What starts as a light summer read becomes an engrossing story you won't want to put down. Centring on the life of Calli, a young woman who seems to have everything (a healthy career as a photo-journalist with its accompanying travel opportunities, a loving family, and a longstanding, sensual relationship) the novel follows the rapid and unexpected unravelling of her life, and the journey of discovery that follows. As ever in Nadia Marks' books, family, relationships, and a story that winds back and forth through the years uniting different cultures and generations, feature strongly and bring engrossing detail, passion and delightful discoveries to the narrative. The perfect read for lockdown if you want to travel in your mind to warm climates and sample the embracing culture and delicious food of unfamiliar, welcoming island cultures. This is also far more than a summer read; as with all her books Nadia draws you in with a light touch until you are absorbed in her characters' lives and then touches your heart in a way which surprises, thrills, awakens and beats out the rhythm of our basic need for love and connection. I've read all four of Nadia's books and bought this one as soon as it was released; it has not disappointed. Recommendations: her other 3 books, Secrets Under The Sun, Between The Orange Groves, and Among The Lemon Trees.

Though some of the story threads are a little predictable, the book gives a real feeling for life in Crete. A very easy read.

This is the second of Nadia's books I have read, ordered the minute I finished the first. Now I have just purchased another. What a beautifully written book, I really felt I was there in Crete all the time. Such emotion and love blended into a story. A very powerful read without drowning the reader in historic facts, just enough to paint a realistic picture. One tip, keep a pen and paper handy to write down the names of the Greek dishes of food mentioned with such passion that I have since had to cook them and they are just a delicious as the description in the book. I wish Nadia would include a few recipes or better still write a cook book!

This book started off so promisingly with interesting and lively characters but about half way through I began to struggle with the lengthy descriptions of food and of numerous meals taken which added nothing to the story and several superfluous characters who seemed irrelevant

The plot thinned to almost nothing and in Part 2 the secret was easily worked out long before the end

I felt that the author was obliged to write a certain length of story when it could have finished easily two thirds of the waythrough

It is very well constructed, the characters believeable and it's sad, romantic and hopeful. Crete was very well described. Having been there, I realise the author must have researched her material very well. A very lovely read. I bought it "Used VGC".

Read this whilst sitting in the sun, by the pool, in Crete. Was just what I needed! Wouldn't normally be my kind of thing, but this was the perfect holiday read. And it gave me an insight into the food, too!

I really enjoyed reading Nadia's latest book. I learned so much about two islands I never visited through a very interesting and touching family story. It is an easy to read book but with a lot of depth.It is a book with a lot of love and optimism- this is what we need especially now in our isolation .

Agathy

The sense of both place and time were apparent, the characters believable and likable (apart from one - but no spoilers!) The smattering of Greek interspersed throughout (mainly 'mou' to denote familiarity) was just enough to remind the reader of the setting, and the gorgeous Greek islands of Ikaria and Crete were really brought to life yet not over-played to the point of being hackneyed. I loved the warm, sometimes heart-rending and believable story and really didn't want it to end. To that end, I will definitely be reading more of Ms Marks' books!

My family and I had just returned from a holiday in Greece that had included Crete. I read One Summer in Crete with these memories fresh in my mind. Tonight, I will meet with my book club at a Greek restaurant to discuss it. Yamas!

Great summer read. I loved reading about the culture of the smaller Greek islands, especially the culture of the ones where people live long, productive lives.

I Read this book when I was in Crete, two Weeks ago. So for me was the perfect book Read in a perfect place.

Nothing to dislike. Great book easy read!!!