Grecki sekret

by Francesca Catlow, Małgorzata Fabianowska (Translator)

Czy można zacząć od nowa, jeśli przeszłość wciąż trzyma cię za serce?

Turkusowe morze, rozgrzane słońcem plaże, zapach oliwek i gwar rodzinnej tawerny. Grecki sekret to poruszająca, klimatyczna opowieść o miłości, tajemnicach i odwadze, by zawalczyć o siebie. Francesca Catlow, finalistka konkursu literackiego Kindle Storyteller Award, zabiera czytelników na słoneczne Korfu i snuje historię pełną emocji, rodzinnych napięć oraz uczuć, które rodzą się wtedy, gdy najbardziej potrzebujemy nadziei.

Po bolesnych przeżyciach Ruby wyjeżdża z Anglii na Korfu, aby pomóc ciotce w prowadzeniu rodzinnej tawerny Grecki Sekret i odnaleźć spokój. Wśród zapachów greckiej kuchni, szumu morza i rozgrzanego słońcem powietrza Ruby zaczyna odzyskiwać nadzieję, a kiedy na jej drodze staje Yianni, musi zmierzyć się z przeszłością, własnymi lękami i pytaniem, czy jest gotowa znowu komuś zaufać.

Grecki sekret to pełna emocji powieść obyczajowo-romantyczna o nowym początku, sile marzeń i miłości, która potrafi uleczyć najgłębsze rany. Przenosi czytelnika prosto do serca greckiego lata, gdzie słońce, zapach morza i ciepło chwil nadają życiu nowy sens.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Summer Reads, Fiction, Greece, Summer, Contemporary Romance

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2025

About the author

Francesca 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

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TikTok: @francescacatlow

For trigger warnings visit: francescacatlow.co.uk/trigger-warnings/

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review viathe author.

Greek Secret is just the most perfect summer read (especially if you're a fan of Greece or want to vacation there). Ruby is down in her luck. After losing her job and worrying what to do, her aunt who's visiting the UK on holiday from Corfu offers her the chance of a lifetime - working at her restaurant and bar in Corfu for six months. Ruby is reluctant at first as she doesn't want others pity, but after being persuaded by her friend, Ruby packs her bags and flies over there. I loved the vulnerability and tension in this book between Ruby and Yianni and was routing for them from the start. There's some funny moments and rather sad ones as this story unfolds, and I really connected to Ruby and could relate to her former relationship with her controlling ex as this is something I've been through myself. We also get to briefly meet some characters from Francescas' first series, The Little Blue Door, which I absolutely loved. I honestly can't wait to see where Francesca takes us next!

[⋆˚ Pamela ♓︎˚⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, Francesca Catlow and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3,5⭐ - sun, romance on a Greek island? Yes, please!

This book follows Ruby, hoping to get a fresh start after a traumatic experience with her ex, she travels to Corfu to work in her aunt Hazel's taverna. Upon arriving she meets Yianni, will he make Ruby forget about her past?

This was such an easy and fun read, with at times some heavy/sad topics. I loved following along Ruby's journey and the relationship she makes on the sunny Greek island.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, challenging time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Finding Ruby*

This was a lovely, easy read. It started slowly, but I found it easy to understand and differentiate each character.

Ruby is in need of a fresh start, trying to move on from a toxic relationship. We don’t know the full details of her past relationship, but it’s revealed in chapters of “Now and Then.”

Ruby has always dreamed of running her own restaurant. Her Aunt Hazel suggests she travels to Corfu to work in whatever capacity she needs for six months. Ruby jumps at the chance.

She wants to forget about her past life and hopefully grow and find herself again. For now, she wants nothing to do with men, especially since she’s not ready. But will she be able to ignore her attraction to Yianni, her aunt’s stepson?

Ruby has some experience in the restaurant trade, but she needs to see it up close and personal. This is the perfect opportunity for her.

Ruby has made it her mission to keep everything that has happened in her past a closely guarded secret. She’s used to putting on a mask and painting a picture of all being well. Sadly, things have a way of catching up, and she finds herself forced to face her demons. All the time she’s bottling it up, she’s holding herself back.

With her growing feelings for Yianni, Ruby wants to find herself first and let go in order to move forward. But what will she do?

This story is mainly set against the beautiful backdrop of Corfu.

[Ewa Pijar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Fajny, wakacyjny klimat, tylko tego oczekiwałam i to dostałam 🤭
Teraz mam ochotę na wakacje nad morzem...

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very well written book and I enjoyed a lot of it.

But, I am not keen on reading about coercive controlling partners. In fact I hate stories which include this theme.

I could have borne it if Ruby’s back story was referred to and related to another character such as Yanni. But the dual timeline taking us back to Ruby’s time with Jonathan was simply excruciating and I found myself skimming.

I found it difficult to understand Ruby - both in terms of the way she tolerated Jonathan before he died and then how she allowed the memory of him to affect her so many years later.

As for the misunderstanding - Yanni had already told her he had a friend called Yanni and there had been nothing to suggest her Yanni had a girlfriend or was in a relationship. I understand her willingness to believe he was the father was predicated on her general suspicion of men after Jonathan - but I couldn’t help shake my head in disbelief. And so they were separated for 7 months. Seven months when she thought he was a deceitful shit but she said nothing, did nothing to find out what the real story was. I found this unbelievably awful and so frustrating. She was an absolute idiot. I almost wished Yanni had found someone else. In fact, I did hope he had. I hate black moments that are caused by misunderstandings. So weak and so manipulative.

As I said, it’s a very well written book and the author does a great job. I simply didn’t like the abuse storyline. It won’t stop me trying one of her books again.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved the previous authors books. I love the setting of Corfu, I have never been there but reading these books makes me want to visit!

Greek Secret is a standalone book but it does feature some of the characters from the Little Blue Door series. If you haven’t read that series I highly recommend it.

I really liked Ruby and it was interesting to gradually learn more about her with the ‘then’ chapters mixed in with present chapters. It was great to see a mention of Gaia and her family in the book.

This book is a perfect read for summer. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Francesca.

Thank you for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting my return to Cofu and this was well worth the wait. The authors writing style enable you to visualise the settings (especially if you have read the Little Blue Door series)

I loved the introduction of new characters, while giving us a glimpse of previous characters.

Ruby is one of my favourite characters, through the dual timeline I really felt I got to know her and how past events have shaped her. I did laugh at her misunderstanding and was so glad this was rectified.

The perfect summer read, everybody needs Francesca’s Cofu in their lives.

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute tonic for the soul this escapist romance proved to be. I relished my daily escape to Corfu while perusing the pages. Ruby's life in England took a downward spiral both in work and in her relationship, so when her aunt offers her summer work at her restaurant in Corfu, she decides to accept. Immediately, we get the sense of freedom and joy through the beautiful descriptions of the good, the scenery, and Ruby's sensory enjoyment of feeling the sun on her face and the sand between her toes. Her attraction to Yianni is undeniable, which is helping her break down barriers build during a relationship that was coercively controlling. The only issue being that Yianni should be off-limits, he is her aunt's stepson; not a blood relation, but a cousin of sorts...It seemed that Ruby would never get her happy ever after. I couldn't put the book down until I reached the end and discovered her fate! A great romantic read that will transport you to a Greek paradise. #greeksecret #francescacatlow #TandemCollectiveUk #tandemreadalong #greeksecretreadalong #AD-PRPRODUCT #amazonuk

[mag•da · Rating 1 out of 5]

ehh… sam zamysł mógłby być w porządku, ale wykonanie pozostawia wiele do życzenia. ogrom nudy, powtarzalności, rozmów, które wydawały się sztuczne, a przede wszystkim miałcy bohaterowie - totalnie bez charakteru i chemii. sięgnęłam po książkę z nadzieją na wakacyjny, grecki klimat, a bardziej przypominało to tanią telenowelę. jedynym ciekawym wątkiem była… toksyczna relacja - dobrym pomysłem było współistnienie dwóch przestrzeni czasowych, szkoda tylko, że akcja tak szybko się rozwinęła (tbh po rozwiązaniu sprawy jonathana(?) książka mogłaby się zakończyć). wielka czerwona flaga za powiązania rodzinne między głównymi bohaterami. jedynym plusem był fakt, że bardzo szybko czytało się kolejne rozdziały (prawdopodobnie równie szybko o nich zapomnę).

[joanns ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Teya - theteabooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francesca Catlow definitely knows how to whisk you away to the beautiful Corfu 🌸🇬🇷.

I absolutely loved the emotional intelligence and depth Ruby has as a character, especially how career driven she is even after all the trauma and negative experiences she has had in the past; it doesn’t stop her from achieving her dreams and still be a very bubbly and happy person. She definitely does hides behind her facade and doesn’t open up easily to people - even to her family…. This is where Yianni completely changes her. Oh boy…Yianni is your typical broody male character that has a hard exterior, but he still pulls you in with his charismatic and calming personality; he makes being vulnerable and opening up easy, showing Ruby that there is strength in vulnerability. I love the contrast in personality they have.


Greek Secret is such an easy read romance book, i couldn’t put it down once I started reading ( definitely was wishing to be on a sunny beach in Corfu instead of the rainy, gloomy weather in the UK).

*Gifted book as part of an instagram readalong.

[Hazel Verrall · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow story telling of Ruby, a young woman coming to terms with a car accident that took the life of her partner and tells of her journey to accept her new life and career in the hospitality industry

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed the Little Blue Door trilogy set in Corfu by Francesca and was really excited to hear about a new book, and she kindly gifted me a copy to read and review.

This is just as good as the others. Ruby loses her job and agrees to go to Corfu to help her aunt Hazel in their restaurant for the summer. There she meets Yianni and a few sparks start. Chatting late one evening they reveal soul destroying secrets to each other and start to become close friends.

Incredibly well written and so easy to read, the pages flew by as I couldn’t put it down. The settings in the book are described beautifully and you can feel the sun on your face as you read, the gorgeous beach setting just stunning. Great characters as well, they all quickly become like family and we meet a few from the other trilogy which was lovely to meet old friends.

A brilliant summer read, but cosy at any time of year. Go read it.

[Mrs E · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very boring really

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I can always count on Francesca providing a nice escape to somewhere nice and hot 🌞 I always look forward to her books and this didn’t disappoint.

Greek Secret is part of the Little Blue Door series but this can absolutely be read as a standalone.

I love Ruby’s character and getting to know her. There is a lot of the book that is in the present time but you get some chapters that give you an insight to Ruby’s past and what she has been through. I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for what she had dealt with and had so much hope in her finding happiness.

Loved the character appearance from the other books in the series, I always love when this happens in a book even if just a brief appearance.

Really enjoyable read with an ending I was super happy about ♥️ looking forward to reading more of Francesca’s books! They’re the perfect escapism

[Jacki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and felt an obligation to review it, otherwise I would have put it down unfinished. The plot held promise, therefore the one star. However, the writing was simplistic and repetetive. I felt like I was reading the authors outline, with the story slightly flushed out. Chapters occasionally ended without connection to the next. The characters were one dimensional, the heroine, the hero, the cute best friends, the requisite side characters. I didn’t like/dislike them because I really didn’t feel I knew them.

[Emma Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 another lovely setting and interesting story.

[Goszaczyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩵 „𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕜𝕚 𝕤𝕖𝕜𝕣𝕖𝕥” 𝔽𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕒 ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕝𝕠𝕨🩵

•• Czy można zacząć od nowa, jeśli przeszłość wciąż trzyma cię za serce? ••

▪️𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗭𝗝𝗔 ▪️

W letnie dni, a szczególnie w te upalne, mam ochotę sięgnąć po coś lekkiego i niezobowiązującego. I pisząc "coś lekkiego" mam na myśli powieść, która pozwoli mi się rozmarzyć, odprężyć, może czasami trochę wzruszyć, a przede wszystkim zrelaksować. Dlatego zdecydowałam się na lekturę najnowszej powieści „Grecki sekret”. Autorka przenosi czytelnika na malownicze Korfu, gdzie wśród błękitnego morza, rodzinnej tawerny i greckiego słońca bohaterowie próbują zostawić za sobą bolesną przeszłość i odnaleźć nowy początek.

💙 Ruby przyjeżdża do Grecji, by pomóc swojej ciotce w prowadzeniu rodzinnej tawerny. Po traumatycznych doświadczeniach szuka miejsca, w którym będzie mogła odzyskać spokój i na nowo poukładać swoje życie. To właśnie tutaj poznaje Yianniego. Ich relacja nie rodzi się od razu – początkowo pełna jest dystansu i nieufności, ale z czasem przeradza się w coś znacznie głębszego. Oboje noszą w sobie własne tajemnice i przekonują się, że przed przeszłością nie zawsze da się uciec.

Patrząc na okładkę książki „Grecki sekret” czytelnik spodziewa się lekkiej, wakacyjnej opowieści o miłości. Jednak autorka, zafundowała nam pełną emocji historię o miłości, rodzinie, drugich szansach i odnajdywaniu siebie po trudnych doświadczeniach. Główna bohaterka Ruby ma za sobą toksyczny związek, który pozostawił w niej nie tylko blizny na ciele, ale przede wszystkim w jej psychice. Początkowo wszystko wyglądało jak piękna historia miłosna, jednak z czasem pojawiła się manipulacja, izolowanie od bliskich, wzbudzanie poczucia winy i kontrola. Francesca uświadamia jak trudno wyrwać się z relacji, która stopniowo odbiera poczucie własnej wartości. I cieszę się, że autorka postawiła na autentyczność i pokazała, że droga do osiągnięcia szczęścia po trudnych doświadczeń to powolna droga pełna wątpliwości, małych zwycięstw i stopniowego odzyskiwania zaufania do świata i ludzi.

Romans się pojawił w książce, był tak subtelny i delikatny, że bardzo mi się to spodobało. Autorka barwnie oddała urok greckiej wyspy. Na kartach powieści można usłyszeć szum morza, poczuć klimat rodzinnej tawerny i poznać ten spokojny rytm życia Greków, który sprawia, że podczas lektury razem z bohaterami przenosimy się na słoneczne Korfu.✨

„Grecki sekret” to przede wszystkim poruszająca opowieść o wychodzeniu z toksycznej relacji, leczeniu ran i odzyskiwaniu siebie. To historia o odwadze, drugich szansach i nadziei, która pokazuje, że nawet po najtrudniejszych doświadczeniach można na nowo nauczyć się zaufania do drugiego człowieka. Jeśli lubicie powieści pełne emocji, pięknych miejsc i bohaterów, którzy muszą zawalczyć o własne szczęście, zdecydowanie warto sięgnąć po tę książkę! 💙

[atrament_na_papierze · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Grecki sekret” Franceski Catlow to historia, która zabiera czytelnika prosto na malownicze Korfu, gdzie wśród błękitnego morza, rodzinnej tawerny i gorącego słońca bohaterowie próbują zostawić za sobą przeszłość i odnaleźć nowy początek. 💙🌊

Ruby przyjeżdża do Grecji, by pomóc swojej ciotce w prowadzeniu tawerny. Po trudnych doświadczeniach potrzebuje chwili wytchnienia i miejsca, w którym będzie mogła na nowo poukładać swoje życie. Na wyspie poznaje Yianniego, a ich znajomość stopniowo zaczyna przeradzać się w coś więcej. Jednak nie tylko Ruby skrywa tajemnice, a przeszłość potrafi upomnieć się o siebie w najmniej spodziewanym momencie.

Największym atutem tej książki jest bez wątpienia klimat. Autorka tak plastycznie opisuje Korfu, że niemal czuć zapach morskiej bryzy, smak greckich potraw i atmosferę małych nadmorskich miasteczek. Czytając tę historię, naprawdę miałam ochotę spakować walizkę i kupić bilet do Grecji. ✈️🏝️
Bardzo spodobało mi się również to, że jest to coś więcej niż zwykły romans. Oprócz rozwijającej się relacji między bohaterami znajdziemy tutaj temat rodzinnych więzi, trudnych decyzji i prób odnalezienia własnego miejsca w życiu. Wszystko zostało podane w lekkiej, przyjemnej formie, dzięki czemu książkę czyta się niezwykle szybko.

❤️ Relacja Ruby i Yianniego rozwija się spokojnie i naturalnie, bez niepotrzebnych dramatów. To właśnie ta autentyczność sprawiła, że z przyjemnością śledziłam ich losy i kibicowałam im od pierwszych stron.

„Grecki sekret” nie jest książką, która zaskakuje wielkimi zwrotami akcji. To raczej ciepła, wakacyjna opowieść o miłości, rodzinie i drugich szansach. Idealna na letnie popołudnie lub moment, gdy po prostu chce się na chwilę przenieść do słonecznej Grecji. ☀️📚

⭐️ Moja ocena: 8/10
(współpraca reklamowa: Wydawnictwo Kobiece)

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes readers on a deeply emotional and transformative journey. From the start, the story shifts between past and present, and while that was initially a bit confusing for me—especially since I listened to the audiobook rather than reading a physical copy—it didn’t take long before I was fully immersed.

What struck me most was the range of emotions I experienced. One moment I was laughing at the witty dialogue, and the next, I felt an unexpected sadness settle in. The heartbreak in the main character’s voice is palpable, even before you fully understand its source, and that emotional mystery kept me deeply invested.

The author handles difficult topics with care, including an abusive relationship and the grief of loss. These trigger warnings are worth noting, but the story never felt exploitative—instead, it focused on resilience and healing. I was especially moved by the way the main female character’s healing was portrayed. Her journey was raw and real, and it was beautiful to see her surrounded by a circle of supportive friends and, eventually, a partner who truly saw her.

I don’t always love when a couple in a romance separates in the middle of the story to “find themselves.” Sometimes it can feel like unnecessary drama or just a way to stretch the plot. But in this case, it worked. Their time apart was essential to their individual growth, and their reunion felt earned and full of depth. It reminded me that sometimes love needs space to breathe before it can come back stronger.

Overall, this book was touching, honest, and full of hope. It reminded me of the importance of community, of facing the hard things, and of allowing yourself to be loved—even when it’s scary.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow

What It’s About
Greek Secret is a contemporary romance set on the beautiful island of Corfu. The story follows a woman at a crossroads in her life who finds herself drawn into a passionate, complicated relationship—one that forces her to confront her past while discovering new possibilities for her future. With its sun-soaked setting and emotional twists, the novel promises an escape into love, secrets, and self-discovery.

What Works Well

Atmospheric Setting: Corfu comes alive in vivid detail, making it the perfect backdrop for a story about fresh starts and romance. The descriptions of beaches, olive groves, and Greek culture add warmth and charm.

Relatable Characters: The main characters feel real—flawed, vulnerable, and struggling with trust and personal baggage. Their emotional journeys make the romance more engaging than a simple love story.

Easy, Enjoyable Read: The writing flows smoothly, making it a great book for a lazy afternoon or vacation read. It balances lighthearted moments with deeper emotional beats.

What Could Be Better

Predictable at Times: If you’ve read a lot of romance, some plot points might feel familiar. The “big secret” isn’t entirely shocking, and the ending follows a well-worn path.
Slow Start: The first few chapters focus heavily on setting the scene, which might test your patience if you’re eager for the romance to take off.

Final Thoughts
Greek Secret delivers exactly what it promises—a steamy, emotional romance in a gorgeous location. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre, but it’s a well-written, satisfying story with enough depth to keep you invested. If you love travel romances with a touch of drama, this is a great pick.

Rating: 3.5/5 (A solid, enjoyable romance with a beautiful setting)

Thank You: A special thanks to the author for providing a free copy for review!

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is classed as book 4 in the Little Blue Door series by Francesca but really it’s more of a spin off as it is focused on a completely different main character. It is set in the same location so Anton and Melodie are briefly mentioned and Gaia is actually a waitress at the restaurant that Ruby goes to work at for her aunt and uncle but that’s about it really - oh, and Nico is the barman… Talking of Nico… he’s starting to grow on me a bit - any chance of him getting a spin off to Francesca?! ;)

Anyway, what I was trying to get at there was that if you’ve not read any of Francesca’s books before then you can jump straight into this one if you want as it reads perfectly as a stand alone novel - the other 3 I would read in order though.

Over the course of reading Francesca’s books I’ve learnt that love does not always run smoothly and there’s quite often a bit of drama before we get to a potential happy ending. This was definitely true with this one and Ruby’s secret! I guessed what the crux of the twist was going to be, but not the events that lead up to it and the reveal definitely surprised me! There are many a word that can be used to describe Jonathan but none that can be expressed here 🙊

Yianni on the other hand was a love interest that I could get behind, that whole enemies to lovers, forbidden love hype was strong in this but you could feel the chemistry ready to ooze out as soon as it was given the chance. I really liked watching things progress between Ruby and Yianna and also the dynamic of them and Nico working behind the bar together, the banter was strong and you could just sense that these 3 were going to be friends for a while!

I’m going to shh now before I tell you the whole story but I’d definitely recommend pouring yourself a large cocktail or cold beverage and finding a sunny spot to enjoy this read! Get ready to want to board that plane!

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sort of okay story that nosedived at the end and left me craving a good book. 2.5* rounded down because of the epilogue being held captive behind a mailing list sign-up.

This is an alternating timelines book. Definitely not a preferred style for me.

Then:
These chapters start with Ruby realising she really has to leave her controlling and useless boyfriend Jonathan. They finish with Ruby realising she really really has to leave her controlling and useless boyfriend Jonathan. Jonathan is one dimensional at best, and Ruby's spine grows way too slowly for me.

Now:
These chapters start with Ruby losing her job and going off to Corfu to work in her Aunt and Uncle's restaurant. Her Aunt's Step-son Yianni is several years younger than her and she has only met him once a long time ago. It takes a long time before they have much of any relationship but once they do they go from friends, to lovers, to soul mates in a blink of an eye. And then of course they must be separated for far too long a period because of misunderstanding, being TSTL, and an unwillingness to act like an adult and talk to the so called love of their lives.

When they finally get back together the book abruptly ends. And if you want the epilogue (ie end of the story where there might be some good feelings and an ending) you have to sign up to the mailing list. No thanks and marking this author as not for me. I don't like extortion.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first: Moira Quirk is one of my favorite narrators. She has one of those voices you want to listen to, so her narrating this book helped with the enjoyment factor.

Now the book itself: Greek Secret is the story of a woman recovering from....something....a lost job? A questionable relationship? We really don't know when we meet Ruby, landing on Corfu, in Greece to work at her family's restaurant for the summer. Very quickly, we meet the broody interest, Yianni: Ruby's new colleague.

This book is told as a dual timeline, which always peaks my interest and makes me want to continue reading to be able to put the whole story together. It definitely added to this story. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story, and how it felt like there were appropriately-timed pushes back to the past and through Ruby's memories of events. I do wish, however, some of the past was a little more fleshed out. There are some plot lines that are hinted at throughout the story that are never really tied up and explained, which was frustrating. This also focuses intensely on Ruby and her relationship with her ex with a lot of side characters that felt one-noted and there simply to advance the plot rather than to add to Ruby's story. I would have liked to get to know Ruby's family and friends more.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book that is a good, light summer read.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this entertaining new romance novel, readers follow Ruby as she returns to her family home on the beautiful island of Corfu. Ready to work at her aunt Hazel’s tavern, Ruby is definitely not interested in Yianni, her handsome colleague who has great chemistry with Ruby, because getting close to him means dealing with her past and why she left home the first time. Forced to choose between the secrets holding her back and the risks of trusting Yianni, Ruby might be able to find the happiness she wants if she makes a new life back here on Corfu. With a strong cast of characters and vibrant settings, readers will love this beauty and whimsy of this entertaining new novel. The characters are complex, detailed, and well-written with thought-out backstories, and the setting of Corfu is incredibly detailed and immersive, and both elements really pull readers into the story. The emotional throughlines and the slowly-revealed backstory really add great drama and tension to the overall storyline. With great characters, a strong relationship, and a beautiful setting, readers will love the summery and vacation aspects of this book, and the emotional storyline will draw readers into this entertaining and enjoyable new novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy.

[Mia Cobell · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
Format: Immersive 🎧📖

"Greek Secret" by Francesca Catlow was such a warm, sun‑soaked delight, and listening to the audiobook made it even better. The accents brought the characters to life in a way that felt so authentic and charming—I genuinely felt transported. And honestly, the setting in Corfu? A whole character in itself. I’m now deep into researching a trip because the author made it sound absolutely magical.

Ruby is such an easy heroine to root for. After losing her job, she jumps at the chance to work at her aunt’s restaurant in Corfu, hoping to learn the ropes so she can one day open her own place. I loved her determination and the way she throws herself into this new chapter with equal parts fear and hope. What she doesn’t expect is Yianni. He's steady and perception and somehow manages to draw out truths she’s been avoiding for far too long.

The cultural details, the food, the atmosphere, the sense of community… all of it made the story feel rich and immersive. The romance is sweet and gentle. I love how the author doesn't stunt Ruby’s personal growth or her dreams. I really admired how Ruby stayed true to what she wanted, even when life nudged her in uncomfortable directions.

This book felt like a mini‑vacation! It was a lovely escape with a heroine worth cheering for.

[Katie Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francesca Catlow whisks readers away to the sparkling shores of Corfu in *Greek Secret*, a romance that blends heartache, healing, and a touch of Mediterranean magic.

Ruby arrives in Corfu hoping for a fresh start, but between the irresistible charm of Yianni and the weight of her past, she quickly realizes that escaping isn’t the same as healing. The setting is pure wanderlust fuel—golden beaches, cozy tavernas, and the kind of summer air that makes you believe in second chances.

What I loved:
✨ The chemistry between Ruby and Yianni crackles like a seaside bonfire—slow-burning but impossible to ignore.
✨ Catlow’s writing makes Corfu feel like a character in itself, wrapping you in its warmth and beauty.
✨ The emotional depth adds layers to the romance, making it more than just a holiday fling.

Why it’s 4 stars instead of 5? The pacing occasionally meanders, and Ruby’s inner turmoil could have been explored a bit more deeply. But honestly? This book is a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon with a cup of iced coffee and dreams of Greek sunsets.

If you love romance with a side of self-discovery and a setting that feels like a vacation, *Greek Secret* is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

[Laura Hidalgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Greek Secret



Greek Secret is not your a-typical romance. It’s a story told through the lens of a woman who bears scars—some visible, most hidden—tucked away beneath the surface, much like the makeup she uses to conceal them.



In this book, love isn’t something easily trusted. Some wounds run too deep—scars that can’t be seen by the naked eye but are felt with every heartbeat.



This is a slow-burn story where romance takes a backseat to healing. Where the most unexpected person becomes the one you might trust with your whole heart... if only you weren’t too afraid to believe it’s even possible.



The narrative moves between past and present, and as you unravel what happened before, you begin to understand the choices made in the now.



Overall, I give this book a solid 4 stars because it gave me exactly what I needed: accents, emotional growth, a meaningful journey, and hard-earned healing.



The only thing I wish? That the beginning had picked up a bit faster. But once it did, I was in it—and I’m so glad I stuck around.

[Reads by Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This book is an emotionally rich summer read, perfect for anyone who loves Greece or dreams of going there. It follows Ruby, who, after losing her job and feeling lost, is offered a new beginning by her aunt in Corfu. Although hesitant at first, Ruby takes the chance and moves to work at her aunt’s bar and restaurant for six months.

The story blends humor, romance, and emotional depth—especially in Ruby’s evolving relationship with Yianni, which is filled with vulnerability and tension. Ruby’s journey of healing from a controlling ex is portrayed with authenticity, making her character deeply relatable.

Told with shifts between past and present, the narrative explores heavy themes like emotional abuse and grief with sensitivity. The emotional arc is compelling, balancing laughter with moments of deep sadness. A notable strength is the couple’s temporary separation, which felt meaningful and necessary for their personal growth. Their eventual reunion is both powerful and well-earned.

Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for the ARC!

[Duckfacekim09 (Kim Howell) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did it! I finally finished one of Francesca's full-length books 😉 And I'm really glad I did.

I loved this in places but in other places I didn't, and I think that's because I just didn't ship them as a couple (as they're already family...) I also didn't like Yianni until about halfway through. My favourite bits were actually the 'then' timeline and the flashbacks; I found that storyline really engrossing and wish we'd got to see more of it. But I also absolutely adored the setting and all the beautiful sprinkles of Corfu in the story; it's definitely at the top of my bucket list to visit next.

I really enjoyed the first 100 pages of this and then I started to feel uncomfortable about the relationship and wished there had been a different outcome for them both. The ending was a bit rushed but I actually really enjoyed the epilogue and the happy ending, surprisingly.

I guess I'll have to pick up the rest of Francesca's books off my bookshelf now!