I struggled my way through this flat read with underdeveloped characters and setting. There wasn't much to grasp onto and with a setting like Crete that was a missed opportunity. Each time something happened, and I would think we're finally going to see Crete up close. Nope, just more dry dialogue. I could give you basic stats for characters, but honestly, I'm never looking for cold bullet points. I read for characters that get my emotions shaken or stirred. 🍸I didn't feel so much as a dull rattle. I was bored from beginning to end and if you're wondering if I finished it. I did. My thoughts didn't change.

The premise is two longtime couples who have been friends for years decide to vacation together in Crete along with a co-worker. The marriages are under stress and the characters are hoping the trip will be a fresh start. There are some predictable twists and issues that arise which brought nothing of note to the table. Creating a luscious setting to explore would have been better than adding weak plot devices.

It's possible I am not the right audience for this novel. So be sure to take other reviews under consideration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Edie hopes returning to Crete with her husband and friends Mac and Hannah will bring back their life to what it was. Unfortunately she takes pity on a colleague Jessica with disastrous results.

I was slightly confused when I started reading this as had deja vue as the Greek villa was the same in Emma's previous book! However I realised that the cast of characters were new despite the setting being the same! I did enjoy this, it is an easy accessible read. Maybe does not capture the essence of Greece quite as much as others in the genre however I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters and how the story played out. Good beach read.