The Olive Garden Choir

by Leah Fleming

An evocative novel of secrets, love and redemption under the Greek sun. Perfect for fans of Kate Furnivall and Julia Gregson. On the beautiful island of Santaniki , close to Crete, it's not all white sands and sunshine. When retired bookseller Ariadne Blunt suggests the English residents form a choir, there are groans of resistance. After a little persuasion, the group gather in Ariadne's olive garden to rehearse, but each member of this choir has their own anxieties and secrets. Ariadne's partner, Hebe , is in failing health. Clive struggles to accept the loss of his wife while Della , the Pilates teacher, drinks too much and Chloe , Queen Bee of the village society, faces a family dilemma. Then there is Mel, the real songbird amongst them , English wife of a taverna owner who hides her talent until the choir inspires her to raise her voice once more. In this tiny community, the choir brings the residents together like never before in a bittersweet tale of love and loss – and how life can begin again when you let go of the past .

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary, Audiobook, Book Club, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2019

About the author

Leah Fleming was born in Lancashire and is married with three sons and a daughter. She writes from an old farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales and an olive grove in Crete.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com.a...

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Olive Garden Choir’s large cast of characters concentrates mainly on the expat community, with the local people playing more of a background role - the exception being Mel’s fearsome Greek mother-in-law, Irini, although even perhaps she can mellow in the right circumstances? However, there is plenty of local colour injected by the descriptions of authentic Greek food and island traditions. There is also the lovely addition of recipes for some of the traditional dishes mentioned.

The reaction to the arrival of a family of refugees, including pregnant Sammia, fleeing the conflict in Syria and is mixed, ranging from downright hostile (at least initially) to neutral, to welcoming. Ironically, the expats don’t see themselves as migrants, although of course they are incomers to the island as well.

Ariadne’s belief in the healing power of music is proved correct as the formation of the choir and the coming together of its members provides opportunities for social interaction, breaking down barriers as well as reigniting old passions for music and revealing hidden talents.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a large cast of characters but aside from Ariadne and Hebe (who have to feature because of their love of books), my favourite character was definitely Clive. I loved his touching devotion to his deceased wife, Lucy, and his continued reliance on her imagined advice. I’m sure he’s right in believing that Lucy would have wanted him to move on and take advantage of a second chance of love and companionship.

In fact, second chances and the possibility of new beginnings feature prominently in the book which is one of the things that makes it such a heart-warming and uplifting read. But the cycle of life includes endings as well as beginnings so be prepared to have your emotions wrung at some points.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip to the Greek islands or, like me, dreaming of returning one day, The Olive Garden Choir is the ideal book to conjure up the unique atmosphere of that lovely part of the world. It might just also restore your faith in human nature and in the power of communities to come together for the good of others.

[Karen Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a 3.5. Rather a lot of characters to get your head around.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

he Olive Garden Choir is a departure in terms of genre for Leah Fleming. Normally she writes historical fiction but this time she has turned her attentions to a more modern day story set on the small island of Santaniki. Crete would be the nearest large island but for the ex-pat residents who have settled here, Santaniki is their little haven and each character we meet is there for very different reasons.

This book is very character driven and honestly there are a lot of characters to get to know. From the get go I felt there was far too many and I did lose track of who was who and what their storyline was. I did feel the community spirit, unity and close bonds the author was trying to achieve but this feeling could have been increased ten fold with a few less characters. Some of them could have been saved for a future book set on the island which in the ends notes the author says she has ideas for swimming about in her mind. Concentrating on a select few, really getting to know them, their motivations, their opinions and what makes them who they are would have been better. Instead I felt I was introduced to a wide range of characters and that I just scratched beneath the persona of their personalities.

Moving away from these issues I had and on reflection asking myself was The Olive Garden Choir a good read overall? Well yes it was but I still feel several days after fishing reading it that although it was good it could have been outstanding with some tweaks. More character development based on a smaller number of people combined with lengthier chapters would have helped hugely. The chapters were so brief and never settled on any one character for any significant period of time instead they flitted between far too many people and this unsettled me as I couldn't get to grips with any one person. Taking a further step back from all of this I do think the author raised a lot of topical issues and how they could be dealt with and viewed especially on such a small island. Gossip was rife but the choir that Ariadne Blunt puts together in time for the festive season allowed for exploration of sensitive issues and in turn these were explored and dealt with with such tact and an understated appreciation for what the group was trying to achieve.

Through helping others the characters in turn were able to help themselves. The topical issues in question were never thrown in the reader's face instead they were slowly and subtly weaved into the overall storyline. I never at any point felt opinions or a certain stance were being rammed down my throat. Instead a balanced side to all stories was presented and the reader was able to observe as things unfolded and then in turn decide who they sided with. Living on such a small island people were in each other's pockets and narrow mindedness could also rear its ugly head if afforded the opportunity. I understood why people felt frightened to share their fears and worries but I hoped as I read through the story that the bonds of friendship, tolerance, acceptance,understanding and forgiveness would be qualities that began to shine through.

The island was brilliantly described and as it was so small it was the ideal setting to allow things develop in such a way that people couldn't fail but become involved in the choir which became so much more than just about singing. The descriptions of the island were stunning and by the time I finished reading I did think to myself, god there really is something to be said for just leaving everything behind and starting afresh perhaps later on in life when you could retire to warmer climes and just enjoy and embrace a more relaxed steady pace of life. The island itself is a character offering safety and shelter from storms during the winter months but it can also show its harsh and unexpected side. After the summer season when the tourists have all left and the days are not as sweltering and intense, the islanders and ex-pats reclaim the island for themselves. But it is during the quiet season that Ariadne realises the people need something to unite them. To help each individual open up and blossom, to share their load and to come together as a strong unit which can help others in times of need and bring a smile to a face in the times of utmost despair.

As there are too many characters to go into too much detail, I will just mention a few and the situation they find themselves in when we first arrive on the island. Ariadne was the glue that held the unusual bunch together but she has her own worries as her housemate Hebe has started to act oddly and has been caught doing strange and unusual things. They have shared a bond for many years and are happy and contented yet Ariadne feels things are about to alter and she is powerless to stop the rapid onslaught of fate. Will the choir and getting involved with helping others take her mind of things or will everything prove too much and cracks start to appear too far apart ever to be brought together again? Chloe is married to Simon. They lead a safe and comfortable life and are well off but Chloe worries for her daughter Alexa from a previous marriage. Alexa lives in London but has become distant and the lack of communication is starting to really bother Chloe. Just what is going on? How can she reconnect with a daughter who seems to just want to pull further and further away? Will it be too late?

Mel, originally from England but now married to a local named Spiro, is doing her best to raise her two young boys and help run the family taverna. But mother-in-law Irini has a sharp tongue and is not afraid to use it. Mel never hears a good word said and it is like she is looked upon with disdain as the taverna struggles along through harsh economic times Mel does her best. But will her best ever be good enough? I loved Mel she was my favourite character and I could see she had so much room to grow and mature and to grow in confidence and self belief but whether this would be allowed to happen remained to be seen. Sammia is a refugee from Syria expecting her first baby, she arrived on the island with her husband and her brother and sister in law and young nephew. In Syria they had good jobs but now they have been reduced to nothing. How can they solider on amidst such hardship and the traumas they have witnessed? Will the island opens its arms or shut its doors especially at a time when Sammia needs help the most?

Clive wanders the island with his faithful dog by his side. He is very lonely since his wife Lucy died two years ago. He can see no way of moving on, of reaching that point of acceptance. Is it possible to move forward when you have lost the one you loved the most and who was by your side through thick and thin? Colonel Arthur Templeton Brown is in his 90's but the choir brings back many memories for him of his war years and in his old age the company of others is always very much appreciated. Della, the local pilates instructor, is no saint and has many weakness and harbours a secret, although I think the majority of the residents knew what was wrong with her. Maybe not the exact reason why but they knew what she was doing. Della came across as a dark person filled with anguish and disgust for herself but she didn't really know how to claw her way back to the light.

Natalie has been on the island for two years and is the local caterer and baker although for herself she only eats the bare necessities to get by. She is haunted by past experiences and feels everything will catch up with her. Really I wanted her to open up to confess everything and a load would be shed and she could open herself up to someone special. But was she too far gone in the doldrums for this to occur? Finally we have Kelly and Gary who live in a huge contemporary house and have everything they could possibly want. Or do they? What is Kelly's problem that she comes across so haughty and as if she is above everyone else? What exactly is Gary hiding that is eating him up inside and will he ever feel able to make his confession?

Even after naming all the characters and giving the briefest of overviews above I can see how it backs up my point in the beginning that really and truly there are just too many and that there was no way I could keep track of them all and stay focused on the various story lines. I appreciate what the author had wanted to achieve with this book but it didn't all come to fruition for the reasons I have explained. The ending didn't leave me as fully satisfied as I would have liked. Things seemed rushed and then there were plenty of cliffhangers and questions remaining unresolved and unanswered which was then confirmed when I read the end notes. There definitely needs to be a return to Santaniki because I do want to know what happens next because when I take stock of each individual storyline I did enjoy them but bringing everything together there was just too wide of a scope and not enough attention and development could be given to those that needed it the most.

The Olive Garden Choir is an enjoyable read with charming elements but there is potential for an awful lot more if some refinements were made. You will fly through the short chapters but I was left with a feeling of wanting more because there wasn't enough within the pages of the book for all that needed to occur.

[Tracey Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very happy and easy holiday read. Would recommend over the festive period.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting for this story is sublime and beautifully described, making it the perfect holiday read. The themes are popular at the moment, a group of people drawn together by necessity, in this case, they are Ex-Pats on a small Greek Island, who need a distraction and are intrigued by the creation of an island choir.

There are lots of characters, and through short chapters, the reader shares their stories, finding out why they are on the island, what motivates them, their emotional state, and what they are hiding from the others. I like following the fortunes of many characters, but for some readers, this can be off-putting.

This is an emotional story and you empathise with the characters, not all are likeable, but their flaws make them realistic and relatable. The choir is a good medium for bringing the community together, and whilst not a new theme, it is used to good effect in this book.

The book also explores contemporary issues, focusing on the humanity angle and shows how small communities react.

A nice mix of characters and a well-told story, in a vividly described setting, something for those who read to escape.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely relaxing book to read...thanks, Leah!

[Bookish Bluestocking · Rating 2 out of 5]

Er , nope! Just disappointing, smug and so terribly supercilious! I have read other books by Leah Fleming and have enjoyed them tremendously,especially The War Widows. Being Greek, I thought the book would hold double the charm of her other books, since it takes place in a fictitious small island off the coast of Crete. But I was wrong.
The book presents a group of English expats living in Greece at a time of us being bankrupt and fighting to stay in the EU. They are all hiding bigger or smaller problems but they are the true "engine" of the place. How complacent that is! The Brits have all the goodness, the ideas, the grandeur of thought and action besides the racist, surly and islamophobic Greeks. Brits are shakers and movers whereas the Greeks are like the conquered people of the British empire, useful hands but not much else.
Also, the Brits hang together and do not mingle with the mongrel Greeks (apart from necessary visits to the doctor who is acceptable as he has studied in the US) and the British Mel will put in their place the dissenting Greek neighbours of the newly established Muslim families, as Brits know best even when they are living in foreign countries. Also, the only Greek who is portrayed in the book I more detail is Yayia irini who is a difficult, prejudiced and obnoxious old woman who treats the saintly Mel badly. Really?
And who has heard of Anglican churches in small islands?
I have read other writers who put their action in Greece from Victoria Hislop to Maeve Binchy but have never detected such "holier than thou" attitude. Nope and nope!

[Elizabeth Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I was going to love this book. It was set on a Greek island and the story was about bringing the community together with a choir.
Whilst I enjoyed the story, there were too many characters. A chapter on each person or couple would have allowed the reader to get to know their back story and feel more invested. Instead I found the chapters too short and difficult to keep track of who was who.
This book had all the right ingredients to be a great read, so I was a little disappointed that it turned out to be just an ok read.

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn't feel like this book had been checked by the editors, lots of mistakes, someone had a wife and a husband on one page but just a husband for the rest of the book. Someone left the room and then five lines later left the room again and spelling mistakes. Was an ok story, made me miss Greece.

[Roz Radmore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly boring . Couldn't finish it !

[Ruth Ropper · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read with a range of interesting characters and situations. I think it tries to develop too many characters and round off too many stories in one book.

[Giorgia-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the heart warming tale of English residents living in the town of Ayios Nikolaos, on Santaniki Island, who come together with Ariadne’s leadership to form a choir. The story is told in chapters which relate to each person’s perspective and background. Sprinkled with recipes of the food made by Natalie and Irini throughout, so you can enjoy the gorgeous sounding dishes as they pop up in the story.
Mel Duckworth-Papadaki turned into my favourite character pretty much straight away. Probably because she spends most of her time fielding her mother-in-laws unpopular opinions, while looking after her children and working at their family run taverna. She turns out to be a natural at singing, but you can feel her angst as she struggles with her self-confidence. Whilst most of the protagonists are English, Mel’s MIL Irini and husband Spiro are Greek, so you get a feel for the native traditions interspersed with the new ones Ariadne is trying to create. After overcoming various hurdles and misunderstandings, the group find themselves in a headlong rush to get ready for a public performance they only dreamed of initially. I was certainly immersed in the mixed feelings of love, loss and looking to the future, as the story starts to build up towards Christmas time and old niggles get the characters down.
TOGC has certain themes and character views which some readers may find difficult, but I found it refreshing for a domestic fiction novel to include the bigger issues. Throughout the journey the new choir takes them on, some of the stereotypical views were overcome, which helped remove my dislike of the bad attitudes glimpsed earlier on. The feeling of community that builds to the later end of the novel will restore your faith in humanity and makes you feel like you would love to live on the island. Unfortunately, Santaniki isn’t somewhere you can add to your bucket list but Fleming’s descriptive writing brings the island, and it’s spirit, to life for you. A genuine feel good read which left me routing for the fate of the choir’s final performance.

[Tracy Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book given to me by a friend to read, & it was the 1st book I've read by Leah Fleming.

I have to say that it took me quite a while to even think that I was enjoying reading it! Within the 1st few pages/Chapters, I just kept thinking that I wasn't liking the story but I told myself to keep going and finish it!

It did get better the more I read, but getting to know & even like the characters was so time consuming; you had to keep reminding yourself who was who and who did what and when - we knew the later by the separate Chapters dedicated to each character's back story.

I can say the only characters I really warmed to were Arthur and Clive - I certainly didn't warm to the main character Ariadne.

I also couldn't warm to the actual storyline and the reasoning behind it; a lot of the story and happenings were very much "issue led" and took away any enjoyment.

I did enjoy the short Chapters however, but I just couldn't warm to the book and was glad to get to the end, finish it and hand back to my friend.

A decent read to pass the time, but not one I will be reading again.

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author for me this year ( #13 of 23 for 23 ) and one which I enjoyed.

A group of ex-pats have come to the pretty Greek island of Santaniki, for various different reasons, whether it be sadness, failure, or simply just to start afresh somewhere new.

But every single one of them, has fallen in love with the tiny island.

When retired bookseller Ariadne Blunt suggests that the English residents from a choir, she neither expected, nor was prepared for the drama that her idea would release.

But amidst the secrets, prejudices, and old rivalries, new friendships are formed, romances are rekindled, and in one case a new relationship begins.

But as the choir find their voices, they let go of the past, proving that life, no matter what stage you are at, can begin again.

It's fair to say there are quite a number of characters in what is quite a short book, but they do gel together rather well, they are a good mix of young, not so young and different nationalities.

A most enjoyable read.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a super read encompassing a whole community - look no further!

Ariadne and her partner Hebe have settled on the island of Santaniki, close to Crete, where there are plenty of other ex-pats to socialise with. Ariadne comes up with the idea of getting everyone singing together with a community choir, and as it's heading towards the festive season, perhaps a Carol Concert for Christmas. As we get to know the inhabitants, there is plenty to find out about them all. Secrets and lies come tumbling out as well as events which change their focus.

This is a lively read; with a good spread of ages and nationalities, it is a lovely warm read and one which I took to my heart. There is lots going on to keep the reader's attention; the characters are many, varied and so true to life! Both well plotted and extremely well written, this is my first Leah Fleming novel and I really hope it won't be my last. A real treat to read, and well worth a full five stars.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, warming, feel-good book, that's full of characters you can relate too. There are quite a few 'main' characters - I counted 15 in total! Fleming's has a way of rounding out all the characters, so that you get to know each one as an individual. I felt like a new member of the community, rather than someone looking in from the outside.

Don't pass this book off as just 'fluff'. It deals with strong themes, which is refreshing for a romance novel. Throughout the journey the new choir takes them on.

"'A writer never dies,' she would say. 'It's a lifetime occupation. Like old soldiers, we simply fade away.'"

The feeling of community builds as the novel progresses and will restore your faith in humanity. You'll be searching for Santaniki, but unable to find it on a map. Fleming's descriptive writing bring the Greek islands into your hands and your heart.

A genuine feel good read which left me routing for the choir’s final performance.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely pre Christmas story of a group of islanders on the Greek island of Santaniki off the coast of Crete. They are mainly British and they get together to form a choir at the request of Ariadne, a retired English lady who used to run a bookshop. Some people are welcoming the idea of the Choir and others are totally against it. As it gets near to the festive season things don't always go to plan and will their choir be one to fall by the wayside.
A tale of friendships and secrets, between husband and wife, between friends and between neighbours but will the choir in this idyllic setting bring people together or will it force them further apart. Even in this idyllic setting there are prejudices that will come between friends and neighbours. In the festive season surely everyone will pull together.
A lovely story, just right for pre Christmas reading and a 5☆ read.

[Jannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seemed like a quick short read to me ; on the lighter side to what I normally read.

The chapters basically dealt with a character or family unit. At first I found it a little hard to keep track of who was who, but as you learned a little more about each character in subsequent chapters this was no longer an issue.

Story is not bogged down with the character's problems, but is rather a summary of their pasts and what is affecting them at this time. The choir gives the opportunity for each member to gain something different from it, but as a group allows them to get on with their lives.

Set in Greece, in a comtemporary setting which is not my normal genre, but I found the book most enjoyable.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A story of friendship, family, new beginnings, second chances, love and community spirit. Well written with a large cast of characters which I liked getting to know as friendships were formed within the choir. I particularly liked the setting of this book, the descriptions were vivid and I could imagine being on the small island of Santaniki.

I can recommend this heart-warming and uplifting read. Perfect for a summer's day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bec Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This imaginary little Greek island and its occupants were a delight to visit, this seemingly light hearted book, that covered some fairly heavy topics in a way that felt like talking to a loved one. There were both trials and tribulations that left you wanting more so I hope author Leah Fleming does indeed come back here. I found this book to be a wonderful Christmas cozy book with all the right elements. Amazing characters and over all a great read. Whilst it took me my usually stupid amount of time to get through this book it was easy and quite a quick read.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having already enjoyed The Wedding in the the Olive Garden I was looking forward to more tales from Leah Fleming about the fictional Santaniki. The Olive Garden Choir precedes it and it does explain some of the back stories from the later book, but on the whole I was disappointed with this one. I felt some of the characters were not fleshed out enough and the story overall was a bit weak. However having discovered this author I shall be looking out for more of her books.

[Lamea Zannat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid Piece of art. Got into it so much that I am now marinading the thought of moving to Crete if not fictional Santaniki. Lovely story, noble message and amazing flow of story. This book was a blind date from local library, but opened up writers block. Refreshing, smooth and cosy- lovedd the slow pace tranquil novel. Thanks Leah🫶

[MRS A HARDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book

A lovely book even if a little too good to be true ending for everyone.
A little disappointed at the comment in the middle of the book which I think was directed at JW's when throughout the book the author was clearly open to everyone's beliefs

[Rhian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Mrs Maura Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable escapism

[MsSwisis · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘It was not as if she was an alcoholic or anything, but the comfort in a glass was the answer to everything just at this moment.’

[Susan Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable engrossing read.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books that surprises you 📚

[Jill Shortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ver feel good book

[Beth Cooksey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read.