Under a Greek Sky

by Francesca Catlow

Escape to sun-drenched Corfu, where family secrets and second chances bloom under endless Mediterranean skies.

When her happily-ever-after is shattered by a fiancé who disappears along with her life savings, Lorena desperately needs a new start. Then her seemingly perfect parents separate, and her mother decides to return to Corfu, the island of her birth, to renovate a family beach house. Lorena goes too, keen for a chance to shut the world out for a while.

The sun-soaked island with its stunning beaches and glittering sea is just the distraction Lorena needs. Not least handsome, mysterious Christos. But as long-held family secrets start to emerge, clouds gather over their Greek island paradise.

Why has Lorena’s mother always refused to return to Corfu until now? What secrets of his own is Christos keeping? When her father reappears on the scene, all hope of peace seems lost. Is Lorena about to watch another happily-ever-after implode, or can she learn from the past and open herself up to a new future?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Greece, Summer, Summer Reads, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2025

About the author

Francesca Catlow writes bestselling fiction filled with passionate love stories that feature flawed, and sometimes broken, characters as they face a crossroads in their life. She often explores heartbreaking themes while also whisking readers off to beautiful locations.

Francesca loves to travel. Born and raised in the heart of Suffolk, England, she has travelled extensively in Europe with her French husband and, more recently, their two children. In 2024 she relocated to France where she spends her days dreaming up stories and her evenings sitting in her garden relaxing with her family.

In 2023 Francesca was a finalist for the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award, and was nominated for an Innovation Award for her work with libraries in Suffolk.

Francesca loves to hear from her readers – if you would like to contact her, you can do so on her social pages, or subscribe to her newsletter.

To stay up to date, and for free content, please visit francescacatlow.co.uk/subscribe

Facebook: @francescacatlowofficial

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For trigger warnings visit: francescacatlow.co.uk/trigger-warnings/

Reviews

[Caitlin Nogueira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this story enough, but the writing made it hard to enjoy this book. The author was definitely trying to convey the Greek characters’ struggles with the English language but some of those errors carried over into the non-dialogue portions as well. I also had a hard time liking any of these characters at times.

[Christina Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book

I wanted to get vested in the characters, but it was too monotonous. We know how the main character gets into her situation in the first few pages but then it kept repeating it every other page. I got to chapter 23 and it was too much self pity with very little to look forward to I had to put the book down and find another read. Sorry.

[Rebecca Owens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having just visited Corfu in May, I can assure you that the sun will NEVER set in the Aegean Sea on Corfu. Corfu is surrounded by the Ionian Sea (I swam in it three times). Whether this was the author or the editor I don't know. However, these types of facts destroy credibility in the story. Has the author ever been to Corfu?

[Heidi (MinxyD14)]

*August 2025 Amazon Prime First Read

[Vandana Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The only way to avoid all risks is to die. I’m not ready for that, Lorena. I want to live. Part of life is breaking things and putting them back together. If you don’t know pain, you don’t know love.”

This quote beautifully sums up the heart of the book, and honestly, it’s what stayed with me most—it captures the messy, painful, yet hopeful parts of life.

The beginning was strong; the writing itself hooked me more than the actual storyline. I’ll admit the middle dragged a bit, but it picked back up and carried through with meaningful lessons. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the realities of messy families, drama, and how life can break us—but also how resilience can make us stronger. I found myself relating to many of the characters on a personal level.

That said, I do wish there had been more vivid description of the Greek setting—it felt a little blunt. And while the romance was sweet, I think it could have had more depth and spark.

Overall, it was a solid summer read with some powerful life lessons woven throughout. A big thank you to Kindle for offering this free book of the month—I’m glad I picked it up.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok I didn’t enjoy that much my opinion

Blurb

When her happily-ever-after is shattered by a fiancé who disappears along with her life savings, Lorena desperately needs a new start. Then her seemingly perfect parents separate, and her mother decides to return to Corfu, the island of her birth, to renovate a family beach house. Lorena goes too, keen for a chance to shut the world out for a while.

The sun-soaked island with its stunning beaches and glittering sea is just the distraction Lorena needs. Not least handsome, mysterious Christos. But as long-held family secrets start to emerge, clouds gather over their Greek island paradise.

Why has Lorena’s mother always refused to return to Corfu until now? What secrets of his own is Christos keeping? When her father reappears on the scene, all hope of peace seems lost. Is Lorena about to watch another happily-ever-after implode, or can she learn from the past and open herself up to a new future?

Let Francesca Catlow sweep you away to enchanting Corfu—the perfect place to rediscover romance and embrace new beginnings.

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Things started off interesting and the story weaving the heartbreak of a mother and her daughter going through a messy relationship at the same time had so much potential. The narrator also started off so good but as the story went on and we were introduced to different characters I started to lose interest in why one of the characters was so closed off ( and at the end he makes a complete 180 degree turn from his stance on life. I thought the male voicing was a little over done at times. I liked the accents for British characters and Greek characters providing us with distinction but male and female voicing wasn’t quite right at times. I hate to be nit picking about it but I’ve been given an advance audiobook to review so I analyzed it closely.

The story resolves itself very quickly and there’s an insta-love that doesn’t exactly seem believable. Decent read and I loved the Olive Oil background. So this isn’t a bad read but leans on the predictable.

[Debbie Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars for Letting Me Escape

While reading this book, I picture the beautiful Greek islands and the bluest of blue water. Hill I do not know what the author had in mind when writing the story, I could clearly see everything.

Dealing with a breakup which resulted in her former fiancé stealing everything from her, Lorena also discovers that her father is in the midst of an affair in another country having left the rest of the family. With her mother and sister, Lorena takes us to Corfu where, it turns out, her mother has a wreck of a house and all her family. Secrets and their effects on families are the center of the book….the mother’s secrets about her life on Corfu and why she left, Lorena’s secret hen she gets involved with someone, and her sister’s secrets as she discovers the hidden family secrets before Lorena. The importance of not keeping secrets among family is also shown its valued importance.

Also in the story, we learn of the parents’ actual meeting years ago and why there was a shame that kept the mother from returning. Maybe we learn that idea of “once a cheater, always a cheater” can indeed be true especially when trust is lost.

An interesting story with several good themes,

[Sandy]

I listened to 50% of the audiobook, but it didn't quite resonate with me. After being betrayed and robbed by her fiancé, the main character moves to Greece with her mother and sister, only to discover her father was unfaithful to her mother. It turns out her mother also kept the family's history in Greece a secret from the sisters. The story became very complicated and lacked momentum.

I also didn't like the gruff old-man voice the narrator used for the love interest, Christos.

Advanced reader copy provided by Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming

I visited Greece last year and figured I would enjoy a book set there. Lorena and Christo have amazing chemistry but both have reasons they don't want to ever be in a relationship again. Lorena and her sister Serena, along with their mother, go through some of the transitions that life can throw at you. Along the way, secrets are revealed and they grow closer. I especially enjoyed how the story ended.

[Roxy Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. It's well-crafted. There are some places where it feels a little angsty because Lorena & Serena are extremes. Opposites.

Lorena believes in science alone. Not God. Serena believes in karma & fate. Reality, though, isn't found in the extremes. It's found in the balance. Logic combined with faith. Extremes grate on me. They're just so unreasonable, which makes them annoying. Peace is in the center.

Lorena, at least, maybe starts trending more toward center when she trusts fate, even though she says she doesn't believe in it.

Overall, a nice little vaca to Corfu that's memorable. Definitely worth reading.

[Jamie Villante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story

Good story. Keeps me engaged. Can easily see it in my head. Sometimes foo many details that detract me from the story.

[Malcolm Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I've read by Francesca Catlow and it was really enjoyable.

It tells the story of a family torn apart by betrayal and the mother and daughters escape to Greece only to find more problems.
it transpires that the Mother lived here before her marriage and there is unfinished business that surfaces.
The daughters too find their own problems as love complicates their tranquil existence.
Everything comes to a head as the father returns and stirs up the emotions of everyone.

A easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable story.
I loved it.

[Staci Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun

I just got back from a Mediterranean vacation the first week in August and went to see what would be the first read options. I was already melancholy and then saw the title. I’m not a big rom com reader but indulge every now and then for the escape. This was perfect. Now I am checking shipping updates for the olive oil I had ordered when there! A lot of fun.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good light read. I liked the mother/daughter’s relationship.

[Theresa L. Crandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

The way the author described the scenery, I almost felt I was there. The pace of the story was great to finally find out the back stories of the main characters and to get their happy endings.

[Bonnie Fakhri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent summer read

What I liked: the Corfu setting, the mother/daughter/ sister relationships, the theme of withholding truths to protect those we love, and the happily ever after ending.
What I didn't like: the first person POV, the British punctuation, and the absolutely unrealistic Christos character and storyline.
Also, there is a fair amount of foul language and spice in this story, so beware if you are offended by that sort of thing.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon First Read choice.

I loved the stories of all of these people! I've never been to Corfu, or Greece for that matter. I don't speak Greek. I don't care if the sun sets on that side of the island or not. Maybe they could see the sun set on the other side of the island? The island descriptions are beautiful. I really enjoyed the whole book.

[Kimberly Gerving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review: Francesca Catlow’s Under a Greek Sky
Published by Lake Union Publishing — thank you to the publisher and Amazon First Reads for my gifted ARC.

If heartbreak had frequent flyer miles, Lorena would have earned herself a round-trip ticket straight out of her disaster of a life. A runaway fiancé, a drained bank account, and now her golden couple parents have split like a soggy baklava. Enter Corfu: sun-drenched, sea-soaked, and serving up more family drama than a Greek wedding at full volume.

Francesca Catlow spins a fizzy, heartfelt tale that serves up betrayal, secrets, and slow-burn romance with the effortless charm of a beachside taverna. Lorena follows her mother to Corfu under the pretense of helping renovate a crumbling beach house, but what she really needs is to renovate her entire outlook on life. Cue Christos—the handyman with a tool belt, a brooding past, and a knack for appearing just when Lorena’s trying not to fall for anyone.

What makes this book such a satisfying read is the voice. Catlow doesn’t drown us in melodrama; she lets the chaos simmer with just enough bite to keep you smirking. Lorena is clever, self-deprecating, and exactly the kind of mess you root for. Her dynamic with her mother is packed with beautifully awkward, emotionally real moments—equal parts therapy session and Greek chorus.

As family secrets start bubbling up like over-shaken soda, the story digs deeper into identity, generational pain, and the uncomfortable truth that parents are people—with secrets, flaws, and maybe even ex-lovers on island payroll.

And then there’s this gem of a quote:
“Hope doesn’t knock politely. It barges in when you’re crying over spilled wine and leaves footprints all over your plans.”

My only gripe? The ending. It wrapped faster than you can say “pass the olives,” and I could’ve used a few more pages of resolution—especially after all that slow simmering tension.

Still, it’s an irresistible read: breezy, smart, and full of heart. A perfect pick for anyone who’s ever wanted to lose themselves on a Greek island—and maybe come back stronger.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

[Michelle Brenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Under a Greek Sky was a fun friends-to-lovers troupe. I originally was interested in the book as it was part of the Amazon First reads, but then I was gifted the audiobook version. The audiobook narrator was really good, she did a great job with all the different characters and the accents. There were some weird pauses that threw me off, but overall I really enjoyed listening to the book.

~~What I liked~~
-The story was pretty interesting, with mostly likable characters. The book is told entirely from the FMC's POV. Lorena is a nice, solid character. She has enough depth to her that I was happy to follow along on her journey of romantic recovery.
-I really have to give props to the audiobook version. I don't think it would have been as enjoyable had I read it, the narrator was fantastic.
-I loved how close the sisters were, I almost wish that had been the focus of the book.
-The HEA was sweet, even if the epilogue was super short.

~~What I didn't like~~
-Having just been blindsided by her fiancé, Lorena seemed to move on pretty quickly. Without being too spoiler-y, the ex-fiancé plot could have been a bit more developed. The way it was presented left me wanting more, it felt unfinished.
-I also wasn't satisfied with the way the parents ended.
-The 'romance' that occurred between Loren and Christos was...ok? I don't feel like I saw enough of their relationship for me to jump on the 'love' train with them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Parts of it felt under-developed or rushed, but generally this was a decent book.

[Lisa Bono · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I finished it, but I was often annoyed by it. I pushed through to get it over with. What did I find so annoying? It was slow, especially in the middle. There was no need to for it to take that long. It swirled in a morass for way longer than it needed to. The author telegraphed everything, so you were just waiting for various things to happen. Oh, do you think that the very generous and helpful widower will end up with the mother? Sure, but it took a couple hundred pages. Could you figure out that her parents’ relationship started as an affair, and that’s why her mother wouldn’t talk about it? Sure…didn’t know the details about him being there for his own wedding, but those are just details. If anything, it just makes him worse. Even more of a cad. He’s just a giant responsibility-shirking, man child. Not shocking she couldn’t identify those same traits with Jonah. Could we predict that Christos would get over himself? Could we guess that she was going to use the olive oil to start a business? Definitely before she put it together…and what ever happened with that? Obviously. I didn’t hate it, but it plodding and the characters seemed immature. I did enjoy visiting Corfu and spending some time on a Greek island.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 * I wanted to love this book but something seemed to be lost in translation. An overall good story it just didn’t come together as well as it could have. Love the idea of exploring Corfu.

When her happily-ever-after is shattered by a fiancé who disappears along with her life savings, Lorena desperately needs a new start. Then her seemingly perfect parents separate, and her mother decides to return to Corfu, the island of her birth, to renovate a family beach house. Lorena goes too, keen for a chance to shut the world out for a while.

The sun-soaked island with its stunning beaches and glittering sea is just the distraction Lorena needs. Not least handsome, mysterious Christos. But as long-held family secrets start to emerge, clouds gather over their Greek island paradise.

Why has Lorena’s mother always refused to return to Corfu until now? What secrets of his own is Christos keeping? When her father reappears on the scene, all hope of peace seems lost. Is Lorena about to watch another happily-ever-after implode, or can she learn from the past and open herself up to a new future?

[Marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinopsis:

Lorena ve cómo su “felices para siempre” se desvanece cuando su prometido desaparece junto con sus ahorros. En busca de un nuevo comienzo, viaja con su madre a Corfú, donde ésta última ha decidido renovar una casa de playa familiar en la isla donde nació. La isla, con sus playas bañadas por el sol y su mar reluciente, ofrece el refugio perfecto… o al menos eso parece.
Allí Lorena conoce a Christos, un hombre atractivo y misterioso, mientras empiezan a aflorar secretos familiares que amenazan esa apariencia de paraíso.

Under a Greek Sky es una lectura perfecta para quienes disfrutan del romance contemporáneo con escenario vacacional. Si te gustan historias donde el lugar envuelve la trama y las segundas oportunidades se mezclan con secretos familiares, este libro puede ser una excelente elección para relajarte y soñar con Corfú.

Particularmente siento que faltó un poco de desarrollo de ciertos personajes y en ocasiones se tornaba muy repetitivo con algunas situaciones, pero es ameno y la historia atrapa.

[Tracy Mecum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Island of Corfu Is Like a character in this book

I liked the book but felt it could use some judicious editing. One huge irritant was As ids not a preposition. Aside from that, I would remove some of the negative thoughts in Lorena’s musings. She’s a gutsy woman, she makes brave moves and then spends hours chastising herself for them. She also categorizes herself as being optimistic, but then doesn’t seem to see the signs that she’s fallen for Christos snd he for her.
I would watch her investigations and wish she could conduct them without all the extra moaning.
I am thankful that Ms Catlow discusses the impact of divorce on adult children. It seems crazy to me that parents think we will have a better understanding of splitting the family just because we’re older.
The overall story is good. For the most part I enjoyed the characters and discovering the secrets. The fun of being on Corfù and discovering its nooks and crannies and the coming together of family.
It was a good read overall.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Under a Greek Sky” is a romance/travelogue/family book by Francesca Catlow. While I liked the idea of this story - and must admit that at times from the descriptions it felt like armchair travel - I cannot say that I always liked the execution of the idea. I felt like the plot, at times, was predictable (I mean, okay, it’s a romance, some of the pleasure of romances is knowing the outcome) but also very slow in getting somewhere. Everyone seems to have secrets but it didn’t add suspense, at times it seemed to add additional unnecessary drama. I’d read a previous book by this author, so I know that she can write in a way I like, but this book was missing something. There were also some grammatical errors (person and I vs person and me used incorrectly) and a geographical error (Corfu is not surrounded by the Aegean) that I caught - which made me wonder what I didn’t catch. For me, this book was a nice armchair travel trip but I would’ve liked a more strong and interesting storyline.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book always finds its way to you when you need it. Lorena’s fiancé has disappeared and absconded with her entire life’s savings. Her father has run off on vacation business trip with his new girlfriend. When her mother finds out, she puts what she wants to keep in storage and puts the house up for sale. Mother heads to Greece, where she has a partly rehabilitated house, to heal and takes both her daughters with her. Told through the eyes of Lorena the story is about healing, growing and what lies and secrets can do. The importance of not keeping secrets among family is also shown its valued importance. This novel is powerful and full of so much heart and hurt. Showcasing just how painful secrets and miscommunication can be, and the power of finally putting it all in the open with the people you love. Lorena finds a friend in Cristos, a friend and employee of her uncle. They have both suffered losses and heartbreak, they become friends through Lorena's persistence, both have so much baggage to overcome. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family, love, secrets, lies, discovering truths, betrayals, letting go of old hurts to let new love in and lots of questions. When Lorena’s world is upended after a heinous betrayal by the man she thought loved her, she is left questioning everything and swears to herself to never trust again. Her beliefs are strengthened by her beloved father’s actions. She, her mom and sister take off for Greece, her mother’s home country. So many things come to light while hearts are healed and everyone gets to live the lives they want and deserve. Getting out of one's way is never easy and yet can lead to some amazing things. I enjoyed this well narrated story.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyable, but definitely frustrating.

Lovely descriptions of Greece, and the mother/daughter’s dynamic felt real and more nuanced than other relationships in the book.

Everyone had a secret, and the main character seems determined to find the truths. While she did this, she judged the people who kept the secrets, while having some of her own. Some honest conversations would have untangled everything in about 10 pages. A lot if repetitive thoughts, particularly about the ex fiancé.

The ending was a little too instantly nicely wrapped with a bow for my taste. But eh, I did have a nice time reading it.

[Amanda Neace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio.

It’s a novel of family ties, family drama, and love. Sisters fighting and bonding. Mothers and daughters keeping secrets. Families starting over and finding new meaning in their lives. Building a new home and community. Facing the past while pushing toward a better, more honest future.


Re the audio, the regular narration is good. I love the narrator’s accent. However, when she switches to read various characters I did not enjoy the others’ voices. Mom sounded too low to be mom, Christos sounded like a creep. I think that definitely changed the tone of the novel and how the listener pictured the characters.

[Ruth Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

family dynamics are a puzzle. Scrambled pieces need trial and error attempts to make a ‘complete picture

Must read!
Two events, a dad leaving with a young coworker and a fiancée who cleans out joint bank account and all valuables in apartment cause mom and 2 daughters to leave England for Corfu. secrets of many years are revealed. misplaced guilts have hindered relationships. Healing happens when truths are revealed.
Ms Carlow is a master at sharing the vast array of emotions in live of each character. Pictures of life on Corfu made me want to visit.