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The House of Hidden Letters
For sale: Greek cottage. One Euro.
Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.
However, her heart sinks as she pushes open the tattered blue door weeks later. Can this wreck ever be her home?
Then Skye finds a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace, their faded pages drawing her in with a story of long-forgotten love, tragedy, and unbelievable bravery.
But all the while, Skye’s own past is circling. No matter how far she goes, fate is never far behind…
This gorgeously sweeping, escapist dual-timeline novel is perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Victoria Hislop and Lucinda Riley.
Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.
However, her heart sinks as she pushes open the tattered blue door weeks later. Can this wreck ever be her home?
Then Skye finds a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace, their faded pages drawing her in with a story of long-forgotten love, tragedy, and unbelievable bravery.
But all the while, Skye’s own past is circling. No matter how far she goes, fate is never far behind…
This gorgeously sweeping, escapist dual-timeline novel is perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Victoria Hislop and Lucinda Riley.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2026
284 people are currently reading
17963 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
September 14, 2025
I received a free copy of, The House of Hidden Letters, by Izzy Broom, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Skye decides to enter a competition to buy a Greek cottage, she decides to try for it. The cottage is not what it looked like at all. This book has all the emotions, so much going on, past and present.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
AN INTRIGUING AND MYSTERIOUS STORY OF HOPE FOR A NEW BEGINNING
SUMMARY
Change Your Life for €1. Skye is not impulsive, but when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery for one euro, she applies. She needs a fresh start far from London and her husband. Weeks later, she feels disheartened as she opens the tattered blue door, questioning whether it can ever be her home. During renovations, she finds a bundle of faded letters behind a wall that reveal a story of love, tragedy, and bravery. Meanwhile, Sky’s own past is always on her mind, reminding her that fate will follow no matter how far she runs. But what was she running from?
REVIEW
I loved Skye’s intriguing and mysterious story. Author Izzy Broom’s fabulous descriptions of the remote Greek island of Folegandros were fabulous. Mountains, a cobalt blue sky, a ribbon of sea, and a church high on a distant hill all serve as the backdrop for Skye’s new backyard. The book pulled me into the story, and I wanted to join Skye and help her renovate her crumbling cottage.
The story weaves a quick-moving and fascinating tale featuring three threads: Skye and her past, her new community on the island, and the thrilling story of love and tragedy told in the letters she found. All of the characters are simply engaging. Read it, and you’ll love it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher Berkley
Published March 17. 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Change Your Life for €1. Skye is not impulsive, but when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery for one euro, she applies. She needs a fresh start far from London and her husband. Weeks later, she feels disheartened as she opens the tattered blue door, questioning whether it can ever be her home. During renovations, she finds a bundle of faded letters behind a wall that reveal a story of love, tragedy, and bravery. Meanwhile, Sky’s own past is always on her mind, reminding her that fate will follow no matter how far she runs. But what was she running from?
REVIEW
I loved Skye’s intriguing and mysterious story. Author Izzy Broom’s fabulous descriptions of the remote Greek island of Folegandros were fabulous. Mountains, a cobalt blue sky, a ribbon of sea, and a church high on a distant hill all serve as the backdrop for Skye’s new backyard. The book pulled me into the story, and I wanted to join Skye and help her renovate her crumbling cottage.
The story weaves a quick-moving and fascinating tale featuring three threads: Skye and her past, her new community on the island, and the thrilling story of love and tragedy told in the letters she found. All of the characters are simply engaging. Read it, and you’ll love it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher Berkley
Published March 17. 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
February 21, 2026
What an utterly absorbing novel this turned out to be! From the moment Skye wins a lottery that makes her one of six owners of a derelict cottage on the Greek island of Folegandros, I was hooked. The premise alone feels wonderfully escapist, but it’s the warmth, depth, and emotional pull that makes this book so special.
One of the first things I loved was the immediate sense of community. The other cottage owners are a delightful group and their friendships form quickly and authentically. Add to that Andreas, the local Greek builder—kind, capable, never pushy, always quietly there to help—and you have a setting that’s impossible not to fall in love with. There is a tad of romance between the two of them but it’s subtle and perfectly judged: present but never overpowering.
But this story is far more than a dreamy island escape. When Skye discovers a bundle of hidden letters tucked away in her fireplace, the novel opens into a second, deeply moving narrative. The faded pages pulled both Skye and myself into the life of Katerina during World War II, revealing a story of love, tragedy, and astonishing bravery. I fell in love with Katerina instantly. She is bold, brave, and fiercely determined, and even in the face of terrible events, she never loses her capacity to love or to hope.
The dual timeline is beautifully handled. Both narratives are equally compelling, and the novel treads that difficult line between Skye’s struggles and the island’s painful past with great skill. I could see the parallels between Katherina and Skye as they both have a fight on their hands for freedom. Their will to make their own choices is present in both storylines and I rooted fiercely for both Skye and Katherina as both of them – across different eras – are determined to follow their own path.
By the final page, I was convinced of two things: everyone who reads this book will want to move to Folegandros and become part of that island community, and I have discovered a wonderful new author whose work I’ll be seeking out again without hesitation. This was a truly fabulous read—thoughtful, hopeful and unforgettable.
One of the first things I loved was the immediate sense of community. The other cottage owners are a delightful group and their friendships form quickly and authentically. Add to that Andreas, the local Greek builder—kind, capable, never pushy, always quietly there to help—and you have a setting that’s impossible not to fall in love with. There is a tad of romance between the two of them but it’s subtle and perfectly judged: present but never overpowering.
But this story is far more than a dreamy island escape. When Skye discovers a bundle of hidden letters tucked away in her fireplace, the novel opens into a second, deeply moving narrative. The faded pages pulled both Skye and myself into the life of Katerina during World War II, revealing a story of love, tragedy, and astonishing bravery. I fell in love with Katerina instantly. She is bold, brave, and fiercely determined, and even in the face of terrible events, she never loses her capacity to love or to hope.
The dual timeline is beautifully handled. Both narratives are equally compelling, and the novel treads that difficult line between Skye’s struggles and the island’s painful past with great skill. I could see the parallels between Katherina and Skye as they both have a fight on their hands for freedom. Their will to make their own choices is present in both storylines and I rooted fiercely for both Skye and Katherina as both of them – across different eras – are determined to follow their own path.
By the final page, I was convinced of two things: everyone who reads this book will want to move to Folegandros and become part of that island community, and I have discovered a wonderful new author whose work I’ll be seeking out again without hesitation. This was a truly fabulous read—thoughtful, hopeful and unforgettable.
August 31, 2025
Delighted to have had the opportunity to have an early copy of this book!! Set in Greece, Skye arrives having won a lottery for an abandoned Greek house along with some others. Helped by Andreas to renovate the cottage, Skye finds her community, there to support her!! The story has two time lines, the present and also the previous cottage owners during the war! Skye finds this link during her time at the cottage. Really enjoyed this book, characters likeable and story line kept me wanting to know more!! 5 stars 🌟
April 4, 2026
A gentle, engaging read with just the right blend of mystery and romance, it’s a lovely dual timeline story and a great introduction to Izzy Broom’s work. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more.
Skye needs a fresh start, and when she spots a one euro lottery for a derelict cottage on a remote Greek island, it feels like the perfect escape. Winning it brings not just a crumbling home to restore but a whole new circle of friends and a community she didn’t know she needed. When she uncovers a bundle of wartime letters hidden in the cottage — and the discovery of long buried skeletons shakes the island — Skye is drawn into uncovering the truth, piecing together a story that’s been hidden for decades.
Overall, it’s an engaging, atmospheric read with a lovely mix of mystery, history and new beginnings. The setting is gorgeous, the story unfolds beautifully, and it’s easy to get swept up in Skye’s journey. A really enjoyable escape.
Skye needs a fresh start, and when she spots a one euro lottery for a derelict cottage on a remote Greek island, it feels like the perfect escape. Winning it brings not just a crumbling home to restore but a whole new circle of friends and a community she didn’t know she needed. When she uncovers a bundle of wartime letters hidden in the cottage — and the discovery of long buried skeletons shakes the island — Skye is drawn into uncovering the truth, piecing together a story that’s been hidden for decades.
Overall, it’s an engaging, atmospheric read with a lovely mix of mystery, history and new beginnings. The setting is gorgeous, the story unfolds beautifully, and it’s easy to get swept up in Skye’s journey. A really enjoyable escape.
March 27, 2026
This book ended up being a lot heavier than I initially thought it would be from the description. Somehow I missed that it was a WWII book.
I wanted to love this book more. I really enjoyed the island and it felt like I was there, and now I want to move to Greece. But I am not satisfied with the ending. I want to know what happened to Katerina when she left the island.
Also - there really should be trigger warnings for this book. Since I didn't see them anywhere: heavy DV, rape, and infant death.
I wanted to love this book more. I really enjoyed the island and it felt like I was there, and now I want to move to Greece. But I am not satisfied with the ending. I want to know what happened to Katerina when she left the island.
Also - there really should be trigger warnings for this book. Since I didn't see them anywhere: heavy DV, rape, and infant death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 30, 2025This is the perfect holiday read. It’s a beautiful story of love, loss and new beginnings. I loved it.
March 21, 2026
The House of Hidden Letters
By Izzy Broom
Published by Berkley on March 17th, 2026 (out now)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book came as such a surprise for me! Even at 15% in, I didn’t think I was enjoying it. Then I realized that I was just too busy and wasn’t dedicating time to it. When I did, I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It had so much more going on and going for it than I expected. It is very entertaining and propulsive - as you go further, every chapter starts to end on a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more.
Read this if you like
-plot driven novels
-atmospheric settings
-WWII historical fiction
-mystery and intrigue
-Emma Grey’s Pictures of You
-dual timelines
📖 In present day, Skye is one of 5 people who win a lottery to purchase one of 6 abandoned homes on Greek island, Folegandros. Running from conflict at home, she jumps into the chance to renovate the long abandoned home with local contractor Andreas. When they come across some hidden letters (amongst a couple other things) from WWII, they learn more about the houses history and what led them to become abandoned.
Thank you to @berkleypub @netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
By Izzy Broom
Published by Berkley on March 17th, 2026 (out now)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book came as such a surprise for me! Even at 15% in, I didn’t think I was enjoying it. Then I realized that I was just too busy and wasn’t dedicating time to it. When I did, I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It had so much more going on and going for it than I expected. It is very entertaining and propulsive - as you go further, every chapter starts to end on a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more.
Read this if you like
-plot driven novels
-atmospheric settings
-WWII historical fiction
-mystery and intrigue
-Emma Grey’s Pictures of You
-dual timelines
📖 In present day, Skye is one of 5 people who win a lottery to purchase one of 6 abandoned homes on Greek island, Folegandros. Running from conflict at home, she jumps into the chance to renovate the long abandoned home with local contractor Andreas. When they come across some hidden letters (amongst a couple other things) from WWII, they learn more about the houses history and what led them to become abandoned.
Thank you to @berkleypub @netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this one; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 If I win the lottery, there will be signs. My instagram will be filled with me reading books from exotic locations and I will most certainly be returning to the Greek isles. Twenty years ago, I was swept away by the majestic colors and rich history of the Aegean Sea. When a silver key is placed into Skye’s palm and she takes ownership of a villa abandoned since World War II, her world changes in the most remarkable way. Told in dual timelines, The House of Hidden Letters is a beautifully haunting reminder that our world is connected across time and space. In a moment when it feels like the walls are closing in around us, Izzy Broom’s novel feels poignantly relevant while still maintaining a breezy aura of hopeful escapism.
Would you buy a house on a remote Greek island for €1?
📖 Book Review 📖 If I win the lottery, there will be signs. My instagram will be filled with me reading books from exotic locations and I will most certainly be returning to the Greek isles. Twenty years ago, I was swept away by the majestic colors and rich history of the Aegean Sea. When a silver key is placed into Skye’s palm and she takes ownership of a villa abandoned since World War II, her world changes in the most remarkable way. Told in dual timelines, The House of Hidden Letters is a beautifully haunting reminder that our world is connected across time and space. In a moment when it feels like the walls are closing in around us, Izzy Broom’s novel feels poignantly relevant while still maintaining a breezy aura of hopeful escapism.
Would you buy a house on a remote Greek island for €1?
March 21, 2026
Thank you Berkeley and Penguin random house for the free book.
This was such a great read. It’s told in dual timeline between the past and the present and I think both stories were equally as compelling. I was excited to read from both pov’s and I loved how interwoven they were and how emotional each story was.
Skye’s is in present day Greece, an island called Folegrandos after she wins a house for one euro. The sense of small town community is strong and felt with every character. And then WWII 1942 and Katerina’s story and the mystery and awful history and tragedies that happened and how they can make peace with their findings from the letters and the houses.
Overall a great story.
This was such a great read. It’s told in dual timeline between the past and the present and I think both stories were equally as compelling. I was excited to read from both pov’s and I loved how interwoven they were and how emotional each story was.
Skye’s is in present day Greece, an island called Folegrandos after she wins a house for one euro. The sense of small town community is strong and felt with every character. And then WWII 1942 and Katerina’s story and the mystery and awful history and tragedies that happened and how they can make peace with their findings from the letters and the houses.
Overall a great story.
April 14, 2026
What an utterly beautiful story set in Greece. I felt completely transported into the story, the history, the love and intrigue it was all there.
Skye is trying to deal with something the only way she knows how, can she break free and stop the past reaching her?
Izzy made it sound like such a beautiful place and a true special community of people, the characters sounded so real and friendships seemed like they would last a lifetime 🇬🇷
I loved the relationships, friendships found family and Tigri the ginger cat!
This is definite MUST read for everyone
Skye is trying to deal with something the only way she knows how, can she break free and stop the past reaching her?
Izzy made it sound like such a beautiful place and a true special community of people, the characters sounded so real and friendships seemed like they would last a lifetime 🇬🇷
I loved the relationships, friendships found family and Tigri the ginger cat!
This is definite MUST read for everyone
March 19, 2026
This was delightful. Why not it's only a dollar! Skye wins a cottage in the Greek lottery and get to renovate while living on a n island with 5 other owners. While she starts to fix up her cottage she finds a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace, She has her Greek handyman Andreas help her understand them. I like that they read them over time to discover what is hidden in them.
The dual timeline was done so well.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The dual timeline was done so well.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
Such a good book and I could almost imagine being there in Greece! Can’t wait for the next book to come out in 2027……/
May 1, 2026
3.5 stars - Charming! I love a story that has a dual timeline, one in the past and one in the present. Slowly, Broom tied the two stories together. I appreciated the WWII timeline the most. Plus, the lovely setting of Greece makes this a good spring/summer option. Full review to come.
March 15, 2026
I’m a sucker for novels set in Greece and also those written by Izzy Broom, so combining the two for me is a match made in heaven. The House of Hidden Letters is a beautiful story set on the Greek island of Folegandros, and follows Skye as on impulse, she enters a lottery to purchase a home for one euro and moves there to begin a new life within the local island community. Dreams of a fresh start are quickly hampered when she sees the state of the property but needs to turn the derelict property into her home and finally escape her past. As the renovations begin, she finds a bundle of letters telling a tale of long forgotten love, tragedy and bravery. This novel seamlessly intertwines past and present. It draws you in and pulls at your heartstrings with each chapter urging you on to continue reading. It’s a tale of love, friendship and secrets and will stay with you long after you turn the last page. One of my favourite novels of this year. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK Cornerstone and the author for the
September 20, 2025
I so badly wanted to really love this book, but for some reason, I can't explain, I just couldn't completely connect with it. That's not to say it's a bad book because it really isn't, and i know im definitely in the minority with this one!
Told from dual perspectives and parallel timelines, this made it an interesting read.
In the present, needing to escape her past, Skye enters and wins a €1 house lottery, along with a few others. Arriving in Follegandros, Greece, she is shown to her new home. A very run down cottage in need of major refurbishment. On starting the work, Skye stumbles a stash of hidden letters, and the local builder, Andreas, starts translating them for her.
In the past, a young greek woman, Katerina, comes to realise that her village and home are slowly being taken by the Nazi's. She doesn't want to be sat on the sidelines while the war is raging around her. She wants to be fighting for her country.
I found most of the characters, apart from Skye and Andreas, to be rather flat, two dimensional. I wish they had had a little more about them because there was a lot of potential there for them to be more interesting.
If I'm being completely honest, I much preferred reading about Skye's story, I found myself more engaged with that part of the book and I think there could easily be a second follow on book, just with Skye and Andreas!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.
Told from dual perspectives and parallel timelines, this made it an interesting read.
In the present, needing to escape her past, Skye enters and wins a €1 house lottery, along with a few others. Arriving in Follegandros, Greece, she is shown to her new home. A very run down cottage in need of major refurbishment. On starting the work, Skye stumbles a stash of hidden letters, and the local builder, Andreas, starts translating them for her.
In the past, a young greek woman, Katerina, comes to realise that her village and home are slowly being taken by the Nazi's. She doesn't want to be sat on the sidelines while the war is raging around her. She wants to be fighting for her country.
I found most of the characters, apart from Skye and Andreas, to be rather flat, two dimensional. I wish they had had a little more about them because there was a lot of potential there for them to be more interesting.
If I'm being completely honest, I much preferred reading about Skye's story, I found myself more engaged with that part of the book and I think there could easily be a second follow on book, just with Skye and Andreas!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.
August 27, 2025
The House of Hidden Letters was a really interesting book - and the dual narrative and timeline set it up for lots of potential.
Skye needs a fresh start and enters (and wins) the 1 Euro house lottery on the tiny island of Folegandros. She's a bit secretive about her past, even in the company of her new friends who have also come to refurbish the abandoned properties on the island.
The other narrative is told from the point of view of Katerina, a young Greek woman who realises her home is being slowly taken by the Nazis and can't bear to sit on the sidelines to watch.
I really enjoyed Skye's point of view and the budding romance with one of the other characters. The secondary characters (other than Andreas) were a little less developed than I would like but I did enjoy reading about their antics. For some reason I didn't really connect with Katerina's storyline (but that could also just be me being slightly WW2 fictioned out!) The ending resolved a little too neatly but overall an enjoyable read with great descriptions of the beautiful island! 3.5 stars for me. Would definitely read more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers foir a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Skye needs a fresh start and enters (and wins) the 1 Euro house lottery on the tiny island of Folegandros. She's a bit secretive about her past, even in the company of her new friends who have also come to refurbish the abandoned properties on the island.
The other narrative is told from the point of view of Katerina, a young Greek woman who realises her home is being slowly taken by the Nazis and can't bear to sit on the sidelines to watch.
I really enjoyed Skye's point of view and the budding romance with one of the other characters. The secondary characters (other than Andreas) were a little less developed than I would like but I did enjoy reading about their antics. For some reason I didn't really connect with Katerina's storyline (but that could also just be me being slightly WW2 fictioned out!) The ending resolved a little too neatly but overall an enjoyable read with great descriptions of the beautiful island! 3.5 stars for me. Would definitely read more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers foir a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
I was first drawn to this book after holidaying in Greece earlier in the summer. Then the description…
“For sale: Greek cottage. Price: One Euro.
Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.”
I just had to read it!
Skye arrives at her new home on the beautiful Greek island. She soon meets Andreas, the builder who will help her renovate the cottage and one day, they discover a bundle of letters written by a previous owner during the war…
As Skye and Andreas begin to read the letters, the story splits into two timelines, revealing a wealth of secrets from both periods. All parties haven’t had an easy path - to say the least, but Katerina’s story was particularly heartbreaking and so tragic!
This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and there could easily be a second book! I would love to hear more from Skye and Andreas!
Thank you to Issie Levin from Penguin Random House UK for providing me with digital ARC of this book via @netgalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Out March 2026
“For sale: Greek cottage. Price: One Euro.
Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.”
I just had to read it!
Skye arrives at her new home on the beautiful Greek island. She soon meets Andreas, the builder who will help her renovate the cottage and one day, they discover a bundle of letters written by a previous owner during the war…
As Skye and Andreas begin to read the letters, the story splits into two timelines, revealing a wealth of secrets from both periods. All parties haven’t had an easy path - to say the least, but Katerina’s story was particularly heartbreaking and so tragic!
This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and there could easily be a second book! I would love to hear more from Skye and Andreas!
Thank you to Issie Levin from Penguin Random House UK for providing me with digital ARC of this book via @netgalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Out March 2026
January 10, 2026
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Skye enters a competition to buy a cottage in Greece. She wins the competition but the cottage it not what is looked like at all. She finds a bunch of hidden letters that tell a story of a long-forgotten love, tragedy and bravery.
Skye enters a competition to buy a cottage in Greece. She wins the competition but the cottage it not what is looked like at all. She finds a bunch of hidden letters that tell a story of a long-forgotten love, tragedy and bravery.
April 5, 2026
If you read one historical this year this is the one. It's so good. It has it all. History of course. A love story. Two timelines. Possibly murder. An abusive(albeit not in great detail.) A Greek island. A lottery winner. A group of people who come together for each other. No. Matter. What.
This is a book that will capture your heart. It will also leave you on pins and needles in places. Things happen to make you think. To make you appreciate what you have. Always keep your friends close. Even the ones you might have just met.
When Skye wins a lottery she knows it's her chance. Her chance to get out of a horrible relationship. Her husband, Martyn, is awful. He is not who she thought he was. They had a whirlwind relationship and marriage. He wanted her and he got her.
Skye wins a house on a Greek Island. It's an older place that needs a lot of repair. It only cost her the price of a lottery entry. There are a few others who won houses too. Skye doesn't share any private things with the new neighbors. She keeps it to herself. Skye and her mother have problems also.
When Skye finds letters hidden in her house and starts reading them you get to know more about the history of the island. What happened to the previous owners.
Then we go to 1940 and meet Katerina. Katerina and Stefanos. They lived on the Greek island as the war starts. When Mussolini started taking over and started wars it was coming to Greece. To their peaceful island. Stefanos had to leave. He had to go defend their country. Katerina's sister's husband goes with him leaving the women behind.
A lot happens in both timelines. It's very easy to keep straight though. This is such a good book. It has so many things to keep you turning the pages. Some edge of your seat things too. A few mysteries. The love story was beautiful.
This book gave me a few feelings. Tears. Anger. Expectations. Hope. Love. Loss. It had it all. The writing was wonderful. This story will hold your heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishers for this ARC.
Five stars
This is a book that will capture your heart. It will also leave you on pins and needles in places. Things happen to make you think. To make you appreciate what you have. Always keep your friends close. Even the ones you might have just met.
When Skye wins a lottery she knows it's her chance. Her chance to get out of a horrible relationship. Her husband, Martyn, is awful. He is not who she thought he was. They had a whirlwind relationship and marriage. He wanted her and he got her.
Skye wins a house on a Greek Island. It's an older place that needs a lot of repair. It only cost her the price of a lottery entry. There are a few others who won houses too. Skye doesn't share any private things with the new neighbors. She keeps it to herself. Skye and her mother have problems also.
When Skye finds letters hidden in her house and starts reading them you get to know more about the history of the island. What happened to the previous owners.
Then we go to 1940 and meet Katerina. Katerina and Stefanos. They lived on the Greek island as the war starts. When Mussolini started taking over and started wars it was coming to Greece. To their peaceful island. Stefanos had to leave. He had to go defend their country. Katerina's sister's husband goes with him leaving the women behind.
A lot happens in both timelines. It's very easy to keep straight though. This is such a good book. It has so many things to keep you turning the pages. Some edge of your seat things too. A few mysteries. The love story was beautiful.
This book gave me a few feelings. Tears. Anger. Expectations. Hope. Love. Loss. It had it all. The writing was wonderful. This story will hold your heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishers for this ARC.
Five stars
March 23, 2026
I was so very kindly sent the eARC of House of Hidden Letters by the publisher an NetGalley.
I’ve read Izzy’s work before and loved it, but it was a long time ago.
At first I didn’t think this book would be for me - I tend to not to pick up historical fiction, but I gave it a go anyway and I’m so glad I did.
This is such a gorgeous novel that’s packed with suspense, mystery, and yearning for peace.
It follows the dual lives of Skye (present day) and Katerina (1940s).
Skye’s won an abandoned home on a small Greek island in a euro lottery, and upon starting renovations she makes several discoveries with her new community that uncovers the truth of the history of the island, and in particular their new homes.
Kat, meanwhile, is a headstrong young woman who’s swept up in a romance with a man who goes off to fight in the Second World War. She navigates life with strong determination to save herself and her family as the Italian and German soldiers descend on their small island.
It’s quite a heavy book with devastating topics, but they were handled well with care and sensitivity. I will put the triggers below if this is something you need to consider before reading.
If you liked Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, this might be worth your while!
About the book:
▫️Third person, dual timeline, dual narrative
▫️Historical fiction
▫️Suspense
▫️Romance (though it’s not the driving plot)
▫️Set on a Greek island
▫️Renovations
▫️Murder mystery
▫️Found family
▫️Closed door romance with some slight suggestive scenes
Triggers:
▪️Infertility (mentioned with side character)
▪️Violence (sexual, physical and emotional)
▪️Domestic violence
▪️Loss of child
▪️War
▪️Grief and bereavement
▪️Death (on page)
I’ve read Izzy’s work before and loved it, but it was a long time ago.
At first I didn’t think this book would be for me - I tend to not to pick up historical fiction, but I gave it a go anyway and I’m so glad I did.
This is such a gorgeous novel that’s packed with suspense, mystery, and yearning for peace.
It follows the dual lives of Skye (present day) and Katerina (1940s).
Skye’s won an abandoned home on a small Greek island in a euro lottery, and upon starting renovations she makes several discoveries with her new community that uncovers the truth of the history of the island, and in particular their new homes.
Kat, meanwhile, is a headstrong young woman who’s swept up in a romance with a man who goes off to fight in the Second World War. She navigates life with strong determination to save herself and her family as the Italian and German soldiers descend on their small island.
It’s quite a heavy book with devastating topics, but they were handled well with care and sensitivity. I will put the triggers below if this is something you need to consider before reading.
If you liked Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, this might be worth your while!
About the book:
▫️Third person, dual timeline, dual narrative
▫️Historical fiction
▫️Suspense
▫️Romance (though it’s not the driving plot)
▫️Set on a Greek island
▫️Renovations
▫️Murder mystery
▫️Found family
▫️Closed door romance with some slight suggestive scenes
Triggers:
▪️Infertility (mentioned with side character)
▪️Violence (sexual, physical and emotional)
▪️Domestic violence
▪️Loss of child
▪️War
▪️Grief and bereavement
▪️Death (on page)
March 27, 2026
The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom is a sweeping, dual-timeline novel that balances a fresh start in the Mediterranean with the heavy, haunting echoes of the past.
The story follows Skye, who impulsively enters a lottery for a derelict Greek cottage and wins. When she arrives at the tattered blue door, she finds more than just a renovation project; she discovers a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace that reveal a story of bravery and tragedy from the 1940s.
What I Loved:
• The Unique Setting: This was my first time reading historical fiction set in Greece during the 1940s. Broom does an incredible job of painting the atmosphere of the era—it felt fresh and deeply researched.
• The Contrast of Resilience: I found the parallel between Katarina’s strength in the past and Skye’s journey in the present to be very moving. Seeing how these two women handled their respective "battles" was a highlight for me.
• The Mystery: There is a subtle, intriguing mystery surrounding Skye’s own past that kept me turning the pages.
A Few Notes:
While the present-day narrative was engaging, I found myself craving more time within the historical letters. The story of the past was so compelling that I occasionally felt the balance tipped a bit too far toward the modern timeline. Additionally, I would have loved to see more depth from the local community and side characters to really round out the "village" feel.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a deeply felt, escapist read that handles themes of fate and courage with grace. Perfect for fans of Victoria Hislop or Lucinda Riley.
Huge thank you to @izzybroom and @berkleypub for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The story follows Skye, who impulsively enters a lottery for a derelict Greek cottage and wins. When she arrives at the tattered blue door, she finds more than just a renovation project; she discovers a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace that reveal a story of bravery and tragedy from the 1940s.
What I Loved:
• The Unique Setting: This was my first time reading historical fiction set in Greece during the 1940s. Broom does an incredible job of painting the atmosphere of the era—it felt fresh and deeply researched.
• The Contrast of Resilience: I found the parallel between Katarina’s strength in the past and Skye’s journey in the present to be very moving. Seeing how these two women handled their respective "battles" was a highlight for me.
• The Mystery: There is a subtle, intriguing mystery surrounding Skye’s own past that kept me turning the pages.
A Few Notes:
While the present-day narrative was engaging, I found myself craving more time within the historical letters. The story of the past was so compelling that I occasionally felt the balance tipped a bit too far toward the modern timeline. Additionally, I would have loved to see more depth from the local community and side characters to really round out the "village" feel.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a deeply felt, escapist read that handles themes of fate and courage with grace. Perfect for fans of Victoria Hislop or Lucinda Riley.
Huge thank you to @izzybroom and @berkleypub for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 24, 2026
The House Of Hidden Letters by Isabelle Broome, was a fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Skye arrives on the island of Folegandros, Greece. She had entered a lottery and won a house there for one euro!. She had come all the way from England to settle on the island. The cottage unfortunately hasn’t been lived in for years, and needs lots of work to get it back to a liveable state. But she stays there anyway. Andreas, the hunky builder, introduces her to her house and he slowly becomes a friend. Then she finds some old letters in her fireplace downstairs, and the past is brought to life.
Skye has had a tough time and we find out through the book all about it. This is drip fed to the reader as the story goes along.
As this is a dual timeline story, the letters Skye finds help us travel back to 1940, but we stay on the island. We find out about the residents living there at that time, and in particular a girl called Katarina. She is a young teenager who meets a handsome young man and sneaks out to see him at night and is completely in love with him! She has a very strong personality and strong opinions too!! Stefanos then goes away to fight for Greece’s freedom.
This is a beautifully written book that really tugged on my heart strings. Both girls have a really hard time of it, but the message that comes through so strongly, is that community is a massive support system when help is needed. It’s what got both girls through the hard times and back to good times.
Many thanks to Random House for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #RandomHouse, #Isabelle_Broom.
Skye arrives on the island of Folegandros, Greece. She had entered a lottery and won a house there for one euro!. She had come all the way from England to settle on the island. The cottage unfortunately hasn’t been lived in for years, and needs lots of work to get it back to a liveable state. But she stays there anyway. Andreas, the hunky builder, introduces her to her house and he slowly becomes a friend. Then she finds some old letters in her fireplace downstairs, and the past is brought to life.
Skye has had a tough time and we find out through the book all about it. This is drip fed to the reader as the story goes along.
As this is a dual timeline story, the letters Skye finds help us travel back to 1940, but we stay on the island. We find out about the residents living there at that time, and in particular a girl called Katarina. She is a young teenager who meets a handsome young man and sneaks out to see him at night and is completely in love with him! She has a very strong personality and strong opinions too!! Stefanos then goes away to fight for Greece’s freedom.
This is a beautifully written book that really tugged on my heart strings. Both girls have a really hard time of it, but the message that comes through so strongly, is that community is a massive support system when help is needed. It’s what got both girls through the hard times and back to good times.
Many thanks to Random House for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #RandomHouse, #Isabelle_Broom.
March 27, 2026
Present Day: Skye leaves behind her life in London for the chance to own a cottage on Folegandros, a small Greek island, for just one euro. Winning the lottery offers the fresh start she desperately needs. She quickly finds a sense of belonging among her fellow winners, forming a found family in the neighboring homes. With the help of local contractor Andreas, Skye begins renovating her cottage, only to uncover a hidden cache of letters tucked inside the fireplace. As she reads about Katerina’s life during the war, Skye begins to confront and heal from her own troubled past.
World War II: Katerina lives a simple but full life on the island, happiest outdoors tending to her goats and living alongside her sister and brother-in-law. When she meets Stephanos, who loves her exactly as she is, she finally feels at peace. But as war reaches their shores, Stephanos leaves to join the resistance, and Katerina, along with the other women of the island, must find the strength to survive under German occupation.
This dual-timeline novel is an engrossing, quick read that balances heavier themes with a surprisingly light touch. Both female leads are deeply inspiring, showing resilience in the face of hardship and mistreatment. The author brings the setting to life so vividly it feels like a character of its own. By the final page, you may find yourself longing for a Greek getaway.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
World War II: Katerina lives a simple but full life on the island, happiest outdoors tending to her goats and living alongside her sister and brother-in-law. When she meets Stephanos, who loves her exactly as she is, she finally feels at peace. But as war reaches their shores, Stephanos leaves to join the resistance, and Katerina, along with the other women of the island, must find the strength to survive under German occupation.
This dual-timeline novel is an engrossing, quick read that balances heavier themes with a surprisingly light touch. Both female leads are deeply inspiring, showing resilience in the face of hardship and mistreatment. The author brings the setting to life so vividly it feels like a character of its own. By the final page, you may find yourself longing for a Greek getaway.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
March 21, 2026
I am not a reader of historical fiction. But I am a lover of anything Greek and as soon as I knew this book was set on a Greek Island it piqued my interest.
I am so glad I read this book and what a fantastic job the author did of making me feel all the emotions from the events during the time of the war to the modern day events involving the new inhabitant of the abandoned houses!
The story is so beautifully told as we swap between modern day and the discoveries of Skye and the community and through Katerina’s POV from 1941.
Skye has her own story running alongside the story from 1941. I enjoyed her unravelling the mysteries and secrets from Katerina’s past whilst also discovering her reasons for coming to Folegandros even though each timeline was heartbreaking to read at various points.
I thought there was a great found family element to this story. I enjoyed all the characters, even the ones I hated (I messaged Izzy expressing what I wanted to do to one in particular 😂) because when you viscerally hate someone you know they were written well!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I am so glad I read this book and what a fantastic job the author did of making me feel all the emotions from the events during the time of the war to the modern day events involving the new inhabitant of the abandoned houses!
The story is so beautifully told as we swap between modern day and the discoveries of Skye and the community and through Katerina’s POV from 1941.
Skye has her own story running alongside the story from 1941. I enjoyed her unravelling the mysteries and secrets from Katerina’s past whilst also discovering her reasons for coming to Folegandros even though each timeline was heartbreaking to read at various points.
I thought there was a great found family element to this story. I enjoyed all the characters, even the ones I hated (I messaged Izzy expressing what I wanted to do to one in particular 😂) because when you viscerally hate someone you know they were written well!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
March 29, 2026
This was amazing! I found myself completely unable to put this book down, I was drawn in from the start, but as I read more I just couldn’t not know what had happened to Kat and Leni and everyone else during the war and what other clues Skye and the others might find.
I loved how we got flashback told directly to us, but also letters written by Kat that give us a snap shot view of the past, then mix it with the present view, a modern view point trying to piece it all together and it was simply unputdownable.
The new friendships the lottery winners forge was great to read and I loved the quiet, but solid friendship of Andreas and Skye. Watching Skye having to face her past and over come it was inspirational, and the added little twist about Andreas grandmother, I found I was looking for more pages as I didn’t want it to end.
A wonderful book that gives a great snapshot of history and Greek life, dealing with some hard hitting topics, both in the past and the present. I can’t recommend it enough.
I loved how we got flashback told directly to us, but also letters written by Kat that give us a snap shot view of the past, then mix it with the present view, a modern view point trying to piece it all together and it was simply unputdownable.
The new friendships the lottery winners forge was great to read and I loved the quiet, but solid friendship of Andreas and Skye. Watching Skye having to face her past and over come it was inspirational, and the added little twist about Andreas grandmother, I found I was looking for more pages as I didn’t want it to end.
A wonderful book that gives a great snapshot of history and Greek life, dealing with some hard hitting topics, both in the past and the present. I can’t recommend it enough.
April 8, 2026
The breeze blowing in from the sea had a beautiful briny scent to it, grounding her in this space… her new home. There was something about this place that had called to her and gave her the space to be free. She wasn’t going to give it up.
The House of Hidden Letters is a dual timeline historical fiction novel that follows Skye in present day who has just moved into a home on a Greek island, and Katerina, who resided on the same island during WWII.
This was a heartwarming story to read and I really related to Skye and her escape to freedom after dealing with a toxic, abusive relationship. Being transported to Greece was a treat! I wish we would have gotten more from the historical timeline because I felt I wasn’t given the opportunity to connect with Katerina in the same way I connected to Skye. Overall though I enjoyed both stories, the bit of mystery throughout, and the found family aspect in the present day timeline.
Read if you like:
• Contemporary/Historical Fiction
• Dual Timeline
• Greece Setting
• New Beginnings
• Heartfelt Reads
• Found Family
CW: Physical/Emotional/Mental Abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic Relationship, War, Death/Murder, Grief, Sexual Assault/R*pe, Infertility, Miscarriage, Infant/Child Death, Infidelity, Animal Death.
The House of Hidden Letters is a dual timeline historical fiction novel that follows Skye in present day who has just moved into a home on a Greek island, and Katerina, who resided on the same island during WWII.
This was a heartwarming story to read and I really related to Skye and her escape to freedom after dealing with a toxic, abusive relationship. Being transported to Greece was a treat! I wish we would have gotten more from the historical timeline because I felt I wasn’t given the opportunity to connect with Katerina in the same way I connected to Skye. Overall though I enjoyed both stories, the bit of mystery throughout, and the found family aspect in the present day timeline.
Read if you like:
• Contemporary/Historical Fiction
• Dual Timeline
• Greece Setting
• New Beginnings
• Heartfelt Reads
• Found Family
CW: Physical/Emotional/Mental Abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic Relationship, War, Death/Murder, Grief, Sexual Assault/R*pe, Infertility, Miscarriage, Infant/Child Death, Infidelity, Animal Death.
April 5, 2026
Weirdest thing. I have no idea why I borrowed this book. Did someone suggest it, did I see it in an email, a best seller list? All I do know is I’m glad I read it. The book has two stories. Present day it’s about Skye and 8 others who won a house on the island of Folegandros. Skye is running from something that is gradual told. She has to learn she is strong and the ragtag group of people can be her “tribe”. The second story is about Katerina, the residents of the island and WW2 when the Italians came to their little island to take control. When a packet of letters, a small grave of bones, a sword and a small packet of a cross and Italian dog tags a new story emerges. One of strength,courage and hope. Izzy Broom(author) is supposedly working on a second book about the people of Folegandros. I hope so because I would like to hear the rest of Katerinas story and the modern day people of Folegandros.
April 30, 2026
Picked up at Crime Central April 2026.
From the cover this would not be my usual pickup but the beauty of the event that led me to it is that it opens you up to stepping out of the norm and trying new things.
I'm so glad it did, part of the theme of the book is take a chance and try something new, whilst also telling a beautiful tale of intertwining time periods. The setting is Folegandros is charming and enticing I feel like this needs to be a place I visit such is vista that now exists in my imagination.
The characters are compelling and I cared about the relationships throughout and as the story revealed itself I felt equally protective of Skye, Andreas, Katerina and Stefanos. As always no spoilers but safe to say Izzy Broom has created a wonderful world to visit with characters that feel emotionally connected and relatable to reality to have (at least for this reader) invested in their futures.
I look forward to the sequel to this highly recommended book
From the cover this would not be my usual pickup but the beauty of the event that led me to it is that it opens you up to stepping out of the norm and trying new things.
I'm so glad it did, part of the theme of the book is take a chance and try something new, whilst also telling a beautiful tale of intertwining time periods. The setting is Folegandros is charming and enticing I feel like this needs to be a place I visit such is vista that now exists in my imagination.
The characters are compelling and I cared about the relationships throughout and as the story revealed itself I felt equally protective of Skye, Andreas, Katerina and Stefanos. As always no spoilers but safe to say Izzy Broom has created a wonderful world to visit with characters that feel emotionally connected and relatable to reality to have (at least for this reader) invested in their futures.
I look forward to the sequel to this highly recommended book
September 12, 2025
This is a great debut from Izzy Brown. I thoroughly enjoyed going through this journey with these well developed characters.
Skye wins the lottery to buy a house for one euro on a Greek island and takes it. There are other houses that have been won, and a small community comes together.
Whilst moving into her new house she finds hidden letters in her house, which sends Skye into the past to find out what happened during the war on this little island.
Whilst Skye is burrowing herself with the past, she has been neglectful of the present and it soon catches up with her.
There are a variety of themes that feature in this book, I particularly love how Izzy Brown has written and presented each of her characters and I was fully invested in this story.
I felt the ending could have meatier but on the whole this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you
Thank you to Penguin and Netgally for my copy on return for an honest review
Skye wins the lottery to buy a house for one euro on a Greek island and takes it. There are other houses that have been won, and a small community comes together.
Whilst moving into her new house she finds hidden letters in her house, which sends Skye into the past to find out what happened during the war on this little island.
Whilst Skye is burrowing herself with the past, she has been neglectful of the present and it soon catches up with her.
There are a variety of themes that feature in this book, I particularly love how Izzy Brown has written and presented each of her characters and I was fully invested in this story.
I felt the ending could have meatier but on the whole this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you
Thank you to Penguin and Netgally for my copy on return for an honest review
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