I enjoy Lucy Diamonds books and this was no exception. Really lovely story of love, loss and friendship set in beautiful Greece. I found it warm and moving and very much enjoyed. Thank you.

What a sublime five-star read. This is a great story, it could be too much at times, as you have lots of characters to get to grips with and some of the time you don’t always know who they are, but honestly once you get to grips with who is who you will be sucked in and just be swept away with the sunshine and stories. This is such a compelling story, each character adds another layer to the story and tell a great story, from Duska to Evelyn each person plays their role, and adds something extra special. Lucy Diamond has a wonderful way of creating characters that compel you to keep reading and this story is no exception, they have always been a favourite of mine and this just reiterates that to me.

TW - Death / Divorce / Mention of Dr*gs & Alcohol Abuse

Firstly, thank you so much to @netgalley, @quercusbooks & @lucydiamondwrites for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for honest feedback!

It felt like the perfect time of year to read this sunny, beachy read when it's cold outside & it's getting dark so early! I was fully transported to the beautiful Kefalonia - the only thing missing was a cocktail in my hand! 🏖🍹🤭

If I'm honest, I found the first 25% a wee bit slow going & difficult to get into as there are a number of Point of Views and quite a lot of details, but after that, I struggled to put it down!! 🤭 I'm not normally a fan of multiple POV's but I loved how all of the characters' stories intertwined - it reminded me a wee bit of Love Actually! They all come together perfectly!

It took me a wee while to warm to a couple of the characters (Miranda in particular!! 👀), but they all have pretty tricky journeys to contend with. I absolutely loved Evelyn, a pretty cool 82-year-old who tries to thaw Miranda's frosty shell & help her find her way back to herself again whilst going on an important journey of her own. It's a lovely, heartwarming friendship.

There are a couple of emotional / deep chapters, so grab tissues! 😢 Overall though, it's an easy, cosy read that will help you to forget about the Wintery weather outside & transport you to the warmth & beauty of Kefalonia ☀️

The only reason I've given The Island Getaway 4 stars instead of 5 is because it took me a wee while to be fully invested in the story. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it!

Absolutely loved this story and the hotel seems like a dream!

The characters are really well written allowing you to imagine what they are going through and feel the emotion of their journey.

Another ace book from Lucy Diamond. Set on the Island of Kefalonia. Made you want to go. It covered some interesting topics that are in the news. Famous people not being good. Well written. A lovely winter escapement. Loved it

Loved this! All the characters were incredible in their own way and each different story thread was fascinating and I felt just as invested in the outcome of each. From the soap drama to the evil tv chef to the abusive ex in Australia- there was just so much going on but not in an overwhelming way.
Would highly recommend, and also I now want to go to Greece!!

Lucy Diamond never fails to disappoint and what could be nicer than being curled up on a cool autumn evening reading a book set in the Greek island of Kefalonia.

Miranda Vallance, a soap star superstar, has landed on the island to escape the troubles of being a household name. Evelyn Chambers is an elderly lady in her last throws of life... determined to make the journey to the island to fulfil a promise.
Frank Neale and his wife are also escaping to the island.
As their three stories intertwine with a few other of the islanders themselves, we have a story of love, life and second chances.

Loved this book!

You can’t go wrong with a Lucy Diamond book! The pages of the Island Getaway provided me with a well deserved escape to the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia 🇬🇷
It is the perfect read for anyone who loves a heartwarming, character-driven story and is looking a feel-good escape about friendship, love, and second chances.

Who fancies an island getaway right now as autumn sets in? That’ll be me, me and me!

Duska, a new mum and receptionist welcomes guests to The Ionian Escape, a hotel on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. There’s disgraced soap star Miranda Valance who is hoping this island getaway will enable her to salvage her career. Then there’s delightful 82 year-old Evelyn Chambers who has an important task to undertake on an island that holds precious memories for her. Finally, there’s a couple in the 60s– Frank and Leonora (Nelly) Neale and the distance between them is clear for all to see. How much longer can Nelly put up with her renowned celebrity chef husband’s behaviour? He certainly makes an impression on arrival at Duska’s desk. That’s just for starters as several characters tell their stories in the warm September. So sit back, relax and transport yourself to this island escape.

This book is just what I need and I don’t think I realise just how much until I settle into it! I so appreciate the holiday vibe that Lucy Diamond creates as she transports her readers to this beautiful island. She uses the various locations so well on a tour around some glorious spots via Miranda and Nelly and it’s a really satisfying experience and read.

The characters and their back stories are really interesting, there’s definitely meat on the bones of all their experiences and they are handled sympathetically and well. Like Miranda, I fall in love with Evelyn who works her magic on Miranda who grows and grows as a character as the book progresses. The stories make you sad or angry on their behalf but you are left with hope and a smile.
I like the way the author keeps tantalisingly switching the characters perspective as it leaves you ploughing on, wanting answers and more.

Overall, I’m left feeling as if I’ve departed chilly autumnal England for a most enjoyable piece of escapism in a magical place.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Lucy Diamond for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Well, I have just finished reading this latest novel from Lucy Diamond, and I feel quite bereft. I could have continued this story, with these characters for so long.
The story is based in a hotel on the island of Kefalonia, and tells the story of Evelyn, Miranda, Nelly and Claudia. Women who have all found themselves in the hotel and discover things about themselves and about love and friendship.
A beautiful story, set in a beautiful location, this has me smile and cry.
Another great read from one of my favourite authors.

I loved The Island Getaway, a perfect holiday read. Lots of characters stories, interwoven around a beautiful hotel and setting. I want to visit Kefalonia now! Highly recommend.

what a great holiday read! or a book to enjoy over the winter to remind you of those sunny days. i devoured this book ij one day sat round the pool!
i was a fun and easy story with some great characters, and a wonderful setting.
a fab book to lose yourself in

Just perfect!! Lots of stories about a whole load of people going to the beautiful island of kefalonia. The stories intertwined in such a lovely way, the island is described brilliantly making you want to jump on a plane and head out there. I sobbed through one part of the book, it was so heart rendering however the rest of the book is so uplifting and the sad bit was essential to the overall narrative. Needless to say I loved every part of story, as always a 5* novel from Lucy Diamond, gorgeous!!

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

I absolutely loved this book, but I guess that reading it having visited Kefalonia & Ithaca recently really made it resonate just that little bit more. I found myself unexpectedly moved during a particular storyline - no spoilers- but overall it’s uplifting, funny, and overall a cracking read.

This was a wonderfully relaxing read set in a hotel in Kefalonia featuring three female guests who are each at a pivotal moment in their lives, in amongst their stories are chapters told by many of the different staff members which add a really extra element to the book. The three main characters are each so different, there’s three different generations but also have such contrasting things going on in their lives. Miranda seems like a very difficult person at the start but as her story unfolds you start to wonder whether she’s actually more of a victim; Evelyn has an important task to undertake and we learn about Nellie through her diaries from years ago. Each has a story with strong roots but balanced out in the beautiful surroundings they feel less negative than they might have done in other settings mak8ng this a lovely uplifting read despite the bitter sweetness.

The book features snippets of 4 women's lives at various stages. The common link being the beautiful Greek Island of Kephalonia. They all stay in the same Hotel for a healing holiday due to broken romances.
The sun brings them peace. Infact un called for romances creep in so fingers crossed for them.
A lovely read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Unputdownable, a well deserved 5*

Set during late summer, this is Ideal winter reading. The Island Getaway follows the lives of guests and staff during two weeks at the family-run Ionian Escape Hotel.

Most guests arriving at the hotel look forward to a relaxing and uncomplicated holiday, others have very personal and sad reasons for being in Kafalonia.

Soap Star Miranda is hiding from the press due to her recent bad behaviour, grieving widow Evelyn is revisiting places she knew in happier times, and Frank's wife, Nelly, can no longer ignore his hedonistic behaviour.

As the days pass individual life stories unfold with alternate chapters for each character, I was full of anticipation for what would happen next.

Total escapism, after reading this, every reader will be planning their own Ionian escape.

Recommended for a feel-good and satisfactory read.

With thanks to Ella of Quercus Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

This book gave me the perfect escapism from this wet and windy weather. This was just what I needed!

The story is from multiple characters who are either staying, or working, at The Ioanian Escape in Kefalonia.

An Elderly ex cello player, a disgraced actress and a TV Chef who is star under fire for bad behaviour towards woman in the 90’s

Can The Ioanian Escape be the get-away all these charecters need to reassess their life or will things only get worse.

Unlikely friendships, funny moments and heart-breaking parts too. Lucy Diamond has you hooked from the start. Not one to be missed!

Loved this book! Lucy Diamond always writes great stories and this was fabulous. Set on the island of Kefalonia; the Ionian escape hotel is busy….everyone on holiday there has a reason for this trip; many are there to escape their lives. I couldn’t put this book down; I really loved it.