Picture this: a sun-drenched Greek island, just you and your notebook, ready for a fresh start. That’s The Santorini Writing Retreat—with a funny, heartfelt twist.

The novel brings together three women at very different crossroads in their lives: Jessica Rose, a bestselling author carrying a heavy secret that’s drained her creative well; Zina, a determined entrepreneur returning to her home island to build something new from scratch; and Karmela, an aspiring writer seeking to make her mother proud. A writing retreat on the beautiful island of Santorini, with its stunning sea and whitewashed buildings, is where they first meet and begin their journey of self-discovery.

Jessica’s reluctance as retreat leader makes her vulnerable and her story captivating. The sharp contrast between her public achievements and her private struggles with self-doubt and a hidden secret highlights how easily people can mask their pain. Zina’s story shows what it’s really like to go home and reinvent yourself, while Karmela’s quiet strength is a nice change of pace. The women are portrayed with great empathy, and their development feels genuine and earned.

Reading it, I felt a strong connection to the three women, particularly their use of writing to work through life’s challenges. Similar to Jessica, I’ve had dry spells where my creativity was blocked by unresolved issues. Like Karmela, I’m driven to create something worthwhile, not just for me but for the people who’ve helped me. The retreat’s blend of solitude and community helped me remember the importance of taking breaks to reconnect with myself. This story prompted me to consider the untold stories I’ve been afraid to share, and why those might be the most important ones to tell.

It’s not only the gorgeous Greek scenery (the food descriptions alone are amazing!) that makes this book special; it’s also its honest look at the art of storytelling. As these women write, they face their hidden truths, showing us that the greatest stories are often the ones we’re scared to share. That tagline, “Secrets make the best stories,” isn’t just catchy; it’s the whole point of the book. It’s a heartwarming story that tackles real life, and it might even make you want to write your own!

Leaving their stressful jobs in Athens behind, Zina and husband Lambros have returned to her family’s farm in rural Santorini after her father’s death – he has begun to revitalise the land, tending the goats and hoping for a pistachio crop to turn their fortunes around, while she’s put her energy into converting the neglected holiday apartments into a boutique retreat. They might appear to be living the dream, but their marriage is suffering – they don’t spend enough time together, and living in close proximity with her grieving mother brings its own stress and strain. But all the renovations, with their luxurious touches, are now complete – and it’s time for Zina to host her first retreat, hoping for happier times ahead.

The retreat is to be led by Jessica Rose, the author of a bestselling novel – she’s glad of the opportunity to escape her toxic marriage for a while, but worries about her inability to write another book, a number of secrets she’s kept deeply hidden, the likely impact if they were to be revealed, and her sketchy credentials to be taking the lead. The group assembles – all with their own reasons for being there – and includes Karmela, the professor we previously met through the book club in Dubrovnik, hoping to finally leave her difficult past behind and produce a historical novel that will make her mother proud of her.

This was a particularly emotional read, perfectly paced and quite beautifully written, the different relationships especially well drawn – the friendships between the three very real women at the book’s heart slowly blossom and become increasingly supportive, they share their personal stories and open up about the challenges in their lives, face up to their mistakes and the possibilities of starting afresh, and find strength and inspiration in each other. There are plenty of surprises along the way, moments of joy and more than a touch of heartache, difficult decisions to be made, times when everything might fall apart – and I felt totally invested throughout in their stories and the possibility of happiness in their futures.

There’s an exceptional sense of place throughout – plenty of opportunities to see the beauty of the volcanic island visited by tourists in their droves, drawn in the most vivid and well-researched detail, but also to witness the real hardship of attempting to eke a living from the sun-baked and barren land. Everything combined to make this a book I really loved – the lives of its characters a pleasure to feel part of as I was completely drawn into their stories, the uplifting ending everything I could have asked for. Very much recommended.

I loved the cover of this E-Book, it looked like a perfect place to write a novel.

Jo was asked to run a writing retreat to help 5 people fine tune their writing style. Jo is looking forward to travelling to Santorini and having a month away from her controlling husband and pressure to complete a new novel.

Jo has a secret and feels a failure as a writer.

Zina Siders and her husband run the retreat property on Santorini and live with Zina’s mother who is grieving for her husband who died a year earlier. Zina is also grieving for a job she loved in marketing and media in Athens. Zina’s husband has mental health issues but is learning to be a farmer and struggles to keep his goats under control.

This was about writing, secrets, grief and families. I loved the way the different participants in the writing retreat helped each other and Zina and her mother with their grief. Lots of twists as each person’s back stories were revealed. Some humorous moments when the goats cause havoc.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher One More Chapter a Division of HarperCollins Publishers for a chance to review this E-Book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I was interested in this book, as I remembered reading a previous book by this author, The Dubrovnik Book Club, which I really liked. I'm pleased to say that I enjoyed this one as well.

The three main characters were Jo, Zina and Karmela. I found that as I was reading, I connected with all of them in some way, and I felt as though they all had their own story to share with the reader. It seemed they all had a reason for coming to the retreat, and it wasn't just about writing, but about figuring something out.

I enjoyed following the characters to see how they connected and bonded with each other, and I liked the atmosphere too. This book allowed me to escape to sunny Santorini without leaving my living room. If you're looking for a book that will whisk you away, give this a try.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Thank you for allowing me to review this latest book by Eva Glynn. I had enjoyed her previous books and had high expectations for this book. It didn't disappoint at any level. The setting in Santorini is so well described, that I feel I must visit. The characters are well written, beginning as strangers they gel together harmoniously at the retreat. Each individual as their differences, with different reasons for joining the retreat. An easy read, but one that made me reflect upon how experiences of life are viewed my everyone.
A recommended read.

Dreams and schemes…
Secret history…Mystery…
New chances…Romances?

A new writing retreat in Santorini is the start
For five guests with an author also playing a key part.
Strangers meeting with individual dreams
And an idyllic lifestyle isn’t quite as it seems.

Getting to know each other
Secrets and surprises to discover.
A supportive group that grows close together
In the beautiful Greek island weather.

An existing romance needs a second chance,
Goats and a dog lead others a merry dance.
Family, relationships and friendships, too,
Help heal wounds both old and new.

A lovely story with surprise revelations
As personal history and secrets sometimes bring complications!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this my honest review.

Another wonderful story from Eva Glyn. The Santorini Writing Retreat. Zina and her husband Lambros have moved back to Santorini from Athens to live with her mother after her father dies. Lambros is running the farm and Zina has set up a luxury retreat. The first guests are arriving for a month long writing retreat led by bestselling author Jessica Rose. A friendly group take part and over the month share experiences, stories and life. It was good to meet Karmela again and see the next steps of her life's journey. Jo (aka Jessica) has never led a writing workshop before and is so nervous. Over the course of the month secrets are revealed and lives are changed. A wonderful look into human relationships and self awareness. Set amidst a stunning background. #netgalley #thesantoriniwritingretreat

So far I've enjoyed all of the author's books and this one is no exception. In fact, it's probably one of my summer favourites. The location of Santorini is perfectly depicted, giving the reader a real feel for the place. Each of the characters brings with them their own problems and I loved how through friendship they all manage to find a way through. I also like one of the characters from a previous novel making an appearance and linking this book with Croatia.

The book deals with some difficult issues of self confidence, trust and guilt, and these are treated in a way that has the reader empathising with all the characters.

All in all a delightful story and I enjoyed every page.

Zina returned to Santorini when her father died and her husband needed to escape from the pressures of his career. Whilst he tries to make a go of the farm she decides to update the farm's holiday accommodation into the setting for retreats. For the first retreat she invites best selling author Jessica Rose to run one for aspiring writers . Joining them are a selection of guests varying from a university professor to an ex-RAF pilot. Each brings issues and strengths to the mix, all set against the lovely backdrop of Santorini and its food and drink.
This is a follow on from The Dubrovnik Book Club, which I loved, but is easily read as a standalone book. There are secrets and marriage issues affecting those involved in the retreat, but friendship and compassion are there to help. An interesting insight into how books are written and something to immerse yourself in, especially if it is cold and wet outside or when sitting by the pool. Highly recommended if you enjoy character driven stories about love and friendship.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This book as the title says is based in Santorini with a mixture of characters who want to do some writing for a range of purposes. The characters are as diverse as their reasons for writing are. Whilst they start as mostly strangers, across the story they build some amazing friendships and bonds with each other and their hidden secrets start to come out. A lovely book with beautifully written characters and a great storyline.

A wonderful tale of women and how empowering they can be when they pull together.

Jessica Rose is a best-selling author - so why can't she make any headway with her next book? Zina was happy having made a life for herself in the big city - she certainly never intended to return to rural Greece, but here she is. Karmela just wants to write her book to make her mother proud - she just needs to be shown the way. Three women, brought together for different reasons . . .

I've read several books from this author (not always under this name) and she writes beautifully. This one is no exception, entwining the lives of three women who all want different things, showing how they can support and cheer each other on. A heartwarming story which I enjoyed. A perfect holiday read and one I'm happy to recommend. For me, 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

As a big fan of Eva Glyn’s writing, I couldn’t wait to read her new novel with its stunning cover and intriguing blurb. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Santorini Writing Retreat’. It had everything I now expect from one of my favourite authors – wonderfully drawn characters, a stunning location and a plot that kept me turning the pages of the novel. The premise of using an actual writing retreat as the setting and then condensing the story into a month is ambitious but for me it really worked. The opening sentence ‘And above all, don’t forget there needs to be a terrible secret at the heart of the story’ and then 'resting her forehead on the glass. Oh, the irony.' was a very strong hook at the beginning. I wanted to know what this was and the reader knew from day one that the secret was not only going to be in Jo's new novel but it was one she had herself. When that secret was revealed, it was huge. I liked the way hints about what was involved were dropped throughout the novel which made the revelation all the more shocking.

The portrayal of Greece and Greek life is such that the reader is taken there through fabulous descriptions of the landscape, weather and food. The author’s descriptions of the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful through the use of an extensive palette of colours. I could be there!

The characterisation is particularly strong. It was good to meet one of my favourite characters from ‘The Dubrovnik Book Club’ again, too. Karmela has always fascinated me. In order to appreciate the journeys the characters take in the novel, especially Jo, Zina and Karmela, I enjoyed being in their heads, getting to know their inner thoughts and self-contemplation. The growth in the characters' strength of personality is done so well. They were different people by the end from the ones we met at the beginning of the novel. I loved the way the story finished with the knowledge that this wasn't the end. Real friendships have been made, relationships strengthened and past scars healed. A treat of a novel! Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.

Escape to Greece , Strangers meet at a writing retreat in Santorini. They forge friendships over the trials in their life. A heartwarming tale and a perfect summer read !!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

We have an author with a Terrible Secret who is running a writing retreat in part to get away from the "gilded cage" (she wouldn't let her authors use that phrase!) she's stuck in with a difficult marriage, her only friend the lovely gardener; a child of war who is only just now finding her feet and able to have the full range of human experiences in her 40s; two friends who want to write romance; a steady happy couple of women who are not even there to write; a man who needs to find a new place in the world; an older woman who has lost hers suddenly; and a young woman who's found herself back in her childhood home, sort of by choice but not really.

In this exploration of marriage, of friendship and of mothers and daughters, who will grow and prosper and who has particular reasons for being there? I loved the background setting of the non-touristy side of the island of Santorini and there was just enough of one author's book to show you what they're doing. There's a nice dog who remains free of all peril throughout, I'm glad to say, and lots of lovely scenery, food and drink. A satisfying and grown-up read, although I would offer a trigger warning for coercive control, although this mainly happens off the page.

I found out reading the author's note at the end that one character joined this book from the author's "The Dubrovnik Book Club" and I am certainly interested in her Croatian set novels, too.

Blog review coming on 27 May 2025: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/book-review-eva-glyn-the-santorini-writing-retreat/

An author returns to her home on a Greek Island to escape where she makes new friends and finds new stories. Fun, friendship and emotional.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Santorini Writing Retreat.

Zina has created a Writing retreat, after she’s returned from Athens to give her family home a new lease of life.

Attending the writing retreat is Jessica Rose, she’s not written another book after her first one, and this is the first one she’s attending. The other attendees are a mix of people, Ian was a pilot, Susan loves family history and Karmela who we’ve met in a previous book.

Along the way secrets that have been kept for a while are revealed and new truths are uncovered.

It was well written, lots of funny moments and the characters were relatable.

I highly recommend this book.

I absolutely loved Santorini Writing Retreat! It’s the kind of book that makes you want to pack a bag, book a flight, and chase your creative dreams on a sun-soaked Greek island.

The setting is gorgeous. But what really pulled me in were the characters. Each one had their own baggage, and watching them open up, grow, and connect was so satisfying.

There’s just the right mix of drama, secrets, and heartwarming moments. And as someone who loves books about writing, this one really hit the spot. It reminded me why stories matter and how powerful they can be in bringing people together.

Breathe in the beauty, exhale your worries.

I discovered The Santorini Writing Retreat on NetGalley and felt an instant pull—like a gentle invitation to pause and become part of a sun-drenched Greek escape. Eva Glyn’s narrative isn’t merely a story; it’s an immersive experience where you join a close-knit group of retreat-goers, sharing moments of laughter, memories of lost love, and secret smiles against a backdrop of breathtaking Santorini.

The sensory details are enchanting. Glyn’s words let you taste the hints of local cuisine, feel the gentle caress of the sea breeze, and see the island’s charm in every radiant corner. Each page carries the whisper of the Aegean, inviting you to savor every moment. It’s this perfect blend of beauty and emotion that makes every heartbeat of the story resonate so deeply.

In a world that often feels too noisy, this retreat whispers hope—reminding you to pause, connect, and listen to your heart. If you’re seeking an escape that offers both sensory delight and a tender journey into friendship and self-discovery, The Santorini Writing Retreat is your perfect getaway.

I simply loved this story, which had a strong female cast to help tell the story. The three key characters were Jessica Rose, a bestselling author whose success has been meteoric since publishing her hauntingly beautiful book centred around a lesbian love affair. Zina, who, along with her husband, Lambros, has returned to Santorini hoping to find a better life for them. Then there’s Karmela, whose only wish is to make her mother proud and to escape the memories of growing up in war-torn Sarajevo.
I honestly loved everything about this book and the secrets that were revealed along the way. Jessica Rose was perhaps hiding the biggest secrets, including her name and the toxic marriage she had found herself in, but that hardly scratched the surface. Yet, despite all that, she still had the strength to lead the retreat and deliver sound, helpful guidance to the gathered group of aspiring authors. Her indomitable inner strength eased the way for her to reveal her secrets to the group.
Zina and Lambros were still young, not even thirty, but Lambros had pushed himself to a near breakdown, and so, they had returned to her family farm on Santorini. Now, Lambros was working on reinvigorating her father’s farm, while Zina turned the farmhouse and buildings into a destination retreat. In my mind, I struggled to understand how they had become so beset with anxiety before even hitting their thirties. I considered my daughter and the stresses she has encountered since turning thirty, and I remembered that we live in distinctly different times. With the added lens of hindsight, I realised how skilled the author truly is.
Finally, Karmela, perhaps my favourite character, had so much to discover about herself. I can only imagine the debilitating pain of living through war and then being displaced while seeking safety. Having only known the devastating effects of conflict, it was impossible not to hope she would find her happiness again, and maybe even discover a common ground with her mother.
There is so much more that I would love to tell you, but that would lead me into the realms of spoilers, and that wouldn’t be good. Please read this beautiful book and enjoy the balm it brings to a busy world, which helps the reader escape from life’s stresses.

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins for the advanced copy.

It took me an about 25% of the book to really connect with it, but it was 100% worth it. I love a book about female friendships, and this one is excellent. I love that the 3 main characters (and even the secondary characters) are not described as being stereotypically perfect (petite, thin, gorgeous, in their 20s or at most early 30s). These are complex and interesting women, who are not perfect, and have interesting backgrounds and relatable problems (imposter syndrome, dealing with trauma, relationships, life not ending up the way you planned, etc).

I think I had trouble with the first 1/4 because of the number of characters and learning their backstories. That's a personal challenge for me in books, but this one made it worth it. I do appreciate that with the sheer number of women at the retreat, the author made each of their names very different. I find it impossible when an author has a large group and half the names are too similar (e.g. Paul, Pete, & Pat; or Susan, Sharon & Suzanne). And, even though the secondary characters play a critical role in the story, the author stayed focused on the main characters. I was never confused as to from whose perspective the chapters/sections were.

There are a lot of coincidences in the book (trying not to include spoilers), and having all of those coincidences occur at one retreat, strained credulity. I chose to think of it as a magical realism -- the retreat brought them together so they could all resolve their secrets and internal struggles. And that made it work for me.

I had not read The Dubrovnik Book Club, which apparently introduced Karmela, one of the main characters in this book. I had been thinking to myself that I would be interested in learning more about Karmela's experiences that led her to wanting to write her book, and I'm happy to see that that book exists. I have added it to my TBR..

And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to go to a writing (or whatever) retreat for a month!