My enormous thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part in the launch celebrations for Carol Kirkwood’s Under a Greek Moon and to Elizabeth Dawson at Harper Collins for sending me a copy of the book in return for an honest review. I’m delighted to share that review today.

Published by Harper Collins on 8th July 2021, Under a Greek Moon is available for purchase through the links here.

Under a Greek Moon

She can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?

A-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.

Running from a scandal, Shauna must return to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.

Captivated once more by her island escape, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.

Can Shauna take the chance to confront her past?

My Review of Under a Greek Moon

Shauna Jackson’s life isn’t as perfect as her fans might think.

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 loved the glamour of Under a Greek Moon because it gave me a glimpse into an unfamiliar world in a realistic way balanced by the reality of Shauna’s Irish past and upbringing. It was a sheer delight to sail on the yacht in the Greek waters so that I felt as if I were on holiday as I read. There’s a smashing quality to the setting details that allows the reader to picture the scenes without detracting from the narrative. I have a tiny criticism in that my preference is not for brand names to be attached to items but here they add to the sense of privilege and wealth so I forgive the author, especially as her descriptions of food were totally mouth-watering.

Carol Kirkwood’s plot is cleverly structured so that the reader has glimpses into the past as well as present action, adding interest and appeal to the story. Not only is there conflict at many levels, and romance, but there’s mystery too so that Under a Greek Moon will appeal to a wide range of readers.

I thought the characters were brilliantly wrought. Shauna’s mother in particular, although she plays a seemingly small role, is a clever catalyst for action and felt absolutely realistic. I loved meeting Roxy, Shauna’s feisty, loyal friend and if it were possible, I would definitely like to spend time with Demetrios! However, it is Shauna who is the literal and metaphorical superstar. Her rise to stardom and the reality that can lie behind such a persona is so well presented. It’s difficult to explain too much without spoiling the plot, but I particularly enjoyed Shauna’s ambition, her dignity and her integrity in the face of adversity.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the cast and the smashing story, I think what drew me so much to Under a Greek Moon was the uncovering of themes. Carol Kirkwood shines a spotlight on friendship, desire at many levels, whether that be in occupation or romance, on family and relationships, on loyalty and trust, on responsibility and burden so that I felt Under a Greek Moon had smashing depth as well as light entertainment in a perfect balance.

Under a Greek Moon is gorgeous summer reading (or indeed any time reading when you need some sunshine in your life). It’s glamorous, romantic, entertaining and escapist. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

About Carol Kirkwood

Carol Kirkwood is one of the BBC’s most loved TV presenters, best known for presenting the weather. She lights up viewers’ homes every day, appearing on programmes such as BBC Breakfast, Strictly Come Dancing, Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight, and Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

She is hugely popular with fans and Carol frequently trends on Twitter. Beyond the television screen, she can often be found ensconced in a book, singing, dancing, and driving fast cars.

For more information, follow Carol on Twitter @carolkirkwood or find her on Facebook.

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