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Apokeri Bay: Escape to Greece with an irresistible page-turner about love, friendship, family secrets and heart-wrenching decisions
Escape to sun-drenched Greece for an irresistible adventure of love, friendship, hope and heartbreak. Anna Jenkinson has five days tucked away on a Greek island to decide her future. However, she unexpectedly falls in love with a quaint fishing village and seizes the chance for a new start. Away from her friends, former lover, and critical father.
But paradise isn't always what it seems, and Anna is unwittingly drawn into the schemes of a matchmaking café owner, a laid-back bike rental employee, and a man desperate to escape island life.
Navigating her way through a community full of complex characters with hidden agendas, family dramas, and destructive secrets and lies, Anna inadvertently triggers a series of life-changing events for some.
The question is – how far is she willing to go to protect her second chance at happiness?
The Apokeri Bay Trilogy follows a feisty protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, resilience, and forgiveness. If you’re a fan of women's contemporary fiction with twists and turns, don’t miss out. Apokeri Bay is a must-read. Grab your copy now and be transported to beautiful Lefkada.
But paradise isn't always what it seems, and Anna is unwittingly drawn into the schemes of a matchmaking café owner, a laid-back bike rental employee, and a man desperate to escape island life.
Navigating her way through a community full of complex characters with hidden agendas, family dramas, and destructive secrets and lies, Anna inadvertently triggers a series of life-changing events for some.
The question is – how far is she willing to go to protect her second chance at happiness?
The Apokeri Bay Trilogy follows a feisty protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, resilience, and forgiveness. If you’re a fan of women's contemporary fiction with twists and turns, don’t miss out. Apokeri Bay is a must-read. Grab your copy now and be transported to beautiful Lefkada.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2023
14 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Watson
4 books4 followersHi there, I hope you're having a lovely day. Would you like to know a little bit about me?
I'm a Geordie and have lived in North East England most of my life. My home in the Tyne Valley is in a former pit village and if I'm not writing or working you'll find me striding around the countryside with my partner and our extremely cute and characterful Miniature Schnauzer. If I’m not doing that, I’ll be pottering in the allotment, running or occasionally cycling.
I aim to write uplifting and thought-provoking Women's Contemporary Fiction and weave in what we all love about great books – the chance to step into the world of somebody else and share in their story. I took a leap of faith to become an author. My Apokeri Bay trilogy was born from a recurring dream about a feisty female protagonist who unexpectedly falls in love with a quaint seaside village on the Greek island of Lefkada. But I don't give my characters an easy life. They must overcome family frictions, dark secrets, guilt and betrayal to discover life-changing friendships, love and hope. And ultimately, learn how to embrace and overcome everything life throws at them.
Go to my Facebook author page to keep up to date with the latest news
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 19, 2024
Travel to the small Greek island of Lefkada and the fictional bay of Apokeri, where recent graduate Anna Jenkinson has finished her island hopping tour. She wants time to reflect on what to do next in her life. Should she move with her partner John to London, return to her home town or spread her wings further in the world?
As Anna settles into island life, under the benign patronage of artist Kristina Nilssen, she finds her place in the community, making friends with locals and expats alike. Only Daniel, a local business owner with ties to Kristina, is immune to her charms. But his employee Filip is smitten – and it seems Anna returns the favour. The pair are soon in a relationship, as Daniel glowers on.
But how will it all end?
This is not a typical holiday romance. While you can enjoy exploring Apokeri bay in all its Greek beauty and getting to know the mostly charming residents of the small but vibrant community, and thrilling to the will they/won’t they excitement of the Anna/Filip/Daniel triangle, you’re also challenged by some of the themes in the book.
For even the brightest Greek island has its dark side, and this is explored in the story of Filip’s family, especially his sister, Stefania. Family tensions are also to the fore in Anna’s own fractured relationship with her parents back in England.
There’s plenty drama, some danger and many dilemmas for Anna as the narrative progresses. At times she seems to act out of character, and not at all as a romantic heroine should, but the narrative allows the reader to see her grow.
Tantalisingly this book is the first of a proposed trilogy and though it wraps up with a strong resolution, there is more to come – for Anna, and for the reader. I await the next chapter with interest.
As Anna settles into island life, under the benign patronage of artist Kristina Nilssen, she finds her place in the community, making friends with locals and expats alike. Only Daniel, a local business owner with ties to Kristina, is immune to her charms. But his employee Filip is smitten – and it seems Anna returns the favour. The pair are soon in a relationship, as Daniel glowers on.
But how will it all end?
This is not a typical holiday romance. While you can enjoy exploring Apokeri bay in all its Greek beauty and getting to know the mostly charming residents of the small but vibrant community, and thrilling to the will they/won’t they excitement of the Anna/Filip/Daniel triangle, you’re also challenged by some of the themes in the book.
For even the brightest Greek island has its dark side, and this is explored in the story of Filip’s family, especially his sister, Stefania. Family tensions are also to the fore in Anna’s own fractured relationship with her parents back in England.
There’s plenty drama, some danger and many dilemmas for Anna as the narrative progresses. At times she seems to act out of character, and not at all as a romantic heroine should, but the narrative allows the reader to see her grow.
Tantalisingly this book is the first of a proposed trilogy and though it wraps up with a strong resolution, there is more to come – for Anna, and for the reader. I await the next chapter with interest.
January 6, 2024
Well, I'm obviously totally biased because I wrote the book! So feel free to totally disregard this review. For me this story transports you to Greece with its rich descriptions of Apokeri and Lefkada. This is wonderful if you're sitting on the sofa at home and it's a gloomy day outside! However, it's also a great holiday read and if you happen to be in Greece you can try some of the dishes mentioned. When it comes to the main characters they go through a wide range of emotions. Like all of us, they aren't perfect and have a rough ride at times. But there's also humour, friendship and love. I'd certainly recommend it (of course, I'd say that). But here's an editorial review from Living North Magazine to back up my claim!
"As temperatures dropped at home, I found sunshine in this page-turner which transports readers to glorious Greece. Five days on a Greek island should offer time for a young woman to determine her future and when Anna unexpectedly falls in love with the quaint seaside village of Apokeri, a whole new life could be on the cards. But all isn’t what it seems as she encounters complex characters and finds herself enveloped in secrets. The question is: how far will she go to protect her new love? This feel-good debut is perfect for all lovers of women’s contemporary fiction, or anyone seeking sunshine. Newcastle-born Jackie Watson is the author of the new Apokeri trilogy, and Apokeri Bay is the first in the series." Living North Magazine Jan 2024 edition
"As temperatures dropped at home, I found sunshine in this page-turner which transports readers to glorious Greece. Five days on a Greek island should offer time for a young woman to determine her future and when Anna unexpectedly falls in love with the quaint seaside village of Apokeri, a whole new life could be on the cards. But all isn’t what it seems as she encounters complex characters and finds herself enveloped in secrets. The question is: how far will she go to protect her new love? This feel-good debut is perfect for all lovers of women’s contemporary fiction, or anyone seeking sunshine. Newcastle-born Jackie Watson is the author of the new Apokeri trilogy, and Apokeri Bay is the first in the series." Living North Magazine Jan 2024 edition
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June 11, 2023Apokeri Bay, finally a book which has got me into reading again. Having a busy life with work and a family, it can be a balancing act to take time out to read. Add to that a short attention span, I give up quickly if I’m not hooked on a film or a book. I decided if I could find a book which is hard to put down, then I’m back in the game, this novel certainly delivers. It’s packed with intriguing characters, a very interesting village, along with twists & turns I couldn’t have foreseen. The author Jackie Watson, made it easy for me to picture the Greek setting, what the characters looked like, the scenery and the buildings. I imagined the characters emotions and also had plenty of my own. What a wonderful book and I highly recommend reading it.
February 21, 2024
📖BOOK REVIEW📖
Apokeri Bay by Jackie Watson
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@jackiewatson
@randomthingstours
This is such a beautifully written book that instantly had my imagination transporting me to Greece and now makes me want to book a holiday there to see it all in real life!
The story follows Anna who decides to embark on trip to Greece for 5 days to rest and recoup but ends up falling in love with Apokeri Bay and starting a whole new life away from home. However things quickly get out of hand as her appearance in the area starts a series of events that ruffles more than enough feathers and makes her question her life and her future.
I love the character building and the story line and was hooked straight away. I felt this book was so well rounded and such a lovely light hearted read that I was sad and surprised when it came to end which felt far too quickly as I was so immersed in the pages. There was a lot of emotions and it allowed me as a ready to also question myself and what I want from life.
Might be time for me to book a trip to Apokeri Bay!
Apokeri Bay by Jackie Watson
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@jackiewatson
@randomthingstours
This is such a beautifully written book that instantly had my imagination transporting me to Greece and now makes me want to book a holiday there to see it all in real life!
The story follows Anna who decides to embark on trip to Greece for 5 days to rest and recoup but ends up falling in love with Apokeri Bay and starting a whole new life away from home. However things quickly get out of hand as her appearance in the area starts a series of events that ruffles more than enough feathers and makes her question her life and her future.
I love the character building and the story line and was hooked straight away. I felt this book was so well rounded and such a lovely light hearted read that I was sad and surprised when it came to end which felt far too quickly as I was so immersed in the pages. There was a lot of emotions and it allowed me as a ready to also question myself and what I want from life.
Might be time for me to book a trip to Apokeri Bay!
February 13, 2024
Looking for your next summer read?
Straight away when you start this book your thrown into Annas hectic life and all its drama, on holiday in Greece now is the perfect time for her to think about life back home and sort it out....only Greece is starting to feel like home. Jackie's amazing detailed descriptions of Greece have you feeling like you're on holiday alongside the main character, I too fell in love with Apokeri even though i've never been!
With amazing characters this author gets you hooked into the story of their lives. Anna is such a fun fmc that you cant help but like. This is such a feel good read, I put this book down feeling lighter and happier than when I picked it up. This has a unique and fun story line as well as just enough drama to keep you entertained and wanting to read one. Along with all this previous mentioned goodness you get romance which is so well done and doesn't over power any of the story.
Straight away when you start this book your thrown into Annas hectic life and all its drama, on holiday in Greece now is the perfect time for her to think about life back home and sort it out....only Greece is starting to feel like home. Jackie's amazing detailed descriptions of Greece have you feeling like you're on holiday alongside the main character, I too fell in love with Apokeri even though i've never been!
With amazing characters this author gets you hooked into the story of their lives. Anna is such a fun fmc that you cant help but like. This is such a feel good read, I put this book down feeling lighter and happier than when I picked it up. This has a unique and fun story line as well as just enough drama to keep you entertained and wanting to read one. Along with all this previous mentioned goodness you get romance which is so well done and doesn't over power any of the story.
February 19, 2024
Anna’s life is an absolute whirlwind and I’m so glad that is been shared with us. There is so much happening within this book I'm amazed at how well and how beautifully it all fits in. Despite the fact that there is a lot going on it is not overwhelming and quite frankly is just brilliant, I found that I had to keep reading as I was very invested in Anna's new life in Apokeri.
I liked Anna our main character and think that her decision to stay in Apokeri was really brave, I liked the fact that she soon became a trusted friend to a lot of the locals and this is probably part of the reason so much happens and she is so busy with work and job offers! There was however, things that I was NOT expecting and I'd had no idea that it might even be coming, I was literally like - what?? Honestly it is just brilliant and it was really well written.
Some of the topics covered by our characters are really emotional and the emotions that the book was making me feel at times were so powerful as I was reading. The descriptions of Apokeri and the surrounding areas within the book are just beautiful and made me just want to jump on a plane to see it for myself!
I am VERY pleased that we know that there is another book so we can catch up with Anna as there is a lot of questions running round my brain right now and I can't wait to see the answers unfold - it's going to be brilliant!!
I liked Anna our main character and think that her decision to stay in Apokeri was really brave, I liked the fact that she soon became a trusted friend to a lot of the locals and this is probably part of the reason so much happens and she is so busy with work and job offers! There was however, things that I was NOT expecting and I'd had no idea that it might even be coming, I was literally like - what?? Honestly it is just brilliant and it was really well written.
Some of the topics covered by our characters are really emotional and the emotions that the book was making me feel at times were so powerful as I was reading. The descriptions of Apokeri and the surrounding areas within the book are just beautiful and made me just want to jump on a plane to see it for myself!
I am VERY pleased that we know that there is another book so we can catch up with Anna as there is a lot of questions running round my brain right now and I can't wait to see the answers unfold - it's going to be brilliant!!
July 24, 2023
A Fantastic Holiday Read!!!
I don’t know why but the only time I read in this genre is when I go on holiday and boy am I happy I picked Apokeri Bay for this holiday’s read. The writer transported me to Greece from the first page with all the beautifully vivid descriptions, then when you add to this the vibrant characters and a story that does not go where you expect it to, each twist giving me an oh or ah moment along with some unknown Geordie facts! Cannot wait to find out how Anna’s life and story continue in the next book, and when it comes out I will not be waiting for my next holiday to buy it!!
I don’t know why but the only time I read in this genre is when I go on holiday and boy am I happy I picked Apokeri Bay for this holiday’s read. The writer transported me to Greece from the first page with all the beautifully vivid descriptions, then when you add to this the vibrant characters and a story that does not go where you expect it to, each twist giving me an oh or ah moment along with some unknown Geordie facts! Cannot wait to find out how Anna’s life and story continue in the next book, and when it comes out I will not be waiting for my next holiday to buy it!!
October 8, 2023
What a read - it felt like I was actually in Apokeri Bay. So descriptive with each chapter in turn keeping you gripped, wanting to know what was happening next. Would definitely recommend this read, particularly if you're a fan of Greece and if you like an exciting love story with a bit of drama thrown in there to make it even more interesting! Fab attention to detail about the local food, flora and culture with a fun Geordie twist. Captivating and can't wait for the next book to find out what's next for Anna!
February 14, 2024
This is Book One of two in 'Apokeri Bay Series'. This is a well wrote book that will transport you to a beautiful village of Apokeri Bay. The way Jackie describes the village, characters and the island made you feel like you have been yourself and you can still picture it when you close your eyes. Because of Jackie's writing style it is a easy read and I felt like I've become friends with Anna, especially with being a Geordie myself. Even though Anna was only here in Apokeri Bay to try and sort her life out, it becomes more than that, she falls in love with everything about the place. Even though it's a beautiful place it does hide many secrets. With twists and turns along the way, will Anna still want to stay? I can't wait to read more from Jackie Watson
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews