I really enjoyed this dual-timeline, historical fiction. I knew very little about Greece during the war so this book was a real eye-opener for me and it really captivated me. It is a hard read at times but ultimately the message is one of love, hope and community. I'd highly recommend it!

The story is on two timeliness, the present and the 1940s, both of which are very interesting with a mix of believable and relatable characters. The premise of the story is not quite so believable but this is fictional.
I actually did feel transported to the Greek island and enjoyed translating and learning the small amount of Greek phrases that were used.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it as the perfect holiday read.

An enjoyable escape read set on the Greek island of Folgandros. Slightly improbable plot with several English speakers winning a lottery of ownership of houses needing renovation on the island but charming all the same. There's plenty of mystery as secrets from the past are uncovered. Set in two times zones, mainly set in the present day but dips into WW2 and the horrors the previous occupants of the houses faced. Romance as well although there's a lot of unnecessary angst caused by lying by so called ommission or not sharing.. Good characters, some quirky and a real controlling villain as well.

I always get excited to read books about the Greek Islands, I have so many happy memories of visiting them.
This story felt a little slow getting started for some reason, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the story based on the past, but it didn’t become overbearing.

I enjoyed the story in the end and stayed up late to finish it one night. It was well written and would be a perfect holiday read. It just lacked a little excitement for me!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

A story of self development and found family, with a strong nod to the past.

Whilst the first half of the book was quite slow. By the second half, it flew by. I loved the characters, and felt like I was alongside them trying to piece together parts of the islands mystery.

I enjoyed the diary excerpts from Katarina. As well as, how these were added either in the form of the letters or told as part of Katarina’s chapter. No information felt repeated.

Whilst there are some triggers which would warrant a trigger warning at the beginning of this book. I will say i am slightly sad to be leaving the island of Folegandros, with Skye,Andreas and all their new island community.

Delighted to have had the opportunity to have an early copy of this book!! Set in Greece, Skye arrives having won a lottery for an abandoned Greek house along with some others. Helped by Andreas to renovate the cottage, Skye finds her community, there to support her!! The story has two time lines, the present and also the previous cottage owners during the war! Skye finds this link during her time at the cottage. Really enjoyed this book, characters likeable and story line kept me wanting to know more!! 5 stars 🌟

Izzy Broom delivers a gorgeously immersive, dual-timeline historical romance in The House of Hidden Letters, whisking readers away to a sun-drenched Greek island where the past and present collide in a tale of love, loss, and discovery. This novel is a triumph for fans of escapist fiction, combining lush settings, compelling characters, and layered storytelling that keeps you turning the pages.

The story begins when Skye, a pragmatic and careful young woman, impulsively enters a lottery to purchase a derelict Greek cottage for just one Euro. Her cautious nature clashes with the chaotic reality of the cottage when she finally sets eyes on it, but what begins as skepticism quickly transforms into fascination as she uncovers a hidden bundle of letters in the fireplace. Each letter reveals stories of forbidden love, courage, and heartbreaking tragedy, gradually pulling Skye—and the reader—into a beautifully crafted past.

Broom excels at interweaving timelines, allowing the historical narrative of the letters to mirror and illuminate Skye’s own journey. Themes of resilience, family secrets, and the power of love resonate throughout, creating an emotional depth that lingers long after the final page. Skye herself is a relatable and likable protagonist, whose exploration of the cottage and the letters leads her not only to uncover history but also to confront her own past and aspirations for the future.

The Greek setting is richly described, from the tumbledown charm of the cottage to the vibrant local culture, smells, and flavors, transporting readers to a world of sunlit streets and azure seas. Broom’s prose captures the sensory beauty of the island, evoking both nostalgia and a sense of adventure, making the novel a perfect choice for anyone seeking a literary escape.

The emotional resonance of the story is amplified by the secondary characters, whose lives intertwine with Skye’s in unexpected and meaningful ways. The letters act as both a historical anchor and a narrative mirror, highlighting universal truths about love, forgiveness, and the courage required to embrace new beginnings.

The House of Hidden Letters is a richly woven, atmospheric, and heartwarming story that will appeal to fans of Karen Swan, Victoria Hislop, and Lucinda Riley. It balances romance, mystery, and historical depth in a way that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary, creating an unforgettable reading experience.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – An enchanting, evocative, and emotionally satisfying novel that blends the charm of a Greek island with a compelling story of love, secrets, and the enduring power of hope.

I really liked the author’s voice - very individual and very engaging. A dual time line story set on a Greek Island in present day and WW2.

This was slow paced but very enjoyable.

Skye is in trouble and salvation comes in the form of a lottery for an old cottage on a Greek island. As she and her new neighbours start to renovate, they make unexpected finds. Are the answers in the bundle of old letters that Skye finds inside one of the walls of her cottage? Life becomes even more complicated when the past she is running from catches up with her.

This novel started out as a run of the mill story of 'girl with complicated past makes new life in run down old cottage in beautiful setting'. However, the twist is that, once she has found the letters, the lives of those who lived in the cottages during the second world war are told as a parallel storyline. I'm not a great fan of historical fiction, but I do love parallel story lines, and this one really did draw me in. The friendships that Skye makes with her fellow lottery winners - a motley crew with their own stories to tell - flesh out the narrative, as does the 'will they, won't they' friendship she makes with Andreas, the Greek builder who helps her with her renovations.

As I started this novel and realised it was 'another' lottery for an old cottage story, then that part of it was set during the war, I groaned and assumed I was not going to enjoy it. However, there are expected and unexpected twists and turns in both stories and I found myself totally immersed in the narrative. As a result, it is a novel I can heartily recommend.

The House of Hidden Letters was a really interesting book - and the dual narrative and timeline set it up for lots of potential.
Skye needs a fresh start and enters (and wins) the 1 Euro house lottery on the tiny island of Folegandros. She's a bit secretive about her past, even in the company of her new friends who have also come to refurbish the abandoned properties on the island.
The other narrative is told from the point of view of Katerina, a young Greek woman who realises her home is being slowly taken by the Nazis and can't bear to sit on the sidelines to watch.

I really enjoyed Skye's point of view and the budding romance with one of the other characters. The secondary characters (other than Andreas) were a little less developed than I would like but I did enjoy reading about their antics. For some reason I didn't really connect with Katerina's storyline (but that could also just be me being slightly WW2 fictioned out!) The ending resolved a little too neatly but overall an enjoyable read with great descriptions of the beautiful island! 3.5 stars for me. Would definitely read more by this author.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers foir a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fascinating dual timeline story which introduces Skye in the present day, she’s clearly hiding away but it takes a while to discover why, meanwhile she becomes part of a new community on a Greek island with some brilliant characters each of which has a good reason to want a new start in life. Meanwhile back in World War Two Greek islander Katerina’s world is slowly becoming destroyed, her story adds quite a dark but eye opening element to this book with its very stark details. Overall this is a heartwarming story but it’s not without its challenging storylines but it has very good characters to pull this off well and the contrasting lives are really thought provoking.

A brilliant story which is so engaging from start to finish and takes you on both a modern day and wartime journey.

I absolutely loved The House of Hidden Letters. Skye winning a rundown Greek cottage for just one euro is such a fun hook, but what really drew me in were the hidden letters she finds inside. Suddenly, this isn’t just about fixing up a home and starting over, it’s about uncovering the island’s past and the heartbreaking, beautiful stories of the people who lived there during World War II.

The mix of present-day escapism and the wartime history was perfect. I also felt very invested in Skye’s escape from her awful ex and the rebuilding of her relationship with her mother. I was as intrigued by the current day relationships as I was by the ones from the past.

This book is moving, uplifting, and completely transporting. If you love a story that’s part sun-drenched escape, part historical mystery, you’ll be hooked just like I was.

From the very first page, The House of Hidden Letters swept me away with its powerful dual narrative structure. The novel deftly intertwines Skye’s present-day journey in a neglected Greek cottage with haunting flashbacks that gradually unveil a heartbreaking, long-buried story of courage and love. This narrative design not only keeps the reader thoroughly gripped but also magnifies the emotional impact when past and present collide. The transitions between timelines are seamless and meticulously paced, allowing both strands of the story to resonate equally. 

At the heart of the novel is Skye, a compelling protagonist whose reserved nature belies deep reservoirs of emotion. She stumbles upon a cache of faded letters hidden in the fireplace—each one a portal to another life, another era. Her discovery triggers a personal reckoning that’s as touching as it is inevitable. The way she grapples with echoes of her own past while piecing together the tragedies and triumphs of those long gone makes for a poignant exploration of fate, memory, and healing. 

The story whispered through those letters is a testament to resilience amidst war’s harrowing backdrop. As the flashbacks unfold, they present vivid portraits of bravery, loss, and the indomitable human spirit. The descriptions—rich, evocative, suffused with Mediterranean atmosphere—transport the reader straight into the sun-washed ruins and faded beauty of Greece. There’s a palpable sense of place: the gentle sea breeze, peeling paint, and crumbling architectural charm all lend authenticity and grace to the narrative. 

What truly elevates the novel, though, is its emotional core. The hidden letters do more than tell a story; they illuminate the fragility and strength of the human heart. When the weight of past never-ending horrors meets Skye’s personal struggles, the result is a deeply moving tapestry of sorrow and hope. Izzy Broom doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths of war or the delicate beauty of newfound love—instead, she weaves them together with compassion and skill.

In sum, The House of Hidden Letters is an evocative and emotionally charged escape, perfect for anyone who appreciates heartfelt dual timelines, richly drawn settings, and portraits of courageous women. It’s a story you’ll carry with you long after the last letter is read.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange of a fairy and honest review.

The House of Hidden Letters whisks you away to Greece and an old, derelict cottage that the FMC purchases on a whim, for a single euro. About as far from the sort of thing she would usually do, as she could get.

In the cottage, she discovers a stack of letters and the book becomes a tale of two timelines.

Izzy Broom has delivered a book that takes you on the highs and lows of the most emotional rollercoaster and leaves you exhausted by the end of it.

This is a beautiful, holiday read and I give it 3.5 stars.

The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom

I was first drawn to this book after holidaying in Greece earlier in the summer. Then the description…

“For sale: Greek cottage. Price: One Euro.

Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.”

I just had to read it!

Skye arrives at her new home on the beautiful Greek island. She soon meets Andreas, the builder who will help her renovate the cottage and one day, they discover a bundle of letters written by a previous owner during the war…

As Skye and Andreas begin to read the letters, the story splits into two timelines, revealing a wealth of secrets from both periods. All parties haven’t had an easy path - to say the least, but Katerina’s story was particularly heartbreaking and so tragic!

This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and there could easily be a second book! I would love to hear more from Skye and Andreas!

Thank you to Issie Levin from Penguin Random House UK for providing me with digital ARC of this book via @netgalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Out March 2026

#gifted #arc #izzybroom #thehouseofhiddenletters #netgalley #bookreview #book25in25 #greekisland

I loved this book,from the first page it had me hooked,a woman in an unhappy marriage wins a house in Greece.all going well thill her husband tuns up,plus she finds things from the war and it was a great read

What a beautifully written five-star read. This is compelling and creative, you can’t help but get pulled into the small Greek community. This is a great story that traversers two timelines, they both have moments that will push your emotions to breaking point, but they also have such beautiful moments that you are swept away with the beauty. Skye really does deserve winning the lottery on a one-euro house. As the story progresses and you get to know her and why she entered the lottery, you can feel her pain, and then when they find the letters and the timeline splits and the second story unfolds you feel for everyone as they face the hard reality of war. This one will have you reaching for tissues, but it will also warm your heart and have you taking chances, as sometimes that all we can ask for in life, the chance of a win, or the chance of a great community.

I loved this dual timeline read. It was sad at times especially the stories from the past during war time a real story of strength and courage. The characters were lovely with so much love, friendship, support and helping each other. I really good story which was difficult to put down.

An engaging dual-timeline story that blends mystery, history, and personal drama in a satisfying way. I enjoyed how the past and present wove together, with each reveal adding more layers to the story. The historical sections were particularly strong, adding richness and depth, while the modern-day thread kept the pace moving. For me, the story was more of a slow burn — it took a little while to really pull me in — but once I was invested, I wanted to see how all the pieces fit together. A solid read for fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery, and one I’d recommend to readers who enjoy uncovering family secrets across generations.