“Love is easy; it is life that is hard.”

I always look forward to Emma Cowell’s books because they transport me to Greece and tantalize me with everything that I love about the islands.

This time, the focus is on painful endings giving rise to new beginnings and the need for honesty and transparency in all relationships.

Thirty-six years ago, Penny and Ellen came to Greece as 18-year-olds and are now returning for another adventure to recapture their youth. As the story progresses, their secrets unravel, and they discover that honesty with themselves and each other sets them free.

I loved watching these middle-aged women come to terms with what matters most in life and decide what they want from the next chapter of their lives and who they want to include in it.

Without giving anything away, let’s just say that I was captured by a heartfelt story about trust, regret, second chances, once-in-a-lifetime love, the kindness of strangers, the power of being authentic, and the power we have within us to alter our own fate.

If you enjoy stories about new seasons in life and new beginnings, this is one to watch out for. Sometimes life mirrors the rhythm of one chapter closing and another beginning. Penny and Ellen become aware of this rhythm and discover that sometimes change is uncertain, but it also carries promise. I loved watching them step into something new.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Emma Cowell has done it again! Another beautiful destination story set in sunny Greece, full of heartbreak, hope, friendship, love and more.

As lifelong best friends Ellen and Penny agree to 'take two' of their Greek holiday from when they were just 18, they realise that each other's lives aren't quite what they seem. With Ellen rebuilding her life after her husband passed away 2 years ago and Penny living the high life full of charity gigs and extravagant beauty treatments, the two have a lot to learn about each other.

Once they arrive in Greece, Ellen immediately settles in with the sun, the scent of orange blossoms and all the amazing food she'd missed over the last 36 years! And something else... Ellen knows that her summer romance might still be on the island, but she isn't looking for him. She can't bring herself to face the truth of what made her leave, and what stopped her coming back.

The two friends are pulled in different directions on their holiday. In between dips in the pool and evenings sampling all the local food, Penny is off trying to 'live her best life' and Ellen ends up helping a family in need. Through bickering, hard truths and a few slammed doors, Penny and Ellen need to learn how to be each other's friends again as well as owning up to their truths.

Trigger warning for Domestic Abuse. A topic that I usually avoid reading about, but Emma wrote about it so well. Truthfully, brutally but with a purpose.

I really enjoyed this book and only put it down to make myself dinner! It's a really beautiful story and the ending was a pleasant surprise!

Such a lovely read! Romantic and sensuous with gorgeous Greece as the backdrop. So absorbing I devoured it in one happy session. Enjoy!

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was a beautiful read. Cowell perfectly balanced this story of friendship and lost love with her exploration of Ellen's marriage, presenting domestic abuse in a sensitive and heartbreaking way. I was immersed in the vivid Greek setting and was so invested in Ellen's story, the characters were well-written and although Penny was infuriating, Cowell's exploration of her story was skillfully done. A fantastic read; I am looking forward to more by this author.

if you haven't entered the world of Emma and her books then you must immediately. then come back and thank me. she is one gorgeous writer. i smiled so wide when i saw the cover and her name to it. get me in there please. and yes once again she takes me away not only in location but also from the world. once again she delivers the most beautiful book that makes me feel so very much for all the characters. Emma is firmly putting herself with my top authors. and im so glad i found her with my first book of hers when i did.
Ellen and Penny need to reconnect. like really. there lives have taken them in an outward and away from each other direction since that holiday in Greece when they were 18. so is it time to go back there? should you ever go back to somewhere you had a time with at 18, haha? should you ever when there is such a meaning to it? well they do. and you just know there is going to be some emotional moments to come.
i was wary for Ellen from the start. she is not long passed the death of her husband. and that in itself bought way more to her shoulder than it should. but what if facing this past, what if this trip could be just what she needed. so then i was all in, and ready to be right by her side. and thanks to Emma's writing i truly felt i was both in the past and present stories being told. right away you can see how the ripple of things in life can effect us. thats not a weakness. its human. i loved how Emma had that bravery in her but also the vulnerability. shes much older than 18 now. shes ready.
once there you can almost feel her shoulder relax, her jaw release as once again the sun shines away her frowns and the scent around her settles in her bones. its been too long to miss out on this much good food! there is more here though for Ellen. or should we say someone more>? could he be still here. the man that held her heart all those years ago. then man she left...
the two friends come apart and together on their trip. is there an ending in sight for them both with friendship? or just an ending? there more to com for these two. more that needs to come for them both.
Greece and the character take off from the pages. once again Emma writes with such care. her characters what they go through and have been through is done with honesty but never without that care. people go through some things in life that hurt your heart. with the rightness they deserve Emma includes them here. and with the touch they need, honesty but never judgement or just for clicks or "story" value.
the little moments we get, the added details and character make this book all the better. its adds so much depth to the book and also more realism to it. people have often more than one things happening in life. or certainly come along more than one thing at a time even on holiday revisits. and for Ellen and Penny we get to see that. it made it feel more human and rounded out their story and characters all the better. there is so much honesty to humans in the writing i really loved that. the honesty that Ellen and Penny have with each other, have to have with each other sometimes feels as though these are your two friends and you are standing there watching them face it too. there was never cruelty, or bad humans. no choices to be made over bad or good humans between them. i wanted so much for them both to find what they needed to and in different ways. its ok to be different. its letting other be themselves and being there for them knowing we are all different that is so important. but in all the important ways you still align come together and actually people taking on life in their own unique ways, adding it to your is actually what makes so much of life better. the views, the ways, the angles from people you love and who love you can help you see so much more of a wider picture when you need it most.
kindness. kindness is also another thing that seamlessly wove itself through this book. i loved that. it can make the facing of things, the uncertainty and even the dam right hard feel like things you can cope with. support and love are so key in life. oh yeh and also key. good books. good authors. tick and tick here then.

This was such a beautifully written and heartwarming read. I loved the author's previous release and Beneath The Orange Blossom certainly didn't disappoint. The story was beautifully written and easy to follow with good pacing and a great cast of characters. I also loved the place settings in the story. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💖 Thank you to the author, Emma Cowell, the publisher Avon books and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

How do you review this ace book. You need tissues at time . You will experience all sorts of emotions . The things you do to protect your children. Some great twists . The airport scenes very clever. It covers a very difficult subject well. I loved the homeless woman and her dog. Set in Greece. The two main characters Ellen and Penny were amazing. I loved the magic of the dressmaking . As for John the husband there are no words. Read it . One of my reads of 2026 . Sad happy ending but neat .

While I really enjoyed the setting and story of this book, I felt the writing was weak in places and became a bit trite. I am not sure if this might have been sorted with a better edit as I have read and enjoyed Emma Cowell before. The story was strong though and I do recommend due to that.

"Beneath the Orange Blossom" is a story of re-discovery after a life survived rather than lived. When widow Ellen is invited by best friend Penny to relive their adventures from when they were 18 she is hesitant at first. Thankfully though she changes her mind and they fly off to Greece together for a 2 week break. It transpires that a lot can happen, and a lot change, in a fortnight. Secrets old and new are brought to light and Ellen can finally envisage a new life.

The scent of orange blossom wafts on the warm scented air while reading this emotional story. Evocative and hopeful.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of the book.

I love Greece so another story set in this beautiful country was the perfect read for me.
Ellen was last in Greece over 30 years ago with her friend Penny. Here she fell in love with Andreous and promised she would be back but a sighting at the airport on the way home changed everything.
On her return again with Penny, she discovers that both friends have been keeping secrets and questions their friendship.
This story has some heart wrenching moments that are very emotional but skilfully approached.
Love the title as orange blossom features throughout and just oozes Greece.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Avon for the arc it was a delight and pleasure to read

An escape to Greece with a heartwarming romance set over two time lines when widowed Ellen and friend Penny revisit a small village they first went to when they were eighteen. A little repetitive at times, especially Ellen's side of the story and a lot of over thinking. Good well developed characters with an excellent sense of the long term friendship between the women, meek Ellen and impetuous Penny with it's many ups and downs. There's also a more serious story throughout with domestic abuse to the fore. There's also a real sense of community in the village as Emma certainly evokes the feeling of Greece amongst the olive groves in glorious sunshine. A fabulous holiday read to while away the time.

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am sure it will not be the last. A wonderful story, sensitively exploring very difficult scenarios. There is a wonderful feel good factor about the story and I thoroughly recommend it.

Another fantastic book from Emma Cowell. Set in Greece and written so well I thought I was actually there along with a wonderful cast of characters and a storyline that kept me hooked from start to finish. A true delight.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

There are some books that not only take you to the place where they are set but where they immerse you so fully in even the weather you start to question and hope if you are actually there. this is a delightful setting for a story that pulled at the heartstrings. Lots to love and characters I will never forget.

What a wonderful book. Set over two timelines it tells of a love lost but never forgotten. The sights and smells of Greece are vividly portrayed and the sense of community around the dressmaker and her shop is lovely. There are so many touching points in this book along with heartbreak that you will need a tissue or two but it's a riveting read.

I love reading Emma Cowell books and this was another story that although it has heartbreaking moments, it’s another story of hope, the chance of love and has a beautiful setting in Greece. Emma deals with the heavy issue so well and the way the characters lives are revealed I felt like I was there with Ellen and the others in the story. I also went on holiday in Greece when I was 18 and, although I didn’t fall in love like Ellen I’ve always wanted to go back.

Beneath The Orange Blossom by Emma Cowell, a NetGalley review. It’s two years since Ellen’s husband died, a marriage that was difficult and not what it seemed to anyone outside the marriage. Alexandros was her first love when she visited Greece on a girls holiday the summer she turned 18. Ellen returns to Greece where secrets are revealed and Ellen finds the new her.
I love this author @emmacowellauthor and get very excited when I hear there is a new book coming because it feels like escaping to Greece through her books because she paints such a glorious picture. This book was no different in that front but probably my favourite book so far by this author, for so many reasons, from the characters, the story, to the setting and so much more, I simply didn’t want to put it down. This story has a heart, it has substance and emotion, it’s not scared to tackle the tough issues and it’s obvious that the author has done her research in order to do such subjects as domestic abuse justice and with honesty. Ellen is an amazing character, she’s incredibly strong, determined, brave and at the same time she is vulnerable, open and honest, she’s loving and caring and protective and she feels real. The story is about love and friendship and the ups and downs of both of those, some of the things that Ellen went though because of her husband is truly horrific, incomprehensible and sad, yet the book has this beauty and humour about it, so is a very emotionally read which had me reaching for the tissues on more than one occasion and I didn’t want it to end. It’s just not about Ellen and the way she takes control of her life, it’s about a community, one that welcomes people, welcomes change and new friendships. It’s also about secrets that we hold to protect others and about life and death, all against the stunning back stop of Greece. I also end of wanting to visit Greece once I’ve read one of this authors books because on every page it’s clear how much the author loves Greece. This for me was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, which I highly recommend, a boon that will go up there as one of my favourite of the year. Published 7th May 2026 📚📚

A touching second chance at love happens over thirty-six years later when it all fell apart. The story relates several joys and events during a vacation two best friends take to recapture their teenage vacation to Greece. One twirled about with wild abandon, the other fell in love. When one encounters her lost love, it is time for the heartbreaking truth that drove them apart. It is a vacation of revelations and of setting new paths.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beneath the Orange Blossom
by Emma Cowell
Publication date- 07/05/2026

If you’re craving a sun-soaked escape with emotional depth, this one delivers beautifully. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Greece, this story follows Ellen as she returns to a place filled with memories, first love, and long-buried secrets.

✨ What I loved:
The setting is absolutely stunning—you can almost feel the warmth of the sun and smell the orange blossoms through the pages. The story gently explores grief, second chances, and the idea that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. It’s heartfelt without being too heavy, making it a perfect balance of emotional and uplifting.

While the “lost love” storyline is familiar, it’s the atmosphere and emotional journey that make this stand out. It’s more about healing and self-discovery than just romance.

🌅 Perfect for:
• Summer reading
• Fans of slow-burn, emotional stories
• Anyone who loves travel-inspired fiction

A comforting, escapist read that feels like a holiday in book form.

A great read I throughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Avonbooks uk & Emma for the opportunity to read this fabulous story ❤️

Having read and loved all of Emma Cowell’s books I couldn’t wait to dive in to Beneath the Orange Blossom. I knew I was in for a treat, and it has been such a joy to read. An emotional rollercoaster, but an absolute joy!
Ellen is an easily likeable character, and I could almost physically feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. So much heartache for such a lovely lady. I’m not sure I could have just ignored the love of my life on the say so of his mother, but as the story progresses and I learnt more of the truth behind her decision to stay away, the more I could understand why, especially as she was only eighteen at the time. Such a heart-breaking waste though. So many years of true love missed out on.
Ellen is now a widow, and her marriage wasn’t even a happy one which makes things even more heart-breaking, especially as she kept things to herself, even from her best friend, allowing everyone else to believe her husband had been a lovely man, mainly to protect their son. She’s a stronger woman than I think I could ever be. I was over the moon for her when she agreed with her best friend, Penny, to do something for herself for once and return to Greece in an attempt to re-create the holiday they enjoyed in their teens. An excellent chance for her to relax and let her hair down.
However, even her friendship with Penny is strained and I felt so sorry for the fact that she seems to have spent most of their friendship over the years bowing down to whatever suited Penny best. Always being the one to back down and just do whatever Penny wanted to do, to keep the peace. Between this, her abusive husband, and an unlikable daughter-in-law she really does put up with a lot from a lot of people. I’m not sure how she remained so patient with everyone.
I could talk about this book for hours, but I’m really trying not to spoil it for anyone.
I really enjoyed Ellen back in Greece. I love how she effortlessly integrates herself into the community. I can understand Penny being annoyed by her working when they were supposed to be on holiday, but I could also understand Ellen’s need to help with a desperate situation. Plus, Penny was still, even now, dictating what they should and shouldn’t do without much thought about what Ellen might want. The tension between them is palpable and builds over the course of the holiday until Ellen decides to come clean about her marriage. Penny’s reaction really shocked me.
I was glad Ellen had someone to turn to, and I couldn’t blame her for grabbing on to a second chance at happiness. Although, that wasn’t going to happen without its own heartbreak which needed to happen in order to move forward.
Honestly, I was emotionally drained by the end of this book. In the best way of course.
Beautifully written, as always.
Unforgettable characters with a story that will stay with me for a very long time to come.

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my digital arc via NetGalley**