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The Villa of Secrets
A BRAND NEW escapist, getaway read from the bestselling author of Beneath the Lemon Trees, Emma Burstall Can a stay at a magical villa help her find her way to start again?
When Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne on the sun-drenched island of Crete, she’s hoping for space to breathe – and perhaps some clarity about the life she no longer recognises. Newly divorced and estranged from one of her children, she’s not sure what comes next.
Sharing the villa with a small group of women, each carrying their own private heartaches, Cleo is drawn into the gentle rhythm of island life. Beneath the lemon trees and endless blue skies, friendships begin to form and long-buried hopes stir.
But when an unexpected event shakes their peaceful escape, the women are forced to come together in ways none of them anticipated. And as Villa Ariadne works its quiet magic once more, Cleo may discover that even in uncertainty, second chances are still possible.
Praise for Emma
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.
When Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne on the sun-drenched island of Crete, she’s hoping for space to breathe – and perhaps some clarity about the life she no longer recognises. Newly divorced and estranged from one of her children, she’s not sure what comes next.
Sharing the villa with a small group of women, each carrying their own private heartaches, Cleo is drawn into the gentle rhythm of island life. Beneath the lemon trees and endless blue skies, friendships begin to form and long-buried hopes stir.
But when an unexpected event shakes their peaceful escape, the women are forced to come together in ways none of them anticipated. And as Villa Ariadne works its quiet magic once more, Cleo may discover that even in uncertainty, second chances are still possible.
Praise for Emma
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.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
About the author
Emma Burstall
16 books149 followersEmma 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Villa Ariadne sounds like the kind of place most of us would dream of escaping to — sunshine, incredible food, beautiful views and the chance to leave real life behind for a while. Emma Burstall completely swept me away to Crete with a story full of warmth, emotion, friendship and just enough drama to keep me glued to the pages. I was very glad to be experiencing it all from the comfort of my cosy reading chair though because honestly some of the events in this book had me thinking there is absolutely no way I would cope in real life!
Although this works perfectly as a standalone story, this is actually the third of Emma Burstall’s Villa Ariadne books I’ve read and I still can’t quite believe how every single one feels completely fresh despite sharing the same setting. There’s never any sense of repetition — just that familiar warmth and quiet magic surrounding the villa itself and the wonderful locals living nearby. As Katerina says, the villa chooses who gets to stay there, and once again it felt like these characters found themselves exactly where they were meant to be.
The food descriptions had my mouth watering throughout, despite my very unadventurous palate meaning I’d probably survive on plain bread while everyone else enjoyed the incredible Greek dishes being described. The setting itself felt so vivid and comforting that I could almost picture myself sitting beneath the lemon trees looking out at the sea.
What I loved most though was the connection between the women staying at the villa. Each of them arrives carrying their own heartbreak, worries or struggles and all hoping to somehow “fix” themselves, but the friendships that slowly develop feel incredibly natural and genuine. Nothing felt forced or overdramatic, just emotional, comforting and very real. It was one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around you without you even noticing.
I also loved spending time amongst the locals surrounding Villa Ariadne because they bring so much warmth and heart to these books. By the final page I honestly wasn’t ready to leave Crete behind again.
Emma Burstall really does write the perfect Greek escape and every visit to Villa Ariadne leaves me wanting to book a trip immediately — even if I’d spend the whole holiday hiding from the drama while eating bread and admiring the view!
Although this works perfectly as a standalone story, this is actually the third of Emma Burstall’s Villa Ariadne books I’ve read and I still can’t quite believe how every single one feels completely fresh despite sharing the same setting. There’s never any sense of repetition — just that familiar warmth and quiet magic surrounding the villa itself and the wonderful locals living nearby. As Katerina says, the villa chooses who gets to stay there, and once again it felt like these characters found themselves exactly where they were meant to be.
The food descriptions had my mouth watering throughout, despite my very unadventurous palate meaning I’d probably survive on plain bread while everyone else enjoyed the incredible Greek dishes being described. The setting itself felt so vivid and comforting that I could almost picture myself sitting beneath the lemon trees looking out at the sea.
What I loved most though was the connection between the women staying at the villa. Each of them arrives carrying their own heartbreak, worries or struggles and all hoping to somehow “fix” themselves, but the friendships that slowly develop feel incredibly natural and genuine. Nothing felt forced or overdramatic, just emotional, comforting and very real. It was one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around you without you even noticing.
I also loved spending time amongst the locals surrounding Villa Ariadne because they bring so much warmth and heart to these books. By the final page I honestly wasn’t ready to leave Crete behind again.
Emma Burstall really does write the perfect Greek escape and every visit to Villa Ariadne leaves me wanting to book a trip immediately — even if I’d spend the whole holiday hiding from the drama while eating bread and admiring the view!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Villa of Secrets is the kind of sun‑drenched escape that feels like stepping into a slower, softer world, where the air tastes of lemons and the horizon is always edged with blue. Emma Burstall captures that delicious sense of being somewhere far from your own life, yet close enough to yourself to finally hear what your heart has been trying to say.
Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne carrying the weight of a life that’s come undone—newly divorced, distanced from her child, unsure of who she’s meant to be now that the familiar markers have fallen away. There’s a quiet ache to her early chapters, a sense of someone moving through the world slightly out of step. But Crete, with its warmth and its ancient calm, begins to work on her in the gentlest of ways.
The villa becomes a small, sunlit refuge for a group of women who are each nursing their own private wounds. I loved how naturally their stories begin to weave together—not in dramatic confessions or grand gestures, but in shared meals, slow mornings, and the kind of conversations that only seem possible when you’re far from home. Burstall writes these connections with tenderness, allowing friendships to bloom in their own time.
When an unexpected event disrupts their peaceful rhythm, the novel shifts into something deeper. The women are pushed to lean on one another, to confront the truths they’ve been avoiding, and to rediscover the parts of themselves they thought were lost. It’s handled with warmth and emotional clarity, never tipping into melodrama.
What lingers is the sense of possibility—of second chances found in unlikely places, of healing that happens slowly, almost imperceptibly, until one day you realise you’re breathing easier.
A beautifully escapist, heartfelt read that captures the magic of friendship, renewal, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. Perfect for readers who crave sunshine, emotion, and a touch of hope.
With thank to Emma Burstall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne carrying the weight of a life that’s come undone—newly divorced, distanced from her child, unsure of who she’s meant to be now that the familiar markers have fallen away. There’s a quiet ache to her early chapters, a sense of someone moving through the world slightly out of step. But Crete, with its warmth and its ancient calm, begins to work on her in the gentlest of ways.
The villa becomes a small, sunlit refuge for a group of women who are each nursing their own private wounds. I loved how naturally their stories begin to weave together—not in dramatic confessions or grand gestures, but in shared meals, slow mornings, and the kind of conversations that only seem possible when you’re far from home. Burstall writes these connections with tenderness, allowing friendships to bloom in their own time.
When an unexpected event disrupts their peaceful rhythm, the novel shifts into something deeper. The women are pushed to lean on one another, to confront the truths they’ve been avoiding, and to rediscover the parts of themselves they thought were lost. It’s handled with warmth and emotional clarity, never tipping into melodrama.
What lingers is the sense of possibility—of second chances found in unlikely places, of healing that happens slowly, almost imperceptibly, until one day you realise you’re breathing easier.
A beautifully escapist, heartfelt read that captures the magic of friendship, renewal, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. Perfect for readers who crave sunshine, emotion, and a touch of hope.
With thank to Emma Burstall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another visit to Villa Ariadne in beautiful Crete introduces us to Cleo, a divorcee who needs time to reflect on her family issues and take a little time for herself.
Cleo meets a group of women all staying at the villa for a retreat to experience exercise and clean living, taking a break from everyday life and the troubles that come with it. Cleo soon becomes firm friends with Maya and Tash who both have their own troubles and reasons for heading to Greece. The three women form a strong bond and in addition to experiencing everything the retreat offers, they enjoy visiting the town and meeting the locals who reside there.
During their stay, an unexpected and horrific event shakes the villa and town. The residents of Villa Ariadne and locals are thrown together and each has to dig deep for strengths they didn’t know they had, working together to survive.
The dynamics of the three main characters is pivotal to the story and feels genuine, they are supportive of each other and I enjoyed seeing their personalities and relationship grow. The characters in this book are interesting and feel real. I especially liked that the story is peppered with insights into the local community and its residents, so you get to know them as well as the occupants of the villa. The epilogue was lovely and drew a satisfied conclusion to the plot.
I really enjoyed this book and being reacquainted with the magic of Villa Ariadne, albeit with some interesting new characters. The setting of the book is described so well that you can visualise the beautiful location. I recommend this gorgeous and compelling story by one of my ‘go to’ authors who never fails to disappoint.
Cleo meets a group of women all staying at the villa for a retreat to experience exercise and clean living, taking a break from everyday life and the troubles that come with it. Cleo soon becomes firm friends with Maya and Tash who both have their own troubles and reasons for heading to Greece. The three women form a strong bond and in addition to experiencing everything the retreat offers, they enjoy visiting the town and meeting the locals who reside there.
During their stay, an unexpected and horrific event shakes the villa and town. The residents of Villa Ariadne and locals are thrown together and each has to dig deep for strengths they didn’t know they had, working together to survive.
The dynamics of the three main characters is pivotal to the story and feels genuine, they are supportive of each other and I enjoyed seeing their personalities and relationship grow. The characters in this book are interesting and feel real. I especially liked that the story is peppered with insights into the local community and its residents, so you get to know them as well as the occupants of the villa. The epilogue was lovely and drew a satisfied conclusion to the plot.
I really enjoyed this book and being reacquainted with the magic of Villa Ariadne, albeit with some interesting new characters. The setting of the book is described so well that you can visualise the beautiful location. I recommend this gorgeous and compelling story by one of my ‘go to’ authors who never fails to disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m giving this a 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was a great story of friendship, perfect for anyone looking to escape into a sun-drenched holiday atmosphere. The Villa of Secrets by Emma Burstall takes you on one life-changing week in Greece that you won't want to end.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author Emma Burstall, and the publisher Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The Review
I loved Cleo, Maya, and Tash, and specifically how they bond together with each other and with the locals throughout the week. It was great fun and a truly good read that balances personal growth with the beauty of a Greek holiday. I particularly loved Cleo and Achilles' story. I would’ve loved to see an epilogue on them... though maybe we’ll have a full romantic story on those two in an upcoming book? Fingers crossed!
The Good:
The dynamic between the three women is the heart of the book; their friendship feels authentic and supportive. The setting is so vivid that you can practically feel the Greek sun and taste the local food. The connection between the visitors and the local community adds a layer of depth that makes the story feel very grounded and real.
The Not So Good:
While the open-ended nature of some relationships leaves room for future stories, I personally found myself wanting just a little more closure for Cleo and Achilles before the final page turned.
It was a great story of friendship, perfect for anyone looking to escape into a sun-drenched holiday atmosphere. The Villa of Secrets by Emma Burstall takes you on one life-changing week in Greece that you won't want to end.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author Emma Burstall, and the publisher Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The Review
I loved Cleo, Maya, and Tash, and specifically how they bond together with each other and with the locals throughout the week. It was great fun and a truly good read that balances personal growth with the beauty of a Greek holiday. I particularly loved Cleo and Achilles' story. I would’ve loved to see an epilogue on them... though maybe we’ll have a full romantic story on those two in an upcoming book? Fingers crossed!
The Good:
The dynamic between the three women is the heart of the book; their friendship feels authentic and supportive. The setting is so vivid that you can practically feel the Greek sun and taste the local food. The connection between the visitors and the local community adds a layer of depth that makes the story feel very grounded and real.
The Not So Good:
While the open-ended nature of some relationships leaves room for future stories, I personally found myself wanting just a little more closure for Cleo and Achilles before the final page turned.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne on the sun-drenched island of Crete, she's hoping for space to breathe - and perhaps some clarity about the life she no longer recognises. Newly divorced and estranged from one of her children, she's not sure what comes next. Sharing the villa with a small group of women, each carrying their own private heartache, Cleo is drawn into the gentle rythm of island life. Beneath the lemon trees and the endless blue skies, friendships begin to form and long-buried hopes stir. But when an unexpected event shakes their peaceful escape, the women are forced to come together in ways they never anticipated.
When Cleo, Maya and Tash were on holiday in Crete, there's an earthquake. The women all had different backstories, they were damaged and needed time to heal. The women quickly become friends after the earthquake brought them together. The characters were likeable. It's such a lovely book to read.
Published 20th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley BoldwoodBooks and the author #EmmaBurstall for my ARC of #TheVillaOfSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
When Cleo, Maya and Tash were on holiday in Crete, there's an earthquake. The women all had different backstories, they were damaged and needed time to heal. The women quickly become friends after the earthquake brought them together. The characters were likeable. It's such a lovely book to read.
Published 20th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley BoldwoodBooks and the author #EmmaBurstall for my ARC of #TheVillaOfSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2026
The Villa of Secrets is a beautiful story of friendship and starting over. Set on the island of Crete, Villa Ariadne is a house that chooses its next residents. Its owner reluctantly allows it to be rented out for a wellness retreat. Emma paints a gorgeous picture of both the island and retreat - I was ready to pack my bags and check in. Featuring three different women Cleo, who is recently divorced, Tash who has recently been widowers and Maya who was made redundant who have travelled for a bit of R&R in the retreat. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know each of their back stories and seeing their friendship grow (in some cases it took longer than others!).
They meet housekeeper Katerina who forsees that they are all about to face a challenge. The challenge was a big one and each of the women had their moment to shine and move forward . I enjoyed Katerina’s back story and the history of war within Crete. Part of a series of novels set in the same villa, you can definitely read as a stand alone. I hope to visit Villa Ariadne again soon.
They meet housekeeper Katerina who forsees that they are all about to face a challenge. The challenge was a big one and each of the women had their moment to shine and move forward . I enjoyed Katerina’s back story and the history of war within Crete. Part of a series of novels set in the same villa, you can definitely read as a stand alone. I hope to visit Villa Ariadne again soon.
May 5, 2026
Another lovely story by Emma Burstall.
A perfect holiday read about second chance happiness and learning to find yourself after a stressful time.
Set in sunny Crete at the Villa Ariadne, Divorcee Cleo is hoping to reset her life after becoming estranged from one of her children after the divorce leaving her feeling lost on what’s next.
The villa is holding a retreat with things such as yoga, Pilates, fitness and healthy eating for the duration of the holiday but when guests find some of the sessions beneath their abilities, cracks begin to show.
Then one night whilst everyone is sleeping a horrible earthquake hit destroying some on the island which was worst hit - cue the rescue mission and Villa Ariadne becomes the hub as it’s the highest point of the island so all the other islanders head there for first aid and safety. Everyone must work together to rebuild the island and support everyone who has lost their homes whilst they wait for repairs to be completed.
A perfect holiday read about second chance happiness and learning to find yourself after a stressful time.
Set in sunny Crete at the Villa Ariadne, Divorcee Cleo is hoping to reset her life after becoming estranged from one of her children after the divorce leaving her feeling lost on what’s next.
The villa is holding a retreat with things such as yoga, Pilates, fitness and healthy eating for the duration of the holiday but when guests find some of the sessions beneath their abilities, cracks begin to show.
Then one night whilst everyone is sleeping a horrible earthquake hit destroying some on the island which was worst hit - cue the rescue mission and Villa Ariadne becomes the hub as it’s the highest point of the island so all the other islanders head there for first aid and safety. Everyone must work together to rebuild the island and support everyone who has lost their homes whilst they wait for repairs to be completed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love books that take me to places I will probably never see in person. This takes a group of women wanting a healthy getaway to Crete. It brought in Greek food, Greek culture and the lovely people living a slower lifestyle that the women encountered.
The major theme of the book is the friendships that these women make. There are several that are difficult, but for the majority, the characters are all likable and trying to deal with the individual hardships in their lives and trying to find meaning to their lives. In one case, there may even be romance.
It sounds like a lazy read, but that is deceptive. All of a sudden Burstall throws in some chaos that wakes you up and grabs your attention by showing the characters in a totally different light when more is asked of them. Overall, a very rewarding read of friendship and finding meaning in life, even if you think there isn't any.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
The major theme of the book is the friendships that these women make. There are several that are difficult, but for the majority, the characters are all likable and trying to deal with the individual hardships in their lives and trying to find meaning to their lives. In one case, there may even be romance.
It sounds like a lazy read, but that is deceptive. All of a sudden Burstall throws in some chaos that wakes you up and grabs your attention by showing the characters in a totally different light when more is asked of them. Overall, a very rewarding read of friendship and finding meaning in life, even if you think there isn't any.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
May 16, 2026
I picked this up because I wanted a vicarious trip to Greece. It fulfilled this wish and more. It certainly took me to Greece and let me experience the island breeze and ambiance and even some of the history of the island which I loved.
The three main characters all had big parts of their lives crumbling around them. Throughout the book, their experiences help them see who they are without these parts stripped away. It was a beautiful story of friendship, self discovery and regrowth. I loved how it ended, part of it even made me tear up and I loved how it left the future open to possibility. I only wished for some of the recipes Mark made at the villa.
I don’t quite know why it’s called Villa of Secrets I think I was expecting more mystery or some sort of reveal at the end but I did like the side story of forgiveness.
I would give this 3.5 stars. It was enjoyable.
The three main characters all had big parts of their lives crumbling around them. Throughout the book, their experiences help them see who they are without these parts stripped away. It was a beautiful story of friendship, self discovery and regrowth. I loved how it ended, part of it even made me tear up and I loved how it left the future open to possibility. I only wished for some of the recipes Mark made at the villa.
I don’t quite know why it’s called Villa of Secrets I think I was expecting more mystery or some sort of reveal at the end but I did like the side story of forgiveness.
I would give this 3.5 stars. It was enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. 4.5 stars. Cleo, Maya and Tash – all strangers meet on their way to a wellness retreat in Crete at Villa Ariadne. Each woman has her own issues that she needs to share and heal from. Divorcee Cleo has had a strained relationship with daughter Erica. Tash is recently widowed and suffering from panic attacks. Maya has been made redundant from her high-flying city job and struggling to find a future. They become friends during the yoga, and other activities, really bonding on a trip to the local village.
A catastrophic event shakes the local area and brings the women closer together as they help out the villagers.
A lovely story of lasting friendships being formed.
A catastrophic event shakes the local area and brings the women closer together as they help out the villagers.
A lovely story of lasting friendships being formed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a story of three people all with back stories that had damaged there self esteem they had come on the retreat to Villa Ariadne needing to repair themselves. They befriended each other then after an earthquake while decimated the village worked together to help each other and the village to seek help and recover from injury and to seek help until they were rescued
All three ladies refund their strengths and became stronger.
This was a lovely story all of the characters were warm and kind
I thoroughly recommend this book
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
All three ladies refund their strengths and became stronger.
This was a lovely story all of the characters were warm and kind
I thoroughly recommend this book
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Cleo, Maya and Tash. They are all very different from each other, but the same as something has broken their spirit. It’s a heartwarming story watching the three slowly comeback to themselves in the middle of s devastating earthquake. There’s no grand rebuilding of self just tiny little things happening slowly. The book felt very real. It was so easy to relate to all the characters. It’s a beautifully written tale.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fun and easy read! Set in Crete at Villa Ariadne, a group of women meet at a wellness retreat.
Strangers become friends, overcome their fears and find forgotten strengths.
This is the third in Burstall’s Crete series, my first by the author, and can be read as a stand alone.
This will be a great addition to your beach reading this summer.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Strangers become friends, overcome their fears and find forgotten strengths.
This is the third in Burstall’s Crete series, my first by the author, and can be read as a stand alone.
This will be a great addition to your beach reading this summer.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 20, 2026
What an amazing read. We get the point of view from three women staying at a retreat in Greece whilst trying to heal from their own trauma. Clio is the main character but we do get Tash and Maya’s view occasionally, also Katarina the old mysterious lady who know the secrets of the villa.
It was an interesting read, a natural disaster really pulled everyone together and made them realise just what they had to offer. I loved the descriptions and the characters. It was a great relaxed read.
It was an interesting read, a natural disaster really pulled everyone together and made them realise just what they had to offer. I loved the descriptions and the characters. It was a great relaxed read.
May 20, 2026
The third in the series about the visitors to Villa Ariadne on the island of Crete. This time a couple want to bring their wellness retreat guests to the Villa which starts off well but things then change. Cleo, Tash and Maya meet on the retreat all with their own challenges but they soon become friends. A great storyline with amazing characters old from previous books and new to this story. Thanks to Emma and Boldwood publishers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A novel of self-acceptance and friendship on a Greek island. Three women all seeking self-betterment meet at a wellness retreat in Greece. Their experiences will draw them close and provide revelations about their lives. An enjoyable novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An enjoyable and engaging visit to Crete. A variety of characters including tourists and locals. Pleasant reading, even during the disaster. Some conflict and personal growth. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in Crete a group of women, each with their own story, set off to re nourish themselves at a hillside health retreat. Not sure what to expect they overcome their pasts to become friends. A perfect, feel good, holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought that this was a really beautiful story. Told from three different perspectives - you can see how the women in this story are struggling individually. And then how they come together in a tragedy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found The Villa of Secrets to be a lovely story about a group of women seeking a healthy getaway on a beautiful Greek island. There’s delicious food, meaningful friendships, and a touch of romance—but then the author throws in an unexpected life event, and suddenly this cozy escape becomes something much deeper.
It transforms into an opportunity to see these characters from a completely different perspective. With a hint of magical realism and a great deal of emotional grit, this is ultimately a story about friendship and rediscovering who you are after life shakes you up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
It transforms into an opportunity to see these characters from a completely different perspective. With a hint of magical realism and a great deal of emotional grit, this is ultimately a story about friendship and rediscovering who you are after life shakes you up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
The escapist, getaway read set in beautiful Greece🍋🇬🇷 Perfect for fans of of Victoria Hislop, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan☀️.
I enjoyed the storyline, bout loss and grief and best friends!
I enjoyed the storyline, bout loss and grief and best friends!
May 21, 2026
A woman escapes to a Greek insland to take a look at her life. Emma Burstall described the island as if I was there. Great story and characters. Highly recommend.
May 22, 2026
What a beautiful sequel. I loved this book from the start. It made you feel that you were on holiday. The manic of the villa doesn’t disappoint. A must read.
May 20, 2026
Review provided as an advance copy from NetGalley
A lovely story, set in glorious Crete.
Cleo has had a tough time recently with the breakdown of her marriage and a fall out with her beloved daughter. She takes herself off to a health retreat at Villa Ariadne to hopefully understand how she’s feeling and find a way to move forward.
On the first day she makes friends with Tash and Maya, unlikely friends who become firm friends by the end of the trip.
Unexpected circumstances at the Villa change the focus of the week from health to survival and the girls all leave Crete completely different people, in ways they could never expect.
A great read, with great characters and a fabulous dose of the wonder of Crete. Add it to your summer reading list. Highly recommend!
A lovely story, set in glorious Crete.
Cleo has had a tough time recently with the breakdown of her marriage and a fall out with her beloved daughter. She takes herself off to a health retreat at Villa Ariadne to hopefully understand how she’s feeling and find a way to move forward.
On the first day she makes friends with Tash and Maya, unlikely friends who become firm friends by the end of the trip.
Unexpected circumstances at the Villa change the focus of the week from health to survival and the girls all leave Crete completely different people, in ways they could never expect.
A great read, with great characters and a fabulous dose of the wonder of Crete. Add it to your summer reading list. Highly recommend!
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