I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
What Happens in Greece by Sue Roberts Published by Bookouture on 12 May 2022
Genres: Fiction, Chick-lit, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 270
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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Buying a rundown cottage in Greece. A crazy, wine-fuelled idea, or the best decision she’s ever made? Charlotte feels shell-shocked as she takes in the scene before her. To the left, her (ex?) fiancé’s retreating figure as he hotfoots it back to civilisation; in front, the crumbling Greek island farmhouse she thought was their shared dream; and just below, a goat munching merrily on her sunhat… One year ago, as they drowned their post-holiday blues, Jamie had leapt at Charlotte’s idea to permanently swap drizzly Chester for sun-drenched Crete. Now it looks like she’ll be living this dream alone. Devastated, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, pouring her misery – and her anger – into turning this derelict house into her forever home. At least the local community welcomes her into their lemon-scented bosom, along with sexy, provoking restaurant-owner-slash-handyman, Darius . Taking a sledgehammer to her old life, and snacking on homemade honey cake on her breaks, Charlotte begins to see the promise of a future without Jamie. But on a trip back to Chester, he suddenly appears, wanting her back. Faced with a choice between the first love who broke her heart, and the gorgeous Greek man countryside which has been putting it back together , how will Charlotte decide where she truly belongs?
I have to be honest I picked up What Happens in Greece, because it was clearly based in Greece. And I just wanted to read something that would deal with the wonderful Greece and Greek food. Of course there was so many delicious mentions of food, I just had to find myself some gyros.
What starts as a crazy idea ends up being the best decision for Charlotte, in more ways than one. She decides, along with her fiancé Jamie to, after one too many wines, buy a property in Crete and start a new life. Along the way Jamie realises that this may not be the right thing for him and so they part ways. Charlotte, is determined to stay and make new friends and enjoy her new life.
Baring in mind that the description says that Jamie decides Crete life is not for him, it does take him a long while to leave, nearly 40% of the way through the book. I felt that this was a ridiculously long time and made me question if I had read the back of the book right, which I had. The book then carried on, but I felt like we were then slightly rushed. Maybe it was just me.
But I did really enjoy the book and the idea that home is where you feel most comfortable and belong. After all that is home. I also enjoyed meeting all the townspeople and getting the taste of romance between Charlotte and Darius.
What Happens in Greece was a satisfying, summery read, although it may make you hungry!
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