5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Verified Purchase
What a read - it felt like I was actually in Apokeri Bay. So descriptive with each chapter in turn keeping you gripped, wanting to know what was happening next. Would definitely recommend this read, particularly if you're a fan of Greece and if you like an exciting love story with a bit of drama thrown in there to make it even more interesting! Fab attention to detail about the local food, flora and culture with a fun Geordie twist. Can't wait for the next book to find out what's next for Anna!
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant debut novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
The story transports the reader to the Greek island through the detailed description and you soon become connected to the characters. There are many twists and turns and as I read on formed opinions on the characters situations and wondered where the story would conclude.
Very much looking forward to the second novel and would thoroughly recommend this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating read from a promising debut author
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Verified Purchase
From the moment I started reading I was transported to Apokeri Bay and instantly felt like I knew the characters. Jackie has a captivating way of sharing details that make you feel like you’re there amongst the conversations and events which unfold in this story. I struggled to put this book down and found myself stealing a couple of pages whenever I had a spare 5 mins. I’m normally a slow reader but I read this within a week. Thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing, I was truly disappointed when the story ended. Thankfully there are another 2 books to follow and I can’t wait for the release of the next instalment.
5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book so far this year.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 August 2023
Verified Purchase
I’m a prolific reader but don’t have time to waste these days reading any book that’s not going to be time thoroughly well spent. It’s all too easy to pick big authors whose work I know and trust or well publicised books. I was recommended this by a friend, so when I bought a copy I really hoped it would be good but as it’s the author’s first book there was no knowing.
But oh my, I am so so pleased I bought this. It’s definitely an ‘unputdownable’ book and reading it was very much time well spent. It’s beautifully written with great characters & storyline and so so much more than just a ‘love story’. Thank goodness there’s the second instalment on its way, I can’t wait.
A Fantastic Holiday Read!!!
I don’t know why but the only time I read in this genre is when I go on holiday and boy am I happy I picked Apokeri Bay for this holiday’s read. The writer transported me to Greece from the first page with all the beautifully vivid descriptions, then when you add to this the vibrant characters and a story that does not go where you expect it to, each twist giving me an oh or ah moment along with some unknown Geordie facts! Cannot wait to find out how Anna’s life and story continue in the next book, and when it comes out I will not be waiting for my next holiday to buy it!!
We Loved
APOKERI BAY
Jackie Watson
As temperatures dropped at home, I found sunshine in this page-turner which transports readers to glorious Greece. Five days on a Greek island should offer time for a young woman to determine her future and when Anna unexpectedly falls in love with the quaint seaside village of Apokeri, a whole new life could be on the cards. But all isn’t what it seems as she encounters complex characters and finds herself enveloped in secrets. The question is: how far will she go to protect her new love? This feel-good debut is perfect for all lovers of women’s contemporary fiction, or anyone seeking sunshine. Newcastle-born Jackie Watson is the author of the new Apokeri trilogy, and Apokeri Bay is the first in the series.
This was my first book signing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was great to chat with so many friendly people and hear their stories. There was the lovely couple who retold the nightmare journey home from Newcastle International Airport. Road closures and diversion notices blown over in high winds saw them drive around and around in circles. They finally spied a sign for Durham and trundled suitcases through their front door two and a half hours later. Or the chatty lady who’d holidayed in Italy but never Greece. Maybe after reading Apokeri Bay, she might be tempted to visit Lefkada.
And there was the delightful chap who’d called off his hunt for the ultimate corned beef pie to stroll around the bookstore. He’d written short stories and had a yearning to complete a novel. His friend had published over 100 books and we discussed various routes to market. Waving my book in the air he bid me a cheery farewell, perhaps his best seller will be based on locating the best ever pasty?
Thank you so much to the fabulous Guisborough Bookshop team for providing me with the opportunity to promote my book. A massive thank you to my brilliant friends, you went out of their way to call in and purchase Apokeri Bay. And thank you to all the bookshop customers who didn’t even know me and gave me a cheery hello, a well done, chatted and purchased my novel. I’m immensely grateful to you all.
Sitting behind a computer writing manuscripts, drafting then redrafting thousands of words can be a solitary undertaking. I do love the creative process but getting out to where my books are sold and then taken home and enjoyed is fantastic.
