Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an advanced copy via the publisher and Netgalley. Stella is not doing well at the start of the book. She might have given a little too much while taking care of her friend. When her marriage collapses she finds comfort in Crete. The island is full of interesting characters with their own secrets. In the end Stella finds what she was looking for.
This might not be the story you expected looking at the description and the cover. But it is an OK read. Definitely would recommend if you have a few hours to kill.

I did not enjoy this book.
Set on the gorgeous greek island of Crete I was expecting a light hearted, easy, summer romance but I was wrong.
To start with, this book is the complete opposite of a holiday read, it’s depressing and boring. It constantly talks about Stela’s friend that died of cancer, which I find so depressing to read about when it’s meant to be a summer read.
I also found the amount of detail & description of Stella’s cuts and bruises a bit weird and random.
I also didn’t like the repeated use of bad language, for me it ruined the book and was totally unnecessary.
I would not recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

Hard topics are covered in this book but beautifully wrapped up. Gorgeous backdrop of Greece and just a heartfelt story come to life.

I did not enjoy this book. It was hard to finish cause I was really annoyed with Stella. Jon was a walking red flag. I however did like Louise.

A beautiful backdrop for this book, however not a relaxing trip for the characters. I was hoping for a summer romance but did not find one in this story. It did, however, make me want to book a trip to Crete ASAP

I have read most of Emma Burstall’s books and particularly associate her with Cornwall. This novel is set in Crete and is far more than an easy summer read. Difficult themes of grief, loss, marital breakdown and the impossibility of teenagers are addressed. All the characters are well drawn although they do make some odd decisions. Beautiful Crete is almost a character in its own right. Recommended.

I enjoyed this book, It brought me to a beautiful Island in Greece. Burstall does an excellent job of painting the picture of what the Island would look like. She also portraying the characters where even I felt annoyed by Jon. This is a nice beach read especially if your going on vacation.

While it was easy to read- it wasn’t my favorite. I wanted a little more meat in it. I loved the premise of the old villa knowing who needed to stay there and helping lost souls find their way. The cast of characters were somewhat shallow and I wanted more from them. The end of the book picked up and I loved how it ended.

The premise is undeniably promising, and it kicks off with a strong start. The vivid descriptions of Greece—its people, food, and stunning sights—were exceptional. I felt as though I could pack my bags and book a flight right to the villa! I still might… as long as the characters from this story aren’t around.

The main character, Stella, is recently separated from her husband and grieving the loss of her best friend to cancer. She decides to take her children, along with her second-best friend and her children, on a two-week vacation that could have been paradise. Unfortunately, Stella’s indecisiveness and tendency to whine make it impossible for anyone to relax. Her inability to say no even results in an unwelcome houseguest, who really should’ve been left behind for everyone’s sake.

While I absolutely adored the vibrant villagers, the vacationers—Stella included—really dragged the story down. Their misery was a bit over-the-top, especially in contrast to the beautifully written village setting and its enchanting locals. In fact, I found myself far more invested in the villa’s backstory and its charming proprietor than in the main plot.

Also, a heads-up for fans of spicy content: The unexpected steamy scene near the end felt very out of place, especially after a lengthy and odd conversation about scabs and bruises. Not sure why that detail was necessary—it left me more puzzled than anything.

A short summer read, perfect for an escape into a light yet atmospheric Greek seaside setting. However, the tone of the story is noticeably less uplifting than the cover suggests. The character development feels somewhat uneven, with certain relationships and actions feeling strained or unconvincing and overall some strange choices. The ending felt unsatisfying - it seems rushed and falls flat, leaving several threads unresolved.

BENEATH THE LEMON TREES
Emma Burstall

After the loss of a friend a woman retreats to Crete. To soak in the sunshine, the fresh air, and the breathtaking views. On a whim, she invites a man to join her and he surprisingly says yes.

What happens after that will surprise both him and her. The only one not surprised will be you, the reader.

Let’s talk about why this book didn’t work.

I have read through this book twice. I thought it was my fault at first that I didn’t connect with the material but upon reading it the second time I realized it wasn’t me.

I have no connection with the material at all. I don’t feel inspired by the storyline and am not interested in the characters.

It’s a little like perusing a new restaurant's menu at the front door and finding that nothing sounds good.

You never think:
“What is wrong with me why don’t I like the sound of anything here?”
What you’d probably say is:
“I’m not interested.”
“Let’s try something else.”

This is your reminder to put the book down if you’re not enjoying it. It’s ok. Even if everyone else likes it. Even if it’s popular, the book of the summer, or the book of the year. If it’s not for you let it be.

You learn as much from what is not for you as you do from what is. Everything is information.

I will try to articulate what I didn’t like about the book.

The procession is obvious. The integers of the equation are nothing new. Nothing inspiring. And when you put all of these words together one after the other, it is an inevitability instead of a choice.

It was not for me, probably not for you. I don’t recommend it.

Thanks to Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the copy and the opportunity to provide feedback!

BENEATH THE LEMON TREES…⭐️⭐️

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Beneath The Lemon Trees' by Emma Burstall

Well blooming heck Emma where have you been hiding all my life?!?! You absolutely blew it out of the ball park!!! Genuine, this has got to be one of the BEST novels I have ever read!!! This may be the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely will not be my last!!! It is also an absolutely fantastic memoir and the first book of a series!!!

OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous page-turner and I really really REALLY hope that you will be turning this into a series as I don't just want but actually NEED to return to these amazing characters and stunning settings!! I absolutely devoured this stunner in a couple of hours in one sitting!! There was no way I was putting it down as I was just so absorbed!! I genuinely promise you will not regret it and it will turn a frown upside down and brighten up your day if not more!! I have read over a hundred books this year already but this has just flown to my favourite of the year if not EVER! Honestly if you are ever in need of a break and fancy the gorgeous Greek Island of Crete then grab this stunner and prepare to be whisked away on a beautiful holiday!!! The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heart-warming. There was plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I absolutely devoured it in one sitting while mainly sitting in the garden with the sun warming my legs at the same time Stella was being warmed by the sun in Greece making it feel like I was there even more than Emma's evocative storytelling did. The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heart-warming, devastating and had love, relationships, family, grief, friendship and hope all going on in this beautiful atmosphere. It felt like a lovely break away from Wales!! I loved how the story ended and I would love to read more about the life on this gorgeous Greek Island. I was absolutely devastated when I came to the end of this book as I was truly whisked away to Greece feeling the sand on my feet and looking at the stunning views. I absolutely loved the gorgeous atmosphere and the warm embrace of everyone in the rescue. The storyline was so heart-warming and it was such an easy and relaxing read with moments of laughter, some tension and sadness but overall happiness. It ended absolutely perfectly and I cannot wait to read more books by this fantastic author!

What an absolutely gorgeous book!! I cannot wait to go on my next holiday with the very talented Emma Burstall. I absolutely adored being in Greece but I also enjoyed learning and reading about Stella and meeting new friends who I absolutely adored!!! An absolutely unforgettable holiday!!!

The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Stella's character grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. I absolutely adored Stella and was completely invested in her through every single page until the very end of the book. She is such a likeable person that she is definitely one of those characters that I am gutted she is fictional. My fingers and toes were crossed throughout for her to get her much deserved happily ever after. Emma's amazing evocative writing skills brought her to life as much as possible and they she leapt out of the pages as well as the stunning atmosphere and the rest of the characters!!! Anyway, I best not say anymore as don't want to give anything else away for future readers!! It's just so easy talking about this fantastic book and so much I want to tell you all about but I really need to control myself!!! Needless to say I absolutely adored each and every character each for a different reason. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and cannot wait to get stuck into more books by this incredible author!

Well done Emma on an absolutely gorgeous book!!! I will definitely be looking for your books any time I need an amazing story to get lost in!!! This is exactly why I would like to welcome you to my favourite authors club!

Overall an absolutely perfect light hearted, stunning unputdownable page turner that will sweep you off your feet and land you in Greece.

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This was a great story by Emma Burstall. I saw it and just had to get my hands on it. I love this cute cover! The story was slow at first and I thought I had made a mistake in picking this one up but I am glad I did!
The story follows Stella on her journey through grief. (If you know, you know.) I thought Burstall did an excellent job in the showing the damage grief can do to someone and how it can have major impacts on their life. 

I’d recommend this story i you enjoy complicated situations, travel to a small seaside town. family and friend relationships. This book does contain mentions of cancer, grief, suicide, psychic abilities, stalking/harrassment, and minor sex scene It does get off to a slow start as well. However, if that doesn’t bother you definitely check this one out.

A vacation to a lovely villa in Greece should have been idyllic except it’s fraught with tension and strife.
I thought Stella was way too accommodating to certain people and was foolhardy to sacrifice her family for another, even if grief.
I was all over the place emotionally while reading this book.
I loved the descriptions of the people and landscape of the area because that area is on my bucket list to visit.
I loved April with all the kids because I thought she added some much needed lightness to the story and she was just breezy and informal.
All the food mentioned sounded divine.

Definitely recommend Beneath the Lemon Trees, if you love an escapist novel set on a beautiful Greek Island. Great characters, all going through a life changing situation and how they all deal with it. Left me longing to get on a plane to the lemon groves and sunshine

after Stella's friend dies from cancer, she feels she needs to look after her friend's husband and children. she books a vacation to the Greek island of Crete. lovely setting and story.

CW: cancer, death, su!cide attempt, mental health crises, separation

After the death of her best friend, Stella's life is spiralling. In amongst her own grief, she feels compelled to look after her friend's widowed husband, Jon, and child, to the detriment of her own family. After splitting from her husband, Stella and her children retreat to the Villa Ariadne in Crete to reconnect and recover, alongside friends, in a magical location.

Stella is unsettled by a local's prophesy for her; and when Jon turns up at the villa as well, Stella finds herself in an impossible predicament.

Torn between her own grief and her people-pleasing tendencies, Stella's world implodes.

Stella is clearly overwhelmed and has more and more demands put upon her - a relatable position - to the point she doesn't feel she is able to just be herself. Her eldest child is angry and resentful at the family breakdown; her friend Louise shows a very different side of herself in the tense atmosphere, and Stella feels guilted into tolerating more than she should. She feels she should be everything to everyone, papering over her feelings with a brittle mask.

I wasn't thrilled at the start of the book when it was implied Stella had been the victim of DV, particularly after the reader meet her husband. We learn through flashbacks that her views of the recent past are unreliable and distorted .

The Villa Ariadne and the scenes in Porto Liakadia are an antidote to the heavy topics Stella is dealing with, and introduce some fun characters that could easily have their own books. These balmy moments help Stella focus on where she is really needed, and when things come to a head, she knows where her priorities lie.

There is warmth and heart in this book, alongside heartbreak and frustration - the author treads a very fine line to balance them both.

This was a fast read, but it's not a light beach romance. There are some very heavy topics addressed.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This whisked me away to the Greek island of Crete, and it felt like a little escape, as the author brought the characters and the setting to life. I had the feeling that some of the characters wanted to escape from something too. I really liked the portrayals of friendship, particularly Stella and Louise.

One of the themes in the story was grief, and I found it to be bittersweet. I also found this to be a little bit of a tearjerker in places, but it made me smile too. It didn't take long to read, so it may be a good choice if you're looking for a relaxing read, that's easy to finish in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC! *Beneath the Lemon Trees* by Emma Burstall is a heartwarming and evocative tale set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Burstall's writing beautifully captures the essence of the landscape and the emotional intricacies of her characters. The novel’s engaging plot is driven by themes of love, family, and self-discovery, making it a poignant and uplifting read. While some plot twists may seem predictable, the charm of the setting and the depth of the characters make it a rewarding experience. Overall, it’s a delightful escape that leaves a lasting impression of warmth and hope.