The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn

A journey of self-discovery for three women, The Santorini Writing Retreat is a delightful trip to the Greek island of Santorini. Jo, Zina, and Karmela meet at a writer’s retreat where Jo, a bestselling author, is the instructor. The novel follows their lives and how they impact those around them during their short stay at the retreat run by Zina.

The perfect read for writers, those who love to travel virtually, and all who have faced challenges in their lives, this novel is also a great escapist read. It’s just right for afternoons at the beach or for summer evenings. You’ll be immersed in the landscape with its olive trees and pistachio groves, the views of the sea and the caldera, and the local cuisine. Not to mention the antics of the goats Zina’s husband tends to and a lovable dog named Sybil.

Each of the main characters in the story has regrets that stop them from living their lives to the fullest. Karmela suffers from the aftereffects of being a refugee and losing a friend to the war in Sarajevo and her strained relationship with her mother; Zina’s marriage is in jeopardy because she feels she had to abandon her own dreams in Athens for her husband and her mother; Jo is the victim of a controlling husband and at his mercy because of a dark secret. When Zina opens the retreat in Santorini, she hopes it will fill some of the void in her life. The first booking at the new country resort is for Jo, who is mentoring a small group of writers. But Jo’s secret threatens to ruin her reputation as a bestselling author.

Told from the point of view of each of the three women, the story flips back and forth between the problems that plague them. The alternating POVs add to the intrigue and suspense of wondering how the characters will respond to the challenges from one scene to another. Eva Glyn deals with real-life relationship issues while offering a touch of romance.

The friendship that develops between Jo, Zina, and Karmela turns out to be the cure for all their troubles, and also affects others on the retreat, as well as Zina’s family. A heart-warming story of opening oneself up to others, The Santorini Writing Retreat is a charming story of life changes against a beautiful backdrop. For more virtual trips to beautiful European locations, you can check out Eva Glyn’s other books.