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Το σπίτι στον ελαιώνα
Η Μαρία, επιτυχημένη σεφ, η οποία διατηρεί μια ονομαστή σχολή μαγειρικής στη γενέτειρά της, το Πεταλίδι Μεσσηνίας. Μια γυναίκα που συνάμα προσπαθεί να ξεφύγει από τα μυστικά του παρελθόντος της.
Η Κάιλα, αναγνωρισμένη δημοσιογράφος με εξειδίκευση στη γαστρονομία, η οποία πίστευε ότι ξεκινά για ένα ακόμη συνηθισμένο επαγγελματικό ταξίδι. Ωστόσο, λίγο πριν από την αναχώρησή της για την Ελλάδα ανακαλύπτει πως όλη της η ζωή βασίζεται σε ένα ψέμα.
Η Αλεσάντρα, σχεδιάστρια κοσμημάτων, μια γυναίκα που ζει με τους δικούς της κανόνες, χωρίς να υπολογίζει ποτέ το κόστος. Μια γυναίκα που έχει μάθει πρόσφατα μια καταστροφική είδηση.
Τρεις εντελώς διαφορετικές μεταξύ τους προσωπικότητες που καθώς διασταυρώνουν τις ζωές τους στο μοναδικό σπίτι στον ελαιώνα δίνουν την ευκαιρία σε απρόσμενες φιλίες να ανθίσουν και σ' ένα ξεχωριστό ταξίδι αναζήτησης και αυτογνωσίας να ζεστάνει τις καρδιές τους. Άραγε θα βρουν τις απαντήσεις που ζητούν απεγνωσμένα ανάμεσα στις υπέροχες γεύσεις, τα σμαραγδένια νερά και τις χρυσές αμμουδιές της Ελλάδας;
Το συναρπαστικό νέο μυθιστόρημα της Emma Cowell με φόντο τα ονειρικά τοπία της Ελλάδας.
Η Κάιλα, αναγνωρισμένη δημοσιογράφος με εξειδίκευση στη γαστρονομία, η οποία πίστευε ότι ξεκινά για ένα ακόμη συνηθισμένο επαγγελματικό ταξίδι. Ωστόσο, λίγο πριν από την αναχώρησή της για την Ελλάδα ανακαλύπτει πως όλη της η ζωή βασίζεται σε ένα ψέμα.
Η Αλεσάντρα, σχεδιάστρια κοσμημάτων, μια γυναίκα που ζει με τους δικούς της κανόνες, χωρίς να υπολογίζει ποτέ το κόστος. Μια γυναίκα που έχει μάθει πρόσφατα μια καταστροφική είδηση.
Τρεις εντελώς διαφορετικές μεταξύ τους προσωπικότητες που καθώς διασταυρώνουν τις ζωές τους στο μοναδικό σπίτι στον ελαιώνα δίνουν την ευκαιρία σε απρόσμενες φιλίες να ανθίσουν και σ' ένα ξεχωριστό ταξίδι αναζήτησης και αυτογνωσίας να ζεστάνει τις καρδιές τους. Άραγε θα βρουν τις απαντήσεις που ζητούν απεγνωσμένα ανάμεσα στις υπέροχες γεύσεις, τα σμαραγδένια νερά και τις χρυσές αμμουδιές της Ελλάδας;
Το συναρπαστικό νέο μυθιστόρημα της Emma Cowell με φόντο τα ονειρικά τοπία της Ελλάδας.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2023
417 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 8, 2023
Light your favourite candle, pour yourself a glass of ouzo, play Leonard Cohen’s ‘Bird on a Wire,’ and let author Emma Cowell transport you to Petalidi, Greece.
“It was exhausting, pointlessly regretting an impossibility. And that acceptance transformed me. So, instead, I focus on what makes me happy.”
Great advice for us all.
You’ll come to love this main character, a food guru, who dispenses wisdom and deliciousness. Guaranteed.
A chef who runs a cooking school in Greece, a food journalist whose marriage is on the rocks, and a bohemian jewellery maker who’s just received shocking news all meet in the olive grove for one week. Sure, they’re there to cook, but friendships and self-reflection mixed with a little magic of Petalidi take precedence…making this an unputdownable book!
The inner foodie was inspired with every page, I was continually in awe of the vivid descriptions and I was kept spellbound by the author’s writing style. I don’t know how she does it, but Emma Cowell continues to write winners! She writes what and how I like to read and I’ve been telling everyone I saw this weekend to pre-order this book because it’s creating some BUZZ!
I was gifted this copy by Avon Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“It was exhausting, pointlessly regretting an impossibility. And that acceptance transformed me. So, instead, I focus on what makes me happy.”
Great advice for us all.
You’ll come to love this main character, a food guru, who dispenses wisdom and deliciousness. Guaranteed.
A chef who runs a cooking school in Greece, a food journalist whose marriage is on the rocks, and a bohemian jewellery maker who’s just received shocking news all meet in the olive grove for one week. Sure, they’re there to cook, but friendships and self-reflection mixed with a little magic of Petalidi take precedence…making this an unputdownable book!
The inner foodie was inspired with every page, I was continually in awe of the vivid descriptions and I was kept spellbound by the author’s writing style. I don’t know how she does it, but Emma Cowell continues to write winners! She writes what and how I like to read and I’ve been telling everyone I saw this weekend to pre-order this book because it’s creating some BUZZ!
I was gifted this copy by Avon Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 14, 2023
Maria Leventi runs a successful cookery school in the village of Petalidi, Greece, and despite it being her home town, a group of locals don't like her and think she's weird. Maria has always been a bit of an outsider, someone is sending her nasty text messages, leaving odd displays by her beehives and Maria is worried.
Kayla Moss is an English food journalist and television host. Prior to leaving for Greece on a work assignment, Kayla uncovers her husband has been keeping a devastating secret from her, and she’s not sure if she can forgive him? Alessandra Rossi is a Roman jewellery designer, she’s just received some bad personal news and she hopes a week in Greece will take her mind off her problems and recharge her batteries.
Maria has built her cooking school on her deceased fathers land, she grows her own produce and keeps bees. Maria takes Kayla and Alessandra through the steps to recreate her delicious dishes, the women chat as they cook, at first Kayla doesn’t approve of Alessandra and her free spirited ways. As the days pass, Maria, Kayla and Alessandra share information about their family's dynamics, all three women have experienced pain and loss, and an unlikely friendship and bond forms.
I received a copy of The House in the Olive Grove by Emma Cowell from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. In her latest narrative, the author skillfully describes in detail the sights, sounds, traditions and delicious food Greece is renowned for. The characters of Maria, Kayla and Alessandra are all very different, you become emotionally invested in their struggles, tragedies, relationships and triumphs. A story about the joy of cooking, sharing food, friendship, kindness, self-reflection, forgiveness, second chances and the sweetness of honey. Four stars from me, I enjoyed both The House in the Olive Grove and Ms. Cowell's previous book, One Last Letter from Greece. I wish I could jump on a plane, fly to Greece and eat moussaka and baklava.
Kayla Moss is an English food journalist and television host. Prior to leaving for Greece on a work assignment, Kayla uncovers her husband has been keeping a devastating secret from her, and she’s not sure if she can forgive him? Alessandra Rossi is a Roman jewellery designer, she’s just received some bad personal news and she hopes a week in Greece will take her mind off her problems and recharge her batteries.
Maria has built her cooking school on her deceased fathers land, she grows her own produce and keeps bees. Maria takes Kayla and Alessandra through the steps to recreate her delicious dishes, the women chat as they cook, at first Kayla doesn’t approve of Alessandra and her free spirited ways. As the days pass, Maria, Kayla and Alessandra share information about their family's dynamics, all three women have experienced pain and loss, and an unlikely friendship and bond forms.
I received a copy of The House in the Olive Grove by Emma Cowell from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. In her latest narrative, the author skillfully describes in detail the sights, sounds, traditions and delicious food Greece is renowned for. The characters of Maria, Kayla and Alessandra are all very different, you become emotionally invested in their struggles, tragedies, relationships and triumphs. A story about the joy of cooking, sharing food, friendship, kindness, self-reflection, forgiveness, second chances and the sweetness of honey. Four stars from me, I enjoyed both The House in the Olive Grove and Ms. Cowell's previous book, One Last Letter from Greece. I wish I could jump on a plane, fly to Greece and eat moussaka and baklava.
May 30, 2023
Having read and loved One Last Letter From Greece by Emma Cowell, I was very much looking forward to reading The House in the Olive Grove. I have not been disappointed as it is the most gorgeous read!
I have never been to Greece, but I felt like I was there as I read this book. Petalidi sounds like the most gorgeous place and the food sounds divine!
Maria is a lovely character. Imagine living somewhere so beautiful and running a successful cookery school from your home. Getting to cook and eat delicious food as a job sounds amazing. Tie that in with meeting new and interesting people. It really does sound like a dream come true. Her life isn’t without sadness and troubles though. I did really feel for her.
Maria’s most recent clients, Kayla and Allesandra, are both intriguing characters. Chalk and cheese would be an understatement! They don’t get off to the best start, but that is before they get to know more about each other. I loved how their friendship develops.
I enjoyed the relationship Maria shares with her sharp, straight talking, mother. I admire Maria for staying true to herself although I was hoping she’d find love as much as her mother was.
I loved Maria’s relationship with her bees too. I’d love a beehive in my garden.
All three ladies have their crosses to bare and there are some heart-wrenching scenes throughout this story. It’s heart-breaking at times, but so very heart-warming for the most part.
The House in the Olive Grove is a story of friendship, love, courage, acceptance, and hope. I LOVED it!
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/05/3...
I have never been to Greece, but I felt like I was there as I read this book. Petalidi sounds like the most gorgeous place and the food sounds divine!
Maria is a lovely character. Imagine living somewhere so beautiful and running a successful cookery school from your home. Getting to cook and eat delicious food as a job sounds amazing. Tie that in with meeting new and interesting people. It really does sound like a dream come true. Her life isn’t without sadness and troubles though. I did really feel for her.
Maria’s most recent clients, Kayla and Allesandra, are both intriguing characters. Chalk and cheese would be an understatement! They don’t get off to the best start, but that is before they get to know more about each other. I loved how their friendship develops.
I enjoyed the relationship Maria shares with her sharp, straight talking, mother. I admire Maria for staying true to herself although I was hoping she’d find love as much as her mother was.
I loved Maria’s relationship with her bees too. I’d love a beehive in my garden.
All three ladies have their crosses to bare and there are some heart-wrenching scenes throughout this story. It’s heart-breaking at times, but so very heart-warming for the most part.
The House in the Olive Grove is a story of friendship, love, courage, acceptance, and hope. I LOVED it!
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/05/3...
May 17, 2023
This book took me completely by surprise, what a beautiful and moving story. Three women come together for a week long cooking course in Petalidi, Greece. Maria, the woman who runs the course, Kayla a celebrity food journalist and Alessandro a bohemian jewellery maker. They are completely different from one another but have suffered heartbreak in one form or another and are trying to heal. It’s an emotional novel as the woman begin to warm to each other and open up to their true feelings and as the story progresses they begin to form a deep and lasting friendship.
The setting is sublime and the author has a beautiful and spellbinding writing style, which completely transported me to Greece; the amazing sites, smells, Greek traditions and the tantalising food descriptions. My mouth was watering. Maria has a gift for opening people’s minds to flavours and she can sense which flavours a person will relate to. There’s a hint of magic in the air and I love the way the author incorporated Maria’s bees into the story with the insertion of narrative from their point of view imparting the reader with an alternative view of events. Strange but magical.
This is a touching and heartwarming story about friendship, relationships, self-reflection and new beginnings. I haven’t read the author’s debut novel One Last Letter from Greece yet but I will definitely be back tracking.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
The setting is sublime and the author has a beautiful and spellbinding writing style, which completely transported me to Greece; the amazing sites, smells, Greek traditions and the tantalising food descriptions. My mouth was watering. Maria has a gift for opening people’s minds to flavours and she can sense which flavours a person will relate to. There’s a hint of magic in the air and I love the way the author incorporated Maria’s bees into the story with the insertion of narrative from their point of view imparting the reader with an alternative view of events. Strange but magical.
This is a touching and heartwarming story about friendship, relationships, self-reflection and new beginnings. I haven’t read the author’s debut novel One Last Letter from Greece yet but I will definitely be back tracking.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
February 19, 2023
I absolutely adored the author's debut and was keen to get my hands on her second book.
This has great female led characters and my goodness did it make my belly rumble with all the food descriptions.
Having three leads though meant it jumped around for me a bit too much.
Lovely to feel the Greek sun on my face again, with some sentimental storytelling.
This has great female led characters and my goodness did it make my belly rumble with all the food descriptions.
Having three leads though meant it jumped around for me a bit too much.
Lovely to feel the Greek sun on my face again, with some sentimental storytelling.
August 13, 2023
A lovely read for summer; heartwarming and uplifting. A real summer escape and thoroughly recommended.
April 10, 2023
Having never read a book by this author before I didn't know what to expect but I was intrigued by the blurb. I am so glad I tried it - I love her style of writing - very similar to Sue Moorcroft who is a big favourite of mine.Tge descriptions of Greece made me want to pack up and go there immediately.
Maria grew up in Greece, but was treated with suspicion in her home village, and was not popular. Her dream was to open a successful restaurant, which she does in New York, but after a terrible accident she returns to her home town in Greece and opens a very successful cooking school - with people coming from all over the world. Unfortunately someone closer to home seems to be unhappy with her and she is being threatened, as well as ostracised by most of the village.
As the story begins Maria has two guests to her cooking school, a celebrity food writer and TV hostess from the UK called Kayla, and an Italian lady called Alessandra who is an ex dancer and makes jewellery. Both have their secrets, and are very different characters causing initial friction, but such is the magic of Maria's gift for cooking the three become firm friends and each help each other on their journey.
The characterisations are spot on, the descriptions poetic, the inclusion of the bees is magical and very interesting, and the descriptions of the food were mouth watering. I did find the plot twist very predictable, and had worked it out from the beginning, but it didn't detract from the story too much.
Maria grew up in Greece, but was treated with suspicion in her home village, and was not popular. Her dream was to open a successful restaurant, which she does in New York, but after a terrible accident she returns to her home town in Greece and opens a very successful cooking school - with people coming from all over the world. Unfortunately someone closer to home seems to be unhappy with her and she is being threatened, as well as ostracised by most of the village.
As the story begins Maria has two guests to her cooking school, a celebrity food writer and TV hostess from the UK called Kayla, and an Italian lady called Alessandra who is an ex dancer and makes jewellery. Both have their secrets, and are very different characters causing initial friction, but such is the magic of Maria's gift for cooking the three become firm friends and each help each other on their journey.
The characterisations are spot on, the descriptions poetic, the inclusion of the bees is magical and very interesting, and the descriptions of the food were mouth watering. I did find the plot twist very predictable, and had worked it out from the beginning, but it didn't detract from the story too much.
May 19, 2023
I was very much looking forward to this book set in Greece. The author sets the scene well with the descriptions of the land and of course the food. Sadly I found the story very predictable and not very interesting. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC
May 31, 2025
Jak opisałbym w jednym zdaniu "Naszą grecką podróż"? Melancholia, przemiany i trochę zbyt dużo wszystkiego... To jedna z tych książek, które trudno mi ocenić jednoznacznie. Z jednej strony – piękna historia o kobiecej sile, o trudnych życiowych wyborach i wewnętrznych przemianach. Z drugiej – styl, który momentami mnie przytłaczał. „Nasza grecka podróż” to opowieść o trzech kobietach, które spotykają się w małym greckim miasteczku Petalidi. Każda z nich przyjeżdża tam z innym bagażem – emocjonalnym i życiowym. Alessandra, artystka, hedonistka, której czas powoli się kończy, chce naprawić relację z córką. Maria, miejscowy wyrzutek i pszczelarka, skrywa w sobie wiele bólu i niespełnienia. Kayla, sławna blogerka, próbuje zrozumieć, co się stało z jej małżeństwem. Różne kobiety, różne światy, ale łączy je jedno: potrzeba zmiany.
Na tle greckiego krajobrazu i zbliżających się wielkanocnych obchodów wszystko nabiera szczególnego znaczenia. Święta, tak mocno zakorzenione w lokalnej kulturze i tradycji, stanowią tu tło duchowego oczyszczenia, ale też podkreślają, jak bardzo społeczność potrafi być jednocześnie bliska i wykluczająca. I właśnie Maria najbardziej tego doświadcza. Mimo swojej dobroci, talentu i otwartości, przez lata była traktowana jak trędowata. W Petalidi łatwo przykleić komuś etykietkę – a jeszcze łatwiej odwrócić się plecami. To, jak Cowell pokazuje małomiasteczkową mentalność i narastającą przez lata niesprawiedliwość, robi duże wrażenie i nie ukrywam, było mi po prostu przykro przez wzgląd na Marię.
To powieść mocno emocjonalna, chwilami aż za bardzo. Autorka bardzo chciała, żebyśmy poczuli wszystko, co czują bohaterki – i może nawet udałoby się to w mniejszym natężeniu. Wrażliwość tych postaci jest wyczuwalna, ale gdy każda scena aż kipi od uniesień, łez i przemyśleń, łatwo się zmęczyć. A szkoda, bo historia jest naprawdę dobra. Czuć w niej ciepło greckiego słońca, zapach oliwek i miodu, i tę cichą magię, jaka tkwi w zwykłych spotkaniach przy stole.
Bardzo podobała mi się symbolika pszczół – delikatna, ale znacząca. I ten wątek kuchni – nie tylko jako tła, ale jako przestrzeni do budowania bliskości. Doceniam też powolne tempo – fabuła nigdzie się nie spieszy, ale płynie naturalnie. Tylko ten nadmiar emocjonalnych opisów miejscami wybijał mnie z rytmu.
Czy polecam? Tak – ale z zastrzeżeniem. To książka, która bardziej niż akcją, przyciąga klimatem i emocjami. Jeśli lubicie spokojne historie o dojrzewaniu do zmian, o naprawianiu siebie i relacji z innymi, ta opowieść może trafić prosto w serce. Szczególnie jeśli bliskie są Wam motywy siostrzeństwa, kobiecej solidarności i szukania sensu w codzienności. Trzeba jednak nastawić się na to, że lektura nie zawsze będzie lekka. Emocji jest tu naprawdę dużo – czasem aż za dużo. Styl Cowell miejscami bywa zbyt intensywny, co może męczyć, ale jeśli dacie się porwać temu greckiemu krajobrazowi, kuchennym zapachom, brzęczeniu pszczół i wewnętrznym rozterkom bohaterek, to będzie to podróż, która zostanie z Wami na dłużej.
Na tle greckiego krajobrazu i zbliżających się wielkanocnych obchodów wszystko nabiera szczególnego znaczenia. Święta, tak mocno zakorzenione w lokalnej kulturze i tradycji, stanowią tu tło duchowego oczyszczenia, ale też podkreślają, jak bardzo społeczność potrafi być jednocześnie bliska i wykluczająca. I właśnie Maria najbardziej tego doświadcza. Mimo swojej dobroci, talentu i otwartości, przez lata była traktowana jak trędowata. W Petalidi łatwo przykleić komuś etykietkę – a jeszcze łatwiej odwrócić się plecami. To, jak Cowell pokazuje małomiasteczkową mentalność i narastającą przez lata niesprawiedliwość, robi duże wrażenie i nie ukrywam, było mi po prostu przykro przez wzgląd na Marię.
To powieść mocno emocjonalna, chwilami aż za bardzo. Autorka bardzo chciała, żebyśmy poczuli wszystko, co czują bohaterki – i może nawet udałoby się to w mniejszym natężeniu. Wrażliwość tych postaci jest wyczuwalna, ale gdy każda scena aż kipi od uniesień, łez i przemyśleń, łatwo się zmęczyć. A szkoda, bo historia jest naprawdę dobra. Czuć w niej ciepło greckiego słońca, zapach oliwek i miodu, i tę cichą magię, jaka tkwi w zwykłych spotkaniach przy stole.
Bardzo podobała mi się symbolika pszczół – delikatna, ale znacząca. I ten wątek kuchni – nie tylko jako tła, ale jako przestrzeni do budowania bliskości. Doceniam też powolne tempo – fabuła nigdzie się nie spieszy, ale płynie naturalnie. Tylko ten nadmiar emocjonalnych opisów miejscami wybijał mnie z rytmu.
Czy polecam? Tak – ale z zastrzeżeniem. To książka, która bardziej niż akcją, przyciąga klimatem i emocjami. Jeśli lubicie spokojne historie o dojrzewaniu do zmian, o naprawianiu siebie i relacji z innymi, ta opowieść może trafić prosto w serce. Szczególnie jeśli bliskie są Wam motywy siostrzeństwa, kobiecej solidarności i szukania sensu w codzienności. Trzeba jednak nastawić się na to, że lektura nie zawsze będzie lekka. Emocji jest tu naprawdę dużo – czasem aż za dużo. Styl Cowell miejscami bywa zbyt intensywny, co może męczyć, ale jeśli dacie się porwać temu greckiemu krajobrazowi, kuchennym zapachom, brzęczeniu pszczół i wewnętrznym rozterkom bohaterek, to będzie to podróż, która zostanie z Wami na dłużej.
May 25, 2023
I read Emma’s debut novel One Last Letter From Greece last year and I fell in love with her writing. I jumped at the chance to read this one and once again. I was swept away by her lush, immersive style of writing.
I am instantly attracted to books set in Greece, it is one of my favourite places and this story gave me such blissful escapism and was a balm to read.
It is an ode to the strength of female friendship and love. Also the joy found in food. The descriptions are exquisite and made me crave all of the traditional greek cuisine!
The three women who travel to the village of Petalidi form a tight bond of friendship whilst learning how to cook in Maria’s cookery school. They support each other during turmoil in their lives giving them the time to self reflect, learning more about themselves. Self love in particular is prominent throughout.
There is a mystical side that I loved and the inclusion of bees and their point of view in their mini narratives gave it that extra bit of magic. It showcases just how phenomenal Emma’s writing is.
The House in the Olive Grove is a delicious treat of a book, full of emotion, secrets, romance and sunshine. It all combines together to create the perfect summer read
I am instantly attracted to books set in Greece, it is one of my favourite places and this story gave me such blissful escapism and was a balm to read.
It is an ode to the strength of female friendship and love. Also the joy found in food. The descriptions are exquisite and made me crave all of the traditional greek cuisine!
The three women who travel to the village of Petalidi form a tight bond of friendship whilst learning how to cook in Maria’s cookery school. They support each other during turmoil in their lives giving them the time to self reflect, learning more about themselves. Self love in particular is prominent throughout.
There is a mystical side that I loved and the inclusion of bees and their point of view in their mini narratives gave it that extra bit of magic. It showcases just how phenomenal Emma’s writing is.
The House in the Olive Grove is a delicious treat of a book, full of emotion, secrets, romance and sunshine. It all combines together to create the perfect summer read
August 9, 2023
I’ve never experienced a prologue hooking me in as much as this one, I needed to find out more about Maria, Kayla and Alessandra!
Maria is an outsider in her home village and feels she’s never enough for her mum. Despite a front of having dealt with her past and at peace with her choices, she has insecurities. She intuitively knows the flavours suited to each student at her cooking school and how those flavours will nourish their souls.
Kayla and Alessandra are totally opposite. Kayla controls life by following the rules while Alessandra is unconventional. When she arrives with her openness and lack of filter, I knew she was going to shake things up!
While the cooking school is working its magic for these two, Maria is dealing with something that builds in intensity and left me feeling fearful for her and wondering what the outcome could be.
I felt totally immersed in the Greek way of life and culture. The setting itself feels like a character – feminine and sensuous, drawing you out to experience and feel. Emma Cowell’s writing style somehow feels as if represents Greece too. I’m thinking this comes from Maria’s narration, setting the pace and style.
I had tears a few times for all three of the women and felt honoured to be a part of their self-discovery and acceptance.
The House in the Olive Grove is about living with the land in harmony and being open to the things we can’t see to heal and belong. The friendships, romance and community are perfect for experiencing this. A story that won’t be easily forgotten!
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/5-boo...
Maria is an outsider in her home village and feels she’s never enough for her mum. Despite a front of having dealt with her past and at peace with her choices, she has insecurities. She intuitively knows the flavours suited to each student at her cooking school and how those flavours will nourish their souls.
Kayla and Alessandra are totally opposite. Kayla controls life by following the rules while Alessandra is unconventional. When she arrives with her openness and lack of filter, I knew she was going to shake things up!
While the cooking school is working its magic for these two, Maria is dealing with something that builds in intensity and left me feeling fearful for her and wondering what the outcome could be.
I felt totally immersed in the Greek way of life and culture. The setting itself feels like a character – feminine and sensuous, drawing you out to experience and feel. Emma Cowell’s writing style somehow feels as if represents Greece too. I’m thinking this comes from Maria’s narration, setting the pace and style.
I had tears a few times for all three of the women and felt honoured to be a part of their self-discovery and acceptance.
The House in the Olive Grove is about living with the land in harmony and being open to the things we can’t see to heal and belong. The friendships, romance and community are perfect for experiencing this. A story that won’t be easily forgotten!
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/5-boo...
May 1, 2023
I really enjoyed the author’s first novel so was keen to read this. Set in the beautiful Greek village of Petalidi, we meet Maria who runs her own cooking school and welcomes guests Kayla and Alessandra. It’s an emotional novel as each woman seems to be hiding secrets. However at the house in the olive grove, friendship blossoms as all three women embark on a path to self discovery. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
September 13, 2023
This was really 4.5 A truly comforting book, following three very different women, who come together at a cookery school in a beautiful village in Greece each struggling with their own hidden secrets. As each of their stories unwind and friendships are formed a powerful tale of love, loss, loyalty and mystery unfolds. This would have been a 5* but I felt it was a little predictable.
July 29, 2024
first half was slow ⭐️⭐️ but really enjoyed the end soo 3.5?! cute summer read overall ⛱️🌊🇬🇷🥗🥑🌅
August 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
June 22, 2023
Set in Greece in the present time. Maria runs a cooking school in her mother’s home in a small seaside village in Greece. Maria’s family have lived in Petaldi for many generations, yet Maria feels an outcast and longs to be accepted.
Alessandra and Kayla attend the cooking school over Easter. Alessandra and Kayla both have secrets and are deeply troubled by their past. They have trouble relating to each over, Kayla resents Alessandra’s lifestyle and dislikes the way Alessandra constantly asks questions about her life.
I loved the way Maria shared her love of cooking with Alessandra and Kayla and how they gradually shared some of their secrets.
This was about cooking and relationships. I loved the descriptions of village life. The descriptions of the food they cooked made me want to try some of the recipes.
Alessandra and Kayla attend the cooking school over Easter. Alessandra and Kayla both have secrets and are deeply troubled by their past. They have trouble relating to each over, Kayla resents Alessandra’s lifestyle and dislikes the way Alessandra constantly asks questions about her life.
I loved the way Maria shared her love of cooking with Alessandra and Kayla and how they gradually shared some of their secrets.
This was about cooking and relationships. I loved the descriptions of village life. The descriptions of the food they cooked made me want to try some of the recipes.
November 22, 2024
Tři ženy a kouzelné místo mezi olivovníky v Řecku, kde sídlí Mariina kuchyně. Kuchařka Marie, původem z Řecka, pořádý na místě, kde vyrostla, kuchařské pobytové kurzy, kde účastníky těchto kurzů zasvěcuje do tajů řecké kuchyně. Tentokrát k ní přijedou dvě ženy, umělkyně Alessandra a novinářka píšící o jídle Kayla. Všechny tři ženy se tady potkají, každá je jiná a každá řeší se ve svém životě nachází na komplikovaném místě. Jejich setkání je právě to, co jim nakonec pomůže, i když ze začátku to vypadá, že jsou úplně rozdílné. Ale najdou společnou cestu a pomůžou si v momentech, kdy to ani jedna nečekala. Hledají společně cestu, kterou se chtějí v životě vydat.
Tohle je přesně ten typ čtení, které vás hladí po duši, zároveň nejde o žádný hloupý nebo jednoduchý příběh. Dům v olivovém háji má hloubku, noříte se do osudů třech žen, přežíváte s nimi jejich nelehké osudy a životní križovatky, na kterých se momentálně nachází. Přitom neustále čtete o řeckém jídle a toužíte všechno ochutnat. Tohle je přesně ten typ textu, kdy z něho cítíte vůně a chutě, hřeje vás slunce a vidíte v dálce olivovníky. Tato kniha je laskavá, dojemná, plna přátelství, pocitů a touhy po vnitřním klidu. Protože ne vždy to, co si myslíme, že chceme je to, co potřebujeme. Krásný to bylo.
Tohle je přesně ten typ čtení, které vás hladí po duši, zároveň nejde o žádný hloupý nebo jednoduchý příběh. Dům v olivovém háji má hloubku, noříte se do osudů třech žen, přežíváte s nimi jejich nelehké osudy a životní križovatky, na kterých se momentálně nachází. Přitom neustále čtete o řeckém jídle a toužíte všechno ochutnat. Tohle je přesně ten typ textu, kdy z něho cítíte vůně a chutě, hřeje vás slunce a vidíte v dálce olivovníky. Tato kniha je laskavá, dojemná, plna přátelství, pocitů a touhy po vnitřním klidu. Protože ne vždy to, co si myslíme, že chceme je to, co potřebujeme. Krásný to bylo.
June 21, 2023
A stunning homage to friendship, old and new. To romance, old and new. A stunning portrayal of Greece in all its glory. If you've never been to Greece, you will want to visit after reading this book. Emma Cowell takes us on a glorious journey through Greek cooking, the keeping of bees, the magic of bees, the magic of friendship, romance, and old secrets exposed. This is a tender emotional story of three women who are brought together for a week and whose friendship develops over a rocky road as they try to come to terms with what's happening in their lives. A total treat of a read!
June 11, 2023
The perfect summer read!
I loved this book, feeling a bit sad now I have to say goodbye to some wonderful characters.
After a successful career running her own restaurant in New York, Maria has returned to her idyllic hometown in Greece and now runs a cookery school from her childhood home that she shares with her mother Eleni.
Despite putting the village on the international map, the local villagers are quite hostile towards her and have never really welcomed her back into their fold.
In the run up to Easter, she hosts a week of tuition for Kayla, a good writer from London and Alessandra, a dancer from Rome.
All three women in the kitchen have secrets and turmoil, they are all very different, but over the course of the week and over some amazing food, they become unlikely friends and their lives change as they help each other deal with adversity.
A wonderful story, with many twists and turns, set in the beautiful Greece mainland.
Let this book transport you to Greece and join the girls on their journey.
A must read for the summer.
I loved this book, feeling a bit sad now I have to say goodbye to some wonderful characters.
After a successful career running her own restaurant in New York, Maria has returned to her idyllic hometown in Greece and now runs a cookery school from her childhood home that she shares with her mother Eleni.
Despite putting the village on the international map, the local villagers are quite hostile towards her and have never really welcomed her back into their fold.
In the run up to Easter, she hosts a week of tuition for Kayla, a good writer from London and Alessandra, a dancer from Rome.
All three women in the kitchen have secrets and turmoil, they are all very different, but over the course of the week and over some amazing food, they become unlikely friends and their lives change as they help each other deal with adversity.
A wonderful story, with many twists and turns, set in the beautiful Greece mainland.
Let this book transport you to Greece and join the girls on their journey.
A must read for the summer.
June 18, 2023
I actually, in this instance, read the paperback. First, I’m a sucker for anything to do with Greece. I really enjoyed the writing, which conjured up memories of food, smells and atmosphere. Off to read Emma’s first book now.
A fabulous holiday/beach read.
A fabulous holiday/beach read.
July 30, 2023
Maria moves from New York to return to where she grew up in Greece to set up a cooking school, she adores looking after her bee hives and enjoys welcoming new faces remaining hopeful and kind despite how the village treat her. Alessandra and Kayla decide to take a trip out to Maria's home in Greece to learn new cooking skills although what they find is warmth in friendship and healing with each of the three discovering what they truly need by the end of the novel. The descriptions of the scenery and food were inspiringly beautiful and descriptive providing the reader with a really stunning picture of the setting. A lovely enjoyable read which has just the right mix of emotion, love, hope and warmth.
March 29, 2023
I usually enjoy books centered around food and cooking…this one exceeded my expectations as a deeply satisfying story of love, loss, and friendship, all served up with a touch of magical realism.
Maria felt like an outsider growing up in the small village of Petalidi in Greece. When the fulfillment of her dream as chef/owner of a successful New York City restaurant abruptly ends, she returns home to the family farm. Once, again, she is plagued by the superstition and hostility of the villagers - even after the establishment of her successful cooking school, Maria’s Kitchen. Despite these challenges, Maria classes are well-known not only for her cooking skills, but also for the transformed lives touched by her lovingkindness and wisdom.
The story unfolds as two students arrive for a weeklong class coinciding with the village Easter celebration.
Kayla is a London-based celebrity food writer and host of the popular television show, the Home-Grown Chef.
Alessandra, a former dancer turned jewelry maker is an outspoken Italian from Rome. After a rocky start, they forge a bond of friendship that transcends their personality differences and, with Maria’s support, embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The lyrical prose drew me into the story and kept me engaged until the end. The descriptions of the Greek village and countryside were so evocative that they had me wanting to pack a bag and experience it for myself. The characters are wonderfully complex and well-developed. Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while and I will definitely revisit it in the future for another read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Maria felt like an outsider growing up in the small village of Petalidi in Greece. When the fulfillment of her dream as chef/owner of a successful New York City restaurant abruptly ends, she returns home to the family farm. Once, again, she is plagued by the superstition and hostility of the villagers - even after the establishment of her successful cooking school, Maria’s Kitchen. Despite these challenges, Maria classes are well-known not only for her cooking skills, but also for the transformed lives touched by her lovingkindness and wisdom.
The story unfolds as two students arrive for a weeklong class coinciding with the village Easter celebration.
Kayla is a London-based celebrity food writer and host of the popular television show, the Home-Grown Chef.
Alessandra, a former dancer turned jewelry maker is an outspoken Italian from Rome. After a rocky start, they forge a bond of friendship that transcends their personality differences and, with Maria’s support, embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The lyrical prose drew me into the story and kept me engaged until the end. The descriptions of the Greek village and countryside were so evocative that they had me wanting to pack a bag and experience it for myself. The characters are wonderfully complex and well-developed. Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while and I will definitely revisit it in the future for another read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
March 28, 2023
This book is food for the soul....
I had just finished reading a gruesome murder mystery (as they sometimes go) and really needed something nice and clean. The House in the Olive Grove is simply magic. It will wrap you in this beautiful world set in an idyllic seaside village in Greece.
WARNING: you will have an amazing urge to go and visit the place for yourself... you have been warned ;)
The perfect mix of culinary delights, beautiful friendships and love is enough to lift anyone up.
This book is a true gift and I wish Emma Cowell many more years of writing and using her extraordinary talent ;)
I had just finished reading a gruesome murder mystery (as they sometimes go) and really needed something nice and clean. The House in the Olive Grove is simply magic. It will wrap you in this beautiful world set in an idyllic seaside village in Greece.
WARNING: you will have an amazing urge to go and visit the place for yourself... you have been warned ;)
The perfect mix of culinary delights, beautiful friendships and love is enough to lift anyone up.
This book is a true gift and I wish Emma Cowell many more years of writing and using her extraordinary talent ;)
March 23, 2023
"The House in the Olive Grove" is the story of two very different women who enroll on a cookery course at Maria's Kitchen, and of their teacher. It is a bit of a "suspend belief" novel, in the vein of Joanne Harris, with magic seeming to happen via food. At it's heart though, the book is about the 3 women coming to terms with changes in their lives and, en route, forming a strong bond of friendship.
The setting in the Peloponnese area of Greece is a real place, which sounds idyllic and not too spoilt by tourism. It was interesting to learn that, for certain species of honey bee, it is possible to have hives from which you can tap the honey direct, rather than having to use the lengthy extraction process we have in this country. Presumably though these hives are a lot more expensive.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
The setting in the Peloponnese area of Greece is a real place, which sounds idyllic and not too spoilt by tourism. It was interesting to learn that, for certain species of honey bee, it is possible to have hives from which you can tap the honey direct, rather than having to use the lengthy extraction process we have in this country. Presumably though these hives are a lot more expensive.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
May 25, 2023
The House in the Olive Grove is Emma’s second novel and it is packed with beautiful characters that are very relatable. Set in a gorgeous Greek village by the sea Petalidi woke my memories of many visits to various Greek island holidays over the years, leaving me yearning to go back.
The three main characters are Maria, Kayla and Alessandra all of whom are strong yet vulnerable in their own way. Each of them have their secrets to bear but by coming together at Maria’s Kitchen a cookery school, they become firm friends and there the magic happens.
Maria and her bees have a powerful gift that seems to seep into her students and with it gives both healing and inspiration which leads them on a journey of self-discovery. Maria is selfless and gives so much to others yet she denies love and romance into her own life. She battles with the pain of a broken heart from Leonides her childhood friend and is determined to continue with the life she has become accustomed to, ignoring what her heart wants.
I am full of praise for this uplifting story that stirred personal memories of Greece and its mouth-watering cuisine. My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Avon for the ARC of this lovely book.
The three main characters are Maria, Kayla and Alessandra all of whom are strong yet vulnerable in their own way. Each of them have their secrets to bear but by coming together at Maria’s Kitchen a cookery school, they become firm friends and there the magic happens.
Maria and her bees have a powerful gift that seems to seep into her students and with it gives both healing and inspiration which leads them on a journey of self-discovery. Maria is selfless and gives so much to others yet she denies love and romance into her own life. She battles with the pain of a broken heart from Leonides her childhood friend and is determined to continue with the life she has become accustomed to, ignoring what her heart wants.
I am full of praise for this uplifting story that stirred personal memories of Greece and its mouth-watering cuisine. My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Avon for the ARC of this lovely book.
March 21, 2023
After falling in love with Emma’s first book I could not wait to read this one. I was not disappointed. The book immediately transported me back to Greece, remembering the smells and the tastes. I wish I could visit Maria’s kitchen myself. By the end of the book, the three main characters felt like friends and I will miss reading about them.
March 16, 2023
A wonderful story with engaging characters set in beautiful Greece.
A story of secrets and how friendships can be made when least expected. A good paced storyline which kept me hooked right to the end. Absolutely wonderful.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for a honest review.
A story of secrets and how friendships can be made when least expected. A good paced storyline which kept me hooked right to the end. Absolutely wonderful.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for a honest review.
April 24, 2023
Loved the synopsis - the book, itself, not so much. The plot and characters were so poorly developed that I found the book a chore to complete
June 5, 2023
Renowned chef Maria, once the toast of the New York restaurant scene, has been running her cookery school in her home village of Petalidi, Greece for ten years. She loves communing with her beloved bees in the olive grove, and along with passing on her food wisdom she has a canny knack of helping her clients deal with problems in their personal lives - if only she could find a way to heal her own heartache too.
For the coming week, Maria will be joined by two new clients, who although she does not know it yet, are in sore need of her healing magic. Food writer, and TV personality, Kayla is coming to Petalidi to learn about Greek cuisine for work, but she is weighed down by the secrets she is forced to keep from her adoring public - now made even more of a burden by the break down of her apparently picture perfect marriage. Alessandra, a glamorous and free-spirited jewellery designer from Rome, is not sure what she is looking for in Petalidi, but hopes some time away from her life might help her deal with the devastating news she has received.
As these three very different come together, and cook together, an unlikely friendship grows up between them. A friendship that can help all three come to terms with the knocks life has dealt them, and to help them find the courage to move forward.
I love a story about food, especially one which offers a feast for the senses, and The House in the Olive Grove does that in spades, by bringing alive the taste of Greece against a stunning backdrop - and by throwing in a cast of intriguing female characters, both in our central characters Maria, Kayla and Alessandra, and in the women around them.
Maria, Kayla and Alessandra are very different people, with startlingly different philosophies on life, and yet they are all haunted by their pasts, pressurised by the need to conform to expectation, and troubled by the need to make some hard decisions about their futures. As the story plays outs, through the narratives of all three, we learn of their lives, their secrets, and the choices they must make. Maria is the glue that holds everyone together, but she is hiding secrets of her own that she is afraid to confront. This allows Cowell to thread a thoroughly compelling storyline of menace and alienation through an otherwise heartfelt tale, which adds a very unexpected level of depth.
There are some lovely themes interwoven through the generations of women in this story, especially, loss, fear, alienation, and finding the courage to be yourself. There is something magical about the way food is used to bring everyone together, and I loved the way Cowell mixes in references to Maria's bees throughout to reflect and amplify the themes too. Everything comes together in the most enchanting way, to fill your heart with emotion, and your eyes with tears.
This is such a charming story of female friendship, full of warmth, hope, romance, and tasty Greek treats to tempt your taste buds. Cowell's love of Greece shines through, and I am now yearning to feel the sunshine and swim in those azure waters once more. The perfect escapist summer read!
For the coming week, Maria will be joined by two new clients, who although she does not know it yet, are in sore need of her healing magic. Food writer, and TV personality, Kayla is coming to Petalidi to learn about Greek cuisine for work, but she is weighed down by the secrets she is forced to keep from her adoring public - now made even more of a burden by the break down of her apparently picture perfect marriage. Alessandra, a glamorous and free-spirited jewellery designer from Rome, is not sure what she is looking for in Petalidi, but hopes some time away from her life might help her deal with the devastating news she has received.
As these three very different come together, and cook together, an unlikely friendship grows up between them. A friendship that can help all three come to terms with the knocks life has dealt them, and to help them find the courage to move forward.
I love a story about food, especially one which offers a feast for the senses, and The House in the Olive Grove does that in spades, by bringing alive the taste of Greece against a stunning backdrop - and by throwing in a cast of intriguing female characters, both in our central characters Maria, Kayla and Alessandra, and in the women around them.
Maria, Kayla and Alessandra are very different people, with startlingly different philosophies on life, and yet they are all haunted by their pasts, pressurised by the need to conform to expectation, and troubled by the need to make some hard decisions about their futures. As the story plays outs, through the narratives of all three, we learn of their lives, their secrets, and the choices they must make. Maria is the glue that holds everyone together, but she is hiding secrets of her own that she is afraid to confront. This allows Cowell to thread a thoroughly compelling storyline of menace and alienation through an otherwise heartfelt tale, which adds a very unexpected level of depth.
There are some lovely themes interwoven through the generations of women in this story, especially, loss, fear, alienation, and finding the courage to be yourself. There is something magical about the way food is used to bring everyone together, and I loved the way Cowell mixes in references to Maria's bees throughout to reflect and amplify the themes too. Everything comes together in the most enchanting way, to fill your heart with emotion, and your eyes with tears.
This is such a charming story of female friendship, full of warmth, hope, romance, and tasty Greek treats to tempt your taste buds. Cowell's love of Greece shines through, and I am now yearning to feel the sunshine and swim in those azure waters once more. The perfect escapist summer read!
September 29, 2024
Definitely 4 1/2 stars, this was one of the best books I've read this summer.
The story centers around three women: Maria, Kayla, and Alessandra.
Maria left her childhood home in Petalidi, Greece to pursue a cooking career in America. After living there for 25 years an accident in her restaurant causes her to change her life: finalizing her divorce she moves back to Petalidi to start a cooking school/retreat (called Maria's Kitchen).
Maria has a unique ability of knowing which flavors (such as lemons or cinnamon) will help people heal whether it's mentally or emotionally. She also had the ability to see spirits until her accident.
10 years pass and Maria is expecting Kayla and Alessandra to join her cooking classes during Easter. Meanwhile, Leonidas (a childhood friend) decides to return to Petalidi and seek out Maria. However she has a hard time letting people into her heart, especially since someone is threatening her to leave Petalidi or else.
Kayla is a celebrity chef from the UK who is visiting Maria's Kitchen to interview Maria and take some time off from her work. While cooking and getting acquainted with both Maria and Alessandra, Kayla finds out she can't escape her past. Soon after this she learns her husband cheated on her. Deciding to take control of her life Kayla decides to reinvent herself. Having a short romantic fling with a local waiter and deciding to tell her fans a secret she's guarded all her life, Kayla learns how to accept her own life.
Alessandra is from Rome, Italy and travels to Maria's Kitchen for some relaxation after living an exciting life full of fun. When it's revealed that her health is failing Alessandra decides to spend the remainder of her days in Petalidi with her husband Phillipo. Meanwhile, Kayla goes behind her back and tries to get Arianna (Alessandra's estranged daughter) to reconcile with her mother.
These three special women find their lives intertwined and forever changed.
There are so many amazing things about this book: the location, food, friendship, drama, mystery, and love all blended together into one great tale. The story flowed well and Maria's kitchen is a dream destination (I would definitely go there if it was real).
I'm highly looking forward to reading more of Cowell's stories.
The story centers around three women: Maria, Kayla, and Alessandra.
Maria left her childhood home in Petalidi, Greece to pursue a cooking career in America. After living there for 25 years an accident in her restaurant causes her to change her life: finalizing her divorce she moves back to Petalidi to start a cooking school/retreat (called Maria's Kitchen).
Maria has a unique ability of knowing which flavors (such as lemons or cinnamon) will help people heal whether it's mentally or emotionally. She also had the ability to see spirits until her accident.
10 years pass and Maria is expecting Kayla and Alessandra to join her cooking classes during Easter. Meanwhile, Leonidas (a childhood friend) decides to return to Petalidi and seek out Maria. However she has a hard time letting people into her heart, especially since someone is threatening her to leave Petalidi or else.
Kayla is a celebrity chef from the UK who is visiting Maria's Kitchen to interview Maria and take some time off from her work. While cooking and getting acquainted with both Maria and Alessandra, Kayla finds out she can't escape her past. Soon after this she learns her husband cheated on her. Deciding to take control of her life Kayla decides to reinvent herself. Having a short romantic fling with a local waiter and deciding to tell her fans a secret she's guarded all her life, Kayla learns how to accept her own life.
Alessandra is from Rome, Italy and travels to Maria's Kitchen for some relaxation after living an exciting life full of fun. When it's revealed that her health is failing Alessandra decides to spend the remainder of her days in Petalidi with her husband Phillipo. Meanwhile, Kayla goes behind her back and tries to get Arianna (Alessandra's estranged daughter) to reconcile with her mother.
These three special women find their lives intertwined and forever changed.
There are so many amazing things about this book: the location, food, friendship, drama, mystery, and love all blended together into one great tale. The story flowed well and Maria's kitchen is a dream destination (I would definitely go there if it was real).
I'm highly looking forward to reading more of Cowell's stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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