This is my first read of a Kate Frost book and what a truly stunning read it is. Heart warming and beautifully written.

This wasn’t the first Kate Frost Romantic Escape book that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last either! Kate has a gift for telling us a story, each time set somewhere else and with new characters allowing us to escape completely from our day to day lives and live vicariously through the characters. I have never been to Greece, but have heard wonderful stories from others and now I felt like I came close to experiencing it myself by how detailed and realistic Kate’s descriptions were, but not in a dull way. Harlow’s story was still front and center, which is just how I like it. I have also never been on site for filming a real movie, but feel like I got to experience some of the excitement and stress through Harlow and it is definitely not my cup of tea!

I loved watching Harlow find herself in this story and decide on doing stuff that she really wants to do and can be passionate about, rather then trying to live up to her mother’s expectations and always feeling like she was falling short. Her relationships with both her ex Tyler and her mother were very strained and in my eyes unhealthy, but being a feel good book, things fortunately changed for the better. The romance side to this story was lovely and of course including a few ups and downs. I loved how welcoming certain Greek family members were. I could easily picture how a party or family gathering would be.

The references made to the Mamma Mia movie in this book really made me smile.

I can’t wait to see where Kate’s next novel will take us and I am delighted to see she has now joined Boldwood Books. There are so many wonderful authors being published by Boldwood Books.

⭐️book tour⭐️ One Greek Summer by Kate Frost
⭐️⭐️💫 (2.5/5)

The author does a wonderful job describing the atmosphere, I almost felt like I was there! I was secretly planning a trip to Greece while reading this book.

If I were Harlow, I also would have been captivated by Adonis (😉), his family, and the olive grove.

But, I would have loved to read more about Harlow and Adonis, and less about Tyler, Olivia, and past relationships. I wish the main romance between characters came sooner in the story because I think there was a lot of potential, but there was just a lot of unnecessary drama throughout.

Thank you to @bookandtonic and @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Readers looking for sun-soaked romantic escapism need to add Kate Frost’s One Greek Summer to the top of their must-buy list.

Harlow Sands’ latest job takes her all the way to the majestic Greek island of Skopelos where she will be working on a big budget Hollywood film. This is the chance Harlow had been waiting for, however, her own insecurities and the pressure put on her by her producer mother could end up jeopardizing the opportunity of a lifetime – but will an unexpected face from the past end up providing her with everything she has always wanted, but had long given up on?

Life has not been a bed of roses for location manager Tyler Reed. He has his fair share of demons and having had many obstacles to overcome, Tyler is not exactly overjoyed when he realizes that he’s going to be working closely with Harlow Sands, somebody he is very keen to avoid! Their lives have been entwined for over a decade and although both are keen to give one another as wide a berth as possible, it seems fate has got other ideas in store for them…

As Harlow and Tyler find themselves getting closer and closer under the scorching Greek sun, will a long-buried secret and a need to belong end up putting paid to any hope they might have of a future together? Or will this film script have an unexpected plot twist nobody saw coming?

Kate Frost’s One Greek Summer will help chase away the winter blues. Taking readers all the way to an exotic island paradise, One Greek Summer is a lovely book that sparkles with humour, romance, drama and charm. Kate Frost writes so vividly and beautifully about Greece that readers will feel as if they are taking in the sights and topping up their tans alongside her characters.

A gorgeous and feel-good tale that will leave readers feeling refreshed and uplifted, Kate Frost’s One Greek Summer is an enjoyable romantic read perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot and Sue Roberts.

This is a wonderful read and really good to get you in the mood for summer days to come. Fingers crossed. Or even warm you up on this chilly days. I just love how this book swept me off to warmer climates and submerged me in the wonders of Greek culture and atmosphere.
The author created a wonderful variety of characters that I felt an instant connection with each and every one.  And you knew straight away who was going to cause the most trouble.  It was amazing hold she created such indepth characters and how their characters changed as the story progressed some for the better others for the worst. I felt a real connection with both the characters and the wonderful sense of atmosphere in the book that I became engrossed in the book. Time no longer mattered in our world. I just wanted to see where the book was heading. I felt as I was in the story watching it unfold right in front of my eyes. I loved how the story line was quite unique as the main characters where all working on producing a film but the author was so clever as to almost have the work happening in the background of the actual story. It became a dual depth story. How great a story within a story. Very clever and unique indeed. It felt like a cosy an complete novel that leaves you warm without those questions well what happened to such a person etc.
There were so many unexpected events occurring in the novel it became a real roller coaster of a ride causing me to flick those pages faster in excitement.
This book was so heartwarming and relaxing that by the end I actually felt as if I had been to Greece for a holiday myself. Its a good job I read this book as I can't afford to go away right now lol. I also have to mention the cover. This is definitely up there at the top of the beautiful covers. And its perfectly fitting for the novel. They say don't judge a book by its cover but in this case you totally can. If your in desperate need of a summer holiday then definitely buy this book and become immersed in it. Cheaper than a holiday and well worth the time.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating a wonderful story that will transport you instantly into Greece culture. So you can go on an adventure of a lifetime from the comfort of your favourite reading chair
The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/one-greek-summer-by-kate-frost-boldwood-books-4-star
Under either name ladyreading365 or lady Reading365

What a fantastic read this proved to be,
An idyllic setting and great folks to see.
Learning to trust in yourself and think of others, too,
Hoping they'll one day come back to you....

Remember the film, 'Mamma Mia'?
This book has the same island setting, that is clear!
It's for the shooting of 'One Greek Summer' and
All that entails - read to see if it will go as planned!

Meeting new people, and wondering what to do
Will there be the chance for romance for one or two?
Get ready for drama in the film and in 'real' life
As revealing secrets, discord and love add to the strife.

Location assistant, Harlow Sands, is there on the team,
But this job isn't really the one about which she'll dream.
Her Mum is the Producer and so bossy, too,
Harlow isn't quite sure just what she should do.

The setting is gorgeous and brought vividly described
As some relationships develop and others try to hide.
Will Harlow reconnect with her famous Mum again?
Can they actually talk and from arguments refrain?

With her old friend and ex, Tyler Reed, as her boss,
Harlow, considering her future, is quite at a loss
With secrets, a broken family and a need to decide,
Harlow won't any longer be able to hide.

Changing direction, making dreams come true,
A lovely story I highly recommend to you.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It is such a great read, this is my honest review.

I love romances that take place in Greece, but I find that they are usually the "billionaire meets Cinderella" type trope. This book was a refreshing change from that.

The story centers around Harlow Sands, the daughter of a successful movie producer, Maeve Fennimore-Bell,. Harlow doesn't have a great relationship with Maeve, she feels that her mom always put her career before family, which was the root cause of her parents divorce when Harlow was young. Harlow lived with her mother as a child, but didn't like the lavish, party-filled lifestyle that revolved around her mom. She preferred the quieter lifestyle at her father's home, and time in the country on her grandparents' farm.

Nonetheless, when it came to choosing a career, Harlow reluctantly followed in her mother's steps, although she did it without mentioning who her mom was, nor did she work on her mother's films. She rose to the level of assistant director, but felt dissatisfied, so quit the industry to try and find herself. Then her mother strong-armed her to take an assistant location manager position on the rom-com that Maeve was producing in Greece. She took the job, only to discover that her boss would be her on-again, off-again boyfriend Tyler Reed, the last person in the world she wished to work with.

While scouting a beautiful Greek hillside restaurant as a location for some of the movie scenes, she meets Adonis, the son of the restaurant owner. They don't immediately get along. Adonis thinks she's a spoiled, rich girl from the glamorous film industry, and he prefers to preserve his privacy and the natural beauty of the land surrounding the restaurant and its adjoining farm, which he owns. On the flipside, Harlow thinks Adonis is a moody, gruff man who shuts down whenever she tries to talk with him.

But circumstances throw them together on several occasions, and when they get past their preconceived notions about each other, they realize they share many things in common, including a love of nature and the preference for a simple life.

Their relationship grows into a friendship and then more, but they run into problems along the way from Tyler and Maeve, who both think Adonis isn't the right man for Harlow.

Adonis and Harlow also realize that they need to figure out what they want for their lives, and whether they can build a life-long relationship despite lifestyle and cultural differences, and their life goals.

I enjoyed the inside peek at the film industry, and the long hours and hard work that goes into putting together a film. (However, the book doesn't delve too deeply into these things; it just gives us enough of a taste to build the storyline.)

I also enjoyed watching how Harlow and Adonis grew throughout the book, learning more about themselves and gaining the confidence to be the people they want to be, and live their lives for themselves, rather than for the needs and wants of others.

Do they get together? Hmm, you will have to read the book to find out!

I absolutely LOVED this one! I’ve been after a 5* read for a while and this one transported me to the gorgeous Greek island of Skopelos and totally stole my heart.

From the first few pages I loved Harlow and as the story built I just relished in getting to know her and her strained relationship with both her Mother and Tyler that constantly left her under a cloud of doubt and justification.

This story really drilled down into the complex relationship between Harlow and her Mother and I think a lot of women will be able to relate to this dynamic from growing up.

As I raced through this book, I knew I didn’t want to reach the end as I had loved everything about this book from the olive groves and secluded beaches to the wonderful array of food that was showcased throughout.

A superb book that I already can’t wait to recommend to friends and family, so grab your copy today!

It’s a long time since I visited the Greek islands – but the descriptions littered throughout this book, appealing to all the senses, made me feel like I’d been on a really good holiday. And I’ve never been to Skopelos, but it’ll feel familiar to anyone who’s enjoyed the Mamma Mia films – in one lovely scene they even visit that church on top of the hill (you remember – that bit when you sobbed your heart out…), early in the morning so it’s not overrun with tourists. And when I say “all the senses”, I really mean it – the sights, the smells, the tastes (there’s a lot of delicious food in this book), the sun on your back, the sand between your toes… I loved it.

And befitting the Mamma Mia island, this is a book set in the world of film – Harlow (named after the film star) is in Skopelos to work for six weeks as assistant location manager on a big budget movie. She’s had a more elevated position on other films, but she’s considering her future – and this particular job came courtesy of her mother Maeve, the film’s high-powered producer. Although the location’s quite perfect, it does mean she’ll need to navigate around the difficult relationship with her mother – and her immediate superior is Tyler, their working days complicated by a friends-with-benefits history that she’s found difficult to escape from. But while setting up at The Olive Grove, she meets the restaurant owner’s (rather hot…) son, Adonis – he’s at a bit of a crossroads in his own life too, and the attraction between them, after a shaky start, begins to grow. But there are a lot of obstacles to overcome – the complications of Harlow’s family relationships, Tyler’s expectations that their former arrangements will resume, the jealousy of one of his more recent conquests – made more difficult by unresolved issues from the past, and with decisions to be made on where their future lives will take them.

I very much enjoyed the glimpses behind the scenes at big budget movie-making – all very authentically done, with a nice level of detail on the day-to-day activities. Harlow’s family issues were well-handled too – even if I did wish at times that she’d stand up for herself rather more. And the romance with Adonis was particularly nicely developed – their growing closeness had a pleasing chemistry, and just the right amount of will they/won’t they that I always enjoy. It’s a fairy classic romantic triangle – and that’s in no way a criticism – and I was always interested in and intrigued by how it might play out. The family relationships add a nice bit of depth and detail – Harlow’s family is a bit of a train wreck (but her father and his wife have particular warmth in their portrayal), but I really enjoyed the depiction of Adonis’ life surrounded by his extended family, however much he may yearn to escape.

I really enjoyed this one – it’s an excellent escapist read, a lovely bit of armchair travel, but with more than enough depth and intrigue to keep the pages turning. There’s quite a bit of emotional depth too – the romance, and all those layers of family and former relationships. If I have one small criticism, I’ll admit I did tire a little of the Mamma Mia references – scenes and settings were sometimes directly compared, and it wouldn’t have been entirely unexpected at one point had Cher emerged from her helicopter. But, after all, we’re in Skopelos – they’re references I can understand and most certainly forgive. The publishers promised “escapist” and “page-turning”, and the book most certainly delivers – nicely done, and I’ll look forward to seeing what Kate Frost does next.

One Greek Summer is a breezy holiday book, touching lightly on human vulnerabilities and inadequacies, and is primarily the story of Harlow Sands. Through this story, the reader navigates the complexities of Harlow's mind and travel with her as she deals with her convoluted emotions stemming from her unusual childhood, which she is forced to confront with during her stint as assistant location manager on her mother's latest movie.

Her mother Maeve is a famous Hollywood producer, who hasn't been around much when she was growing up. But she has been heavily influencing Harlow's life decisions since she has been 18 years. Harlow is also forced to contend with Tyler during the same shoot, with whom she has been in an on-off relationship for very long and share lots of history with. Will she overcome the roadblocks to her emotional growth that all these people bring about in her life and find her happily ever after, as she longs to? That forms the crux of the story.

I felt the story took quite a time to take off; when it did eventually in the second half of the book, it was quite enjoyable. I particularly liked the way the author has described Harlow's resolution of her feelings and emotions. Harlow's character is well-defined with a proper and believable growth. The other characters were not as well layered but it does not take away from the story.

One problem for me was the way Harlow keeps thinking the same things again and again for a considerable portion of the book; it got tired after a bit. Otherwise, this was a fairly engaging story that was an enjoyable read which ended on a good vibe.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review from me. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

In many ways, Kate Frost is a queen of armchair travel. I felt like I have gone on every step of this journey with likeable and quirky Harlow, and could picture each scene perfectly from her dazzling descriptions. I will be dreaming about beaches and loukomades for quite some time!

Harlow is a really well developed character. I liked that we got to learn so much about her back story, as your relationship with your parents and your parents’ relationship in and of itself does set a precedence and a tone for our relationships, whether that be following in their footsteps, or in Harlow and her mum’s case, being completely “chalk and cheese.” I also thought the way Harlow identifies herself in relation to her mother’s career success and their fractious relationship provided another layer of meaning and drama to the story.

There are two love interests at the core of this story and I was definitely Team Adonis, despite him being quite closed off for some of the book. You will be left guessing as to what Harlow will do and who she will choose, and this definitely kept me that little bit more hooked on the story.

This is definitely a feel-good and escapist story about self-discovery, and another great release by Kate Frost. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Sue Moorcroft, Daisy James and T A Williams.

Set on the picturesque Greek island of Skopelos, this is a romantic story with hidden depths. Harlow has a problematic relationship with her film producer mother, Maeve, forced into the assistant location manager role, epitomising their controlling relationship. Working for Tyler, the location manager, is also problematic as they have known each other for many years in a poorly defined relationship that is more toxic than therapeutic. Meeting the aptly named Adonis is surprisingly intriguing for Harlow, and it makes her take a deep look at her life and its direction.

The island is brought to vibrant life and allows the reader to escape. The plot is simple but explores contemporary issues through the characters. The romance is full of chemistry but gentle, and the film location setting and romantic conclusion make this a satisfying and uplifting read.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I love books with a great sense of place and if that place happens to be Greece then so much the better. In this case the reader is transported to the island of Skopelos and after reading this book, I have just added another island to my wishlist.

Putting the setting aside, the friction between Harper and her mum, the renowned film director works well, as does the on/off relationship between Harper and Tyler. It is her meeting with the local taverna owner and his son, however, that begins to explore the real themes of the book.

I really enjoyed this book and the chance to revisit my beloved Greece, albeit vicariously. In these difficult times, this precious gift is one I cling to.

Just look at this gorgeous cover and tell me you're not longing for summer and carefree, sun-soaked days, full of romance....
Harlow Sands is about to start work on a big movie project on the Greek island of Skopelos. Could this be an opportunity to change her dysfunctional relationship with her controlling mother Maeve? will beautiful Greek countryside work its romantic magic on her and help her clear her doubts and uncertainties over what she should be doing with her life? as if this wasn't enough, Harlow also has to face her unsatisfying, complicated relationship with Tyler...
And then she meets mysterious Adonis and suddenly there is a chance that this summer is indeed going to change her life...
This is one of those books where the setting is a character in itself and what a marvellous character! If you are a fan of Greece and Greek islands, you will love this beautiful romance that will let you escape the reality for a few blissful hours.
A lovely, heartwarming read for those who believe it is always possible to turn your life around and start living it in the best possible way

What an immersive read! Frost paints such a vivid and cozy picture allowing the reader to escape without actually traveling. I felt like I was on Skopelos, enjoying Greek food, working through family drama, and falling in love.

I felt transported to the beautiful and sunny landscape of Greece, the azure sea, white beaches, olive groves with warm breezes. Take me there! I appreciated the dynamic between Harlow and her mother, the growth throughout the story was satisfying especially seeing Harlow develop her voice. The love triangle trope is an immediate DNF for me, HOWEVER, Tyler is an afterthought and I absolutely ADORED Adonis. Their relationship kept me coming back.

I have already recommended this read to so many friends and family, I will continue recommending it to anyone wanting to getaway in books.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

Escape to sunny Skolpelos where the temperature isn't the only thing sizzling.
Harlow is on location for a movie shoot on the idyllic Greek island of Skopelos. As well as contending with the demands of a high-pressured job, she is dealing with 2 dysfunctional relationships in her life; a tricky relationship with her mother and her on-off friends- with-benefits relationship with her colleague Tyler. Then she meets the handsome Adonis at his family's restaurant The Olive Grove. With beautiful Greek island scenery, I could almost smell the pine trees and the author has so many gorgeous food descriptions it was a blissful escape. As Harlow falls for Adonis, will she fall back into her old self-destructive patterns or will she finally realise that the path to happiness, may lie in taking a risk? Five stars from me.

This book failed to hold my attention. It did not feel like anything new was being created here and, whilst Frost’s descriptions of the Greek countryside are completely idyllic, there was too much I have seen in previous stories. With the grumpy local and strained parental relationships, I felt like this book was living in the shadow of too many ideas already done – quite like the protagonist herself.

Harlow is on location as an assistant location manager. The insight that Frost provides into filming a big-budget film is quite interesting and there were many elements that I had not considered before: how to ensure all crew and equipment can be transported to different locations; ensuring efficiency whilst at these locations; and even down to staging the set for filming. It was really fascinating and I could feel the struggles that the team faced – especially when the weather is described as so beautiful and rather scorching!

However, I did dislike Harlow. I thought her rather insipid and easily dominated by others. She has major hang-ups with her boss, Tyler, because of their history together, coupled with the fact that her mother is big in the film business. Although she keeps this a secret from the majority of people, it became clear to me that Harlow is happy to be pushed around by others, without actually voicing what she wants to do with her life. Therefore, I thought Harlow was quite an annoying character – in both name and personality.

Inevitable romance is on the cards with the grumpy local, a Greek god with a body to match! It was obvious there would be a connection between the two characters – emphasised further by the early bickering between the two. What starts as a reluctant coupling due to the filming demands, soon becomes something further. Yet, Harlow doesn’t seem to be able to escape the irrepressible Tyler, who seems quite convinced that Harlow and him can pick it up where they left off. It creates a loose sort of love triangle but neither connections were very convincing and I felt I had seen this all before.

The story is plagued by references to the Mamma Mia! film. Too many, if you ask me. It felt like the writer was trying to establish the novel’s identity off the basis of this film, rather than the book’s story on its own. This was quite irritating because it was as if the story was a result of the film. Trying to step out of its shadow and assert itself as a summer, romantic escape, I felt each reference to the musical became a step backwards for the plot. It also reminded me of Harlow, who wants to be her own person and not judged by her mother’s success.

The redeeming quality of this story were the amazing descriptions of the Greek countryside. Undoubtedly, Frost transports you to these summer climes that seem luscious and idyllic. I could vividly imagine the scenes being described and it felt rather nice to be on a Greek island, rather than chilly England! These were definitely my most favourite parts of the story.

Looking for a summer romance novel, I don’t think this is the best I have read. It didn’t help that the protagonist was quite frustrating and I think this had an impact on how I enjoyed the plot. If references to a film I have never seen had been fewer, this might have redeemed this read a little bit.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Frost transports us to the beautiful Greek island of Skopelos in this wonderful, palate cleanser of a story. Her writing is lovely and descriptive and will have you tasting the delicious Greek food, smelling the warm, fragrant sea air, and taking in the beautiful sights around the island. The main character Harlow grapples with complicated relationships with her old friend with benefits, Tyler, and her famous movie producer mother, Maeve, as they all work on a movie production on the island. The story unfolds and we find out more about Harlow’s childhood and past, and how she struggles with the direction of her professional career as pressure from her driven, successful mother continues to cast a shadow. I enjoyed the novel’s exploration of family dynamics and expectations, the discontent and uncertainty with one’s life purpose, the references to the film version of Mamma Mia. and the burgeoning romance between Harlow and the gorgeous, broody olive farmer Adonis.

This novel is perfect for a virtual Greek getaway, with a peek into the filming of a movie, family relationships, and romance. I give it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

One Greek Summer was a good book. It took a three tries to get into it, but 3 times a charm. Once I really understood the characters, I very much enjoyed their stories.

Harlow is a young woman who is wanting ti take time to find herself, but her mother pushed her into taking a job she was not excited about. While on this assignment, she is challenged to tackle her ultimate road bump, her mothers desire for Harlow to follow in her footsteps.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this ARC.

The Greek island of Skopelos will steal your heart in this fun read from Kate Frost.

My “escape book” streak continues! This time we find ourselves in the gorgeous Greek islands, a top contender on my list for a vacation. The island of Skopelos might not be a name you are familiar with, but you would recognize it as the backdrop of popular movie Mama Mia. Kate’s descriptions of the setting did not disappoint. From the beaches to the interior, she really captures the jaw-dropping location so well. And the food! I felt my mouth watering at the descriptions of the sumptuous dishes.

Harlow is a likeable main character. She’s smart and hardworking and I found it easy to cheer for her. There are actually lots of great characters in the book and Kate does a great job of developing each of them. I especially loved Harlow’s dad, Derek. Watching their warm, father-daughter dynamic was touching.

I appreciated the extra tension built by creating two potential love interests for Harlow. Her old “friends with benefits” Tyler and Adonis, who runs the olive grove where they are filming some scenes for the movie. There is a bit of mystery created in that you know that Tyler and Harlow have a complicated past, but it doesn’t get explained until later in the book. It creates an intriguing effect where you don’t really know which way Harlow will go in the end. I will admit, I was team Adonis all the way. Talk about a dreamy book boyfriend!

One Greek Summer is a worthwhile read with a gorgeous setting and great characters.
Thank you, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.