone looking for a story that's both deeply moving and beautifully escapist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Stella has had a bad few years. Her best friend Harriet has died of cancer, and her marriage broke down. Her son Hector is permanently mad at her, and she has neglected her business.

To get away from it all, she books two weeks in Villa Ariadne on Crete and takes her two kids, her friend Louise and her two kids with her.

The gorgeous cover drew me in and hasn't let me down. The many descriptions of the breathtaking scenery and the delectable food are beyond evocative - I immediately wanted to book a holiday to Crete.

However, it seems Stella cannot completely escape her problems. Harriet's widower Jon turns up and throws the carefully curated holiday into disarray with an unwelcome admission. Stella pines for her husband and Louise suddenly turns on her.

But through the warm and eclectic community of Porto Liakáda, including Alice and her unruly family, painter Marina who gives unwanted prophecies, and Katerina, the caretaker of Villa Ariadne, Stella finds the necessary strength to turn things around.

This is a heartwarming story of loss and second chances. It's a quick summery read about how to move on from tragedy, with a bit of magic thrown in - apparently the villa chooses the worthy guests and not the other way round. Please pick me next!

4.25 stars

Short and sweet novella of a woman rediscovering the joy of life after a tragedy. The location is beautiful and gives a very Under the Tuscan Sun vibe. A quick and fun escapist read, perfect for summer.