Member Reviews
I’m a huge fan of Kate Frost, and this story does not disappoint. Lovely story set on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. A great cast of characters who are realistic and relatable. Great holiday read or a welcome escape from a grey winters day!
There are plenty of laughs to be had, in this new escapist romance from Kate Frost.
Xanthe and best friend Jude are both in the West End in musicals, which instantly git my attention in this story,
Xanthe though is to spend six weeks in Kefalonia sorting out what to do with the villa she has been left, while also curious as to why her family haven't been back to the island since she was 12 years old.
There are sexy Greek men, an irate mother next door, new friends a whole lot of fun as this story unfolds.
I absolutely loved Jude, who was hilarious pretty much in any scene he was featured in.
And Xanthe has some tough decisions to make over the course of this story.
I was totally gripped to see how things would turn out, and felt completely transported to the island of Kefalonia, which is somewhere I would love to visit myself.
Another gem of a book from this author.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My reaction to this book changed when I got to the ending. I liked it as another ‘finding your way’ kind of tale, but found some parts of the ending different from the average.
Xanthe is not too connected to her Greek heritage, especially since her mother actively distanced herself and her children from it. The same mother is not happy with Xanthe going to Greece to look into the house that was left to her.
Our protagonist is weary and looking to reassess her life. It is only once she gets to the house and starts to bring it back to life that the ball starts rolling. There are mistakes made and conversations that may or may not lead somewhere before things get serious. The romance builds slowly, but the reader is in no doubt as to the participants.
I liked the overall plot, and, as I mentioned earlier, I liked the ending. I would recommend this book to fans of the genre and would try another book by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This is a delightful read.
Where an inheritance gives new possibilities a chance.It has a cast of complex characters who draw you into their world and a gentle, realistic romance that makes you want the couple to find their happy place. It's a tale of family drama with betrayal, duty and tragedy
Xanthe, an actress in London, inherits her Godmother's house in Kefalonia, Greece. She heads there after her latest show wraps, and lick her wounds after her actor boyfriend breaks her heart.
I really enjoyed the characters and the descriptions of Kefalonia in Greece. It makes me want to return to Greece. Both she and Dimitrios were dealing with family drama. That was my least favorite part of the story.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC
Reeling from a difficult relationship break-up Xanthe needs to take a break from the intensity of her career and the social politics of her lifestyle. When she inherits a property in Kefalonia this seems like the perfect opportunity to escape for a while to get her head together.
However as she works on renovating the property she finds that she's not really welcomed by the locals, particularly by the brooding (but rather dishy) gardener next door...
A great holiday read, particularly for those who enjoy visiting Greece!
Kephalonia shimmers in the sunshine and is a beautiful setting for Xanthe's escape from her troubles. Whilst Xanthe is busy trying to renovate the villa which her godmother has left her, she meets a variety of locals. Some are warm and welcoming but several are the complete opposite. Romance is on the cards but not a smooth path.
The past hangs over the story and whilst it is clear that Xanthe wants to find out more about her Greek family, it is equally clear that her mother is reluctant for her to uncover the past. Xanthe has to decide whether she is ready to take a risk and step off her career path which she has followed since a teenager. With a mystery to uncover and romance bubbling away, this is a great holiday read.
In short: Sun, sea, romance
Kate Frost returns with a gloriously escapist contemporary romance you are going to love: A Greek Island Escape.
Xanthe Fox has the world at her feet: a fulfilling career, a gorgeous boyfriend and a bright future. Everything seems to be going brilliantly for her until heartbreak strikes and her entire world is turned on its head. In desperate need of a fresh start and an escape from her London life, Xanthe heads off to the majestic island of Kefalonia and the villa left to her by her godmother for a chance to regroup and rethink about her future. But will her Greek island escape be the fresh start she so desperately needs? Or will it just lead to more problems?
Renovating Villa Aster gives Xanthe a much-needed project that offers her perspective and purpose – even if she makes a mortifying mistake with a sexy builder who could give any Greek god a run for his money. Xanthe soon finds herself charmed by Kefalonia and as she begins to fall under the Greek island’s spell, she wonders whether she has found somewhere she belongs – or whether the lure of her London life will ultimately prove impossible to resist…
Sue Roberts and Mandy Baggot fans will be enchanted by Kate Frost’s A Greek Island Escape. A warm-hearted, witty and engrossing tale about starting over, falling in love and finding happiness that is so delicious you will want to guzzle it down in one go, A Greek Island Escape by Kate Frost is the ideal summer read that will keep you glued to your sun lounger.
This was an absolute dream of a read from the very beginning!
If the cover itself doesn’t draw you in, then the descriptions of the sumptuous food on offer, the idyllic scenery and the glimpse into the vitality of Greek life will surely win you over.
This is a story of family secrets, heartache and second chances, beautifully depicted by author Kate Frost.
I loved the inclusion of Agatha’s journals and how it pieced together what had happened over the years. I similarly thought Toula’s character was simply wonderful and the ideal conduit for bringing everyone together.
The blossoming relationship between Xanthe and Dimitris is pitched perfectly and I loved the epilogue which resolved any potential unanswered questions and pulled everything together.
An ideal summer holiday read.
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
This book was so good and it was so engrossing. I felt everything that Xanthe did. I love a good romance set in a lovely destination. I like the reminder that we should take more chances in life. This was a 5 star read.
Be prepared to be transported to the beautiful island of Kefalonia. The book is filled with beautiful flowers and you are taken to the sunny island.
Xanthe doesn’t realise just how much she needs a break until her godmother Agatha leaves her a villa in Greece. Xanthe has been acting for ten years and is questioning if it is truly her passion.
When in Greece she reconnects with her past and maps out her future. She finds out why her mum left Greece behind all those years ago and finds a way for her to move forward.
A fabulous read with a mix of Greek and English humour and characters. Xanthe meets a handsome neighbour but he’s grumpy and distant just like his mum Irida who never bothered to hide her dismay at Xanthe’s arrival. I absolutely love the contrasting characters but especially the stoic older generations and their younger counterparts.
A great summer read to transport you to your own Greek paradise. Be prepared to feel hunger throughout with all the delicious Greek cuisine…
I absolutely love reading books by this author as it's always guaranteed escapism to a beautiful destination and a wonderful story woven through the pages to keep me wanting to read. This book didn't disappoint and is the perfect summer read for either a beach holiday or a bit of self love and relaxation.
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Cheating spouse/s
• Strained family relationships.
Characters
Xanthe is at the peak of her career as a stage performer when her boyfriend blows her life apart in ways she didn’t expect. Not only does the latest revelation come at a horrible time for her personally, but she has some difficult choices to make that will likely have lasting impacts for years to come.
Dimitris hasn’t had an easy life. He’s difficult get to know or get along with. And his mother living with him makes his life even more challenging in so many ways.
Storyline
Xanthe’s life explodes in ways she doesn’t expect, drawing her to escape to Greece to try and find answers, to give her time to heal and make some big life decisions she’s been putting off. Along the way, she has to learn to deal with Dimitris, the next-door neighbour and his prickly mother who still lives with him.
Overall Thoughts
For most of this book, I thought this was more of a women’s fiction novel rather than a romance. Despite knowing that Kate writes travel escapism romance.
The challenges that Xanthe faced in such a short time pushed her to reconsider her life priorities. Both in career and in life.
These challenges are often difficult for women, especially when they have those with more traditional values pressuring them to live their life in a certain way. Regardless of how that way makes them feel.
I think one of my favourite things about this romance was the natural way that both Xanthe and Dimitris got to know each other, worked through their life difficulties and found their way to each other and the future they both want.
As usual, Kate’s ability to place us in the location is amazing and I love it.
The perfect summer read. I am not heading for Greece this summer, but now I certainly wished that I would be. Brilliant characters and excellent storytelling. And if you are not heading for Greece this year (like me) just read this book and it will feel like you are there…
This is a delightful, contemporary romance,
Where an inheritance gives new possibilities a chance.
When Xanthe’s romance very publicly goes wrong
Escaping to Kefalonia is something for which she now longs.
Kefalonia is where her Mum and her family grew
Then drama split her family through.
Since she was twelve they never went back
The exact reasons why is something Xanthe sadly lacks.
Her Godmother leaves Xanthe her home there,
Xanthe decides to go to show her care.
She’s ready for a break from roles in shows
What she’ll do next, no one knows!
With family dramas and secrets galore
Xanthe the past and present will explore
What happened to split her family so?
Her Mum won’t say but she wants to know.
With a close knit community with friendships and angst,
Maybe there’s also romance if she gives it a chance.
But not everyone is supporting or kind
And just who she can believe she needs to find!
A story where dreams may change
And opportunities life rearrange
Where misunderstandings cause mistrust
And finding the truth is a must!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
A Greek Island Escape by Kate Frost - is a cute beach read. Xanthe Fox is a West End star who needs a break from the hectic lifestyle, cue her villa in Greece vacation that her godmother gave her when she passed. The island, food, and people all sound amazing and while I don't love the entire story - it is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
#netgalley #netgalleyreview #agreekislandescape #katefrost
The author creates an emotional, sunny escape on the Greek Island of Kefalonia that is a pleasure to read. It has a cast of complex characters who draw you into their world and a gentle, realistic romance that makes you want the couple to find their happy place. It's a tale of family drama with betrayal, duty and tragedy. I like the insights into life in musical theatre, renovating a Greek cottage and life on the Greek island with its tight-knit and often tumultuous families. I enjoyed the vivid island and theatre life insights, the vibrant characters and the emotional journey Xanthe experiences.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This book is pure escapism. If you have visited beautiful Kefalonia, you will enjoy revisiting some gorgeous locations, and if you haven't then this book will make you want to hop on a plane.
Kate Frost has a gift of bringing characters and location alive and in this book she does both. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burning romance between Xanthe and her hostile gardener. Greece is a magical place that does help healing to take place. I also loved the ending. Without giving too many spoilers away, not the one you might expect but one which works.
So, be prepared to escape for a few hours to a magical place with some wonderful locations and characters.
A Greek Island Escape by Kate Frost was a beautifully written book that took my breath away. It was a lovely romantic feel good read and a great book to pass the time and dream of Sun, the blue sea and Sangria and dream of being at this beautiful Greek island Kefalonia which is a wonderful place to visit. This book made me wanting to go back there..........Kate made this book magical from the very first few pages till the very last and with lovely happy ending.
What more could you ask for...........This is a book for you!
Big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
Kate Frost's vivid descriptions whisk you away to the stunning Greek island of Kefalonia, providing the perfect backdrop for her engaging story. Xanthe, the lead character, is refreshing, and her journey unfolds with a mix of realism, charm and adventure. The supporting characters are great and bring the story to life; I was happy to spend time in their company. This book offers pure escapism and an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. The developing romance is sweet, and the plot keeps you interested. It's a satisfying read that ties up neatly, leaving no loose ends. After finishing, you'll likely find yourself daydreaming about a trip to Greece. Overall, it is a delightful read full of sunshine and warmth.