A magical villa. A life-changing summer…
Heartbroken after the loss of a friend and the collapse of her marriage, Stella hopes that this trip to the idyllic Greek island of Crete will give her and her family a chance to heal. And when she first steps into the breath-taking Villa Ariadne, with its views over the azure waters and intoxicating scent of lemons, Stella’s troubles seem to melt away.
Until the arrival of an old acquaintance, and an unwelcome revelation, threaten to undermine the peace at the villa, and Stella is forced to make a difficult decision.
But with the help of Crete’s beautiful scenery and the kindness of its locals, Stella is about to discover that Villa Ariadne can still offer an escape… and so much more. Can she open herself up to the possibility of love and find the strength to start again?
About The Author
My Review
In this book, Stella, recently separated from her husband and grieving the loss of her best friend to cancer, decides to take a two-week vacation with her children, her second-best friend, and her friend’s children. The vacation, which should be an escape to paradise, is overshadowed by Stella’s indecisiveness, inability to say no, and her tendency to be whiny and weak. Her poor decision-making brings an unwelcome houseguest, disrupting the trip further.
While the story offers an appealing escape vibe with vivid descriptions of scenery and village life, the plot is disjointed and lacks focus. The main character, Stella, is frustratingly fragile and inconsiderate, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. There is also a missed opportunity to explore the villa’s “magic,” which could have added depth to the story. Overall, the book is an okay read with potential that wasn’t fully realized.
My Rating
Link To Purchase
My Sanctuary 