This is my fourth book by this author; I keep reaching for her books because I know that she is adept at emotionally involving her readers and uses her well-honed writing skills to keep them turning pages. Alexander keeps encouraging me to step into the past and experience its triumphs and tragedies alongside her ordinary characters caught up in extraordinary events. She’s so skilled at breathing life into history’s forgotten or little-known stories!

Historical fiction is an invaluable tool for readers to understand events that have shaped our world. Authors like Alexander bring history alive through compelling narratives, engaging characters and interesting plotlines. Although I’m fairly well-read on wartime fiction, I knew little about the Mediterranean Campaign, the Raid on Santorini, or the SBS. This novel is definitely a springboard for me to find out more about this slice of history. I even added ‘expostulation’ to my lexicon, too!

This is a worthy read because Rose Alexander enriches her readers’ understanding of the wartime experience in an authentic and empathetic way. Not only does she bring a stunning location to life, but she also delicately navigates the narrative landscape of wartime loss and love. You must read about the enduring power of love and allow yourself to get wrapped up in a timeless mystery involving Vassia and Sol.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This book was deceptive at first! I thought it would be a relaxing retreat to a Greek island with a touch of mystery and romance- but by 25 percent of the way in, I ended up marathoning the rest of the book because I was sucked in and had to know how it was going to end!

There’s plenty of mystery in both timelines as we get to know all of the characters and different twists are revealed and as each one comes, the story intensifies. There’s plenty were a couple of times my jaw practically fell open! I was floored and I loved it!

This book was also about relationships: those that we treasure; those that we take with us; those we move forward with. What I like about this book is that I felt like author presented how she saw everything ending, relationship-wise, but she allowed for the reader to interpret and think about how they would have had it end. I’m still thinking about it myself. Because life isn’t a fairytale, but every person we meet does change us. This book communicates that so well.

Overall, this was a great read that did transport me both back in time and to the beautiful island of Santorini. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up!

Oh u love this so much! This is my favorite EVER type of storytelling. One with WW2, dual timelines and past and present stories coming to light.
This story was so beautifully told.i could get a sense of place and vision from both timelines. The mystery. The ww2 bravery of seemingly everyday folk. What rhey fought for at that time was just so heroic. Without even knowing how they managed to do some of those things I automatically feel their strength and grit that what.needs to be done must! For you fight for those you love with everything you've got. And it builds a resilience and resistance even today I still can't fathom but can in some small way,when thinking of those I love, can see what that strength could help you achieve.
I love the fanily dynamics in this one both past and present.
There is no spare character here. No spare scene or destination description.
It's all so vivid and beautiful to read. The flow. The telling. The narration just right.
I really did love this one.

A Santorini Secret
1944, Santorini-A stranger visits Vassia's family home and what follows his visit changes their lives irreparably.
2024- Carrie, a single mom, a writer, struggling to make ends meet, takes a trip to see an old friend in Santoini and she tumbles into a mystery and a love story that takes her right back to 1944. She also bumps into someone from her past too.

The story opens with a distinct air of intrigue.
The opening pages pose so many questions that I desperately want the answers too. I am massively into historical fiction especially ones based during the period of World War 2 and I find it so refreshing to read a book that is set largely in Greece. It offers a bit of a different perspective to other books like this that I have read previously about this period in history.
I love Carrie's character. A strong , inspiring single mom doing her best for her family despite carrying scars of the past. The story is easy to follow despite straddling 2 periods of time and is full of suspense. It's a beautifully written story about the enduring power of love and courage in a time of great fear and tragedy.
Would highly recommend this book especially for anyone who loves historical fiction and romance novels.

A Santorini Secret by Rose Alexander is a heartwarming and captivating tale of family, love, and the power of uncovering hidden truths. From the sun-drenched shores of Santorini to the depths of a long-held family secret, this story pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the satisfying conclusion.

This book is more than just a romance or a historical mystery; it’s a story about family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It’s a reminder that even the deepest secrets can be brought to light, and that sometimes, the family we’re searching for has been right beside us all along.

The author skillfully balances the present-day narrative with flashbacks, seamlessly connecting past and present. The historical details are thoughtfully researched and add a depth and richness to the story.

What truly shines in A Santorini Secret is the emotional depth of the characters. Carrie’s love for her daughter, her longing for connection, and her determination to uncover the truth resonate deeply. Nell’s journey from anger and resentment to understanding and acceptance is beautifully portrayed. The supporting characters, the warm and welcoming locals, add another layer of richness to the narrative.

A Santorini Secret is a truly captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Highly recommended!

This book bursts from the first page like a horse at the gate and never stops running. It’s a wild Santorini ride.
A page-turner from a stunning writer. I adored it beyond words I adored this beautiful, warm, funny novel ... it's so full of heart you can almost hear it pulsing on every page.

Really enjoyed this book. Was sent in a dual storyline present and past. Was interesting reading the history side but I did prefer that part of the story.. It was a book full of strength, courage , risks and family. Good read.

A dual time line novel set on the island of Santorini in 2024 and WWII - and as is often the case, it's the WWII story that's most interesting. Carrie and Nell travel to Santorini for answers about Uncle Sol's drawings and discover the story of Vassia, Vassia made difficult and life changing choices during the war and it's her resilience that carries the story. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

An enjoyable read set in the beautiful island of Santorini. It’s 1944 and a young woman makes a choice between her country and her family. Her actions remain a secret for years until Carrie finds her uncles sketchbook and suggestions of his war time mission. Two troubled women at two different times whose stories are linked. As Carrie and her daughter Nell arrive on the island their exploration begins uncovering friendships, hope and love. Uncovering the truth helps Carrie to heal rifts in her own family. I found this book to be a beautiful read and I couldn’t put it down.

I had high hopes for this book. The story is told thru two characters, Carrie who covers present day and Vassia, 1944.
The history of Santorini was interesting and parts of Vassia’s were captivating, but Carrie’s story didn’t interest me at all. I found Carrie’s daughter Nell to be annoying and unlikable. I did not see a purpose for her until the end of the book. First, she is deathly afraid of spiders, then in another scene she freely exploring a spider filled house. Her character is portrayed too young for her age.

The other issue I had with the book was the Germans. They were not believable. Without spoiling any part of the book, they were too soft on a few characters.

Overall, the book was somewhat interesting, but the storyline too predictable and the story drawn out.

In 2024 Carrie a writer decides to travel to Santorini to find out about her uncle Sol who was stationed there with his regiment during the Second World War.
In 1944 Vassia the young daughter of the mayor was helping the allies while her country was occupied by the Germans.
A duel storyline in alternate chapters about family and courage.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.