Under a Greek Moon by Carol Kirkwood a perfect summer read. I was pleasantly surprised by this story, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was wonderful, it whiled away the hours and had me desiring the sunshine and wishing I could smell the ocean. Shauna was a great character, but she isn’t the only one I found wanting to hear more from. This is a typical story, but it has some great characters that have been very well done and it creates a fantastic summer read, that would be the perfect story to take you away, even when we are not able to go far.

This is the debut novel by Carol Kirkwood. When it began, I felt that the beginning seemed a bit disjointed. Once I had read another couple of chapters I warmed to it. This book is in 3 sections. It begins where 2 friends (from Uni) are on holiday in Venice. Shauna & Rox. Shauna gets a job on board a private yacht and Rox has met someone and for the rest of the holiday they go there separate ways. The story centres around Shauna with her friend 'popping' in and out of the story. At times the story dragged and seemed long - I read it on my kindle, but on checking Amazon the paperback is only 368 pages. I enjoyed the read. Unfortunately the 'F' word crept in. Why do authors have to use this ? I can recommend this.
With thanks to Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review which I freely give.

This was a. really brilliant debut book to read by someone who is known for being a weather presenter. This was well written and Carl had obviously researched celebrities well during the 1980’s. It was compelling and I loved it. I hope she writes more books like this. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A great summer read. Under a Greek Moon is a story of lost love and second chances at life and love.

Why do we read? To be entertained, challenged, to escape. An enjoyable, interesting first book by Carol Kirkwood. To escape to a Greek Island, and follow the characters. An engaging story, pleasant characters who we follow through their experiences.

A perfect holiday read.

I really enjoyed this first novel by Carol Kirkwood. Whilst reading the book, I often had this feeling that I could hear the friendly voice of Carol telling this story. I thought the style and atmosphere of the book were excellent, taking us from Ireland to Greece, Monaco, and Hollywood. We feel the sun on our head, we taste the retsina and the champagne, we can hear the noise of the sea and the water against the hull of the yacht. Not all is perfect and there are difficult times in the life of Shauna and Demetrios. But they overcome it all and along the way we meet many interesting characters - including a brief appearance of Princess Grace. But I don't want to say more about the story. Even if you are not going to the sun on holidays this year, this book will take you there. Thank you Carol for this nice story; looking forward to your next one.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Carol Kirkwood for the privilege of this advance readers copy.

From the opening pages I was transported to a blue, pink and white landscape. This book is perfect as an antidote to routine life, especially during a pandemic. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, their flaws, the wisdom they learned along the way.
Young but ambitious red haired Irish girl and her best friend go on an adventure which changes the path of their lives forever. They eat good food, drink lots of retsina and find out who they truly are.
Great read. Highly recommend!

I loved it!

It was beautifully written and flowed really nicely at a good pace. It had great characters in wonderful locations, it was just a lovely read. I highly recommend it!

This is not my normal type of book but I thought I would give it a try due to the author being the very likeable Carol Kirkwood.
Under a Greek Moon is a romantic holiday read full of escapism in a beautiful setting. I liked the story, it was what I expected from this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

This is an ideal holiday read, it’s light and undemanding. I would have liked some stronger characterisation of the main players, I didn’t feel I really scratched the surface of Shauna’s real personality.
I was put off a bit by the frequent product placement ‘she looked at her Gucci watch’ and ‘she glanced at the Balenciaga watch on her wrist’ and the seeming obsession with appearance, clothes, hair, makeup etc, but I guess that’s Hollywood, and the rich and famous world-wide.
I really like Carol Kirkwood, having watched her on Breakfast TV, and loved her on Strictly. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as so many celebrity novels are over hyped and disappointing. I’m pleased to say that her writing is good in this debut novel. I would love to see her stretch herself in her next work of fiction, I’m sure she’s capable of so much more, in my humble opinion.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title.

Under a Greek Moon is a wonderful debut novel by BBC weathergirl Carol Kirkwood. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read, full of sunny beaches and Hollywood glamour. The novel spans from humble beginings in Ireland to Hollywood super stardom and has sumptuous descriptions of Greek Islands, the South of France and Hollywood glitz. The main character Shauna O'Brien is determined and successful but still sweet and kind and very likeable. It is a page turner and you won't ant to put it down. The sunshine, sunny beaches and beautiful places are a real tonic in these times. Well done Carol, this is the perfect summer read

Book Review; “Under A Greek Moon” by Carol Kirkwood
JUNE 18, 2021 ~ NIKIPRESTON
Star rating; 5 stars

A debut Novel by TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood of pure romantic escapism that draws you in with her beautifully descriptive style. The central character Shauna O’Brien is a typical Irish lass, all red flowing hair and emerald eyes. Her life takes us through, love, lies, drama, heartbreak and back again. It is a love story with a difference with heart wrenching moments for Shauna that make the reader truly believe in her character and you find yourself laughing and crying along with her. I even found myself telling her off for doing some of the things she does.

This is a classic boy meets girl story, a bit formulaic but its a formula that works and Carol Kirkwood’s writing style really brings to life the magical Greek Island, Ithos. The setting sees Shauna find and lose love. It shapes her future life that is not with out its heart break. Shauna is a stoic character that you definitely warm too and you just want the best for her.

A wonderfully romantic summer read. If you enjoy strong characters , a love story and happy endings then this book is certainly for you. I would highly recommend this debut novel. It is not my usual genre and I thoroughly enjoyed every drama filled page.

Will Shauna’s love for the handsome, wealthy shipping magnet Demetrios ever become what she her heart desires? You will have to read this fantastic Debut Novel to find out
.Publisher: Harper Collins UK

Publish Date: 08 July 2021

ISBN : 9780008393380

Reviewed by: Niki Preston

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The debut novel of Carol Kirkwood, it's a feel-good book, full of likeable characters and wonderful descriptions of Hollywood, Greek islands, summer days, hot beaches and deep blue seas. An excellent read, that I did not want to put down. would make a perfect holidy read (if we are ever allowed a holiday!!)

Absolutely brilliant debut novel
A fantastic holiday read
Great characters great storyline with a love story
Read it almost in one day
You just can’t put it down
Five stars all the way

When Shauna first visited the Greek island she was a young girl but she left her heart there. Both with the island and with Demetrios Theodosis, a rich tycoon expected to marry well.
Neither forgot each other.
Shauna is now a famous Hollywood Actress, a widow bringing up her late husbands love child. but with a secret.
Demetrios is divorced with a wayward daughter, still living on the island and in some ways still controlled by his mother.
He writes to Shauna and she returns to the island. But there has been many years since they were lovers and will they still feel the same. And will the secret that Shauna has drive them apart?
An easy read for the summer and the beach.

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

Shauna, whose now a Hollywood actress, was last at the Greek island Ithos twenty years ago, then she vowed never to return.

But now, after a scandal has put a blemish on her success, she’s going back to those beautiful blue skies and clear waters - also to the secrets, no matter how hard she’s tried to forget, she hadn’t been able to.

Demetrios, knows he can’t change what’s happened, but can look forward to the future, along with his wild daughter Ariana, thinking that he’s trying to calm her free spirit, he’s doing the opposite and driving her away.

What will happen when Shauna and Demetrios come face to face, will the truths of why she left make them finally discuss their past… and that secret??

Absolutely Loved It

This is the debut novel of Carol Kirkwood, best known for her sunny and light-hearted demeanour on BBC television. The result is an equally feel-good and charming book, full of likeable characters and wonderful descriptions of Hollywood glamour, Greek islands, summer days, white beaches and deep blue seas, with a plot that kept me engaged throughout.

The perfect escapist summer holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hollywood actress Shauna Jackson left the Greek island of Ithos twenty years ago and thought she would never return. Reeling from a scandal that has tarnished her success, she is drawn back to the beautiful olive groves and endless azure skies – and to the secrets she has tried hard to forget.
A real treat, wonderfully escapist with heart and drama.

Carol Kirkwood is one of the latest in the list of celebrities turned author. She has produced a readable summer romance about a big fan of Grace Kelly. The novel is set more in the lands of the rich and famous than the everyday, so adding another layer to the escapism. A good holiday read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

The book begins with Shauna returning to Ireland, then flips back in time to when she and her friend Roxy spend time exploring the Greek islands. As a young girl, Shauna fell under the spell of Demetrius and his rich, opulent lifestyle. But their love was not to be.
I enjoyed reading this book with its scenic descriptions of the beautiful Greek islands and empathetic portrayal of characters. There are several layers to the story as Shauna becomes older and achieves success as an actress. Told from different perspectives, characters develop and the story becomes more rounded. The pace starts slowly as Shauna and Demetrius’ relationship unfolds, quickening in pace as the story unfolds and more characters are brought in.
This is Carol Kirkwood’s first book and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Greek islands, and fascinating characters, with its unfolding plot. It’s obvious that she knows the area well, and I am looking forward to her next book.