The Santorini Writing Retreat

by Eva Glyn

'An inspiring story of personal growth, and the edifying power of friendship, The Santorini Writing Retreat left me feeling uplifted and hopeful … and craving a holiday in the Greek sunshine.' Kate Storey, bestselling authorThree women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

Praise for The Santorini Writing Retreat:'A glorious book celebrating the power of friendship, storytelling and the kindness of strangers. I adored spending time with these characters as they grappled with their past and present to find their future. A beautiful novel that instantly transported me to the pistachio groves of Santorini.' Emma Cowell

'A new book from the pen of the hugely talented Eva Glyn is always a treat. This story is emotional and life-affirming, and the sun-soaked setting will have you reaching for the travel brochures' Maisie Thomas

'A true page turner … no hesitation in awarding five stars.' Angela Petch

'I loved every page of this beautiful, heart-felt tale. The characters are warm, believable and human. By the end, I felt as though they were my friends too. For a summer read that will have you moving from laughter, to tears to genuine sadness as the stories of the women unfold, The Santorini Writing Retreat is the one book you must read' Alexandra Walsh

'The story beautifully captures the evolving bind between the women. An uplifting read, both atmospheric and heartfelt, Eva Glyn has done it again.' Caroline James

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Summer, Womens Fiction, Greece, Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Rose is a bestselling English author, she’s lost her ability to write and due to feeling guilty. Jessica is hosting a retreat on the stunning Greek island of Santorini and it will give her a break from her troubled marriage and hopefully she will get her writing mojo back.

Zina Sideris was a media relations expert in Athens and she and her husband moved back to Santorini to help her widowed mother, Lambros is busy with the farm, his goats and pistachio crop and Zina renovated the old guest accommodation and opens The Retreat House.

The members are Karmela and Ian, Susan and Ellen, Diana and Sophie. All are here for a variety of reasons, Karmela is a professor and wants to write a historical novel, others are searching for answers to their family history and a purpose. On the stunning Greek Island, new friendships are made and bonds formed, they find the courage to share their own personal stories, speak up and Jessica can see she has to be honest about what she has done and she’s surprised by who’s willing to help her.

I received a copy of The Santorini Writing Retreat from NetGalley and One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Eva Glyn likes to showcase locations in her novels, this time it's Santorini and what’s happening in the area. Farming on the island is being reduced by new buildings being built for the tourist trade and I liked how Zina’s character repurposed one on her parents property and uses the wonderful produce and food grown in the area and from the family farm.

A narrative about keeping secrets, facing up to past mistakes and coming clean, relationships, marriage and outing controlling behaviour, how we are all a work in progress and the importance of friendship and beginning something anew and it's never too late.

Five stars from me and I felt an emotional connection to the characters, I cared what happened to them and want to travel to Greece and visit Santorini myself. I enjoyed catching up with Karmela and she was the main character in Eva Glyn’s previous novel The Dubrovnik Book Club and highly recommend reading both books.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t think for one minute that Glyn will present you with a bookish book and forget to tantalize you with Greek food!

Eva Glyn swept me away to Santorini, introduced me to three women, Professor Karmela Simic, bestselling author Jessica Rose and the owner of The Retreat House, Zina Sideris, and highlighted the power of courage. Each of these three women is at a crossroads in their life and their time on Santorini ignites the courage to shape their future.

Glyn continues to spotlight traditional life in her settings and brings to light some of the colourful people and difficult journeys that we may overlook when being charmed by the location.

I liked that Karmela from The Dubrovnik Book Club showed up in this book so that I could see her progress.

Great cover!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zina and Lambros return to her home on Santorini to help her widowed mother. Lambros wants to start farming while Zina creates a small resort to host retreats. Her first is one for writers led by an author who published a very successful book under a pen name but hides a deep dark secret. Each of the guests has something they want to achieve, as well as personal issues with which to deal.

This book continues the character of Karmela introduced in Glyn’s novel, Dubrovnik Book Club. A refugee from Sarajevo during the Bosnian war and now living in Zagreb, I enjoyed learning more about her background as well as seeing her newly found confidence.

As a writer, Glyn does a wonderful job of creating a strong sense of place. She paints a beautiful picture of Santorini; I could just imagine walking among the white washed walls and blue doors, the red, pink and orange of the bougainvillea and oleander, the glorious sunsets. And the food! My mouth is watering for good Greek cooking.

This is a story of friendship, courage, relationships, and personal growth, along with some writing tips. There are a few storylines which lead to quite a bit of introspection. Some readers might find it slow. But, relax, settle in, and enjoy visiting this beautiful island and the characters as they flourish.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter for the DRC.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

A little long-winded and predictable (maybe because I suspected what the little twists would be). Lovely writing and fits the genre perfectly.

Perfect for a lazy summer read by the pool.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title and cover had me wanting to read this book. I have been to Santorini several times and am hoping to go again in July.
I started this book and thought one of the characters was very familiar, and then I realized I had read this author's previous book, The Dubrovnik book club, just after I had visited Dubrovnik.
This book is an ode to friendships and how the support of friends can help you solve your problems.
Zina comes back to Santorini after her father dies, to support her mother and also to help her husband leave an unhappy life in Athens.
He thrives while taking over the family farm. Zina decides to make a Retreat of the building her father had built for rentals. She thinks that by having a competition with her husband, it will make it fun.
She invites a famous writer, Jessica Rose, to be a mentor to the 5 people who come to the Retreat.
Jessica has a huge secret that is destroying her life and a very controlling husband who has taken away all her confidence.
Then we have Karmela, who is coming from Croatia to get help finishing her historical novel. She is the character from the previous book who was researching women from the history of Dubrovnik. She meets Ian on the ferry and is pleasantly surprised that he and his dog are also coming to the Retreat. He also has a secret. There are several other characters, some with ulterior motives.
The effect the characters have on each other makes for a very moving story, plus it is Santorini!
Mother daughter relationships also play an important role. I hope we see some of these characters in the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion. I found the book quite moving and became very invested in the outcomes of the characters.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love anything around writing and reading within novels and I loved the sound of this new book by Eva Glyn.

Set in Santorini, Zina has set up a new retreat at her family farm, where she and her husband have relocated from Athens to support her mother. Jessica Rose is a bestselling author and she's running the first writing retreat. Karmela is one of the attendees and she rounds out the three main female characters - each with a secret and a struggle that they must deal with over the course of the next month.

It's a beautiful setting and well-drawn by the author but the characters seemed a bit one-dimensional to me alas. With three different stories to follow, it felt a bit scattered and none of the stories felt fleshed out enough. I found the resolutions very quick too and perhaps had there been only one or two stories to follow, I could have connected more with the characters.

This was a quick read - good for the beach or pool!

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful setting for this heart-warming read!

The story is told from three POVs - that of Zina, Jo and Karmela. Here are three women who have issues to work through and problems to solve.

As a child, Karmela fled with her family from war-torn Sarajevo and is now a professor of Medieval History at Zagreb University. She is looking for the happiness that comes with having a close family.

Jo, from London, is a famous author hiding a dreadful secret and living with a coercive husband. Her confidence is at an all-time low.

Zina has recently moved to Santorini, with her husband, to live on a remote farm with her mother who is now on her own. While her husband works on the land, Zina has renovated outbuildings to create the most glorious retreat.

The first guests are there for a month’s long writing retreat, and Jo has been invited to run the sessions and mentor the group. It sounds like an idyllic way of spending a month with its beautiful views, sunny days, delicious Greek food and fabulous company. It made me long to be there too.

I loved ‘watching’ these three women become friends and even though they all live miles apart, you know that friendship is going to last a lifetime. What secrets do they hide and how are they resolved? Well, you’ll have to read the story to find out. 😉🩵☀️🩵



With many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat is a heartwarming and immersive story where we are swept away to the Greek island of Santorini, both in terms of the landscape and the food. At the center of the novel are three women, each with her own story:
*Zina, who has given up her life in Athens for the sake of her husbands mental health and has started the Retreat House
*Jessica Rose (real name Jo), best selling author who is the tutor for the Writing Retreat. But she has her own secrets, and
*Karmela, college professor who was gifted the retreat from her mother and wants to write her story.

Over the course of the month-long retreat, the women form deep bonds, offering one another unexpected strength, encouragement, and understanding. Though the narrative weaves through three distinct storylines, the heart of the novel lies in its exploration of friendship, family, secrets, and the power of supporting each other.

Was a sweet story, worth the read.

[Stephanie Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story set in Santorini which created the perfect backdrop for the characters to find their happy ever afters.

[Lore BonMD · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scenery of Santorini was delightful and descriptive. I didn’t really connect with the characters. The plot
and story line was really not interesting to me.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat
by Eva Glyn

Jessica Rose (Jo) is a bestselling English author, celebrated for her poignant novel and its successful film adaptation, "Only. Ever. You." As she prepares to lead an exclusive writers’ retreat in the scenic landscapes of Santorini, she grapples with her own internal struggles, questioning her creative voice and battling the shadows of her past. However, Jessica soon realises that she isn’t the only one facing personal challenges during this transformative getaway.

Zina Sideris, a skilled media relations expert hailing from Athens, has relocated back to Santorini with her husband to provide support to her widowed mother. In this idyllic but sometimes harsh environment, Zina has taken on the ambitious project of renovating a charming, old guesthouse, aptly named The Retreat House, to host the writers. Meanwhile, her husband, Lambros, devotes his time to nurturing their family farm, carefully overseeing the goats and cultivating a thriving pistachio crop. The couple finds themselves at a crossroads, each navigating their own life changes while managing the challenges of family obligations.

The retreat attracts a diverse group of aspiring writers, including Karmela, a passionate storyteller driven by the desire to honour her late mother's legacy, and Iain, who is struggling to articulate his thoughts on paper. Friends Susan, a librarian wanting to write her family history, Ellen was an artist how come with Susan to sketch and Diana and Sophie, two friends experimenting with their creative voices, they come together to explore the possibility of writing a romance book together amidst the stunning backdrop of Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and azure seas.

Throughout the novel, the breathtaking beauty of the Santorini countryside is vividly portrayed, serving as both a setting and a catalyst for self-discovery. "The Santorini Writing Retreat" intricately weaves the threads of three women’s journeys, showcasing how their intertwined lives shape and influence each other's paths over the course of the retreat. This empowering narrative highlights the significance of forging meaningful friendships, cultivating the courage to embrace one's authentic self, and the transformative power of love in various forms.

At its core, the story champions the discovery of personal identity, not merely as a storyteller but as a vibrant participant in one’s own life. With a rich and cleverly constructed plot and a cast of compelling characters, it is an uplifting read that encourages readers to reflect on their own stories and the connections they forge along the way.

[Ivanka Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of self-discovery for three women, The Santorini Writing Retreat is a delightful trip to the Greek island of Santorini. Jo, Zina, and Karmela meet at a writer’s retreat where Jo, a bestselling author, is the instructor. The novel follows their lives and how they impact those around them during their short stay at the retreat run by Zina.

The perfect read for writers, those who love to travel virtually, and all who have faced challenges in their lives, this novel is also a great escapist read. It’s just right for afternoons at the beach or for summer evenings. You’ll be immersed in the landscape with its olive trees and pistachio groves, the views of the sea and the caldera, and the local cuisine. Not to mention the antics of the goats Zina’s husband tends to and a lovable dog named Sybil.

Each of the main characters in the story has regrets that stop them from living their lives to the fullest. Karmela suffers from the aftereffects of being a refugee and losing a friend to the war in Sarajevo and her strained relationship with her mother; Zina’s marriage is in jeopardy because she feels she had to abandon her own dreams in Athens for her husband and her mother; Jo is the victim of a controlling husband and at his mercy because of a dark secret. When Zina opens the retreat in Santorini, she hopes it will fill some of the void in her life. The first booking at the new country resort is for Jo, who is mentoring a small group of writers. But Jo’s secret threatens to ruin her reputation as a bestselling author.

Told from the point of view of each of the three women, the story flips back and forth between the problems that plague them. The alternating POVs add to the intrigue and suspense of wondering how the characters will respond to the challenges from one scene to another. Eva Glyn deals with real-life relationship issues while offering a touch of romance.

The friendship that develops between Jo, Zina, and Karmela turns out to be the cure for all their troubles, and also affects others on the retreat, as well as Zina’s family. A heart-warming story of opening oneself up to others, The Santorini Writing Retreat is a charming story of life changes against a beautiful backdrop. For more virtual trips to beautiful European locations, you can check out Eva Glyn’s other books.

[Mark taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn is a contemporary travel, women’s fiction with a slice of romance thrown in about three women.

Set on a Greek Island Santorini where Zina, who has had to leave her high powered job because of family issues decides to set up a small hotel that can be used for retreats.

During the first retreat run by the best selling writerJessica Rose who is hiding a secret that could destroy her career.

One of the guests is Karmela who just wants to write a book and make her mum proud.

While The Santorini Writing Retreat can be read as a stand alone, Karmela was a major character in The Dubrovnik Book Club, although you will know more details of her past life rather than just the basics.

While the novel was concentrating on the three main characters in the novel which was how the novel is marketed the two main male characters while important to the story it did feel like there was more to their story but it was edited out.

Take Karmela’s love interest, Ian, a former RAF Pilot, who served in operations over Croatia, for the UN, in the 90’s , which becomes a bone of contention later in the novel.


However it did seem contrived in the way it was written, but I can see there being part of the novel where Ian has more of a back story, this belief is further enhanced with him having a dog.

Without this dog Ian would mainly be alone throughout the novel particularly apart from Zina’s husband these were the only male characters throughout the book. Apart from those who were just in the story to move the plot along.

Not that The Santorini Writing Retreat is a bad novel in fact it was a thoroughly enjoyable read; it just felt that after reading the book that this is a follow up to where the male characters felt an integral part of the story.

These two while integral to the story, it would have worked just as well if they even had less depth than Eva Glyn gave them making them similar to Zina’s former love interest.
,
Having said the the growth of the 3 female main characters in the novel was enough to keep the story engaging from beginning to the end as they each came together to deal with their issues.
still made an enjoybale story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Corinne Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture this: a sun-drenched Greek island, just you and your notebook, ready for a fresh start. That’s The Santorini Writing Retreat—with a funny, heartfelt twist.

The novel brings together three women at very different crossroads in their lives: Jessica Rose, a bestselling author carrying a heavy secret that’s drained her creative well; Zina, a determined entrepreneur returning to her home island to build something new from scratch; and Karmela, an aspiring writer seeking to make her mother proud. A writing retreat on the beautiful island of Santorini, with its stunning sea and whitewashed buildings, is where they first meet and begin their journey of self-discovery.

Jessica’s reluctance as retreat leader makes her vulnerable and her story captivating. The sharp contrast between her public achievements and her private struggles with self-doubt and a hidden secret highlights how easily people can mask their pain. Zina’s story shows what it’s really like to go home and reinvent yourself, while Karmela’s quiet strength is a nice change of pace. The women are portrayed with great empathy, and their development feels genuine and earned.

Reading it, I felt a strong connection to the three women, particularly their use of writing to work through life’s challenges. Similar to Jessica, I’ve had dry spells where my creativity was blocked by unresolved issues. Like Karmela, I’m driven to create something worthwhile, not just for me but for the people who’ve helped me. The retreat’s blend of solitude and community helped me remember the importance of taking breaks to reconnect with myself. This story prompted me to consider the untold stories I’ve been afraid to share, and why those might be the most important ones to tell.

It’s not only the gorgeous Greek scenery (the food descriptions alone are amazing!) that makes this book special; it’s also its honest look at the art of storytelling. As these women write, they face their hidden truths, showing us that the greatest stories are often the ones we’re scared to share. That tagline, “Secrets make the best stories,” isn’t just catchy; it’s the whole point of the book. It’s a heartwarming story that tackles real life, and it might even make you want to write your own!

[TsarinaTyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from Eva Glyn! This story is mainly set in beautiful Santorini, Greece where a group of strangers meets for a writing retreat with a world famous author. The retreat owner, Zina, lives in the home near the retreat with her husband, Lambros, and widowed mother, Panora. Zina and her husband left the hustle and bustle of Athens to return to her home on the island so that her husband could care for the farm and she could be there for her mother. They came up with the idea of using Zina's marketing skills to turn the vacation rentals her father and mother ran into a retreat destination and this writing retreat is the first to be held. The world famous author is Jessica Rose who wrote bestselling book and movie "Only. Ever. You." She's a shy woman much put upon by her controlling husband and she worries that she won't be able to connect with those in attendance. She needn't be concerned because the eclectic group of would-be authors warms to her right away ... well nearly all of them. There's strong, determined, and decisive Karmela who was in a previous book by Glyn, "The Dubrovnik Book Club", the kind and encouraging Diana, Iaian, the funny and supportive former British Air Force pilot, rather standoffish Sophie, Susan who came to write a family history while searching the area for family members she had never known after her family moved to the US, and Susan's friend, Ellen, who is an artist who came along to work on her art. Jessica is very worried that the secrets she guards so closely, including her real name, will come out during the retreat but she soon finds that being away from her husband and being around these wonderful people makes her willing to let down her guard. This story is about building friendships, finding the strength to be your true self, the importance of love, and also about finding your story and not only telling it, but also living it. This is another one of those books where you come to know and care about the characters so much that you really don't want to finish reading the story. I drew it out as long as I could just to stay in Santorini with this wonderful group of people.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins for the advanced copy.

It took me an about 25% of the book to really connect with it, but it was 100% worth it. I love a book about female friendships, and this one is excellent. I love that the 3 main characters (and even the secondary characters) are not described as being stereotypically perfect (petite, thin, gorgeous, in their 20s or at most early 30s). These are complex and interesting women, who are not perfect, and have interesting backgrounds and relatable problems (imposter syndrome, dealing with trauma, relationships, life not ending up the way you planned, etc).

I think I had trouble with the first 1/4 because of the number of characters and learning their backstories. That's a personal challenge for me in books, but this one made it worth it. I do appreciate that with the sheer number of women at the retreat, the author made each of their names very different. I find it impossible when an author has a large group and half the names are too similar (e.g. Paul, Pete, & Pat; or Susan, Sharon & Suzanne). And, even though the secondary characters play a critical role in the story, the author stayed focused on the main characters. I was never confused as to from whose perspective the chapters/sections were.

There are a lot of coincidences in the book (trying not to include spoilers), and having all of those coincidences occur at one retreat, strained credulity. I chose to think of it as a magical realism -- the retreat brought them together so they could all resolve their secrets and internal struggles. And that made it work for me.

I had not read The Dubrovnik Book Club, which apparently introduced Karmela, one of the main characters in this book. I had been thinking to myself that I would be interested in learning more about Karmela's experiences that led her to wanting to write her book, and I'm happy to see that that book exists.

And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to go to a writing (or whatever) retreat for a month!

[Jan Baynham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of Eva Glyn’s writing, I couldn’t wait to read her new novel with its stunning cover and intriguing blurb. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Santorini Writing Retreat’. It had everything I now expect from one of my favourite authors – wonderfully drawn characters, a stunning location and a plot that kept me turning the pages. The premise of using an actual writing retreat as the setting and then condensing the story into a month is ambitious but for me it really worked. The opening sentence ‘And above all, don’t forget there needs to be a terrible secret at the heart of the story’ and then 'resting her forehead on the glass. Oh, the irony.' was a very strong hook at the beginning. I wanted to know what this was and the reader knew from day one that the secret was not only going to be in Jo's new novel but it was one she had herself. When that secret was revealed, it was huge. I liked the way hints about what was involved were dropped throughout the novel which made the revelation all the more shocking.

The portrayal of Greece and Greek life is such that the reader is taken there through fabulous descriptions of the landscape, weather and food. The author’s descriptions of the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful through the use of an extensive palette of colours. I could be there!

The characterisation is particularly strong. It was good to meet one of my favourite characters from ‘The Dubrovnik Book Club’ again, too. Karmela has always fascinated me. In order to appreciate the journeys the characters take in the novel, especially Jo, Zina and Karmela, I enjoyed being in their heads, getting to know their inner thoughts and self-contemplation. The growth in the characters' strength of personality is done so well. They were different people by the end from the ones we met at the beginning of the novel. I loved the way the story finished with the knowledge that this wasn't the end. Real friendships have been made, relationships strengthened and past scars healed. A treat of a novel! Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat is the story of three women. They are all at a point in their lives where they are embracing change, or at least trying to.

Jo has published a book under the name Jessica Rose. It was a huge success and she is now mentoring a writing retreat in Santorini. But she carries a devastating secret that could blow her life apart and the lives of a number of others including her own mother.

Zina has returned to Santorini leaving behind a thriving career in Athens, because her husband needed to get away from the pressure of living and working in the city. Zina has created a wonderful retreat, but living with her recently widowed mother and giving up everything she loved is taking its toll.

And Karmela? Well she was my favourite character in The Dubrovnik Book Club, so I was delighted to discover she was one of the main characters in The Santorini Writing Retreat. See what I wrote in my review:

“Karmela is a refugee, whose father escaped with his family from Sarajevo during the war in the 1990s, while others stayed to fight, and she still feels guilty. I loved Karmela – I think I would go so far as saying she is my favourite character (apart from Mis the cat of course).”

No Mis here, but we do have a greyhound called Sybil, and lots of goats.

Karmela’s fear of rejection has always stood in the way of her forming a meaningful relationship, but is she now ready for love?

This was such a lovely book, perfect as a holiday read, but it does cover some serious subjects, and is at times very emotional. I still love Karmela, and Jo of course – Zina could be very annoying. There are lots of other beautifully written characters like Zina’s husband Lambros, the other members of the writing group, and of course Iain.

Many thanks to the author and to NetGalley for a review copy.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn is like summer sunshine in book form, telling the stories of three women who strike up a lasting friendship at a writing retreat in the beautiful setting of Santorini. Jo, or Jessica Rose as fans of her best selling novel know her, should be almost finished her second book but instead a terrible secret that she has been hiding has robbed her of all her creativity so when the opportunity arises for her to go lead a writing retreat in Greece, she hopes that a change of scenery and a break from her troubled marriage might kick start the process and help to get her back on track. For Zina the success of the retreat will be the first real test of her decision to rebrand the family guesthouse following the death of her father and her return home from her life in the city. Karmela wants to write a book that will make her mother proud, forced to flee Sarajevo as a child she still carries the scars of that trauma and finds it hard to let anyone in. (Readers who are familiar with this author's previous books may recognise this last character.)
With a beautiful setting and descriptions of food that left me salivating this is a wonderful summer read. The characters are well crafted and the problems they face are compelling as they each embark on a journey of self determination. I will say that I struggle to believe that a group of prospective authors would be quite so easy going about some of the things that happen, but putting that quibble aside I really enjoyed the book, there are some really funny and light moments but the author also delves into some more difficult topics and manages to handle both in an expert manner and all the way through I was hoping for this group of friends to find their happily ever afters.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this story, which had a strong female cast to help tell the story. The three key characters were Jessica Rose, a bestselling author whose success has been meteoric since publishing her hauntingly beautiful book centred around a lesbian love affair. Zina, who, along with her husband, Lambros, has returned to Santorini hoping to find a better life for them. Then there’s Karmela, whose only wish is to make her mother proud and to escape the memories of growing up in war-torn Sarajevo.
I honestly loved everything about this book and the secrets that were revealed along the way. Jessica Rose was perhaps hiding the biggest secrets, including her name and the toxic marriage she had found herself in, but that hardly scratched the surface. Yet, despite all that, she still had the strength to lead the retreat and deliver sound, helpful guidance to the gathered group of aspiring authors. Her indomitable inner strength eased the way for her to reveal her secrets to the group.
Zina and Lambros were still young, not even thirty, but Lambros had pushed himself to a near breakdown, and so, they had returned to her family farm on Santorini. Now, Lambros was working on reinvigorating her father’s farm, while Zina turned the farmhouse and buildings into a destination retreat. In my mind, I struggled to understand how they had become so beset with anxiety before even hitting their thirties. I considered my daughter and the stresses she has encountered since turning thirty, and I remembered that we live in distinctly different times. With the added lens of hindsight, I realised how skilled the author truly is.
Finally, Karmela, perhaps my favourite character, had so much to discover about herself. I can only imagine the debilitating pain of living through war and then being displaced while seeking safety. Having only known the devastating effects of conflict, it was impossible not to hope she would find her happiness again, and maybe even discover a common ground with her mother.
There is so much more that I would love to tell you, but that would lead me into the realms of spoilers, and that wouldn’t be good. Please read this beautiful book and enjoy the balm it brings to a busy world, which helps the reader escape from life’s stresses.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat took me on an immersive trip to a beautiful location with the vivid descriptions of the setting and the food being enjoyed by the characters. I've never visited Santorini before, but having seen pictures I had a vague idea of what it looks like and Eva Glyn's fabulously descriptive writing helped to complete the image in my minds eye and I could almost picture myself there, whilst in reality I was reading in rainy Cornwall!

As well as the gorgeous setting I also adored the strong theme of friendship throughout the story; the group start off as complete strangers but were able to build some genuine friendships despite, or maybe because of, the hurdles that they face. The story is told through three different points of view with each of the three women dealing with some difficult and very different issues. Despite the fact that they come from different countries and backgrounds they form an incredible bond which was so enjoyable to read about and for me was my favourite element.

I became incredibly invested in each of the characters as they are so well written; they're complicated, flawed, and just so very human that it was easy to become immersed in their lives and want them to have the best possible outcome. None of them expected to share so much of themselves while on the writing retreat, but by opening up to each other and sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings their problems become easier to deal with, with the help of each other.

This was my first Eva Glyn book and it certainly won't be my last, I'm especially interested in reading The Dubrovnik book club as one of the characters from this book was previously featured. All in all this was a beautiful story about female friendships and belonging.

[Kitty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat is the most wonderful novel. Eva Glyn is known for her unfaltering ability to fully immerse the reader in a setting and I was thoroughly ensconced in Santorini, with its sounds, smells and beautiful views weaved through every scene. As ever, Eva Glyn writes with a warmth and a sensitivity towards her characters, all of whom are fully-formed with strengths and flaws and baggage.
This particular novel dwells largely on three women and the way they grow together over the course of a month. There is the feisty Zina who is running her first ever retreat from her mother’s farm where she has relocated to help support not just her mum but her husband, Lambros, who is in need of a break from the fast pace of the city and happily loses himself in the harvests and country life. There is Jo, who is the best-selling author leading the retreat and who has had a past that is threatening to spill her secrets and upend her life. Finally there is Karmela - featured in Eva Glyn’s previous novel, The Dubrovnik Book club - who is having to face her biggest fears so she can ultimately open herself up a little to a life of possibilities. There are also a cast of supporting characters, all of whom enrich the novel, and the characters lives, immensely.
Eva Glyn deals with some hefty topics in this novel but does so in such an insightful way and with such poignancy that is impossible not be uplifted and heartened as you read, willing the characters on and breathing a deeply satisfied sigh as all the knots detangle and the novel comes to its conclusion. Thoughtful, poignant and insightful fiction at its absolute best.

[Angela Petch · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The most important things: friendship, honesty, courage and laughter"

What a clever, complex story.

A group of aspiring writers are gathered together on a writing retreat that will last A WHOLE MONTH on a beautiful Greek island, surrounded by olive and pistachio groves. How mouth watering!
Add to this wonderful setting (which the author describes so enticingly), secrets and lies waiting to be discovered, relationships that aren’t quite working, “tragedies and small triumphs, excitement and uncertainty…” and we have a true page turner. There’s a whole month in which to learn about the complex lives and tangles of these characters and become immersed in rural Santorini. Instead of Chapter 1, Chapter 2 etc, Eva Glyn heads each section with the day’s date. Clever. It helps the reader live side by side with events.

The three main characters – although all members of the retreat are portrayed as complete characters (including Sybil the dog!), are the tutor, Jo, whose writing pseudonym is Jessica Rose, (the owner of the boutique retreat accommodation), Zina and Karmela, my favourite character. These three women form a deep friendship throughout the course of the month and help each other come to terms with their various problems.

It’s a multi-layered story, deep but not heavy, tackling serious issues that many will identify with. I loved it. I have said it before, but Eva Glyn’s writing is assured and with each book, she gets better and better.
No hesitation in awarding five stars. Thank you to One More Chapter for letting me read an early copy. I enjoyed the story so much I bought my own copy.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5, rounded down

I grabbed this when I saw it come up on NetGalley because I read another book by Glyn, The Dubrovnik Book Club, and enjoyed it, plus I have been to Santorini, and it remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. This was nice, light, low-stakes read similar to the Dubrovnik Book Club. This seems like it would make a good beach read, or book to read on the plane while on your way to a vacation.

The story takes place at a writing retreat in Santorini and centers on the insecurities and difficulties that various attendees have in their relationships, careers and personal lives. A large majority of the issues that come up have to do with martial problems, and while that's certainly a believable and relatable issue, I was hoping for something a little more escapist. The story didn't gel for me quite as well as DBC as those characters just clicked better with me. However, there are some lovely descriptions of the scenery and food of Santorini, which is something I look forward to in a destination-read like this.

Overall this wound up a little too Hallmark movie-adjacent for me, though Dubrovnik Book Club was similar, and it didn't bother me as much. I think because this book had a lot more relationship drama than DBC where many of the characters dealt with more varied problems. If you liked Glyn's other work, or are just looking for a quick summer read, this will work fine, but it isn't going to something I see myself coming back to.

[Jen Gilroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, uplifting and beautifully written…'The Santorini Writing Retreat' by Eva Glyn is women’s fiction at its best.

When reading any Eva Glyn book, I promptly want to visit the story’s location, and 'The Santorini Writing Retreat' is no exception.' The sun-drenched Greek setting is beautifully drawn, and its warmth is matched by that of the viewpoint characters, all of whom I quickly became invested in.

Three women meet at a writing retreat on Santorini and become friends. While each of them finds the courage to change her own life story, it is the strong and evolving female friendship interwoven through the book which touched me most. Offering emotional strength, support, vulnerability and more, how friendship plays out in 'The Santorini Writing Retreat' makes the story moving, heartfelt and highly relatable.

From marital woes to a new romance, challenges of running a small business and the weight of secrets, we meet women at different life stages, all multi-dimensional and deftly crafted. The secondary characters are also interesting and well-developed with their own dilemmas and life choices. The plotting is both intricate and seamless, and the story flows easily between viewpoint characters.

While Glyn doesn’t shy away from difficult, real-life issues and emotions, they’re handled with sensitivity and the story is ultimately inspiring, hopeful and heartwarming.

I loved spending time with Glyn’s characters and now want to book my own retreat in gorgeous Santorini.

Thanks to the author, publisher & NetGalley for an advance review copy.

[the society of inkdrinkers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn is a contemporary fiction novel that transports you to The Retreat House in Santorini. Jo is a famous author who had a widely successful novel but lately lacks the creative spark for her next novel. She has a secret that is consuming her everyday life. She is moderating the writing retreat for five people who have signed up for a month of creative writing. Karmela is a professor who wants to write a historical novel set in medieval Dubrovnik. She was a refuge from Sarajevo during the Balkan War. Fans of The Dubrovnik Book Club will recognize her and appreciate receiving more of her story. Zina manages The Retreat House which she created after the death of her father. She and her husband moved to the farm to live with her grieving mother. Their marriage is being challenged with all of the changes. The women become friends over the course of a month and learn how valuable a friend can be when you are going through challenging times.

I recommend this novel for contemporary fiction and romance readers. It’s a great summer book, I was imagining reading it from a comfy chair at The Retreat House with a warm breeze and cheese with a glass of wine at my side. The novel speaks to the value of creating new friendships, being honest with yourself, and taking a chance for love.

Thank you Harper Collin’s UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read two other books by this author, and both were just so-so. This one was about the same.

I was excited to read a book set on Santorini, which is a magical and unique place. Unfortunately, the cover was way more exciting than the actual descriptions or the setting in this novel. The book is set in the more rural, less picturesque part of the island - which is fine, just don't expect there to be a lot of imagery like there is on the cover of the book.

While I was happy to see Karmela again, who we met in the Dubrovnik Book Club, the rest of the characters were completely uninteresting. I detested Zina, as she was a self-centered brat. I couldn't connect with Jo/Jessica, and was bored with her abusive, overbearing husband trope. The only characters I really liked were Karmela and Iain. I thought the inclusion of the dog was odd, as it's a bit of a logistical challenge to bring a large dog from England to Greece in the first place, unless you're driving (which, maybe he was). The whole secret about the Jo/Jessica's book could've been more profound, but it just fell flat.

I was really annoyed by the way in which the author wrote the speech of the Greek characters. I understand the author is British, but she wrote the Greek characters to speak like a Brit, which is completely unrealistic. A good author can find a way to write characters in their applicable voices.

I think this is the last book I'll read by this author.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the Dubrovnik Book Club last year, I was thrilled to read this book by Eva Glyn.
And the added plus for me was that one character was someone I had met before!
Set in Santorini, we meet Zina and Lambros, a young married couple who have shifted back to Zina's family farm, away from Athens, to support her widowed mother and give Lambros a chance to balance his wellbeing and mental health.
He busies himself with building the farm back to what it used to be, and Zina creates a luxurious space where retreats can be held.
Her first is one for writers, hosted by a famous author who writes under a pen name and several unpublished writers looking to be tutored and guided by this person.
A colourful group of people congregate for a month-long retreat, including Karmela, whom we met in a previous book.
There are secrets, love stories, relationship difficulties, and much more tackled within the story, all set in a beautiful rural part of a country well-known for its tourism attraction beauty.
I enjoyed this read and was fully invested in the story, wanting to know what would happen to all the characters at the end!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for an ARC.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving their stressful jobs in Athens behind, Zina and husband Lambros have returned to her family’s farm in rural Santorini after her father’s death – he has begun to revitalise the land, tending the goats and hoping for a pistachio crop to turn their fortunes around, while she’s put her energy into converting the neglected holiday apartments into a boutique retreat. They might appear to be living the dream, but their marriage is suffering – they don’t spend enough time together, and living in close proximity with her grieving mother brings its own stress and strain. But all the renovations, with their luxurious touches, are now complete – and it’s time for Zina to host her first retreat, hoping for happier times ahead.

The retreat is to be led by Jessica Rose, the author of a bestselling novel – she’s glad of the opportunity to escape her toxic marriage for a while, but worries about her inability to write another book, a number of secrets she’s kept deeply hidden, the likely impact if they were to be revealed, and her sketchy credentials to be taking the lead. The group assembles – all with their own reasons for being there – and includes Karmela, the professor we previously met through the book club in Dubrovnik, hoping to finally leave her difficult past behind and produce a historical novel that will make her mother proud of her.

This was a particularly emotional read, perfectly paced and quite beautifully written, the different relationships especially well drawn – the friendships between the three very real women at the book’s heart slowly blossom and become increasingly supportive, they share their personal stories and open up about the challenges in their lives, face up to their mistakes and the possibilities of starting afresh, and find strength and inspiration in each other. There are plenty of surprises along the way, moments of joy and more than a touch of heartache, difficult decisions to be made, times when everything might fall apart – and I felt totally invested throughout in their stories and the possibility of happiness in their futures.

There’s an exceptional sense of place throughout – plenty of opportunities to see the beauty of the volcanic island visited by tourists in their droves, drawn in the most vivid and well-researched detail, but also to witness the real hardship of attempting to eke a living from the sun-baked and barren land. Everything combined to make this a book I really loved – the lives of its characters a pleasure to feel part of as I was completely drawn into their stories, the uplifting ending everything I could have asked for. Very much recommended.