I guarantee you’ll want to hop on a ferry to Agistri and order a slice of Lemonopita, or at the very least, plan on Greek food for dinner!

I can always count on Emma Cowell to give me an emotional narrative rich with authentic Greek island life. This time she transported me to a scenic island near Athens and showed me that “life is really a beautiful collision of circumstances that none of us are able to predict. Who we love, where we go, who we meet” …. they’re all ingredients that randomly combine over time to make us who we are.

You’ll have plenty to ponder, especially if you’ve been reading recent news headlines. Perhaps we aren’t as tolerant of anything ‘different’ as we thought we were. Maybe this is our reminder that everyone needs and is deserving of love and respect.

I was wrapped up in a story highlighting characters who:
💙felt a need to right a past wrong
💙challenged the definition of ‘home’
💙were flawed and relied on second chances
💙learned the freedom in forgiving
💙discovered that love comes when we least expect it

My takeaway: Grief is “love that is missing its target.”

I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I just finished a great book. Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell was so enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

I was hooked from the beginning, a sad start but the grief is handled so beautifully and her journey through her grief slowly begins to heal by the love of family and new friendships. There’s a family’s buried past, time for forgiveness and love and laughter where you least expect it.

A fabulous escape to the Greek Island of Agistri with plenty of sunshine to lift the spirits. Well developed characters throughout although Kat, the main female character is a little frustrating at times. Basically the book is dealing with grief, finding comfort and moving on. A little predictable at times especially between Kat and the love interest with the usual not listening and misunderstandings. A light feelgood uplifting book to take on holiday.

Kat is having a difficult time after the death of her twin Nik. She then discovers that they've been left a house on the Greek island of Agistri from an uncle she never knew she had. She decides to go there and finds there are a loads of secrets.

Lyrically written, this novel covers love, loss, and deeply hidden family secrets. Things migrate from the past to the present when Kat moves to her family’s homeland, Greece. She and her deceased twin brother have inherited a home there willed to them by an uncle she never knew about. Each new secret revealed causes Kat to reevaluate herself and redefine her parents.
A touching and beautiful novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautiful Greek island setting, this tale of love, friendship and relationships was just perfect to devour on a cold spring day

A beautiful story which is heart breaking in moments but a brilliant read and will keep you hooked in all the way through.

A captivating story of love and friendship with a touch of sadness and grief. Set in what sounded like a most beautiful part of Greece Agistri the description of which made you feel you wanted yo be there. Kat was a great character and it was wonderful following her story arriving in Greece following a sad episode in her life. A gripping story which was beautifully written and a real page turner. I loved it.

Move over Victoria Hislop, Under The Lemon Tree seals Emma Cowell’s place as mistress of the Greek romantic novel. Even the deepest, darkest and most difficult of emotions felt real and the author’s love for and understanding of Greek culture shine through.

Kat is devastated by the loss of her twin brother, never more so than when she inherits a house on the island of Agistri from an uncle she never knew. The house should have been for them both, but recognising her life needs to change, she heads to Greece intent on renovation – and to escape from the well-intentioned meddling of her family and friends.

This book has all the elements for a best-selling summer romance; a hot film star love interest, a gorgeous setting, secrets which tumble out to ensnare Kat at every turn. The descriptions of the house and the island are immersive, the food mouth-watering, the stray cat suitably independent. All in all, a great holiday read.

When Kat inherits a house from her uncle on the Greek island of Agistri everything changes. Falling in love with her surroundings gives Kat the encouragement to face the recent loss of her twin and while renovating the house she discovers a family secret that rocks her world. As she confronts her own fears she finds peace and happiness. An adorable read that I couldn’t put down.

I really enjoyed this book - the Greek setting was lovely and the writing and characters felt very authentic. The romance was an integral part of the story but this was also a story about grief and this was explored really well. I would recommend this and look forward to reading more from this author.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. This was a lovely read. I was utterly immersed in the story, the beautiful setting and the engaging characters. While the level of interfering from the supporting characters was frustrating, and I didn't really understand why they'd been hiding things from Kat for so long, the cast was richly written. An entertaining, emotive, enjoyable read. I am keen to read more by this author.

Kat is British of Greek heritage and inherits a house in Greece. Deciding to take a break from work after a difficult time she moves there to renovate the house. Her next door neighbour just happens to be Mr Gorgeous! I loved how the book weaves stories from the Greek myths of Artemis and Apollo into the chapters, reflecting the lives of Kat and Nic. The book is also a brilliant study of grief, one of the best, most moving ones I’ve read. I wasn’t expecting that. I was expecting a lovely sun drenched romance but the writings on grief absolutely floored me. They meant a lot.
It’s a delicious romantic summer story, with wonderful sounding food and a feisty interesting heroine and relatable family dynamics. I loved it.

This is a lovely novel set mostly in Greece, full of vivid color and scent and sound and detail. I loved traveling to Greece this way! The romance itself is lovely but what I especially enjoyed was Kat's story of healing and grounding after the loss of her twin in a tragic accident. The way the author wove the story of Kat renovating her new home on the island with the story of rebuilding after loss, was just beautiful. Also...the food! Also... the tribute to family and friendship!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderful read set in Greece with great characters and a storyline which kept me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A very can’t put down read. Set mainly in on a Greek Island. So many twists and lies that were told. The setting was amazing. The main character was so accident prone and I could so relate to that.. Loved the linen mentions . The Greek house sounded stunning by the end. Excellent that famous people can be normal. The twin element was so moving . Gosh families can be over powering. The food descriptions were fab. A lovely lovely summer read. Hard to review without spoiling . Read it.

Kat travels to Greece to to find a home she has inherited from an unknown uncle. She is still suffering from the trauma of her twin brother dying.
But her life changes in this beautiful. place, she meets new people who no nothing of her past. She find peace and harmony, new people who all help her to find herself again and heal many of her sorrows.

A good book interesting well written and very enjoyable.

The cover actually drew me to this book.
The story has some sad parts dealing with loss and secrets. There’s happiness in new romance and the promise of what’s to come. The location and the food sounded wonderful. I really wanted to see Kat’s house after she renovated it too. It was a lovely story.

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.

An emotional story of dealing with grief and discovering family secrets. Nik's death devastated Kat and so she decides to take a beat and spend time on Agistri, the Greek island where an uncle she did not know left her a house. What she finds and unravels are family secrets (none awful, all things her parents should have told her). There's a potential romantic interest, a lively group of local people and lots of atmospherics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for a lazy day.

A Big thank you to Avon and NetGalley for my e-ARC. Grateful as always 💛

In Under the Lemon Tree, we follow Kat who is devastated after the tragic loss of her twin brother, Nik. With her world having been turned upside down, she's now coming to terms with facing the rest of her life without her twin.

After receiving some unexpected news that she has inherited a grand house in her family's homeland of Greece from an uncle she has never heard of, Kat finds herself on a plane straight there. Who is this mysterious uncle, and why has he been estranged her whole life?

With more shocking revelations along the way, Kat dares to dream of new beginnings and she rediscovers herself in Greece. Under the Lemon Tree is a beautiful story about family, grief, forgiveness, and even finding love in unexpected places.

I really enjoyed this book overall, and I can't wait for other readers to fall in love with it! I loved that it is set in Greece, somewhere which I've been lucky enough to have many gorgeous holidays. The amazing writing made me feel like I was right back there along with Kat, and I found all of the characters genuinely enjoyable to read.

I couldn't recommend adding this one to your summer TBR more!

oh what a superstar you are Emma. i cannot believe the talent of some authors we are blessed to have writes these books for us! truly lucky we are.
this book does just what all her others have and takes me away to a new and magical spot. can you take me on your next recce of the places you write about please Emma. because boy did i want to be in this book location. and that again is down to the writing and detail of the setting. i felt like i was strolling right there amongst it.
this book gives us Kat. oh poor Kat. because shes recently lost her twin. i instantly gave my heart to Kat. i cannot imagine this type of loss. i dont even want to think about such a occurrence. it makes me feel weak. and this is where we see Kat is. but when she discovers she is the surprising benefactor of an inheritance it just feels right. but this is from un Uncle she doesnt know. whats going on? but intrigued and grateful she sets off for Greece and her inherited house.
and what a beautiful place she lands on. watching Kat amongst this new location was like seeing a healing happening in motion. the sun, the air, the sights. it was like a little helper for the healing of Kats heart. plus doing up her new home was another thing she could put her mind and love into.
but things take a turns when she finds out secrets about her uncle. but not only that also from her own close family's past. Kat feels like she is in pain once again. how is one person meant to contend with all this once again? would it lead her to have to rethink all she thought she new about herself and more painfully about those closest to her.
and what of hew new hope, the new love. can she be brave? should she be? what comes next is a stunning read and i couldnt recommend it enough. but have you nerves about you because this one will have you on emotional nerve endings.

When her twin brother Nik dies suddenly, Kat has no idea how to navigate her life without him. Doing her best to carry on, Kat throws herself into her work, but there is now a big hole in her life that she just can’t fill.
Then, Kat is left a house by an uncle she knew nothing about. To claim her inheritance she must visit the house on the Greek island of Agistri. Kat knows her mum’s family are from the island but she has always been told that there is no one left there. Why did her Mum lie to her?
Kat travels to Agistri and is instantly taken by the beautiful island, maybe this is the place she can finally begin to heal and embrace life again on her own terms.
This beautiful, moving story will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. With strong characters and an idyllic setting it’s the perfect summer read.

Firstly, thank you to Avon Books UK for allowing me access to this ARC.

Having read the blurb, I was initially intrigued but hesitant. I'm very much a mood reader, and I was worried the grief aspect would be too much for me at the time I read it.
However, I was pleasantly surprised and swept away with this beautiful story.

Kat has just turned 37, is in the process of (amicably) divorcing her husband of 15 years, and, most importantly, grieving the loss of her twin brother Nik.
When her estranged (& secret) uncle passes away leaving her his house in Greece, it seems the perfect time to escape normal life and discover her Greek roots. The plan: renovate and rebuild the house, and herself.

I think this is the perfect summer read! Set on the beautiful island of Agístri, it had me wanting to hop on a plane and have my own Greek adventure!
The story had such depth. Kat's struggles with her family secrets, their controlling nature, and of course at the heart of it, her grief.
Alongside this though was a love story that added such brightness to Kat's story. It fills you with hope and had me smiling for her by the end.
One of my favourite parts of the story though was her family. I adored the dynamics of her Orthodox Greek parents and her dad had me smiling everytime he appeared on the page!
And, of course we can't forget the formidable housekeeper, Mrs. Rálli was a fantastic character!

This was a heartwarming & uplifting story and one I'll be recommending you all for your beach reads!

Set on the picturesque Greek island of Agistri, the story centers on Kat, who is still mourning the tragic loss of her twin brother. Her path to healing begins when she unexpectedly inherits a house from an unknown uncle, sparking a journey filled with grief, self-discovery, and transformation. The vivid descriptions of Greece make the setting come alive, and Kat’s renovation of the old home is both symbolic and deeply personal. As hidden family secrets begin to surface—about her mother, brother, and mysterious uncle—Kat is forced to confront painful truths. Her emotional struggles are raw and relatable, pulling the reader into her world completely.

The book explores themes of loss, family, identity, and resilience with tenderness and honesty. The characters feel real, flawed, and deeply human, and the story is sprinkled with warmth, hope, love, and delicious Greek charm. This is a touching and uplifting novel that lingers long after the final page.

Grieving over the loss of her twin brother, Kat is much surprised to learn that she inherited a house from her uncle. One she never knew existed. Taking a plane to Greece, Kat arrives on island of Agistri It is there that she falls in love with Greece. She also uncovers secrets that have been kept from her and why she never knew her family. Yet the biggest surprise and one that she felt challenged about, was the neighbor that lived next door to her. This novel was comfortable, one that I loved. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

P.S. Because I loved this book so much I went back and read all the other books that were written by this author. Loved them all and am looking forward to more from Emma Cowell!

I'll admit that the cover enticed me to read this, and it didn't disappoint.
Kat has just lost her twin, Nik, in an accident. On her thirty seventh birthday, there is a big revelation that threatens to tear the family apart. Kat has inherited a house on the Greek island Agistri. An uncle she has never heard of.
Feeling a little smothered from family, friends, and her soon to be ex Jamie, she decides to visit for a couple of months.
It's here that as she renovates the property, she starts to heal and get things into perspective.
The descriptions of the location are just breathtaking. I want to fly out immediately! Sit outside under the lemon tree with a book and a limoncello.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I will definitely look out for more.
Highly recommend. A great beach/pool read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I loved everything about this book the setting was perfect, I felt s though I was actually on the island. The characters were all likeable and interesting. This is a perfect summer holiday read. I didn’t want it to end. Thoroughly recommended.

Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell is a heartwarming and poignant tale of grief, healing, and self-discovery set against the stunning backdrop of the Greek island of Agistri. After the sudden loss of her twin brother Nik, Kat is left struggling to find meaning in a life that feels incomplete. The love and support of her family both comforts and stifles her, until an unexpected inheritance—a house from an uncle she never knew—gives her the opportunity for a fresh start.

Arriving in Agistri, Kat is enveloped by the island’s beauty: crystalline waters, pine forests, and the intoxicating scent of citrus. As she immerses herself in the warmth of the local community, she begins to heal, finding the courage to confront her grief and even opening her heart to the possibility of love once more. But as Kat renovates her new home, she uncovers a family secret that forces her to confront not only the past but also her own fears about belonging and forgiveness.

Cowell’s writing captures the essence of the island, making it almost a character in itself, while Kat’s journey is both emotional and uplifting. Under the Lemon Tree is an adorable and captivating read, filled with hope and the promise of new beginnings, and is a perfect choice for those seeking a story of healing and rediscovery.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This is the fourth book I have read by Emma Cowell, and it is as absorbing as the other three. The majority of the action takes place on the small island of Agistri, close to Aegina (which by co-incidence I visited many years ago), where most people seem to know each other and their business. There are complex family dynamics and emotions, with a side of ancient and modern Greek philosophy.

The idyllic sounding location and the on/off romance between the two leading characters are brought wonderfully to life. The older characters, Kat's parents and the housekeeper at Petros's house, are also glorious. Definitely worth a read this summer.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Oh my goodness what a beautiful story set in Greece. Sad at times but very compelling. It really brought Greece to life as I've never been there. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Under the Lemon Tree is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Emma Cowell. I have loved every one of her books and, as always, this one is so beautifully written you can’t help but love the perfectly imperfect characters and fall in love with Greece all over again.
When we first meet Kat, she hasn’t long lost her twin brother, Nik. I can’t even begin to imagine that kind of devastating loss. My heart went out to her and her parents.
When she discovers she has inherited a house, on a Greek island, from an uncle she had never met she is naturally shocked and intrigued. As was I!
I loved following Kat on her journey to Agistri. It sounds like such a beautiful place. I could totally envisage her renovations of her new home and could quite happily live there myself.
I was not prepared for the secrets she discovers about her uncle, her brother, and her mother. Kat’s pain was almost palpable, and my heart ached for her at times throughout this story.
This is such a rollercoaster of an emotional read, set in a stunning location. A heart-warming tale of family dynamics, love, grief, friendship, personal growth, ambition, hope, achievement, romance, true love, and delicious Greek food. I was completely captivated!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

Reading Under the Lemon Tree felt like taking a deep breath of citrus-scented island air — refreshing, soothing, and filled with unexpected warmth. Told in the first person, Kat’s journey gripped me from the very first page. Her grief after losing her twin brother, Nik, is palpable and raw, and the way she navigates that pain — with all its quiet moments and crashing waves — is both heartbreakingly real and beautifully written.

When Kat arrives on the sun-drenched Greek island of Agistri, I felt like I was there beside her, the descriptions so vivid I could almost feel the sea breeze and taste the lemons. The writing is evocative and poetic without ever losing its emotional honesty — it truly brought the setting and Kat’s internal world to life.

But what really moved me was how this one Greek summer becomes a turning point. The mysterious inheritance, the secrets slowly revealed, and the quiet courage Kat discovers within herself — it all unfolds so naturally and compellingly. And yes, there’s a love story here too, one that blooms gently and honestly, never overshadowing Kat’s personal growth but complementing it in the most tender way.

Uncovering a family secret doesn’t just shift Kat’s understanding of where she comes from — it gives her the strength to finally follow her heart. Under the Lemon Tree is about grief, yes, but also about healing, hope, and the surprising ways we find ourselves again. An absolutely stunning, soul-soothing read.

Get ready to go on a wonderful adventure to Greece. Emma Crowell has created a story with many twists and turns, and a real sense of a Greek experience. Enjoyable!

A poignant and heartfelt story about family and loss and dealing with the past to move into the present. Emma writes so well and it's calming and emotional. What I love is that she gets the little details right and there's just enough nuance to make you feel as if you are there. Lots for bookclubs to discuss.