The Blurb :
When Molly Adams finds out she’s inherited an apartment in Kassiopi, Corfu, she’s left thinking there must be some mistake. She doesn’t know anyone in Greece at all.
But when she arrives there’s a shock. Molly hasn’t inherited a whole apartment, it’s only 50%. But there’s more - she’s also inherited 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and… 25% of a cat.
Christos Baros is coming home to Corfu for the summer. A self-made entrepreneur, owning three gyms in Athens, he has no need for half an apartment, half a boat, half an olive tree or a quarter of a cat, but he knows these things are important to his mother.
Molly and Christos’s worlds collide in a whirlwind and the irresistible charm of the Greek island draws them even closer together. But as they uncover the secrets of their shared inheritance, will they discover that sometimes, sharing what you never wanted can lead to exactly what you need?


My Thoughts :
As soon as I see Mandy Baggot has a new book out, its added to my list straight away and this one did not disappoint.
We meet Molly Adams. Molly is trying to launch her very own make-up brand called Mollify with the help of her best friend Siohban.
When Molly receives a letter, informing her that she has been left something in a Will on the Island of Corfu to a man named Vaggelis Vlachos, who she has never met, let alone heard of. Molly seeks out
answers, soon she is jetting off to Corfu, with her mum Janette and friend Siohban in tow.
Soon Molly learns that not only she has inherited 50% of an apartment, 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and 25% of a cat named Armeena. She is told she owns this along with a guy named Christos Baros.
Christos used to live on the Island but now lives in Athens where he owns a few Gymnasiums.
He is back to visit his family after his Godfather Vaggelis passed away and soon learns he too has inherited the other half of Vaggelis’s belongings.
As Molly and Christos get to know each other in one way or another there is an undenying spark between the two and as much as they try to resist, can the Greek Island work its charm?!.
I loved learning about the past of Molly and Christos and what brought them both to where they are today. We also learn of some secrets and lies from both sides including Molly’s mum knowing more than she has let on.
Soon the reader will get lost lost in the whole story of love, friendship, loss and starting over.
Mandy Baggot delivers us pure escapism, I just know every time she releases a book, I am going to be lost in the world of Greek Islands.
She takes us on a journey and transports us through the tastes and smells of the country with added descriptions of the scenery, we all know too well.
Mandy Baggot is one of my top go to Authors, hope there is more stories very soon.

Light-hearted travel romance with depth

This is a light hearted travel romance set in a beautiful Greek paradise. It is very suitable for reading on your holidays, beside a pool or even a fireplace. But it also adresses more serious topics such as what is success and what is family. Very readable!

An unexpected inheritance takes Molly, her best friend and her mum to Corfu. There is lots of laugh-out-loud humour in this story from the cast of characters, and it draws you into the Greek way of life, making it a lovely escapist read. The romance is sweet, both helped and hindered by friends and family members. It's a heartwarming read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Mandy Baggot returns with a glorious romantic escape readers will swoon over: A Greek Island Gift.

Molly can hardly believe her ears. How could she possibly have inherited an apartment in Corfu when she doesn’t know anybody in Greece? There must surely be some mistake, however, when she packs her bags and leaves for Corfu, she realises that she has in fact inherited property. Only she’s joint owner of an apartment – and also of a boat, an olive tree and a cat! Molly seems to be lurching from one shock to another. But just when she thinks that she cannot handle any more surprises, she meets the other co-owner, Christos Baros, and sparks quickly begin to fly.

Back home for the summer, Christos is a self-made businessman who is certainly in no need of half the things he has jointly inherited with Molly. Yet, knowing how important these things are to his mother, Christos has no choice but to go along with whatever fate wants to throw his way. Meeting Molly has him feeling things he has no business feeling and as his world and hers collide, Christos wonders whether he’s come home in more ways than one…

Fate has brought Christos and Molly together, but will their Greek island gift be enough to bind them together forever? Or are there simply too many obstacles in their way?

A sun-soaked summer romance that is the next best thing to a holiday, A Greek Island Gift is vintage Mandy Baggot. Funny, whimsical, emotional and so deliciously readable I gobbled it up in one sitting, A Greek Island Gift is a wonderful tale about learning to trust, taking a chance on happiness and falling in love that I thoroughly enjoyed.

When Molly Adams learns that she has received an inheritance and she needs to go to Corfu in Greece to get the details she is very confused. As far as she knows she has never been to Greece. She doesn't even know anyone in Greece. And then her mum calls and talks about her Greek ex, Vaggelis, who has just passed away and Molly is suddenly convinced that this man might just be her long lost father.

Molly works in a pharmacy but her dream is to release her own make up brand. She has done all the development, done testing, she has growing social media presence. She just needs one approval and a cash injection and she is ready to go. Could travelling to Corfu to claim this inheritance help her understand who she is and help her start up business at the same time?

Molly, her best friend Siobhan and mother, Janette, all head to Corfu. It quickly becomes clear that things aren't as straight-forward as they might be. Molly has inherited half of a rundown apartment, half a barely seaworthy boat, half a dilapidated truck, half an olive tree and a quarter of a disagreeable cat.

The other half has all been inherited by Christo Baros who was Vaggelis' godson. He loves his family but he is glad that his life is in Athens where he runs three very successful gyms. He doesn't understand why his godfather has structured his will in such a way. He is all for just selling everything and getting what little he can for it and going back to Athens.

While it is all sorted, Christos spends time with Molly and soon he realises that she is more than just his shared inheritor. And when the family secrets come out from both sides, they both realise that there might be more to this situation than meets the eye.

I have read a few Mandy Baggot books now, mostly set in Greece. There was one a few books ago that felt quite manic in terms of the humour and the pacing, but although this one is humourous the pacing felt just right to me. Each families had the time to unravel their particular stories, surprises and all.

I really like the entrepreneurial part of Molly's story. She has worked really hard to develop her products and her brand, and she is able to use her time in Corfu to come up with some great marketing imagery. She does, however, need just that push to take the leap of faith required to launch! I understand that the character that helps with this is from an older backlist book which was a nice touch, especially to those readers who have been following this author for a while. I hadn't read that book but I got the idea pretty well I think.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

Molly, a pharmacist receives a letter that requires her to go to Corfu, Greece. It seems that someone she doesn’t know left her his inheritance.
She arrives in the island only to find out that she in not the only one who is being summoned, she gets 50% of an apartment, 50% of Dynamo, a boat, 50% of a truck, 50% of an olive tree, and 25% of a 15 year old mean cat.
Vaggelis Vlachos left his god-son the other half of the inheritance.
I always enjoy tMandy Baggot’s greek adventures under the sun!
Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy.

Quirky story of a shared inheritance and I loved that they got to share a quarter of a grumpy cat. The author's first hand acquaintance with the Greek way of life made the characters credible and with so many relatives interfering in the blossoming romance between Molly and Christos, it's amazing that they fall in love. Easy to read, perfect for the beach or garden, I enjoyed being transported once again to my beloved Greece. There's also a bit of a twist at the end. Fab.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Mandy Baggot’s A Greek Island Gift is a sun-drenched delight that transports readers straight to the heart of Corfu. With her blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and vivid storytelling, Baggot h a tale as given us a story will strike a chord with many whilst being a fun, escapist read.
The story follows Molly and Christos, two strangers brought together by an unexpected inheritance. As they navigate the complexities of their shared legacy, their journey unfolds amidst the wonderful (and highly desirable) backdrop of Greek island life. It is so descriptive at times, I swear you can almost feel the Mediterranean breeze added to the food descriptions enough to make any mouth water, I was soon dreaming of being right there.
The characters in this book are a charming array , from the endearing locals to the quirky animals at the sanctuary, each figure adds depth and charm to the narrative. The slow-burning romance between the protagonists is both believable and captivating, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.
A Greek Island Gift is more than just a romantic escape; it’s a story about second chances, self-discovery, and the unexpected gifts life can offer. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or curled up at home, this novel promises a heartwarming escape to sunnier climes.

This is a lovely, easy-to-read holiday romance set on a gorgeous Greek island—full of blue seas, sunny skies, and that perfect escapist vibe. Molly is a strong, independent lead, juggling the emotional journey of uncovering the truth about her father while also launching her own makeup brand. The story itself isn’t overly complex, but there’s just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but the setting and character development make it a gentle, enjoyable read—ideal for a relaxing getaway or a bit of armchair travel.

*A Greek Island Gift* by Mandy Baggot is a warm, feel-good story set on the beautiful island of Corfu. I absolutely loved the charming characters, especially Molly and Christos, and how their unexpected inheritance brought them together in the most surprising ways. The sunshine, the humor, and the slow-blooming romance made this such a comforting and joyful read. It’s the perfect escape if you're dreaming of summer, love, and a little bit of mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest feedback and review.

A great location of Corfu that definitely has you dreaming of a Mediterranean summer however, the story fell flat for me. It was very slow and felt like a mishmash of other stories like Mamma Mia but without the humour. I actually just found most of the characters quite irritating and the only thing that saved it slightly was me wanting to find out who Vaggelis was to Molly. Maybe this book caught me not in the best mood but I felt slightly that I was wasting my time reading it.

I enjoyed reading A Greek Island Gift by Mandy Baggot. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I loved the sound of the synpsis, and Mandy Baggot is one of my favorite authors anyway. I was excited for Molly about her inheritance and also about wanting to know what the home would be like. The olive tree and cat were a surprise to me, and they are original, quirky choices.

Mandy always sets the scene in her books so werll, and I was eager to get to Corfu to experience for myself what she'd inherited.

Christos, to me is both easy and difficult to live with. He's gentlemanly, and then unexpected in his words or actions.

I was rooting for Molly.

A Greek Island Gift is a very enjoyable book. It's atmospheric, like all of Mandy Baggot's novels are and heartfelt, yet the experiences are realistic.

Mandy Baggot's books are perfectly escapist and perfect for the summer, or any time of year

5 stars

Thanks to Mandy Baggot and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

When Molly receives a message about a possible inheritance from a man she'd never met in Kassiopi, in Corfu, she heads with her mom and best friend. It turns out she's set to inherit half an apartment, half a tree, a boat, and a quarter of a cat with Christos Barros's who is the man's godfather. He was also a past love of her mom's.

I enjoyed the descriptions of life on a small island Greece, along with this mysterious Greek man, Vaggelis Vlachos. The central mystery to too long to wrap, but otherwise I enjoyed the twists, turns, and the bit of romance as it moves to its satisfying conclusion. This is an enjoyable light, beach read for those that enjoy books set in Greece.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

A Greek Island Gift by Mandy Baggot

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Molly Adams finds out she’s inherited an apartment in Kassiopi, Corfu, she’s left thinking there must be some mistake. She doesn’t know anyone in Greece at all.

But when she arrives there’s a shock. Molly hasn’t inherited a whole apartment, it’s only 50%. But there’s more - she’s also inherited 50% of a boat, 50% of an olive tree and… 25% of a cat.

Christos Baros is coming home to Corfu for the summer. A self-made entrepreneur, owning three gyms in Athens, he has no need for half an apartment, half a boat, half an olive tree or a quarter of a cat, but he knows these things are important to his mother.

Molly and Christos’s worlds collide in a whirlwind and the irresistible charm of the Greek island draws them even closer together. But as they uncover the secrets of their shared inheritance, will they discover that sometimes, sharing what you never wanted can lead to exactly what you need?

My Opinion

Mandy Baggot has written a great holiday novel. I have read a few novels by Mandy Baggot and I have yet to be disappointed. A Greek Island Gift was a beautiful story and Mandy has once again written some lovely characters. From the opening pages I was hooked. A quick and easy read.

Rating 4/5

I loved everything about this book and would unreservedly recommend it to anyone seeking a sunny romance with a touch of grumpiness. Mandy Baggot’s imagination and character development never cease to amaze me, and that’s what keeps me coming back to read her books.
This time, we meet Molly and Christos as they meet on Corfu to hear about the bequests from a man who thought more of them than they could have known. He was a friend of Molly’s mother and Christos’s Godfather. Neither can understand the logic behind the generous bequests, and their minds work overtime to unravel the mystery. It seems natural that their suspicions fall on their mothers, and they wonder whether he could have been their father.
Molly has no clue who her father is, and Christos is well aware of his father, but does become suspicious about his parentage. The chemistry between Molly and Christos is immediately apparent, although it evolves as the book proceeds. The ensuing twists lead to highly comedic moments and numerous complications, culminating in a surprising yet satisfying conclusion.
Mandy Baggot has written another of her trademark stories, which are so perfectly imagined that it’s almost possible to feel the Greek sunshine on your skin and taste the excellent meals mentioned.

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

I enjoyed reading this book.

Molly has a dream, that one day she’ll begin her own make-up brand. But, before she can begin to think of how she’ll do this, she receives a letter, in which she’s informed that she’s to travel to Corfu, Greece as she’s been left something on the Will of Vaggelis Vlachos, a person she’s never met.

But, Molly knows, she has to attend as whatever she’s been left may help her with beginning her new business. She won’t be travelling alone, her mother and best friend Siohban are going with her.

She is informed when the Will is ready that she’s been left a pick up truck, half a boat, an olive tree, half an apartment which she has to share with Christo, Vaggelis’s god-son Christo and 25% of a cat named Armeena.

Also attending the reading are Christo’s mother and his sister.

Secrets are revealed that have been kept by his mother and also Molly's mother, that may have an impact on them both being in love.

I recommend this book.

A Greek Island Gift_ is a delightful story with a unique premise. While not typically my genre or age group, it offered an intriguing glimpse into the world of influencers and modern expressions—an unexpected bonus.

At its heart, the novel weaves together an inheritance shrouded in mystery, family secrets, and, of course, a charming Greek love interest. The two main characters find themselves in the rather surreal position of inheriting an eclectic mix of assets—including a quarter of a cat, half a tree, a potentially unreliable truck, a boat of questionable seaworthiness, and an apartment in need of serious repairs. Molly has her own theories about why she was left this curious collection, and her mother’s reactions only add to the intrigue.

Christos and his family steal the show with their wonderful, often hilarious, dynamics. Their interactions bring a warmth and vibrancy that make them instantly memorable. The writing beautifully transports readers to Greece, immersing them in sun-drenched landscapes, delectable food, and the laid-back charm of island life. The vivid descriptions practically make you feel the sun on your skin—an ideal antidote to a gloomy, rainy day at home.

I also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of Greek words sprinkled throughout, adding authenticity and cultural richness to the narrative. However, while the story had plenty of charm, it did feel a little stretched at times, with some sections lingering longer than necessary. Additionally, the ending, while heartwarming, was quite predictable—offering few surprises for those familiar with the genre.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on, despite its pacing issues. _A Greek Island Gift_ is the perfect feel-good escape—brimming with laughter, romance, and Mediterranean magic.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this copy

It doesn't matter who you've come from, it only matters where you decide to go to, how you shape yourself and your future."

Molly Adams is a pharmacist with dreams of one day launching her own make-up brand, Mollify. However, that will need to be put on hold because a letter that she received is requesting her in Corfu, Greece to claim her inheritance.  She's never met Vaggelis Vlachos, but she knows she must go there because this inheritance may help her with her make-up launch. Her mother Janette and her best friend Siohban will also be joining her.  Once there, Molly will find out why a man she has never met or heard of left her half a boat left (The Greek Dynamo), half a cherry red pick up truck ( that barely works), half an olive tree near Perithia, half an apartment to share with his god-son Christo and 25% of a 15 year-old mean, grumpy cat named Armeena.

Here she will meet Christo, his mother Angeliki, his sister Magdalena, and the deep secret that his mother and Molly's mother are keeping from them that may prevent them from falling in love.


A Greek Island Gift is such a beautiful story about survival, resilience, change, chances and finding out you always had what you needed the most right in front of you.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this magical gift!