The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn - #bookreview

The Blurb

Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

My Review

When I read The Dubrovnik Book Club earlier this year, I just knew that I would want to read the next in the series as soon as possible. I am so glad that I did as I loved this book as much as the first one.

Although it is the second in the Bookish Escape series, it is very much a standalone novel. One of the characters from the first book, Karmela, is the main character in this one and it was lovely to spend more time with her.

The chapters were told from the perspective of the three main characters: Karmela, Jo and Zina. Three very different women who form a strong bond and help one another to deal with the challenges they are faced with. There are secrets in their lives which the reader is privy to but which are only revealed to one another as the novel progresses.

The setting of the book was beautiful; the titular Santorini was just wonderful to immerse myself in. The author did a great job of creating the environment and thus, the book was atmospheric and I soaked up the beauty of Greece whilst reading.

Anyone who enjoys a bit of escapism in their reading material will love this. Coupled with the story of strong women who form a tight-knit friendship, it makes this a novel well worth reading. 

Thank you to my wonderful local library for sourcing me a copy of this. I am now very keen to read the next book in the series, The Croatian Island Library.

Book Details

ISBN: 978 0008648138

Publisher:  One More Chapter

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  368 (paperback)

Series:  Book 2 in the Bookish Escape series

Purchase Links

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction with a kernel of truth at its heart. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in beautiful places and the stories they hide.

Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary stories are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests, and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives. A love of books is a common theme too, so her publisher, One More Chapter, has christened them the Bookish Escapes collection which currently includes The Dubrovnik Book Club, and The Santorini Writing Retreat, with The Croatian Island Library to be published in January 2026.

In addition Eva has written two Second World War dual timeline romances, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter, and a new beginnings novel entitled The Olive Grove. All are set in Croatia, a country she loves.

Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

You can also find Eva at:

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My Other Blog Posts Featuring This Author

The Croatian Library Cover Reveal

The DuBrovnik Book Club - Book Review

(media courtesy of the author's website)

(all opinions are my own)

(Bookshop.org affiliated)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - #bookreview

 

"Film legend and '60's It Girl Evelyn Hugo has just announced that she will auction off 12 of her most memorable gowns through Christie's to raise money for breast cancer research..."

***

The Blurb

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a mesmerizing journey through the splendour of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means and what it costs to face the truth.

My Review

I thought this was a fabulous book. It was steeped in glamour and made for a luscious read.

Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo has made her way up from a life of poverty. With a spirit of determination and blind ambition gets herself to where she wanted to be in life; a sexy and envied award winning actress. She determines to become the kind of woman who men desire and women envy.

Now in her later years, she seeks out little known journalist Monique Grant to write her life story. Evelyn intends to provide her with a warts and all account of her life to be published after her death. Monique recognizes that not only will this catapult her career but will also make her financially secure following the breakdown of her marriage. Evelyn's other condition is that it is a true and accurate account of her life and not the Hollywood version of it.

Each section in the book is headed with one of the titular seven husbands, and Evelyn narrates her time married to each of them. I couldn't help but compare her to Elizabeth Taylor, a real-life glamorous actress who was married multiple times. The sections were also interspersed with newspaper cuttings about her life which added another dimension to the story, demonstrating the way in which the media chooses to portray her.

In addition, there is a strong theme regarding LGBTQ+ issues running throughout the book. It was interesting to read how acceptance of homosexuality has changed throughout the decades and observe how unacceptable it was during Evelyn's earlier years. I think the author has done a great job of demonstrating this valuable point and the change that has occurred during the later period of her life.

The book is partly about the film industry and this book itself is crying out to be made into a film. It possesses enormous cinematic quality, and I would love to see this on the big screen.

This is an addictive novel that I couldn't wait to get back to every time I had to put it down. A marvellous book which I highly recommend.

Book Details:  

ISBN:  978 1398515697

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Formats:  e-book, audio, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  400 (paperback)

Purchase Details

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK / Amazon US

Blackwell's

Other Books by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones and the Six

Malibu Rising

Forever, Interrupted

After I Do

Carrie Soto is Back

Atmosphere

About the Author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of the New York Times Bestselling novels Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones and The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her books have been chosen by Reese’s Book Club, Read with Jenna, Indie Next, Best of Amazon, and Book of the Month. Her novel, Daisy Jones and The Six, is now a limited series on Amazon Prime. She lives in Los Angeles.

You can also find Taylor at:

Author Website

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Facebook

(media courtesy of the author's website)

(all opinions are my own)

(Bookshop.org affiliated)

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - Question 8 - #readalong #blogtour

Welcome to Question Eight of our Read Along of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q How important are believable characters to you?

A  I think they are absolutely essential. It is the characters that usually first engage me with a book and what keep me reading on.

What do you think?

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - Question 7 - #readalong #blogtour

 

Welcome to Question Seven of our Read Along of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q How do you feel about italicization in stories?

A  Personally, I think it plays an important part in helping a reader to differentiate between thought, feeling and narrative.

What do you think?

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti Question 6 - #blogtour #readalong

Welcome to Question Six of our Read Along of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q Does less equal more?

A  Yes, if it is a case of a book having too much unnecessary description or just plain waffle. A book which is well written and to the point is preferable. I don't mind a long book as long as the words need to be written.

 

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - Question 5 - #readalong

Welcome to Question Five of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q What's more important to you, writing or plot?

A  For me, I can't separate the two as both are essential. Beautiful writing without a good plot doesn't work for me, but neither does poor writing with an amazing plot. I need both to keep my interest.

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti Question 4 - #readalong

 

Welcome to Question Four of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q Do you like a clear finale or make up your own mind through the subtext?

A  Generally, I prefer a book to tie everything up with a neat bow. However, there are times when an open ending is absolutely the right way to end a book. I loved the ending of The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber for that very reason.

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - Question 3 #readalong #blogtour

Welcome to Question Three of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q Describe your favourite book in less than 25 words and see if we can guess what it is.

A  Widowed father is bringing up his son and daughter. He is a lawyer who is instrumental in defending a man who is wrongly accused.

What do you think is my favourite book?

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - #Question2 #readalong #blogtour

 

Welcome to Question Two of our Readalong of Aristotle to Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q Do you prefer comedy or tragedy?

A  What a great question. It depends on my mood a little and what I fancy reading at the time. Overall, I would say I prefer comedy. I like a novel that is full of hope and has a nice satisfying ending.

On the other hand I have read some really excellent tragedies. I recently read Silent Riders of the Sea by John Gerard Fagan. This is a good example of a tragedy which was excellent to read but was bleak and brutal. 

A Girls Guide to Winning the War by Annie Lyons - #bookreview

"Got yer nose in another book, 'ave yer?'

Peggy Sparks looked up from the page in front of her into the disapproving face of Elsie Cooper, who had just boarded the busy morning train and was making a beeline for her. Peggy had known Mrs Cooper all her life and couldn't remember ever seeing her smile or laugh, or do anything except look perpetually disappointed with the world...

***

The Blurb

Can two young women and one book change the course of war?

1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country.

But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy's hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold's help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . .

My Review

This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel set during World War II. 

The main character is a young woman called Peggy Sparks. Her brother, Joe is away fighting in the war and she lives in a household with her mother, grandmother, sister-in-law and her niece and nephew, Nancy and Charlie. When Peggy is offered at job in the Ministry of Information she leaps at the opportunity to do something that will help bring Joe home. She might live in a very female environment but she soon learns that at work, she is in very patriarchal territory.

The characterisation in this book is superb and I utterly believed in these characters. Peggy was a very strong character and she was easy to identify with. There were also some other excellent characters in this book. Marigold, who works with Peggy brought some humour to the book at times and I loved Peggy's grandmother, Alice; a very strong and single-minded woman indeed.

The author has done a fantastic job of portraying the time and place in which the book is set. The atmosphere of London during the war comes over well and I felt immersed in it.

What struck me most in this book is the spirit of hope that these stalwart Londoners possessed. Even in times of despair, they still remained hopeful. This came alive on the page and the author did an excellent job. She is clearly a very skilled storyteller and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

The book is being released in paperback today and I highly recommend you get hold of a copy of this marvellous book.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1035401116

Publisher:  Headline Review

Formats:  e-book, audio, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  400 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

Having realised early on that books are pretty much the best things in life, Annie has been lucky enough to spend her entire career working with them. Her first job after leaving university was as a bookseller in a bookshop on Charing Cross Road, London and then she worked for eleven years in publishing. Following redundancy in 2009 she was thrown into the world of stay-at-home motherhood. Realising that her brain was starting to fester like an old potato in the bottom of the vegetable tray, she enrolled on a creative writing course and decided to try and write her first novel. It took her two years to finish it and another two to get her first publishing deal. In July 2013 Not Quite Perfect was published and she enjoyed a rather exciting summer as it reached number one in the Kindle bestsellers.

She has since written seven other novels including the USA Today bestseller, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. She loves to write about characters with whom readers can make a real connection and about subjects we can all relate to – parenthood, love, families, grief, friendship, music, laughter. Annie wants to carry readers along in a story which makes them laugh and shed the odd tear but which ultimately leaves them feeling uplifted and hopeful. It’s quite honestly the best job in the world.

You can also find Annie at:

Website

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BlueSky

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(author media courtesy of the author)

(all opinions are my own)

(bookshop.org afilliated)

 

Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - #readalong

 

I am delighted to introduce this book today. Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story by Douglas Vigliotti is coming up as a read along here on the blog.

This is perfect reading for all those budding writers amongst us and I am really looking forward to reading this book and sharing my thoughts/hearing your views on the questions posed over the next four weeks.

I really hope that you will join me in reading this.

Thank you to Love Books Tours for this fantastic package of goodies to accompany the book.

The Writer's Guide to Obscurity by John Steinberg & Illustrated by Fiona Wilson - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Since time immemorial, man has found writing an uphill struggle so one might reasonably ask: why bother going to all that effort?

Yet one day it must have suddenly dawned on an enlightened individual that there had to be better ways to communicate than the traditional method of relying upon physical force to get one's point across. This individual was called Norman...

***

Norman was born to write, but doesn't know his destiny is written in his DNA, inherited from generations of earlier Normans who yearned to put pen to paper - once those items had been invented! Yet with nothing to show for all his literary endeavours and struggling to pay the rent, he tells himself there must be easier ways of making a living. It's only when

Norman discovers his descent from a long line of wordsmiths who'd experienced many of the same setbacks as himself yet had found the resolve to keep on going, that he wants to know:

'What was their secret?'

The Writer's Guide to Obscurity is an illustrated record of Norman's research into his vast family tree, sharing with us his predecessors' trials, triumphs and absolute catastrophes through the centuries, before bringing us back to Norman today - and the twist in his own tale.

***

This short book was a humourous look at the life and frustrations of a writer. Told from the perspective of a man called Norman, it covers the period of Ancient Norman from 4500 BCE right through to Modern Day Norman which covers the period from 1900 until the present day.

I liked the quirky illustrations of the time line at the beginning of the book, taking us through eight generations of Norman. In fact, Fiona Wilson has done a great job with illustrating this book, and they really add something to this short volume.

It is both witty and original, and I do not think I have ever read anything quite like it before.

ISBN: 978 1914083747

Publisher:  2QT Ltd

Formats: Paperback

No. of Pages:  44

About the Author:

Born and raised in North London in 1952, John still lives in the city with his wife and three children. Privately educated, John left school after ‘A’ levels and completed a business diploma in what is now the University of Westminster, before entering banking.

He started training as an accountant but did not complete the course, choosing a position in his family’s furniture manufacturing business instead. John started his own mergers and acquisitions business in 1987, which he ran for almost 20 years before quitting to become a full time writer in 2007.

John has co-written and produced comedies for the stage and has created a series of books for children.

“Previously, I had only been interested in comedy and finally started to write down the things I said or thought of. That led me to co-write and produce a play, In the Balance, and then W for Banker – which appeared at the New End Theatre, Hampstead. It was then I decided to quit the world of business in favour of writing full-time, and move toward more serious subjects. My first novel has taken two years to write and is the first in a series of books I am calling the ‘Steinberg Stories’.”