Любовната песен на острова

by Emma Cowell, Ема Коуел

Един магически остров. Две сестри. Десетилетия пазени тайни. И любовна песен, която променя живота на всички.

Хидра, живописният гръцки остров, е рай и за местните, и за туристите, но за сестрите Ела и Джорджия е мястото, криещо най-тъмните им тайни. И сега, когато се връщат на острова, за да разпръснат праха на майка си, разбират, че е дошло време да се изправят срещу своето минало.

Ела, вече успешен фотограф с награди, е преследвана от любовната песен, написана за нея от мъжа, който е разбил сърцето й преди години. Днес тя копнее да намери мир, за да може да продължи живота си. Джорджия има съпруг и дъщеря и се преструва, че животът ѝ е идеален, но е измъчвана от вина. Ако това, което е крила през годините, излезе наяве, ще засегне не само двете сестри, но и други хора, а семейството им никога повече няма да е същото.

А островът крие и други тайни… И призовава сестрите да се изправят срещу истината. Но ще могат ли да изградят бъдеще върху руините на миналото?

Романът „Любовната песен на острова“ на Ема Коуел е пропит с магията на остров Хидра и завладява с атмосферата на безвремие, настанило се по тесните улички, с потропването на копитата на магаретата, с аромата на подправки, със звука на камбаните, заменян от песента на цикадите. И с любовната музика, която носи прошка, надежда и любов.

Хидра е гръцки остров в Егейско море. Обитаван е още от микенската епоха и носи духа на древни предания и магия. Това е единственият гръцки остров, на който са забранени всякакви моторни превозни средства, и за придвижване и транспорт се използват магаретата и понитата, а по вода – водните таксита.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Romance

360 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe on Hydra, I will find a way back to me and the island will release me from my secrets.”

Feel like escaping to the Greek islands? Some of us are in desperate need of a slice of sunshine right about now!

Emma Cowell writes beautiful novels set in Greece. This time she invites readers to return to the Grecian shores of Hydra, and while it may seem beautiful to us and a sanctuary, it’s where sisters Ella and Georgia’s secrets reside. Returning to scatter their mom’s ashes brings the past crashing into their present.

Two sisters.
Decades of secrets.
And a love song that changed everything.

Ella, 37, just wants peace to mend her broken heart so that she can move on with her life. Hydra was her happy place and Harrison had ruined it for her. She avoids her birthplace to keep the unhappiness at bay and when she finally agrees to return with Georgia, it’s as if fate arranged it.

Georgia, 43, pretends all is well, but she’s hiding a secret. Wrong. Secrets. Plural. It’s an “ever-growing pile of destructive deceit.” She’s hoping a return to the island will give her closure, even without the support of her husband. Georgia and Ella are like vinegar and water. Can they put aside their differences for two weeks and scatter their mom’s ashes? Or is being trapped on the island more than they can handle? Will Georgia finally break the cycle of fixing her sister’s mistakes?

What you’re going to get:

✔️Romance, forgiveness, legacy, fate, sacrifice, confronting the past
✔️A haunting love song
✔️Sibling secrets and family drama
✔️Infrequent dual timeline; London and Hydra in both 1997 and 2015

This book about a secret legacy, the damage we can do in the name of protecting someone, and the warning about not letting love from someone else define us, has a spectacular double-meaning title! I was swept up in this emotional story and couldn’t set the book down. Just when I thought there were no more secrets, BOOM. Another one. I love how Emma Cowell writes and can’t wait for another story.

I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to make myself very unpopular with this review. I fear. So firstly I’d like to make it clear I’m definitely in the minority. If writing were paint by numbers they should’ve connected to make something truly beautiful, yet there was a massive disconnect for me, truthfully I don’t know exactly what it was so I’m just going to have to put it down to being a me thing.

Set on a beautiful Greek island, family coming together to try to reunite and lay their mother to rest, secrets from the past, rediscovering old loves, the myth and legend surrounding the island, it really should’ve been everything I wanted and I tried really hard to love it……

There is no issue with the writing other than it felt a little disjointed at times, the narration was nice if perhaps a little flat, I so appreciated the singing and songwriting. But yes, I don’t know why it didn’t land.

2.5 rounded up as I’m sure it’s a me problem!

Thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the chance to review this audiobook.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio. Decent story. Very atmospheric. A little bit too much angst for me and I found it a bit overdone and repetitive at times. Couldn’t quite take to the narrator and the voices she gave the characters. There was also some singing which I found a bit cringey. Was ok on the whole though and worth sticking with.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I copyedited this, so this is an entirely biased review.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella has traveled the world as a photographer. She has used her work as an excuse to continually dodge her older sister Georgia’s pleas that they fulfill their mother’s last request that her ashes be scattered in the waters off Hydra. If Georgia admits it to herself, she knows fully well why Ella has never returned to the Greek island of their birth. It was once one sister’s love story until the moment everything changed to heartbreak, and her aching heart never healed. For one sister, it has given her the fulfillment of a role with her husband that they both thought was forever lost.

In alternating chapters, dual POVs, Ella and Georgia, tell the story, and at intermittent intervals, The Island alerts the reader to the movement of the storyline. The emotional journey of the characters, a story of a first love, the euphoria, the heartache. The love you never forget. The story of loss, of dreams, of resilience, and the story of generations protecting their children in the best way possible when life-changing decisions had to be made, all resonate deeply. The story of secrets that, regardless of the period of dormancy, will always surface.

The beauty of the writing in this novel is not just captivating, it's mesmerizing. It engages, intrigues, and refreshes like the sea that encircles the island. The strength, power, beauty, and the continuum that connects the past with the present and the present with the past are all beautifully depicted, adding to the intrigue of the narrative.

It seemed so fitting to be captivated by a novel set in Greece in July, as one July was the trip of a lifetime to visit Greece and a few of the islands, although Hydra was not part of the itinerary. That’s why travel dreams are dreams of the soul and why armchair travel with an author’s captivating descriptive writing soothes the soul and nurtures a renewal of hope that we might still experience what we missed before or since. This is the magic of literature. A gift from author to reader. Thank you, Emma Cowell. Your work has truly nourished my soul.

This novel, my favorite read of the summer, left such a profound impact on me that I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted story set in a captivating location.

[Lesley N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novel by Emma Cowell which I have read, all set in Greece. "The Island Love Song" is set on the island of Hydra, south of Athens. At the heart of the story are two very different sisters who travel to the island to scatter their mother's ashes. Georgia is married with a daughter called Phoenix and is very much the stay at home wife and mother, as well as being a bit of a control freak. Ella, five years younger, is a free spirit who travels the world as a professional photographer. Through the course of the story we gradually get to understand the family dynamics, and fall in love with Hydra.

This is a complex and thoughtful book which will keep you engrossed.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

[ClaireJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greece is always one of my favourite places to read about and most importantly to travel to! Sadly I haven’t managed to get there in the last couple of years but thanks to the amazing Emma Cowell I can travel there within the pages of her beautiful books.

Emma has become an auto-buy author of mine and The Island Love Song is her latest book and once again I had the best time reading it.

The setting for this book is my top bucket list destination which is Hydra, a small Greek island. It has links with famous poets and singers such as Leonard Cohen and I loved how the story has music as a big part of it with a haunting love song. With the lush descriptions of the island, the food and drink, the local people, the atmosphere created just made me relax and experience the most blissful escapism.

The power of sisterhood is the main theme to this book and there are many light hearted moments but the book has it’s dark side with the secrets and drama that build up as you turn the pages between the two sisters Ella and Georgia.

I was swept away by this emotional and captivating tale and I didn’t want it to end. With many elements to this book such as romance, fate and sacrifice, it will keep you gripped to the pages.

Emma writes people’s feelings so well with lots of depth and emotion which I think is why I enjoy her writing so much. Also I have seen people say how certain books are food for the soul and this is exactly what Emma’s writing is like. I now wait (im)patiently for her next book!

[Elaine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 story!
It had me right from the start.
It's my first book from Emma Cowell and I really love the way she writes. I liked the history of the Greek island Hydra, the heritage, culture and then some dysfunctional family issues thrown in.

I cried several times, I thought the way the adoption issues were dealt with were very raw and real.

I liked all of the characters, liked how they developed and how they each had their own stuff going on, although it was generally involving someone else's secret.

I'd definitely read another by this author.
A perfect summer read, with a bit more to it!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Една от любимите ми книги някога. В началото бях доста скептична, защото се наблюдаваше постоянна повтаряемост на основните факти. Въпреки това сюжетът е много увлекателен, с неочаквани обрати през около 50 страници минимум. Прочетох книгата на почти един дъх. Страхотна любовна и драматична книга, в която се показват силните отношения между сестри, партньори, майка и дъщеря.

[Tzakouzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,7 ⭐️ 😬

[Laura Jade Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was my monthly book club book.

This is not a genre I would ever pick up or buy for myself. It was so out of my comfort zone when it came to the story and the realness of the characters.

The issues raised in this book were hard hitting, agonising and at times fairly tragic. It took me a long time to read as I found it wasn’t gripping enough for me compared to my usual reads, however I did quite enjoy it.

Harrison and Ella’s story was heart wrenching. They’re love story was powerful and emotional - their connection was deep and spiritual in some ways, both expressing that they would try to reach eachothers minds over the years they were apart. After harri abandons Ella she gives up their baby for adoption to her sister, breaking her own heart.

Their daughter pheonix is raised as her niece and Ella finds that spending any time around her causes her a lot of distress as she so closely resembles Harrison.

When Ella and Harrison are eventually reunited it becomes clear that he is sick - he confides that he has early onset dementia meaning their remaining time is limited. The years spent apart wasted.

I feel the most for Ella’s sister Georgia who despite her own faults is absolutely dragged through the family drama by hair and nail. She goes through a lot of self development throughout the book, swimming in the guilt of errors in her past.

The ending was lovely, Ella and Harrison are in bed and she is pregnant with their second baby - a new start for both of them.

[Jenny Proud · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the first few chapters I was very invested in this story. The reconnection of 2 sisters Ella and Georgia on the beautiful island of Hydra was a very intriguing story. Revealing that Phoenix is in fact Ella’s biological daughter adopted and raised by her Auntie Georgia as her own was a clever storyline to play early on but meant the rest of the book had a lot to live up too and sadly flopped for me.

Over dramatic and tedious overall. Harrisons and Ella’s love was too good to be true really. For them to only be together for a short fling and he to leave her stranded at the train station just so she didn’t give up her entire life for him was too much to bear. And to find Harrison in the very house they visited on Hydra every summer during their childhood just really overdid it.

Very unrealistic and the over played adoptive storyline as well was not necessary in one family. For phoenix to find out she’s adopted was a lot to take and then Ella learning she was adopted on Hydra also all those years ago - on the very Island they are back holidaying at was very far-fetched.

The sister dynamic itself was odd. And Georgia not telling her sister about the few love letters sent from Harrison really was that such a big deal? And really was the Georgia trying to drown Ella as kids really a needed storyline and then Harrison having a water accident trying to save Georgia- again all very unnecessary and made it very hard to read. Sadly too many themes in this book for me

[M M · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is really obsessed with Greece, I was very excited to receive an ARC copy of this book! And what a journey it took us on. It traverses the histories of an eclectic mix of characters who become quite the blended family, and explores many different shades of motherhood and found family.

The novel is set on the beautiful island of Hydra, and definitely made me want to visit. Whilst I really wanted to adore this novel, it unfortunately wasn’t quite in my favourite style that is more “show, don’t tell” - and sometimes felt we as the reader were being spoon fed
too much information. I also found the constant repetition that there were big secret reveals on the way to be distracting at times.

All in all a lovely story with many twists and turns though, and a great summer escapist read.

Many thanks to Avon Books U.K., Emma Cowell & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a little surprised at the number of 4 and 5 star ratings this book has received. I love stories set in Greece, but this one just wasn't great. The descriptions of the island of Hydra were good, and it was a lovely setting for most of the novel. But the relationships between the characters were just so stereotypical and almost immature. I never connected with any of the characters, making it difficult to care what happened to them. I rolled my eyes at all the continual drama and coincidences, and so many things were just too cheesy. Overall, it was just not enjoyable to read, for me. The cover art is beautiful, so I'll definitely give credit for that.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Ella and Georgia have never resembled each other, either in looks, or temperament: olive-skinned, Ella is a free-spirited photographer who travels the world and has never put down roots; while fair-skinned Georgia is a stay-at-home mother who keeps a tight rein on herself, careful to cultivate an image of the perfect, conventional existence. They seem to have always rubbed each other the wrong way, but the shared love of their mother and of Georgia's daughter Phoenix, who resembles her Aunt Ella, has kept them tied together.

When Ella and Georgia's mother dies, they are brought together with a bump. They must set off on a journey with Phoenix to fulfil her last wish - to scatter her ashes on the Greek island of Hydra. Hydra is a place that both sisters have been reluctant to return to, despite spending happy childhood holidays there, because of the difficult memories the island now holds for them - Ella due to the heartache she feels over the musician lover who abandoned her in her darkest hour, something she is constantly reminded of by the hit song he wrote about their relationship; and Georgia because of guilty acts she wishes she could forget. But Hydra has been waiting for their return... the time has come for them to confront the past, reveal the secrets they have kept from each other, and find a way to move on.

Emma Cowell's third enchanting novel, The Island Love Song, returns to beautiful Greece, this time for a heartfelt story on the picturesque island of Hydra. The story unfurls mostly through the narratives of Ella and Georgia, immersing you in the past and present of the difficult relationship that has developed between them, interspersed with delicious little snippets of prose from Hydra that thrum with mythological vibes of Gods and Goddesses looking upon the fate of the sisters from Olympian heights.

It is tricky to talk about how beautifully Cowell weaves the threads of the story without giving the game away, but essentially this is a tale of how the weight of secrets has built barriers between the sisters, resulting in tricky family dynamics that have them taking barbed pot-shots at each other every time they meet. Being forced together on Hydra brings matters to an explosive head, as multiple, shocking skeletons in this family closet start to work their way out into the dazzling sunshine, especially when a face from the past intrudes upon an already tense situation.

Cowell delves beautifully into the opposing natures of the sisters, with heartsore Ella contemplating 'what could have beens', and a neurotic Georgia terrified of what she might lose, while a wise beyond her years Phoenix sits in the middle. A lot of cleverly contrived drama results, on an island which may or may not have a magical influence on the Greek tragedy-esque spectacle playing out on its stunning rocky stage. Luscious themes of family (both blood and found), motherhood, loss, love and fate echo through the story, which are used to build layers of mystery around decades of secrets, and there are very clever twists and turns to be negotiated on the way to the most poignant of endings. I absolutely adored how Cowell uses music to heighten the emotional content throughout, in suitably pitch perfect style, and the thread about 'twin flames' will pierce you to the very core.

I loved this story from start to finish. It is Cowell's most complex novel, and my favourite of her books to date. Sweeping, escapist, tender, and drop dead gorgeous. Tears were well and truly shed!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What can I say about The Island Love Song which would do it the justice it deserves!?
I could talk about it for hours to be honest with you, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
First, as I’ve said before, I’ve never been to Greece, but I honestly felt like I was in Greece whilst reading this novel. I felt the same when reading Emma Cowell’s previous novels. I would really, really love to go to Greece now and experience the beauty of the country Emma portrays so enticingly. The food sounds amazing also! I love that food plays its part throughout the story. I think I actually drooled at times. lol!
Anyway, this story is about sisters Ella and Georgia. They lost their Mum and are returning to Hydra to scatter her ashes in the sea. They have a rich history of happy memories with their mother there. As if that isn’t heart-wrenching enough, there has also been heartbreak for Ella and guilt for Georgia over secrets she’s carried for years.
The sisters are like chalk and cheese. Ella is very much a free spirit. Tied to nothing and no-one following an extremely traumatic experience. Georgia is the organised, dependable one, who’s life she has dedicated to her husband and bringing up their daughter, Phoenix. Neither of them is particularly happy though, nor have they had a close relationship, so coming together for two weeks on the Island of Hydra was never going to be straight forward.
I couldn’t wait to find out where their story would take me, and I was completely invested in the emotional journey I was taken on.
I liked Ella immediately and my heart broke for her as I learned what she had been through.
Georgia isn’t as easy to like, but I came to understand her more as the story progressed, and I did really feel for her in the end.
Phoenix is a beautiful character. Oh, to be so young and self-assured!
Harrison is a fascinating character and one I warmed to quickly despite his history with Ella.
There are other beautiful characters in this book too, all who add their own little something special.
This is a compelling tale about grieving sisters, the devastation secrets and lies can cause, the power of true love, and the true meaning of family.
I absolutely LOVED it! It’s just beautiful!

https://chataboutbooks.blog/2024/06/1...

** A big thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy of The Island Love Song via NetGalley **

ICYMI

http://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/03/18...

http://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/05/30...

[One More Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Emma Cowell.

First of all, I’ve never been to Greece, but I honestly felt like I was in Greece whilst reading this novel. I felt the same when reading Emma Cowell’s other two books, The Last Letter to Greece and The House in the Olive Grove. I would really, really love to go to Greece and experience the beauty of the country Emma portrays so enticingly. Greece has always been on my bucket list so hopefully one day I can experience this beautiful country and culture for myself! The food sounds amazing and my mouth always starts watering just reading about the way the author describes the food! I love that food plays its part throughout the story.
Anyway, this story is about sisters Ella and Georgia. They lost their Mum and are returning to Hydra to scatter her ashes in the sea. They have a rich history of happy memories with their mother there. As if that isn’t heart-wrenching enough, there has also been heartbreak for Ella and guilt for Georgia over secrets she’s carried for years, but not all of it is the secrets you'd think. I thought I had it figured out but I didn't.
The sisters are like chalk and cheese. Ella is very much a free spirit, tied to nothing and no one following an extremely traumatic experience. Georgia is the organized, dependable one, who’s life she has dedicated to her husband and bringing up their daughter, Phoenix. Neither of them is particularly happy though, nor have they had a close relationship, so coming together for two weeks on the Island of Hydra was never going to be straight forward.
I couldn’t wait to find out where their story would take me, and I was completely invested in the emotional journey I was taken on.
I liked Ella immediately and my heart broke for her as I learned what she had been through.
Georgia isn’t as easy to like, but I came to understand her more as the story progressed.
Phoenix is a beautiful character and you cant help but love her!
Harrison's character didn't fascinate me that much but you grow to like him as the book continues.
There are other beautiful characters in this book too, all who add their own flavor to the book so to speak.
This is a beautifully written story about grieving sisters, the devastation secrets and lies can cause, the power of true love, forgiveness and the true meaning of family.
I absolutely LOVED it! It’s just beautiful! I highly recommend all of Emma Cowells books if you haven't read it yet.

I rate this book a 5

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story, albeit very intense throughout. Georgia and Ella are sisters, as different as chalk and cheese. Georgia is wealthy, married to a property developer who has long since lost interest in her, all that keeps them together is their almost eighteen year old daughter Phoenix. She is just about to go to university to study music. Ella is the opposite, she travels the world as a professional photographer, for which she has become well-known, never settling anywhere. She has an apartment in Camden as a base, but has never really unpacked her belongings, never making it a home. Whenever they meet the sisters the bicker and fall out, they are both keeping unbearable secrets.

Now they are forced to spend time together. Their mother died and requested that her ashes are scattered in Hydra, the small Greek island where they were brought up. Georgia sorts it all out, and tries to make it a lovely holiday for them so that maybe the can resolve their differences. She has booked them into a luxury spa hotel, and planned an itinerary for the two weeks they are there. Her plans go wrong almost immediately, the sisters, as usual, fall out.

There is almost another story being told between each chapter, bringing in the ancient gods who watch over the island, manipulating the actions of the islanders in malicious ways. Secrets begin to be told, causing the sisters more pain. Ella goes off, in the main town she meets an old lady, who invites her in for a cup of coffee, and writes a note in Greek, which Ella has to ask someone to translate for her. She is mystified, she does not understand the message.

She notices that the door to the garden of the hose where she used to live is open, and decides to go and ask if she can look round. She knocks on the door, and the person who answers is the biggest shock of all. The gods are laughing as they ensure their wishes are carried out! After that the secrets are found out painfully fast, but necessary for the sisters to find peace together. Other people are involved as well, they find out secrets kept by their mother, and others.

All comes good in the end, but with the ancient gods involved there is always a sting in the tail! I found this a most absorbing story, difficult to put down. A lovely read.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set on HYDRA



Hydra: “It was such a beautifully romantic corner of Greece, almost from another era, as if time had stood still. No cars, only mules, or a dreaded boat to provide transport….”

Hydra – the island – is very firmly placed at the heart of this novel as family secrets start to unfurl.

Ella and Georgia are sisters and they are on their way to Hydra, an island that is very important to their family. They have their mother’s ashes carefully packed and they intend to scatter her ashes on the sea off the island. Accompanying them is Phoenix, Georgia’s daughter.

Georgia has booked them into a 5* luxury resort, set back, requiring boat access and this 2 week sojourn will enable them to bond over the sad death of their much-loved mum.

Ella had a shattered romance in earlier years and was ghosted by her then soul-mate in the late 1990s, before that was even a thing – she was about to join her musician boyfriend Harrison on tour, she had chosen to give up her place at college but as she went to find him at King’s Cross, he had disappeared into the ether. His growing fame over subsequent years was a constant reminder of their passionate affair, and in order to outrun her still very strong feelings for him, she built her career as a photographer, touring the world, never settling down. Georgia became a home maker for Phoenix and has led a more traditional life. Two very different sisters and at the heart of their relationship is a heart-rending secret that very few know about.

As they spend time together and try and juggle their different temperaments, events conspire to bring so many secrets out into the open.

This is very much a story of family and deeply hidden secrets which are gradually exposed. The author handles the development well – life shattering revelations could potentially be explosive on family dynamics – but here things are soon assimilated and smoothed over and new adjustments are made.

This is an enjoyable story with heart and positivity. I listened to this as an audiobook, beautifully narrated by Kristin Atherton, and I was always keen to pick up after a break, where I left off.

A good and engrossing read that will transport you to Hydra.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As children, the sister were close. As adults, though, their relationship is built on secrets and lies. Ella, still reeling from a broken heart, has never been able to settle. She wanders the globe in her job as a photographer, searching for something to fill the hole in her soul. Georgia is the control freak. She had a perfect plan for her life and she is determined to make sure she gets it, even if it means keeping everyone around her in line no matter how much pain it causes them all. Caught in between her mother and her Aunt Ella is Phoenix who often finds herself playing peacekeeper and referee. She joined Ella and Georgia on the Greek Island of Hydra, the home of Ella and Georgia's youth, to return the ashes of their recently deceased mother to the home she loved. Only the island is no longer willing to keep the secrets and cover the lies.

The island becomes is a central character of the story, lording over the people who live there who speak of it as a being, absorbing the emotions and the actions of everyday life. And playing with it all. Interspersed every few chapters are the thoughts of the island itself. The island speaks in a darker, much more sinister and forbidding manner. It takes glee in the pain and upheaval it causes as it plays chess with peoples' lives.

I picked up the author's first book because I was intrigued by both the setting and the premises. I was instantly enthralled. Her stories deal with complicated issues. Her characters are well developed; they are real people dealing with difficult problems that have no easy answers. She communicates their feelings, their emotions, their relationship with lyrical, poetic language that brings it all to life and draws the reader deeply into the story. She paints the surrounding scenery with her words so beautifully that you can feel the wind in your hair, see the brilliant colors of a sunset over the beaches of Greece;

Liker her previous books, this is hard to read. It deals with the intricacies of sisterhood, of motherhood and of relationships. Yet I was enthralled from the first chapter and refused to let go. It's thought provoking and will certainly remain with me for a long while, just as that first book is still with me two years later.

[Starboookk Athina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ένα νησί, δύο αδερφές και πολλά μυστικά. Ύδρα, το γραφικό νησι με τα πέτρινα σπίτια, το νησί που αγάπησαν διασημότητες από όλο τον κόσμο, το νησί που ενέπνευσε πολλούς καλλιτέχνες, το νησί που έκρυψε για χρόνια τα μυστικά μιας οικογένειας.

Στην Ύδρα χρειάστηκε να επιστρέψει μετά από πολλά χρόνια η Έλλα μαζί με την μεγαλύτερη αδερφή της, την Τζόρτζια και την ανιψιά της, τη Φοίνιξ. Ο λόγος μάλλον δυσάρεστος. Καλούνται να πραγματοποιήσουν την τελευταία επιθυμία της μητέρας τους και να σκορπίσουν τη τέφρα της στα νερά του νησιού που τόσο είχε αγαπήσει.

Η σχέση της Έλλα με την Τζόρτζια είναι μάλλον τεταμένη. Η Έλλα είναι ελεύθερο πνεύμα, μία διάσημη φωτογράφος που γυρίζει όλο τον κόσμο προκειμένου να πετύχει την τέλεια λήψη. Η Τζόρτζια είναι το ακριβώς αντίθετο από την αδερφή της. Απόλυτα οργανωτική και αγχωτική. Εγκατέλειψε την καριέρα της για να αφοσιωθεί ατο μεγάλωμα της κόρης της.

Η Έλλα γεννήθηκε στην Ύδρα και ονειρευόταν ότι θα επιστρέψει να ζήσει εκεί μαζί με τον μεγάλο της έρωτα, τον Χάρισον. Όταν εκείνος την εγκατέλειψε ξαφνικά, η Έλλα έχασε το οξυγόνο της. Έχασε κάθε διάθεση για ζωή. Έχασε ό,τι πιο πολύτιμο είχε μέσα της. Το τραγούδι που έγραψε κάποτε ο Χάρισον για εκείνη εξακολουθεί να τη στοιχειώνει.

Από την πρώτη στιγμή που έφτασαν στο νησί δεν έλειψαν οι εντάσεις. Είναι και αυτή η αύρα που ένιωσαν μόλις πάτησαν στο λιμάνι. Το παρελθόν κρύβει πολλά μυστικά. Και οι δύο φοβούνται μην αποκαλυφθούν. Κάνεις δεν είναι προετοιμασμένος για τις συνέπειες που θα ακολουθήσουν. Το νησί είναι εκεί και περιμένει να αποκαταστήσει την αλήθεια.

Όπως και τα προηγούμενα βιβλία της συγγραφέως έτσι και αυτό έχει άρωμα Ελλάδας. Δύο αδερφές που προσπαθούν να βρουν τις ισορροπίες μετά το χαμό της μητέρας τους και κάποια συγκλονιστικά μυστικά που μόλις μαθευτούν θα αλλάξουν τις ζωές όλων. Ένα βιβλίο για την αγάπη, την οικογένεια, τη συγχώρεση. Ένα βιβλίο που βγάζει τόσο έντονα συναισθήματα που δεν μπορεί παρά να σας συγκινήσει.

[Frankie Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely story, and would be a nice beach read.

There's a lot going on in this book. The relationship between the sisters, Georgia and Ella, the past that haunts them, their relationship with the daughter, Phoenix, as well as a second chance romance for Ella. The setting was described beautifully and almost transported you to the island of Hydra in Greece. I enjoyed how the relationship between the sisters was explored, especially considering the fraught nature of their past and the secrets that Georgia was holding on to.

Unfortunately, I didn't connect with any of the characters in the book. The daughter, Phoenix, seemed to be far older than 17 and was probably the most mature person on that island. Both Georgia and Ella were written as extreme versions of their personalities. Georgia was selfish, rigid, overbearing and refused to take any accountability for any of her actions- which would be normal for a 17 year old, but not so much for a 40+ woman. Ella, on the far other end, was flighty and immature, and I cannot imagine -nor were we given any believable reason- that she would be in love with Harrison for 20+ years. None of their actions made any sense either- they jumped from one emotion to another in the span of the same conversation without any transition, which was very jarring.

I know that this will be popular for those who love a great setting and an emotional story. I did enjoy reading this book and have several people in mind that I would recommend it to.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this arc. All opinions are my own and without bias.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s previous novel, “The House in the Olive Grove” (5 Stars), so I was looking forward to this next offering. It turned out to be a good, not great, read for me.

Two sisters return to the beautiful Greek island of Hydra to scatter their mother’s ashes. Georgia, the older of the two, is the driving force behind the trip, making all the arrangements and compulsively creating an itinerary that accounts for every hour. Ella, the younger sister, is a photographer, who was born on Hydra and based on a heartbreaking experience has no desire to return. The conflicting personalities and lifestyles of these siblings is reflected in their (at times) tumultuous relationship. A third “voice” in the narration is the island itself, which adds a touch of magical realism to the storyline.

Overall, the story was interesting, but I deducted one star because it felt too melodramatic – just too many convoluted relationships and “events” leading up to the conclusion.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Lisa S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorry to say I really struggled with this book and very nearly DNF'd - but I kept going and read to the end.

The story follows sisters Ella and Georgia as they travel to the Greek island of Hydra to disperse their mother's ashes. Along for the trip is Georgia's teenage daughter Phoenix - during their time there long-held secrets come into the light and old disagreements resurface. Nothing stays hidden forever.

There are alternating POVs between Ella and Georgia, which was helpful to build the story and fill in gaps - there was also a third POV for the island? I found this a bit odd and was an addition that wasn't really needed, I didn't feel it added anything much to the story.

Over the course of two weeks the entire course of all three women's lives is changed irrevocably - I just struggled to believe the level of drama and several times felt like I wanted to reach into the story and give Ella / Georgia / both a good shake! This is just my opinion, perhaps I was not in the right mindset for this book - plenty of other readers have thoroughly enjoyed it and I think plenty more still will. It just wasn't really for me.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story. I enjoyed listening to it.

I liked hearing all the things the sisters kept hidden from people close to them slowly revealing themselves. And how despite the bad things that happened to them they managed to find forgiveness. I also liked that the story was emotional and funny in some parts. The music in it was also lovely. I enjoyed the way the characters felt real as they were well written and had personalities.

I didn't like that it was a bit too drawn out though and by the end it felt like there wasn't enough time to enjoy moments when there were just pretty normal times without so many life changing secrets revealing themselves and major events happening.

The narrator was amazing and was good at helping set the scenes in the story.

Overall it was a great story and I enjoyed it but would have liked it to be less drawn out so that there would be more simple scenes without too much drama.

Thanks Netgalley & Harper Collins UK Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my thoughts on it.

[ssloves books - Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely read which many readers would love to take on holiday and enjoy. Its about family and secrets which have lain hidden for a long time.
Set on a beautiful Greek island it follows Ella and her sister Georgia, along with Georgia's daughter Phoenix as they travel to the island where they spent family holidays to scatter their mother's ashes.
I enjoyed the story told from both sister's perspectives and the sister are very different from each other. Georgia is organised and her actions clash with those of her sister Ella.
The setting was wonderful, a warm and inviting Greek island which transports the reader to somewhere relaxed and sunny.
Once the main secret is revealed as a reader it makes the dynamic between the sisters perfectly clear.
Part of the story focuses on Ella's love life where her heart was broken was emotional and her feelings and actions made perfect sense.
The revelations from long-held secrets take the well-crafted plot to a crescendo.
This is a book with depth, there is discussion around some difficult themes which I enjoyed and overall I thought this was a very enjoyable read which I devoured over the course of one day.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Ella and Georgia, plus Georgia's daughter Phoenix, travel to the Greek island of Hydra to scatter their mother's ashes. Ella was born on the island, where their mother had a summer home, but for reasons that are gradually revealed isn't keen on travelling back there. Whilst Georgia is married Ella has never settled, but has a very successful career as a photographer.
This is basically a family saga, not always my favourite genre, but I did enjoy this one with its wonderful Grecian setting. The relationship between the two sisters is very strained, the reason for this is gradually revealed. Ella's first boyfriend was a budding pop star and one of the reasons for the two's struggles, his involvement gradually becomes clearer. Again this is a slow burn book that does deserve to be read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Marie Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Cowells third book which once more takes us to Greece, this time the beautiful island of Hydra….

Ella and Georgia spent their early years visiting Hydra with their mother, who owned a home there, and after her death it seemed the perfect place to scatter her ashes.

Super organised Georgia has the trip planned to perfection and not so organised Ella is happy to go with the flow and joining them is Georgias 17 year old daughter.

Both sisters have mixed feelings about returning, as so much has happened there in the past and sometimes the past and it’s secrets shouldn’t be revisited.

But Hydra has other ideas and the sisters are about to face a few truths which have been long forgotten!

A must read for summer, a wonderful story with lots of twists, turns and revelations all
set with Hydra as it’s beautiful backdrop.

Highly recommended to read on your sun lounger this year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy to read.

[Judy]

I read it in one shot, in a few hours. Good writing and compelling characters, with a plot full of secrets unfolding one after the other. It's all about family, what makes a family, how people in a family can be so alike and so different, the secrets families keep and what happens when they're revealed. Just when you think you know everything that's happened, another secret pops up. It's a bit like a soap opera, but the character's reactions are described so honestly and compassionately that it rises above soap opera. Truth and forgiveness will set you free, is the moral of the story. Not a typical romance novel, though there is a giant love story at the heart of it. It was so huge that I wasn't sure I believed it, but accepted it for the sake of the story. 4 to 4.5

[Bookish Bluestocking · Rating 3 out of 5]

Συμπαθητικό αλλά λίγο κουραστικό. Θύμιζε λίγο σενάριο του Φώσκολου που λένε και κάνουν τα ίδια πράγματα. Θα μπορούσε να έχει πει ότι είπε σε λιγότερες σελίδες ή θα μπορούσε να έχει πει περισσότερα πράγματα!
Το βιβλίο ανέφερε την Ύδρα αλλά θα μπορούσε να είναι οποιοδήποτε μικρό νησί της Ελλάδας. Λογικά ε ει εμπειρία από την ελληνική πραγματικότητα αλλά ίσως, ποιητική αδεία, ανέφερε πράγματα που δεν υπάρχουν, όπως νοσοκομείο στο νησί. Γέλασα πολύ είναι η αλήθεια, γιατί αν νησί με τον πληθυσμό της Ύδρας έχει νοσοκομείο, θα είχαμε σύστημα υγείας Ελβετίας.
Επισης, ανέφερε διαδικασία υιοθεσίας που δεν έχει καμμια, σχέση με την πραγματικότητα ιδίως τη δεκαετία 2000, λες και βρισκόμαστε στο 1900. Αλλα προφανώς εξυπηρετούσε τη διήγηση.