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Between Greek Balconies
Let Francesca Catlow transport you to the Greek island of Nisyros, where sea, sun and romance offer a chance at a new beginning—perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Kate Frost and Paige Toon.
When burnt-out human rights barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical, she heads for the one place she’s dreamt of since a small, sun-drenched island in Greece.
In her new home by the sea, the volcanic landscape, the warmth of island life and the unhurried pace slowly begin to do what London couldn’t. She’s here to heal—not to be distracted by her brooding next-door neighbour, Helios, who seems determined to keep the world at arm’s length.
But night after night, sharing wine on their adjoining balconies, the intimacy between them grows. And Helios, it seems, is hiding his own painful past.
When duty calls Alisha back to London, the fragile peace she’s found on the island is abruptly shattered. Pulled between the life she’s always known and the one she’s only just begun to imagine, she must decide what truly matters. Can love bridge the gaps between language, loss and two very different worlds, or is the distance between them too great to overcome?
When burnt-out human rights barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical, she heads for the one place she’s dreamt of since a small, sun-drenched island in Greece.
In her new home by the sea, the volcanic landscape, the warmth of island life and the unhurried pace slowly begin to do what London couldn’t. She’s here to heal—not to be distracted by her brooding next-door neighbour, Helios, who seems determined to keep the world at arm’s length.
But night after night, sharing wine on their adjoining balconies, the intimacy between them grows. And Helios, it seems, is hiding his own painful past.
When duty calls Alisha back to London, the fragile peace she’s found on the island is abruptly shattered. Pulled between the life she’s always known and the one she’s only just begun to imagine, she must decide what truly matters. Can love bridge the gaps between language, loss and two very different worlds, or is the distance between them too great to overcome?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2026
About the author
Francesca Catlow
22 books133 followersFrancesca Catlow writes bestselling fiction filled with passionate love stories that feature flawed, and sometimes broken, characters as they face a crossroads in their life. She often explores heartbreaking themes while also whisking readers off to beautiful locations.
Francesca loves to travel. Born and raised in the heart of Suffolk, England, she has travelled extensively in Europe with her French husband and, more recently, their two children. In 2024 she relocated to France where she spends her days dreaming up stories and her evenings sitting in her garden relaxing with her family.
In 2023 Francesca was a finalist for the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award, and was nominated for an Innovation Award for her work with libraries in Suffolk.
Francesca loves to hear from her readers – if you would like to contact her, you can do so on her social pages, or subscribe to her newsletter.
To stay up to date, and for free content, please visit francescacatlow.co.uk/subscribe
Facebook: @francescacatlowofficial
Instagram: @francescacatlowofficial
X: @francescacatlow
TikTok: @francescacatlow
For trigger warnings visit: francescacatlow.co.uk/trigger-warnings/
Francesca loves to travel. Born and raised in the heart of Suffolk, England, she has travelled extensively in Europe with her French husband and, more recently, their two children. In 2024 she relocated to France where she spends her days dreaming up stories and her evenings sitting in her garden relaxing with her family.
In 2023 Francesca was a finalist for the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award, and was nominated for an Innovation Award for her work with libraries in Suffolk.
Francesca loves to hear from her readers – if you would like to contact her, you can do so on her social pages, or subscribe to her newsletter.
To stay up to date, and for free content, please visit francescacatlow.co.uk/subscribe
Facebook: @francescacatlowofficial
Instagram: @francescacatlowofficial
X: @francescacatlow
TikTok: @francescacatlow
For trigger warnings visit: francescacatlow.co.uk/trigger-warnings/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 27, 2026
Between Greek Balconies transported me straight to the Greek islands!
The setting was definitely one of my favourite parts of the book, and I loved the incorporation of the Greek language throughout the story. I thought it added a nice layer of authenticity and really helped bring the location and atmosphere to life. The little details of everyday Greek life, the food and culture all helped create such a lovely sense of place.
And, of course, the cats! It’s such a quintessential part of the Greek island experience and one that brought me back to my last Greece holiday a few years ago. It's those little details that made the setting feel real rather than simply being a backdrop for the story. If anything, reading this book makes me want to book another trip to Greece as soon as possible.
The story also explores some deeper themes, particularly grief and the idea of starting over. I liked that grief wasn’t treated as something that simply disappears with time, but as something these characters have to learn to live alongside. There’s a sense of trying to move forward while still carrying the weight of what has happened and I thought the exploration of that emotional uncertainty was one of the stronger aspects of the book.
I also liked the theme of new beginnings and figuring out who you are when life doesn’t go according to the plan you imagined. There’s something quite relatable about reaching a point where you have to reassess what you actually want from life, rather than simply continuing along the path you thought you were supposed to take. The idea of finding yourself again after a difficult period, and realising that it’s never too late to make changes gave the story some lovely moments.
That being said I did find myself wishing the romance had been more developed. I wanted more chemistry, more emotional depth and ultimately more of the relationship itself. There were moments where I could see the potential for a really lovely romance, but I didn't feel as invested in it as I wanted to be.
Despite that, I did enjoy the book for the most part. The Greek island setting and themes of starting again made it an enjoyable summer read. It has that feeling of escaping somewhere beautiful while also exploring the messier side of life— like change and trying to work out what comes next. I think this is a book I’ll remember for its atmosphere rather than its romance. It made me want to sit on a Greek balcony, eat my way through every local dish, and maybe meet my own Helios.
2.5 stars
Novelstorian (Blog) ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter ✨
My Star Ratings:
★★★★★: Unhinged levels of love. Life-changing. Perfectly devastating. I will be recommending this until someone physically takes it out of my hands.
★★★★: Great pacing, great characters, emotional damage in all the right ways. Might not be perfect, but I had a genuinely good time reading it
★★★: Enjoyable enough to finish but not something I’d scream about. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a mark. A solid, middle-of-the-road read.
★★: The cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas— writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: I finished it out of pure spite or misplaced hope.
The setting was definitely one of my favourite parts of the book, and I loved the incorporation of the Greek language throughout the story. I thought it added a nice layer of authenticity and really helped bring the location and atmosphere to life. The little details of everyday Greek life, the food and culture all helped create such a lovely sense of place.
And, of course, the cats! It’s such a quintessential part of the Greek island experience and one that brought me back to my last Greece holiday a few years ago. It's those little details that made the setting feel real rather than simply being a backdrop for the story. If anything, reading this book makes me want to book another trip to Greece as soon as possible.
The story also explores some deeper themes, particularly grief and the idea of starting over. I liked that grief wasn’t treated as something that simply disappears with time, but as something these characters have to learn to live alongside. There’s a sense of trying to move forward while still carrying the weight of what has happened and I thought the exploration of that emotional uncertainty was one of the stronger aspects of the book.
I also liked the theme of new beginnings and figuring out who you are when life doesn’t go according to the plan you imagined. There’s something quite relatable about reaching a point where you have to reassess what you actually want from life, rather than simply continuing along the path you thought you were supposed to take. The idea of finding yourself again after a difficult period, and realising that it’s never too late to make changes gave the story some lovely moments.
That being said I did find myself wishing the romance had been more developed. I wanted more chemistry, more emotional depth and ultimately more of the relationship itself. There were moments where I could see the potential for a really lovely romance, but I didn't feel as invested in it as I wanted to be.
Despite that, I did enjoy the book for the most part. The Greek island setting and themes of starting again made it an enjoyable summer read. It has that feeling of escaping somewhere beautiful while also exploring the messier side of life— like change and trying to work out what comes next. I think this is a book I’ll remember for its atmosphere rather than its romance. It made me want to sit on a Greek balcony, eat my way through every local dish, and maybe meet my own Helios.
2.5 stars
Novelstorian (Blog) ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter ✨
My Star Ratings:
★★★★★: Unhinged levels of love. Life-changing. Perfectly devastating. I will be recommending this until someone physically takes it out of my hands.
★★★★: Great pacing, great characters, emotional damage in all the right ways. Might not be perfect, but I had a genuinely good time reading it
★★★: Enjoyable enough to finish but not something I’d scream about. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a mark. A solid, middle-of-the-road read.
★★: The cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas— writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: I finished it out of pure spite or misplaced hope.
September 14, 2026
It’s a nice romance with some twists & turns. Almost makes you want to get on a plan & go to the greek isle’s. A happily ever after kind of story.
August 16, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
Between Greek Balconies by Francesca Catlow
There are books that make you want to pack a suitcase, book a flight, and disappear somewhere beautiful for a while, and Between Greek Balconies was absolutely one of those books.
Francesca Catlow completely transported me to the Greek island of Nisyros. I could practically feel the sunshine, hear the sea, and picture myself sitting on a balcony with a glass of wine. The island isn’t just the setting it becomes part of Alisha’s healing journey.
Alisha arrives in Greece completely burnt out from her demanding life as a human rights barrister in London. What is supposed to be a sabbatical slowly becomes something much bigger: a chance to breathe, rediscover herself, and figure out what she truly wants from life.
And then there’s Helios.
Brooding, guarded, mysterious next-door neighbor Helios. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly develop, especially those nights spent sharing wine from their adjoining balconies. There was something so intimate about two people gradually lowering their walls while sitting just a balcony apart.
But both Alisha and Helios are carrying pain from their pasts, and eventually the real world comes calling. Alisha is forced to decide between the life she has always known and this beautiful new life she never expected to find.
What I especially loved is that this isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about burnout, healing, loss, slowing down, starting over, and finding the courage to choose happiness.
And can we talk about the setting?! By the end, I was READY to move to Nisyros. Give me the sea, the sunshine, a gorgeous Greek balcony, a bottle of wine…and apparently a mysterious Greek neighbor.
Between Greek Balconies is a beautiful escape filled with romance, emotion, second chances, and the reminder that sometimes stepping away from the life you know is exactly how you discover the life you actually want.
🌊 Greek island setting
☀️ New beginnings
❤️🔥 Slow-burn romance
🍷 Balcony wine nights
💙 Healing & self-discovery
🌋 Gorgeous island atmosphere
✨ Emotional romance
Just one warning: you may finish this book looking up flights to Greece.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
Between Greek Balconies by Francesca Catlow
There are books that make you want to pack a suitcase, book a flight, and disappear somewhere beautiful for a while, and Between Greek Balconies was absolutely one of those books.
Francesca Catlow completely transported me to the Greek island of Nisyros. I could practically feel the sunshine, hear the sea, and picture myself sitting on a balcony with a glass of wine. The island isn’t just the setting it becomes part of Alisha’s healing journey.
Alisha arrives in Greece completely burnt out from her demanding life as a human rights barrister in London. What is supposed to be a sabbatical slowly becomes something much bigger: a chance to breathe, rediscover herself, and figure out what she truly wants from life.
And then there’s Helios.
Brooding, guarded, mysterious next-door neighbor Helios. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly develop, especially those nights spent sharing wine from their adjoining balconies. There was something so intimate about two people gradually lowering their walls while sitting just a balcony apart.
But both Alisha and Helios are carrying pain from their pasts, and eventually the real world comes calling. Alisha is forced to decide between the life she has always known and this beautiful new life she never expected to find.
What I especially loved is that this isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about burnout, healing, loss, slowing down, starting over, and finding the courage to choose happiness.
And can we talk about the setting?! By the end, I was READY to move to Nisyros. Give me the sea, the sunshine, a gorgeous Greek balcony, a bottle of wine…and apparently a mysterious Greek neighbor.
Between Greek Balconies is a beautiful escape filled with romance, emotion, second chances, and the reminder that sometimes stepping away from the life you know is exactly how you discover the life you actually want.
🌊 Greek island setting
☀️ New beginnings
❤️🔥 Slow-burn romance
🍷 Balcony wine nights
💙 Healing & self-discovery
🌋 Gorgeous island atmosphere
✨ Emotional romance
Just one warning: you may finish this book looking up flights to Greece.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Between Greek Balconies by Francesca Catlow (2026)
10h 2m narrated by Daphne Kouma, 346 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇬🇷⚖️🇬🇧🐈⬛️
Featuring: Nisyros, Greece aka Nisiros, Greece; Sabbatical, Greek, Language Barrier, Barrister Lawyer - Human Rights, Women's Rights, London, England; Family Dynamics, Neighbors, September 2025, Panic Attack, Burnout, Cats, Sex, Guilt, Christmas, Kos aka Cos; Friendships, Healing, Personal Growth
Final Thoughts: In Between Greek Balconies, barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical after a severe panic attack. She chooses Nisyros, the island of her childhood holidays, where she falls for her hot neighbor Helios and must decide between staying in Greece and returning to England.
The cover is gorgeous and colorful, but I feel like I didn't get the vacation vibe I was promised in the blurb. All in all, the story was relaxing despite the overly dramatic plot. I was also a bit disappointed with the plot, which was severely lacking—very "relax and just go with it."
I know that what British Literature calls Thrillers, Americans call Suspense, and now I'm thinking what passes for Romance in the UK is known as Women's Fiction in the US. The romance was almost nonexistent, but there was a romantic storyline.
This is my first story by Francesca Catlow, and looking at her catalog, it seems there is more where this came from, as nearly all of her books are set in Greece.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I know those readers who don't like fluff will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Authors Mentioned: Superman by Mario Puzo [based on] Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster; Hamlet by William Shakespeare, The Holy Bible, The Secret Garden by Caroline Thompson [based on] The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett; A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Night before Christmas [originally titled] A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement-Clarke Moore
10h 2m narrated by Daphne Kouma, 346 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇬🇷⚖️🇬🇧🐈⬛️
Featuring: Nisyros, Greece aka Nisiros, Greece; Sabbatical, Greek, Language Barrier, Barrister Lawyer - Human Rights, Women's Rights, London, England; Family Dynamics, Neighbors, September 2025, Panic Attack, Burnout, Cats, Sex, Guilt, Christmas, Kos aka Cos; Friendships, Healing, Personal Growth
Final Thoughts: In Between Greek Balconies, barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical after a severe panic attack. She chooses Nisyros, the island of her childhood holidays, where she falls for her hot neighbor Helios and must decide between staying in Greece and returning to England.
The cover is gorgeous and colorful, but I feel like I didn't get the vacation vibe I was promised in the blurb. All in all, the story was relaxing despite the overly dramatic plot. I was also a bit disappointed with the plot, which was severely lacking—very "relax and just go with it."
I know that what British Literature calls Thrillers, Americans call Suspense, and now I'm thinking what passes for Romance in the UK is known as Women's Fiction in the US. The romance was almost nonexistent, but there was a romantic storyline.
This is my first story by Francesca Catlow, and looking at her catalog, it seems there is more where this came from, as nearly all of her books are set in Greece.
Recommend to others: Maybe. I know those readers who don't like fluff will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Authors Mentioned: Superman by Mario Puzo [based on] Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster; Hamlet by William Shakespeare, The Holy Bible, The Secret Garden by Caroline Thompson [based on] The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett; A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Night before Christmas [originally titled] A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement-Clarke Moore
July 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
Between Greek Balconies is a quick and cozy read. When Alisha, a British barrister who desperately needs time for a sabbatical after experiencing a seemingly horrible case involving someone name Karine. She chooses the Greek island of Nisyros - an island she last visited when she was 8 with her mom and dad.
Upon arriving she meets her grumpy, but attractive neighbor, Helios. She also meets the easy to love Calliope who welcomes Alisha to the island and befriends her with a no-nonsense personality full of love. Helios and Alisha's relationship - or lack thereof takes center stage, albeit a bit slowly. A storm brings the two together and the rest of the book lets us in on two people who need to heal and are able to help the other do so.
I think that this book was good overall - it starts slowly and there are aspects about Alisha's storytelling that becomes a bit repetitive - she keeps making it really clear that she's a barrister who works hard cases, needs to be tough, etc,. A lot of telling instead of just showing - it felt a little bit that the author didn't feel that the readers would know how tough a barrister might need to be when trying human rights cases... I don't know - it was a little off putting at times.
The "twists" that allow us in to see what Helios and Alisha both need to heal from were good for moving the story forward and driving emotions.
The end felt a little... disjointed? Rushed? Without giving spoilers, when Alisha finally leaves for home...that side story line felt thrown in for no reason.
Overall I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a cozy slow burn romance. While there are some emotional pieces in the story, I think it was low-stakes enough for a summer read that draws someone in.
3 - 3.5 stars.
August 16, 2026
There is a good attention to detail here. It's like many similar books I have reviewed that are set in Greece. I liked Caliope a lot. I felt like she was the most interesting character in the story. She was fun, open, and honest. She was a good person to confide in. Her personality, her passion for Greece and her insights into life, were interesting. Her generosity and laid-back- attitude were good traits too.
She reminded me of aunt Voula in My Blg Fat Greek Wedding, and that's good, as I love that movie.
Iris was nice.
The plot between Helios, the grumpy neighbor, and the main character Alisha Harding, was predictable.
I didn't feel romance betwen them. I had hoped that the "grumpy vs sunshine" trope would be more gripping, but it wasn't.
I was intrigued by the photos Helios had, and was eagerly awaiting an insight into those.
I did like the fact that Gigi, Alisha's ex-assistant at work, sounded kind. Alisha herself seemed to have a simplistic, too-positive view of life. I would have liked to have felt more of all the characters' experiences and emotions. I felt Alisha was guarded yet overly breezy in her attitude towards life, and it felt forced to me.
I felt like I had to use my imagination a lot to get an idea of what all the characters apart from Calliope were like.
I felt irritated that her family just told her to "relax" in their messages. The plotline is quite weak: a lawyer who is burned out buys a home in Greece. I feel like the burned out person buying a home in a dream location is one that many authors have explored.
I found the author hard to listen to, and I felt like nothing much happened. I didn't feel immersed in the book. I was expecting a lot more based on the synopsis.
Thanks to Fracesca Catlow and Brilliance Audio. All opinions are my own.
2 stars.
She reminded me of aunt Voula in My Blg Fat Greek Wedding, and that's good, as I love that movie.
Iris was nice.
The plot between Helios, the grumpy neighbor, and the main character Alisha Harding, was predictable.
I didn't feel romance betwen them. I had hoped that the "grumpy vs sunshine" trope would be more gripping, but it wasn't.
I was intrigued by the photos Helios had, and was eagerly awaiting an insight into those.
I did like the fact that Gigi, Alisha's ex-assistant at work, sounded kind. Alisha herself seemed to have a simplistic, too-positive view of life. I would have liked to have felt more of all the characters' experiences and emotions. I felt Alisha was guarded yet overly breezy in her attitude towards life, and it felt forced to me.
I felt like I had to use my imagination a lot to get an idea of what all the characters apart from Calliope were like.
I felt irritated that her family just told her to "relax" in their messages. The plotline is quite weak: a lawyer who is burned out buys a home in Greece. I feel like the burned out person buying a home in a dream location is one that many authors have explored.
I found the author hard to listen to, and I felt like nothing much happened. I didn't feel immersed in the book. I was expecting a lot more based on the synopsis.
Thanks to Fracesca Catlow and Brilliance Audio. All opinions are my own.
2 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Neighbors
*Set in a Greek island
*Both traumatized
*Emotional
*Slow burn
Alisha moves temporarily in a Greek island to take her sabbatical after a dreadful event on her job. There she meets Helios, her neighbor, who has his own demons to fight.
Although I picked this one thinking it would be a light-hearted story fitting to a summer evening while relaxing and because I'm a Greek, it was quite the opposite. There are some heavy subjects inside so check trigger warnings before diving in.
Though I expected something else, it was interesting I couldn't put it down. Starting the story you feel like travelling through Greek summer and strolling trhough white alleys along with the cats, a typical Greek island. But as the story progress, there's a change in it and the anticipation makes you want to find out some mysteries like Helios.
Alisha is a strong woman that isn't shy on expressing her opinion. She believes in good in the people but seeing all that evil through her job has made her a little bit cynical in my opinion, which is something understandable.
Helios has his own dreadful past and events to confront, isolating himself from everyone. The thing that happened to him changes a man but Helios is good deep in his heart and he sacrifices his comfort in order to help someone in need.
I'm a fan of slow burn and this story nailed it. It's quite difficult to make it appealing and not boring. This story has emotional depth, one that made my heart ache for both Alisha and Helios while wishing the best for them, first as units and then as a whole.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
*Set in a Greek island
*Both traumatized
*Emotional
*Slow burn
Alisha moves temporarily in a Greek island to take her sabbatical after a dreadful event on her job. There she meets Helios, her neighbor, who has his own demons to fight.
Although I picked this one thinking it would be a light-hearted story fitting to a summer evening while relaxing and because I'm a Greek, it was quite the opposite. There are some heavy subjects inside so check trigger warnings before diving in.
Though I expected something else, it was interesting I couldn't put it down. Starting the story you feel like travelling through Greek summer and strolling trhough white alleys along with the cats, a typical Greek island. But as the story progress, there's a change in it and the anticipation makes you want to find out some mysteries like Helios.
Alisha is a strong woman that isn't shy on expressing her opinion. She believes in good in the people but seeing all that evil through her job has made her a little bit cynical in my opinion, which is something understandable.
Helios has his own dreadful past and events to confront, isolating himself from everyone. The thing that happened to him changes a man but Helios is good deep in his heart and he sacrifices his comfort in order to help someone in need.
I'm a fan of slow burn and this story nailed it. It's quite difficult to make it appealing and not boring. This story has emotional depth, one that made my heart ache for both Alisha and Helios while wishing the best for them, first as units and then as a whole.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
August 25, 2026
Between Greek Balconies by Francesca Catlow
🎧 Narrated by Daphne Kouma
There are some books that just make you want to pack your suitcase and book a flight, and Between Greek Balconies was definitely one of those books for me.
Alisha is burnt out and needs to escape from her life in London, so she heads to the Greek island of Nisyros for a much-needed break and a chance to heal.
And then there is Helios.
Her brooding and mysterious next-door neighbour who is keeping his own past very close to his chest. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Alisha and Helios slowly develop, especially their time together on their adjoining balconies. It felt like they both needed someone to come into their lives at just the right time.
But for me, one of the best parts of this book was Greece. The island, the sea, the sunshine and the slower way of life made me want to go and look up Nisyros and see it for myself. This is exactly why I love books set in beautiful places-they always seem to add another destination to my travel list.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and I just loved Daphne Kouma's voice. She was so lovely and easy to listen to. I also really enjoyed hearing the Greek words and names spoken properly because I know I would have completely destroyed some of the pronunciations if I had been reading them myself!
Overall, this was a lovely story about escaping, healing, romance and finding out what you really want from life.
A beautiful Greek escape and another place added to my ever-growing travel list.
🎧 Narrated by Daphne Kouma
There are some books that just make you want to pack your suitcase and book a flight, and Between Greek Balconies was definitely one of those books for me.
Alisha is burnt out and needs to escape from her life in London, so she heads to the Greek island of Nisyros for a much-needed break and a chance to heal.
And then there is Helios.
Her brooding and mysterious next-door neighbour who is keeping his own past very close to his chest. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Alisha and Helios slowly develop, especially their time together on their adjoining balconies. It felt like they both needed someone to come into their lives at just the right time.
But for me, one of the best parts of this book was Greece. The island, the sea, the sunshine and the slower way of life made me want to go and look up Nisyros and see it for myself. This is exactly why I love books set in beautiful places-they always seem to add another destination to my travel list.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and I just loved Daphne Kouma's voice. She was so lovely and easy to listen to. I also really enjoyed hearing the Greek words and names spoken properly because I know I would have completely destroyed some of the pronunciations if I had been reading them myself!
Overall, this was a lovely story about escaping, healing, romance and finding out what you really want from life.
A beautiful Greek escape and another place added to my ever-growing travel list.
August 21, 2026
I’m currently contemplating booking a flight to a Greek island after reading this book… and I’m blaming Between Greek Balconies for it! 🇬🇷
This was such a beautiful and powerful story about love, finding yourself, rebuilding your confidence and learning to heal.
I found myself rooting for Alisha from the very beginning. She is incredibly fragile in so many ways, but there is also so much strength within her. Watching her navigate her journey of healing and finding herself again was one of my favourite parts of the story.
And then there’s Helios… I absolutely loved him! He embodies everything I imagine life on a Greek island to be — seemingly carefree and completely unbothered on the outside, while hiding a whole world of emotions underneath.
This book took me on an absolute emotional rollercoaster. It had me laughing, crying, smiling and feeling all the feels. There were moments that completely warmed my heart and others that broke it a little.
This is the perfect combination of sun, sea, romance, humour and a whole lot of heart. It made me want to pack a suitcase, book a flight and disappear to a Greek island!
I absolutely loved reading this and would 100% recommend it. If you’re looking for a beautiful escape that will make you laugh, make you cry and leave you with a serious case of wanderlust, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🇬🇷📚
This was such a beautiful and powerful story about love, finding yourself, rebuilding your confidence and learning to heal.
I found myself rooting for Alisha from the very beginning. She is incredibly fragile in so many ways, but there is also so much strength within her. Watching her navigate her journey of healing and finding herself again was one of my favourite parts of the story.
And then there’s Helios… I absolutely loved him! He embodies everything I imagine life on a Greek island to be — seemingly carefree and completely unbothered on the outside, while hiding a whole world of emotions underneath.
This book took me on an absolute emotional rollercoaster. It had me laughing, crying, smiling and feeling all the feels. There were moments that completely warmed my heart and others that broke it a little.
This is the perfect combination of sun, sea, romance, humour and a whole lot of heart. It made me want to pack a suitcase, book a flight and disappear to a Greek island!
I absolutely loved reading this and would 100% recommend it. If you’re looking for a beautiful escape that will make you laugh, make you cry and leave you with a serious case of wanderlust, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🇬🇷📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Amazon UK for the arc of this publication by Francesca Catlow.
Blurb
When burnt-out human rights barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical, she heads for the one place she’s dreamt of since a small, sun-drenched island in Greece.
In her new home by the sea, the volcanic landscape, the warmth of island life and the unhurried pace slowly begin to do what London couldn’t. She’s here to heal—not to be distracted by her brooding next-door neighbour, Helios, who seems determined to keep the world at arm’s length.
This was a truly heartwarming book that made me smile in so many places, yet tore my heart apart at others with the loss that Helios and Alisha have had to endure. All handled with empathy by the author and evoking many emotions
This is my first time reading Catlow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Helios and Alisha, and the community and side characters in Greece.
It's full of colour, humour, and beautiful scenery that you feel entirely swept away with the place.
I am keen to now read more of this author.
Although it is a romance, the topics of loss are heavy and could be triggers for some readers.
Loss of a child
Loss of a friend
Mention of degradation and abuse to a female
are on page, both tragic
Kerry Kennedy Author
Blurb
When burnt-out human rights barrister Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical, she heads for the one place she’s dreamt of since a small, sun-drenched island in Greece.
In her new home by the sea, the volcanic landscape, the warmth of island life and the unhurried pace slowly begin to do what London couldn’t. She’s here to heal—not to be distracted by her brooding next-door neighbour, Helios, who seems determined to keep the world at arm’s length.
This was a truly heartwarming book that made me smile in so many places, yet tore my heart apart at others with the loss that Helios and Alisha have had to endure. All handled with empathy by the author and evoking many emotions
This is my first time reading Catlow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Helios and Alisha, and the community and side characters in Greece.
It's full of colour, humour, and beautiful scenery that you feel entirely swept away with the place.
I am keen to now read more of this author.
Although it is a romance, the topics of loss are heavy and could be triggers for some readers.
Loss of a child
Loss of a friend
Mention of degradation and abuse to a female
are on page, both tragic
Kerry Kennedy Author
August 21, 2026
Omg I loved this book! Our main character Alisha has moved to Greece for six months after being forced to take a sabbatical from work. We know that something has happened to her, but we don’t know what to start off with, and I loved how the story slowly unfolded as she tried to find her feet in her new (temporary) home.
Her neighbours seemed like such an interesting group of people, but we knew that Helios, who doesn’t speak English and is a bit of a loner, was going to be the most interesting one! The book covers so many different topics and emotions, and I was just fully immersed in it from the beginning. I was completely invested and needed to know not only what Alisha’s backstory was, but what Helios’s was too.
I thought it was brilliantly written. The scenic descriptions were beautiful to read and really made me feel like I was there in Greece with them. It was just so much more than a typical holiday romance story, and I loved how much depth there was to the characters and their stories.
I was actually so sad that the book ended because I could’ve happily stayed in this story and reading about these characters forever! Definitely one of those books where you’re not quite ready to say goodbye when you get to the last page.
Her neighbours seemed like such an interesting group of people, but we knew that Helios, who doesn’t speak English and is a bit of a loner, was going to be the most interesting one! The book covers so many different topics and emotions, and I was just fully immersed in it from the beginning. I was completely invested and needed to know not only what Alisha’s backstory was, but what Helios’s was too.
I thought it was brilliantly written. The scenic descriptions were beautiful to read and really made me feel like I was there in Greece with them. It was just so much more than a typical holiday romance story, and I loved how much depth there was to the characters and their stories.
I was actually so sad that the book ended because I could’ve happily stayed in this story and reading about these characters forever! Definitely one of those books where you’re not quite ready to say goodbye when you get to the last page.
August 24, 2026
I usually enjoy this author’s books and on the whole I mostly enjoyed this one even though the beginning was incredibly slow.
The story of Alisha, a woman who is burnt out because of recent events in her high flying barrister life and takes off for a six month sabbatical on a Greek island. and the damaged Greek hero, Helios who lives next door is handled beautifully.
The setting and other characters and fully realised and I really felt I was there.
And then, out of nowhere with no warning, we have her kidnapped and threatened with torture and death by the brother of a man she was instrumental in sending to prison.
She is then rescued because of an utterly unbelievable twist and all is well again. Sorry, but this wasn’t foreshadowed or even hinted at during the story at all. No mention of death threats etc. this just seemed a manipulated event for our heroine to realise what she wanted in life. Up until that point I had been thoroughly enjoying the book and was ready to give it five stars.
A shame that theytried to turn this into a different kind of a book. But otherwise a really lovely read - thank you.
The story of Alisha, a woman who is burnt out because of recent events in her high flying barrister life and takes off for a six month sabbatical on a Greek island. and the damaged Greek hero, Helios who lives next door is handled beautifully.
The setting and other characters and fully realised and I really felt I was there.
And then, out of nowhere with no warning, we have her kidnapped and threatened with torture and death by the brother of a man she was instrumental in sending to prison.
She is then rescued because of an utterly unbelievable twist and all is well again. Sorry, but this wasn’t foreshadowed or even hinted at during the story at all. No mention of death threats etc. this just seemed a manipulated event for our heroine to realise what she wanted in life. Up until that point I had been thoroughly enjoying the book and was ready to give it five stars.
A shame that theytried to turn this into a different kind of a book. But otherwise a really lovely read - thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Francesca's stories, with each escape to Greece offering a feel good read. Between Greek Balconies offered just that and was the perfect setting, with its winding streets, sea views and Greek traditions, the story provided a sense of comfort and had you wishing you were right there.
I really liked the storyline of the book and the sense that Alisha had to escape and heal. Her character development was so evident to see and I really admired her for everything she did. I loved the slow burn romance with Helios and this added another layer to the story and offered plenty of chemistry. Each of them had plenty of depth and background and helped the other to heal and grow, which was so nice to read.
There were some difficult and hard hitting topics within the book such as grief and these were written so well into the story.
I really liked the ending, as it held so much promise for the characters and had me not wanting to leave them and the island. I cant wait for more reads from Francesca soon.
I really liked the storyline of the book and the sense that Alisha had to escape and heal. Her character development was so evident to see and I really admired her for everything she did. I loved the slow burn romance with Helios and this added another layer to the story and offered plenty of chemistry. Each of them had plenty of depth and background and helped the other to heal and grow, which was so nice to read.
There were some difficult and hard hitting topics within the book such as grief and these were written so well into the story.
I really liked the ending, as it held so much promise for the characters and had me not wanting to leave them and the island. I cant wait for more reads from Francesca soon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Francesca Catlow has a way of bringing her characters to life. I went through so many emotions reading this story. And, the setting of the Greek islands and the rich culture and foods made the story even more authentic. The general premise is that Alisha, a lawyer from the busy city of London is forced to take a sabbatical when one of her cases gets to personal and causes her great grief. She takes six months of leave on one of the Greek islands she and her family visited when she was younger. While taking the time to relax and heal, she shares her nights with her neighbor, Helios, who is often out on his balcony right next door. Though Helios doesn't speak English and Alisha doesn't speak Greek, the two find a connection in amicable silence. When certain secrets come to light, the two begin to form a strong bond. This is a story for fans of romance, healing journeys, second chances, and beautifully written characters.
I enjoyed the narration for this one and really lost myself in the story. Beautiful voice!
I enjoyed the narration for this one and really lost myself in the story. Beautiful voice!
August 20, 2026
Between Greek Balconies gave me Colin Firth in Love Actually vibes almost immediately… hot neighbour, beautiful setting, balconies. I was here for it.
Alisha is a barrister who, after a severe anxiety attack, is forced to take some time out and escapes to her family’s house in Greece. What follows is much more slice-of-life than full-on romance, as she slowly starts to find herself again and meets her complicated but gentle (and very charming) neighbour, Helios.
I really enjoyed Alisha’s journey. There’s burnout, some heavier themes and plenty of secrets, but it still manages to feel cosy. The romance is a proper slow burn and almost sits in the background while these two people slowly get to know each other and heal in their own ways.
It’s definitely a slower read, but I thought that really suited the Greek setting. Although the ending did suddenly go a little WILD for a hot minute.
Was I obsessed? No. Did I have a lovely time and now desperately want to sit on a Greek balcony eating everything in sight? Absolutely.
Alisha is a barrister who, after a severe anxiety attack, is forced to take some time out and escapes to her family’s house in Greece. What follows is much more slice-of-life than full-on romance, as she slowly starts to find herself again and meets her complicated but gentle (and very charming) neighbour, Helios.
I really enjoyed Alisha’s journey. There’s burnout, some heavier themes and plenty of secrets, but it still manages to feel cosy. The romance is a proper slow burn and almost sits in the background while these two people slowly get to know each other and heal in their own ways.
It’s definitely a slower read, but I thought that really suited the Greek setting. Although the ending did suddenly go a little WILD for a hot minute.
Was I obsessed? No. Did I have a lovely time and now desperately want to sit on a Greek balcony eating everything in sight? Absolutely.
September 8, 2026
This book made me want to book a holiday to Greece. I loved the Greek culture and I am now dying to eat a gyros.
Alisha is burn out London barrister on a sabbatical in Nisyros. She was an interesting character but one I struggled to relate to. I loved that she adopted ALL of the cats but I hated the way she talked about cigarettes, it came off very judgemental and irritating. She often seemed to be a lot older than she was supposed to be. I loved her relationship with her niece though.
Alisha and Helios had an interesting start to their relationship which was quite funny. I like how their relationship developed and they helped each other through their grief. Alisha did overstep her boundaries but her heart was in the right place and at least it worked out this time.
The events after Alisha returned home to London did catch me by surprise. It was tense and nerve wracking but also felt a little out of place in the story for me.
Overall, I rate this 3⭐️ it’s a fun summer romance with a twist.
Alisha is burn out London barrister on a sabbatical in Nisyros. She was an interesting character but one I struggled to relate to. I loved that she adopted ALL of the cats but I hated the way she talked about cigarettes, it came off very judgemental and irritating. She often seemed to be a lot older than she was supposed to be. I loved her relationship with her niece though.
Alisha and Helios had an interesting start to their relationship which was quite funny. I like how their relationship developed and they helped each other through their grief. Alisha did overstep her boundaries but her heart was in the right place and at least it worked out this time.
The events after Alisha returned home to London did catch me by surprise. It was tense and nerve wracking but also felt a little out of place in the story for me.
Overall, I rate this 3⭐️ it’s a fun summer romance with a twist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5* I couldn't resist the cover.
Set on a Greek island, an irresistible location.
Due to the stress of her high powered job as a barrister representing abused women, Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical. Escaping from London, she purchases a house on a Greek island where she plans to live for six months.
What a great location, unfortunately I didn't warm to Alisha with her unshakable opinions and always needing to be right. The book started slowly but due to the gorgeous setting, I persevered. A huge surprise awaited towards the end of the book when the plot took an unexpected and out-of-the-blue change of direction.
Did I finish the book? Yes. Would I read it again? No. Between Greek Balconies would be ideal as a holiday read when you're relaxed to the state of comatose and in need of some fictional entertainment.
With thanks to Lake Union Publishing and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
Set on a Greek island, an irresistible location.
Due to the stress of her high powered job as a barrister representing abused women, Alisha Harding is forced to take a sabbatical. Escaping from London, she purchases a house on a Greek island where she plans to live for six months.
What a great location, unfortunately I didn't warm to Alisha with her unshakable opinions and always needing to be right. The book started slowly but due to the gorgeous setting, I persevered. A huge surprise awaited towards the end of the book when the plot took an unexpected and out-of-the-blue change of direction.
Did I finish the book? Yes. Would I read it again? No. Between Greek Balconies would be ideal as a holiday read when you're relaxed to the state of comatose and in need of some fictional entertainment.
With thanks to Lake Union Publishing and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My first ever audiobook and I loved it!
Between Greek Balconies is about Alisha who has to escape to Greece for a sabbatical, burnt out from her job as a Barrister. There she meets her new neighbours, Calliope and Helios. This story is the tale of new friendships, and different cultures. All set against a beautiful backdrop.
I have read a lot of European romances this summer and this one was different to the rest. Most focus on telling about local sites and describing them in great detail. Between Greek Balconies is not like that. It literally focuses on Alisha's new life around the house she now resides. It is culture focused, rather than descriptive scenery focused which I thought was fantastic. It brought a new angle to a European romance.
I marked it 4* and not 5 because I felt the ending was very rushed, the story did a complete 180 and it was quite hard to follow because everything changed so quickly. But I did love how the book finished.
Between Greek Balconies is about Alisha who has to escape to Greece for a sabbatical, burnt out from her job as a Barrister. There she meets her new neighbours, Calliope and Helios. This story is the tale of new friendships, and different cultures. All set against a beautiful backdrop.
I have read a lot of European romances this summer and this one was different to the rest. Most focus on telling about local sites and describing them in great detail. Between Greek Balconies is not like that. It literally focuses on Alisha's new life around the house she now resides. It is culture focused, rather than descriptive scenery focused which I thought was fantastic. It brought a new angle to a European romance.
I marked it 4* and not 5 because I felt the ending was very rushed, the story did a complete 180 and it was quite hard to follow because everything changed so quickly. But I did love how the book finished.
July 19, 2026
Perfect for fans of The Durrells in Corfu. Catlow is beautifully descriptive with both setting and characters — you feel like you're right there with Alisha Harding, rediscovering the Greek island she remembers from her childhood. Anxiety attacks push her into taking a sabbatical, and what starts as an escape turns into something much bigger.
This had way more depth than I expected. The setting, the inner journey, and the romance all carry equal weight, and Catlow lets each one breathe without any of them overshadowing the others. I really enjoyed the romance aspect too. Daphne Kouma does a beautiful job — the descriptive passages especially, which is where a lesser narration would have lost me.
This is for readers who love slow, sun-soaked Greek island fiction with real emotional depth underneath the escapism.
This had way more depth than I expected. The setting, the inner journey, and the romance all carry equal weight, and Catlow lets each one breathe without any of them overshadowing the others. I really enjoyed the romance aspect too. Daphne Kouma does a beautiful job — the descriptive passages especially, which is where a lesser narration would have lost me.
This is for readers who love slow, sun-soaked Greek island fiction with real emotional depth underneath the escapism.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Between Greek Balconies is a romance set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Greece, where beautiful scenery, unexpected connections, and the possibility of a fresh start come together. The setting adds so much to the story, from quiet cafés and winding streets to the sea views that make you want to book a trip before you've finished the last chapter.
I especially enjoyed how naturally the romance unfolded alongside the characters' personal growth. The emotional moments never felt rushed, and the Greek setting gave the novel a relaxed, escapist feel that fit the story perfectly. If you're looking for a romance that combines travel, heart, and a memorable sense of place, this is an easy book to get lost in. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
I especially enjoyed how naturally the romance unfolded alongside the characters' personal growth. The emotional moments never felt rushed, and the Greek setting gave the novel a relaxed, escapist feel that fit the story perfectly. If you're looking for a romance that combines travel, heart, and a memorable sense of place, this is an easy book to get lost in. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
August 16, 2026
A fabulous summer read which I have consumed sitting on my sun lounger on holiday.
Alisha Harding is forced to take a break from her job as a human rights lawyer after a particularly emotional case. She retreats to the Greek island of Nisyros, where she had visited as a child and felt she always wanted to live there. It provides the prefect away from it all location, where she can hopefully heal and prepare to return to work in the spring.
She is welcomed by her new neighbours and develops a kind of friendship with her neighbour across the balcony, even though there is an initial language barrier!!!
An enjoyable story of love, loss and new beginnings, even when you think a happy future is just not possible..
I really enjoyed this holiday read and thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.
Alisha Harding is forced to take a break from her job as a human rights lawyer after a particularly emotional case. She retreats to the Greek island of Nisyros, where she had visited as a child and felt she always wanted to live there. It provides the prefect away from it all location, where she can hopefully heal and prepare to return to work in the spring.
She is welcomed by her new neighbours and develops a kind of friendship with her neighbour across the balcony, even though there is an initial language barrier!!!
An enjoyable story of love, loss and new beginnings, even when you think a happy future is just not possible..
I really enjoyed this holiday read and thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.
August 23, 2026
I really enjoy this author. She creates wonderful characters with interesting storylines. When Alisha is forced to take time off from work, she decides a seriously major change is in order. She packs up and heads to Greece. A beautiful place to recover emotionally. She's looking for some quiet time to find her equilibrium and what is next for her. What she isn’t looking for is a crabby next door neighbor. And so of course begins the romance of Alisha and Helios. It’s a lovely and engaging, well narrated listen. Romance, mental health, a little bit of intrigue and a wonderful happy ending.
Upped to 4 from what would have been a 3.5 rating if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Upped to 4 from what would have been a 3.5 rating if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 5, 2026
Read this as the latest Tandem Collective Chapters & Chat book club pick. Dragged my feet because it’s plot quite literally, dragged. The protagonist spoke in 1st person and yet I finished the book understanding, factually how she lived her life, made decisions and was impacted by said decisions. But never truly connecting with her emotions. There was a disconnect between the plot, writing style, and who the characters were portrayed to be. Alisha Harding is meant to be a 38-year-old Barrister, but this reads like she’s in her 50’s! Helios reads like a guilty pleasure for a sexually-repressed cougar.
The switch-up from romance to investigative journalism/mystery was an interesting experiment, but one that I wasn’t sure was altogether necessary.
The switch-up from romance to investigative journalism/mystery was an interesting experiment, but one that I wasn’t sure was altogether necessary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book starts off slow; now, I didn't mind it. Some may not like it; readers need to know going into it that it does take a while to get started. I won't give spoilers, but I will say the chemistry between the characters and the growth that happens was wonderful to read. There was trust built between them and healing within the characters, and I love seeing that and reading that specific trope or plot point in books. I personally need books where the characters grow and heal and question things and see that things or their mental states need to change for the betterment of their lives. This is a WONDERFUL beach read. I plan on diving back in again because I enjoyed this book so much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At first I wasn’t quite sure where this was heading it does start off quite slow but I believe that it was meant to be that way because once everything started coming together, I found myself completely invested in the characters
I loved Alisha’s compassion, what she stood for in her career, and her relationship with her family
Helios took me a little while to figure out, but watching both him and Alisha grow through their grief became one of my favourite aspects of the book
There were a few surprises along the way, and by the end I closed the book with a smile 😌
A thoughtful story where grief, family and self-discovery sit alongside a developing romance 🇬🇷🤍
I loved Alisha’s compassion, what she stood for in her career, and her relationship with her family
Helios took me a little while to figure out, but watching both him and Alisha grow through their grief became one of my favourite aspects of the book
There were a few surprises along the way, and by the end I closed the book with a smile 😌
A thoughtful story where grief, family and self-discovery sit alongside a developing romance 🇬🇷🤍
August 14, 2026
-A quick and easy listen.
Alisha, a barrister, is forced to take a sabbatical after a case disturbs her mental focus and well being. She goes to Greece and makes several friends, including her somewhat reclusive and grumpy neighbor, Helios. This story is about healing for both Alisha and Helios.
Daphne Kouma did a great job at narration. Her voice and accent were perfect. I normally listen to audiobooks at 1.5-1.75x speed. I was able to easily listen to Between Greek Balconies at 1.5x speed with no issues.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for the pleasure of listening to this story.
Alisha, a barrister, is forced to take a sabbatical after a case disturbs her mental focus and well being. She goes to Greece and makes several friends, including her somewhat reclusive and grumpy neighbor, Helios. This story is about healing for both Alisha and Helios.
Daphne Kouma did a great job at narration. Her voice and accent were perfect. I normally listen to audiobooks at 1.5-1.75x speed. I was able to easily listen to Between Greek Balconies at 1.5x speed with no issues.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for the pleasure of listening to this story.
August 16, 2026
I just had a great experience between Greek balconies :). I wanted to read this to spend some time vicariously in Greece, and this did not disappoint. Alisha takes a sabbatical to Greece after one of her law cases goes wrong, and she meets her neighbor, an attractive Greek man. Some of his details come fairly early on, and I don't want to include any spoilers, but I will say this isn't just a romance story- it's more women's fiction than romance, if I'm defining the genre. I enjoyed spending time with both of them on a Greek isle... And I loved the English accent of the narrator of the audio version.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
August 31, 2026
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
For two people, the Greek island of Nisyros is a place to heal. Both Alisha and Helios are escaping unimaginable devastation. Both feel they are to blame. But sitting in the dark on the balconies of their side-by-side homes, they are able to open up about their pain and loss. They are able to find a way to come to terms with their loss and open themselves up to hope.
This is a heart-melting story of forgiving oneself and of finding the strength to open oneself to the promise of love. Of finding the ability to make peace with the past and move forward with bold steps toward a new tomorrow.
For two people, the Greek island of Nisyros is a place to heal. Both Alisha and Helios are escaping unimaginable devastation. Both feel they are to blame. But sitting in the dark on the balconies of their side-by-side homes, they are able to open up about their pain and loss. They are able to find a way to come to terms with their loss and open themselves up to hope.
This is a heart-melting story of forgiving oneself and of finding the strength to open oneself to the promise of love. Of finding the ability to make peace with the past and move forward with bold steps toward a new tomorrow.
September 3, 2026
I was really drawn to the setting and that was also what I liked most about this book. It was a bit too slow for my personal liking and I missed the romantic spark/connection between Alisha and Helios. I think I was hoping for a very romantic story to read during my summer holiday, but it unfortunately didn't entirely live up to that expectation. The narration by Daphne Kouma also didn't help, because that was also not adding to the vibes.
I can recommend this book if you are more into slower burns and don't mind the absence of all the romance fluff.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I can recommend this book if you are more into slower burns and don't mind the absence of all the romance fluff.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was quite enjoyable. Alisha, a barrister from England who had a panic attack and meltdown after her last case was asked to take a six month sabbatical. Buying a house in a small Greek village she finds herself next door to a Greek man, Helios, whose balcony can touch hers He is not very social. only speaking in Greek (or not at all) which of course sets off her curiosity. This was a charming book that kept me reading; a book I will highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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