What do you think?
Rate this book
A Wedding in the Olive Garden
Can an island in the sun provide the second chance Sara needs? A warm and uplifting novel about love, friendship and new beginnings on the beautiful Greek island of Santaniki.
Sara Loveday flees home and crisis to the beautiful island of Santaniki. Here, amid olive groves and whitewashed stone villas, where dark cypress trees step down to a cobalt blue sea, Sara vows to change her life. Spotting a gap in the local tourist market, she sets up a wedding plan business, specialising in 'second time around'couples.
For her first big wedding, she borrows the olive garden of a local artists' retreat, but almost at once things begin to go wrong. To make matters worse, a stranger from Sara's past arrives on the island, spreading vicious lies. Can her business survive? And what will happen with the gorgeous new man who she's begun to love?
This is a gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjuring the local colour, traditions and close bonds of island life.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2020
About the author
Leah Fleming
33 books205 followersLeah 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...
See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com.a...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 20, 2020
Favorite Quote:
“I thought it was the man who did the proposing, you brazen hussy,’ he laughed... ‘Then you’d better get down on your knee and ask me proper. My knees aren’t up to it. If I get down I’ll not get up again. I suppose I’ll have to fork out for a wedding ring then,’ he laughed.
My Review:
I’ve never been to Greece but I feel like I’ve just returned as Ms. Fleming’s writing was so descriptive I felt like I was inhabiting the small Greek village right along with the characters, and I enjoyed getting to know their customs and foods without ever having to set foot in the airport – oh happy day. This was an active but slowly developing plot with multiple intersecting storylines while populated with a large international cast of uniquely quirky and fractious characters. Being an animal lover I particularly appreciated the message of responsibility and rescue and rehoming of strays. I also picked up a new phrase for my Brit Words and Phrases list with spoilt for choice – which means having lots of options.
“I thought it was the man who did the proposing, you brazen hussy,’ he laughed... ‘Then you’d better get down on your knee and ask me proper. My knees aren’t up to it. If I get down I’ll not get up again. I suppose I’ll have to fork out for a wedding ring then,’ he laughed.
My Review:
I’ve never been to Greece but I feel like I’ve just returned as Ms. Fleming’s writing was so descriptive I felt like I was inhabiting the small Greek village right along with the characters, and I enjoyed getting to know their customs and foods without ever having to set foot in the airport – oh happy day. This was an active but slowly developing plot with multiple intersecting storylines while populated with a large international cast of uniquely quirky and fractious characters. Being an animal lover I particularly appreciated the message of responsibility and rescue and rehoming of strays. I also picked up a new phrase for my Brit Words and Phrases list with spoilt for choice – which means having lots of options.
August 1, 2024
After her aborted wedding day, Sara Loveday flees from her life in Sheffield England for the island of Santaniki off the coast of Crete. She plans to stay a few weeks, but plans change as she starts to interact with the locals. There is also a writing retreat happening on the island. The writers and artists retreat is maintained by Griff and a committee of the Elodie Durrante Foundation Trust. Elodie Durrante was a best selling romance writer. Don Ford is a crime writer who lectures at the retreats. He drinks and flirts a lot but is generally liked by all.
I loved the setting and hearing about the yummy Greek food, local customs and religious rites. Probably my favourite aspects of the book which I expected to love.
And yet, it never quite hit the mark for me. Some quirky characters, but in the end just felt too many to keep track of. Too many side issues going on as well, plus starting a wedding planning business with such sketchy research stretches credibility as do some other aspects of the plot.
Sara and Griff are likeable enough but some of the other secondary characters like Irini, Spiro and Mel take centre stage at times.
Not as enjoyable a read as I expected. I have loved a couple of other books by this author but this one, not so much. Three stars the best I could do.
I loved the setting and hearing about the yummy Greek food, local customs and religious rites. Probably my favourite aspects of the book which I expected to love.
And yet, it never quite hit the mark for me. Some quirky characters, but in the end just felt too many to keep track of. Too many side issues going on as well, plus starting a wedding planning business with such sketchy research stretches credibility as do some other aspects of the plot.
Sara and Griff are likeable enough but some of the other secondary characters like Irini, Spiro and Mel take centre stage at times.
Not as enjoyable a read as I expected. I have loved a couple of other books by this author but this one, not so much. Three stars the best I could do.
May 8, 2020
A Wedding in the Olive Garden is a departure from my usual diet of historical fiction but doesn’t everyone need/deserve something sweet and indulgent from time to time, such as a slice of baklava perhaps?
Having really enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Olive Garden Choir, it was a delight to return to the (alas, fictional) Greek island of Santaniki and to be reunited with some of the characters from the earlier book. My personal favourite is Irini, on this occasion transformed from mother-in-law from hell to avenging angel.
It was also great to make the acquaintance of some new characters. One of these is Sara Loveday who has her own reasons for wanting to begin a new chapter in her life, reasons which she is unwilling to share with anyone initially (including the reader). Luckily, her new wedding planning venture requires all her attention if it’s to be a success. A number of couples amongst the island’s residents have their own very special and personal reasons for wanting to get married and it’s not long before they are making use of Sara’s services. The first wedding she organises is notable for a very unexpected arrival.
With all this going on there’s definitely no place for romance on Sara’s extensive to-do list. At least, that’s what she thinks.
I can certainly attest to the publisher’s description of A Wedding in the Olive Garden as “a gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjuring the local colour, traditions and close bonds of island life.” Of all the weddings featured in the book, my favourite was the traditional Cretan wedding in which the whole community pitch in to help. There are also fabulous descriptions of the islanders’ celebrations of Easter and of the feast day of Phanourios, patron saint of lost and found, whose services are definitely needed at one point.
I have to mention the luscious descriptions of food such as these offerings from the lunchtime menu of the taverna run by Northern lass Mel, her husband Spiro, and the aforementioned Irini: gigantes (butter bean stew), mountain greens in oil and lemon, salad of beetroot, garlic and walnut, village sausages, and roasted vegetable salad with feta. Oh, and don’t forget a carafe of the local wine and a raki to finish. Stomach rumbling yet?
With the author’s customary skilful blend of joyful and poignant moments, if A Wedding in the Olive Garden doesn’t have you longingly browsing travel websites ready for when ‘normal’ life returns, or even planning your own dream wedding, I’ll be surprised.
Having really enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Olive Garden Choir, it was a delight to return to the (alas, fictional) Greek island of Santaniki and to be reunited with some of the characters from the earlier book. My personal favourite is Irini, on this occasion transformed from mother-in-law from hell to avenging angel.
It was also great to make the acquaintance of some new characters. One of these is Sara Loveday who has her own reasons for wanting to begin a new chapter in her life, reasons which she is unwilling to share with anyone initially (including the reader). Luckily, her new wedding planning venture requires all her attention if it’s to be a success. A number of couples amongst the island’s residents have their own very special and personal reasons for wanting to get married and it’s not long before they are making use of Sara’s services. The first wedding she organises is notable for a very unexpected arrival.
With all this going on there’s definitely no place for romance on Sara’s extensive to-do list. At least, that’s what she thinks.
I can certainly attest to the publisher’s description of A Wedding in the Olive Garden as “a gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjuring the local colour, traditions and close bonds of island life.” Of all the weddings featured in the book, my favourite was the traditional Cretan wedding in which the whole community pitch in to help. There are also fabulous descriptions of the islanders’ celebrations of Easter and of the feast day of Phanourios, patron saint of lost and found, whose services are definitely needed at one point.
I have to mention the luscious descriptions of food such as these offerings from the lunchtime menu of the taverna run by Northern lass Mel, her husband Spiro, and the aforementioned Irini: gigantes (butter bean stew), mountain greens in oil and lemon, salad of beetroot, garlic and walnut, village sausages, and roasted vegetable salad with feta. Oh, and don’t forget a carafe of the local wine and a raki to finish. Stomach rumbling yet?
With the author’s customary skilful blend of joyful and poignant moments, if A Wedding in the Olive Garden doesn’t have you longingly browsing travel websites ready for when ‘normal’ life returns, or even planning your own dream wedding, I’ll be surprised.
September 8, 2020
If there was the slightest chance of you finding yourself on a sun lounger on a beach this year, this book really would be the perfect company – but read it in your garden in the sun instead, and you really should feel as transported as I did. I’ve spent many holidays in the Greek islands – including in Chania, where the characters do their necessary shopping and catch the ferry to Santanaki – and the author does a simply wonderful job of recreating the authentic feel of a small island community.
The supporting characters too have that same authenticity – their relationships, their behaviours, the way their society operates, their social gatherings – and I really, really enjoyed that.
The artists’ retreat was a wonderful idea, vividly recreated – I really would like to spend some time there, and maybe Don and I could have a few drinks together while he gives me some pointers on writing my novel. And I enjoyed many of the storylines, particularly the one about the rescued dog and everything that ensued, but also some of the threads drawing on the backgrounds of the various inhabitants. There’s a really large cast of characters, some of whom I felt I perhaps got to know better than others.
I will admit though that I did struggle a little bit to engage with Sarah – bearing in mind that I’m considerably older, I just found her a bit difficult to like – but the other characters, her other relationships, those shadows from her past and the developing romance more than compensated for that. And the romance was engaging and believable too – I really did rather admire his patience and persistence.
I was particularly intrigued by the whole concept of a “wedding planner” – it really did seem to consist of getting other people to do everything, particularly poor hard-pressed Mel at the taverna (I took to her character rather more!). But everyone seemed to like Sarah well enough, investing themselves in her success – and there are some excellent set pieces of various wedding celebrations, everyone pulling together, and a particularly uplifting and feel-good scene towards the book’s end.
But it’s the story’s setting and some of the local characters that will particularly stick in my memory – really beautifully done, a great escape from reality, and some particularly welcome armchair travel in current times…
The supporting characters too have that same authenticity – their relationships, their behaviours, the way their society operates, their social gatherings – and I really, really enjoyed that.
The artists’ retreat was a wonderful idea, vividly recreated – I really would like to spend some time there, and maybe Don and I could have a few drinks together while he gives me some pointers on writing my novel. And I enjoyed many of the storylines, particularly the one about the rescued dog and everything that ensued, but also some of the threads drawing on the backgrounds of the various inhabitants. There’s a really large cast of characters, some of whom I felt I perhaps got to know better than others.
I will admit though that I did struggle a little bit to engage with Sarah – bearing in mind that I’m considerably older, I just found her a bit difficult to like – but the other characters, her other relationships, those shadows from her past and the developing romance more than compensated for that. And the romance was engaging and believable too – I really did rather admire his patience and persistence.
I was particularly intrigued by the whole concept of a “wedding planner” – it really did seem to consist of getting other people to do everything, particularly poor hard-pressed Mel at the taverna (I took to her character rather more!). But everyone seemed to like Sarah well enough, investing themselves in her success – and there are some excellent set pieces of various wedding celebrations, everyone pulling together, and a particularly uplifting and feel-good scene towards the book’s end.
But it’s the story’s setting and some of the local characters that will particularly stick in my memory – really beautifully done, a great escape from reality, and some particularly welcome armchair travel in current times…
July 11, 2023
The worst book that I have ever read.
I mean, where to start? I feel like I spent the entire time reading this dire, predictable book moaning about having to read this dire, predictable book, rolling my eyes or counting down the pages until the end.
Let's start with Sara, the protagonist, a woman who is clearly suffering a secret heartbreaking relating to an aborted wedding but will not talk about it...possibly because the circumstances are so tediously dull and her reaction illegal (more on that later). Anyway, she rocks up on a Greek island and decides to become a wedding planner on the island without doing any research, consulting with any of the locals other than instant-BFF Mel (they're both from Yorkshire which is about the extent of Sara's entire personality) and judging people who spend vast sums on wedding. Go figure. Wow, this island must be quite spectacular for such a rapid life-changing decision, you're probably thinking. I only wish I could tell you because I got nothing from the author in the way of scene setting beyond the deeply, deeply unique depictions of olive harvesting and dancing to "Zorba the Greek". Repeatedly.
In the midst of this magical journey of self-discovery, Sara decides she's in an angsty, push-and-pull romance with fellow-islander Griff (also, conveniently, English) but they can't quite make the step to admitting their feelings - feelings which have come about with no investment in the dynamic from Fleming - because they were both hurt by the exes. How awkward and implausible would it be if their exes were now together and turned up on the island? Surely...oh, no, she actually went there. This leads to Sara's great moment of catharsis (...) as she finally shares her hidden heartbreak at the hands of her cheating fiancé which includes a yas-queen moment of...revenge porn. Revenge porn is a crime, not a sassy act of revenge that should be celebrated.
In the midst of all of this excitement (...), there's also a cast of whacky characters with their own hang-ups and heartbreaks, all of which can apparently be solved by Sara's oblivious wedding planning. Family estrangement, unplanned pregnancy, stray pets being poisoned, cancer diagnosis - I honestly felt like I had whiplash jumping between these characters and it's not even as if the writing saved the novel. Fleming had such an aversion to writing descriptions which made for really clunky, expository dialogue for the entirety of the novel.
I think I might give the sequel a miss.
I mean, where to start? I feel like I spent the entire time reading this dire, predictable book moaning about having to read this dire, predictable book, rolling my eyes or counting down the pages until the end.
Let's start with Sara, the protagonist, a woman who is clearly suffering a secret heartbreaking relating to an aborted wedding but will not talk about it...possibly because the circumstances are so tediously dull and her reaction illegal (more on that later). Anyway, she rocks up on a Greek island and decides to become a wedding planner on the island without doing any research, consulting with any of the locals other than instant-BFF Mel (they're both from Yorkshire which is about the extent of Sara's entire personality) and judging people who spend vast sums on wedding. Go figure. Wow, this island must be quite spectacular for such a rapid life-changing decision, you're probably thinking. I only wish I could tell you because I got nothing from the author in the way of scene setting beyond the deeply, deeply unique depictions of olive harvesting and dancing to "Zorba the Greek". Repeatedly.
In the midst of this magical journey of self-discovery, Sara decides she's in an angsty, push-and-pull romance with fellow-islander Griff (also, conveniently, English) but they can't quite make the step to admitting their feelings - feelings which have come about with no investment in the dynamic from Fleming - because they were both hurt by the exes. How awkward and implausible would it be if their exes were now together and turned up on the island? Surely...oh, no, she actually went there. This leads to Sara's great moment of catharsis (...) as she finally shares her hidden heartbreak at the hands of her cheating fiancé which includes a yas-queen moment of...revenge porn. Revenge porn is a crime, not a sassy act of revenge that should be celebrated.
In the midst of all of this excitement (...), there's also a cast of whacky characters with their own hang-ups and heartbreaks, all of which can apparently be solved by Sara's oblivious wedding planning. Family estrangement, unplanned pregnancy, stray pets being poisoned, cancer diagnosis - I honestly felt like I had whiplash jumping between these characters and it's not even as if the writing saved the novel. Fleming had such an aversion to writing descriptions which made for really clunky, expository dialogue for the entirety of the novel.
I think I might give the sequel a miss.
January 11, 2023
With reading the plot, I expected to really enjoy this one.
Sara lives in Sheffield, runs away to a small island village in Greece after a breakup. She planned to stay for 3 weeks but it got extended as she fell in love with the city.
With her career as an events planner, she got to thinking and of course applied that to Greece.
Yes, this is one of the story lines, however the plot does not tell you is that there is multiple others points of views and stories and lives too. So many in fact that it took me forever to connect all the dots together.
I cannot simply get into novels with too many characters especially at the beginning when you are just trying to get into the novel
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/20/book-re...
Sara lives in Sheffield, runs away to a small island village in Greece after a breakup. She planned to stay for 3 weeks but it got extended as she fell in love with the city.
With her career as an events planner, she got to thinking and of course applied that to Greece.
Yes, this is one of the story lines, however the plot does not tell you is that there is multiple others points of views and stories and lives too. So many in fact that it took me forever to connect all the dots together.
I cannot simply get into novels with too many characters especially at the beginning when you are just trying to get into the novel
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/20/book-re...
May 8, 2020
The Blurb :
Sara Loveday ditches her cheating fiancé at the altar and flees with her best friend to the beautiful island of Santaniki. Here, amid the olive groves, the sun-drenched fishing villages and the glittering Mediterranean sea, Sara vows to change her life. Spotting a gap in the local tourist market, she sets up a wedding planning business specializing in "second time around" couples. Griff becomes manager of an artist's retreat owned by a famous novelist. After the failure of his business back in London he is determined to make this new venture a success. But when Griff loans the retreat's olive garden to Sara for her first big wedding, things do not go to plan: family feuds, rowdy guests and resentful locals derail her carefully prepared event. When a stranger from Sara's past arrives on the island spreading vicious lies, will Griff and Sara's new found closeness survive? This gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjures the local color, traditions and close bonds of island life.
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Sara Loveday, after ditching her fiance, who has been cheating on her she decides to go away for a break to Santaniki in Greece. Despite only meaning to go for 3 weeks, Sara ends up staying and sees an opportunity for work. In England, she runs an event planning agency. Seeing a gap in the market, sara decides to start up a wedding planning business there right in Santaniki. As we follow Sara on her new adventure, we are in for a treat especially when Griff is thrown into the mix. He is also escaping something and keeps things close to his chest.
Will romance be on the cards or is it a relationship based on business?!.
A good supporting cast throughout and likeable charactors.
Greece makes a beautiful setting and its easy to get lost in the surroundings, tasty Greek food and warm sunshine on your bones.
Great read from Leah Fleming.
Sara Loveday ditches her cheating fiancé at the altar and flees with her best friend to the beautiful island of Santaniki. Here, amid the olive groves, the sun-drenched fishing villages and the glittering Mediterranean sea, Sara vows to change her life. Spotting a gap in the local tourist market, she sets up a wedding planning business specializing in "second time around" couples. Griff becomes manager of an artist's retreat owned by a famous novelist. After the failure of his business back in London he is determined to make this new venture a success. But when Griff loans the retreat's olive garden to Sara for her first big wedding, things do not go to plan: family feuds, rowdy guests and resentful locals derail her carefully prepared event. When a stranger from Sara's past arrives on the island spreading vicious lies, will Griff and Sara's new found closeness survive? This gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjures the local color, traditions and close bonds of island life.
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Sara Loveday, after ditching her fiance, who has been cheating on her she decides to go away for a break to Santaniki in Greece. Despite only meaning to go for 3 weeks, Sara ends up staying and sees an opportunity for work. In England, she runs an event planning agency. Seeing a gap in the market, sara decides to start up a wedding planning business there right in Santaniki. As we follow Sara on her new adventure, we are in for a treat especially when Griff is thrown into the mix. He is also escaping something and keeps things close to his chest.
Will romance be on the cards or is it a relationship based on business?!.
A good supporting cast throughout and likeable charactors.
Greece makes a beautiful setting and its easy to get lost in the surroundings, tasty Greek food and warm sunshine on your bones.
Great read from Leah Fleming.
May 7, 2020
A Wedding in the Olive Garden, Leah Fleming
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance
Women's fiction again....sigh, its 2020, why do we have this outdated genre heading?
Anyway, I thought I'd love this book, an escapist read, romance and sunshine. I liked it, but sadly didn't love it as I expected :-(
I loved the Greek setting, the sunshine and sea, the food, the local flavour that made it feel real. What I had issues with were some of the characters, especially Griff and Sara. I understood why she did what she did, what I didn't understand was why she felt bad about it, why she kept it a big secret. Still, I guess a big chunk of book would have gone if she didn't – it just didn't feel right for me though. Griff was a lovely guy but he and Sara are really prickly to each other at first, she is rude to him on first meeting, shocked I get but rudeness once explained? Griff too is hiding, escaping, keeping things quiet and I understood that. You don't tell all the world your history when you first meet but when it was clear he and Sara maybe getting closer, perhaps a hint of the past would help? I don't know, it just seemed there wasn't that magic connection between them.
I loved Mel and Spiros, and the mother in law ( forgot her name). They were so real to me, especially when MIL goes all Mafiosa towards the end! There were some other great secondary characters too, and Sara's fledgling business provided some great moments.
Stars: Three, a good read, just some parts felt a little not-quite-right for me. As aleays though, reading is subjective and others will – and do – love this story.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance
Women's fiction again....sigh, its 2020, why do we have this outdated genre heading?
Anyway, I thought I'd love this book, an escapist read, romance and sunshine. I liked it, but sadly didn't love it as I expected :-(
I loved the Greek setting, the sunshine and sea, the food, the local flavour that made it feel real. What I had issues with were some of the characters, especially Griff and Sara. I understood why she did what she did, what I didn't understand was why she felt bad about it, why she kept it a big secret. Still, I guess a big chunk of book would have gone if she didn't – it just didn't feel right for me though. Griff was a lovely guy but he and Sara are really prickly to each other at first, she is rude to him on first meeting, shocked I get but rudeness once explained? Griff too is hiding, escaping, keeping things quiet and I understood that. You don't tell all the world your history when you first meet but when it was clear he and Sara maybe getting closer, perhaps a hint of the past would help? I don't know, it just seemed there wasn't that magic connection between them.
I loved Mel and Spiros, and the mother in law ( forgot her name). They were so real to me, especially when MIL goes all Mafiosa towards the end! There were some other great secondary characters too, and Sara's fledgling business provided some great moments.
Stars: Three, a good read, just some parts felt a little not-quite-right for me. As aleays though, reading is subjective and others will – and do – love this story.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
May 18, 2020
A beautiful heart warming read that made me love Sara with each pages as she made a new life in the island of Santaniki for herself away from the cheating boyfriend.
Author Leah Fleming was so talented in the way she showed me each of Sara's strengths as I kept reading. Bring a wedding planner, it was uplifting to see how she conducted her life with dignity even when romance did come knocking. Beautiful descriptions of the locale added a layer to this wonderful story.
A truly beautiful read, an escapism from the scary world, this warmed the cockles of my heart.
Author Leah Fleming was so talented in the way she showed me each of Sara's strengths as I kept reading. Bring a wedding planner, it was uplifting to see how she conducted her life with dignity even when romance did come knocking. Beautiful descriptions of the locale added a layer to this wonderful story.
A truly beautiful read, an escapism from the scary world, this warmed the cockles of my heart.
March 5, 2022
Greece is one of my most favourite places in the world and reading a book set there I must admit (to myself) and confess, it is like one of my ‘dirty little secrets’…that is of course, if I had any!!! Lol !!
Loved the book and wish my hubby of 5 years,,,yes we are still newlyweds and yes,,,we are still ahem adjusting to each other…but I digress…if only he’d stop reminding me that we live in Ireland and not Greece.
I am, however, open to relocating!!!! Lol xx
Loved the book and wish my hubby of 5 years,,,yes we are still newlyweds and yes,,,we are still ahem adjusting to each other…but I digress…if only he’d stop reminding me that we live in Ireland and not Greece.
I am, however, open to relocating!!!! Lol xx
January 4, 2021
Flutboekje in zeer matig Engels. Jammer dat dit mijn nummer 1 van het jaar is. :-(
June 11, 2023
iT WAS AN EASY READ FOR A HOLIDAY, A BIT ON THE PREDICTABLE SIDE.
May 18, 2020
I haven't reviewed or got a copy of book 1 but I was expecting to love this. Too fast paced, too many characters that I could not connect with. I did like Mel though and Spiros, I thought they were welcoming and helpful.
Loved the location of the fictional islnd of Santaniki (very imaginative name) although the visuals could have been more developed to stand out. For example, anyone who has seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding knows that food is a HUGE thing for Greeks and in Greece and that like all Mediterranean countries, the act of eating "al fresco" is a huge rite in itself.
I felt the food sounded nice, but the visuals did not make it mouthwatering to me like they have in similarly themed books. The wedding clothes at the celebration Sara is witness to were rushed in their description and a wedding is a bride's best day of her life- I felt that scene could have been developed more for atmosphere.
As I said earlier in the review, I wanted to love this, it just wasn't immersive enough for me and I felt Sara's decision was too predictable the way it came about. I did understand her reasons for leaving Sheffield as well as the happiness she felt upon meeting Mel and realising she too was from Sheffield and that immediately giving them something in common. But even that happened too quickly. It could have been enhanced with more internal thought from Sara. I would have liked more internal thoughts and feelings from all the characters.
The book felt too rushed and predictable-I knew what Sara was going to do long before she did it.
The structure of the book, with sections named after months gave a sense of build up and anticipation which was good. The cover is divine. I'm afraid the book wasn't what I thought it would be.
Thanks to Leah Fleming and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
2.5/ 3 stars.
Loved the location of the fictional islnd of Santaniki (very imaginative name) although the visuals could have been more developed to stand out. For example, anyone who has seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding knows that food is a HUGE thing for Greeks and in Greece and that like all Mediterranean countries, the act of eating "al fresco" is a huge rite in itself.
I felt the food sounded nice, but the visuals did not make it mouthwatering to me like they have in similarly themed books. The wedding clothes at the celebration Sara is witness to were rushed in their description and a wedding is a bride's best day of her life- I felt that scene could have been developed more for atmosphere.
As I said earlier in the review, I wanted to love this, it just wasn't immersive enough for me and I felt Sara's decision was too predictable the way it came about. I did understand her reasons for leaving Sheffield as well as the happiness she felt upon meeting Mel and realising she too was from Sheffield and that immediately giving them something in common. But even that happened too quickly. It could have been enhanced with more internal thought from Sara. I would have liked more internal thoughts and feelings from all the characters.
The book felt too rushed and predictable-I knew what Sara was going to do long before she did it.
The structure of the book, with sections named after months gave a sense of build up and anticipation which was good. The cover is divine. I'm afraid the book wasn't what I thought it would be.
Thanks to Leah Fleming and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
2.5/ 3 stars.
November 27, 2020
I tried very hard to get into this book, having been drawn to it by the setting. Oh my. The characters were shallow and the plot so predictable. I made it almost a third of the way through and just couldn’t take it any more.
2 stars for the setting.
2 stars for the setting.
April 9, 2021
very british very boring
February 9, 2024
Sorry to say I gave up on page 108!
May 12, 2020
This is my second visit to the island of Santaniki and it's a thoroughly enjoyable one.
Sara Loveday just needed to get away from Sheffield; some time in the sun seemed the best option so she finds herself renting a house on the Greek island of Santaniki. When she finally relaxes in the sunshine, she realises that a change of direction in her life would be a good idea. When she sees a local wedding taking place, the idea of a wedding planning business featuring this beautiful island location begins to take root. Can she move on and leave her past behind?
I loved my little jaunt to this Greek paradise; as well as the telling of all the beauty on the island, this author doesn't shy away from the cultural differences and it all adds to the story. With a fine cast of characters and a good mix of British and Greek characters, this is a smashing read and the wedding planning part of the details were fascinating. I've always thought there is a big difference between those who get married for the wedding and those who get wed for the marriage and Leah Fleming does a fine job in displaying this in a fun, entertaining way. A very enjoyable read with lots going on, a little bit of mystery and any loose strands tied off by the final page. An excellent four star read!
Sara Loveday just needed to get away from Sheffield; some time in the sun seemed the best option so she finds herself renting a house on the Greek island of Santaniki. When she finally relaxes in the sunshine, she realises that a change of direction in her life would be a good idea. When she sees a local wedding taking place, the idea of a wedding planning business featuring this beautiful island location begins to take root. Can she move on and leave her past behind?
I loved my little jaunt to this Greek paradise; as well as the telling of all the beauty on the island, this author doesn't shy away from the cultural differences and it all adds to the story. With a fine cast of characters and a good mix of British and Greek characters, this is a smashing read and the wedding planning part of the details were fascinating. I've always thought there is a big difference between those who get married for the wedding and those who get wed for the marriage and Leah Fleming does a fine job in displaying this in a fun, entertaining way. A very enjoyable read with lots going on, a little bit of mystery and any loose strands tied off by the final page. An excellent four star read!
July 30, 2024
I picked this book up after my holiday to Greece, as I was unwilling to let the country go. While the setting and descriptive writing were really good, I found this story to be lacking a little and I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
I really liked Sara as a character and you can see her progression, independence and bravery grow as the story progressed. However, I would have liked some internal thoughts from her as there wasn't much and this didn't allow her to open up or for the reader to connect with her.
While there were some good side characters within the story (especially the fiesty mother in law!), I found there to be a little too many and it was confusing at times trying to connect the dots between people. There were so many side stories happening that I wanted to know what happened next, but these were left unanswered and the story jumped from one to another, leaving parts on cliffhangers with no finality.
Having said this, I did enjoy the end of the story and found it to be cute, although I'm not too sure if I will visit the island again.
I really liked Sara as a character and you can see her progression, independence and bravery grow as the story progressed. However, I would have liked some internal thoughts from her as there wasn't much and this didn't allow her to open up or for the reader to connect with her.
While there were some good side characters within the story (especially the fiesty mother in law!), I found there to be a little too many and it was confusing at times trying to connect the dots between people. There were so many side stories happening that I wanted to know what happened next, but these were left unanswered and the story jumped from one to another, leaving parts on cliffhangers with no finality.
Having said this, I did enjoy the end of the story and found it to be cute, although I'm not too sure if I will visit the island again.
January 21, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and the author for providing a free copy jn exchange for an honest review #aweddingintheolivegarden
Sara runs away from her gloomy life in Sheffield and lands on the Greek island of Santaniki. When she arrives she is thrown into local culture and a Greek wedding. Which starts to spark Sara's imagination of a new life in the sun. Will Sara make the leap? Will she get more than she bargained for?
This light airy Greek cover and title drew me straight into this book.
This book is a lighthearted easy read that does what it says on the tin.
Although a bit slow in parts and the first 15% makes you feel like your at the end of the novel not the beginning. Which sadly did find me putting this book down at 12% but I am glad I picked it back up and persevered.
Sara runs away from her gloomy life in Sheffield and lands on the Greek island of Santaniki. When she arrives she is thrown into local culture and a Greek wedding. Which starts to spark Sara's imagination of a new life in the sun. Will Sara make the leap? Will she get more than she bargained for?
This light airy Greek cover and title drew me straight into this book.
This book is a lighthearted easy read that does what it says on the tin.
Although a bit slow in parts and the first 15% makes you feel like your at the end of the novel not the beginning. Which sadly did find me putting this book down at 12% but I am glad I picked it back up and persevered.
April 17, 2024
I got this as a blind date with a book from a secondhand bookstore and found it distinctly underwhelming. To be honest, as soon as I opened it I nearly donated back to the charity shop without even reading it, because it's so far from what I'd normally read. I decided I would power through the first 100 pages and then decide whether to continue.
The plot was mostly dull and predictable and the characters two-dimensional. I found I didn't care a great deal about any of them, which was my main issue with the book, alongside the plot.
On the other hand, I did enjoy the descriptions of food and island life, and one section of dialogue in particular where Sara is discussing her previous marriage with a priest stood out as actually quite relatable.
The plot was mostly dull and predictable and the characters two-dimensional. I found I didn't care a great deal about any of them, which was my main issue with the book, alongside the plot.
On the other hand, I did enjoy the descriptions of food and island life, and one section of dialogue in particular where Sara is discussing her previous marriage with a priest stood out as actually quite relatable.
May 7, 2020
This story has an eclectic cast of characters and a beautiful Greek Island setting. Sara is running from her past. The island lifestyle appeals to Sara. When she sees a business opportunity, she takes it. The story that follows is full of conflict, humour and poignant moments. The vividly described islanders and setting make them easy to visualise.
Full of cultural description, emotional depth and uplifting moments this story is a lovely escape.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus in return for an honest review.
Full of cultural description, emotional depth and uplifting moments this story is a lovely escape.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2020
I sat in the sun and read this book and could pretend I was in Crete rather than being stuck in the UK. The setting was well written and I could see and smell a Greek Island. Lovely characters if a little predictable but great for a beach or summer read. Liked the inclusion of the dog sanctuary as having lived in a Greek community I fully understand that they think we are crazy treating dogs like humans. I will now have a look for some of the other books Leah has written to continue my island getaway in these very unpredictable times.
August 16, 2023
This book had a lovely little story, albeit predictable at times. We follow Sara Loveday on her journey to finding herself and her confidence again in the Greek island of Santakini after having her heart broken in Sheffield. The friends she meets on the way are all interesting characters with varied pasts too.
The reason I only gave 3 stars is because to me the writing style felt a lot like I was reading a script, with the majority of the book written in conversations and the few bits of prose in between felt a little simple.
However I did still enjoy the book, as the story was really sweet.
The reason I only gave 3 stars is because to me the writing style felt a lot like I was reading a script, with the majority of the book written in conversations and the few bits of prose in between felt a little simple.
However I did still enjoy the book, as the story was really sweet.
October 4, 2022
Absolutely loved this. I expected it to be much more of a sequel to The Olive Garden Choir but while it did have some of the same characters the main characters were completely new. The earlier reading of the choir was helpful knowing the characters that appeared in both books but not necessary for the enjoyment. A really gentle, nicely written "escape" which had me loving everything from the first word to the last.
June 23, 2021
An enjoyable read about life on a Greek island. At a time when we are unable to travel far ourselves what better way to enjoy the sun and sights than to read about them. Not a deep and meaningful story admittedly but light reading with mostly happy endings for all. Looking forward to more stories about the expat residents of Santaniki
November 14, 2021
I almost wish I'd saved this novel for a summer holiday read but I've never been one for delayed gratification. It's the perfect beach read, set on an atmospheric Greek island, with a cast of colourful characters and a feisty protagonist with a can-do attitude. Not to mention plenty of witty repartee and a feel-good romance. Just the ticket to emerge from my lockdown blues.
November 26, 2023
Lovely story. ISBN matches, but the title definitely starts with "A" (as in other editions) and there are only 341 pages up to the end of the "Acknowledgements".
Unusual words "kelim" (=kilim), "nithered", "waffy"
Too few commas and "whom", but fewer than a dozen other matters to annoy a proofreader: some missing words, grammar lapses, a misrelated participle....
Unusual words "kelim" (=kilim), "nithered", "waffy"
Too few commas and "whom", but fewer than a dozen other matters to annoy a proofreader: some missing words, grammar lapses, a misrelated participle....
March 25, 2020
A lovely and entertaining story that I couldn't put down.
I love the great setting, the likeable characters and the storytelling.
I look forward to reading other story by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I love the great setting, the likeable characters and the storytelling.
I look forward to reading other story by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 20, 2020
Leah Fleming is a born storyteller and I have loved this book as much as the previous set in the same fictional island. despite being fictional, she manages to convey the real Cretan essence to the reader. A much needed escape to one of my favourite places on earth and a home from home, that I read in a mere 24 hours. I hope there'll be more! Much recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews