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Summer at the Santorini Bookshop
Don’t miss the new novel from the bestselling author of The Little Venice Bookshop!A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2024
1202 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
August 3, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ women’s fiction
Setting ~ Santorini, Greece
Publication date ~ April 11, 2024
Page Count ~ 343 (36 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Georgia Maguire
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ island life, fake dating, slow burn, no steamage
Evie has lost her job. She heads to Santorini to help out her gran, Floretta, in her bookshop, while she searches for her dream job, which is to find hidden gems in the romance genre and turn them into movies.
Being a bookshop based book it's full on with bookish talk. They come up with great ideas to drum up business. It’s very predictable, but that’s perfectly fine because I’d probably be mad if it turned out any other way. Slow moving, too, but such is island life, I suppose. Speaking of the island, sounds like quite a lovely place to be.
Regarding the fake dating with Georgios ~ I wasn't a super big fan of it with this one. I can't say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but I was not a fan of Evie's reaction at the end. At times, too, she was a little much and comes off immature. I can't say I was feeling their chemistry, but on paper they seem perfect for each other.
There's a nice lot of side characters, except one, there's always gotta be one that makes you mad. Gran is awesome and I absolutely loved their relationship. Makes me miss my Gram, who I called Germ (grrr, not with the jer sound), but she hated it because of the spelling 🤣. She's a little crazy with being married 9 times and all, and she's quite the story teller. Gran, not my Gram. Roxy was an absolute delight, as well, and I hope she gets her own love story. And who wouldn't love 6 rescue dogs that steal wallets, pee all over the place and toot like it's a mustang starting up?
Overall, I think this will definitely appeal to those that enjoy a summery bookshopy type of read....so perfectly titled it seems.
Little niggle ~ when the character is American I feel like the spellings should be the American way, not British.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ women’s fiction
Setting ~ Santorini, Greece
Publication date ~ April 11, 2024
Page Count ~ 343 (36 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 20 minutes
Narrator ~ Georgia Maguire
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ island life, fake dating, slow burn, no steamage
Evie has lost her job. She heads to Santorini to help out her gran, Floretta, in her bookshop, while she searches for her dream job, which is to find hidden gems in the romance genre and turn them into movies.
Being a bookshop based book it's full on with bookish talk. They come up with great ideas to drum up business. It’s very predictable, but that’s perfectly fine because I’d probably be mad if it turned out any other way. Slow moving, too, but such is island life, I suppose. Speaking of the island, sounds like quite a lovely place to be.
Regarding the fake dating with Georgios ~ I wasn't a super big fan of it with this one. I can't say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but I was not a fan of Evie's reaction at the end. At times, too, she was a little much and comes off immature. I can't say I was feeling their chemistry, but on paper they seem perfect for each other.
There's a nice lot of side characters, except one, there's always gotta be one that makes you mad. Gran is awesome and I absolutely loved their relationship. Makes me miss my Gram, who I called Germ (grrr, not with the jer sound), but she hated it because of the spelling 🤣. She's a little crazy with being married 9 times and all, and she's quite the story teller. Gran, not my Gram. Roxy was an absolute delight, as well, and I hope she gets her own love story. And who wouldn't love 6 rescue dogs that steal wallets, pee all over the place and toot like it's a mustang starting up?
Overall, I think this will definitely appeal to those that enjoy a summery bookshopy type of read....so perfectly titled it seems.
Little niggle ~ when the character is American I feel like the spellings should be the American way, not British.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
July 8, 2025
This was my first audio by Rebecca Raisin was looking forward to this book & I wasn’t disappointed the characters had me in stitches was a light book that kept me entertained from beginning to end. The narration by Georgia Maguire was excellent she narrated so well.
Evie needs a fresh start after losing her job as a book scout, she hears her eccentric grandmother who is a septugenerian has taken over a bookshop I. Santorini Greece 🇬🇷 she jumps at the chance.
Evie is told by her mother that grand bookshop is in trouble as she can’t keep up the rent so she helps with the townsfolk to get it up & running… Gran has a plan for Evie she wants her to fake date Georgious she refuses but decides to go out with him, meanwhile the bookshop is full of bibliophiles which Gran is happy with she makes lots of moolah, would you believe she has been married 9 times & all her husbands have never been seen again, as for Evie & Georgious will they or won’t they make it work will love finally be real.
All the atmospheric stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Evie needs a fresh start after losing her job as a book scout, she hears her eccentric grandmother who is a septugenerian has taken over a bookshop I. Santorini Greece 🇬🇷 she jumps at the chance.
Evie is told by her mother that grand bookshop is in trouble as she can’t keep up the rent so she helps with the townsfolk to get it up & running… Gran has a plan for Evie she wants her to fake date Georgious she refuses but decides to go out with him, meanwhile the bookshop is full of bibliophiles which Gran is happy with she makes lots of moolah, would you believe she has been married 9 times & all her husbands have never been seen again, as for Evie & Georgious will they or won’t they make it work will love finally be real.
All the atmospheric stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
April 11, 2024
Fake dating her way to love AND saving her grandmother’s bookshop?!
Evie may need a fresh start, but I’m sure this isn’t what she had in mind - a mercy mission to rescue an 83-year-old woman in Megalochori, Santorini. The push and pull of books may have gotten Evie to Santorini, but can a living Greek God, Georgios, her grandmother’s husband’s grandson, be the cause of her staying? Or the push she needs to get back home and carry one with life?
This one had me laughing out loud at some of the ridiculous antics. Yes, it felt a little OTT, but the bottom line was that I was entertained. Grandma is really quite the character - a free spirit - and the polar opposite of her granddaughter, causing some tension and laugh-out-loud moments. This one had a different feel to it; a pinch less sweetness and a pinch more OTT. Nevertheless, it contained Raisin’s signature style: characters you can see yourself being friends with; people with big hearts who care about others and believe in true love. She’ll make you fall in love with Greece!
The dreamy setting ties it all together and whitewashes it with hope, covering up any far-reaching plot lines. It examined second chances, goodbyes, and learning to “be fierce with a capital F.”
I was gifted this copy by HQ Digital and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Evie may need a fresh start, but I’m sure this isn’t what she had in mind - a mercy mission to rescue an 83-year-old woman in Megalochori, Santorini. The push and pull of books may have gotten Evie to Santorini, but can a living Greek God, Georgios, her grandmother’s husband’s grandson, be the cause of her staying? Or the push she needs to get back home and carry one with life?
This one had me laughing out loud at some of the ridiculous antics. Yes, it felt a little OTT, but the bottom line was that I was entertained. Grandma is really quite the character - a free spirit - and the polar opposite of her granddaughter, causing some tension and laugh-out-loud moments. This one had a different feel to it; a pinch less sweetness and a pinch more OTT. Nevertheless, it contained Raisin’s signature style: characters you can see yourself being friends with; people with big hearts who care about others and believe in true love. She’ll make you fall in love with Greece!
The dreamy setting ties it all together and whitewashes it with hope, covering up any far-reaching plot lines. It examined second chances, goodbyes, and learning to “be fierce with a capital F.”
I was gifted this copy by HQ Digital and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 11, 2024
I received a free copy of, Summer at the Santorini Bookshop, by Rebecca Raisin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Losing her job does not stop Evie for long, she decides to go to Santorini to help her grandmother with her bookstore. This will be no ordinary summer for Evie, will she find the one this summer? A good beach read.
May 19, 2024
Reading a book by Rebecca Raisin is like being enveloped in a warm hug. You know what you are getting – stunning scenery which will make you immediately want to travel to the setting, and interesting, and very real characters. With the addition of a bookshop and rescue dogs, what’s not to like?
The book is set on the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini where Evie is sent to check up on her Grandmother who has just married her 9th husband and opened a Bookshop. Apparently money is tight, and her Grandmother is unable to pay the rent and her landlord is threatening to close the Bookshop. Her Grandmother is delighted to see her, but asks her to fake date the Landlord’s Grandson, Georgios, to keep an eye on what is happening with the Landlord, and hopefully stop him closing the Bookshop for good. What Evie hadn’t reckoned on was that Georgios would be so incredibly handsome – and a book lover, a dog whisperer, and a lovely man as well.
I absolutely loved this book, and was sad when it ended. I can’t wait to visit Santorini now – it sounds breath taking.
The book is set on the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini where Evie is sent to check up on her Grandmother who has just married her 9th husband and opened a Bookshop. Apparently money is tight, and her Grandmother is unable to pay the rent and her landlord is threatening to close the Bookshop. Her Grandmother is delighted to see her, but asks her to fake date the Landlord’s Grandson, Georgios, to keep an eye on what is happening with the Landlord, and hopefully stop him closing the Bookshop for good. What Evie hadn’t reckoned on was that Georgios would be so incredibly handsome – and a book lover, a dog whisperer, and a lovely man as well.
I absolutely loved this book, and was sad when it ended. I can’t wait to visit Santorini now – it sounds breath taking.
July 4, 2025
Such a cute fun read, kept me interested and perfect for summer
October 1, 2024
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop features that rom-com trope of "fake dating." Evie travels to Santorini to watch over her grandmother after losing her job. Her grandmother implores Evie to "fake date" her landlord's grandson in hopes of appeasing the landlord. Even with the predictability of their relationship, this is a sweet, cozy story. Because of some family plotting, there's a bit of a mystery with Evie's grandmother. I was interested to see how that would play out.
October 10, 2025
Sweet, nice, romantic story.....
March 26, 2024
Evie has just been made redundant from her job as a book scout. When she hears that her grandmother has taken over a bookshop in Santorini and has problems with her landlord, Evie decides to visit her to see what the state of affairs is. Upon arrival Evie’s grandmother asks her to fake date the landlord’s son to stop him closing the bookshop but all is not as it at first seems!
This is a fun, entertaining and easy if somewhat predictable read. I loved the idea of the Bibliotherapy and Epeolatry, a bookshop and literary bar/club on the cliffs, and who wouldn’t love to rent-a-dog to cuddle whilst reading a good book in such an idyllic setting?! I thought Gran was a zany and quirky character - she could give Bluebeard a run for his money! 😱😄 However, I did find Evie quite immature and irritating - she acted like a teenager sometimes. There is some humour but it’s a little slapstick at times. Overalll, it’s an enjoyable and engaging read, good for escaping from the rigours of every day life. Great for relaxing with in the Epeolatry whilst sipping one of their delicious literary cocktails! 🍸🍹. Bottoms Up! Hiccough.
This is a fun, entertaining and easy if somewhat predictable read. I loved the idea of the Bibliotherapy and Epeolatry, a bookshop and literary bar/club on the cliffs, and who wouldn’t love to rent-a-dog to cuddle whilst reading a good book in such an idyllic setting?! I thought Gran was a zany and quirky character - she could give Bluebeard a run for his money! 😱😄 However, I did find Evie quite immature and irritating - she acted like a teenager sometimes. There is some humour but it’s a little slapstick at times. Overalll, it’s an enjoyable and engaging read, good for escaping from the rigours of every day life. Great for relaxing with in the Epeolatry whilst sipping one of their delicious literary cocktails! 🍸🍹. Bottoms Up! Hiccough.
August 10, 2024
Evie Davenport is shocked that the new CEO, Hank Johnson of Hollywood Films in LA, has told her that her role as a romance book scout has been made redundant, as the company plans to focus on superhero films. Seeking support from her mother and sister Posy, they have a surprising solution. They propose a trip to rescue her dearly loved if unconventional grandmother from herself, but it's not the destination of Santorini, Greece, that convinces Evie travel is in her future. It's one magical word, a magical word that entices every reader. Bookshop.
I previously read "The Little Venice Bookshop" by the author and was eager to continue my armchair travel to Santorini. Gran's top-of-the-cliff, newly renovated bookshop named Bibliotherapy is a dream come true. It's not just a bookshop, but a sanctuary for book lovers, offering a unique blend of literature and leisure. The real gem is tucked inside Epeolatry, a nighttime library that offers literary cocktails and exclusive enticements for members. But wait! Evie discovers that Gran has exhausted all her funds on renovations, and there's a complication with the landlord. But wait! Gran has a plan — you won't believe what it is!
This is bookshop love in a gorgeous setting! And more—family, friendship, romance, and rescue dogs.
I previously read "The Little Venice Bookshop" by the author and was eager to continue my armchair travel to Santorini. Gran's top-of-the-cliff, newly renovated bookshop named Bibliotherapy is a dream come true. It's not just a bookshop, but a sanctuary for book lovers, offering a unique blend of literature and leisure. The real gem is tucked inside Epeolatry, a nighttime library that offers literary cocktails and exclusive enticements for members. But wait! Evie discovers that Gran has exhausted all her funds on renovations, and there's a complication with the landlord. But wait! Gran has a plan — you won't believe what it is!
This is bookshop love in a gorgeous setting! And more—family, friendship, romance, and rescue dogs.
September 27, 2025
This was an easy book to listen to on audio but my mind would drift a little. It's more of a surface storyline with a wonderful twist at the very end. Looking for a good story that will make you feel like sitting at a bookshop in the beautiful town of Santorini, and if you like the fake dating troupe, this one is for you.
It bothered me a little that the narrator on the audio version mispronounced so many common words, but otherwise, a decent story.
It bothered me a little that the narrator on the audio version mispronounced so many common words, but otherwise, a decent story.
March 29, 2024
Sun, love and books what can go wrong.
It was a fluffy summer read. But it lacked a little bit substance for me. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
It was a fluffy summer read. But it lacked a little bit substance for me. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
September 27, 2024
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop is a lovely summer read. Evie has just lost her job with a publishing company, and is at loose ends when she finds out that her grandmother is now the owner of a bookshop in Santorini. Evie jumps at the chance to visit her grandmother and work with her, but tells her mother that she will go and see what she is up to, so her mother doesn't go. Gran has had several husbands, and spent a lot of money lately, so everyone is worried about her. Evie arrives to find Gran in a feud with her landlord, her new husband off working out of the country, and Gran very much in debt. In order to keep her landlord at bay, Gran asks Evie to fake interest in her landlord's grandson, Georgios. It isn't what she wants to do, but Georgios is gorgeous so it makes it easier. They do hit it off and share confidences with one another, gradually turning the fake relationship into a real one, at least that is what it appears to be. Will Evie help save the bookshop? Will Georgios and Evie find love with one another?
This was a wonderful story. I liked all the characters, even Evie's mom, although she is a meddling, cautious and at times obnoxious mother/daughter. Georgios has secrets that make love not something he is looking for, but it will please his family, so goes along with it, but doesn't tell Evie, it is for them. There is a lot going on with Gran that we find out in this story and it brings to light how seniors are often scammed. The setting is wonderful, and I was happy to learn more about Santorini as I will be visiting there next fall on my cruise. This is a rom com with some serious issues as well. The characters are an eclectic bunch. There is a gentleman that visits the bookshop daily that obviously has feelings for Gran, but she just wants to be friends. They do go places together and I loved the dancing they did. This was a clean, fun, story that had me suspending belief at times, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the ending. All I will say is Karma is a b#*$%. I do recommend this one for a beach, pool or garden read. I listened to this book narrated by the wonderful Georgia Maguire. I enjoy her narration, with great voices, tone and expression.
This was a wonderful story. I liked all the characters, even Evie's mom, although she is a meddling, cautious and at times obnoxious mother/daughter. Georgios has secrets that make love not something he is looking for, but it will please his family, so goes along with it, but doesn't tell Evie, it is for them. There is a lot going on with Gran that we find out in this story and it brings to light how seniors are often scammed. The setting is wonderful, and I was happy to learn more about Santorini as I will be visiting there next fall on my cruise. This is a rom com with some serious issues as well. The characters are an eclectic bunch. There is a gentleman that visits the bookshop daily that obviously has feelings for Gran, but she just wants to be friends. They do go places together and I loved the dancing they did. This was a clean, fun, story that had me suspending belief at times, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the ending. All I will say is Karma is a b#*$%. I do recommend this one for a beach, pool or garden read. I listened to this book narrated by the wonderful Georgia Maguire. I enjoy her narration, with great voices, tone and expression.
April 15, 2024
So, I never professed to be any good at Geography - and I don't really travel much - but I was drawn to this as my daughter has just moved to Italy and I really thought this was based in Italy! 🫣
Anyway, I'm so, so glad I picked this up still, because I absolutely blooming loved it!
For anyone else like me, Santorini is one of the Greek islands and what a treat it was to escape there for a few hours whilst reading this book.
When Evie loses her book scout job she heads off to check up on her eccentric Gran and take a break in the gorgeous Greek sun.
After her 9th marriage, Gran has just bought a bookshop and has grand plans for its refurbishment and future events.
With the debts mounting up, Gran has a scheme that might just buy her some time with the landlord - but all is not quite as it seems.
I love, love, loved Evie.
For many of us book nerds out here, she is just one of the most relatable characters I've ever met!
She doesn't do people - escapes into her books - only dates her book boyfriends and is socially awkward to boot.
But, when asked to fake date Georgios to help her gran out, she's able to put aside her fears and step out of her comfort zone completely.
It was pretty obvious, right from the start, where this one was going - but what a journey we're taken on.
The development of the relationship between Evie and Georgios was beautiful to watch. It blossomed so naturally and we just knew that things were going to get tricky later on.
The twists within this thread were brilliant and had me chuckling as I read.
Gran (as I was on audiobook, I'm not attempting to spell her name right!) was amazing! For an 80 something year old, she was so full of life, mischief, loyalty and love.
If I make it to that ripe old age - I definitely want to be like her!
As if this couldn't get any better, we have the bookshop and all of its varied characters.
Obviously being on a small greek island, we see a wide range of unusual personalities with all kinds of foibles and with the language barrier too, this was a constant source of hilarity!
I also loved that there were lots of book related niggles and quips - I especially loved the complaint about books in a series being different sizes!! 😠
This was such a joy to read and I can't recommend it enough.
If you love books, romance, beautiful settings, a bit of mystery and mischief ....oh and let's not forget the dogs!! Then this one is definitely for you!
Anyway, I'm so, so glad I picked this up still, because I absolutely blooming loved it!
For anyone else like me, Santorini is one of the Greek islands and what a treat it was to escape there for a few hours whilst reading this book.
When Evie loses her book scout job she heads off to check up on her eccentric Gran and take a break in the gorgeous Greek sun.
After her 9th marriage, Gran has just bought a bookshop and has grand plans for its refurbishment and future events.
With the debts mounting up, Gran has a scheme that might just buy her some time with the landlord - but all is not quite as it seems.
I love, love, loved Evie.
For many of us book nerds out here, she is just one of the most relatable characters I've ever met!
She doesn't do people - escapes into her books - only dates her book boyfriends and is socially awkward to boot.
But, when asked to fake date Georgios to help her gran out, she's able to put aside her fears and step out of her comfort zone completely.
It was pretty obvious, right from the start, where this one was going - but what a journey we're taken on.
The development of the relationship between Evie and Georgios was beautiful to watch. It blossomed so naturally and we just knew that things were going to get tricky later on.
The twists within this thread were brilliant and had me chuckling as I read.
Gran (as I was on audiobook, I'm not attempting to spell her name right!) was amazing! For an 80 something year old, she was so full of life, mischief, loyalty and love.
If I make it to that ripe old age - I definitely want to be like her!
As if this couldn't get any better, we have the bookshop and all of its varied characters.
Obviously being on a small greek island, we see a wide range of unusual personalities with all kinds of foibles and with the language barrier too, this was a constant source of hilarity!
I also loved that there were lots of book related niggles and quips - I especially loved the complaint about books in a series being different sizes!! 😠
This was such a joy to read and I can't recommend it enough.
If you love books, romance, beautiful settings, a bit of mystery and mischief ....oh and let's not forget the dogs!! Then this one is definitely for you!
April 11, 2024
The Blurb :
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake date her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?
My Thoughts :
Always a hug fan of Rebecca Raisin, I was happy to read this new offering.
We meet Evie Davenport, who has just lost her job as a book scout. When Evie’s mum tells her that Granny Floretta has just opened a bookshop over looking the sea in Santorini, Evie jumps as the chance to go over there and check it out. This suits Evie’s mum and sister as they have been having some reservations about Floretta’s 9th and new husband. So they and are happy for Evie to go and check him out, especially as they have heard Granny Floretta has no money left.
On arrival Evie finds Floretta in an argument with Georgios, who is her Landlords grandson.
Its all about the unpaid rent and the threat of closure. Soon Floretta comes up with an idea that involves Evie fake dating handsome Georgios to try and keep on her Landlord on side and buy her some time to pay her rent before she is thrown out.
Evie agrees and as their relationship develops, she is plesently surprised at how much she likes and connects with Georgios.
Evie has got her work cut out to save the Bookshop. She also has to keep her secret that she only went out with him initially to help her Granny.
Would Georgios be happy that their relationship was originally based on a lie or can the couple truly find love with each other!?.
Once again, the reader will get soaked up in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Santorini.
Rebecca Raisin always delivers pure escapism wherever we end up. And this did not disappoint.
A great mixture of fun, laughter, sunshine, rescue dogs and romance, what more could we want!.
Cant wait for more from this Author.
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake date her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?
My Thoughts :
Always a hug fan of Rebecca Raisin, I was happy to read this new offering.
We meet Evie Davenport, who has just lost her job as a book scout. When Evie’s mum tells her that Granny Floretta has just opened a bookshop over looking the sea in Santorini, Evie jumps as the chance to go over there and check it out. This suits Evie’s mum and sister as they have been having some reservations about Floretta’s 9th and new husband. So they and are happy for Evie to go and check him out, especially as they have heard Granny Floretta has no money left.
On arrival Evie finds Floretta in an argument with Georgios, who is her Landlords grandson.
Its all about the unpaid rent and the threat of closure. Soon Floretta comes up with an idea that involves Evie fake dating handsome Georgios to try and keep on her Landlord on side and buy her some time to pay her rent before she is thrown out.
Evie agrees and as their relationship develops, she is plesently surprised at how much she likes and connects with Georgios.
Evie has got her work cut out to save the Bookshop. She also has to keep her secret that she only went out with him initially to help her Granny.
Would Georgios be happy that their relationship was originally based on a lie or can the couple truly find love with each other!?.
Once again, the reader will get soaked up in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Santorini.
Rebecca Raisin always delivers pure escapism wherever we end up. And this did not disappoint.
A great mixture of fun, laughter, sunshine, rescue dogs and romance, what more could we want!.
Cant wait for more from this Author.
April 11, 2024
When Santorini and a bookshop are both mentioned in the title, I had no hesitation in wanting to read this book. The trope of a fake relationship is done well as the protagonists begin to reveal their true feelings for each other - however, not before much mayhem is created regarding the future of the bookshop. The granny is not only eccentric but totally over the top ( perhaps a tad too much at times to be really credible) yet brings a lovely, light-heated tone to the book.
If you're looking for a light read, a budding romance and some wacky characters, all set in a beautifully stunning location, then this is the perfect summer read.
If you're looking for a light read, a budding romance and some wacky characters, all set in a beautifully stunning location, then this is the perfect summer read.
December 27, 2023
Escapism at high level, it made me wish I could be in Santorini and kept me smiling and escaping.
Well done, a good story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well done, a good story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Read
August 14, 2025I read this fluffy book for a bit of context as I prepare for my upcoming trip to Greece.
I guess I took it too seriously because its misrepresentation of the timeline for publishing a novel irked me a bit. Also, I wasn't sure that a bookstore like the one being run by the main character and her grandmother would have any chance of success given its money flow problems and isolated location. The grandmother's larger than life personality was very over-the-top. The quirky patrons of the bookshop and the pack of equally quirky dogs that roam free around the shop added to the general chaos of the plot. The love story was predictable. I powered through because I wanted to be immersed in the location, but there were very many distractions.
I guess I took it too seriously because its misrepresentation of the timeline for publishing a novel irked me a bit. Also, I wasn't sure that a bookstore like the one being run by the main character and her grandmother would have any chance of success given its money flow problems and isolated location. The grandmother's larger than life personality was very over-the-top. The quirky patrons of the bookshop and the pack of equally quirky dogs that roam free around the shop added to the general chaos of the plot. The love story was predictable. I powered through because I wanted to be immersed in the location, but there were very many distractions.
September 18, 2025
Nice romance book. It is set in Greek island Santorini and there is a bookstore in the center of the whole story. So both of these things are my favourite. I enjoyed reading this book. It is nicely written and I like the ending! I intend to read also other books by Rebecca Raisin.
July 27, 2024
Find yourself transported to the tantalising Santorini - all the sunshine without needing to pack a suitcase. A thoroughly charming story - loved the mischievous pack of pooches.
July 28, 2024
An excellent listen. Great fun, quirky characters brought to life by an excellent narrator. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2025
So cute and funny! Perfect light summer read! Enjoyed the entire thing!
June 4, 2024
3 Stars ⭐️ this is an ok easy read!
The story follows Evie who is a book loving introvert, who has not had much luck in love. When Evie finds herself unemployed her family persuade her to visit grandmother in Santorini, who has recently who has got married to husband number 9 and invested a large amount of money renovating a bookshop, leaving her in some financial bother with her new landlord, Yannis, who wants his rent paid! Gran is an eccentric character and she convinces Evie to fake date Yannis’s grandson Georgios to help keep Yannis on side.
The book starts promisingly with some laugh out loud moments, the character of Gran is brilliant, the kind of person you wish you could meet in real life. However I struggled with Evie as a character, she almost too awkward and anxious and I didn’t feel she developed that much through the book. The story is very predictable which I don’t mind in romcom style book but romance side is too perfect and I left wanting more comedy moments. For me book feel a little short and I nearly rated this 2.5 stars but the character of Gran with her stories of her 9 husbands, her 6 chaotic rescue dogs and general fun outlook on life was enough to push this to a full 3 stars.
The story follows Evie who is a book loving introvert, who has not had much luck in love. When Evie finds herself unemployed her family persuade her to visit grandmother in Santorini, who has recently who has got married to husband number 9 and invested a large amount of money renovating a bookshop, leaving her in some financial bother with her new landlord, Yannis, who wants his rent paid! Gran is an eccentric character and she convinces Evie to fake date Yannis’s grandson Georgios to help keep Yannis on side.
The book starts promisingly with some laugh out loud moments, the character of Gran is brilliant, the kind of person you wish you could meet in real life. However I struggled with Evie as a character, she almost too awkward and anxious and I didn’t feel she developed that much through the book. The story is very predictable which I don’t mind in romcom style book but romance side is too perfect and I left wanting more comedy moments. For me book feel a little short and I nearly rated this 2.5 stars but the character of Gran with her stories of her 9 husbands, her 6 chaotic rescue dogs and general fun outlook on life was enough to push this to a full 3 stars.
December 27, 2023
Evie works as a book scout for a Hollywood film company. The company has recently been taken over and when her new boss summons her the last thing she expects is to be ‘let go’ since her new boss favours action movies over romance.
When Evie calls to tell her mother her news, she finds herself agreeing to go to Santorini where her Grandmother is currently residing with her new husband (husband number nine!) and make sure all is okay.
When she arrives her Grandmother is having a heated argument with her landlord’s Grandson, Georgios about unpaid rent on the bookshop which her Grandmother runs. In order to buy time to turn the bookshop around and make it profitable Evie’s Grandmother convinces her to fake date Georgios. No easy task given that Evie avoids interaction and social events as far as possible (no mean feat when you work in the film industry!). Can Evie charm Georgios enough to keep his Grandfather at bay?
This was such a sweet book and had a lovely setting which made me want to jump on a plane to get to Santorini.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
When Evie calls to tell her mother her news, she finds herself agreeing to go to Santorini where her Grandmother is currently residing with her new husband (husband number nine!) and make sure all is okay.
When she arrives her Grandmother is having a heated argument with her landlord’s Grandson, Georgios about unpaid rent on the bookshop which her Grandmother runs. In order to buy time to turn the bookshop around and make it profitable Evie’s Grandmother convinces her to fake date Georgios. No easy task given that Evie avoids interaction and social events as far as possible (no mean feat when you work in the film industry!). Can Evie charm Georgios enough to keep his Grandfather at bay?
This was such a sweet book and had a lovely setting which made me want to jump on a plane to get to Santorini.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
May 9, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Immediately I felt like I was teleported to Santorini (on my bucketlist of to go places) so listening to this book simply enveloped me in lots of feel good holiday vibes but it was more than that.
The deeper message of love of family, support network, books, rescue dogs and romance and more all combined was a beautiful well written story that had me feeling as if I was there walking alongside Evie in her works to save the bookstore of her beloved Gran. I particularly loved the idea of how they were going to save the store by use of events etc in such a picturesque scenic place was simply beautiful.
The narration was well done and all characters truly came to life in all the right places absolutely beautiful romcom lighthearted enjoyable feelgood listen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK audio for the opportunity to listen to this book for an open & honest review.
#Allthestars
#Highlyrecommend
The deeper message of love of family, support network, books, rescue dogs and romance and more all combined was a beautiful well written story that had me feeling as if I was there walking alongside Evie in her works to save the bookstore of her beloved Gran. I particularly loved the idea of how they were going to save the store by use of events etc in such a picturesque scenic place was simply beautiful.
The narration was well done and all characters truly came to life in all the right places absolutely beautiful romcom lighthearted enjoyable feelgood listen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK audio for the opportunity to listen to this book for an open & honest review.
#Allthestars
#Highlyrecommend
May 7, 2024
Not my favourite of Rebecca Raisin's getaway romances. The premise and setting were all there, but it just moved too slowly. There was somehow too much book AND not enough storytelling. There wasn't enough time spent with the couple for it to feel like a romance, and the work stuff and Bookshop both felt like side quests, which left the book without focus or drive.
Its cute, the concept is fun, and it's not a terrible read, just not exciting enough to round up from a 3.5 star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rebecca Raisin's people for inviting me to read this book.
Its cute, the concept is fun, and it's not a terrible read, just not exciting enough to round up from a 3.5 star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rebecca Raisin's people for inviting me to read this book.
June 9, 2024
I always enjoy Rebecca Raisin's books because she writes such fun female lead characters. They are relatable and hilarious at the same time! Just like Evie is in this book.
Losing her job as a book scout who finds hidden gems to turn into romantic comedy films, Evie agrees to her mother's request to go to the picturesque island of Santorini in Greece to find out what the latest shenanigans her adventurous and full of life grandmother is involved in. It turns out that her gran is in the process of renovating a bookshop she has rented but having money issues. When she persuades Evie to fake date her landlord's grandson Georgios in order to buy some time, Evie is very reluctantly persuaded. Only to find it increasingly difficult to remember the 'faking ' part as she spends time with him.
I loved the ode to readers and their love for books throughout this story. There is a night time library bar that Evie's gran has come up with and it sounds so perfect. I learnt a new word 'Epeolatry' which means the worship of words which is so cool. Evie is the kind of person you can laugh with especially because she longs to escape into a book and does not particularly like 'peopling' as she calls it even though she is better at it than she believes! I personally related to her wish that more people would email or text instead of wanting to call because I struggle on the phone too at times! Also, Evie's gran is a hoot and totally an inspiration in the way she fully embraces life even if some of her experiences sound dangerous! Evie's chats with her mom and sister are really funny but so familiar and their connection is so lovely. The six unique rescue dogs with their own quirks add to the fun. All the Greek food made me hungry especially as most of it is vegetarian and I wanted to get my hands on all of it!
Coming to the romance part, it seemed to be relegated to the sidelines which was fine by me because I liked the other aspects of the story taking up importance. I figured out certain things about it quite easily but that's hardly surprising in a book of this genre so that was all good.
From the beautiful cover to all the book talk to a book loving hero and heroine to a truly bookish story which is definitely over the top at times, this was a very refreshing read indeed. The narrator of the audiobook has done a fabulous job bringing out Evie's voice brilliantly.
Losing her job as a book scout who finds hidden gems to turn into romantic comedy films, Evie agrees to her mother's request to go to the picturesque island of Santorini in Greece to find out what the latest shenanigans her adventurous and full of life grandmother is involved in. It turns out that her gran is in the process of renovating a bookshop she has rented but having money issues. When she persuades Evie to fake date her landlord's grandson Georgios in order to buy some time, Evie is very reluctantly persuaded. Only to find it increasingly difficult to remember the 'faking ' part as she spends time with him.
I loved the ode to readers and their love for books throughout this story. There is a night time library bar that Evie's gran has come up with and it sounds so perfect. I learnt a new word 'Epeolatry' which means the worship of words which is so cool. Evie is the kind of person you can laugh with especially because she longs to escape into a book and does not particularly like 'peopling' as she calls it even though she is better at it than she believes! I personally related to her wish that more people would email or text instead of wanting to call because I struggle on the phone too at times! Also, Evie's gran is a hoot and totally an inspiration in the way she fully embraces life even if some of her experiences sound dangerous! Evie's chats with her mom and sister are really funny but so familiar and their connection is so lovely. The six unique rescue dogs with their own quirks add to the fun. All the Greek food made me hungry especially as most of it is vegetarian and I wanted to get my hands on all of it!
Coming to the romance part, it seemed to be relegated to the sidelines which was fine by me because I liked the other aspects of the story taking up importance. I figured out certain things about it quite easily but that's hardly surprising in a book of this genre so that was all good.
From the beautiful cover to all the book talk to a book loving hero and heroine to a truly bookish story which is definitely over the top at times, this was a very refreshing read indeed. The narrator of the audiobook has done a fabulous job bringing out Evie's voice brilliantly.
August 14, 2025
I bought this book at the airport in Athens on my way home from a vacation in July 2025. It looked cute and fluffy and I got exactly what I was expecting. So I got my money's worth.
I'm glad it lived up to the title and that it was about the bookshop. The romance was cute and I appreciated that it was tame and not overly sexual. The over the top situations were funny and entertaining.
At the time I thought the middle dragged a bit, but I really loved the end, and looking back the pacing was just right.
I'll get some other slight criticisms out of the way.
First, I had to get used to the quotations Raisin used. When a character was speaking she used a single apostrophe instead of the usual double.
Second, I didn't like when characters said OMG. Not good to use the Lord's name.
Third, her eccentric, non-conforming grandmother was sometimes annoying because she's an unreliable narrator and irresponsible.
Overall this was exactly what I wanted and needed, especially after my last book was such a heavy and difficult non-fiction book. It's quotable. I loved the descriptions of Greece, food and being a book lover.
4 out of 5 Volcanic Islands.
Memorable Quotes
Page 13 - He's got to be my age, or a touch older, and it would be grossly unfair if this eighty-three-year-old is pulling the likes of him when I can't even get my fictional boyfriends to commit.
Page 55 -I, Evie, socially awkward hot mess, wangled a dinner invite with a hot Greek guy and also managed to have a semi-successful conversation despite the fact he is wearing one small piece of fabric over his nether regions.
Page 106 -'He's clearly smitten with you, and like a knucklehead you're completely oblivious to it. I'm helping you along.'
Page 112 -I try not to panic. 'There's a possibility that a volcano might erupt?' They don't mention that in the guidebooks, do they!
He shades his face with his hand. 'It's dormant.'
'Uh-huh.' For how long?
Page 149 - You definitely eat with your eyes in Greece. Every plate is a work of art.
Page 285 - 'I wasn't yelling; it just sounds that way in our language. Greek people speak loudly and gesticulate wildly. It's how we express ourselves.'
Page 295 - Greek men are the same as Italian men when it comes to their mothers. Let's just say he's more scared of her punishment than any I could dole out.
I'm glad it lived up to the title and that it was about the bookshop. The romance was cute and I appreciated that it was tame and not overly sexual. The over the top situations were funny and entertaining.
At the time I thought the middle dragged a bit, but I really loved the end, and looking back the pacing was just right.
I'll get some other slight criticisms out of the way.
First, I had to get used to the quotations Raisin used. When a character was speaking she used a single apostrophe instead of the usual double.
Second, I didn't like when characters said OMG. Not good to use the Lord's name.
Third, her eccentric, non-conforming grandmother was sometimes annoying because she's an unreliable narrator and irresponsible.
Overall this was exactly what I wanted and needed, especially after my last book was such a heavy and difficult non-fiction book. It's quotable. I loved the descriptions of Greece, food and being a book lover.
4 out of 5 Volcanic Islands.
Memorable Quotes
Page 13 - He's got to be my age, or a touch older, and it would be grossly unfair if this eighty-three-year-old is pulling the likes of him when I can't even get my fictional boyfriends to commit.
Page 55 -I, Evie, socially awkward hot mess, wangled a dinner invite with a hot Greek guy and also managed to have a semi-successful conversation despite the fact he is wearing one small piece of fabric over his nether regions.
Page 106 -'He's clearly smitten with you, and like a knucklehead you're completely oblivious to it. I'm helping you along.'
Page 112 -I try not to panic. 'There's a possibility that a volcano might erupt?' They don't mention that in the guidebooks, do they!
He shades his face with his hand. 'It's dormant.'
'Uh-huh.' For how long?
Page 149 - You definitely eat with your eyes in Greece. Every plate is a work of art.
Page 285 - 'I wasn't yelling; it just sounds that way in our language. Greek people speak loudly and gesticulate wildly. It's how we express ourselves.'
Page 295 - Greek men are the same as Italian men when it comes to their mothers. Let's just say he's more scared of her punishment than any I could dole out.
April 14, 2024
4.5
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop was such a cute romance read. It includes a fake dating troupe and the main character saving her grandmothers book shop, what more could we need in a romance book. This book was so wholesome and the characters were so loveable.
Evie needs a fresh start after being made redundant from her job as a book scout. Evie’s mum sends her to Santorini to help her grandmother with her bookshop. Evie meets Georgios, her grandmothers landlords grandson, and her grandmother wants Evie to fake date him while she gets the overdue rent money.
This book was so entertaining, I loved the contrast between Evie and her grandmother. Evie is sensible and stifles to the rules whereas her grandmother is carefree and a free spirit. I also liked the romance, it was well paced and I could see it developing. Of course the bookshop was an amazing setting and I loved reading about the rescue mission. It was the perfect setting for these characters.
I highly recommend this book, with its loveable characters and perfect setting, it is a great summer book for romance lovers.
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop was such a cute romance read. It includes a fake dating troupe and the main character saving her grandmothers book shop, what more could we need in a romance book. This book was so wholesome and the characters were so loveable.
Evie needs a fresh start after being made redundant from her job as a book scout. Evie’s mum sends her to Santorini to help her grandmother with her bookshop. Evie meets Georgios, her grandmothers landlords grandson, and her grandmother wants Evie to fake date him while she gets the overdue rent money.
This book was so entertaining, I loved the contrast between Evie and her grandmother. Evie is sensible and stifles to the rules whereas her grandmother is carefree and a free spirit. I also liked the romance, it was well paced and I could see it developing. Of course the bookshop was an amazing setting and I loved reading about the rescue mission. It was the perfect setting for these characters.
I highly recommend this book, with its loveable characters and perfect setting, it is a great summer book for romance lovers.
August 30, 2024
This was such a cutie romance book. I enjoyed more than I thought. Ive not read a fake dating book before and wasn’t sure on them, but this book changed my mind. I loved that I could connect to the characters. Gran is a bit OTT sometimes but she really was the star of the book. I loved Evie and Georgios’s romance it’s made me feel very single. It did have a little bit of twist at the end which made me like this book more.
The only downfalls of this book was felt like we didn’t get much of the fake dating and would have liked to see more of Georgios and Evie together. I felt like it didn’t really fullfil a fake dating romance book. And lastly I know the author is British, but trying to make the characters Americans, but sounded British a lot of times. Americans don’t say golly. I would have preferred if the characters were British or better written Americans. Id give this book a 4.2.
Overall if you like a cute fake dating romance book, which is an easy read and makes you go aww sometimes then this is for you.
The only downfalls of this book was felt like we didn’t get much of the fake dating and would have liked to see more of Georgios and Evie together. I felt like it didn’t really fullfil a fake dating romance book. And lastly I know the author is British, but trying to make the characters Americans, but sounded British a lot of times. Americans don’t say golly. I would have preferred if the characters were British or better written Americans. Id give this book a 4.2.
Overall if you like a cute fake dating romance book, which is an easy read and makes you go aww sometimes then this is for you.
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