5 stars. Welcome to the Ionian Escape Hotel for the holiday that could change your life. This is the story of several women, of different ages and stages of life, who find themselves at the hotel one summer. Miranda, TV celebrity trying to escape a scandal. Evelyn, in the last stages of cancer, trying to live every moment. Nelly, who is finding out her husband is not who she thought he was, and is reliving old memories of a previous summer on the Greek islands. Claudia, who came to work at the hotel and loves it, but still living in fear of her ex husband. Each character is beautifully written, they have flaws and real personalities, and you care about their journeys and stories. A wonderful holiday read that I was sad to finish. One of the best from @LucyDiamondauthor

A sun seeking, warming story, set on the Greek island of Kefalonia. I found myself escaping to a hot, sunny island whilst eagerly awaiting the end of winter.
I found this a tear jerker at one stage, found it to be rather poignant and I just loved how it was written.
There are multiple characters and so therefore I would prefer to read a physical copy, to be able to reread snippets to remind/make sense easier.
Several guests arrive at The Ionian Escape Hotel, each with their own story and consequent baggage. Each guest is in their own black hole, not knowing how they are going to get out. Their actions and decisions that they make on this break away will dictate what the future will bring.
As always, Lucy's book did not disappoint and I found it to be a definite page turner.
Many thanks to Lucy Diamond and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love reading books by this author and this cosy read did not disappoint. Perfectly suited to reading on a sun lounger with a cocktail. This story is rich in fame and love, where loss makes you reflect and take on an unexpected journey. A brilliant story set in a magical setting

Even if it rains all summer, this book will transport you to the perfect summer break you won't care about the rain

The Ionic Getaway is a hotel in Kephalonia, a Greek island. Several stories intertwine between guests and staff about relationships told by each in turn. . Loved the feel of the island, the activitities and the characters were believable and described well .
I gobbled this up in a couple of days..Just right for curling up on the sofa by the fire.

As with all Lucy Diamond’s books I adored this book!
I’ve found her writing style is a perfect fit for me which makes reading the books so much easier and enjoyable.
I was absorbed into the main characters worlds so easily, I LOVED the 2 ladies and their 2 different stories…yet they both had similar feelings.
I highly recommend this book, it’s such a fun yet moving read.
Happy reading!

Lucy Diamond has done it again
Another brilliantly written book
A great story
A great book for your hols
Thanks NetGalley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Feel-good fiction at its finest. Lucy Diamond crafts a warm, escapist tale filled with sun, secrets, and second chances. The perfect mix of relatable characters and scenic charm—ideal for readers who love a gentle story of renewal.

I am a Lucy Diamond fan and her latest book is just wonderful.

She writes so well that I almost feel that I am on the island with the characters, soaking up the sights and the sun.

the only thing I found a little hard with this one is I felt that there were maybe a few too many "leading" characters, but it still would make a great holiday read.

I loved the title of this book and hoped it would as good as it sounded. In fact, it was amazing. A lovely, cosy read for those spring evenings.

Wonderful as always by Lucy Diamond. Full of characters you get to know and huge heart.
I love picking up a new book by Lucy Diamond because I know I’ll be in safe hands.
Couldn’t put it down and would absolutely recommend

The Island Getaway is a lighthearted read about lost love, self-discovery, and second chances. Lucy crafts relatable characters, each with their own unique struggles and vulnerabilities. I adored Evelyn’s character in particular, I could have read a whole book just about her life!

Having visited Kefalonia a few years ago, I was instantly drawn in by the premise of this book. It was lovely to read about places I’d visited on the island, and made me feel as if I was right there. The perfect slice of escapism during the long winter months!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I really did love this and the writing style of the book was so easy to read, that I instantly became drawn into the story and was transported to the beautiful island of Kefalonia. The multiple perspectives and dual timelines, was a good way of telling the story and learning about the characters and kept me turning the pages.
I loved the characters in the book and found them all so diverse, each going through different things and experiences and these important topics were written and handled so beautifully. I really connected with each of them (I loved Evelyn 🥹) and liked reading how their characters progressed and the way in which they all connected and came together was really good.
The ending of the book was very deep and emotional, but this was written so well. I liked how things turned out for each of them and found it fitting for the story.
The setting of the book was just beautiful, I could imagine myself on the beach, or by the pool enjoying one of the many beautiful cocktails that were mentioned and the hotel sounded like a dream.

An enjoyable read, perfect for summer or a holiday escape! I loved the mix of characters, each with their own stories and challenges, and the friendships made it even more special. Definitely one to add to your reading list!

Thank you NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC

Another feelgood and dreamy book from Lucy Diamond. I loved the tropical Greek setting. The characters were spunky and lovely. They grew and learned to overcome their problems and find love. It was sweet story with great characters, love and friendship.

Lucy Diamond is an author whom I have been aware of for many years as a writer of great escapism novels. A genre I do read, but not so often, I have to admit this is the first of her books I have read and it is her twentieth.

Set in the fictitious hotel ‘The Ionian Escape’ on the real Greek islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca. The protagonists are the mixed group of latest arrivals at the hotel, who are all looking for reasons to escape from the outside world for awhile and enjoy some peace and quiet. Of course it is not that simple and the characters and their stories are ones that will find the reader either annoyed or routing for them. As the stories evolve the protagonists all learn the importance of friendship and second chances.

This novel certainly put me in a holiday mood and transported me, (if only), to the Greek islands. Great escapism, perfect for reading on a grey winters day or for that beach read on your next holiday.

With thanks to NetGalley, Quercus and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

To have a book set in the sunshine certainly lightens the long winter. I would love an island escape so this is the next best thing.

The Ionian escape is a hotel where people go to escape. Filled with interesting people from actress Miranda, celebrity chef Frank Neale escaping the newspapers and trying to sort out their lives. Evelyn who has come to fulfil a wish. From the staff to the residents there is love, sadness and realisations.

Lucy Diamond weaves all the different lives together so cleverly and has written a page turner

I really enjoyed this book set on the beautiful island of Kefalonia. It definitely had Maeve Binchey vibes - one of my favourite authors - where we had insights to all of the different characters. The characters ranged from a disgraced soap star to the wife of a celebrity chef to the hotel staff and how they experience a summer at the lovely hotel they share together. The book dealt brilliantly with complex emotions of grief and longing, domestic abuse and unfaithfulness, along with some fun descriptions of friendships forged in the Greek sunshine.
Would definitely recommend - pack it in your beach bag along with your sunglasses and lipgloss! Many thanks to the publishers and NEtgalley for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn’t quite get into this book but I persisted. There are a lot of characters so takes time to get to know them. Thanks to Lucy and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

Absolutely loved this new offering from Lucy Diamond! The setting descriptions were glorious and really took me away from cold, rainy January. All of the characters were well written and made me need to know more about their stories. A perfect piece of escapism.