The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.
‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner!’ Jo Thomas
‘Utterly engaging, deliciously escapist, with a heart as warm as its author's’ Cathy Kelly, bestselling author of The Family Gift She can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?
A-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems. Running from a scandal, Shauna must return to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos. Captivated once more by her island escape, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret. Can Shauna take the chance to confront her past?
What a wonderful book. This was a debut novel written by a weather presenter and I think she made a brilliant job out of this . It was well researched and very well written. She really describes all the celebrities that were around in the 1980’s and I found it very interesting. I do hope Carol writes more books in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Eskapistička romansa nije baš žanr koji obično čitam, iako mu povremeno dam priliku. Ono što me obično privuče je mogućnost da me odvede na čarobno mjesto na kojem utočište pronalaze likovi unutar romana, a ovdje je to grčki otočić Itos. Iako se radnja ne odvija baš cijelo vrijeme na Itosu, sam je otočić lijepo opisan i zvuči kao doista čarobno mjesto.
Na početku upoznajemo Shaunu Jackson, poznatu glumicu, podrijetlom iz Irske, čiji život je obilježila jedna davna ljetna romansa s Dimitriosom, Grkom s Itosa, iz vremena kada je ona bila tek Shauna O'Brien, nepoznata djevojka, a on bogati nasljednik obiteljskog poslovnog carstva. Zvuči kao klišej, i u početku doista i jest, iako me onih prvih par poglavlja u kojima sam tek upoznala Shaunu, iz razdoblja u kojem je ona već postala popularna glumica i u kojima se vidi da joj taj život i nije baš bio posut samim ružama, dovoljno zaintrigiralo da odlučim saznati kako je to Shauna O'Brien postala Shauna Jackson (a ne radi se samo o uobičajenoj promjeni prezimena).
Gotovo dva desetljeća kasnije, Shauna se, nakon brojnih turbulencija koje joj je život priredio (neću ulaziti u detalje da nešto ne spojlam), vraća na Itos, ne bi li konačno umirila duhove prošlosti. I ona i Dimitrios sada su posve drugačiji ljudi, koje je život odveo u različitim smjerovima i priredio im različite stvari, i dobre i loše, ali oboje još na miru ne puštaju sjećanja na to davno ljeto koje su proveli zajedno. Od početka je romana jasno da se stvari među njima moraju razriješiti, što će se i dogoditi, iako ne i onako kako sam mislila da bude - što je nešto što mi se zapravo svidjelo i ugodno me iznenadilo.
Iskreno, nakon otprilike četvrtine pročitanog romana razmišljala sam o tome da odustanem od daljnjeg čitanja, jer sam imala dojam da čitam još jednu od glupavih romansi u kojima se nobody žena zaljubi u bogatog Adonisa, a ni Shauna niti Dimitrios nisu mi baš bili nešto super zanimljivi. Still, mama didn't raise a quitter, tako da sam ipak nastavila čitati, i nekako mi je drago da jesam, jer je ostatak romana uvelike popravio ovaj moj početni dojam.
Događaji koji uslijede nakon te ljetne avanture koja je sve započela i obilježila pomiču priču od klišejizirane priče o Pepeljugi u nešto realnije. Hollywoodska zvjezdana prašina koja leti oko Shaune počinje se slijegati, a kad se to dogodi, na vidjelo izlaze tragični, bolni i nimalo glamurozni trenuci kroz koje je Shauna bila prisiljena proći, a koji - početno dosta plošnu - priču ipak malo produbljuju. Zanimljivi su mi bili i sporedni likovi, neki čak jako zanimljivi, poput Frankie Martinez, čije (tragične) životne priče dođu u dodir sa Shauninom i samu Shaunu odvedu u nekom posve novom smjeru. Zbog njih je nekako i sama priča prestala biti samo uobičajena romansa, i prerasla u pravu životnu i obiteljsku priču, što mi se jako svidjelo.
Čitanje ovog romana bilo je poput gledanja televizijskih ostvarenja kakva je radio slavni producent Aaron Spelling, ili možda David E. Kelley. Ima tu drame, i tajni, i iznenađenja, a i elemenata svojstvenih sapunicama. Neki su dijelovi dosta predvidivi, a neki, opet, uspiju iznenaditi. Također, zbog Shaunine glumačke karijere i svega oko toga, u nekim dijelovima imate dojam i da dobivate izravan uvid u behind-the-scenes život celebritya.
Kraj romana me ugodno iznenadio. Očekivala sam nešto predvidivo i znala sam otprilike kako će priča završiti, znala sam da je hepiend neizbježan, ali način na koji se priča odvila i došla do tog hepienda - i što taj hepiend ustvari predstavlja - me ipak uspio iznenaditi i doista mi se svidio.
Mislim da će se ljubiteljima romantičnih priča ovaj roman doista svidjeti. Da, nije bio baš moj cup of tea, ali ponekad je dobro probati gutljaj nečega za tebe neuobičajenog. Ne ispadne uvijek loše. :)
Ljeto je vrijeme za impulzivne stvari, nije li? Koja je jedina impulzivna stvar (na svu srecu) ovoga ljeta? Ova knjiga. Je li to dobro ili loše? Hmmmm... Poticaj za čitanje bila mi je recenzija od Mali dnevnik čitanja i činjenica da je ženska ušla do struka u vodu bez da je trepnula 😂
Za očekivati je da će se meni, kao ljubitelju romanse, ovo svidjeti. *uvlaci zrak kroz zube* Ovakve knjige jesu savršeni bijeg od realnosti, ali sa 19 godina završiti u Monacu među jahtama i princezama... Please! Kuma i ja ošle sa 19 na bazene skupa sa kartom za vlak za 40 kn, pa mislile da smo uhvatilebogazabradu. Uz to, isprepliće se nekoliko priča koje ovdje zauzimaju previše mjesta. S jedne strane su bitne za samu radnju, ali moglo ih se malo smanjiti kako bi veći fokus bio na odnosu glavnih likova. Te priče su komotno mogle dobiti svaka svoju knjigu. A i previše me podsjeća na Tajnovitu uvalu u Hrvatskoj.
Ono što mi se svidjelo je odnos između Shaune i Roxy - ta snaga ženskog prijateljstva i što sve ono podrazumijeva ❤️
Ako vam slučajno dođe u ruke, ne bojte se, neće vam ništa. Iako je predvidljiva, savršena je za ovo ljeto koje još uvijek traje!
This would be a perfect poolside/beach read! Was it predictable? Yes! Did I care? Absolutely not! It was an easy read, with just the right amount of sweetness - exactly what I needed.
This was fantastical from the start but I stuck with it. By the time the name dropping started I was just hanging in there. Not for me, the plot was far too silly and contrived.
A perfect summer read. Full of sunshine, love and the glitz of Hollywood. This story is full of engaging and interesting characters and I especially liked Roxy and Grace. Although not the main protagonists, they both added such warmth to the story in their own way and I would have like to have seen them develop further. A fun and heartwarming debut.
This book was a mix of clichés, clumsy plot lines and under-developed characters. A lot of it was random and didn't make sense. At times it felt like a child's creative writing exercise, with large chunks of description and little concern for the bigger picture.
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com Shauna Jackson, stella di Hollywood, sta attraversando un momento molto difficile. Non solo suo marito Dan, regista col quale è sposata da tantissimi anni, è morto improvvisamente ma un grande scandalo ha messo in discussione la sua vita e l’amore che provava nei confronti del coniuge. Desiderosa di allontanarsi dalle pressioni, la donna decide che è arrivato il momento di fare un viaggio nel passato e di tornare a Isthos, una meravigliosa isola greca, dove anni prima ha vissuto una storia d’amore breve ma intensa e terminata in modo doloroso. Demetrios Theodosis, armatore erede di un ricco impero, è un uomo di mezza età con un matrimonio fallito alle spalle e una figlia quasi adulta. Per lui Isthos è un luogo di gioie e dolori, dopotutto è stato proprio qui che ha perso la donna della quale si era innamorato.
“Un po’ di pazienza è la cura migliore per le vecchie ferite.”
Ambientato tra anni ’80 e primi anni 2000, il romanzo segue le vicissitudini di Shauna, una donna che dal niente riesce ad arrivare nell’Olimpo del cinema.
Sin da piccola Shauna ha le idee chiare. Il suo idolo è Grace Kelly, sogna il cinema, la fama, la ricchezza. La determinazione è il suo punto di forza, per questo non esita a lavorare tenacemente affinché il suo sogno diventi realtà.
Demetrios è abituato a vivere nel lusso. Vorrebbe fare ciò che gli passa per la testa, tuttavia è costretto a sottostare al volere della famiglia e della madre in particolare, una donna che sa essere opprimente e ingombrante.
Quando i due casualmente si incontrano durante una calda estate del 1982 mai avrebbero potuto immaginare quanto quel periodo fosse destinato a cambiarli e legarli. Il loro amore è forte, coinvolgente ma impossibile poiché ci sono certe convenzioni sociali contro le quali è impossibile fronteggiarsi. Sia Demetrios sia Shauna vanno avanti, cercano la felicità, forse la trovano anche, ma avranno sempre quel qualcosa che li porterà spesso a ripensare a quello che è stato e, soprattutto, a quello che sarebbe potuto essere.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice, scorrevole e accattivante. L’ottima ambientazione e la curata caratterizzazione dei personaggi permettono al lettore d’immedesimarsi nella vicenda restando anche spiazzato dinanzi alla grande rivelazione che sconvolgerà i protagonisti.
Un romanzo ben costruito e completo sotto tutti i punti di vista. Una lettura sull’amore che sa resistere al tempo e alle vicissitudini della vita quotidiana.
Under A Greek Moon feels like a real blast from the past. I spent my earlier adult years devouring books from authors including Danielle Steel and Penny Vincenzi, and this story took me right back to those times. I adore Greece too, and any book that offers just hint of blue seas and gorgeous Greek locations will tempt me in.
This is a story that would be best read laying on the white sands of a secluded Greek beach, preferably with cocktail at hand and a warm breeze to cool the heat. I had to make do with a scorching Lincolnshire garden, and a bottle of cold beer, but nevertheless, I did feel transported across the oceans to heaven on earth.
It's a story that's been told many times; that of a young, fairly innocent girl who meets a gorgeous, rich man and whose dreams are shattered. For Shauna, those few weeks on a remote Greek island will shape the rest of her life. No matter that she finds fame and fortune, becomes rich and much loved, there's always a piece of her left on Ithos.
Twenty years after her first visit, Shauna returns to Ithos. Accompanied by her original travel partner and loyal friend Roxy, they decide that they need to lay their ghosts to rest. Not really knowing what they will discover, but both having lived through heartaches and tragedy, they feel ready to face up to what happened so many years ago.
Carol Kirkwood takes her readers back and forth throughout the story. We meet Shauna as a newly widowed, grief stricken woman of the world, and we then go back and meet her when she was wet behind the ears, young and impressionable and looking for adventure.
I loved losing myself in this story. I don't mind the unashamed name dropping ... again, I was reminded of my author heroine Penny Vincenzi as mentions of famous film stars and top brand designers were littered throughout the story, and for me, this only adds to total glamour of it all.
At the heart, theres's a tender and quite emotional story of lost love and misunderstanding. Of opportunities missed and the power of family and friends.
A sweet story of second chance love and the complex emotions and struggles faced to find it again. Partnered with beautiful escapism that will have you googling flights to Greece!
Kirkwood creates a vivid backdrop to a suspenseful tale with plenty of twists and turns that keep you turning the page. My favourite parts of the story were the chapters set in Greece and on board the St Helena. There’s no lack of family drama to keep you interested, though I would’ve liked to see more of Demetrios and Shauna’s second chance at love and possibly even Shauna facing her mother. What is really strong in this one is the found family aspect. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Roxy and Shauna.
This will surely be a hit with those wanting to explore beautiful landscapes, hob nob with the rich and famous and go on a journey of self discovery and healing without ever leaving their home. A beautifully written, romantic tale.
There were certain parts of the book where all I could hear in my head was The Lucky One by Taylor Swift, I’m gonna go make an Under a Greek Moon playlist i think!
A fun, whimsical summer romance read. I could imagine this would be a good holiday book! It does touch on some sensitive topics and should maybe come with a trigger warning for sexual assault, drug addiction and illness/grief/death however.
I enjoyed the story but it was so predictable and just so unconvincing I just found it too far fetched, some people may enjoy this escapism and perhaps I’m just a cynic. Also the storyline’s many twists just seemed to be in for shock value I thought and didn’t really add anything to the story, if anything it made me less attached.
The story is just a bit cheesy and silly for my tastes, but it is still well written and I can see why the reviews are so high, just not one for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to review.
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from this debut novel, particularly given Carol Kirkwood is better known as a TV presenter, but I needn't have worried.
The book was set around a trip to a Greek Island, where romance blossoms before real life takes over. It's a tale of love, hope, friendship and longing and is an engaging read. I thought it was a well plotted story and had good characters, who I cared about what happened to them. The sunshine setting combined with some glamour and some idyllic island life made it a nice bit of escapism. A really nice summer read.
Celebrity written books can be a bit hit or miss but I like Carol so thought I would read her debut novel. I'm glad that I did because I got a summer romance set in Greece and Hollywood. A little slow to get going but it picked up pace and was very enjoyable. Just right for time out in the summer.
Finally finished .... not the books fault, just me being a slow coach.
What an enjoyable first book from Carol Kirkwood. A lovely story primarily set in Greece, following the lives of Shauna & Demetrios. A rollercoaster of events, warmly written & locations that felt very real.
Shauna Jackson’s life isn’t as perfect as her fans might think.
What a super, summer read Under a Greek Moon is. Taking the reader from Ireland to Los Angeles and on to Greece, Carol Kirkwood has created an escapist voyage of discovery for both the reader and for Shauna so that reading the book is like taking a break from everyday life.
I loved the glamour of Under a Greek Moon because it gave me a glimpse into an unfamiliar world in a realistic way balanced by the reality of Shauna’s Irish past and upbringing. It was a sheer delight to sail on the yacht in the Greek waters so that I felt as if I were on holiday as I read. There’s a smashing quality to the setting details that allows the reader to picture the scenes without detracting from the narrative. I have a tiny criticism in that my preference is not for brand names to be attached to items but here they add to the sense of privilege and wealth so I forgive the author, especially as her descriptions of food were totally mouth-watering.
Carol Kirkwood’s plot is cleverly structured so that the reader has glimpses into the past as well as present action, adding interest and appeal to the story. Not only is there conflict at many levels, and romance, but there’s mystery too so that Under a Greek Moon will appeal to a wide range of readers.
I thought the characters were brilliantly wrought. Shauna’s mother in particular, although she plays a seemingly small role, is a clever catalyst for action and felt absolutely realistic. I loved meeting Roxy, Shauna’s feisty, loyal friend and if it were possible, I would definitely like to spend time with Demetrios! However, it is Shauna who is the literal and metaphorical superstar. Her rise to stardom and the reality that can lie behind such a persona is so well presented. It’s difficult to explain too much without spoiling the plot, but I particularly enjoyed Shauna’s ambition, her dignity and her integrity in the face of adversity.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the cast and the smashing story, I think what drew me so much to Under a Greek Moon was the uncovering of themes. Carol Kirkwood shines a spotlight on friendship, desire at many levels, whether that be in occupation or romance, on family and relationships, on loyalty and trust, on responsibility and burden so that I felt Under a Greek Moon had smashing depth as well as light entertainment in a perfect balance.
Under a Greek Moon is gorgeous summer reading (or indeed any time reading when you need some sunshine in your life). It’s glamorous, romantic, entertaining and escapist. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall - 4 out of 5 Genre - Romance Emotional rating - 😊😊 Speed and ease to read - 🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️ Makes you think - No Recommend the book - ✔
▪️Synopsis
A-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.
Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.
Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.
Shauna can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?
▪️ How I found the book
I love Carol from BBC weather so I was excited to read her book but I was worried I'd be disappointed. In the end, it was better than I expected for a romance with a beautiful setting and some twists in the storyline.
Shauna O'brien travels to the Greek island Ithos on her holiday when she is younger in 1980 and has a romance. The book then follows her through her life up to the current day for the book - 2003, when she returns to Ithos. There are references to the 1980s and 1990s which takes you back to that era.
Her friend Rozy is amazing and their friendship is something we would all love!
There are a few twists in the tale and the description of Ithos is nice. It is a good, romantic beach read 🌞
I usually bypass novels written by celebrities but I’m glad on this occasion I had a change of heart. It’s a wonderful read – for me a breath of fresh air - and I honestly could not put it down. Shauna and Demetrios’s romance is bitter sweet. He has been born into wealth, but that comes at a price. And Shauna's ‘'Cinderella’ moment with him is soon curtailed by his mother Elana.
Shauna returns back to the UK with her aspiring fashion designer friend Roxy – someone who will stay true to her throughout the book – and continues with her degree.
Fast forward twenty years. Shauna is now a Hollywood A-Lister who has made a decision to return to Demetrious’s island home to see him.
Under a Greek Moon is beautifully written with a great plot. The story centres on Shauna's journey to stardom. It also shows that fame and fortune very often come at a price. The characters are strong, some likeable, some not so (especially Elana). The backdrop of the Greek islands – blue skies and sandy beaches – I really felt I was there. I look forward to more from Carol Kirkwood. A great debut! I would like to thank Carol Kirkwood, Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC of Under a Greek Moon in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a lovely read. Whilst engrossed in this book I definitely escaped to the Greek island! A debut novel (with a stunning cover) from Carol Kirkwood, weather presenter for the BBC, fabulous debut and well written. I enjoyed reading about the celebrities around in the 1980s, before my time but I found it interesting. All the beautiful settings and the lovely characters, it was a delight to read. I was so drawn in by the Greek element, Greece is a place I would love to visit one day! It’s definitely that kind of summer beach read while enjoying a cocktail 🍹🌞🏖
The main character Shauna is very likeable who you instantly warm to and want the best for. I was engrossed when reading through the various time frames/locations of how her life developed, how her family life wasn’t so great but Roxy, her friend, was always there to support her throughout the love, heartbreak, loss and when Shauna found fame.
Demetrios, another main character. The Greek god. I was kinda obsessed with him 👀 although during one particular time frame I went cold and wasn’t so keen on him, however, things turned out positive. Everything just came together and it was a lovely ending.
I would definitely recommend this book and I hope there will be more books by Carol Kirkwood. 🤞🏻
I had no idea who Carol Kirkwood was as I do not watch a great deal of TV. But if this is her first Novel I do hope she goes on to write more. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful romp through the glamour of old Hollywood , plus the beautiful descriptions of the Greek Islands somewhere I would adore visiting but sadly I don't think my health & funds would ever allow it , so thanks to writers like Carol I am able to travel . There is love, passion & greatest of all amazing friendships within this Book .so I recommend you pick up a copy & read it .#FB, #Instagram,#Goodreads, #NetGalley,# Amazon.co.uk, #HarperCollins, #, #,#.
It literally felt like I had been swept up into a Mamma Mia meets Letters to Juliette type of book and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and for a debut novel, it was very well done.
I will say, I wanted more of the Shauna and Demetrios relationship since I felt as though we didn't get as much insight as I would have liked but interestingly, the lack of that relationship was made up by Grace's. I enjoyed reading more about Grace as a character which I found surprising! Kirkwood managed to create loveable characters, even when the ones that weren't necessarily supposed to be.
If you're after a good, light-hearted beach read or a Summer book, this is the one. Make sure to check some of the trigger warnings because I'd say there are a few sensitive topics in there but other than that, this book was a fun read.
(thank you to the publishers for sending me an advanced copy!)
3.5. Was a nice summer read with lots of drama however some points really annoyed me.
3/4 through the book we are told that she had a child 20 years ago with Dem and that she had to give her up. Just felt very rushed towards the end like the author had a good idea towards the end of the book but couldn't be bothered to re write so instead, crammed it all in the last quarter of the book. Felt a bit cliche and predictable but with that being said there was still some scandalous drama that kept me entertained and I loved Shauna and Roxy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am a huge Hellenophile and this book is an amazing debut from Carol Kirkwood. She manages to get under the skin of Greece and the story is beautifully told. How could you not like a book set under the Greek moonlight and fengari just happens to be one of my favourite Greek words. The story is emotional and carries the reader along. One of those special books that you can't wait to finish but don't want to end. Brilliant.
Styl psaní Carol Kirkwood je jednoduchý, příjemný a čtivý. Autorka kombinuje současné dění s retrospektivními pohledy do minulosti, což dodává příběhu dynamiku a hloubku. Čtenář tak postupně odhaluje nejen Shauninu minulost, ale také její vnitřní svět – její ambice, sílu a schopnost čelit nepřízni osudu. Kirkwood se zaměřuje na témata jako přátelství, rodinné vztahy, loajalita a osobní ambice. Tyto prvky činí příběh nejen romantickým, ale také lidsky blízkým. Popisy prostředí jsou živé a detailní, což umožňuje čtenářům pocítit atmosféru řeckého ostrova tak intenzivně, že mají pocit, jako by tam sami byli.
Postavy jsou dobře vykreslené a působí realisticky. Shauna je komplexní hrdinka – její ambice i zranitelnost ji činí sympatickou a inspirativní zároveň. Vedlejší postavy, jako její přítelkyně Roxy nebo muž z její minulosti Demetrios, přidávají příběhu na zajímavosti a rozšiřují jeho emocionální rozměr. Matka hlavní hrdinky hraje důležitou roli jako katalyzátor děje – její vliv na Shaunino rozhodování je patrný a dodává příběhu další vrstvu.
Při čtení této knihy mě zaujalo zejména její příjemné tempo. Děj plyne nenuceně a jednotlivé události mají dostatek prostoru k rozvinutí. Kniha není přeplněná dramatickými zvraty ani komplikovanými zápletkami – právě tato jednoduchost jí dodává kouzlo. Je to typ čtení, které si člověk užije bez pocitu spěchu nebo tlaku na hluboké zamyšlení. V některých momentech mě příběh dokonce dokázal dojmout – byť jen na vteřinku – což považuji za důkaz toho, že autorka umí pracovat s emocemi čtenáře.
Celkově bych knihu označila za velmi milé čtení. Je to taková jednohubka na jeden či dva večery, která dokáže zpříjemnit jarní nebo letní večery svou lehkostí a pozitivní energií. Přestože nejde o literární dílo s hlubokou psychologickou analýzou nebo složitou zápletkou, má své kouzlo v tom, jak nenuceně vypráví o lásce, přátelství a hledání sebe sama. Pokud hledáte oddechovou romantiku s nádechem exotiky a trochou nostalgie po dávných letních dnech, Pod řeckým měsícem vás určitě nezklame.
Autorka dokázala vytvořit dílo plné slunce a emocí – přesně takové, jaké si člověk rád vezme do ruky ve chvílích klidu. Svým způsobem mě kniha překvapila svou schopností navodit pocit pohody i lehkého dojetí. Je to příběh o návratu k sobě samé i o smíření s minulostí. A právě díky této kombinaci romantiky a lidskosti bych ji doporučila každému, kdo hledá nenáročné čtení s krásnými kulisami řeckého ostrova v pozadí.
So, a lot has happened since my last read. I’ve moved to Ireland🇮🇪 for the next year of my life. It has been so exciting, so freeing, but also so nerve wracking all at the same time. I pick up this book last Friday at my new library. I am thrilled to report I not only loved this book but I officially have an Irish library card which is something I will cherish forever✨As for this book, I loved Shauna’s 19 year old Irish character and her story about falling in love on the Greek island of Ithos🐚It really was a story of her life, love lost and found again in so many different ways. The last third of the book was full of shocking twists and turns! I am honestly in awe of how well Kirkwood seamlessly tied the story together at the end. I loved this story, I’ve just reserved her other two books she’s published. Cathy Kelly remarked that Under a Greek Moon is “utterly engaging and deliciously escapist” I couldn’t agree more. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the pickup for her other titles I have reserved.
Simpaticna knjiga cija se radnja odvija dijelom na grckim otocima, a dijelom u Hollywoodu, prati ljubavnu priču Shaune i Dimitrisa, koja je započela tamo gdje su se najmanje nadali. Dimiotrios kao nasljednik bogatog brodovlasnika ima obavezu da nastavi porodicnu tradiciju i sacuva njihovo bogatstvo po cijenu bilo cega, pa i voljene zene. Shauna, neiskusna tinejdzerica pod njegovom zastitom dozivj sve ono najljepse, ali i ono najtuznije, zbog cega ga napusta bez ijedne rijeci…Skoro dvadeset godina kasnije, vraca se na njegov otok, kako bi sredili sve sto je ostalo nerijeseno medju njima, ali sudbina za njih ima nove planove i izazove…
Emanuela - per RFS . Parliamo di questo delizioso romance che cavalca le onde del romantico mare greco, raccontandoci una love story che attraversa quasi vent’anni e che vede protagonisti Demetrios, un armatore erede di una famiglia ricca e ingombrante ma che non dimentica le sue radici; e Shauna, una giovane ragazza irlandese assunta come lavorante stagionale sullo yacht del rampollo.
Tra i due scoppia un grande amore, dolce e appassionato che non avrà esiti felici a causa dell’intromissione di una madre troppo invadente.
Separati con l’inganno prenderanno strade diverse e avranno destini dissimili: Shauna, grazie all’incontro con un celebre regista tutto genio e sregolatezza che ne scoprirà il talento recitativo, diventerà un’attrice famosissima di Hollywood; mentre Demetrios, concluderà delle vantaggiose quanto infelici nozze.
La storia si snocciola raccontandoci la crisi del matrimonio di Shauna a causa delle intemperanze del marito, e si arricchisce con nomi di attori famosi e sulla breccia negli anni ottanta, che contribuiscono a dare maggiore credibilità alla vicenda.
Quando la vita della protagonista subirà un duro colpo e tutto sembrerà crollarle addosso, il destino la ricondurrà a Isthos, l’isola meravigliosa su cui tutto ha avuto inizio e dove un Demetrios più vecchio e più disincantato la sta aspettando da vent’anni.
Atmosfera romantica al top che richiama alla mente i cari vecchi romanzi rosa di una volta, capaci di trasportare il lettore in posti paradisiaci che solo nei sogni ci è possibile raggiungere.
Going to Greece in just over a month and stumbled across this book at the library and thought it will be a good read before my trip. I surprisingly loved this book, especially the latter half, I couldn’t put it down