Iris’ wedding is called off last minute and she sends her sister Martha to the island of Paris to the honeymoon she had booked. A chance encounter at the ferry is the beginning of an opportunity to make new friends and maybe love…

I really enjoyed this book; light, with a bit of romantic drama; easy to read.

*2.75

one of my goals for this year is to explore more the women’s fiction genre, so here we are!

this story held my interest pretty consistently, and considering this is a genre i’m not very used to that was very positive to me. i believe that’s because of all these different characters and their relationships with each other. and of course, greece!

with that said, i do believe some aspects of those relationships were not done in a way i would’ve liked, as in the whole situation with martha’s sister at the beginning and the third act drama. these were both two points that genuinely frustrated me and had a huge impact on my overall enjoyment of this story. specially the third act because oh my god…

the highlight: milo!!! i loved that kid. since the start he brought a very appreciated by me layer to the book. however, i do wish we had more scenes of him with harry to get a bigger understanding of how their relationship is, and how it differentiates from milo and his grandmother’s.

i say the same to martha and harry. i really liked them, but it felt too rushed to me. just a few more scenes of them bonding and talking to each other about their lives would’ve easily helped me with believing how fast their feelings progressed.

all that to say, i still had a fun time! but i know that i’ll honestly forget about this story pretty quickly.

Good story, 3.5 rounded up

When Martha’s sister Iris called off her wedding and offered the prepaid honeymoon in Greece to Martha, she hesitantly agrees. After all, it’s summer and her new job as department head at her school won’t start for a couple of months.

Greece means new adventures and letting go of the tension that teaching, the city and her own cancelled wedding held. Martha swims at sunrise, eats new foods and makes friends in the village. Along the trip she takes a small boy under her wing and escorts him to the island, winning the respect of his family and friends. When she meets his father Harry, she feels an attraction but when she learns more about Milos’ mother she is confused.

I liked the story, the setting is beautiful but I found Martha to be somewhat immature. I can’t give specifics because it would include spoilers. Overall a decent read and definitely for lovers of Greece.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book but my opinions are my own.

Captivating from start to finish, this romance novel weaves a spellbinding tale of love and self-discovery. The characters are richly developed, and the author's vivid prose brings their emotions to life. A perfect blend of passion and heart, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into the world of love and romance.

This was a story full of surprises, decisions that were made, and doing what was right for themselves. Oh, it did take courage, and there was doubt, but once decisions were made, they found out what was going to happen because of the decisions.
The story kept me reading, the writing made the emotions, the places, and the people come alive, so I felt it. This is a book that will take you on an adventure, that makes you feel like you are there. If you are like me and your vacations are through reading, then this is a must-read book.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

4* An excellent book to blow away the winter blues

In the middle of winter I couldn't resist this gorgeous book cover, the contents inside were pretty good as well. Expecting the rain outside my window to become snow, I whisked myself away to sunny Paxos. A good plot and believable characters, a Greek island with sandy beaches and friendly welcoming people. And the descriptions of all that glorious food - I now can’t stop thinking about taramasalata.

I loved the story and didn’t want to put the book down. So why only a 4* rating? Because the ending was so abrupt, a solution found within the last few pages. For once I'd have liked an epilogue.

eARC generously supplied by Boldwood Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

I had never heard of Helen McGinn and, quite by chance, she appeared on a TV quiz show while I was reading this book - spooky! "The Island of Dreams" is an enjoyable romance / family drama set in London, Devon and on the Greek island of Paxos. There are great characters and locations, misunderstandings / wrong assumptions a-plenty, and an interesting storyline. A good holiday read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

The Island of Dreams by Helen McGinn was my first read from this author and it will certainly not be the last. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to help you escape the winter doldrums, then look no further.

Martha has called off her engagement and is feeling a little lost as her sister Iris prepares for her own upcoming nuptials. But when a surprise turn of events has her jetting off to Greece alone, it is just the remedy her lost heart needs, and she finds solace and acceptance in the last place she ever expected.

I love a story set in an exotic locale, and Paxos serves as the most idyllic backdrop to one woman's journey of starting over. Recommended

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

I loved this book. It flowed along gently and the story was easy. A winner. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Martha gets to go to Paxos for 2 weeks when her sister Iris cancels her wedding after her fiance makes a pass at Martha. Things start to get complicated for Martha. Lovely descriptions of the island

This was such a delight read. You can't help but fall in love with all the characters. Martha just needs an escape and that is where she find the island. Everyone there is so charming and after some time she starts to fall in love with the area and the people. Along the way she meets Harry and Milo. A wonderful father son duo. Along the way she begins to fall in love. But she ends of leaving to go back home, leaving Harry and Milo. But Christmas is all about miracles. Will Martha get her happy ending?
You won't regret reading this story.

Helen McGinn books get better and better. I loved this . This was a brilliant read . A lovely story of sisters, weddings , Greece, and a beautiful love story and the perfect ending. I read it in a night . Could not put it down. Absolutely loved it.