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One Last Letter from Greece
Will walking in her mother’s footsteps help Sophie discover who she was meant to be all along…?
Devastated by her mother’s death, Sophie longs to get away from an empty house full of memories and a life that hasn’t quite turned out as she had imagined.
So when a chance discovery among her mother’s belongings hints at a past Sophie knows nothing of, she jumps at the opportunity for escape and a chance to heal. The magical, idyllic Greek town of Methoni awaits…
But Sophie – determined to uncover her mother’s secrets – is about to discover so much more. Among the tranquil waters and cosy tavernas, Methoni’s locals offer Sophie the answers she craves, along with unexpected romance and, if she’ll take it, a chance at her own happiness…
Devastated by her mother’s death, Sophie longs to get away from an empty house full of memories and a life that hasn’t quite turned out as she had imagined.
So when a chance discovery among her mother’s belongings hints at a past Sophie knows nothing of, she jumps at the opportunity for escape and a chance to heal. The magical, idyllic Greek town of Methoni awaits…
But Sophie – determined to uncover her mother’s secrets – is about to discover so much more. Among the tranquil waters and cosy tavernas, Methoni’s locals offer Sophie the answers she craves, along with unexpected romance and, if she’ll take it, a chance at her own happiness…
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
529 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
May 12, 2023
Sophie is devastated by the loss of her mother Lyndsey, she’s left wandering around her house and surrounded by her mother’s things. Her mother was a talented painter, every summer she traveled to Greece for inspiration and Sophie discovers one of her mother’s paintings is unaccounted for.
Sophie decides to travel to Methoni a small town in Greece, she needs a holiday and she wants to solve the mystery of her mother's missing painting. Methoni is beautiful, the sea views are stunning, and the people are friendly and the food is delicious. Sophie doesn’t have a lot to of information about her mother’s painting and all she has is an old grainy photo and a few letters. Sophie feels like someone is following her, maybe it’s because she has been asking questions about the missing painting or could it be her abusive ex fiancée?
Sophie meets Theo, a gorgeous fisherman, she's very attracted to him and love is the last thing Sophie expected to find in Greece. Sophie and Theo have both been hurt in the past, they live in different countries, run their own businesses, and her best friend Tash lives in England and Sophie feels torn between the two of them.
I received a copy of One Last Letter from Greece by Emma Cowell from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. It’s a story about discovering Lyndsey’s secrets and her art, Sophie being able to move on from the tragic death of her mum and finding her own happiness. I enjoyed reading about the stunning scenery in Greece, the yummy food and Christina's my favourite character, I found Tash too clingy and overpowering and four stars for this debut novel.
** Warning the book mentions pregnancy loss, infertility and domestic violence in the narrative! **
Sophie decides to travel to Methoni a small town in Greece, she needs a holiday and she wants to solve the mystery of her mother's missing painting. Methoni is beautiful, the sea views are stunning, and the people are friendly and the food is delicious. Sophie doesn’t have a lot to of information about her mother’s painting and all she has is an old grainy photo and a few letters. Sophie feels like someone is following her, maybe it’s because she has been asking questions about the missing painting or could it be her abusive ex fiancée?
Sophie meets Theo, a gorgeous fisherman, she's very attracted to him and love is the last thing Sophie expected to find in Greece. Sophie and Theo have both been hurt in the past, they live in different countries, run their own businesses, and her best friend Tash lives in England and Sophie feels torn between the two of them.
I received a copy of One Last Letter from Greece by Emma Cowell from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. It’s a story about discovering Lyndsey’s secrets and her art, Sophie being able to move on from the tragic death of her mum and finding her own happiness. I enjoyed reading about the stunning scenery in Greece, the yummy food and Christina's my favourite character, I found Tash too clingy and overpowering and four stars for this debut novel.
** Warning the book mentions pregnancy loss, infertility and domestic violence in the narrative! **
March 4, 2022
2.5* rounded up
A story about love, loss and a mother's decision to put her child first at the expense of her own happiness. This book will appeal to the romantics out there as it offers a poignant love story between two young, grieving people who manage to find a way to trust each other despite being let down in the past.
For me personally, the plot twist was quite obvious and at times the story stalled in unnecessary details regarding the environment at the expense of elaborating more on the characters' past and relations. The side story about Tasha and her IVF treatments, although relevant to many struggling couples out there, was a bit boring for me and I struggled to feel the genuine connection between two best friends in this case.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK.
A story about love, loss and a mother's decision to put her child first at the expense of her own happiness. This book will appeal to the romantics out there as it offers a poignant love story between two young, grieving people who manage to find a way to trust each other despite being let down in the past.
For me personally, the plot twist was quite obvious and at times the story stalled in unnecessary details regarding the environment at the expense of elaborating more on the characters' past and relations. The side story about Tasha and her IVF treatments, although relevant to many struggling couples out there, was a bit boring for me and I struggled to feel the genuine connection between two best friends in this case.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK.
April 8, 2022
I have just finished One Last Letter from Greece; Emma Cowell’s debut book and it is brilliant.
Emma had me totally gripped from the beginning and kept me reading into the early hours.
I love the story's setting in Greece and Emma had a brilliant way of drawing you in that you felt you were there with them. I love the Greek people, especially the way that treat Sophie as one of their own, especially Christina.
I would definitely recommend this and look forward to reading more by Emma in the future. A story which will stay with me for a little while.
Emma had me totally gripped from the beginning and kept me reading into the early hours.
I love the story's setting in Greece and Emma had a brilliant way of drawing you in that you felt you were there with them. I love the Greek people, especially the way that treat Sophie as one of their own, especially Christina.
I would definitely recommend this and look forward to reading more by Emma in the future. A story which will stay with me for a little while.
September 2, 2024
Alas, another book set in Greece that didn’t take my fancy. Not that I have got anything at all against this amazing country, I just find it bizarre that the couple of books I have read with this location, I haven’t particularly enjoyed. A weird coincidence, I’m sure!
This story has a lot of grief as we are introduced to Sophie very much raw from the sudden passing of her mother. The relationship she had with her mother was incredibly close and this made the opening of the chapters quite hard to read: the writer really captured the suffocating sadness and isolation that Sophie feels and it is only when she decides to head to Greece to locate her mother’s missing painting, does this claustrophobic mood start to lift.
In Greece, I loved the portrayal of the setting and the sunnier climes – I definitely felt on holiday! However, this fell flat as I found the story to be quite predictable pretty quickly. A meet-cute on a glorious beach sees Sophie lose her head to the gorgeous Greek God, Theo, and within a couple of days she finds she is in love with him. Personally, I was never convinced by their relationship and questioned whether Sophie was on the rebound and reacting to the loss of her mother. Even by the end of the story, I never warmed to her coupling and couldn’t shake my dubious feelings.
Falling in love so rapidly, Sophie does take time to find this missing painting of her mother. I was expecting the story to be a bit of a dual timeline, revealing episodes when her mother was in Greece and the history behind her visits. Yet, it is over halfway through the story do any letters get a mention and even these are quite sparse. Based on this, I thought the title of the book quite misleading and set me up for expectations that were never met.
Cowell does sprinkle a bit of the paranormal in this book with references to the ghost of Sophie’s mother. Sophie is convinced her spirit is guiding her during her stay in Greece and, coupled with a local’s predictions, Sophie relies on this to help make decisions. In some way I liked this because it moved the story away from such an overbearing and fast-moving love interest. On the other hand, I thought this theme could have been developed more to add to the unique tale of Sophie’s adventure.
I don’t think it helped that I ultimately disliked Theo. I thought that he asked a lot of Sophie without ever sacrificing anything of himself. I was surprised that Sophie doesn’t ever question this – instead blindly following her deep love and remaining besotted with him. Furthermore, the scenes detailing the subplot of Sophie’s best friend never really interested me, adding to the perception that this book was too long with quite a few dull scenes.
I’m quite sad that I didn’t enjoy this book because I had such high expectations. Setting off for Greece was a massive bonus and I think the key part that saved this story because the location was so vividly described. Yet, I did not like the love interest, was frustrated by Sophie’s whimsy nature towards him and thought the actual searching of the missing painting was underwhelming.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story has a lot of grief as we are introduced to Sophie very much raw from the sudden passing of her mother. The relationship she had with her mother was incredibly close and this made the opening of the chapters quite hard to read: the writer really captured the suffocating sadness and isolation that Sophie feels and it is only when she decides to head to Greece to locate her mother’s missing painting, does this claustrophobic mood start to lift.
In Greece, I loved the portrayal of the setting and the sunnier climes – I definitely felt on holiday! However, this fell flat as I found the story to be quite predictable pretty quickly. A meet-cute on a glorious beach sees Sophie lose her head to the gorgeous Greek God, Theo, and within a couple of days she finds she is in love with him. Personally, I was never convinced by their relationship and questioned whether Sophie was on the rebound and reacting to the loss of her mother. Even by the end of the story, I never warmed to her coupling and couldn’t shake my dubious feelings.
Falling in love so rapidly, Sophie does take time to find this missing painting of her mother. I was expecting the story to be a bit of a dual timeline, revealing episodes when her mother was in Greece and the history behind her visits. Yet, it is over halfway through the story do any letters get a mention and even these are quite sparse. Based on this, I thought the title of the book quite misleading and set me up for expectations that were never met.
Cowell does sprinkle a bit of the paranormal in this book with references to the ghost of Sophie’s mother. Sophie is convinced her spirit is guiding her during her stay in Greece and, coupled with a local’s predictions, Sophie relies on this to help make decisions. In some way I liked this because it moved the story away from such an overbearing and fast-moving love interest. On the other hand, I thought this theme could have been developed more to add to the unique tale of Sophie’s adventure.
I don’t think it helped that I ultimately disliked Theo. I thought that he asked a lot of Sophie without ever sacrificing anything of himself. I was surprised that Sophie doesn’t ever question this – instead blindly following her deep love and remaining besotted with him. Furthermore, the scenes detailing the subplot of Sophie’s best friend never really interested me, adding to the perception that this book was too long with quite a few dull scenes.
I’m quite sad that I didn’t enjoy this book because I had such high expectations. Setting off for Greece was a massive bonus and I think the key part that saved this story because the location was so vividly described. Yet, I did not like the love interest, was frustrated by Sophie’s whimsy nature towards him and thought the actual searching of the missing painting was underwhelming.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2022
I love this gorgeous cover! This book was very descriptive, you could picture the beach and the amazing sky. I was expecting more about the finding of the picture but instead we have a love story. I liked the characters for the most part but at times Sophie thought too much. It is a nice love story spanning two generations.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
January 9, 2023
A good read, but gets a bit bogged down in the middle
July 2, 2023
Μπορεί να είναι και για πιο κάτω αλλά είμαι χουβαρντάς. 😅
May 31, 2022
Sophie's mum was a famous artist, and being brought up by a single mum they couldn't be closer. Sophie thought she knew Lindsey inside out, but she couldn't be more wrong.
When Lindsey dies, a set of events sends her searching for a lost painting of her mother's. One of a set of 5 that hasn't been seen by anyone, except for the photocopy that she finds in her mum's wardrobe. Sophie has to park her life, and travel to the Greek Island where the paintings were set. An early dip in the sea sees Sophie having to be rescued by a handsome Greek man, which sets off a chain of events no one expected.
This is a story full of mystery, romance, beautiful scenery, friendship and escaping from controlling behaviour. A lovely summery novel.
When Lindsey dies, a set of events sends her searching for a lost painting of her mother's. One of a set of 5 that hasn't been seen by anyone, except for the photocopy that she finds in her mum's wardrobe. Sophie has to park her life, and travel to the Greek Island where the paintings were set. An early dip in the sea sees Sophie having to be rescued by a handsome Greek man, which sets off a chain of events no one expected.
This is a story full of mystery, romance, beautiful scenery, friendship and escaping from controlling behaviour. A lovely summery novel.
June 9, 2022
https://www.instagram.com/p/CelOKWurd...
I’m in love with this cover and story.
It’s heartbreaking in many ways but also so heartwarming and fulfilling.
A story about grief, reconnect and finding truths that were long buried in another country that might as well feel like a piece of heaven at times.
Sophie tries to discover some parts of her mother’s story that she had no idea about it. And that will take her to a idilic place where she can find pace with herself but also unexpected love.
I’m in love with this cover and story.
It’s heartbreaking in many ways but also so heartwarming and fulfilling.
A story about grief, reconnect and finding truths that were long buried in another country that might as well feel like a piece of heaven at times.
Sophie tries to discover some parts of her mother’s story that she had no idea about it. And that will take her to a idilic place where she can find pace with herself but also unexpected love.
February 9, 2023
What a great debut novel by Emma Cowell's.
The story is about Sophie and her search for a lost painting of her mums who has passed away. Sophie travels to Greece to uncover a hidden secret. Amongst the cobbled streets, she not only learns of her mum’s younger life but heals her heart and finds love. There are so many interesting twists and turns in the plot with beautiful descriptions of places, and events that make you not want to put the book down.
The story is about Sophie and her search for a lost painting of her mums who has passed away. Sophie travels to Greece to uncover a hidden secret. Amongst the cobbled streets, she not only learns of her mum’s younger life but heals her heart and finds love. There are so many interesting twists and turns in the plot with beautiful descriptions of places, and events that make you not want to put the book down.
July 23, 2024
Angst, much?!
There was simply way too much immaturity, overblown angst, and miscommunication in this story. Round and round and round anything that can go wrong does go wrong and characters over react. Such such silliness! Definitely not my cup of tea! Although I’m studying Greek, the author’s inclusion of Greek words was pleasant.
There was simply way too much immaturity, overblown angst, and miscommunication in this story. Round and round and round anything that can go wrong does go wrong and characters over react. Such such silliness! Definitely not my cup of tea! Although I’m studying Greek, the author’s inclusion of Greek words was pleasant.
June 28, 2022
This book is basically a love letter to Greece. ❤️
I'll be back with a proper review, but know that I really enjoyed it.
I'll be back with a proper review, but know that I really enjoyed it.
July 5, 2023
I loved this book so much, bought it on a day trip to Heraklion and read it by the pool in Malia ☀️🧿
The way I fell immediately in love with Theo and the way the town and just the Greek vibes where written.
I finished the book so fast, I can’t wait to find an other book by Emma Cowell!
The way I fell immediately in love with Theo and the way the town and just the Greek vibes where written.
I finished the book so fast, I can’t wait to find an other book by Emma Cowell!
September 19, 2024
It was set in Greece…. What more can I say :-).
Some beautiful storyline’s and lots of tears. Happiness and sorrow. A wonderful book to read (or listen to) that can warm your soul for the simple life απλά with love, friends, family, food, oceans and sun.
Some beautiful storyline’s and lots of tears. Happiness and sorrow. A wonderful book to read (or listen to) that can warm your soul for the simple life απλά with love, friends, family, food, oceans and sun.
February 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The storyline was enjoyable but it was the setting and the talk about food that really made me enjoy this book, especially as I was reading it as 70 cm of snow was falling in Montreal. I am sure you will agree Brenda🤣
June 3, 2023
3.5 Stars
July 8, 2023
I disliked the introductory chapters, feeling that the mother who died was presented as a vain clothes-horse, and therefore not feeling much for the daughter who was in such extreme grief. I almost quit reading, but I was curious about the Greek connection. The book turned into a decent romance, albeit with way too many ups and downs and misunderstandings that could have been easily dealt with.
June 7, 2023
I listens to this book on audio and enjoyed it . It’s probably a little bit too much of the romantic idealistic for me but it was an easy listen and all in all I enjoyed it . 3.5 stars
February 17, 2024
The book is about a girl who lost her mum, then figured she’ll go to Greece to find a missing painting. She falls in love with a guy.
I really recommend this book.
I really recommend this book.
September 14, 2023
Such a wholesome story. Some romance with some multi generational aspects
June 23, 2023
I've really enjoyed this story. From the opening chapter by Emma Cowell i was hooked as i shed a few tears for the character's mum.
The author has created some fabulous characters and a twist to the story as Sophie finds herself on a holiday to the solve a mystery about her mum.
What i loved most was the friendship between Sophie and Tasha - so wonderfully heartfelt.
The author has created some fabulous characters and a twist to the story as Sophie finds herself on a holiday to the solve a mystery about her mum.
What i loved most was the friendship between Sophie and Tasha - so wonderfully heartfelt.
March 18, 2022
One Last Letter from Greece is a gorgeous read!
Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a parent, especially when they’re only in their 50s. I can fully understand her need to get away for a while. When she finds there is the possibility that one of her mother’s paintings might be in Methoni, Greece, she makes it her mission to try to find it, giving her the perfect excuse to escape for a while.
Little does she know what she is about to discover.
I love how brave some people are when it comes to travelling alone as I can’t imagine me ever doing it. Methoni sounds like a gorgeous place though. I could almost feel the heat of the sun and could happily find myself sitting on a balcony, sipping pinot, watching the glorious sunset over the sea. Hopefully under happier circumstances though.
When Sophie meets Theo the chemistry between them is palpable, although not the most conventional of introductions. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I fully believe in love at first sight. (It happened to me, and I have been married for twenty years next month.) I loved how their relationship develops but could also understand the practical issues they face, given that Sophie lives in London, has a business to run and a best friend who needs her.
I understood her friend’s initial reaction to her relationship with Theo too as I experienced the same scepticism at the beginning of our relationship. Those closest to us, naturally, don’t want to see us hurt and many can’t understand that ‘when you know, you know’ feeling. It makes us seem quite naive initially, like we’re being a bit stupid for believing someone could fall in love with you so quickly and unfortunately only time can change that perception. This made her friend’s reaction very relatable. Sophie’s reaction to her lack of understanding too. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship. Their genuine love for each other and ability to be nothing but their absolute selves with each other is heart-warming.
I was totally swept along with the romance and intensity of this story. It isn’t without its ups and downs, as is often the case. A real rollercoaster of emotion. What Sophie finds out about her mother’s summer trips to Greece is just heart-breaking. My heart broke into tiny little pieces for one other character. I won’t say who though as I don’t want to give anything away.
This book made me cry (a lot), but also made me giggle at times and smile (a lot!). I absolutely LOVED it and can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading more by Emma Cowell in the not-too-distant future, I hope.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/03/1...
Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a parent, especially when they’re only in their 50s. I can fully understand her need to get away for a while. When she finds there is the possibility that one of her mother’s paintings might be in Methoni, Greece, she makes it her mission to try to find it, giving her the perfect excuse to escape for a while.
Little does she know what she is about to discover.
I love how brave some people are when it comes to travelling alone as I can’t imagine me ever doing it. Methoni sounds like a gorgeous place though. I could almost feel the heat of the sun and could happily find myself sitting on a balcony, sipping pinot, watching the glorious sunset over the sea. Hopefully under happier circumstances though.
When Sophie meets Theo the chemistry between them is palpable, although not the most conventional of introductions. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I fully believe in love at first sight. (It happened to me, and I have been married for twenty years next month.) I loved how their relationship develops but could also understand the practical issues they face, given that Sophie lives in London, has a business to run and a best friend who needs her.
I understood her friend’s initial reaction to her relationship with Theo too as I experienced the same scepticism at the beginning of our relationship. Those closest to us, naturally, don’t want to see us hurt and many can’t understand that ‘when you know, you know’ feeling. It makes us seem quite naive initially, like we’re being a bit stupid for believing someone could fall in love with you so quickly and unfortunately only time can change that perception. This made her friend’s reaction very relatable. Sophie’s reaction to her lack of understanding too. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship. Their genuine love for each other and ability to be nothing but their absolute selves with each other is heart-warming.
I was totally swept along with the romance and intensity of this story. It isn’t without its ups and downs, as is often the case. A real rollercoaster of emotion. What Sophie finds out about her mother’s summer trips to Greece is just heart-breaking. My heart broke into tiny little pieces for one other character. I won’t say who though as I don’t want to give anything away.
This book made me cry (a lot), but also made me giggle at times and smile (a lot!). I absolutely LOVED it and can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading more by Emma Cowell in the not-too-distant future, I hope.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/03/1...
August 19, 2022
Being of Greek descent I bought this book because I just returned from Greece after a two week vacation. Having gone to Greece since I was four year old I wasn’t ready to give up the feeling of joy in swimming in the aqua blue waters and soaking in the constant sunshine. However I found the plot a bit too contrived and very very predictable.
I did like the descriptions of the Greek countryside and the beautiful sea. The use of Greek language was appropriate and yea Yiayias do rule the roost. Food and entertaining and taking care of strangers is very much a part of their make up.
Unfortunately there we’re a few real snaffoos regarding the Greek culture The story goes that Theo returns to his village because of his very traditional values. He needs to take care of his family. He has very broken English yet majored in English literature. Real Greeks may have a heavy accent but believe me their English is quite good especially if this was their major in college. I don’t recall that he actually marries Sophie at the end . His father never divorced the wife who ran off with another man and doesn’t marry the British artist. I’d have to say that in this day and age a divorce would be very possible. However because he’s concerned about appearances with the villagers he goes to other parts of Greece with her every summer. How does a fisherman manage to take summers off when that is the main time for him to be doing his job????
In fact it was mentioned by Theo who took over his Father’s fishing job that he could not do that and therefore not split his time with London. So how is Theo not worried what the villagers will think of him having a family without being married to his lover and mother of his child? In this day and age it probably wouldn’t be such a big deal but definitely he would be a source of much gossip and disapproval. Most Greeks eventually marry the XENI with whom they are involved.
While the story is very much about grief I found the internal dialogue of Sophie to be overly repetitive. I too have experienced the loss of parents and I know how raw the experience is but why did I feel annoyed at reading her version of loss?
If you’re looking for a simplistic love story set in a romantic setting then this is an ok book for you.
I did like the descriptions of the Greek countryside and the beautiful sea. The use of Greek language was appropriate and yea Yiayias do rule the roost. Food and entertaining and taking care of strangers is very much a part of their make up.
Unfortunately there we’re a few real snaffoos regarding the Greek culture The story goes that Theo returns to his village because of his very traditional values. He needs to take care of his family. He has very broken English yet majored in English literature. Real Greeks may have a heavy accent but believe me their English is quite good especially if this was their major in college. I don’t recall that he actually marries Sophie at the end . His father never divorced the wife who ran off with another man and doesn’t marry the British artist. I’d have to say that in this day and age a divorce would be very possible. However because he’s concerned about appearances with the villagers he goes to other parts of Greece with her every summer. How does a fisherman manage to take summers off when that is the main time for him to be doing his job????
In fact it was mentioned by Theo who took over his Father’s fishing job that he could not do that and therefore not split his time with London. So how is Theo not worried what the villagers will think of him having a family without being married to his lover and mother of his child? In this day and age it probably wouldn’t be such a big deal but definitely he would be a source of much gossip and disapproval. Most Greeks eventually marry the XENI with whom they are involved.
While the story is very much about grief I found the internal dialogue of Sophie to be overly repetitive. I too have experienced the loss of parents and I know how raw the experience is but why did I feel annoyed at reading her version of loss?
If you’re looking for a simplistic love story set in a romantic setting then this is an ok book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
“Will talking in her mother’s footsteps help Sophie discover who she was meant to be all along?”
After her mother’s death and breaking up with her fiance, Sophie heads to mainland Greece, to Methoni in the southern Peloponnese, to uncover a family secret. Her quest is to find a missing painting created by her mother and in the process, use the opportunity to heal.
In my opinion, this could have been a five-star book except for three things: (1) too much concentration on her mother’s funeral at the beginning of the book and (2) too much concentration about her BFF’s fertility treatment and discussions about miscarriages throughout the book and (3) Sophie’s choice to change her return flight to Methoni. I believe a paragraph or two would have sufficed and readers would still understand that Sophie was grieving. I failed to see the connection between Tasha and her IVF treatments to the main plot of the missing painting and Sophie’s experiences in Greece. Yes, the friends were united in their struggle to start a family, but such a large part of the story didn’t need to be dedicated to this struggle. Frankly, I skipped these sections. They did not add to the plot nor propel it forwards. They actually took away from the main action. Finally, I was disappointed in Sophie’s prioritization when one of the most important decisions of her life was on the line.
Despite these minor disappointments, this was still a fabulous read. I loved the genuine characters and relationships, the Greek hospitality, the investigation of the painting, and the growth Sophie experiences. This debut author has amazing potential and I look forward to her next book.
The author deftly explores love, loss, and second chances in showing readers the journey towards self-love and self-actualization. I found myself humming “What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love” as I sat down to write up this review!
I was gifted this advance copy by Emma Cowell, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
After her mother’s death and breaking up with her fiance, Sophie heads to mainland Greece, to Methoni in the southern Peloponnese, to uncover a family secret. Her quest is to find a missing painting created by her mother and in the process, use the opportunity to heal.
In my opinion, this could have been a five-star book except for three things: (1) too much concentration on her mother’s funeral at the beginning of the book and (2) too much concentration about her BFF’s fertility treatment and discussions about miscarriages throughout the book and (3) Sophie’s choice to change her return flight to Methoni. I believe a paragraph or two would have sufficed and readers would still understand that Sophie was grieving. I failed to see the connection between Tasha and her IVF treatments to the main plot of the missing painting and Sophie’s experiences in Greece. Yes, the friends were united in their struggle to start a family, but such a large part of the story didn’t need to be dedicated to this struggle. Frankly, I skipped these sections. They did not add to the plot nor propel it forwards. They actually took away from the main action. Finally, I was disappointed in Sophie’s prioritization when one of the most important decisions of her life was on the line.
Despite these minor disappointments, this was still a fabulous read. I loved the genuine characters and relationships, the Greek hospitality, the investigation of the painting, and the growth Sophie experiences. This debut author has amazing potential and I look forward to her next book.
The author deftly explores love, loss, and second chances in showing readers the journey towards self-love and self-actualization. I found myself humming “What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love” as I sat down to write up this review!
I was gifted this advance copy by Emma Cowell, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 16, 2022
Are you looking for the perfect summer read? Well, look no further. One Last Letter From Greece is exactly the book you need. It brought me all the escapism I live for in a book.
Greece is one of my favourite places in the world to visit so any book that is set there immediately takes my interest. This one didn’t let me down. The descriptions of the food made my mouth water and I have been craving souvlaki and greek orange cake ever since! Also, how the author immerses you in the beautiful scenery is glorious. The imagery created is breathtaking and the welcoming locals in Methoni brought a warm, homely feeling to the story.
The story itself is tender, emotional and captivating. The exploration of the pain of grief is written very well and poignantly. It did bring a tear to my eye a few times. The heartbreak Sophie goes through from the loss of her mother leaves her looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. But the journey of healing she goes on brings elements of hope and acceptance for her.
The romance is unexpected for Sophie and it is sweet and heartwarming. Emma Cowell writes very eloquently resulting in the romance feeling genuine and true. I look forward to reading more from her!
I recommend reading this in the blissful sunshine with some luscious Greek food and a glass of wine and just let yourself relax and enjoy.
Greece is one of my favourite places in the world to visit so any book that is set there immediately takes my interest. This one didn’t let me down. The descriptions of the food made my mouth water and I have been craving souvlaki and greek orange cake ever since! Also, how the author immerses you in the beautiful scenery is glorious. The imagery created is breathtaking and the welcoming locals in Methoni brought a warm, homely feeling to the story.
The story itself is tender, emotional and captivating. The exploration of the pain of grief is written very well and poignantly. It did bring a tear to my eye a few times. The heartbreak Sophie goes through from the loss of her mother leaves her looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. But the journey of healing she goes on brings elements of hope and acceptance for her.
The romance is unexpected for Sophie and it is sweet and heartwarming. Emma Cowell writes very eloquently resulting in the romance feeling genuine and true. I look forward to reading more from her!
I recommend reading this in the blissful sunshine with some luscious Greek food and a glass of wine and just let yourself relax and enjoy.
March 9, 2022
I went through a kaleidoscope of emotions reading this book. I was drawn to the plot mostly for the romance and promise of an art-chase mystery. I stayed for the beautiful descriptions of Greece and Greek food (though honestly I wish there was even more). For a while the pacing was good and really making me wish I was on a beach vacation, reading this on a lounge chair. I enjoyed the hunt for the missing painting, though I was hoping for a tad more chase and intrigue. Unfortunately, the underlying theme of child-loss/miscarriage was, well, not so underlying and suddenly becomes IN YOUR FACE. It consumes the book and literally everyone with a uterus in the book has experienced loss. I get that we are supposed to feel the heavy tragedy and the unity the women all share, but it felt a little too forced for me. Like we were being forced to feel sorry for all the characters. It wasn’t organic for me. I’ve experienced loss of pregnancy, so I should have felt sympathetic, right?! But instead I felt annoyed. It felt like an easy ploy to give the characters something to bond over or to strengthen their relationships and I absolutely HATE when authors do this. Readers don’t need trigger gimmicks.
August 5, 2023
To niesamowita opowieść, której akcja toczy się zarówno w Anglii, jak również we Grecji.
👉🏻 choć książka zaczynała się bardzo wolno, mimo to, nawet nie zauważyłam kiedy zaczęłam się wciągać w tę historię
👉🏻 Opowiada ona o poszukiwaniu siebie, pewnego obrazu, odkrywaniu tajemnic rodzinnych, trudnej miłości, pięknie przyjaźni, rodzinie, przepięknym miejscu, jak również docenieniu to, co się straciło.
👉🏻 Napisana jest cudownym językiem, pełnym wielu emocji
👉🏻 Moją ulubioną postacią stała się zdecydowanie Sophie, główna bohaterka tej historii. Miło było jej kibicować w jej podróży do Grecji, ale również i przez życie. Razem z nią przeżywać troski, radości, złości czy tęsknoty.
👉🏻 Został tutaj poruszony również temat znęcania się, który jest bardzo ważny. Dużo osób między się z tym problemem, jednak jeszcze mało z nich zdaje sobie sprawę z tego, że to ich dosięga ten problem, i że nie są zdania tylko i wyłącznie na siebie.
👉🏻 Bardzo mi się podobała ta historia, choć miała w sobie momenty przewidywalne, a i choć były tutaj dwie takie sytuacje, które były dla mnie ciut nierealne i naciągane to całościowo wypada bardzo dobrze.
👉🏻 Koniecznie przeczytaj tę książkę i sprawdź, czy Tobie spodoba się ona równie dobrze jak mi. Jest to idealna propozycja na sierpień 🥰
👉🏻 choć książka zaczynała się bardzo wolno, mimo to, nawet nie zauważyłam kiedy zaczęłam się wciągać w tę historię
👉🏻 Opowiada ona o poszukiwaniu siebie, pewnego obrazu, odkrywaniu tajemnic rodzinnych, trudnej miłości, pięknie przyjaźni, rodzinie, przepięknym miejscu, jak również docenieniu to, co się straciło.
👉🏻 Napisana jest cudownym językiem, pełnym wielu emocji
👉🏻 Moją ulubioną postacią stała się zdecydowanie Sophie, główna bohaterka tej historii. Miło było jej kibicować w jej podróży do Grecji, ale również i przez życie. Razem z nią przeżywać troski, radości, złości czy tęsknoty.
👉🏻 Został tutaj poruszony również temat znęcania się, który jest bardzo ważny. Dużo osób między się z tym problemem, jednak jeszcze mało z nich zdaje sobie sprawę z tego, że to ich dosięga ten problem, i że nie są zdania tylko i wyłącznie na siebie.
👉🏻 Bardzo mi się podobała ta historia, choć miała w sobie momenty przewidywalne, a i choć były tutaj dwie takie sytuacje, które były dla mnie ciut nierealne i naciągane to całościowo wypada bardzo dobrze.
👉🏻 Koniecznie przeczytaj tę książkę i sprawdź, czy Tobie spodoba się ona równie dobrze jak mi. Jest to idealna propozycja na sierpień 🥰
March 2, 2022
Emma Cowell's debut novel which was very enjoyable even if slightly predictable. Although I struggled through the first chapter with the language, the description of grief is real and heartfelt. The insights to life and love and loss is heart warming and inspired. Grief and grieving is a sensitive hard journey.
This is the tale of Sophie, shattered by the death of her beloved mother, when she discovers a box of photos and a path to follow to the village of Methoni in Greece, to discover more about her mum, and more about herself!
Beautiful Greece as a backdrop is fantastic, the characters beautifully drawn. The story touching, around love and loss, where we are always with one or the other. I need a holiday in Greece now!!!!
Really enjoyed reading this book, and following through the characters journeys.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.
This is the tale of Sophie, shattered by the death of her beloved mother, when she discovers a box of photos and a path to follow to the village of Methoni in Greece, to discover more about her mum, and more about herself!
Beautiful Greece as a backdrop is fantastic, the characters beautifully drawn. The story touching, around love and loss, where we are always with one or the other. I need a holiday in Greece now!!!!
Really enjoyed reading this book, and following through the characters journeys.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.
January 16, 2022
Well this will be one of the summer reads of the year. Absolute perfection. I expected this to be a stereotypical love story but it is so so much more than that.
I felt well and truly whisked away with the Sun on my face- and by the time Theo enters I needed factor 50!
Like how the paintings of her mothers are used to get her exploring Greece, and the people in it,
This isn't afraid to tackle difficult subject matters and does so in an empathetic way and very sensitively. Taboo subjects such as grief, domestic/emotional violence, fertility and miscarriage all feature. This does not dampen the spirits of this escapism read but makes the characters feel more rounded, even more human and relatable. I am incredibly excited to see what this author does next. Simply beautiful.
I felt well and truly whisked away with the Sun on my face- and by the time Theo enters I needed factor 50!
Like how the paintings of her mothers are used to get her exploring Greece, and the people in it,
This isn't afraid to tackle difficult subject matters and does so in an empathetic way and very sensitively. Taboo subjects such as grief, domestic/emotional violence, fertility and miscarriage all feature. This does not dampen the spirits of this escapism read but makes the characters feel more rounded, even more human and relatable. I am incredibly excited to see what this author does next. Simply beautiful.
January 7, 2023
Emotional dumb book. Very obvious plot, with so many hanging threads. The old fisherman, from a tiny Greek village, reads and writes English? The Mother hides her great love affair for years because her daughter would be hurt? The family and village would never accept tag a nam who’s wife left him falls in love again. But a generation later, all is well.,He vows never to have children, but suddenly reverses that. His firmer love, a big part of the story just vanishes. Her abusive former lover suddenly reforms. It just kept getting dumber. The best friends story had merit, as did the IVF and miscarriage stories. But so contrived- deep pain then all is well.
An emotional rollercoaster that simply does not hold up to the light. Readers of the Notebook will love this one.
An emotional rollercoaster that simply does not hold up to the light. Readers of the Notebook will love this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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