This is a lovely weekend read. It is a dual time line covering a historical family mystery set over WWII and present day. We learn of the life of Vassia, and her family on the Greek Island of Santorini during WWII. We are introduced to Cassie a single mum to Nell who is struggling with life in 2024. Cassie’s Uncle Sol had spent time in Santorini during WWII as part of the Special Boat Service. When Cassie finds a sketchbook of her Uncles with a drawing of a beautiful young woman she is keen to write a story about her Uncle’s life and this is where the mystery unravels as Cassie and Nell find the connection between Vassia and Uncle Sol.
I loved how the storyline’s of Vassia and Cassie intersected and connected to reveal an interesting story.
This is a story of heartache, bravery, love, loss and family secrets.

Rose Alexander has penned a heart-wrenching, dramatic and captivating page-turner with her latest novel, A Santorini Secret.

Heartbroken single mother Carrie has arrived in Santorini devastated after the death of her beloved uncle Sol. With his sketchbook now one of her most prized possessions, Carrie has come to Greece determined to uncover the secrets Sol has kept all his life – and to find the woman her uncle had sketched endlessly and what she meant to him. Having discovered a diamond ring engraved in Greek among her uncle’s possessions, it’s absolutely devastating for Carrie that Sol never got to give it to the woman he loved with all of his heart.

As she begins to explore the cobbled alleys, Carrie immediately feels like she’s home and the elderly women she meets all tell her of a young woman called Vassia and a secret allied mission during wartime. However, when pressed to reveal more, the women all clam up and refuse to speak any further. When Carrie then finds a letter written by Vassia herself, she’s shocked by her connection to her uncle – and by how they were wrenched apart.

Getting ever closer to the truth, will Carrie’ s earth–shattering discovery shatter the close-knit community – and alter the course of her life forever?

Rose Alexander sure knows how to pen engaging and enthralling stories that put her readers through the emotional wringer and A Santorini Secret is a beautifully written tale of secrets, sacrifices and love that will prove impossible to put down. She brings the Greek island to vivid life and has penned a spellbinding, intense and enjoyable tale that will keep readers up all through the night.

Tearjerking, heartbreaking and so very interesting and enjoyable. I loved this very beautiful story which made me think of hot sunshine and white buildings. This book had everything and now I've finished it I can't stop thinking about it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Rose Alexander’s new book, A Santorini Secret, takes the reader to the stunning and majestic Italian island of Santorini. This is a dual timeline story set in the present day and during 1944 when the island was under German occupation. It’s a story of how ordinary people were caught up in extra ordinary events and found themselves forced into remarkable situations in the interest of regaining their freedom. The main female character Vassia initially did not know what she was capable of but when put to the test she demonstrates grit, courage, bravery and fierce loyalty. The prologue is brief but sets the scene as a woman writes a letter which will put a plan into action. As fear stalks the island she can’t leave the man she loves to die and she hopes her words will have the desired effect upon those who it is intended for and that the plan will be executed to perfection. She is making a great sacrifice as she is determined to follow her heart and do what she firmly believes is right.

In the present day Carrie is a single mum to Nell aged 15. She struggles to get by and feels a comfortable and easy lifestyle is well out of reach. With news that her mortgage is to increase she is constantly worrying as to how she will afford the basic necessities and there is a danger her little cottage will be repossessed. She has an up and down relationship with Nell as she is a typical teenager but she has always tried to do her best by her daughter especially after she suffered from heart problems after her birth. Carrie’s relationship with Jack (Nell’s father) is non existent and communication is kept to the bare minimum.

I found Carrie quite hard to warm to. There was just something about her that seemed a bit spikey when it came to discussing her love life or lack of it and I sensed there was a history that wasn’t being mentioned. This aspect of the story comes to fruition towards the end and to be honest I found her reasons for certain things made me mad at her because I felt she could have asked the questions that needed to be asked and perhaps not as much water would have flown under the bridge as it had if she had done so. It seemed a bit pathetic that she didn’t delve that little bit deeper because if he had things could have been very different for her. I will say though the romance element for Carrie was quite surprising and fair play to the author for going with it instead of what I had been expecting.

I much preferred the parts of the story set on the island in 1944. Although how the two strands were linked together was very well done and it was great to try and piece bits of the puzzle together and see connections and similarities appearing between the past and the present. Carrie begins talking to her mother about her Great Uncle Sol and what she learns inspires her to start writing again. She hopes that by telling his story that she can fill in the gaps regarding the man who meant so much to them all but one minute could be full of life and the next it was like he was lost in a distant past world. She thinks if she can find out the truth regarding Sol’s experiences during the war and then write his story that if successful it will earn some money for her and the bank can be kept at bay.

Carrie soon learns from her mother that Sol was a member of the SBS, Special Boat Squadron, and whatever occurred during that time had a lasting impact on him. There was something always haunting him and Carrie is determined to discover just what it was and solve the family’s history. An old cloth shirt and a sketchbook are found belonging to Sol and the images inside the sketchbook are fascinating particularly one of a beautiful woman. Who was she and how does she link to Sol? When an unexpected source provides the money needed for the trip to Santorini as invited by her friend Xanthe Carrie jumps at the chance to learn more about Sol and his time on the island and soon herself and Nell arrive and a journey begins to bridge the gaps between Sol’s time there and the life that Carrie and her family now lead.

I adored the story of Vassia and her family during 1944. Such rich descriptions brought the island to life. There was a real sense of the strength of the family unit and such community spirit that the islanders were determined to keep going even though they were under German occupation and life had changed dramatically since their arrival. There was a rich culture of seafaring, quarrying, wine making and agriculture but Vassia does feel stifled as she knows there is more beyond the confines of her island and one day she would love to explore it. For now she and her family must continue on with their daily lives in their little village of which her father Ianos is mayor. Her brother Andreas and his wife Athena are expecting a baby which they hope will bring much needed joy to their lives. But things are about to change as Vassia gets involved in something she never thought possible and all because she was asked to by her father whose health would not allow him to take part in the activities the islanders are determined to keep hidden from the Germans.

I had never heard of the SBS prior to reading this book and it’s always brilliant to discover a new and exciting aspect to the war and it proved to be interesting and intriguing. The SBS were a group of men who were sent to various areas to sneak in and out as quick as possible with one aim to disrupt German communication means and take out as many men as possible. Sol was part of this group and Vassia comes to know him as she brings food to the men hiding in the caves on the island. I thought these men were so brave to be in the heart of the lion’s den putting their lives on the line and the fact that the islanders helped also showed how committed they were to regaining their island and no longer having their freedom curtailed. I enjoyed the pacing of the friendship that developed into something more between Sol and Vassia. It felt natural and real and that it wasn’t just happening because of the situation they found themselves in. There are numerous twists and turns to Sol and Vassia’s story and a sense of urgency really develops. When push comes to shove Vassia really shows her true metal. I did have my suspicions which were proven to be correct as to how something unfolded but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I found the latter half stronger than the first as I was racing through the chapters eager to see how things would eventually pan out.

A Santorini Secret was a really enjoyable read where the author brought a dangerous time for the islanders to life in a well written manner. The mixture of historical fact merged with fiction was seamless and the love story that featured was beautiful but bittersweet. Readers of Rose Alexander’s previous books will really enjoy this one and I am sure she will find many new readers also.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW! Brilliant! Pack your bags because you will want to travel to Santorini after reading this book.
This is an amazing time slip novel.

1944- Santorini is occupied by the Nazis. The SBS (Special Boat Services) is a group to help the British and get rid of the Nazis. Vassia is the daughter of the mayor of Santorini.
2024 - Carrie is a single mom and she travels to Santorini with her daughter to learn more about her Uncle Sol’s experience with the SBS during WWII.
Loved all the characters but I was riveted to Vassia’s. This story had an amazing twist that I never anticipated or saw coming. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#ASantoriniSecret #RoseAlexander #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInSantorini

A Santorini Secret by Rose Alexander

A Santorini Secret masterfully weaves together two timelines—one set in 1944 during World War II and the other in 2024—creating a compelling historical fiction novel filled with romance, mystery, and family drama. The story alternates between Carrie, a woman on a journey to uncover her family’s past, and Vassia, a brave young woman aiding soldiers in Nazi-occupied Santorini. Each chapter leaves you on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.


In the present-day storyline, Carrie and her daughter, Nell, travel to Greece to learn more about her uncle, who was part of a special boat squadron during the war. Unexpectedly, she reunites with her old summer romance, Kyriakos (Kris), only to discover that their family histories are more intertwined than she ever imagined—Kris’s grandmother was in love with Carrie’s uncle. As Carrie navigates these revelations, she also faces unresolved tension with her ex-husband, Jack, who shows up when their daughter goes missing. The truth behind their divorce slowly unfolds: Jack had once betrayed her with her own sister, leading Carrie to cut ties with them both. However, in a surprising turn, Carrie ultimately chooses to rekindle her relationship with Jack rather than pursue something lasting with Kris.

Meanwhile, in 1944, Vassia’s story is one of bravery, love, and betrayal. She and her father assist Allied soldiers with the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) ultimately costing her father his life. When one solider that Vassia is particularly enamored with gets left behind Vassia helps to smuggle food to Sol, the soldier whom she grows to fall in love with, while he hides in a cave. Over the course of six weeks, she risks everything to keep him safe. When the time comes for Sol to escape, it’s revealed that Vassia’s own brother betrayed them to the Nazis. In a devastating moment of sacrifice, Vassia is arrested, and her brother is exiled by the German commander to ensure her release. Believing Sol to be gone forever, she moves on and marries her neighbor—only for Sol to return on her wedding day, too late to claim the life they once dreamed of together.

The novel balances romance, family dynamics, and historical intrigue beautifully. Carrie’s daughter, Nell, adds an extra layer of tension to the story with her heart condition, and when she goes missing while investigating Vassia and Sol’s story, the stakes feel even higher. Ultimately, everything comes full circle when Nell and her friend Amy are found safe, bringing resolution to both past and present mysteries.

A Santorini Secret is a captivating read, perfect for those who enjoy dual-timeline narratives, historical romance, and family secrets. The blend of war-time resilience and modern-day self-discovery makes it an emotional and engaging story, leaving readers reflecting on love, sacrifice, and the weight of the past.

4.5/5 stars

The prologue to this book is set on Santorini in 1944, as a young woman, clearly in emotional turmoil, writes a letter that puts her own life in danger but might save the man she loves. It’s intense and gripping, quite beautifully written, and I was immediately hooked – and the dual-time story that followed was absolutely everything I hoped it would be.

In the present day, Carrie grasps the opportunity – an invitation from a friend – to spend time on Santorini to escape her problems. It’ll give her the opportunity to spend some quality time with her teenage daughter Nell, who’s been going off the rails a little, not helped by her problematically close relationship with her father Jack – and that’s a constant reminder of the betrayal that forced them apart. But Carrie does have fond memories of the island from a previous visit, a special relationship that was all too brief – although she knows there’s little chance of their paths crossing again. But she’s also a children’s author, and hopes that her Uncle Sol’s story might provide some much-needed inspiration. Since his death, she’s found his wartime sketchbook, with a drawing of a beautiful but unknown woman, and hopes to uncover their story – and when her mother also shares a ring he left, with a Greek inscription, that makes her even more fascinated.

In 1944, Santorini is under German occupation. Vassia is the daughter of the mayor of Vourvoulos, and the family – her parents, her brother and his wife – are trying to carry on with their usual everyday lives. Until, one night, they have a night-time visitor – one of a group of commandos from the Special Boat Service, seeking the help of local guides in carrying out one of their lightning raids. They also need supplies of food and drink brought to their base in a cave on the shore – and Vassia becomes part of that effort. But she also becomes drawn to one of the group – the quietest man, happy to talk, passing the time with his sketchbook in hand. Having also been involved in helping with the raid itself, which was only partially successful, she discovers that one of the group has been left behind – and when she finds it’s the man to whom she’s become increasingly close, and despite the mounting threat of reprisals against the local community, she risks her own safety to help him hide and to give him the support he needs while he attempts to secure his escape.

This book is storytelling at its very best – intense and compelling, a difficult time in the island’s history and a devastating personal story vividly brought to life alongside a present day story with plenty of drama and emotion of its own, the shifts between both stories particularly smoothly handled, with the central mystery around Sol’s time on the island tying them together. The historical thread is particularly moving. Vassia is a wonderfully drawn and very real and sympathetic character, showing exceptional bravery in ensuring the survival of the man she grows to love – the betrayal that follows, albeit for the strongest of reasons, is entirely heartbreaking. Their gentle romance is quite beautifully drawn, a love you can really feel – and there’s a lingering sadness in the present day that Sol ended his days alone. Carrie’s story, as she tries to uncover their story, has elements of unexpected romance too, beautifully handled – and plenty of well-written drama of its own.

A story of courage and love, filled with emotion, the most perfect setting, totally compelling and superbly told – and I have to say that I loved every single moment.

Carrie has great memories of her Uncle Sol. She’s headed to Santorini with her daughter Nell to learn more about Sol’s time on the island of Santorini during WWII as a member of the Special Boat Service. During this time he met Vassia, the mayor’s daughter who helped his SBS group.
This interesting story meshed my two favorite genres romance on a tropical island and WWII historical fiction. It was a dual timeline story, told by Carrie in the present and Vassia during WWII. I liked the female protagonists for the most part, but was annoyed with some of their decisions. I did enjoy learning more about Greece during WWII.

Carrie's life is on a precipice. She is barely making ends meet as an author of children's books, her mortgage payments are about to sky rocket due to rising interest rates, and her teenage daughter Nell is going through a very difficult stage. Carrie was only able to buy her home thanks to a small inheritance from her Great Uncle Sol. Nell's father, Jack, is present for his daughter, but Carrie has not spoken to him since even before she knew she was pregnant after she caught him in a compromising position. Carrie needs to come up with an idea for a new book soon, in the hopes that she will be able to make some money.

One day, she receives a postcard from her friend Xanthe who now lives on the Greek island of Santorini. When she was a young woman, she had visited the island and had a brief holiday fling with a gorgeous young man named Krys. Now, Xanthe is inviting her back to the island. Whilst Carrie would love to go, and to take Nell with her, she knows that she can't do that right now.

When visiting her parents, Carrie's mum suggests that she should go through some of Sol's possessions, Carrie finds an old sketchbook filled with pictures of soldiers, and also with a picture of a beautiful young woman and Carrie is intrigued. She also finds a ring, engraved in Greek.

Sol never talked about his activities in WWII, and he certainly never explained why it was that he was never interested in marrying anyone after he came back to civilian life. When Carrie gets some money from an unexpected source, she and Nell head to the island to try and find out more. There she learns about Vassia, the young woman in the picture.

In 1944 the island of Santorini was held by the German army. She is shocked when one day a man turns up at their house asking her father for assistance. He is a member of the Special Boat Service (SBS) who have secretly come to the island to perform a raid on the island. They were a group of soldiers who went from island to island in the Mediterranean performing lightning raids and then escaping to move onto the next target. The man needs help from the locals with food and water to guide them to the best places to attack the Germans.

Whilst it isn't ideal, Vassia is drawn into this activity, and she does so knowing that there are risks involved, but she never expected the reprisals to be so brutal and swift after the attacks. She also does not expect to find that one of the group of men has been left behind - Sol. With her family devastated, she does what she can to help, ever conscious of the growing attraction she has to him. The race is on to get him safely off the island. And she would never have believed that any kind of betrayal would come from any of her friends or family.

As Carrie and an initially reluctant Nell uncover more, it is not only Sol's secrets which are revealed. Vassia's own story is filled with tragedy and betrayals that have continued to have impacts through the generations.

I know that there has been some talk around about whether WWII (and dual timelines) are getting a bit tired as a subject for historical fiction, but the reality is that there does still seem to be a lot of stories that haven't been told before like the SBS in this book! The fact that this book was also set in Greece doesn't hurt. I have read several WWII books set in Greece before but they are not the normal setting!

Given the recent news about the earthquakes in Santorini, it was kind of poignant to be reading about this island at this point in time. The author did a great job of bringing the island to life. I also really appreciated that, whilst there were dramatic moments in the story, the author didn't necessarily wrap things up in the most obvious way.

I hadn't read Rose Alexander before. I really, really enjoyed this story. I was totally engrossed in the book, and I am looking forward to reading more from her!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews, and the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge which I host here. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.

Rating 4.5/5

As soon as I saw the title, I knew I needed to read this book. The cover is beautiful and I’ve loved all of Rose’s books, so all of that sealed the deal.

I loved the multiple timelines. Carrie’s desire to uncover her Uncle Sol’s story, both for her family and for her writing career, really drew me in. There were so many pieces to it. And when she got to spend a couple of weeks on Santorini to spend time with her daughter and look for more details, even more was unveiled. Vassia’s POV is an interesting view on a form of resistance for the Greeks. She was determined to help the British allies attempt to defeat the Germans in the area in any way she could. Meeting Sol was an unexpected and heart wrenching time for her.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

Carrie arrives in Santorini, gripping her uncle Sol’s sketchbook in her hand. Carrie adored her uncle and when he recently passed away, she knew she needed answers. In Sol’s sketchbook were pictures of a young woman. Carrie must follow the beautiful sketches to find the woman. Carrie believes that she is the one that holds the answers to so many questions. Sol never liked talking about his time spent in Greece during the War. Within the pages of the sketchbook was a diamond ring. Carrie knows that she must find the woman that it was intended for.

After talking to some of the locals, she discovers a woman named Vassia. As Carrie’s questions continue to flow, the locals stop talking. They refuse to give anymore information to Carrie. Carrie soon finds a letter written by Vassia. The letter contains some unsettling information about her uncle Sol and the truth of Vassia saving his life.

A Santorini Secret, written by author Rose Alexander, is as beautiful of a story as Santorini itself. This is a wonderful story of hope, courage, finding the truth. I loved Carrie and her persistence and never giving up. She uncovered a tragedy buried in the pages of a sketchbook and at the same time she brought the truth out into the open.

I loved this emotional and unputdownable story. It hit all the feels with wonderful characters and amazing plot twists. I loved that it was a time slip novel with the perfect blend of the past and the present. Alexander is amazing in capturing the reader from the very first page and not letting them go until the last page. The awesome detailed description of Greece makes you feel as if you are actually there. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book.

I loved the setting in Greece!
The switch back from 1940s to 2024 is easily handled and not hard to finish.
I loved the WWII part the best because it’s not really portrayed in historical fiction very often.
I didn’t love the ending.
I was rooting for another relationship and was disappointed.

If there’s one thing I love as much as a good historical fiction novel, it’s a Mediterranean setting. And this book? Absolutely perfect. Besides Italy, Greece has to be one of the most stunning places in the world, so this story felt like a gift from the gods.

I devoured this book in like 24 hours, I was completely obsessed. The dual timeline was so well done, weaving together Vassia’s heartbreaking story in 1944 with Carrie and Nell’s emotional journey in the present. The mix of mystery, history, and deep emotions was everything I love in a book.

And the setting? Unreal. The way the author brought Santorini to life made me want to book a flight immediately.

I absolutely loved A Santorini Secret and now I have to read more from this author. If you love historical fiction and a setting that completely transports you, please read this book!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is an intriguing historical mystery told over two timelines. The first happens in 1944 with the POV of Vassia, and the second from Cassie’s POV in 2024. They are not blood relatives, but there is a family connection. I did not know that the Germans had occupied Santorini during World War Two, nor about the SBS and their sabotage mission. The way the two storylines interweave and the clues are revealed is interesting. It’s a tale of love and loss, heartbreak, what might have been and second chances. Recommend as a WW2 story with a difference.

A Santorini Secret is a brilliantly conceived novel combining fact and fiction to deliver a deeply moving story of heartbreak and heroism narrated through a dual timeline.

2024 – Carrie has uncovered a sketch of a woman amongst her deceased uncle Sol’s belongings, the sketch seems to be connected to a mission he was on in Santorini during WWII. Carrie is intrigued to find out more and a trip to Santorini to visit her friend Xanthe is the perfect opportunity.

1944 – a group of British commandos are hiding on the island of Santorini ready to strike down the German camp. Vassia is asked by her father, the mayor, to take them food and water under cover of darkness.

Both timelines were seamlessly delivered and although I enjoyed the mystery of Carrie uncovering the events involving her uncle, I found Vassia’s story much more compelling. I loved Vassia’s spirit and tenacity, and the evolving love story between Vassia and Sol.
I found the character of Carrie a bit melodramatic but that is a very minor gripe in this overall fabulous story.

A Santorini Secret is an emotionally charged dual timeline story of courage and love.

A SANTORINI SECRET by Rose Alexander is an emotional dual timeline mash-up of historical fiction and women’s fiction with elements of mystery and romance. Both the past and present timelines kept me in a state of suspense and turning the pages.

A small village on Santorini is occupied by the Nazis in 1944. The daughter of the mayor, Vassia, assists as a guide in a SBS (Special Boat Service) raid to help hinder the Nazis and aid the British. One of the British soldiers is left behind and Vassia risks all to help him.

In the present, Carrie is having a tough time with her finances and her sixteen-year-old daughter. She gets the opportunity to return to Santorini and besides just enjoying the vacation and reuniting with an old friend, she is searching for information about her Uncle Sol’s mysterious time with the SBS on Santorini and the beautiful young woman in his sketchbook. Will Carrie find the answers she is searching for?

I was surprised by so many of the twists and turns this story took, not only in the past but also the present timelines. I enjoyed the descriptions of Santorini in both timelines and was happy for a change of pace location during a WWII setting. This new-to-me author did a great job of pulling me into the emotional decisions and consequences of both the female protagonists in each timeline. They were both heartwarming and heartbreaking. My only disappointment was with the secret that changed Carrie’s and her daughter’s lives. For sixteen years of emotional turmoil, it was a reason that was trivial and should have been discussed much sooner as mature adults and made me think less of her. Overall though, this book was emotionally more than what I was expecting, and I need to check out other books by this author.

I recommend setting aside some time to enjoy this poignant historical fiction/women’s fiction mash-up.

This was a nice dual timeline book. It’s very descriptive and will certainly make you wish you were in Santorini too. I could feel the hot sun baking down on me.
I did think the story was a little draggy at times. It would make for a perfect beach read

I'm a big fan of Greece and love a dual timeline, so this book was right up my street. I found both threads equally engaging, which is not always the case in a dual timeline. The historical story of uncle Sol is well researched and a timely reminder of the evils of war and the choices people are forced to make. the modern day story of Carrie is equally absorbing as we watch a single mum struggling to survive follow in Sol's footsteps and as she unravels the past is forced to confront her future.
The descriptions of Santorini immediately evoke memories of Oia in particular, a stunningly beautiful town that is overrun with tourists in the summer. Rose Alexander takes the reader on a journey that they won't forget.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was a very great storyline and easy to follow. Very hard to put down once I started. Can’t wait to read more of Rose Alexander’s books.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is a dual timeline story. In 1944 there is some British soldiers who are in hiding on the island of Santorini so that they can hit out at a German camp.

The mayor asks his daughter to take them refreshments when it’s dark so that they remain out of sight.

Now, it’s 2024 and we see Carrie, she’s found a book that had a drawing of a woman in the items that belonged to her uncle Sol. She thinks that maybe it’s from a mission he was on during the second world war. It makes her want to find out more about the drawing, and since she’s going to visit her friend, she’s got the chance to do so.

The timelines were easy to follow and it was interesting to read about how Carrie finds out what her uncle was involved in.

I highly recommend this book.