Under a Greek Moon: The perfect escapist read from the Sunday Times bestseller

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What a super, summer read Under a Greek Moon is. Taking the reader from Ireland to Los Angeles and on to Greece, Carol Kirkwood has created an escapist voyage of discovery for both the reader and for Shauna so that reading the book is like taking a break from everyday life. I enjoyed reading this story, particularly as it reintroduced Ariana, familiar to those who have read Carol's debut novel 'Under a Greek Moon'. Then, Ariana was spoiled and entitled, but this novel sees her mature emotionally as she comes to terms with her inheritance and the feelings she develops for Gabriel. The theme of secrets runs throughout this novel and I liked how so many characters have hidden truths and their reasons for not being completely honest. The most secretive of all is Gabriel’s mother and I thought it quite spooky that she shuts herself off from the world, living alone at the top of the hotel. Reminiscent of Miss Haversham, Kirkwood keeps readers guessing for most of the novel about the reasons behind Madame du Lac’s isolation and I think this made me just read the book even faster – I was desperate to know the truth about her seclusion and the history of the hotel. The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo).

If you are looking for a summer read full of glitz, glamour, stunning locations, family secrets and romance, then look no further than The Hotel on the Riviera. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was even better than the first book. It is a romance book, that had 2 parallel storylines. However, if your ‘cup of tea; is simple, beautiful escapism and a peak into how the other half live - fairy tale style…….you will adore it and gobble it up! I’m just more of a realist and like the main characters to be flawed and ‘less than perfect’ which frankly we all are! The main and side characters could have been much better but end up as cardboard cutouts. Also, a major development made me roll my eyes at the FMC. This could have been achieved in better ways. A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage

Featured Reviews

A sweet story of second chance love and the complex emotions and struggles faced to find it again. Partnered with beautiful escapism that will have you googling flights to Greece! I know, it sounds a bit like a classic 1970’s Mills and Boon story but there is so much more to the book than that. Carol is a very evocative and descriptive writer and manages to bring to life the sights and sounds of the iconic French Riviera. It almost feels like you are seated in the hotel lobby sipping an Aperol Spritz and watching the events as they happen. It is not just a romance, there is a bit of intrigue, detective work. murder and organised crime just to keep things busy! The Hotel on the Riviera is a fun read and the perfect accompaniment to your summer beach bag. At the heart, theres's a tender and quite emotional story of lost love and misunderstanding. Of opportunities missed and the power of family and friends. The novel’s characters contains the elegant and the rich. No no, it is not that superficial. They are smart as well just remember.

When her grandmother unexpectedly leaves her a hotel in Cannes in her will, it gives Arianna a push to change the path of her life. However, the hotel and the du Lac family, who ha previously owned it are holding many secrets and it is not going to be a straightforward move for Arianna.I loved this book. It sweeps you away to the glamorous French riviera and is the perfect holiday read. There is an element of mystery, as Arianna tries to uncover the how the hotel ended up in her possession and the characters are brilliantly weaved in, so that you feel like you know them. I read this in one day as I did not want to put it down.

This book transports you to the glamour and beauty of the Côte d’Azur, where we meet new and old characters who are all at turning points in their lives. I was hoping Giorgio would face the music for his actions. While he does to a minor extent, the book sadly sweeps a good portion of it under the carpet. Financial fraud is one thing, infidelity and mistreating women is another matter. He isn’t even questioned about it. That is NOT acceptable. With secrets surrounding the transfer of ownership of the hotel, and the tragedy that surrounds it, will Ariana and Gabriel ever work out their differences about the ownership of the hotel. The main character Shauna is very likeable who you instantly warm to and want the best for. I was engrossed when reading through the various time frames/locations of how her life developed, how her family life wasn’t so great but Roxy, her friend, was always there to support her throughout the love, heartbreak, loss and when Shauna found fame.Whereas Gabriel and his family has been running it for over two decades and wants to take it over however he is trying to figure out why it wasn’t left to his own family. Ariana is a bit jaded by her LA lifestyle and is trying to escape a scandal, so heads off to explore her inheritance. It's a story that's been told many times; that of a young, fairly innocent girl who meets a gorgeous, rich man and whose dreams are shattered. For Shauna, those few weeks on a remote Greek island will shape the rest of her life. No matter that she finds fame and fortune, becomes rich and much loved, there's always a piece of her left on Ithos. We are introduced to lots of wonderful and not so wonderful characters in this joy of a second chance at romance book. It is a dual timeline book, set between 1982 and 2000. This will surely be a hit with those wanting to explore beautiful landscapes, hob nob with the rich and famous and go on a journey of self discovery and healing without ever leaving their home. A beautifully written, romantic tale.