Another book that I am not sure what to think about to be honest. I mean, it was a lovely and multilayered story, thought over and a step away from Lucy Diamond's previous books - it felt a bit serious in tone, more mature than usual.
On the other hand, there were many, many characters thrown together in - yes - very beautiful setting. But so many that I truly had problems to check whose turn it is and who is telling the story now.
I think my problem is that it was so brilliant happy end for all of the characters that it felt just too unrealistic. Also, all the "bad" characters and "good" characters, either stereotyped or - of course! - learning their lesson. It's just, there was nothing new in this story and some of the coincidences were too much over the top, just to keep the plot going.
But - after initial confusion and some problems into getting into it, it turned out to be a lovely story. The characters were growing on me with every page and even though their stories really felt too superficial and easy, I found myself engrossed in their lives. There are some emotional moments as well, actually I'd say more than usual and it is thought - provoking. Altogether - an enjoyable read.

This is a great read! It's full of different stories that all intertwine at the hotel 'The Ionian Escape' in really interesting ways. Every smaller story is engaging and the characters are well developed. I quickly got to a point where I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know what was going to happen to each character next.

There are some quite hefty themes dealt with in here; death, loss, abuse and others but they're dealt with organically through the characters and each story is ultimately quite uplifting. It's not a taxing read but it is a very enjoyable one. If you're a fan of Lucy Diamond, this is very much written in her usual style.

This is lovely, uplifting book, full of vividly portrayed characters in beautiful Kefalonia.
Simply, a delight to read. I enjoyed this book from page one.

I always enjoy this author and this book is no exception. Set in the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia you really feel you are there. Lots of characters each with a story to tell and you do get invested in them all. An easy feel good read for a dark winters day.

Set in a hotel on Kefalonia, this book is told from the point of view of some of the guests and staff. Mostly in the present day, there are also flashbacks to previous times which adds to the stories of some of the individuals. I found the book a little chaotic at first, there are a lot of people and some of them are quick to anger, but as the plot starts to come together, I became more engaged with the book and started to like the characters more. A lot happens in the book and some of the coincidences stretch credibility a little too much, but as the stories of the main characters develop, the plot hooks you in. Kefalonia and Ithaca lovely, but beyond a couple of descriptions and naming of a couple of the touristy places, they are little more than the backdrop.
So, this book turned out much better than I initially expected,quite emotional but also thoughtprovoking. For an escapist read, you could do a lot worse .Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Deliciously Escapist..
On the island of Kefalonia, basking in the warmth and the heat of a Greek sun, sits The Ionian Escape Hotel. This popular place is bustling with new arrivals , all looking for an escape from the everyday, hoping for a break in the sun - but, what are they bringing with them? Beautifully observed and deliciously escapist, in a well imagined setting, a cast of glorious characters is brought to life - baggage and all. Compelling and engaging,

Fell in love with Evelyn from the get go- her personal mission was perfectly described in a mixture of emotions, reflections and interactions with the other guests.
Each chapter tells a little more about one of the characters and all are deftly woven through so the book feels like it flows naturally from person to person.
The blurb quotes are not wrong that it is an uplifting read, once you have dried your tears!

Oh this book had me in tears. Compliments to Lucy. Different story lines that intersect at the hotel.
Past romances, family fallouts, public betrayals. Fulfilling death bed wishes. So many arcs that cross over that you can understand and relate to.
Lucy Diamond stories will always make you feel and this is no exception. Enjoy I did.

This is set on the beautiful greek island of Kefalonia, which I have been lucky enough to visit.
We meet each character who all have a different story to tell.
Duska is the receptionist at the Ionian hotel, who is a new mum. Is she doing the right thing leaving her new baby with her husband?
Miranda, the disgraced actress who is in hiding.
Frank and Nelly, whose marriage tetters on a knife edge.
And the lovely Evelyn, who was my favourite character. What a story she has to tell!
I love the way Lucy alternates each character by chapter, giving you a little bit of intrigue before moving on to the next character. You just want to read on to find out what happens next.
I love Lucy's books and look forward to reading each one every year. She has that special ability to make you warm to each character even if they start out as not very nice.
The setting is perfect, and we are given a little tour when Miranda takes a drive out with Evelyn.
A must-read for all Lucy's fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable light read set in Kefalonia, a Greek Island. centering round an Hotel. The book involves several characters who are either guests at the hotel or work there with the stories told by several different (mainly) women. Several different plots which slowly unfold within this book. with a few leaps into the past as well as the present which luckily I didn't confusing as each chapter clearly indicates which story one is reading. Good. well developed characters especially Miranda and Evelyn and their growing friendship plus wonderful sunny descriptions of this Greek island makes this a book to escape the winter gloom or take away next summer.

I love Lucy Diamond’s novels so was looking forward to reading some feel good fiction during the winter.
The Island Getaway is set on a hotel in Kefalonia where Miranda, Evelyn and Nelly are all coming to escape. Miranda is a disgraced soap star, Evelyn a grieving widow and Nelly the wife of a celebrity chef.
I enjoyed the characterisation and the back stories of all three women as well as discovering more about the women working at the hotel. I loved the Greek island setting which made this an enjoyable escapist read. It’s not my favourite Lucy Diamond novel but recommended if you’re a fan of this genre.
3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Kefalonia, an island to escape to , to get away from paparazzi, and to put your life in order. a travelogue of the island , perfect winter reading, with a suitable ending to everyone's problems.

The Island Getaway is just amazing. You can feel the heat and sunshine as you read it. The characters are so realistic you cry and laugh with them. Miranda was just fabulous I loved the connections and discoveries she made. Roll on summer!

I absolutely adored this book. It is so easy to read and you will be hooked and unable to put this down.
The characters are perfect and I loved the beautiful island location.

I normally love Lucy Diamond books, but I didn't enjoy this one as much. It took me awhile to get into it, with all the different points-of-view. I particularly enjoyed Miranda's story, and her friendship with another character. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved being transported to the luxurious Ionian Escape Hotel on the beautiful Greek island of kefalonia, in this stunning novel.

The characters, both workers and guests are so well written, each with their own story which had me soon invested in feeling all the emotions as they navigated many challenges and life events.

The chapters which switch between characters was great as it kept me invested and wanting to discover more as each story slowly unfolded.

As I read the last pages I was left with a smile on my face , wishing I could visit the beautiful location and escape the colder climate of home . This was a perfect read for me and one which I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book. I got totally lost in the pages and did not want this one to end. A story of friendship, love and hope and how we never know how our lives colliding with others can make such a difference. A must read!

I couldn’t wait to start this book as I love all Lucy Diamond’s books and I have to say I think this is her best so far. I also think this may be my favourite book of 2024, a bold statement I know but i couldn’t put it down.
The story is set in the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia at the luxurious hotel The Ionian Escape. There are so many wonderful characters who are both guests and staff and I loved finding out more about them and their back stories and seeing them evolve.
The book evoked so many different emotions from fear, joy, grief, happiness and so many more as we are taken through different life events and become totally immersed in the characters lives.
It was a fantastic story and the beautiful friendship between Miranda and Evelyn was just perfect.
Thanks to NetGalley, Quercus Books and Lucy Diamond for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbaked review.

It took a little while to get going but once you got to know the characters you become fully invested. I loved the character of Evelyn and her interactions with Miranda, coupled with a beautifully descriptive setting I ended up really enjoying the story.

I enjoy Lucy Diamonds books and this was no exception. Really lovely story of love, loss and friendship set in beautiful Greece. I found it warm and moving and very much enjoyed. Thank you.