Escape to the beautiful Greek Island of Hydra with this moving novel, filled with family secrets and romance.
A quick but powerful read. Gripping from page 1 right up until the ending. One to recommend. 5* from me. My thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

Set on the Greek Island Hydra and you can just see the picturesque surroundings as you listen. This has a little bit of everything - family drama, secrets, beautiful lyrics, sadness and the feel good factor along with many the regret. The narration was spot on and brought that something extra (you’ll see what I mean when you listen). I loved all the characters but will admit it took me awhile to warm to Georgia. It’s a fast paced, eventful listen that keeps you on your toes. Really enjoyed this one more than I thought.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #TheIslandLoveSong

4.5*

Novel of family set on HYDRA

Hydra: “It was such a beautifully romantic corner of Greece, almost from another era, as if time had stood still. No cars, only mules, or a dreaded boat to provide transport….”

Hydra – the island – is very firmly placed at the heart of this novel as family secrets start to unfurl.

Ella and Georgia are sisters and they are on their way to Hydra, an island that is very important to their family. They have their mother’s ashes carefully packed and they intend to scatter her ashes on the sea off the island. Accompanying them is Phoenix, Georgia’s daughter.

Georgia has booked them into a 5* luxury resort, set back, requiring boat access and this 2 week sojourn will enable them to bond over the sad death of their much-loved mum.

Ella had a shattered romance in earlier years and was ghosted by her then soul-mate in the late 1990s, before that was even a thing – she was about to join her musician boyfriend Harrison on tour, she had chosen to give up her place at college but as she went to find him at King’s Cross, he had disappeared into the ether. His growing fame over subsequent years was a constant reminder of their passionate affair, and in order to outrun her still very strong feelings for him, she built her career as a photographer, touring the world, never settling down. Georgia became a home maker for Phoenix and has led a more traditional life. Two very different sisters and at the heart of their relationship is a heart-rending secret that very few know about.

As they spend time together and try and juggle their different temperaments, events conspire to bring so many secrets out into the open.

This is very much a story of family and deeply hidden secrets which are gradually exposed. The author handles the development well – life shattering revelations could potentially be explosive on family dynamics – but here things are soon assimilated and smoothed over and new adjustments are made.

This is an enjoyable story with heart and positivity. I listened to this as an audiobook, beautifully narrated by Kristin Atherton, and I was always keen to pick up after a break, where I left off.

A good and engrossing read that will transport you to Hydra.

This audiobook offers an engaging exploration of Greece’s captivating history and culture. The narrator brings the rich tapestry of Greece’s past to life with a clear and engaging delivery, weaving together ancient myths, historical events, and modern-day insights. The narration enhances the experience with vivid descriptions and well-paced storytelling, making it both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just curious about Greece's enigmatic allure, this audiobook provides a fascinating journey through the country’s most intriguing secrets and stories.

I listened to the audiobook of this story. I enjoyed listening to it.

I liked hearing all the things the sisters kept hidden from people close to them slowly revealing themselves. And how despite the bad things that happened to them they managed to find forgiveness. I also liked that the story was emotional and funny in some parts. The music in it was also lovely. I enjoyed the way the characters felt real as they were well written and had personalities.

I didn't like that it was a bit too drawn out though and by the end it felt like there wasn't enough time to enjoy moments when there were just pretty normal times without so many life changing secrets revealing themselves and major events happening.

The narrator was amazing and was good at helping set the scenes in the story.

Overall it was a great story and I enjoyed it but would have liked it to be less drawn out so that there would be more simple scenes without too much drama.

Thanks Netgalley & Harper Collins UK Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my thoughts on it.

Really enjoyed listening to this. The narrator was fab and the story itself was heartwarming, but bittersweet.

Lots of unexpected turns but thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to listen to this one!

Absolute 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 story!
I listened to the audiobook version and it had me right from the start.
It's my first book from Emma Cowell and I really love the way she writes. I liked the history of the Greek island Hydra, the heritage, culture and then some dysfunctional family issues thrown in.

I cried several times, I thought the way the adoption issues were dealt with were very raw and real.

I liked all of the characters, liked how they developed and how they each had their own stuff going on, although it was generally involving someone else's secret.

I'd definitely read another by this author.
I liked the narrator, I thought she was perfect for the story, and I liked the music thrown in - first time I've heard this in an audiobook and a brought it to life.

A perfect summer read, with a bit more to it!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m going to make myself very unpopular with this review. I fear. So firstly I’d like to make it clear I’m definitely in the minority. If writing were paint by numbers they should’ve connected to make something truly beautiful, yet there was a massive disconnect for me, truthfully I don’t know exactly what it was so I’m just going to have to put it down to being a me thing.

Set on a beautiful Greek island, family coming together to try to reunite and lay their mother to rest, secrets from the past, rediscovering old loves, the myth and legend surrounding the island, it really should’ve been everything I wanted and I tried really hard to love it……

There is no issue with the writing other than it felt a little disjointed at times, the narration was nice if perhaps a little flat, I so appreciated the singing and songwriting. But yes, I don’t know why it didn’t land.

2.5 rounded up as I’m sure it’s a me problem!

Thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the chance to review this audiobook.