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, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Summer, Contemporary

367 pages, Paperback

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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TikTok: @francescacatlow

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

Reviews

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars for Under a Greek Sky (audiobook) by Francesca Catlow read by Erifyli Gigante.

I thought that this was going to be a fun ocean side romance but the story was just full of family drama. The characters weren’t likable, overall it was kind of disappointing. Unfortunately a Greek Sky just isn’t as good as a Tuscan Sun to be under.

[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?

[Bethany Ergican · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟 Lots of drama. An entertaining read that maintains interest and takes you to Corfu. As an audiobook, the narrator has a pleasant voice but the side characters were a bit strange. The mom sounded like a man and Christos sounded like an old man to me.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Things started off interestingly enough but then it just became something of a drone and drugery. I wanted to like this book. I really did. I thought it was going to be a fun romance and light reading under a blanket of sunshine by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, but....BUT...it was just full of family drama. Even the allure of whatever secret their mother was harbouring to keep them away from their Greek family wasn't enough to keep me turning the pages.

The characters weren't in the least bit likeable. I wasn't sure what the author was doing with Serena who, half the time was a petulant madam and the other half a weeping child, and Lorena did nothing but ooze self pity, her internal monologue one long constant moan. And mother Thalia? I guess I didn't stick around long enough to get a read on her.

I came here for the stunning Corfu scenery of blues and whites against the azure waters and brilliant sunshine. Add a little romance for some light reading but no. There was so much repetition of self pity. Yes, I get Jonah did the dirty and stole her life savings and her father upped and left with a woman half his age but no one wants to read about that constantly. Everything was just too monotonous.

I pictured the stunning Greek islands and wanted to immerse myself into this book so much and wanted to like it but I just couldn't. I couldn't even finish it. I hate leaving negative reviews because I know it's the author's hard work and I cannot even begin to appreciate how much work goes into writing a book so I do commend anyone who does. I just couldn't connect with the characters, I couldn't like them and I just didn't want to remain in their company.

I would like to thank #FrancescaCatlow, #Netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for an ARC of #UnderAGreekSky in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[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.

[Connie Alderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first 109+ pages and quit. Too much repetitive whining about her past ex finance…forty+ mentions is overkill. Her younger sister used the F bomb too many times. Other than a nice description about the beach and sunsets, there was nothing romantic about this story. Depressed and bored me to no ends. I hope it got better but could bring myself to finish the book. Sorry!!

[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.

[Bridgit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just not good. Didn’t like the mom. Didn’t like the dad. Didn’t like th sister. Didn’t like the FMC. Everyone is a liar. Major plot points are left hanging.

Tuscan Sun knockoff.

[Laynie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just did not do it for me. 😅 extremely slow moving.

[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.

[Denia Teeters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Greek Sky

Travel from dreary cold London to the Greek Island of Corfu with a mother haunted by her past and her two beautiful daughters-all who have been burned by the unfaithful affair of their father. Secrets kept a lifetime surface and a new family is discovered leading to healing under the summer heat in this small town by the sea.

[Amy]

Did not finish. Could not get into it at all.

[Brady Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the opportunity to listen to this title a bit early.

Under the Greek Sky is a delightful summer/fall read! Perfect for reading on vacation or relaxing with a cup of tea on the back porch.

The entire time I was reading this book I just kept imagining the sights of Greece described in this story, wanting to fully immerse myself.

Under the Greek Sky is a lovely story about 2 sisters and their mother who are each carry the weight of their own burdens. I loved getting to know each character and rooting for them.

The audio narration really added to the story and the narrators voice perfectly fit the main characters.

[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.

[Elana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't typically read contemporary romance, but when I do, I usually enjoy it. This one was more than enjoyable. It was extremely relatable, (minus the part where I get to rebuild my life with my Mom and sister in Greece!) for me because I have had to pick my life up and start from nothing after a really upsetting cheating incident with my ex-husband. The stages of grief that the characters in this book go through feels very authentic. The characters in this book deal with abandonment, cheating, and death amongst finding out family secrets and rebuilding themselves. The bonds between mother, sister and extended family felt real, and I love the banter between all the characters. The main male character is so lovable, even though he tries not to be. This is one of many books I've read set in Corfu, and it just solidifies the fact that I NEED TO VISIT THIS PLACE AND FIND MY SEXY GREEK HUSBAND! The narrator did an absolutely remarkable job voicing all these characters, and I often forgot it wasn't a dual narration. I was able to fully immerse myself in this story thanks to her talented vocals.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[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.

[Heart&SoulBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful novel showcasing what the cost of secrets really is

What do you do when your finance steals your life savings on the same day your mom finds out your dad is on vacation with another woman? You pack up your life and move to your mom’s small Greek hometown with her of course.

Lorena is reeling after the worst day of her life. Her belief in men is completely shattered, but little does she know her belief in her mom might also be shattered.

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.

[Nici · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard pass!

I haven’t read a book with such amateurish, self-indulgent writing in a while. It’s so choppy and incredibly melodramatic, I couldn’t bear it. None of the charming atmosphere I anticipated came through. Oftentimes the protagonist wants to be philosophical but ends up sounding like those life advice sayings you see on some calendars. Awful. Just awful.
The narrator was okay, only she kept pronouncing Corfu like the martial arts sport “kung fu” -.- ugh.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!