I really enjoyed the TV series of the Durrells so knew I would like this.

We are on the stunning island of Corfu with Penny after a broken marriage.

This is a beautiful and well written novel that is pure escapism.

The setting is perfect and Penny is delightful to get to know along with the other characters Tess, Dimitris, Guy.

What a great debut read.

People focused, inspiring and uplifting expose of Corfu through the eyes of Penny, a solo traveller inspired by the stories written by Gerald and Margaret Durrell and turned into a TV series by ITV.

Despair, hope and happiness lovely intermingle in this exquisite tale of the places mentioned in the original books written by the Durrells, bringing them and Corfu to life in an amazing story where it feels like one ought to look up and be right with Penny, Tess, Theo, Guy and the other strong characters portrayed in the book, rather than at home in a drab Blighty.

Spurred on by the death of her father and a broken engagement, Penny sets off to Corfu with her sketch pad and a lonely heart. During her stay, and with the help of the people she meets and gets inspired by, she slowly finds joy in her life again.

An excellent read to allow us to dream of foreign holidays, soul searching, friendships and a relaxed lifestyle; I hope there'll be a follow-up book, as I'd like to know what happens next to the many characters introduced to us.