A fantastic read that was well written with a dual timeline and well developed characters. I was hooked and couldn't put it down

I was absolutely gripped by this book. Daphne recounts her story of being a Jew in occupied Greece in the 1940s to her granddaughter, Flora, who visits her in present day Corfu.
There are chapters written as if it were happening in the 1940s, and chapters written as if it were happening in current times. This jump between time periods was not difficult to follow and it enhanced the story by adding different layers.
An interesting thread in the story is that of Princess Alice, who was the grandmother of the current King Charles.
This book is not always an easy read, understandably, because of its content but it is absolutely a powerful read and one I'd highly recommend.

I love reading Wilson's books and in a way this was no different. We follow a very likeable character in the form of Flora, in beautiful Corfu, as they discover the harrowing events their family went through during World War II. However, for me something just did not gel and this was not my favourite of Wilson's books.
The setting of Corfu is gorgeous and made me want to visit. Flora as I have said is a wonderful character and I liked meeting all of her family who were equally likeable. The present day plot is lovely and I enjoyed reading about the family connections. The past plot is harrowing and not an easy read. There are some really difficult scenes in this so be warned but equally they are important to the plot and to history.
'An Island Promise' is a good read and I would recommend it, this just was not my favourite for some reason.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy.

no one does a greek historical story like patricia wilson, i devoured this and loved the story.
the way she describes place makes you feel as if you are there. a romantic story that pulls on the heartstrings, this would make a fantastic film!
a definite 5 out of 5!

Another great read from Patricia, I enjoyed this historical book very much and it seemed to be very well researched. I’ve only read one other of hers and enjoyed that one too so, I’ll be looking out for more in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Amazing! This is a fantastic story of intergenerational love set in Greece. It was such a moving story, well written and captivating. I would highly recommend.

Another good historical novel by Patricia Wilson. the research is thorough although there is obviously some writers licence to build on the bones of accuracy. Once again this is a book set in two time frames. The first being WW2 in Greece and the later, right up to date post Covid. I found the references to Princess Alice particularly relevant as I have been reading this around the time of the Coronation and of course she was our King's Grandmother.
At times I found the dialogue somewhat pedestrian, as if rushed in writing and feel that a read through out loud would have led to further editing but all in all an interesting and different take on a WW2 story.

An Island Promise is a really interesting read charting interweaving stories with a dual narrative of 1940s Greece/Corfu and present day. The narratives follow one family and how they cope with the loss of loved ones to illness and to the horrific events of World War II.

The present day storyline centres around art restorer Flora, a very recent widow coming to grips with the loss of her husband, while the past narrative tells the story of her grandmother Daphne, a Jewish Greek artist, who overcame many difficult obstacles during the Holocaust.

I thought the novel was very heartfelt and moving, especially the descriptions of the orphans of Athens and the retribution slaughter of the tiny Greek village.

The only issue I had was the timeline - would someone really be going away for a holiday 3 weeks after their husband's death? It was a minor niggle however, and one that didn't spoil the story for me.

Overall, a fascinating insight into Greece's involvement in WWII and also the late Prince Phillip's mother - Alice. The historical detail is meticulous and I really enjoyed the insight it provided. 4.5 from me.
Many thanks to the publishers and Negalley for an early release copy in exchange for an honest review?

Another wonderfully written book by Patricia Wilson. Patricia has a wonderful way of making the description of the gorgeous island of Crete pop off the page transporting the reader to the wonderful island, where you can feel the sand between your toes and the sea breeze in the air. However alongside this is also the heartbreaking story of the second world war. Sharing the heartbreak and uncovering the secrets of Anna's grandmother's life and family history.

I liked the fact that the story mixed it up with letters and diary entries which also helps to keep the reader engaged. It is filled with wonderful characters and a compelling storyline that will capture your heart and mind.

"An Island Promise" by Patricia Wilson is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves together elements of WWII, the beautiful island of Crete, art history, and the poignant story of a grandmother's past. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the novel follows the journey of Anna, a young woman who travels to Crete to uncover her grandmother's secrets and unravel the mysteries of her family's history.

The author's vivid descriptions of the breathtaking landscapes of Crete transport readers to the idyllic island, while also depicting the brutal realities of war. Wilson's meticulous research into the art history of the region adds a unique layer to the story, as Anna delves into the world of classical art and discovers hidden treasures that hold the key to her family's past.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the intergenerational relationship between Anna and her grandmother, whose wartime experiences are slowly revealed through letters and diary entries. As Anna unravels the truth about her family's past, she discovers a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and love that spans generations.

"An Island Promise" is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that seamlessly blends history, art, and personal stories into a compelling narrative. Wilson's rich prose and meticulous attention to detail make the story come alive, and readers will be captivated by the characters and the world they inhabit. A poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds, "An Island Promise" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who appreciate stories that transport them to a different time and place.