*A Greek Island Gift* by Mandy Baggot is a warm, feel-good story set on the beautiful island of Corfu. I absolutely loved the charming characters, especially Molly and Christos, and how their unexpected inheritance brought them together in the most surprising ways. The sunshine, the humor, and the slow-blooming romance made this such a comforting and joyful read. It’s the perfect escape if you're dreaming of summer, love, and a little bit of mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest feedback and review.

A great location of Corfu that definitely has you dreaming of a Mediterranean summer however, the story fell flat for me. It was very slow and felt like a mishmash of other stories like Mamma Mia but without the humour. I actually just found most of the characters quite irritating and the only thing that saved it slightly was me wanting to find out who Vaggelis was to Molly. Maybe this book caught me not in the best mood but I felt slightly that I was wasting my time reading it.

I enjoyed reading A Greek Island Gift by Mandy Baggot. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I loved the sound of the synpsis, and Mandy Baggot is one of my favorite authors anyway. I was excited for Molly about her inheritance and also about wanting to know what the home would be like. The olive tree and cat were a surprise to me, and they are original, quirky choices.

Mandy always sets the scene in her books so werll, and I was eager to get to Corfu to experience for myself what she'd inherited.

Christos, to me is both easy and difficult to live with. He's gentlemanly, and then unexpected in his words or actions.

I was rooting for Molly.

A Greek Island Gift is a very enjoyable book. It's atmospheric, like all of Mandy Baggot's novels are and heartfelt, yet the experiences are realistic.

Mandy Baggot's books are perfectly escapist and perfect for the summer, or any time of year

5 stars

Thanks to Mandy Baggot and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

When Molly receives a message about a possible inheritance from a man she'd never met in Kassiopi, in Corfu, she heads with her mom and best friend. It turns out she's set to inherit half an apartment, half a tree, a boat, and a quarter of a cat with Christos Barros's who is the man's godfather. He was also a past love of her mom's.

I enjoyed the descriptions of life on a small island Greece, along with this mysterious Greek man, Vaggelis Vlachos. The central mystery to too long to wrap, but otherwise I enjoyed the twists, turns, and the bit of romance as it moves to its satisfying conclusion. This is an enjoyable light, beach read for those that enjoy books set in Greece.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

A Greek Island Gift by Mandy Baggot

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Molly Adams finds out she’s inherited an apartment in Kassiopi, Corfu, she’s left thinking there must be some mistake. She doesn’t know anyone in Greece at all.

But when she arrives there’s a shock. Molly hasn’t inherited a whole apartment, it’s only 50%. But there’s more - she’s also inherited 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and… 25% of a cat.

Christos Baros is coming home to Corfu for the summer. A self-made entrepreneur, owning three gyms in Athens, he has no need for half an apartment, half a boat, half an olive tree or a quarter of a cat, but he knows these things are important to his mother.

Molly and Christos’s worlds collide in a whirlwind and the irresistible charm of the Greek island draws them even closer together. But as they uncover the secrets of their shared inheritance, will they discover that sometimes, sharing what you never wanted can lead to exactly what you need?

My Opinion

Mandy Baggot has written a great holiday novel. I have read a few novels by Mandy Baggot and I have yet to be disappointed. A Greek Island Gift was a beautiful story and Mandy has once again written some lovely characters. From the opening pages I was hooked. A quick and easy read.

Rating 4/5

I loved everything about this book and would unreservedly recommend it to anyone seeking a sunny romance with a touch of grumpiness. Mandy Baggot’s imagination and character development never cease to amaze me, and that’s what keeps me coming back to read her books.
This time, we meet Molly and Christos as they meet on Corfu to hear about the bequests from a man who thought more of them than they could have known. He was a friend of Molly’s mother and Christos’s Godfather. Neither can understand the logic behind the generous bequests, and their minds work overtime to unravel the mystery. It seems natural that their suspicions fall on their mothers, and they wonder whether he could have been their father.
Molly has no clue who her father is, and Christos is well aware of his father, but does become suspicious about his parentage. The chemistry between Molly and Christos is immediately apparent, although it evolves as the book proceeds. The ensuing twists lead to highly comedic moments and numerous complications, culminating in a surprising yet satisfying conclusion.
Mandy Baggot has written another of her trademark stories, which are so perfectly imagined that it’s almost possible to feel the Greek sunshine on your skin and taste the excellent meals mentioned.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book.

Molly has a dream, that one day she’ll begin her own make-up brand. But, before she can begin to think of how she’ll do this, she receives a letter, in which she’s informed that she’s to travel to Corfu, Greece as she’s been left something on the Will of Vaggelis Vlachos, a person she’s never met.

But, Molly knows, she has to attend as whatever she’s been left may help her with beginning her new business. She won’t be travelling alone, her mother and best friend Siohban are going with her.

She is informed when the Will is ready that she’s been left a pick up truck, half a boat, an olive tree, half an apartment which she has to share with Christo, Vaggelis’s god-son Christo and 25% of a cat named Armeena.

Also attending the reading are Christo’s mother and his sister.

Secrets are revealed that have been kept by his mother and also Molly's mother, that may have an impact on them both being in love.

I recommend this book.

A Greek Island Gift_ is a delightful story with a unique premise. While not typically my genre or age group, it offered an intriguing glimpse into the world of influencers and modern expressions—an unexpected bonus.

At its heart, the novel weaves together an inheritance shrouded in mystery, family secrets, and, of course, a charming Greek love interest. The two main characters find themselves in the rather surreal position of inheriting an eclectic mix of assets—including a quarter of a cat, half a tree, a potentially unreliable truck, a boat of questionable seaworthiness, and an apartment in need of serious repairs. Molly has her own theories about why she was left this curious collection, and her mother’s reactions only add to the intrigue.

Christos and his family steal the show with their wonderful, often hilarious, dynamics. Their interactions bring a warmth and vibrancy that make them instantly memorable. The writing beautifully transports readers to Greece, immersing them in sun-drenched landscapes, delectable food, and the laid-back charm of island life. The vivid descriptions practically make you feel the sun on your skin—an ideal antidote to a gloomy, rainy day at home.

I also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of Greek words sprinkled throughout, adding authenticity and cultural richness to the narrative. However, while the story had plenty of charm, it did feel a little stretched at times, with some sections lingering longer than necessary. Additionally, the ending, while heartwarming, was quite predictable—offering few surprises for those familiar with the genre.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on, despite its pacing issues. _A Greek Island Gift_ is the perfect feel-good escape—brimming with laughter, romance, and Mediterranean magic.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this copy

It doesn't matter who you've come from, it only matters where you decide to go to, how you shape yourself and your future."

Molly Adams is a pharmacist with dreams of one day launching her own make-up brand, Mollify. However, that will need to be put on hold because a letter that she received is requesting her in Corfu, Greece to claim her inheritance.  She's never met Vaggelis Vlachos, but she knows she must go there because this inheritance may help her with her make-up launch. Her mother Janette and her best friend Siohban will also be joining her.  Once there, Molly will find out why a man she has never met or heard of left her half a boat left (The Greek Dynamo), half a cherry red pick up truck ( that barely works), half an olive tree near Perithia, half an apartment to share with his god-son Christo and 25% of a 15 year-old mean, grumpy cat named Armeena.

Here she will meet Christo, his mother Angeliki, his sister Magdalena, and the deep secret that his mother and Molly's mother are keeping from them that may prevent them from falling in love.


A Greek Island Gift is such a beautiful story about survival, resilience, change, chances and finding out you always had what you needed the most right in front of you.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this magical gift!

When I read the synopsis for the book, I thought it would be right up my street.

'When Molly Adams finds out she’s inherited an apartment in Kassiopi, Corfu, she’s left thinking there must be some mistake. She doesn’t know anyone in Greece at all. But when she arrives, there’s a shock. Molly hasn’t inherited a whole apartment, it’s only 50%. But there’s more - she’s also inherited 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and… 25% of a cat.

I was hoping the book would be funny, charming and set in a stunning location, Corfu. It was all those things, there are some very funny and colourful characters. However, I just didn't really feel the chemistry between the leads; it all felt a little flat. The book is also very drawn out, and I feel the conclusion could have come a lot sooner when identifying Molly's father.

For those who love all things Greek, this is definitely a book to add to your to-be-read list. It has a My Greek Wedding vibe, which I love,

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: 28th April 2025

A nice easy read, always lovely to escape to Corfu in a book, a little slow moving in parts but overall an enjoyable read.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This book like others from this author transports the reader to Greece and sunnier climes and through their descriptive writing can almost make you feel like you are on a fabulous Greek island with the sun on your back eating delicious greek food rather than reading at home on a rainy grey day.

A Greek island gift is a story of family secrets and a smattering of romance along the way.

A quick easy read that would be perfect as a summer holiday beach read.

I was so excited to escape to Greece vis this story but unfortunately it wasn’t the five star vacay that I wanted. I had two major problems with this book one being that it was way too slow and drug out and the second being the chemistry between the characters. Or should I say lack of chemistry because I couldn’t care less about them or their romance. Unfortunately this was an unoriginal idea that wasn’t even executed well

As usual, MB really evokes the Greek setting masterfully.; so well that you can believe you are thee on Corfu - which is one of my favourite spots..

The premise, a strange divided inheritance, is original and well executed. the development of the romance between Molly and Christos is rather too slow for my liking but is well done. I found the great cast of characters a little off-putting but overall this is a very entertaining read.

I'm always a big sucker for and big fan of Mandy Baggot's books especially any set in her beloved Corfu. And this was no exception.

There is an unexpected inheritance, family secrets, a fabulous Greek guy and there more we get to hear about the guy who left this inheritance, the more i loved him too.

It's unusual to learn that you have been left amongst other things a quarter of a cat (and seeing the beneficiaries try to decide who owns which leg is amusing), half an olive tree, half a truck that may not work, half a boat that may or may not work and half an apartment that needs a lot of work - but that is exactly the situation for Christos and Molly.

Molly has her own suspicions as to why she may have been left this, and her mother's responses are interesting. Christos and his family reminded me of the vibe and family from A Big Fat Greek Wedding, and I loved their dynamics.

There is a lot more to this than first meets the eye, and when you add in a recent family feud, what feels like a dare devil nature from Molly and you have an immensely enjoyable book.

I read this in a rare dose of sunshine in the garden and totally felt transported to Corfu. I loved the spattering for Greek words for flavour within the pages and generally just loved every word of this. Another winner from Mandy Baggot.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The story follows Molly Adams, a relatable and spirited pharmacist with dreams of launching her own cosmetics line. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a peculiar assortment of things—including half an apartment, part of a boat, and even a quarter of a cat—from a man she never met. The catch? She shares this odd inheritance with Christos Baros, a brooding gym owner from Athens. Their initial friction is fun to read, especially as it slowly melts into something deeper, thanks to their undeniable chemistry and contrasting personalities. Molly is endearing with her down-to-earth charm, while Christos’s guarded exterior slowly softens in a believable, satisfying arc. The side characters, including Molly’s friend Siobhan and Christos’s warm yet quirky mother, add depth and humor. Corfu itself feels like a character in the story. The lush landscapes, sparkling seas, and delicious Greek cuisine are described so vividly that you’ll practically smell the olives and feta. The setting adds a cozy, atmospheric charm that enhances the romantic and introspective tone of the novel.

Although the plot isn’t particularly twisty, it’s the emotional beats and the slow unfolding of Molly’s connection to her mysterious benefactor that keep the pages turning. There’s a lovely balance between the sweetness of the romance and the emotional weight of family secrets and personal growth. A Greek Island Gift is feel-good fiction at its best—perfect for anyone looking to escape into a sunny, romantic world filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

When Londoner Molly is informed that she inherited part of an appartement in Greece she is sure that this must be a mistake, since she doesn't know anybody from Greece and has never even heard the name of the man who passed. Still she goes to Corfu with her mother and her best friend to find out if this inheritance is legit. Once there she meets Christos who is inheriting along with her and his family. Over the course of a week old memories are talked about, secrets are reveiled and Molly and Christos develop feelings for one another...
I enjoyed reading this book, it was an entertaining romantic comedy set on a Greek Island. However I could not always relate to the main characters and I thought the secret surrounding Molly's father dragged on too long.
Still an entertaining summer read, perfect for a beach vacation.

Mandy Baggot once again whisks readers to the golden splendor of Greece in her new book, 'A Greek Island Gift'. This richly warm tale brings a happy mix of humor, romance, and an edge of mystery, against the beautiful setting of Corfu.

The setup is intriguing right away: Molly Adams, a pharmacist who is attempting to start her own cosmetics company, inherits half an apartment and other odd things such as half a boat and a quarter of a cat on the Greek island from a man she has never met. She shares this inheritance with Christos Baros, a self-made gym owner in Athens who has his own stake in the deceased.

The writer is at her best in developing affable and likable characters. Molly comes across as endearing immediately, with her earthy personality and desire to unearth the mysteries surrounding her life. Christos, who seems standoffish at first, slowly begins to show a more affable side as he deals with the unforeseen common inheritance. Their early confrontations, stemming from the differences in their personalities and way of life, lead to a slow-burning romance that is natural as well as captivating.

The island of Corfu really comes to life in the pages of Mandy Baggot. Her descriptions of the island's scenery, the mouth-watering smells of Greek food, and the relaxing ambiance make it seem like it's a character in its own right. Readers will be pining for a break to the olive groves and turquoise seas.

Aside from the main romance, the narrative touches on family secrets and the nuance of relationships. Molly's journey of self-discovery trying to determine why she feels such a connection with her enigmatic benefactor gives an interesting dimension to the tale, and one remains uncertain. The interactions among Molly, her closest friend Siobhan, and Christos's mother contain some laughs along with actual heartfelt moments.

Although the plot is straightforward, it's the author's clever storytelling and the lovable characters that make 'A Greek Island Gift' such an enjoyable read. The author's own touch of humor comes through, bringing lightness and charm to the story. The pacing is mostly well-balanced, with the romance and the mystery unfolding at a good pace.

For readers who love escapist fiction with vivid settings, realistic characters, and a sweet love story, 'A Greek Island Gift' is ideal. It's a joyful ride to the Greek islands that will leave your face smiling and maybe even give you a taste for some feta and olives. This book is a testament to Mandy Baggot's ability to craft enjoyable and feel-good stories that transport readers to beautiful locales and leave them rooting for the characters' happiness.

This novel is a sweet romance with a lovely setting and great characters. However, I felt the story moved too slowly. The reveal of Molly’s father took too long, and it felt dragged out. While I enjoyed the book, it was a slow read and didn’t pull me in as much as I expected.