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The Letter from the Island
Heartwarming… Amazing… Captivated me from the first page to the last… Perfect… Flying through the pages. I absolutely loved this’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When the letter postmarked from Greece lands on Calliope’s doorstep, she is shocked to the core. Her twin sister has been alive all this We need to talk about what happened. Now Calliope must lay her lifetime of secrets to rest…
1944, Greece. Calliope clutches the baby to her chest as they run down the cliff path to the blue water of the harbour. She is all the little one has left now, and they must escape. The boat the Allies sent won’t wait forever. If only she’d reached the village sooner, her twin sister would still be alive. She will never forgive herself, but she must stay strong for the baby.
Present day, London. Ever since she ran away, Calliope has missed the sun-soaked olive groves of her Greek island home. Now, she takes comfort in her granddaughter Ella and the simple routine she has built.
But the arrival of the letter from her sister – who she believed to have died in the war – has changed everything. Ella has no idea what happened in her grandmother’s mountain village all those years ago. Now, Calliope needs Ella’s help. And that means she’ll have to confess everything.
Calliope must make one final journey home. And their lives will never be the same again…
A heartbreaking and uplifting novel of a family torn apart by a devastating secret that will sweep you away across the glittering sea to Greece. Fans of Victoria Hislop, The Letter and Fiona Valpy won’t be able to put this beautiful book down.
What readers are saying about The Letter from the Island :
‘Oh golly… whhhhhhhhhhaaaaat!… Will stay with me forever more… Captivating… Sneaks into your soul. Wow, I adored this. Made me cry and my chest feel tight. Just wow.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You know those books that you open just to read a chapter before bed, and next thing you know it’s 2:43 a.m., you’ve cried twice, and your tea has gone cold? Yeah. This is one of those books. Heart-wrenching. Clear your calendar and cancel your plans.’ Bookscoffeebrews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stunning… I was completely hooked… Heartbreaking and truly inspirational… I loved.’ andreahulme43
‘Loved every single page… Fantastic… I was instantly hooked.’ Theliterateleprechaun, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh I absolutely loved this! Beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Wow what a story!… Amazing. Unforgettable.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stunning… I was instantly hooked… Truly heartbreaking. I loved.
When the letter postmarked from Greece lands on Calliope’s doorstep, she is shocked to the core. Her twin sister has been alive all this We need to talk about what happened. Now Calliope must lay her lifetime of secrets to rest…
1944, Greece. Calliope clutches the baby to her chest as they run down the cliff path to the blue water of the harbour. She is all the little one has left now, and they must escape. The boat the Allies sent won’t wait forever. If only she’d reached the village sooner, her twin sister would still be alive. She will never forgive herself, but she must stay strong for the baby.
Present day, London. Ever since she ran away, Calliope has missed the sun-soaked olive groves of her Greek island home. Now, she takes comfort in her granddaughter Ella and the simple routine she has built.
But the arrival of the letter from her sister – who she believed to have died in the war – has changed everything. Ella has no idea what happened in her grandmother’s mountain village all those years ago. Now, Calliope needs Ella’s help. And that means she’ll have to confess everything.
Calliope must make one final journey home. And their lives will never be the same again…
A heartbreaking and uplifting novel of a family torn apart by a devastating secret that will sweep you away across the glittering sea to Greece. Fans of Victoria Hislop, The Letter and Fiona Valpy won’t be able to put this beautiful book down.
What readers are saying about The Letter from the Island :
‘Oh golly… whhhhhhhhhhaaaaat!… Will stay with me forever more… Captivating… Sneaks into your soul. Wow, I adored this. Made me cry and my chest feel tight. Just wow.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You know those books that you open just to read a chapter before bed, and next thing you know it’s 2:43 a.m., you’ve cried twice, and your tea has gone cold? Yeah. This is one of those books. Heart-wrenching. Clear your calendar and cancel your plans.’ Bookscoffeebrews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stunning… I was completely hooked… Heartbreaking and truly inspirational… I loved.’ andreahulme43
‘Loved every single page… Fantastic… I was instantly hooked.’ Theliterateleprechaun, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh I absolutely loved this! Beautiful.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Wow what a story!… Amazing. Unforgettable.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stunning… I was instantly hooked… Truly heartbreaking. I loved.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
147 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 15, 2025
I disappeared into The Letter From The Island for a few hours yesterday afternoon!
It’s my fifth novel by this author; all five have been five-star reads.
What initially pulled me towards this one was the fact that I knew nothing about Crete during WW2, but Alexander’s skillful writing and engaging plot mesmerized me and kept me turning pages. I ended up loving every single page of this fantastic dual-timeline historical fiction highlighting the lives that had been irrevocably transformed by the consequences of war and a shattering secret.
One timeline, set in the early 2000s, begins with an 85-year-old woman admitting to having a recurring nightmare for over six decades. I was instantly hooked, wondering what could have possibly transpired to have this sweet old lady traumatized for this long. When her granddaughter agrees to travel back to Crete with her, I knew I was in for a great story. I love intergenerational stories, especially ones with travel and secrets!
The other timeline begins with the Battle of Crete in 1941. This one hooked me because it involved innocent children out in the fields witnessing paratroopers landing by the dozens. I needed to know if it was the enemy or an ally and how this landing would affect the children. I was feverishly turning pages, not knowing who to trust as I read about the German occupation of Crete and the Cretan Resistance.
I won’t forget the characters any time soon, either! They instantly came alive for me on the page, and I could see the plot unfolding in my mind as I read. My favourite character ended up being one whom I had initially detested!
If you are a historical fiction lover who appreciates a focus on a little-known part of history, enjoy a well-done dual timeline and masterfully crafted characters, or a focus on betrayal, secrets, and unrequited love, which support a tension-filled plot, this is one you’ll want on your reading list this Fall.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It’s my fifth novel by this author; all five have been five-star reads.
What initially pulled me towards this one was the fact that I knew nothing about Crete during WW2, but Alexander’s skillful writing and engaging plot mesmerized me and kept me turning pages. I ended up loving every single page of this fantastic dual-timeline historical fiction highlighting the lives that had been irrevocably transformed by the consequences of war and a shattering secret.
One timeline, set in the early 2000s, begins with an 85-year-old woman admitting to having a recurring nightmare for over six decades. I was instantly hooked, wondering what could have possibly transpired to have this sweet old lady traumatized for this long. When her granddaughter agrees to travel back to Crete with her, I knew I was in for a great story. I love intergenerational stories, especially ones with travel and secrets!
The other timeline begins with the Battle of Crete in 1941. This one hooked me because it involved innocent children out in the fields witnessing paratroopers landing by the dozens. I needed to know if it was the enemy or an ally and how this landing would affect the children. I was feverishly turning pages, not knowing who to trust as I read about the German occupation of Crete and the Cretan Resistance.
I won’t forget the characters any time soon, either! They instantly came alive for me on the page, and I could see the plot unfolding in my mind as I read. My favourite character ended up being one whom I had initially detested!
If you are a historical fiction lover who appreciates a focus on a little-known part of history, enjoy a well-done dual timeline and masterfully crafted characters, or a focus on betrayal, secrets, and unrequited love, which support a tension-filled plot, this is one you’ll want on your reading list this Fall.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 17, 2025
This is a beautifully-written book, centering on Calliope, an elderly woman who has carried a deep secret for almost her whole lifetime. The novel is dual-timeline, with strong themes of secrets, guilt and reconciliation that echo from the 1940s to the present.
I enjoyed the vivid desciptions of the Cretan landscape, and how the author depicted the changes that had occurred there over the sixty years Calliope had been away.
Throughout the read I remained irked by the main character’s name. How should it be pronounced? A small note from the author would have been helpful. Was it similar to ‘Penelope’ (probably), or did it rhyme with the word ‘hope’?
The story will stay with me. It was sad and moving in places and uplifting in others. The ending actually made me cry; I didn’t realise I cared so much for the characters, so very well done.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I award it 4 stars.
I enjoyed the vivid desciptions of the Cretan landscape, and how the author depicted the changes that had occurred there over the sixty years Calliope had been away.
Throughout the read I remained irked by the main character’s name. How should it be pronounced? A small note from the author would have been helpful. Was it similar to ‘Penelope’ (probably), or did it rhyme with the word ‘hope’?
The story will stay with me. It was sad and moving in places and uplifting in others. The ending actually made me cry; I didn’t realise I cared so much for the characters, so very well done.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I award it 4 stars.
December 30, 2025
Every week for 60 years Calliope writes a letter to her dead twin. One day she receives a letter back. It says, we need to talk about what happened.
Don't you love finding authors whose writing style you just click with?
It makes their stories such a joy to read. The Letter From The Island was that for me. I was wrapped up in the story from start to finish and I wanted to soak up every word.
A Letter From The Island follows Calliope and her granddaughter Ella as they travel back to Greece so Calliope can face her past. It is intertwined with flashbacks to 1944 Crete where Calliope and her family struggle through the war. Each flashback brings you closer to all the story's secrets being revealed which made it super easy to binge. Calliope's storyline of joining the resistance and hiking through the mountains receiving and delivering supplies was so fascinating. Reading about war torn countries and the sacrifices families have to make in times of war always makes for an emotional read.
Don't you love finding authors whose writing style you just click with?
It makes their stories such a joy to read. The Letter From The Island was that for me. I was wrapped up in the story from start to finish and I wanted to soak up every word.
A Letter From The Island follows Calliope and her granddaughter Ella as they travel back to Greece so Calliope can face her past. It is intertwined with flashbacks to 1944 Crete where Calliope and her family struggle through the war. Each flashback brings you closer to all the story's secrets being revealed which made it super easy to binge. Calliope's storyline of joining the resistance and hiking through the mountains receiving and delivering supplies was so fascinating. Reading about war torn countries and the sacrifices families have to make in times of war always makes for an emotional read.
January 3, 2026
Could not get into it.
October 24, 2025
The Letter from the Island is a stunning and haunting tale that tells us the story of wartime Crete and modern day London in 2005. This is a fabulous dual-timeline novel where we uncover long lost secrets from the past and how these remain hidden and untold for 60 years.
I wasn't aware of the history of Crete during WW2, but the authors beautiful writing and engaging plot brought the history to life. Whilst I was reading this I just had to do my own search into the history. The destruction, terror and fear that came to this island in 1941 was horrific and I really appreciate that I got to learn about this.
One timeline, set in 2005, begins with 85-year-old Callie who has been recurring nightmares for over 60 years. I was instantly hooked, and totally invested in the experiences had traumatized our female main character.. When Ella, her granddaughter agrees to travel back to Crete with her, I knew I was in for a great story.
The other timeline begins with the Battle of Crete in 1941 and takes us all the way through to 1944. This is where we meet the young Callie, known then as Calliope, her twin sister, Calista and their friends and family. I was completely hooked by this timeline. The horrors and terrorising incidents were skillfully brought out onto the page. What a wonderful female protagonist we see in Calliope. She is brave, fearless and utterly mesmerising as she takes part in the Resistance of the German occupation of Crete. She is determined to fight injustice and protect her own family no matter what the risk is to her own life. Calliope is a truly inspirational female character..
I won't forget the characters any time soon. You really aren't sure who is trustworthy and as the plot unfolds we discover more and more secrets and intrigue.
The prose is gentle yet piercing, capturing the ache of unresolved loss and the fragile hope of redemption. But we are pulled into heartbreak, terrifying ordeals and emotional storytelling. The storytelling is melancholy, reflective and leaves us with deep and poignant impressions of loss and suffering.
Alexander’s gift lies in her ability to evoke place and character—Crete shimmers from the page with both beauty and sorrow, its landscape a witness to love, betrayal, and survival. This tender, atmospheric, but unafraid to dwell in the shadows of history.
This is a novel that invites reflection. Where the past is brought to life, whether secrets from the past and asks questions about forgiveness, tragedy, family dynamics and dramas that unfolds. It is a multi layered, thoughtful, compelling and very moving story.
If you are a historical fiction lover, enjoy a well-written dual timeline and masterfully crafted characters then you will love this one.
I wasn't aware of the history of Crete during WW2, but the authors beautiful writing and engaging plot brought the history to life. Whilst I was reading this I just had to do my own search into the history. The destruction, terror and fear that came to this island in 1941 was horrific and I really appreciate that I got to learn about this.
One timeline, set in 2005, begins with 85-year-old Callie who has been recurring nightmares for over 60 years. I was instantly hooked, and totally invested in the experiences had traumatized our female main character.. When Ella, her granddaughter agrees to travel back to Crete with her, I knew I was in for a great story.
The other timeline begins with the Battle of Crete in 1941 and takes us all the way through to 1944. This is where we meet the young Callie, known then as Calliope, her twin sister, Calista and their friends and family. I was completely hooked by this timeline. The horrors and terrorising incidents were skillfully brought out onto the page. What a wonderful female protagonist we see in Calliope. She is brave, fearless and utterly mesmerising as she takes part in the Resistance of the German occupation of Crete. She is determined to fight injustice and protect her own family no matter what the risk is to her own life. Calliope is a truly inspirational female character..
I won't forget the characters any time soon. You really aren't sure who is trustworthy and as the plot unfolds we discover more and more secrets and intrigue.
The prose is gentle yet piercing, capturing the ache of unresolved loss and the fragile hope of redemption. But we are pulled into heartbreak, terrifying ordeals and emotional storytelling. The storytelling is melancholy, reflective and leaves us with deep and poignant impressions of loss and suffering.
Alexander’s gift lies in her ability to evoke place and character—Crete shimmers from the page with both beauty and sorrow, its landscape a witness to love, betrayal, and survival. This tender, atmospheric, but unafraid to dwell in the shadows of history.
This is a novel that invites reflection. Where the past is brought to life, whether secrets from the past and asks questions about forgiveness, tragedy, family dynamics and dramas that unfolds. It is a multi layered, thoughtful, compelling and very moving story.
If you are a historical fiction lover, enjoy a well-written dual timeline and masterfully crafted characters then you will love this one.
September 23, 2025
In The Letter from the Island, Rose Alexander crafts a hauntingly lyrical tale that drifts between the sun-drenched olive groves of wartime Crete and the quiet solitude of a London basement flat. This dual-timeline novel is not merely a story of secrets—it is a meditation on memory, grief, and the enduring tether of sisterhood.
Calliope, the elderly protagonist, writes weekly to her twin sister who died sixty years ago—until a letter arrives from Crete that threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew. What follows is a deeply evocative journey, both literal and emotional, as Calliope and her granddaughter Ella return to the island to confront the past. Alexander’s prose is gentle yet piercing, capturing the ache of unresolved loss and the fragile hope of redemption.
The 1944 timeline pulses with urgency and heartbreak: a baby clutched to Calliope’s chest, a cliffside escape, and the weight of a decision that will echo across generations. The present-day narrative, by contrast, is steeped in quiet melancholy, its emotional resonance deepened by the intergenerational bond between Calliope and Ella.
Alexander’s gift lies in her ability to evoke place as character—Crete shimmers with both beauty and sorrow, its landscape a witness to love, betrayal, and survival. Fans of Victoria Hislop and Fiona Valpy will find familiar pleasures here, but Alexander’s voice is distinctly her own: tender, atmospheric, and unafraid to dwell in the shadows of history.
This is a novel that invites reflection. It asks what we owe to the past, and whether forgiveness can bloom in the soil of long-buried truths. A quietly devastating, beautifully wrought story that lingers like the scent of thyme on a Mediterranean breeze.
With thanks to Rose Alexander, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Calliope, the elderly protagonist, writes weekly to her twin sister who died sixty years ago—until a letter arrives from Crete that threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew. What follows is a deeply evocative journey, both literal and emotional, as Calliope and her granddaughter Ella return to the island to confront the past. Alexander’s prose is gentle yet piercing, capturing the ache of unresolved loss and the fragile hope of redemption.
The 1944 timeline pulses with urgency and heartbreak: a baby clutched to Calliope’s chest, a cliffside escape, and the weight of a decision that will echo across generations. The present-day narrative, by contrast, is steeped in quiet melancholy, its emotional resonance deepened by the intergenerational bond between Calliope and Ella.
Alexander’s gift lies in her ability to evoke place as character—Crete shimmers with both beauty and sorrow, its landscape a witness to love, betrayal, and survival. Fans of Victoria Hislop and Fiona Valpy will find familiar pleasures here, but Alexander’s voice is distinctly her own: tender, atmospheric, and unafraid to dwell in the shadows of history.
This is a novel that invites reflection. It asks what we owe to the past, and whether forgiveness can bloom in the soil of long-buried truths. A quietly devastating, beautifully wrought story that lingers like the scent of thyme on a Mediterranean breeze.
With thanks to Rose Alexander, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 6, 2025
What a heart wrenching tale! I'm sure this is gonna haunt me for a while.
I'm not a fan of books that make my heart feel so heavy, but perhaps we need an occasional reminder of life during the war to appreciate all that we easily take for granted today. And we might learn a thing or two about strength, resilience, courage, and kindness. Every one who lived through it all is a hero who wasn't celebrated enough. Rose Alexander's writing is so moving, reflective, and brings Create (early 1940s) to life within these pages. The pacing was just right for the story being shared and writing this must have taken a loooooot of research. The story may be fictional but there is no doubt that there lived many such mothers, fathers, sisters, husbands, friends, and neighbours who made the war worth fighting for and never stopped being strong, brave, kind, and generous. Most of those who survived the war never really got over the trauma until the end. Calliope's nightmares 62 years after the actual events was a very realistic touch by the author.
If you are a fan of war-time fiction and are brave enough to pick this up knowing that the author is going to make you cry, cheer, gasp, and pray for the characters, this book is for you.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a fan of books that make my heart feel so heavy, but perhaps we need an occasional reminder of life during the war to appreciate all that we easily take for granted today. And we might learn a thing or two about strength, resilience, courage, and kindness. Every one who lived through it all is a hero who wasn't celebrated enough. Rose Alexander's writing is so moving, reflective, and brings Create (early 1940s) to life within these pages. The pacing was just right for the story being shared and writing this must have taken a loooooot of research. The story may be fictional but there is no doubt that there lived many such mothers, fathers, sisters, husbands, friends, and neighbours who made the war worth fighting for and never stopped being strong, brave, kind, and generous. Most of those who survived the war never really got over the trauma until the end. Calliope's nightmares 62 years after the actual events was a very realistic touch by the author.
If you are a fan of war-time fiction and are brave enough to pick this up knowing that the author is going to make you cry, cheer, gasp, and pray for the characters, this book is for you.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2025
The Letter from the Island – Rose Alexander – 20th Oct 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Crete 1943 – in the throws of war. Crete 2005 – Callie facing her own internal conflict.
1943 - Crete is under attack from the Nazis. The islanders are strong and resilient and twin sisters Calliope and Callista deal with the challenge in different ways. The war will separate them for over 60 years and bury the secrets of the past.
2005 Callie gets a letter from her sister. Her dead sister. She and her granddaughter start an epic journey back to Crete and as they travel so the stories of the past come to the forefront of Callie’s Mind. Secrets, fears. emotions – all come to the surface.
I was hooked by this book from the very first letter. I wanted to know the story. I wanted to know what happened to the twin sisters. I wanted to know the truth. I loved the location of Crete and how the rugged landscape reflected the harsh realities of life. I’m always intrigued to read historical fiction that gives me an insight to another part of the world and in this case how WW2
A captivating read with a story that pulls you in from the start perfect for lovers of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Crete 1943 – in the throws of war. Crete 2005 – Callie facing her own internal conflict.
1943 - Crete is under attack from the Nazis. The islanders are strong and resilient and twin sisters Calliope and Callista deal with the challenge in different ways. The war will separate them for over 60 years and bury the secrets of the past.
2005 Callie gets a letter from her sister. Her dead sister. She and her granddaughter start an epic journey back to Crete and as they travel so the stories of the past come to the forefront of Callie’s Mind. Secrets, fears. emotions – all come to the surface.
I was hooked by this book from the very first letter. I wanted to know the story. I wanted to know what happened to the twin sisters. I wanted to know the truth. I loved the location of Crete and how the rugged landscape reflected the harsh realities of life. I’m always intrigued to read historical fiction that gives me an insight to another part of the world and in this case how WW2
A captivating read with a story that pulls you in from the start perfect for lovers of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
January 14, 2026
In this complex new dual timeline historical fiction novel, readers follow Calliope in the present day as an elderly woman living alone in London, sixty years after she ran away from Crete and her family. Shocked to hear that her twin sister is alive, Calliope must confess her secrets to her granddaughter Ella and return to Crete to reunite with her estranged family and sister. Flashing back to war-torn Crete in 1944, readers discover why Calliope fled her family home with a baby in the first place and the choices that led to that heartbreaking escape in this powerful new novel from Rose Alexander. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, particularly because familial relationships are so central to Calliope’s story, and readers will love the complex picture of sisterhood and changing relationships it offers. The historical details add a lot of tension and emotional intensity to the story, and the beautiful setting of Crete juxtaposes the Axis occupation in some fantastic ways. The historical details, when paired with the complex relationship between Calliope and her sister, make this a powerful and fascinating dual timeline World War II novel from Rose Alexander that fans of the genre will love.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
October 24, 2025
Calliope has kept a devastating family secret for over sixty years and when a letter arrives unexpectedly it brings all her old wartime memories to the surface and it would seem that the time is now right to lay down the ghosts of the past. Returning to her childhood home on the beautiful island of Crete is filled with emotion but as we are led gently into the past so the binds of family are rekindled and it’s a chance for Calliope and her twin sister, Calista , to reconcile.
Well written, with a lovely sense of both the past and present, the history of Crete during its occupation in 1944 is brought to life. The hopes and fears of Calliope and Calista and the frantic struggle for survival is brought to life so beautifully that you can’t help but form an emotional attachment to both of them. The dual timeline is done well, I could equally imagine Calliope’s rather lonely life in her present day London apartment alongside the sunshine and beauty of her once Cretan homeland.
With secrets, lies and reconciliation as its main themes The Letter from the Island is a lovely dual time story with interesting characters and a beautiful setting.
October 23, 2025
Calliope longs to be back at her Greek island home. She receives a letter postmarked from Greece, it’s from someone she never expected. She finds out that her twin sister is alive. The letter states “We need to talk about what happened.” How could it be that her twin is still alive?
Calliope decides she needs to make a confession to her granddaughter Ella. Calliope needs Ella’s help to bury a lifetime of secrets. But, is Ella willing to do what is asked of her?
“The Letter From The Island” by Rose Alexander is a heartwarming time slip story of family, friendship and hope. This uplifting story will transport you to the beautiful Greek Isle. The author does an amazing job at detailing the beauty of Crete. From the sun dancing on the sea like diamonds, to the warm sea breeze.
This story captivated me from the first page to the last. I really enjoyed the mystery in the story and that added the perfect amount of suspense that kept me flying through the pages. I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommend it.
Calliope decides she needs to make a confession to her granddaughter Ella. Calliope needs Ella’s help to bury a lifetime of secrets. But, is Ella willing to do what is asked of her?
“The Letter From The Island” by Rose Alexander is a heartwarming time slip story of family, friendship and hope. This uplifting story will transport you to the beautiful Greek Isle. The author does an amazing job at detailing the beauty of Crete. From the sun dancing on the sea like diamonds, to the warm sea breeze.
This story captivated me from the first page to the last. I really enjoyed the mystery in the story and that added the perfect amount of suspense that kept me flying through the pages. I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2025
Calliope is an elderly woman living alone in London, who has spent sixty years writing letters to her twin sister… who died in Crete during the war.
Unexpectantly, a letter arrives from Crete. And then she finds it’s signed by the sister she lost. I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down.
The grief Caliope felt all those years ago and the major guilt she’d felt back then all came to a head. She knows now she’ll have to tell Ella, her granddaughter, the truths that have been hidden for decades.
The story then shifts from the present day to wartime Crete. In wartime Crete, a young Calliope is forced to make a truly impossible decision that will change her life and those around her forever.
I loved the Greek setting; it was so descriptive, and at times, I felt like I was in the book with the characters basking in the Greek sunlight (if only!).
All family mysteries were so intriguing to me and kept me hooked to the very end. Some of the secrets that came as a surprise I didn’t see coming at all.
Unexpectantly, a letter arrives from Crete. And then she finds it’s signed by the sister she lost. I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down.
The grief Caliope felt all those years ago and the major guilt she’d felt back then all came to a head. She knows now she’ll have to tell Ella, her granddaughter, the truths that have been hidden for decades.
The story then shifts from the present day to wartime Crete. In wartime Crete, a young Calliope is forced to make a truly impossible decision that will change her life and those around her forever.
I loved the Greek setting; it was so descriptive, and at times, I felt like I was in the book with the characters basking in the Greek sunlight (if only!).
All family mysteries were so intriguing to me and kept me hooked to the very end. Some of the secrets that came as a surprise I didn’t see coming at all.
October 26, 2025
This was a fascinating historical fiction story that had me turning the pages about the Occupation of Crete. It's a dual timeline story with an elderly lady in modern-day England who confesses to having a recurring nightmare. Calliope has been sending letters to her twin sister, who died 60 years ago, and she receives one back encouraging her to return to her homeland. So with her granddaughter Ellan in tow, she returns to Greece to learn some truths. Together, they tell the story of the Occupation of Crete and how it affected them, getting involved with the resistance and the challenges of not knowing who to trust. I loved this story and couldn't put it down. It was a fascinating story of the Greek resistance and the Occupation of Crete. Calliope had some secrets of her own, and it was fascinating to uncover them as I kept turning the pages.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
January 4, 2026
📆 dual timeline.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "it was as if they were not two people but one, joined together by love and loss and fear and courage"
What a nail bitingly tense, and heart-wrenchingly beautiful story. The German occupation of Crete isn't something I've read much about, but Alexander has captured the fear and confusion the islanders must have felt. I can't imagine how unsettling it must have been not knowing who you could or couldn't trust.
I loved the dual timeline aspect of this story. The 1940's chapters were heartbreaking, and the 2005 chapters were healing. Family secrets, decades old, finally revealed, and even though I thought once on particular was glaringly obvious, my enjoyment of this family story was not diminished. Maybe it was meant to be obvious though!
I think this is the first book I've read by this author, but I'll be reading some more in future.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "it was as if they were not two people but one, joined together by love and loss and fear and courage"
What a nail bitingly tense, and heart-wrenchingly beautiful story. The German occupation of Crete isn't something I've read much about, but Alexander has captured the fear and confusion the islanders must have felt. I can't imagine how unsettling it must have been not knowing who you could or couldn't trust.
I loved the dual timeline aspect of this story. The 1940's chapters were heartbreaking, and the 2005 chapters were healing. Family secrets, decades old, finally revealed, and even though I thought once on particular was glaringly obvious, my enjoyment of this family story was not diminished. Maybe it was meant to be obvious though!
I think this is the first book I've read by this author, but I'll be reading some more in future.
October 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this! It was absolutely divine. We first meet elderly Callie in present (ish) day London, whose twin sister along with the rest of her family died during the Second World War… or so she thought, until suddenly a letter arrives from said sister!
I’ve been growing more fond of dual timeline books lately, although I still prefer the sections set in the past; in this book the past is Crete during the German occupation which is a place I had never read about before! And I absolutely loved it. It was so interesting to read about, and I was on the edge of my seat watching as the past chapters caught up to the present. I must say I did guess the big “shock” quite early on, but that reveal was still done very well and I also loved learning what became of Heinrich, Callie’s German boyfriend.
I’ve been growing more fond of dual timeline books lately, although I still prefer the sections set in the past; in this book the past is Crete during the German occupation which is a place I had never read about before! And I absolutely loved it. It was so interesting to read about, and I was on the edge of my seat watching as the past chapters caught up to the present. I must say I did guess the big “shock” quite early on, but that reveal was still done very well and I also loved learning what became of Heinrich, Callie’s German boyfriend.
January 21, 2026
This is a quietly sad story about grief, memory, and the cost of choices made in impossible circumstances. When a letter pulls Calliope back toward a past she has avoided for decades, the novel slowly unfolds the events that shaped her life and fractured her family.
The dual timeline works well, balancing Calliope’s present-day isolation with the fear and uncertainty of wartime Crete. I especially appreciated how the setting reflects the emotional weight of the story: beautiful, but heavy with loss. While parts of the plot felt familiar, the emotional core and focus on sisterhood and reconciliation gave the story its strength.
A thoughtful four-star read for anyone who enjoys reflective historical fiction that prioritizes feeling over action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The dual timeline works well, balancing Calliope’s present-day isolation with the fear and uncertainty of wartime Crete. I especially appreciated how the setting reflects the emotional weight of the story: beautiful, but heavy with loss. While parts of the plot felt familiar, the emotional core and focus on sisterhood and reconciliation gave the story its strength.
A thoughtful four-star read for anyone who enjoys reflective historical fiction that prioritizes feeling over action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Rose Alexander but it certainly won't be the last.
I will be keeping an eye out for her other books now that I've read this.
I love dual timeline novels, slowly uncovering hidden secrets long kept buried away.
What wonderful characters Rose has created in Calliope and Calista, twin sisters living on Crete during WWII. Then we see Calliope and her granddaughter Ella in the present day of 2005 and the past starts to come into focus.
My heart was in my mouth so many times whilst reading this. I was living and breathing everything that Calliope experienced.
Not giving any spoilers away, but I found the epilogue to be a lovely way to end this tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
I will be keeping an eye out for her other books now that I've read this.
I love dual timeline novels, slowly uncovering hidden secrets long kept buried away.
What wonderful characters Rose has created in Calliope and Calista, twin sisters living on Crete during WWII. Then we see Calliope and her granddaughter Ella in the present day of 2005 and the past starts to come into focus.
My heart was in my mouth so many times whilst reading this. I was living and breathing everything that Calliope experienced.
Not giving any spoilers away, but I found the epilogue to be a lovely way to end this tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 28, 2025
I enjoy reading historical fiction books. I have read many books featured in WW1 and WW2 time periods. Although, I do not know anything about the Battle of Crete. Wow. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like during that time period.
Rose is a new to me author. Yet, I will check out more books by the author. This is a rich story with the locations and characters. A very character driven story. Calliope is a good voice. While I did enjoy this story. I will admit that the beginning got my hooked but then I kind of waived a bit but as the story progressed, I did find my footing again and became engaged again in the story.
The switching of the time periods was smooth. Readers of historical fiction will like this book.
Rose is a new to me author. Yet, I will check out more books by the author. This is a rich story with the locations and characters. A very character driven story. Calliope is a good voice. While I did enjoy this story. I will admit that the beginning got my hooked but then I kind of waived a bit but as the story progressed, I did find my footing again and became engaged again in the story.
The switching of the time periods was smooth. Readers of historical fiction will like this book.
October 2, 2025
I love dual timelines. They have my heart. And this one is done exceptionally well. I love being in the past using history as a guide and coming back to the present to have the most meaningful ending ever.
The Story is heartbreaking in so many ways with so many lessons about everlasting love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
This is a poignant story that shows the lasting effects of a world war on generations in the future. Filled with beautiful prose and impactful characters, this story breathes emotion and life into the pages, making it come alive.
This has left an impact on me and I'm so glad to have read it.
Thank you so much to Bookouture for the eARC of this beautiful story.
The Story is heartbreaking in so many ways with so many lessons about everlasting love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
This is a poignant story that shows the lasting effects of a world war on generations in the future. Filled with beautiful prose and impactful characters, this story breathes emotion and life into the pages, making it come alive.
This has left an impact on me and I'm so glad to have read it.
Thank you so much to Bookouture for the eARC of this beautiful story.
October 26, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Imagine writing letters to your dead sister one for 60 years - and then suddenly getting a response! 😱 This stunning novel follows Calliope, an elderly woman in London hiding a lifetime of secrets from her past.
This emotional family saga is told over a dual story line - 1944 Crete and current day London. It has powerful female characters and unexpected twists at every turn. I definitely need to read more books by Rose Alexander! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my #TheLetterfromtheIsland #NetGalley.
#Booksontour
Imagine writing letters to your dead sister one for 60 years - and then suddenly getting a response! 😱 This stunning novel follows Calliope, an elderly woman in London hiding a lifetime of secrets from her past.
This emotional family saga is told over a dual story line - 1944 Crete and current day London. It has powerful female characters and unexpected twists at every turn. I definitely need to read more books by Rose Alexander! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my #TheLetterfromtheIsland #NetGalley.
#Booksontour
November 12, 2025
This book very authentically transported me to the beautiful island of Crete in 2005 and during the invasion and the war years of WWII. The hardship and resistance in the war years was really well portrayed and I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook. Calliope’s story is one of bravery, resilience and love. There were some good plot twists and the history is very well researched. The 2005 string was at times a bit slow yet it was interesting to “see” the Island through Calliopes eyes as she returns.
At times it was a bit predictable yet the plot was so interesting, the descriptions vivid and the audiobook was so well narrated that I can really recommend this novel.
At times it was a bit predictable yet the plot was so interesting, the descriptions vivid and the audiobook was so well narrated that I can really recommend this novel.
November 17, 2025
A wonderful but sad story. Calliope and her twin sister, Calista, grew up in Crete with their parents and young brother, George. Life changed when the Nazis parachuted on to the island to occupy it. George is shot on this day and Calliope is determined to join the resistance. She meets Laurie and his group of resistance fighters. Calliope falls for Laurie who only has eyes for Calista. In time Calista falls pregnant and she married Laurie. Baby Ariana is born but the Nazis destroy their village. Calista is thought to be dead so Calliope takes the baby and flees. Whilst in her 80's Callie discovers that her sister isn't dead and travels to Crete to confess.
September 22, 2025
Oh, I absolutely loved this book! It felt like Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale, but in Crete. The characters are so well done and showcase so many internal conflicts that many people faced during WWII. I love the full circle of the title (I won’t spoil, but worth the read for that!), and the complexity of German soldiers who were victimized as much as our soldiers in many cases. A beautiful love story, historical fiction read that reminds us we have to forgive ourselves, let go of regrets, and remember that love is most important.
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed this dual timeline novel set in modern-day and WWII-era Crete, Greece. Dual timeline novels are a genre I love, and especially a novel like this in which an elderly woman is looking back upon her life from a world away, opening up painful wartime memories she'd long buried - of necessity - from her native land.
In modern-day London, an elderly Greek woman and widow, Calliope, receives a letter from her native Crete. She is shocked to learn the letter is written by her twin sister - the sister she long believed was killed in the war.
Calliope's return voyage to her Mediterranean island with her beloved granddaughter, Ella, is interspersed with the brutal tale of Nazi-occupied Crete during the second world war. Calliope is a young woman who is radicalized by the killing of her young brother, and joins the resistance.
Her daring efforts assist the Allied forces, but also place her family at risk. When her parents and twin sister are killed in a Nazi raid, she must gather the courage to escape her beloved island, and to forge a new life for herself in far-away England. Until she must return to own up to the mistakes of her past.
This is a sweeping story of love, loyalty, survival, and the impossible choices made in the throes of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
In modern-day London, an elderly Greek woman and widow, Calliope, receives a letter from her native Crete. She is shocked to learn the letter is written by her twin sister - the sister she long believed was killed in the war.
Calliope's return voyage to her Mediterranean island with her beloved granddaughter, Ella, is interspersed with the brutal tale of Nazi-occupied Crete during the second world war. Calliope is a young woman who is radicalized by the killing of her young brother, and joins the resistance.
Her daring efforts assist the Allied forces, but also place her family at risk. When her parents and twin sister are killed in a Nazi raid, she must gather the courage to escape her beloved island, and to forge a new life for herself in far-away England. Until she must return to own up to the mistakes of her past.
This is a sweeping story of love, loyalty, survival, and the impossible choices made in the throes of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
October 23, 2025
A beautifully written dual timeline story set between, Crete, 1944, and present day London. Two sisters, identical twins each believe that the other didn’t survive the war. One writes a letter to her sister for over 60 years, a chance meeting with a stranger who recognised the likeness and a letter is received back. For Calliope the time has come to return to Crete and reunite with her twin that she thought she had lost. It is time for a lifetime of secrets to be shared which will change a young woman’s life. A heartbreaking page turner.
October 25, 2025
I absolutely love a dual time line story … and this one is done nicely! Set between 1944 Crete & present day London the author weaves together a captivating story of war, loss, family, love, forgiveness, acceptance & healing.
Giving us a glimpse into the Battle of Crete in 1941 was a new perspective for me & I found it informative & interesting. Each character tugged at my heart all the way through as emotional secrets were revealed & the ending was beautiful & gentle & perfect and I closed the book with a sweet, heart filled sigh.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rose Alexander, author for the arc!!
Giving us a glimpse into the Battle of Crete in 1941 was a new perspective for me & I found it informative & interesting. Each character tugged at my heart all the way through as emotional secrets were revealed & the ending was beautiful & gentle & perfect and I closed the book with a sweet, heart filled sigh.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rose Alexander, author for the arc!!
October 24, 2025
Love this story!!! I raced through the book as fast as I could because I kept wanting to learn more. The ending literally had me crying!!
I've read several historical fiction/romance novels within the World War II timeframe from various perspectives (American, French, German, etc.), but never one from the Greek perspective. Definitely one of my new favorite stories.
This is also my first novel from this author. I would definitely be interested in reading more of her stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of the book!
I've read several historical fiction/romance novels within the World War II timeframe from various perspectives (American, French, German, etc.), but never one from the Greek perspective. Definitely one of my new favorite stories.
This is also my first novel from this author. I would definitely be interested in reading more of her stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of the book!
October 12, 2025
This is a touching story of love, loss, and resilience set against the beautiful backdrop of a Greek island.
The dual timelines linked the present with the struggle to survive World War II and it was handled with such care that it added real emotional depth to the story.
The historical elements felt authentic, and the characters’ experiences during the war were both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Thank you to the author, Bookatoure and NetGalley for this digital ARC.
The dual timelines linked the present with the struggle to survive World War II and it was handled with such care that it added real emotional depth to the story.
The historical elements felt authentic, and the characters’ experiences during the war were both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Thank you to the author, Bookatoure and NetGalley for this digital ARC.
October 22, 2025
A touching Story about WWII and twin sisters who had secrets from each other.
I liked that Corfu was the setting of the story for WWII and for the more modern portion.
It’s one of the lesser known aspects of the war, the events that went on,
Callie made tough decisions based on what she thought to be true.
It’s never too late to make amends and hopefully Callie purged all of her demons.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I liked that Corfu was the setting of the story for WWII and for the more modern portion.
It’s one of the lesser known aspects of the war, the events that went on,
Callie made tough decisions based on what she thought to be true.
It’s never too late to make amends and hopefully Callie purged all of her demons.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
November 18, 2025
German paratroopers invaded Crete in 1941. I did not know that and glad to have read The Letter from the Island to gain that knowledge.
This dual timeline historical fiction takes Callie and her granddaughter back to Crete.
Rounding up to 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for approving my request to read A Letter From the Island in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date is Oct 24, 2025. Approx 350 pages.
This dual timeline historical fiction takes Callie and her granddaughter back to Crete.
Rounding up to 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for approving my request to read A Letter From the Island in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date is Oct 24, 2025. Approx 350 pages.
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