Member Reviews

20 years ago actress Shauna Jackson left the island of Ithos leaving behind a man and harbouring a secret. Now she is returning to the island and will have to confront her past.

I enjoyed this book and think it is the perfect summer read. I liked the author's writing and I am looking forward to seeing if they will write more books in the future. I would personally like to have seen a bit more romance in this book as I didn't feel that the romance was the main plot point.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I hope that Carol continues to write as I would love to read more from her.

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A love story with plenty of twists and turns. Quite a lot of characters to get to know, but they were all good. A new career?

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An interesting debut book by Carol Kirkwood, our Bbc weather forecaster. The book is mainly set in the Greek Island and Hollywood. It has some complex characters and lots of detail. An easy Summer read.
Thanks to Netgalley for an A.R.C.

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I’m afraid I gave up on reading this book after the first few chapters. It’s full of stereotypes and cliches and more like a budget Hallmark cheesy movie. Sorry Carol. I love your weather forecasts but not this book.

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Shauna meeets Demetriiou, a greek playboy on an island in Greece. They fall in love and spend a blissful summer before she is sent away by his mother. She finds fame as a hollywood actress and happiness with her film producer husband. 20years after her initial visit she returns to the island, will their love be rekindled?

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A really great read from Carol Kirkwood. The novel is set on a Greek island and the location is idyllic and just what is needed right now a bit of escapism. A lovely warmhearted story with plenty of good characters and a showbiz theme running throughout and loved the Grace Kelly threads. A perfect summer read which I really enjoyed

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A beautifully written book, with a good plot and great flow , I really enjoyed Carol’s writing style .
Characters where likeable , and the plot had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged .
It was good descriptive writing with a captivating story line .
Pure escapism! I loved it .
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Carol Kirkwood for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

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Carol's debut novel was fabulous. A few ups and downs along the way to an ending I liked.

Shauna is a very ambitious Irish young woman who meets the love of her life Demetrius whilst working her passage before university. Lots of heartaches along the way but it's a very well written, packed story. I loved her best pal Roxy who also did well for herself.

I am looking forward to Carol's next novel with bated breath. Thank you Carol, you are a *.

Thank you netgalley.

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Carol Kirkwood first book surprised me; firstly in how pacy and well considered the story was. But secondly in how much her love for Greece comes through in a well observed and sensitive way. (many writers don't quite get this - and she does!) The island of Ithos, although entirely fictional, captures that Greek island summer magic, alongside well drawn details of customs, characters and comes alive with descriptive prose. The characters and plot make it a perfect beach read- sexy, pacy, intrigue and drama - all set under the sizzling Greek sunshine!

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Not my usual sort of book, but I needed a holidayy read that would transport me away. This book ceertainly did that the detination sound beautiful. The story flowed well and i really enjoyed it. Romantic, summery, escapist story

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I really enjoyed every part of this book. I loved the contrast between the early part of Shauna and Demetrius’ life and the way in which they met and their reunion after so many years. It was lovely to read about Shauna’s relationship with Dan as well. There are many unexpected twists to the story that kept me gripped right to the end. I don’t want to say too much and ruin that for someone else. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Well, well, well. Not what I was expecting. What a great first novel Carol Kirkwood. I was expecting a typical love story but this was so much more. Lots of glamour but also great characters, made me smile and also brought a lump to my throat on a couple of occasions. Beautiful - I loved it.

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What can I say about this book only wow.I loved every page i didn’t want to put it down,I’m so glad it turne out how I wanted it to do at the end.brilliant read a most,loved the details of Greece and being famous and the love she found twice.loved it well done

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I read this book in two sittings, (would have been one if I had planned my time better!) I found this hard to put down, and a perfect page turner filled with romance and drama as well as everything you would expected from this genre.. Filled cover to cover with well written characters and a storyline that has readers engrossed from the first few chapters , this was a very special read. .There wasn't anything in this book that I didn't like and believe this is going to be a huge success!

As a debut book by this author, it has made me excited to see what comes next from her and I will picking up the next publication without hesitation.

If you are looking for a great holiday read, that takes you away from the stresses of reality, then this is the book for you. A majestic and entertaining five star read,

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Loved this book transported me to greece loved the story and unexpected turns. Couldn't put it down. Lovely summer read

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Absolutely loved this first novel from Carol Kirkwood. Set mostly in the beautiful Greek island of Ithos, it follows the life of Shauna from her teenage time in Ithos to her becoming an Oscar winning actress.
The only criticism I would have was that in some parts it did feel a little ‘product placement’ & except for Shauna’s love of princess Grace, I did feel I would have preferred fictional names of the stars Shauna encountered along the way - but that is just my preference & it did not deter my love of the story.

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This was simply beautiful where every word by the author touched my heart. I was completely into the book without getting distracted. I loved how the author could do that with her words.

Friendship was well deputed along with romance and Shauna and Roxie played their parts well. I loved how the scenes kept me hooked along with romance. Spanning 2 decades, the author brought all emotions to the forefront. Loved it.

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Just lovely. A real emotional romance with character development and a fabulous plot spanning twenty years. Carol Kirkwood makes you fall in love with her characters and egg them all on, even when they are being a wally. Some great surprised as the book progresses that we’re all set up in the beginning I was just too enchanted to pick them up.

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I was totally surprised by how much I enjoyed this book given it's the first by Carol Kirkwood.
Wonderful characterisation, lovely description of setting and a story that draws you in and holds your attention beautifully. Would definitely recommend.

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The book opens with Shauna O'Brien and her best friend Roxy taking a summer holiday in Europe. Roxy goes off in one direction and Shauna gets the opportunity to join a luxury yacht as a crew member. She's a hard worker, but she is warned not to fraternise with the owners. However, things soon take a turn with Demetrios but will their relationship last past the summer.
It doesn't and they lead separate lives for the next couple of decades before being brought back together.
I found this a highly enjoyable, escapist read.

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