I enjoyed this book set in Greece. A retreat for the characters to find their truth. I especially enjoyed Dianne's story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I can absolutely see why this had so many 5 star reviews and this will be no different. I was immediately hooked into every element of this story- from Rose and her family and their need for the retreat to take off, to each client that had signed up for the inaugural week. I thought that Keera and India were my favourite characters but actually I loved reading about every single one of them, they all felt authentic, their stories were so varied and Rose genuinely seemed to help them all, well perhaps nearly all of them.
There was just the right amount of drama, intrigue, romance, even all the therapy speak was genuinely insightful! A thoroughly enjoyable read- I will be highly recommending it.

I've read many of Cathy Kelly’s books , many of them set in Ireland. This one was based in Corfu and had quite a different feel to it- I still loved it by the way.
A psychologist Rose, who originally had a successful TV show that dramatically imploded, decides to offer a retreat for 6 people who have very different issues to deal with. Fascinating- breaking down their stories and how their pasts are still influencing their present. Many secrets- will they all be discovered?
Cosy up and enjoy- I certainly did.

A fantastic read.... everyone has secrets and the book follows Rose Talisman a former TV therapist has fled Los Angeles and with the help of her sister and her husband have set up a retreat on Corfu

The first six guests arrive.... all with relationship problems and secrets

Secrets have a habit of revealing themselves at the most inopportune moments, and gradually throughout the book each character and Rose's secrets appear.

A well paced book, at times, funny and at times sad.

I absolutely loved this book, but I do have a criticism - it ended and I want more! I hope there’s another book to follow up because I want to know more of Theo’s story and Theo and Rose working together on the retreat. I’d also love to know more about India and Dan, and also Keera, and Grazia and Dianne. Please give us another book!
Amazingly written, kept me hooked throughout, and I have no bad things to say. I’d also like to visit this island and stay on the retreat myself! Go get this book yesterday, you won’t regret it!

This book was a gentle, soul opening and inspiring read.

It was a slow build which increased to more dramatic interactions as the story unfolded. But it was always interesting from the start.

Close connections form and the honesty of sharing their individual pain enables them to open their hearts to each other and a new way of being.

It’s been a story which demonstrates how hard we are in ourselves, how ashamed we are of our suffering. This book demonstrates that when we dare to open up and be seen exactly as we are, the world can give us what our heart truly desires.

Enriching, rejuvenating and joy infusing.

Rose used to be a therapist on a tv show when things all went wrong. She's moved to Corfu and is opening a retreat. There are 6 guests for the first one who all have different problems

The Island Retreat by Cathy Kelly is a warm, reflective and emotionally rich book about second chances, healing and the quiet bravery it takes to face your past.

Set on the sun drenched Greek island of Corfu, the story centres around Rose Talisman, who is opening a wellness retreat after her life fell apart in very public circumstances. Alongside her sister Adriana and brother in law Christos, she welcomes six guests, each carrying their own private struggles and hopes for change. What unfolds is a gentle but powerful exploration of vulnerability, connection and self discovery.

I loved the setting. The descriptions of the villa, the sea and the stillness of island life made it easy to imagine being there alongside the characters. There is something very comforting about the atmosphere, even when difficult emotions begin to surface. This is not a quick fix kind of story. Healing takes time, honesty and courage, and the book handles that with warmth and sensitivity.

Each guest feels distinct and real, and I enjoyed seeing how their stories unfolded and intertwined. Rose herself is a compelling character, quietly holding her own pain while trying to guide others. Watching her confront her past alongside the guests added emotional depth and authenticity.

This is a thoughtful, heartfelt read about starting again, finding peace and learning that healing often comes from facing what we have tried hardest to avoid. It is gentle, hopeful and quietly powerful, perfect for readers who enjoy character driven stories with emotional depth and beautiful settings.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Cathy Kelly writes the type of book that always makes me want to go to the places, she bases her stories in and this one just happens to be one i want to go back to, to walk along the beach and see it through the character's eyes. I'm not a tea drinker but her description of the tea shop would make me want to visit and savour the experience. As usual the plot is heartwarming with some drama and a promise of a return visit which if it doesn't happen, that's fine too as I can imagine Rose and the others living out their lives in much the same manner as they do in this book. My usual genre is crime fiction but occasionally it's refreshing to read something different that's calming. A feel good 5 star read.