The Greek Guesthouse: An uplifting Greek island page-turner about love, friendship and new beginnings

by Michelle Vernal

Dropping my suitcase at my feet, I stare up at the Greek guesthouse with its faded blue shutters, clambering purple bougainvillea and wrought-iron balconies spilling pink and red geraniums. I haven’t felt truly at home anywhere since I lost my sister. But maybe Eleni’s is different. I have a feeling that anything is possible here…

Annie always has a plan, always knows where her life is headed. But this summer, heartbroken after her sister’s death, she just feels untethered and alone. An invitation to stay at her old friend Kassia’s family guesthouse on the island of Crete comes at the perfect time – an excuse to get on a plane and leave her crumbling life behind for a few weeks.

Before she even finishes unpacking, Annie is wrapped up in the noisy warmth of Kassia’s chaotic, loving family. She soon finds herself cooking with Kassia’s mother, playing with the children under the orange trees… and meeting Kassia’s handsome brother-in-law Alexandros over dinner. Romance is the last thing on her mind, but the night she spends with him, swimming by moonlight and gazing at the stars in the lavender-scented air, heals something in her that she didn’t know was broken.

This was only supposed to be a temporary stay, but the longer Annie spends on Crete, the more she feels that this magical place might hold the key to her future. And as this life-changing summer draws to a close, can she leave her old plans behind her and find the courage to let her life make a map all of its own?

Fans of Kate Frost, Jenny Colgan and My Mamma Mia Summer will love this gorgeous novel about love, friendship and fresh starts in the Greek sunshine.

What readers are saying about Michelle

‘LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… Gorgeous… I was completely swept away!!… Had me in stitches… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… I absolutely LOVED… Perfect read to lift your spirits and keep you hooked… Absolutely gorgeous.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me jumping for joy… Hilarious and had me giggling so hard… I am still laughing now while writing this… Heart-warming.’ leannebookstagram, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-warming and utterly addictive… Definitely ticked all the boxes for me!… Wonderful, cosy, magical.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Page-turner… Stunning… I adored it beyond words… Beautiful, warm, romantic… So full of heart you can almost hear it pulsing on every page.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I’ve fallen head over heels… Beautiful… Perfect!! An absolute joy to read… Heart-warming… I absolutely loved it.

Genres: Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2026

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a bestselling author who writes uplifting stories set in places readers long to visit, where ordinary women discover that home isn't just somewhere you live, it's the people who welcome you in.
Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up in New Zealand raised on her mum’s tales about Iocal families, music, and humour.
For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her on Amazon - click here:
https://geni.us/MichelleVAmazon
Or for a free O'Mara family short story visit her website at: www.michellevernalbooks.com

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read but, a little predictable. Broken relationship,girl runs away to Greece, eventually falls in love. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

this is a very sweet story about grief and re-discovering joy after loss. The characters are all likeable and several of their antics are quite funny. The themes of friendship and found family are vey strong. The setting of Crete makes a lovely backdrop for this story.

[Samantha Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC for
Review

The Greek Guesthouse is a quick, cozy read, perfect for someone who wants to read about a woman making the decision to put herself first, finding herself again after simply 'going through the motions' of the day-to-day.
As the novel opens we find Annie, who lost her sister recently, simply doing what she feels is required of her in her day-to-day. She has a job she hates with a terrible boss and her fiance' Tony (who has an overbearing and judgmental mother) keeps putting off setting a date for their wedding. Finally, Annie has decided she's had enough and what at first seems impulsive and poorly planned turns out to be the best thing she could have ever done for herself.
Annie reaches out to Kassia, a friend of Annie's sister, and the next day she's on an plane to Crete. Along the way you not only follow along with Annie's journey, but also come to understand how even life on such a beautiful island can still come with its difficulties, as Kassia's experiences as a mom to two young boys, living with her mother-in-law, and also trying to find a way becomes a second story line.
Michelle Vernal does a fantastic job at scene building. Her descriptions of Crete, the sea, the smells, the FOOD make you feel like you're there. And Kassia's family - if you love reading about found family, then you'll feel like you're sitting in the kitchen of Mama's guesthouse and enjoying the banter of the Bikakis family. I have a soft spot for older characters, so I think Mama was probably my favorite of the bunch - though I could definitely relate to the experiences of Kassia.
The Greek Guesthouse is a good medium pace, low-stakes read. It's great for anyone who wants to read something with a strong family presence, and wants to follow along as the FMC takes a hold of her life, making choices because they suit her and not because she thinks she has to, and finds closure over the death of her sister. Along the way she finds her place and a home in the beauty of Crete and perhaps has a chance at romance. Definitely a good summer read!

[Jerri Bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!

Annie feels stuck with her boring fiance and hag of a boss. Wanting to bring more to her life, she decides to book a flight to Crete to visit her sister's penpal and see if she can find herself on the other side of the world. Alongside a new best friend, two beautiful children, a bossy mother-in-law (who is one hell of a cook!), a clingy cat, her friend's husband and his Adonis of a brother - Annie starts to realise what life SHOULD be about.

As someone who has visited Crete, I loved how visually stunning this book was. I felt like I was there. The descriptions of not only the scenery but the food (wow the food!) just brought everything to life for me. Thank goodness I read this whilst I was holiday, or I would have been booking a flight myself!

Whilst the length of the book (274 pages) could be seen as a plus, and yes it was a perfect weekend read for me whilst I was away - it ended so abruptly. I genuinely believed I had at least another 50 pages to read, and it just ended! There wasn't really an end to it, and I hope this means there will be a series? (Fingers crossed eh!) But as a standalone, it just wasn't satisfying enough? I do feel it was missing something.

This does not take away from what a cosy, happy, cute read this book is thought - and it is ideal for anyone who needs a beach read!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Guesthouse is the perfect summer escape, blending the beauty of a Greek island with a heartfelt story of healing, grief, and self-discovery. While I expected a feel-good holiday read, I was genuinely surprised by the emotional depth and richness of its characters.

The story follows Annie as she escapes to Greece after the breakdown of her long-term relationship, all while carrying the devastating loss of her sister, Roz. Her journey felt incredibly authentic, and I found myself relating to many of her thoughts and emotions. By the final pages, it truly felt as though I had experienced her journey alongside her.

Carl was an instant favourite. His humour, loyalty, and golden retriever personality brought so much warmth to the story. I also loved Annie's friendship with Kassia and being welcomed into the Bikakis family home. Mama Bikasis, in particular, completely stole my heart with her stoic wisdom, and comforting presence.

Michelle Vernal has created a beautiful story that perfectly balances emotional depth with found family, friendship, and hope. I finished the book feeling like I'd been welcomed into this wonderful Greek family myself, and just like Annie, I wasn't ready to leave.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to visit Greece for as long as I can remember, so this book was an easy pick for me. And now? I want to go even more.

The setting was easily my favorite part of the book. Michelle Vernal did such a great job bringing Crete to life that I found myself wishing I could check into Eleni's guesthouse right alongside Annie. The food, the family dinners, the little moments around the island... it all made for the perfect summer escape.

I also liked that this wasn't just a romance. It's really a story about grief, healing, and figuring out what comes next after life completely changes. Annie's journey felt real, and I appreciated that her healing wasn't rushed.

The Bikakis family completely won me over. They were loud, welcoming, and full of love, and honestly they became my favorite part of the story. Mama especially was one of those characters I won't forget anytime soon.

If you're looking for a fast-paced romance, this probably isn't it. But if you love books about found family, fresh starts, beautiful settings, and characters that feel like real people, I think you'll really enjoy this one.

This was the kind of book that made me want to pack a suitcase and book a trip to Greece.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Annie Rivers has a reasonable life with her fiancé in New Zealand she knows, since the loss of her beloved sister, that she just hasn’t been truly settled. So, still grieving her loss, Annie makes the spontaneous decision to make a new start and heads for the beautiful Greek island of Crete where she starts afresh with friends who soon become as close as family. With the Bikakis family, at their beautiful guesthouse, Annie finds a new sense of purpose and a freedom she didn’t know she needed until she discovered it in the glorious beauty of the island.

This is such a beautifully put together summer story, filled with family and friends, glorious blue skies and sumptuous Greek food, it made me quite nostalgic for the sights, sounds and lavender scented aromas of a Greek island summer. I loved getting to know the Bikakis family, from the matriarchal mama, so stern but with a heart of gold, the tiny children Mateos and Nickolaos, their lovely mama Kassia and of course the deliciously handsome Alexandros, all combine to form a single summer of Greek perfection in a delightfully immersive read which made me smile from start to finish

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To open my review, I borrow the tagline of the novel: “Does this summer hold the key to her future?” . . .

THE GREEK GUESTHOUSE by Michelle Vernal tells the story of a woman who is in the midst of staring into an unknown future and in the process is wondering which direction to take. The novel whisks readers away to beautiful sunny and blue sky Greece, more specifically to the island of Crete where the main character contemplates her future and in the process finds a sense of belonging and community.

The author does a wonderful job in her attention to detail placing the reader into the Greek culture, scenery and language here and there.

Overall, THE GREEK GUESTHOUSE was just the summer read to “travel” to Europe while still experiencing the authentic country feel.

Thank you to author Michelle Vernal and publisher (Bookoutoure) via NetGalley for this opportunity to read this in advance as an eARC.

Novel is expected to be released on July 23, 2026.

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[Khione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very honoured to get an advanced readers copy of this wonderful book! I have always found Greek culture interesting so when I had an opportunity to be immersed in the Greek life and in my favourite genre ROM COM! I knew this book was made for me! I really enjoyed Annie's journey in discovering that the environment she was in was not right for her and decided to take the plunge to discover herself. This book was a nice cosy, rom com where you can feel right at home at Eleni's Guest house. I kept rooting for her and Alexandros (even if he was a little manchild in some places!) but really liked the ending we got for the characters. Carl and Kassia were the kind of friends I wanted to befriend.
Thank you for the fun read and I would recommend this for anyone who needs to take that plunge to find a new life for themselves and really enjoys summer beach reads.

[Kelly Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek Guesthouse by Michelle Vernal is a virtual trip the gorgeous country of Greece as the reader lives vicariously through main character Annie and her best friend Carl. And while the book turned out to not be what I expected based on the description that I read, it was still a heartwarming tale of a woman healing after a number of setbacks, the effect that she has on those around her, and a detailed setting the puts you right there with her.
What did I expect? I thought this would be more of a rom-com, rather than an almost coming of age story of personal discovery along the lines of Eat, Pray, Love. Still, the book is well-written, the characters relatable, and the ending satisfying.
Thank you for the ARC of #TheGreekGuesthouse to #NetGalley. This book would make the perfect beach read this summer!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having visited Greece myself, I really connected with this story. The descriptions of Crete the sea, the food, the warmth of the people brought back so many memories for me. Michelle Vernal captured that atmosphere beautifully.

Annie’s journey was heartfelt. Still grieving her sister and stuck in a life that didn’t feel like her own, she takes a leap and heads to Crete. I admired her courage to start fresh, and I loved how she found comfort and belonging with Kassia and the Bikakis family. Mama Bikakis was such a standout character, stern but full of love, and her cooking practically leapt off the page.

The guesthouse setting gave the book a cozy, found‑family feel. The children added sweetness, the friendships brought humor, and the possibility of romance gave Annie’s story hope. I especially enjoyed how the book balanced grief and healing with lighter, joyful moments.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie, heartbroken over losing her sister, finds herself feeling utterly alone. When her friend Kassia invites her to Crete to stay in her family’s guesthouse, Annie eagerly accepts, knowing this is precisely the escape she needs.

“The Greek Guesthouse,” a heartwarming tale by Michelle Vernal, transports readers to a Greek island paradise. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story of Greek island escapism. Annie, a remarkable character, has overcome the unimaginable grief of losing her sister and emerges stronger.

This story is a beacon of hope, friendship, and new beginnings. Annie’s unwavering determination and readiness to embrace a new adventure make her an inspiring protagonist. I highly recommend this fabulous read.

Grab your copy today!!

[Jeanne Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of friendship, family, love, loss, and new beginnings. After breaking up with her fiancé and leaving her job, the main character Annie suddenly decides to leave her home in New Zealand to visit her sister’s pen pal in Greece where she hopes to find a new future. In the process of finally mourning her sister, she finds a sense of belonging and community. Her courage and sense of adventure make you cheer for Annie. The other characters were relatable. I loved her best friend who dropped everything and joined her on her journey of self-discovery. I read this book in one sitting because I wanted to find out what happened next. The gorgeous Greek scenery makes me want to book a trip to Crete.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this book because it was set in Greece. Greece is my number one bucket list vacation destination. My grandmother’s family is from Crete and I wanted to see how Michelle would describe the island. I would have liked more descriptions of the area and more exploring of the island but reading this one still made me want to go there even more. I loved the discussions about the Greek food and Annie learning to make things.

Annie uproots her life and heads to Greece to visit her sister’s pen pal for an undetermined amount of time. Kassia’s family folds her right into their lives. It’s a family she never expected and they easily become very important to her. I love all the members of Kassia’s family and how much they all care about Annie in their own way.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Get ready to be transported to Greece…..
I want to stay in Kassia’s guest house next!
Annie is devastated- her sister passed away, but she has been communicating with her pen pal, Kassia. Annie decides to take a leap of faith and visit Kassia in Greece.
This is an amazing book about a woman’s healing journey and a discovery of herself. Very nicely executed story.
Now I want to go there!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#TheGreekGuesthouse #MichelleVernal #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really lovely, easy read romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not familiar with Greece at all, but could imagine myself there enjoying the sunshine, the food, the drink and the people.

I thought from the blurb that this would be a romance, but it wasn't and I loved that about it. So often these books end with a "happy ever after" and that's just not realistic most of the time. Whilst there was a hint of romance, I liked that this was more about a woman finding herself, and getting what she wants. You'll know what I mean if you read it!

I've read a few of Vernal's books in the past, and would recommend any of them. This one would be the perfect summer beach read.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t blame Alice because I’d runoff to Greece too.
Alice isn’t living she’s just going through the motions. Plagued by her sister’s demise, it overshadows her life.
Finally she gets her fire back and jets off the Greece to stay with pen pal Kassia’s family.
The landscape is dreamy but there are problems swirling for her Greek family.
I was happy the way things turned out for everyone and I will continue to dream of one day visiting Greece myself.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the early copy.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

This is a heartwarming story about a woman who loses various relationships, but ultimately finds herself through a new friendship. While it touches on grief, it is still a great relaxing journey to read by the pool. (But I wish I could read it in Greece!)

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I know she’s written numerous other books. I hope to get to read more from her in the future.

[Lethina Mirkovic · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me. The story had some enjoyable moments, but overall it felt a bit scattered and struggled to come together in a satisfying way.

The highlight was definitely the setting. The descriptions of the Greek island of Crete were beautiful and transported me there, making me wish I could book a trip immediately.

Not a bad read, but ultimately one that didn’t fully work for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m naturally drawn to any book with Greece or Greek in the title as it’s one of my favourite places travel. However I was unaware that this novel is set on my favourite island of Crete, and knowing some of these places added to the charm. It’s beautifully written with relatable characters and is a tale of family, friendships and new beginnings. Add in the beautiful Cretan backdrop and you have the perfect summer novel. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a story of found family, discovering oneself and immersion in a wonderful setting, this was an enjoyable tale. However it is not a romance and a potential romantic hero doesn’t really appear until pretty much the last page. Not what I was expecting.

The sex scene with her friend’s brother in law was surprising, strange and somewhat peremptory. It lacked charm and any emotion. Disappointing.

[histeriker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great holiday read and I was reminded of my holiday on Crete. It described the atmosphere of the island nicely and I liked the main characters. The family situation was completely understandable and the characters were described well and they had some depth. That was what I quite liked that the story was easygoing but not simple in a black and white way.
I can recommend this book.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie's life is stagnating. Her sister died a year ago, her parents have since separated, her relationship is going nowhere and she hates her job and her boss. After an embarrassing encounter with her future mother in law, she decides to end her engagement, resign from her job and head to Crete to visit her pen friend Kassia.

[Amanda Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so wholesome and loving! Being a huge fan of mamma mia and seeing the scenery from there always made me love Greece and i always hoped i would find a found family like Annie does in this book.

[Elaine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was the perfect beach read but also with depth.
I liked following Annie on her journey. It made me laugh and it made me cry, it was full of emotion.
I read it in almost one sitting and I liked all of the characters.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lovisa Henningsson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lite mysig, fick in rätt känsla för Grekland och väldigt lätt att läsa. Dock saknade jag mer djup och större händelser/problem. Den dramaturgiska kurvan hade behövts!

[Bethany Harcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished The Greek Guesthouse, I felt like I had just said goodbye to holiday friends before getting on the coach back to the airport to return home. We all know that feeling.

This is the perfect beach read. It's the ultimate feel-good escape, packed with Grecian sunshine, friendship and the kind of setting that makes you want to book a flight to Greece immediately. I loved Annie, Carl and the Bikakis family, and spending time in Crete with them at Eleni's guesthouse (albeit in my imagination).

If you're looking for an escapist holiday read filled with charm, beautiful scenery and characters you'll enjoy rooting for, The Greek Guest House is well worth picking up.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of The Greek Guesthouse in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy to read, uplifting book and it would make a fantastic holiday read.
The author captured the greek islands so vividly, the scenery and food descriptions transported you to Greece.
I have been to Crete and Spinalonga and thought the author did a fantastic job of setting the scene and I completely agreed with the emotions conveyed by Spinalonga.
I loved the relationship with the best friend - they had such a lovely friendship and I thought the penpal backstory with the sister was really interesting.
The ending was a little predictable but it is such a feel good book that I can forgive that. A good 4* not quite a 5.