The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna by Erin Palmisano is a heartwarming, charming novel that explores the power of community, food, and second chances. Set in a small town, the story follows Ellie, who inherits a struggling Greek taverna and works to restore it to its former glory while uncovering family secrets. Palmisano’s vivid descriptions of food and setting immerse readers in the Mediterranean atmosphere, while her relatable characters and emotional depth make for an engaging and uplifting read. This is a delightful tale of love, resilience, and the importance of following one’s heart.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. Unforunately I DNF this book as it wasn't the right pace for me.

I thought that this was an enjoyable read. It was a little predictable but is still able to get you in the Christmas spirit.

My first book by this author. Such a lovely read i was immersed from the beginning. The story is about female friendships and finding there way in life. Love the setting in Naxos, I felt like I was on the little greek island. The food description was making my mouth water, so beautifully described.

I couldn’t get into this book. It immediately read a bit childish in the words used and the way the sentences were structured. I did not end up finishing it.

Thank You to NetGalley, the author and Headline accent for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest and completely impartial review.

I have mixed feelings about this story. I loved it. I really did. BUT I was left lacking a little bit. I loved Jory, Cress and Mago - and the extended characters like Arie and Liz and Kate...I wanted more from Nefeli and Shane and Selene. We were given bits, hints and snippets but nothing became more substantial. Even Jory's relationship with Shane was lacking in any oompf for me. I know they had sizzles but I didn't reading it. And I don't mean smut, I mean the romance and happiness. The concept of the Panamia women being almost magical was lovely. Cress with her baking and Mago with her sewing. Nefeli's was a little unclear and I thought she could have been so much more. My favourite part was the friendship linked throughout this story and whilst not a feminist in any way, it was fantastic to see the women all pull together for the little taverna.

Don't get me wrong though - I will happily pick up another book about Cress and the girls! I just probably won't remember this so clearly next month without a small reminder.

What a really special little book this is, what a stunning story all about the magic of female friendship, and finding your way in life.

And mixed in what that there is a lot of truly delicious sounding food and some simply amazing characters, each of which has their own special gift.

With a stunning setting of Naxos, the little village of Potamia is a brilliant place for the stories of all of these wonderful women to merge and intertwine.

We have Cressida who bakes feelings into her food, Mago who is able to see just how fabrics go together, there is Jory who comes to Naxos and has the ability to draw people together and make people feel at home. It's is these three specifically that come together to start a new chapter in all of their lives.

There really is a touch of magical realism in this, mixed with a rather enjoyable writing style which really lifts this story to one that touched my heart and had me devouring reading it.

A really enjoyable debut novel and I'm already interested in seeing what this author writes next.

Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This seems to be a debut novel as I can find no other title for this author. I can barely believe that as it's an incredibly accomplished book.

The story is taking place on
Potamia, a little village on the Greek island of Naxos. Jory is an American tourist who becomes Cressida's first guest in her little guesthouse and taverna. Cress's husband died last year and she is struggling with paying the mortgage but has lost confidence in dealing with the business on her own. Jory decides to stay and with the help of elderly neighbour Mago they open the taverna - but it might not be enough to stay afloat.

Now what we need to know is that there is a spring that gives the women who drink from it special powers - Mago can create clothes from images in her mind and Cressida can bake her feelings into bread, like making bread into an aphrodisiac. Jory also has a special gift - to make a home and make others feel at home wherever her wanderlust takes her.

Then there is Shane, the bartender who Jory falls head over heels in love with - but is he too good to be true?

This book seems to have magic sprinkled all over it. It is choc full of quirky, lovable characters, romance, great friendships between strong women, and food - so much mouth-watering Greek food.
A delightfully charming, well-paced summer read with a gorgeous cover.

4.5 stars

This is a good read but hard to review. Takes a bit of getting into. Jody loves to travel and she ends up on a Greek island where weird things happen with the woman who drink from the spring . She has two ace friends in America. She goes on a journey of discovery and falls in love. She helps out a widow with following her dream that her and her deceased husband had in pending a Greek tavern . Lots of yummy food descriptions . Read it

Jory is always on the move and somehow finds herself on Naxos as the only guest of Cressida
. She hasn't opened the taverna or guesthouse since her husband Leo died the year before. Definitely different and lovely details of Naxos

A beautiful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Naxos. Filled with love, joy, friendship and a little bit of magic. The novel was well written and had great characters and a gorgeous plot line that drew me in. Thank you to NetGalley, Headline and the author for the chance to review.