She thought she'd found her lost past, but did she uncover all the secrets?
Melodie returns to her mother's house in Corfu for the first time since inheriting it. Only, she discovers it isn't empty. She finds someone has been living there; a girl who claims the property is hers.
Dismissing the claim, Melodie tries to enjoy her new life in the beauty of Corfu. The girl soon resurfaces and it becomes impossible to ignore her any longer.
Francesca Catlow writes bestselling fiction filled with passionate love stories that feature flawed, and sometimes broken, characters as they face a crossroads in their life. She often explores heartbreaking themes while also whisking readers off to beautiful locations.
Francesca loves to travel. Born and raised in the heart of Suffolk, England, she has travelled extensively in Europe with her French husband and, more recently, their two children. In 2024 she relocated to France where she spends her days dreaming up stories and her evenings sitting in her garden relaxing with her family.
In 2023 Francesca was a finalist for the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award, and was nominated for an Innovation Award for her work with libraries in Suffolk.
Francesca loves to hear from her readers – if you would like to contact her, you can do so on her social pages, or subscribe to her newsletter.
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
Behind the Olive Trees is the second book in the Little Blue Door series and I adored this one even more than book 1! What an absolute delight these books are. This book takes off a year later from where book 1 ends. Melodie has moved her life to her beloved Corfu to set down routes with Anton and Gaia. She returns to her mother's house for the first time since inheriting it but is stunned to find a young girl staying there. Thinking this girl is a squatter, Melodie orders her to leave. Upon looking through documents and diaries of her late mothers, Melodie discovers even more secrets to unravel. With comical moments and family drama plus some mystery elements to the story, it drew me in hook, line and sinker from page one! I adore this series so much! The characters are so wonderful and well drafted and I adore that its set in such a beautiful place such as Corfu. This is definitely a summer read you don't want to miss!
This is book two and it is even more exciting than book one (The Little Blue Door). Here, Melodie is now married to Anton and becomes a mother to Gaia. It truly is a happily ever after. That is, until Keres enters her life. Without any spoilers given; Is Keres an imposter playing the part of Melodie’s extended family or is she genuine? Is everything Keres is telling Melodie really happening or is the family in danger along with Melodie? Come and read this emotional rollercoaster of events. My senses were on guard the whole time while reading. I was enjoying this book so much, I tried making it last by dragging it out as long as possible. 🧐
I had no idea this was a trilogy, somehow I missed that. Now I’m going to suffer until 2023, when I can read the finale of what becomes of Anton, Melodie, Gaia and Keres. The torture is real. 😩
I loved the first book in the series, 'The little blue door' and couldn't wait to read the sequel. 'Behind the olive trees' sees Melodie settling into married life with her husband Anton and step daughter Gaia. Her quest to discover more about her deceased mother's life, leads her to take in the squatter who has been occupying her mother's house.
This book takes on a more chilling, psychological tone as the atmosphere becomes charged with danger. As odd things begin to happen, the discovery of who the cuckoo in the nest really is, comes as a shock not just to Melodie but also to the reader. Each page is overlaid with a tense, electrical charge that makes the reader both reluctant yet desperate to turn the page.
Just as things settle down into some kind of normality for Melodie and her new family, the book ends on an abrupt cliffhanger. Please tell me there is a third book in the series as I can't wait to read the next installment.
This is book 2 in the Little Blue Door series and boy oh boy does it pack a punch! When you first see this book you think of it being a nice cosy woman's fiction with a bit of romance but it definitely has the essence of a thriller running through it as well. It just seems to deliver more with every turn of the page and had me reading this in a matter of hours as I just couldn't put it down - I was HOOKED.
We met Melodie, Anton and Gaia in The Little Blue Door and they are the prominent family in this book to but we also get to see more of Anton's family. I still think Gaia is the best character, she's just such a sweet, good-natured and kind hearted girl that you can't help but warm to her which made it even more impactful when she becomes so poorly. Anton is such a good day and seeing him worry and look after Gaia during this time just goes to show how much of a close bond they have, even if he does come across a bit headstrong at times!
I have to say that I felt there was something very fishy with Keres from the start, you know when things just don't seem to add up and you start questioning everything... (yes, just like in a thriller) well this was the feeling that I got from her. I mean I even started feeling sorry for Nico a little bit and after his behaviour in LBD that was not something I could have predicted. As we reach the crescendo of the book even more seems to happen and I found myself agreeing with Anton in his scepticism about Keres, just dreading something really bad and feeling very much on the edge of my seat.
Now I still like Melodie as a character but I think she seemed a lot weaker in this book, I think because of the whole situation and she really was blinded by the family prospect and finding that lost part to herself - even if she wasn't aware it existed in the first place. Howevery, her relationship with Gaia was my favourite part as they have a really special bond and you can just tell that they are going to grow closer and closer as time progresses.
When we get to the last few pages I was shocked again and I have been left reeling... my mind is coming up with all sorts of ideas and I don't know quite what to do with myself, all I can do is hope that everything is going to be ok when we get to book 3 but I have a horrible feeling that it isn't... And it's definitely too much of a wait now! I need the next one already!!!
I read this book in 48 hours! Slipping back into Corfu with Melodie felt like visiting an old friend for a catch up. Other than (what I felt) was a pacing issue over the first few chapters this book whizzed along taking you along for the ride with a ‘just one more chapter’ feel to it. Although I thought I had the story all figured out early on there was still plenty of surprises to keep me reading & the ending had me cursing the fact that book 3 isn’t available yet!
Behind the Olive Trees by Francesca Catlow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟
"Love isn’t some cake that you use up and can’t share." 🌎 "I’d been welcomed into their world in a way that I could never have imagined."
I was so excited to jump into Francesca's little blue door sequel, and return to Anton and Melodie's world and I didn't think it could get any better but it was! The mystery and shock factor is still there and this time she slaps you in the face with a heart wrenching cliff hanger! Thank goodness the 3rd book is almost out!
One Corfu Summer by Francesca Catlow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟
"It’s like the golden glow of the sun trickled down on us and gave us its embers to burn in our souls. But that’s the thing about fire. It burns. It glows too hot and it has the potential to swallow everything up." 🌎 "The sea is all magic. The sea takes pain and feels none of it."
You know that book Character everyone loves to hate? Well this novella did that book character so much justice. This was such a beautiful little story about Nico (The trouble maker from the series) it made me ache for him and understand why he is the way he is and I was so sad when the story ended! WE NEED MORE OF NICO AND ALICE, Fran!
I read both these books in one sitting and I loved every minute of it! So proud of you Fran!
Love this book! It's the best of the series so far—a twist on the first book, *The Little Blue Door*, mixed with a mystery, a sister who has secrets Melodie can't seem to see. Now I'm going to have to buy the third book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story takes you straight to Corfu's sunny beaches, hidden coves, pavement cafes and bougainvillea-scented gardens – writer Francesca Catlow captures the beauty and peace of the island while delivering an intriguing story centred around the family dynamics of the heroine of the first book in this trilogy, The Little Blue Door. I have to confess that I wish I’d read this first – Melodie has already had quite a journey escaping the tragedies of her past to reconnect with her long-lost mother. But the author quickly brings us up to speed, so the story is never confusing. Melodie has found happiness with Greek widower Anton and his 14-year-old daughter Gaia, But there's a cuckoo in their nest in the shape of Keres who claims to be Melodie's sister snatched at birth from their mother and abandoned by their cruel father. What influence will she have on Anton? On Gaia? She causes plenty trouble, for sure. While the plot of this story moves along quite slowly, the narrative never drags, thanks to the author’s beautifully descriptive writing. The fun of a Greek wedding, the tantalising descriptions of mouthwatering Greek dishes, the haze and heat of the Greek way of living all draw you deep into story. Once there, you’re held by the characters. Fourteen-year-old Gaia is a particular joy to meet – fiercely loving, fun, rebellious and starting out on her own life’s journey, she’s an integral part of the story. And what about Keres? A hero? A villainess? Whatever she is doing, however she is behaving – and often it is badly – she holds us in her spell as surely as she does the people around her. My one nitpick with this story is the ending which, while bringing the relationship between Melodie and Keres to a satisfactory resolution sets up a spine-tingling, tantalising scenario for what is to come. Just as I wish I’d read the first book, I wish the writer had already written the third – because there is obviously lots more drama in store.
The writing was very descriptive often describing sites and smells of Corfu which was brilliant. Due to it being the second book in the series, it took me a while to get the hang of who the characters were as they suddenly just appeared, however, once that was sorted I was away and the writing was gripping. Little things kept me in suspense and kept me very suspicious and wary of one of the characters. The only other thing I would say about the writing is that because the main character didn't speak Greek I felt that we were missing out on a lot of information. Whilst this kept the suspicious atmosphere, I would have liked to be privy to more of the other characters' conversations and got to know them a bit better.
The chapters were short and the story was fast paced. So much seemed to happen in such a short space of time which I enjoyed. It also allowed for lots of things to build up and suspense and cliffhangers were dotted around making me want to keep reading.
The characters were great. I loved the main character in particular with her loving and supportive nature. Even when there was only negativity around she did her best to put a positive spin on it.
Lastly the settings. I loved Corfu. The descriptions were wonderful and made me feel like I could be there. The settings really added to the storyline.
Overall an enjoyable book once I had sussed out who everyone was.
As soon as I started reading I was transported back to Cofu, I could almost feel the sun on my face and hear the breeze in the trees.
It was so good to be back with Melodie, Anton and Gaia and to see how their family has developed and I love Melodie and Gaia’s bond.
There are some very interesting (nasty 😬) characters, the developments with Keres really hooked me in and I had to keep reading to find out what she was up to. The story just flows and you really feel that you are getting to know each character.
As well as the romance and family dynamics, the book also has a thriller edge! The waiter?!! And not forgetting that epic cliff hanger, I don’t find I will be able to settle until I read the next book in the series!
Behind the Olive Trees is the second book in The Little Blue Door series, it could read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading in order to get acquainted with the characters.
An unputdownable, beautifully written piece of women's fiction set among the sunny shores of Corfu.
Having met the characters in book one, this was like going abroad to catch up with old friends, then finding yourself caught up in their family drama, which incidentally was pretty exciting and doused in mystery.
I knew something was afoot with Keres, but wasn't expecting that!
That ending though...and the mother of all cliffhangers...how long before book three Francesca?
The perfect summer series 🏖️
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Wow where do I start! I loved The Little Blue Door and was delighted to be able to continue the story of Melodie. Once again you’re transported to beautiful Corfu with all of the sights, sounds and smells drawing you in. There’s romance but oh so much more, twists and turns keeping you guessing but the end is so unexpected. I can’t wait for book three, a wonderful read.
A really quick read - even though it was book 2 it only took me 50 or so pages to fully understand who everyone was, and although at times I was missing a little context it didn't hamper my reading too much.
Melodie is living in Corfu when her missing half sister suddenly appears- but she isn't all she seems.
I was suspicious of Keres from the off, it all seemed to good to be true and Melodie was so naive it actually hurt.
The ending is such a cliff hanger, whens book 3 out pls?
Behind the Olive Trees is the second book in the Little Blue Door series by Francesca Catlow.
Melodie has returned to her mother’s house in Corfu for the first time after inheriting it and she is shocked to find a young girl living there who claims that the house is actually hers.
At first Melodie can’t believe this is true, but she likes to see the good in people and so takes the young girl in and tries to help her. However, it soon appears that there is another motive and maybe another story altogether behind her strange and unexpected arrival. The question is, how far will she go to get what she wants?
This is a very well written book that transports you to Greece with the characters, you feel that you know them so well by the end of the book. The dynamics between the characters are so vivid, it actually feels like you are there with them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the next instalment. Without giving anything away, I will just say what a completely unexpected ending!
Set to the beautiful back drop of Greece, gives us a lovely little look at sunny island living. Melodie is the main protagonist and the story is told from her perspective.
I enjoyed the book for the most part however being part two of a proposed trilogy meant that I was a little lost at the beginning of the book. It would’ve been beneficial for me to have read book one The Little Blue Door. I then would’ve had a better understanding of the main characters.
I can’t say I loved Melodie as a character for me she was very meek and overly sentimental when it came to Kerees. I can appreciate she was well written, just not my type of person.
The book left off on a cliffhanger so I look forward to seeing how all loose ends will be tied up in part three of this story.
I recommend starting with The Little Blue door before this one it will add to the overall experience and enjoyment! A lovely summer read in a fantastic setting that will give you the travel bug.
Thank you to @randomthingstours for my copy of this book.
I really enjoyed the first in this trilogy and read it in just over a day, this one - the second - was the same. I couldn’t put it down once I got going.
We carry on the story of Melodie and her new relationship in Crete with Anton and his daughter, Gaia. They are all such wonderful, wholesome characters, written in such a way you feel like family. So much happens in this one but I can’t say anything without spoiling it.
All I can say is you should definitely read this series, and @francescacatlowofficial - what the heck with that ending?!?!!?
What a beautiful story set on the Greek island of Corfu. I’ve not been there for years and it makes me want to return!
I loved how Melodie was accepted fully into Anton’s family and how Gaia saw her as more than just a stepmother.
I also understand how she embraced finding her sister after everything her mother went through and why Melodie wouldn’t have thought any less of Keres.
The plot was well planned; Catlow threw little specks of doubt at you round every corner, to the point that you totally empathised with how Melodie was feeling.
The backdrop of summer in Corfu was beautiful, especially as there were lots of fabulous Greek meals involved.
What I wasn’t expecting was an almighty cliffhanger at the end - hurry up and write the final instalment Francesca; I don’t think I can wait!
Melodie has married Anton, and with Gaia are settled into his house a a happy family unit. When Melodie visits her mother's house she come face to face with a blonde girl called Keres…who claims she is Melodie's half sister.
Found this second book in the series hard to read as I didn't trust Keres and she upset the lovely dynamic of Mel and her husband Anton and her stepdaughter . Not really what I expected after the previous book
Follow on from The little blue door I thought the story line was weak and didn't really have enough mystery or body to it. The end lends itself to a 3rd in the series, but doubt I will read it.
I enjoyed The Little Blue Door (Book 1) but this book upped the pace. Lots of drama and twists and turns and ended on a real cliffhanger. Very frustrating having to wait for book 3
This is getting better. Melodie now has found family but what twisted lies they weave, and poor Anton, what has happened and where is he. Next book coming up can’t wait!
Loved the books storyline, which had lots of twists and turns, keeping it exciting right till the end. However, one downside that put it to 4 stars was the slightly disappointing ending.