The Villa of Secrets: A BRAND NEW heartwarming story of friendship, healing and second chances for 2026

A BRAND NEW escapist, getaway read set in beautiful Greece🍋🇬🇷 Perfect for fans of of Victoria Hislop, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan☀️ Can a stay at a magical villa help her find her way to start again?

When Cleo arrives at Villa Ariadne on the sun-drenched island of Crete, she’s hoping for space to breathe – and perhaps some clarity about the life she no longer recognises. Newly divorced and estranged from one of her children, she’s not sure what comes next.

Sharing the villa with a small group of women, each carrying their own private heartaches, Cleo is drawn into the gentle rhythm of island life. Beneath the lemon trees and endless blue skies, friendships begin to form and long-buried hopes stir.

But when an unexpected event shakes their peaceful escape, the women are forced to come together in ways none of them anticipated. And as Villa Ariadne works its quiet magic once more, Cleo may discover that even in uncertainty, second chances are still possible.

Praise for Emma Burstall:

With a delightful Greek backdrop and an enticing mix of a fractured family, strained friendships, plus a healthy dose of mystery, love and loss, Beneath the Lemon Trees is a gorgeous summer escape' Kate Frost

'A wonderful escapist novel – mysteries, revelation and happy endings make it a perfect summer read' Rachel Burton

'Brilliant' Phillipa Ashley

'A novel to lose yourself in' Faith Hogan

'Step into a world of pure escapism in this gripping tale of family secrets, sibling rivalry and summer romance' Chat Magazine

'A charming, warm-hearted read... Pure escapism' Alice Peterson

'Burstall is a great writer, and this is not your usual run-of-the-mill chick lit... I was gripped from the start' Daily Mail

'Burstall has a true knack for transporting you to her world' Jane Corry

‘Wow, what an incredible rollercoaster of a read! From the minute I picked up this book, I was swept away by the vividly described landscapes and mouthwatering descriptions of Crete's delectable cuisine.’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Fabulous, fabulous book, loved every minute of it. The storyline, the varied characters. The setting made me feel I was on holiday.’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Loved it. A magical villa, a broken family, a dead best friends husband being awkward, beautiful food descriptions, clear blue seas. Just read and escape. Perfect for September blues.’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures! I loved this book so much and could relate to it and the characters! Beautifully written, really made you feel like you were right there in Greece!’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A charming book about marriage, grief, friendship and parenting, all set in a charming villa under the Cretan sun.’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a lovely story, full of loss and grief, love and hope.’ Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️