Who fancies an island getaway right now as autumn sets in? That’ll be me, me and me!

Duska, a new mum and receptionist welcomes guests to The Ionian Escape, a hotel on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. There’s disgraced soap star Miranda Valance who is hoping this island getaway will enable her to salvage her career. Then there’s delightful 82 year-old Evelyn Chambers who has an important task to undertake on an island that holds precious memories for her. Finally, there’s a couple in the 60s– Frank and Leonora (Nelly) Neale and the distance between them is clear for all to see. How much longer can Nelly put up with her renowned celebrity chef husband’s behaviour? He certainly makes an impression on arrival at Duska’s desk. That’s just for starters as several characters tell their stories in the warm September. So sit back, relax and transport yourself to this island escape.

This book is just what I need and I don’t think I realise just how much until I settle into it! I so appreciate the holiday vibe that Lucy Diamond creates as she transports her readers to this beautiful island. She uses the various locations so well on a tour around some glorious spots via Miranda and Nelly and it’s a really satisfying experience and read.

The characters and their back stories are really interesting, there’s definitely meat on the bones of all their experiences and they are handled sympathetically and well. Like Miranda, I fall in love with Evelyn who works her magic on Miranda who grows and grows as a character as the book progresses. The stories make you sad or angry on their behalf but you are left with hope and a smile.
I like the way the author keeps tantalisingly switching the characters perspective as it leaves you ploughing on, wanting answers and more.

Overall, I’m left feeling as if I’ve departed chilly autumnal England for a most enjoyable piece of escapism in a magical place.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Lucy Diamond for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Well, I have just finished reading this latest novel from Lucy Diamond, and I feel quite bereft. I could have continued this story, with these characters for so long.
The story is based in a hotel on the island of Kefalonia, and tells the story of Evelyn, Miranda, Nelly and Claudia. Women who have all found themselves in the hotel and discover things about themselves and about love and friendship.
A beautiful story, set in a beautiful location, this has me smile and cry.
Another great read from one of my favourite authors.

I loved The Island Getaway, a perfect holiday read. Lots of characters stories, interwoven around a beautiful hotel and setting. I want to visit Kefalonia now! Highly recommend.

what a great holiday read! or a book to enjoy over the winter to remind you of those sunny days. i devoured this book ij one day sat round the pool!
i was a fun and easy story with some great characters, and a wonderful setting.
a fab book to lose yourself in

Just perfect!! Lots of stories about a whole load of people going to the beautiful island of kefalonia. The stories intertwined in such a lovely way, the island is described brilliantly making you want to jump on a plane and head out there. I sobbed through one part of the book, it was so heart rendering however the rest of the book is so uplifting and the sad bit was essential to the overall narrative. Needless to say I loved every part of story, as always a 5* novel from Lucy Diamond, gorgeous!!

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

I absolutely loved this book, but I guess that reading it having visited Kefalonia & Ithaca recently really made it resonate just that little bit more. I found myself unexpectedly moved during a particular storyline - no spoilers- but overall it’s uplifting, funny, and overall a cracking read.

This was a wonderfully relaxing read set in a hotel in Kefalonia featuring three female guests who are each at a pivotal moment in their lives, in amongst their stories are chapters told by many of the different staff members which add a really extra element to the book. The three main characters are each so different, there’s three different generations but also have such contrasting things going on in their lives. Miranda seems like a very difficult person at the start but as her story unfolds you start to wonder whether she’s actually more of a victim; Evelyn has an important task to undertake and we learn about Nellie through her diaries from years ago. Each has a story with strong roots but balanced out in the beautiful surroundings they feel less negative than they might have done in other settings mak8ng this a lovely uplifting read despite the bitter sweetness.

The book features snippets of 4 women's lives at various stages. The common link being the beautiful Greek Island of Kephalonia. They all stay in the same Hotel for a healing holiday due to broken romances.
The sun brings them peace. Infact un called for romances creep in so fingers crossed for them.
A lovely read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Unputdownable, a well deserved 5*

Set during late summer, this is Ideal winter reading. The Island Getaway follows the lives of guests and staff during two weeks at the family-run Ionian Escape Hotel.

Most guests arriving at the hotel look forward to a relaxing and uncomplicated holiday, others have very personal and sad reasons for being in Kafalonia.

Soap Star Miranda is hiding from the press due to her recent bad behaviour, grieving widow Evelyn is revisiting places she knew in happier times, and Frank's wife, Nelly, can no longer ignore his hedonistic behaviour.

As the days pass individual life stories unfold with alternate chapters for each character, I was full of anticipation for what would happen next.

Total escapism, after reading this, every reader will be planning their own Ionian escape.

Recommended for a feel-good and satisfactory read.

With thanks to Ella of Quercus Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

This book gave me the perfect escapism from this wet and windy weather. This was just what I needed!

The story is from multiple characters who are either staying, or working, at The Ioanian Escape in Kefalonia.

An Elderly ex cello player, a disgraced actress and a TV Chef who is star under fire for bad behaviour towards woman in the 90’s

Can The Ioanian Escape be the get-away all these charecters need to reassess their life or will things only get worse.

Unlikely friendships, funny moments and heart-breaking parts too. Lucy Diamond has you hooked from the start. Not one to be missed!

Loved this book! Lucy Diamond always writes great stories and this was fabulous. Set on the island of Kefalonia; the Ionian escape hotel is busy….everyone on holiday there has a reason for this trip; many are there to escape their lives. I couldn’t put this book down; I really loved it.

Another wonderful Lucy Diamond book
This one was a bit different lots of different characters and individual stories all linked together by the Ionian Escape hotel in Kefalonia
The characters were all so interesting and different each facing their own demons.
I really enjoyed my greek vacation

Always love reading Lucy Diamond’s books and this one didn’t let me down. On a wet October week it was lovely to escape through the book to the Greek island of Kefalonia and a five star luxury hotel there.
Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the guests or hotel employees - some in the present and one in the past. At first it’s unclear how all these disjointed stories relate to each other…..but of course they do eventually. There are some well written characters with whom most readers will be able to relate as they cover a wide spectrum of ages and situations.
This is a really feel good tale and I’m pleased to say that even though there is death and divorce everything is handled sensitively and there are happy endings. Very satisfying,
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me a free advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

You could never go wrong with a Lucy Diamond novel! She takes you away impeach and every novel and always has you laughing smiling and crying! I loved the escape vibe to this novel and the richness of the characters and ages. It’s refreshing to see an older woman featured and that’s it never too late to fulfill our promises and wishes. That really stuck with me and I think is the message of the book