The book revolves around a series of letters found in a decaying villa, each unveiling pieces of a past life, cherished loves, and deeply hidden secrets. What sets this book apart is how the historical details are woven into the characters' emotional journeys, not just serving as a backdrop. The shifts between timelines are seamless and meaningful, always enhancing the story.

The book has genuinely poignant moments—grief, yearning, and the weight of decisions made long ago. Yet, these are balanced by relatable, heartfelt moments that feel authentic and grounding. You’ll find yourself unexpectedly rooting for certain characters and reflecting on your own relationships and past.

Izzy Broom’s writing is vivid without being overdone, and the pacing keeps you hooked late into the night. This is a story that stays with you, not just for its plot, but for its emotional resonance.

I so enjoyed reading this book, despite its having two timelines, which I dont usually care for. I was swept into Skye's story of winning a lottery, a house in a small village in Greece. The many characters who appeared through the book, for example, Andreas, were beautifully described. One felt the excitement of the discovery of the hidden letters of Katerina, the sadness also. The book takes us through some of the most horrific times of the war, but also has the lighter side of Skye's 'adventure' in her new home. Thank you for the chance to read this most enjoyable book.

The setting and descriptions reminded me of the film set of Mama Mia. From the description of the book I expected most of the story to revolve around letters from the past. But disappointingly this was not the case. I found the first half of the book quite boring waiting for the hidden letters to appear. The last few chapters of the book were the most interesting but again I was disappointed that a couple of mysteries were not solved or explained. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

An absolute gem ! I loved this book from the very first line, such a wonderful story told in a beautifully compelling way, you can’t help being drawn in. One island , two different stories , a different cast of characters in each one yet fitting seamlessly together. Beautifully written with such care and empathy, an emotional journey spanning 85 years. Utterly heartbreakingly beautiful. Highly recommended.

A gripping novel which is hard to put down. Set on a Greek Island where Skye has bought an empty house for a pound in a lottery we are immersed in her new life. She finds letters from WW2 and we learn more of the history of the previous owners. An enjoyable read.

A 5 star review from me. A lovely summer time read.

Skye applies for a lottery for a derelict Greek cottage and wins giving her a much needed new start. When she starts work on the cottage with the help of Andreas she finds a hidden bundle of letters - written by a former occupant during World War Two.

The story is told in two timelines and with each revelation Skye is brought further into the community of the other lottery winners. Finally with their support she is able to stand up to her abusive ex-husband and mother.

Along the way she enjoys a blossoming love interest.

A heartwarming story of new beginnings, hope, friendship and community.

A well constructed love story of present time and of the second world war on a Greek island. Many of the incoming characters to the island are winners of a lottery to win a property requiring restoration for one euro. In the course of their renovations and also an earthquake they discover things relating to happenings of the war, mainly a collection of unsent love letters. A very involving read.

The House of Hidden Letters is a warm, heartfelt escape that swept me away to a beautiful Greek island filled with charm, secrets, and second chances. Izzy Broom has written a lovely, dual-timeline story that explores how the past and present can intertwine in the most unexpected ways.

I was instantly drawn to Skye, a woman looking for a fresh start when she wins the opportunity to renovate a derelict cottage. As she begins to rebuild her life (and the house), she discovers a collection of hidden letters that slowly reveal a powerful love story from World War II. I loved how the past unfolded through these letters, and how it impacted Skye’s own journey of healing and hope.

The setting was vivid and transportive—I could almost feel the sunshine, hear the waves, and smell the lavender. The themes of community, courage, and new beginnings were beautifully woven throughout.

A perfect summer read for fans of emotional, uplifting fiction with a touch of historical mystery.

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

The novel centres around a series of letters discovered in a crumbling villa, each one revealing fragments of a life once lived, loves once cherished, and secrets long buried. What makes this book stand out is how the historical elements are not just background, they’re integral to the emotional journey of the characters. The transitions between timelines are smooth and purposeful, never jarring, and always adding depth.

There are moments in this book that are genuinely sad—loss, longing, and the weight of choices made decades ago. But they’re balanced by real, human moments that feel familiar and grounding. You’ll find yourself rooting for characters you didn’t expect to care about, and reflecting on your own connections and histories.

Izzy Broom’s writing is evocative without being overwrought, and the pacing keeps you turning pages well past bedtime. It’s a story that lingers, not just because of its plot, but because of its heart.

This is a really enjoyable read, I was hooked from the start. The dual timeline works very well. The story of Katerina, enduring the worst of the Nazi and Italian occupation during the last years of WW2 was harrowing and heartbreaking. I was not aware of Greece’s terrible time of occupation in WW2.
Skye’s story in the present time, and of why and who she is escaping from back in UK, is fascinating. How her friendships blossom amongst the villagers on her Greek island, particularly Andreas, is really interesting. The characters are beautifully drawn, and both narratives are unusual.
The ‘hidden letters’ are so moving, and sum up Katerina’s desperately hard life on the island. I really like how Skye identifies with the long-ago inhabitants of the village, absolutely respecting their past, whilst trying to piece together Katerina’s story.
Skye’s newly formed life in Greece, and firm friendships made, give her the strength and courage to face up to the life she fled from, and to move forward with her life. A lovely book, perfect for a holiday, or a chilly winter’s night, or anytime at all. Real escapism. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

Another perfect read from Broom. I am a big fan of her writing under Isabelle Broom and this is just as good. I loved the setting of Greece and was transported to the beautiful island and way of life.
This is set between the modern day and the Second World War, I enjoyed both timelines and I particularly liked how Skye discovers letters that slowly tell the story of the past.
This book is blessed by having wonderful characters at its heart. I loved getting to know them and spending time with them.
This is a joyous, emotional and at time devastating read. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for an advance copy.

The House of Hidden Letters is a inspiring story of cameraderie, resilience, tragedy.  It is a beautifully written book with evocative descriptions of Greek island scenery, and a compelling narrative that weaves between generations. This story is perfect for lovers of Victoria Hislop, Fiona Valpy and Karen Swan and promises to be the ideal holiday read!




Heartbroken and hoping for a new start, Skye MacKinnon jumps at the opportunity to head to the Mediterranean, after winning the chance to buy a cottage in Greece for 1 Euro.


A week later, Skye finds herself renovating a dilapidated house in a traditional Greek village, under the watchful eye of local builder Andreas. The cottage echoes with long-forgotten voices from the past, after she unearths a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace. Soon Skye is drawn into the remarkable life of Katerina and the love, sacrifices and tradegy that local Greek islanders faced during the Italian occupation in the 1940's.


Will gradually uncovering Katerina's story and the long held secrets of the cottage's  past help inspire Skye to face her own demons and pave a new future on Folegandros?

A lovely read. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.