What happens when you go on a solo vacation?

Gina Bennett is looking forward to her Greek holiday with her husband of twenty – seven years Colin.
She wants the relaxing so much, and she for sure deserves it, that even when Colin lets her down once again, Gina decides to still go on the holiday, on her own.
On the island of Kalosiros, which holds many memories from Gina’s past, Gina also quickly befriends Rosie and Deedee, sharing cocktails and art classes. And with learning more about Gina, they are now on a quest: to find Gina’s first and lost love.
This for sure will turn out to be an unforgettable holiday, as it is filled with new friendships, s
elf – discovery and empowerment.

When I started reading this book, I thought the main focus would be on Gina and her attempts to find her Nico again. But the more I was reading the story, the more I realized that finding Nico wasn’t what this story was about. And in a way, I was happy about it!

Initially, I pitied Gina. It’s clear that her marriage is falling apart, and how controlling Colin in fact truly is. If I were in Gina’s shoes, I would get so angry at Colin, with his incessant messages, and demands, while he just does as he pleases.

In that aspect, I was glad that Gina didn’t give in and decided to go to Greece, even on her own. I don’t know if I would have that same courage as she does, but it’s crystal-clear that she needs this holiday, more than anything.

This holiday for Gina is a real journey, as she feels the freedom to do what she wants (like drinking cocktails, singing songs on the beach, and follow art classes, all things that were admonished and condemned by Colin). And we see Gina truly open up, becoming the Gina that she once used to be. This all with the amazing support and love from her new yet so important friends!

Gina needs to figure out for herself what she wants to do with her life. Even if she is on a trail – separation with Colin, she is still married to him. And should she stay with him, or has the time come to stand on her own two feet? And if she wants to learn to stay on her own feet, how should she do that?

Gina slowly learns once again what her passions are, and that she should be proud of her accomplishments. And learn to accept compliments, without getting all flustered and clumsy ( a real case of the pot calling the kettle black 😊).

But it was also sweet to see her working on her quest to find her Nico back. Nico, her first love so many years ago. And we all know how important that first love has been in our lives, don’t we? Of course that search, together with Rosie and Deedee seems like a wild goose chase, like it would be that easy to just ask every Nico in Kalosiros if he is Gina’s Nico.
So why did I find this sweet? Because Gina finds a link to her past, a link to her mother she lost years ago.
And we see how important it is for Gina to find that connection with her mother again, as it’s clear that in fact, Gina never had the opportunity to grieve over her loss…

Of course there is room for romance in this book. But I won’t tell you anything about it, because first of all, it didn’t feel for me like the main theme. But I also want you to experience the hopes and disappointments that Gina has on her journey.
Like I said at the start of this revies, I thought that the romance would take a bigger part in this book, and it turned out it didn’t. But that doesn’t take away that I even felt happy with how it all wraps up for Gina.

This was a lovely, sweet, emotional book to read. Because we see how easy it is for people to belittle you, and how small they can make you feel.
But once you find the courage to spread our wings, you can discover a whole new world, you can find amazing and supporting friends. And on this journey, you will have the chance to rediscover yourself, find your passion again and find the courage to follow your heart, wherever it may take you…