Beside the Turquoise Sea

by Emma Burstall

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It's clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

Readers have fallen in love with Emma Burstall's gorgeous

'With a delightful Greek backdrop and an enticing mix of a fractured family, strained friendships, plus a healthy dose of mystery, love and loss, Beneath the Lemon Trees is a gorgeous summer escape' Kate Frost

'A wonderful escapist novel – mysteries, revelation and happy endings make it a perfect summer read' Rachel Burton

'Brilliant' Phillipa Ashley

'A novel to lose yourself in' Faith Hogan

'Step into a world of pure escapism in this gripping tale of family secrets, sibling rivalry and summer romance' Chat Magazine

'A charming, warm-hearted read... Pure escapism' Alice Peterson

'Burstall is a great writer, and this is not your usual run-of-the-mill chick lit... I was gripped from the start' Daily Mail

'Burstall has a true knack for transporting you to her world' Jane Corry

‘Wow, what an incredible rollercoaster of a read! From the minute I picked up this book, I was swept away by the vividly described landscapes and mouthwatering descriptions of Crete's delectable cuisine.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Fabulous, fabulous book, loved every minute of it. The storyline, the varied characters. The setting made me feel I was on holiday.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Loved it. A magical villa, a broken family, a dead best friends husband being awkward, beautiful food descriptions, clear blue seas. Just read and escape. Perfect for September blues.’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures! I loved this book so much and could relate to it and the characters! Beautifully written, really made you feel like you were right there in Greece!’ Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A charming book about marriage, grief, friendship and parenting, all set in a charming villa under the Cretan sun.

Genres: Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Adult

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2025

About the author

Emma is the author of nine novels including her bestselling Cornish series, Tremarnock. These books in order are - Starting Over In Cornwall, Christmas At The Cornish Guest House, A Summer in Cornwall, A Cornish Secret and The Girl Who Came Home To Cornwall.
Her latest book, The House On Rockaway Beach, came out in September 2022 and she's currently working on the next one.
Emma read English at Cambridge University and began her career as a cub reporter on the Western Morning News in Plymouth, later becoming features editor of Woman and Family Circle.
She loves films and the theatre, yoga, pilates, wild swimming, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
She lives in South West London and has three children and two grandchildren.

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fun and summery new novel from Emma Burstall, readers follow Edie and Ralph as they return to their honeymoon location of Crete with their closest friends Mac and Hannah and Edie’s colleague Jessica for a vacation at Villa Ariadne. Edie and Ralph hope that the trip will help their relationship and heal the growing rift between them, but the drama that Jessica instigates might make this vacation not very relaxing and more conflict-heavy than they had planned. The Villa Ariadne is definitely special and the island is beautiful, but that might not be enough to save these relationships. The characters are definitely the stars of the book, and the characters’ relationships are incredibly complex; Burstall does a fantastic job developing the relationships and revealing bits as the book goes on. The detail in the setting and in the minor characters really brings Villa Ariadne and Crete to life in fantastic detail, and readers will be immersed in this complex and emotional story that has just the right amount of drama. Entertaining, immersive, and fascinating, readers will really enjoy the brilliantly complex and entertaining new novel from Emma Burstall because the characters and their relationships are so detailed and complicated.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my normal type of read, but every so often, I like to read something different. Lately, I have been reading a lot of romance, so now I have stepped into "Women's Fiction."

There was just something about this book; the blurb was vague, but enough to entice. However, the cover won me over. I wanted to know what happened beside the turquoise sea!

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I wasn't expecting this!

2 couples and a solo go on holiday together, to Crete, where everything sounds so breathtakingly beautiful! The prologue gave me a mystical vibe, a promise that something big was going to happen.

Then we see Edie, stuck in a rut, like so many when the children fly the nest and wants to reconnect to her husband, Ralph. They go away with Mac and Hannah, and somehow Jessica comes along too.

Do not get me started about Jessica. She will just ruin this review.

I adored Edie, her ways. She just wants a nice holiday and a chance to reconnect, reset and try and move on.
On one hand, nothing much happens in this book; people go on holiday and people come home - that's the simplistic view. However, SO MUCH HAPPENS. Things I didn't expect, and kudos to the author as she tackled a topic that isn't talked about much with such care. My heart broke for said character. I was so shocked and appalled. Everything from their demeanor, to taking the blame, just everything. You really do not know what goes on behind closed doors!

I loved everything about this book, and it was such a welcome treat. So much so, the audiobook was devoured in 2 sittings. I just couldn't put it down. I was hooked, and the mystical and the magic of the book bled into real life. Just like Edie had a pull to the villa, I was pulled to the book.

It is one to lose yourself in whilst catching the sunshine and feeling like you are with old friends.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was rather expecting a holiday escape – the village in Southern Crete and the wonderful Villa Ariadne are beautifully drawn, and you can certainly feel the sunshine – but this book turned out to be rather more than an opportunity for some armchair travel.

Now an empty nester, Edie feels the excitement has gone from her marriage to Ralph – but hopes they can grow closer again when they return to the island where they had their honeymoon for the half-term holidays. They’re joined by friends Mac and Hannah – with a few qualms, as it’s become fairly obvious that they’re having a few problems in their marriage too, their frequent arguments becoming a little uncomfortable. And, at the last minute, they also invite Edie’s single work colleague Jessica – the evening they spent together before the holiday gave them the feeling she’d fit in just fine.

But things start to go wrong as soon as they arrive – Jessica’s particularly forthright in her views and opinions, rubbing everyone up the wrong way, Mac and Hannah’s issues begin to escalate, and it’s clear this isn’t going to be the idyllic stay Edie’d hoped for. The atmosphere is already tense and uncomfortable when Jessica decides to do some sightseeing, but fails to return – and they have no option but to involve the police.

The whole book very much focuses on the cracks and strains within marriages – and the emotional stress of that stage in life is particularly well handled. Other than Edie, I didn’t find any of the individuals sympathetic or likeable – but that made the reasons for their bad behaviour and the various secrets that emerged all the more intriguing. Nothing and no-one is quite what they seem to be – including the Villa Ariadne itself, although we’re already aware that its owner Katerina rather knew that their time there would be the life-changing opportunity they all needed.

It’s a compelling story, with a few twists that came as a real surprise – and the exploration of friendship, the dynamics between the main characters and the emotional touches are all excellent. The atmosphere at the villa, as things go from bad to worse, is cloying and claustrophobic – but the setting is absolutely gorgeous, and the author certainly captures its beauty with glimpses of village life and descriptions that really transported me there. While not the light beach read I thought it would be, it was a rather more challenging read that I really enjoyed – and would certainly recommend to others.

[ReadThruTheNight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Burstall’s “Beside the Turquoise Sea” is a nice little read with a few twists that come as a surprise to the reader.
Set in a village in Crete, the description of the villa and surrounding area so beautifully portrayed it makes the reader want to visit.
The underlying tone of suspense among the characters really intrigued and kept me engaged. The story ends with some unresolved conflict which leads me to believe a sequel is to follow. This is book 2 of a series so far.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea
by Emma Burstall

In this interesting story, Edie and her husband, Ralph, embark on a nostalgic journey back to Grete, the enchanting destination of their honeymoon decades earlier. They are joined by their cherished friends, Mac and Hannah, who have their own dynamic friendship with Edie and Ralph. Just before their departure, Edie introduces her colleague, Jessica, a vibrant and adventurous spirit, whose presence ignites a spark of curiosity in Hannah. Eager to expand their group, Hannah proposes inviting Jessica along, setting the stage for an intriguing blend of personalities.

As the five vacationers arrive at their stunning Villa Ariadne overlooking the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, the idyllic surroundings contrast sharply with the underlying tension simmering among them. Each character brings their own baggage—emotional strains, unspoken grievances, and hidden secrets that threaten to surface.

Throughout the story, the relationships among the group are tested, revealing a complex web of interactions filled with jealousy, love, and betrayal. As unexpected twists unfold, the characters confront their deepest fears and desires, leading to moments of anxiety and angst that grab the reader's interest

Emma Burstall's story delves much deeper than the allure of sunshine and sandy beaches; it explores themes of truth, self-discovery, and the difficult journey of letting go of illusions. Ultimately, it challenges the characters to embrace the lives they genuinely aspire to live, while navigating the complexities of friendship and love.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I absolutely adore the escapes I take with Emma Burstall, and this one felt like a warm hug wrapped in Mediterranean sunshine. From the very first page, I felt as if I’d been dropped straight into that beautiful villa in Crete — surrounded by olive trees, blue skies, and the sound of the sea. It’s a special sort of magic that only this author can create.
Emma Burstall has this remarkable gift for capturing the beauty and complexity of relationships — making every character feel like someone you already know, or would love to meet. The quiet loneliness that settles when the kids have left home, the awkward spaces that can arise in a long marriage, and the hopeful moments where change and connection can still find their way… she writes it all with such warmth and sincerity. You don’t just read her stories — you live them.
Edie, Ralph, their friends, and the fiery, intriguing Jessica felt completely real to me. I was invested from the very first chapter, drawn in by their dynamics, their struggles, and their moments of belonging and rediscovery. The Villa Ariadne became a character too — a sun-drenched backdrop that felt as vivid and inviting as the people within its walls.
That’s the beauty of an Emma Burstall book: it’s more than a story, it’s an experience. The way she weaves emotion, setting, and character together creates a world you don’t want to leave, a place you carry with you long after the final page is turned.
Brilliant book, lovely characters, a dreamy setting… what more do you need? Five sunshine stars from me! 🌞🌊📚

[Winona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Emma Burstall for this eARC

Going off the synopsis and the cover I was expecting a story of self-discovery and reinvention set against the beautiful Crete backdrop.

What I got was none of that.
The characters are all deeply unlikeable and under-developed.
The plot was… I honestly don’t know what the plot was. Part second-chance romance, part mystery, part drama but none of the storylines were cohesive or well executed.
The “twist” could be seen by a blind person from 10 km away and given the topic it involves (domestic violence, specifically with a male victim) there was a distinct lack of sensitivity, I’d even go so far as to say trivialization.
It was well written, unfortunately that is the only positive thing I can say.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It's clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

My rating:

Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Women’s Fiction
General Fiction


Review:

This is an interesting nicely written story set in a beautiful location which puts you in the holiday spirit as soon as you start reading. The plot is a bit more complex and focuses on the relationships between characters the dynamic of different personalities, how relationships change over time and how this affects the friendships with friends and family. The characters are portrayed realistic, their actions were explained well.

Overall a nicely written story, that started off a bit slow but then picked up and flowed well with well developed interesting characters A great holiday read!

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea by Emma Burstall was a beautifully written book from start to finish. I just wanted to repack my suitcase and travel to a Greek island, walk on the sand and watch the sea go in and out of the beach and take in all the smells and atmosphere. Beside the Turquoise Sea just done that, I dreamt I was back on my holiday.
This book was a heartwarming and is about Edie, who has begun to feel really lonely in her family home where she shares with her husband Ralph, their children are both all grown up, they have moved out, and living their own dreams. Edie really hopes on returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, hopefully this will help heal the growing rift between them both. So, she goes on the internet and finds a perfect place and in the Crete Islands, a beautiful villa called Villa Ariadne. She contacts the owner and arranges the dates with them on when she would like to go on holiday. When they get there the villa has breathtaking views and is very peaceful. This is a perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah.
Edie invites a fifth person a her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, as she felt sorry for her.

It's clear from the moment they all arrive that the villa is very special, and under the golden Greek sun, it looks perfect. Edie hopes to rekindle relationship between her and her husband as she’s feels it is slipping away from her.

But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

This book is So Good I could not put it down. I loved it. I highly recommend this book.

[Krystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled my way through this flat read with underdeveloped characters and setting. There wasn't much to grasp onto and with a setting like Crete that was a missed opportunity. Each time something happened, and I would think we're finally going to see Crete up close. Nope, just more dry dialogue. I could give you basic stats for characters, but honestly, I'm never looking for cold bullet points. I read for characters that get my emotions shaken or stirred. 🍸I didn't feel so much as a dull rattle. I was bored from beginning to end and if you're wondering if I finished it. I did. My thoughts didn't change.

The premise is two longtime couples who have been friends for years decide to vacation together in Crete along with a co-worker. The marriages are under stress and the characters are hoping the trip will be a fresh start. There are some predictable twists and issues that arise which brought nothing of note to the table. Creating a luscious setting to explore would have been better than adding weak plot devices.

It's possible I am not the right audience for this novel. So be sure to take other reviews under consideration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edie needs a holiday and to spend some quality time with her husband Ralph. They decide to invite their good friends Mac and Hannah and unwittingly also invite one of Edie’s single work colleagues, Jessica. When Edie books Villa Ariadne located in beautiful Crete, she knows that she has done the right thing in booking a holiday, going back to the country where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon.
Not even the gorgeous views and peaceful surroundings help when cracks start to appear in Mac and Hannah’s marriage. The holiday isn’t going to be the sticking plaster they so greatly need. As the week progresses the atmosphere at the villa changes and becomes very tense, with much arguing and unpleasantness. This is compounded when Jessica goes missing. The holiday starts to unravel before their eyes, but can they pull it back before they board the plane of the return journey?
I thought I had deja vu when I started reading this book as the location and Villa Ariadne were already familiar to me. I was glad to realise that this book was a follow on to Beneath the Lemon Tree. I loved the descriptions of the villa and the area in which it is located, they are vivid and beautifully descriptive. The plot is also great with a few twists. Overall, a really enjoyable read.

[Kristie Burch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea is part lit fic and part magic realism, following a pair of empty nesters as they travel to Crete hoping to add some spark back to their marriage. Edie and Ralph are such relatable characters. Once madly in love, now they're a bit disconnected and stuck in the rhythms of their daily routines.

Edie books a (magical?) villa in Crete for themselves plus another couple they've known for years. However, things get complicated (as they always do) when they impulsively decide to invite one of Edie's colleagues to tag along.

If I'm not mistaken, this is part of a series of standalone novels that are set in the same villa, which magically brings the right people to its doors. Perhaps if I had read the first book, I would have better understood the mythology of the magical villa. That piece of the story felt quite underdeveloped; I wish I'd had more of the backstory. The magical element almost felt like an addendum.

The author has a gift for describing scenery and food with lush, vivid detail—the island feels alive, and I can just imagine a big beautiful Greek salad in front of me. (So much so, I immediately added ingredients for Greek salad to my grocery list!)

That said, I enjoyed it but would have liked more magical realism.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edie and Ralph return to their honeymoon destination of Crete on vacation to rekindle their marriage and bring their best friends, Mac and Hannah, along with a colleague. They will be staying at the magical Villa Ariane.

This book took me through a range of emotions and I quickly found myself disliking a few of the people in the storyline and adoring others. The vacation makes them rethink how well they really know each other and factor what happens when vacation is over.

There's a quick mystery thrown in that adds some tension and volatility to the storyline that will leave you guessing and the outcome will leave you speechless to say the least.

The descriptions of the villa, town, and views were wonderful and the locals were so nice it makes you want to pack a bag and go there immediately.

Beside The Turquoise Sea is the second book in this series set in Crete, but can be read as a stand alone. I look forward to reading Beneath The Lemon Trees which is the first book in the series and any future books to come.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea swept me away with its vivid setting and emotionally resonant story. What begins as a hopeful getaway to rekindle a fading marriage slowly unfolds into a deeper exploration of friendship, truth, and the turning points we all face in midlife.

Edie is a relatable and quietly brave protagonist. Her decision to return to Crete, the site of her honeymoon, is full of longing—for connection, for clarity, and for a spark she fears may be gone. The Villa Ariadne, with its dreamy views and tranquil charm, becomes the perfect backdrop for both healing and upheaval.

The group dynamics are wonderfully drawn, especially when Edie invites her bold and unpredictable colleague Jessica to join them. Tensions simmer and secrets emerge, adding a rich emotional layer to what might otherwise have been a light vacation tale.

This book is about more than sunshine and sea—it’s about facing truths, letting go of illusions, and embracing the life you truly want. Perfect for fans of character-driven fiction with a strong sense of place.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the Villa Ariadne work its magic once more
Revealing secrets, helping guests their relationships to explore?
This time Edie and her husband, Ralph, are coming this way
Hoping to rekindle their nearby honeymoon stay.

The rift between them has them growing apart
But neither really wants that, it'd break their heart.
So a stay at the villa with their closest friends
Could help them all to brighter ends.

A fifth guest is invited to join these four
An independent colleague to get to know more.
However, angst and conflict soon arise
Then there's an even bigger surprise!

The villa is beautiful, the setting is great
But what happens then could be a huge twist of fate!
There are revelations, discoveries and so much more
As life around the villa they get to explore.

A holiday to change things for ever more
A fantastic read with twists galore!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empty nesters Edie and Ralph decide to go to Crete where they had their honeymoon to rekindle their relationship. They find the Villa Ariadne online and invite close friends Hannah and Mac. At the last minute Edie asks colleague Jessica along.

A nice mix of beach read, mystery and women’s fiction. The villa setting and island of Crete sounded delightful, I loved the descriptions and side characters from the Villa owner to the expats who lived there. However, the trip soon turns into the holiday from hell when all the guests start fighting and Jessica goes missing. I loved how the author set it up- painting a gorgeous pictured and then slowly seeing it unravel. Exploring the theme of domestic violence from a different angle to the usual. Some of the characters became very unlikeable and there were a few twists along the way.

[Marie Yarwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Emma Burstall.
A perfect holiday read of romance, mystery, and intrigue.

When a pair of married couples go on holiday together but invite an extra ‘single’ person it can only end in trouble, jealousy and drunken comments being taken wrongly or disagreeing on the daily plans will only end in tears.

When a gifted lady gives one of the married women a cryptic comment regarding their holiday, it leaves them all thinking it’s a load of gossip to build the intrigue of the villa they are staying in - how wrong they are when her comments become true.

Will they leave the holiday together and live happily ever after or will it reveal
cracks in the relationships and friendships?

Will it be the enjoyable holiday they envisioned when planning the trip, sometimes LESS is MORE

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea by Emma Burstall is a charming, feel-good read that sweeps you away to the sun-drenched coast, where new beginnings and old secrets gently collide.

Bursting with warmth, wit, and emotional insight, this novel follows the lives of women seeking refuge, clarity, and a fresh start in a picturesque Mediterranean village. Burstall has a gift for creating layered, relatable characters - each one wrestling with their own challenges yet brought together by the promise of healing and friendship,

The setting is pure escapism, brought vividly to life with Burstall's rich descriptions of coastal life, delicious food, and the rhythms of a slower, more reflective way of living. But beneath the beauty, there's real emotional depth as the characters confront grief, love, betrayal, and the courage to move forward.

If you're looking for a novel that's both uplifting and grounded in genuine human experience, Beside the Turquoise Sea is a perfect pick. It's the literary equivalent of a long, sunny afternoon - comforting, inspiring, and hard to leave behind.

[Angie F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beside the Turquoise Sea by Emma Burstall is a contemporary fiction novel due to be published June 11, 2025.

A vacation in a beautiful place, complicated family dynamics and an exploration of friendships are all things that I normally really respond to in books. Unfortunately in the case of Beside the Turquoise Sea, I did not enjoy the actual story and could not sympathize with any of the main characters so my overall reading experience suffered as a result.

However, I would read another book by this author as the overall writing style was good and the setting was excellent and well described. I think I would much prefer a book centered on the secondary characters and their mischievous pets.

Thank you very much to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital early review copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book about Villa Ariadne, but it's readable as a standalone, offering sufficient details about the villa and its history. It has new visitors who need the villa's mystical influences. Its focus is on two midlife couples and their relationships, as well as a single late invitee. All the relationships are troubled, but as the story unfolds, it's evident that there is an addictive mix of darkness and healing at work. I enjoyed this story more than the first one I read, perhaps because I understood that it isn't a cosy and lighthearted read. The resolution is satisfying and believable. I like the mystical ethos, the complex relationships and the suspense. The setting is vibrant and vivid, providing a stark contrast to the relationship dynamics.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edie is feeling lonely now that her children have left home. When she stumbles across an advert for Villa Ariadne in Crete, she hopes that she can rekindle her marriage on the island where they honeymooned. They invite their closest friends to go with them and - on a whim - Edie also invites a colleague from work, the fiercely independent Jessica. When the group arrive in Crete and are taken to the villa, it is clear that there is something magical about the place. will relationships flourish or falter under the Greek sun?

This was a different read to the usual 'holiday' story - things don't all go to plan and there is a mystery element as well. The characters are very different - some I rooted for, some I didn't - which kept the interest in the story going. The setting was idyllic.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for this review copy.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Beside the Turquoise Sea” is by Emma Burstall. This book is a sequel to “Beneath the Lemon Trees,” but can be read as a stand-alone, so that’s a point in its favor. For me, this book was a bit slow - there were a lot of unnecessary details in the beginning. But, once the five people agree to go to Crete, things pick up a bit. There’s friction between the five people (as expected), and twists in the storyline are there. While I believe the author did a great job of capturing Crete, this book missed the mark for me. Overall, if you want to armchair travel to Greece and like revealed secrets in unexpected ways, this might be a book for you to pick up.

[Helen Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great. A pretty mediocre story set in Crete, although probably was about 40/60% looking back on life in London and Surrey so that wasn't great. And soooo many plot consistency errors and spelling mistakes! Even the short intro for her other book, has a plot error!! Villa Ariadne has three bedrooms yet suddenly mid-week it's sprung an extra one, and has in the next book as well! The first story set in the villa wasn't great so using the same idea for a second story is a little mind-boggling! The proofreader wants firing and the author has been lazy in her second, Lemon Groves book, because even in the small amount in the prologue it had a good proportion that was a direct copy and paste. Buy one if you must, certainly don't buy both.

[Adventures with Shelle (Rochelle Kentish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially requested this book because I fell in love with the beautiful cover and thought it would be an opportunity to armchair travel. However, this book turned out to be so much more than that! We move past the white sandy beaches and beautiful rays of sunshine to delve into the complex web of human emotions and relationships. I felt this book fit nicely into the genre of womens fiction and I love that it allowed me to escape the mundane cold winter and watch characters embrace the life they really wanted to live.

I particularly liked the authors descriptions of places and side characters and would be interested in reading more by the author

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy to review.

[Mrs Suzanne Kirk · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was reading this, I was convinced I had read this before but I hadnt. On further investigation I realised its virtually the same as one of her other books. The setting is the same, the people who live there are the same, the only difference are the people visiting the villa so in my opinion I wasnt not impressed. Once youve read on book theres no need to read the other as its the same story. The villa decides who can stay there, theres mystery over who iwns the villa, the guests have issues that the villa helps them sort out along with Marina the local artists who has psychic powers. Arguments later then they go home back to uk. Disappointed as its just a copy of her other book with afew different visitors.

[pluto_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt like a vacation with secrets tucked beneath every sunset.

Edie’s story pulled at me. It’s about marriage, change, and rediscovery with just the right mix of warmth, tension, and those little life truths that sneak up on you. I loved how the villa almost became its own character, and how each guest brought something different to the table. Literally and emotionally.

If you love stories about second chances, friendship, and quiet personal transformations wrapped in a beautiful setting, this one’s for you. Perfect summer escape.

4 stars and a daydream of booking my own trip to Villa Ariadne 🏝️💙

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow on book by Emma on the island of Crete. Beneath the Lemon Trees is the first book where families come and stay although Katrina the Housekeeper believes that it’s the Villa Ariadne that chooses the guests. Edie and Ralph want to return to the island that they honeymooned in but this time friends Hannah and Mac friends accompany them alongside a work colleague Jessica. Lots of comings and goings as relationships are pushed to the max. Easy to read chapters and a wonderful storyline. Thanks to Emma and her publisher.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crete and Villa Ariadne sound the perfect place to visit and reconnect with eachother and life.
Beside the Turquoise Sea is the second book from Emma Burstall set at the Villa with its healing properties.
With some of the characters ones you love to dislike, suspicions begin to rumble from the very beginning as cracks start to show in all relationships and friendships.
The contrast between the sunny blue sky and the chilled atmosphere cleverly shown to add a nice bit of tension to the story.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought I had read this book before! Then I realised it was the same villa, village and local people in Crete from Beneath the Lemon Trees. The tourists who went to stay at Villa Adriane were different. It’s their story. There is friction between the five guests staying at the villa. Relationships are strained. There’s secrets that are revealed. All is not as it seems. Some twists, anxiety and angst.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, which embraced all the beauty of a Greek island yet with an undercurrent of suspense. The setting is wonderful but I particularly enjoyed the relationships between the characters and how the dynamic shifts during the course of the story. The book also deals with some difficult themes such as domestic violence, which are treated with sensitivity by the author.

Great setting, great characters superbly told.