Who wouldn't love a pleasant summer read set in gorgeous Corfu, Greece with quirky characters, a hair-dye mystery, and a lovely hotel that will change a young woman's life for the better?

Abbie always wanted a beautiful cottage with her own garden, but with the embarrassing and humiliating end of her romance with her selfish employer and the uncalled-for loss of her job, all that was put on hold. Until her new inheritance from her estranged aunt she never met gave her the chance she needed to get out of London.  Running The Hummingbird Hotel is a frightening task for a botanist, but her new and delightful friends in Corfu do not hesitate to help her. Especially, her handsome next-door neighbor and Cordon Bleu chef, Nikos, who feels a little out of his element running his family's struggling winery on his own. It will be difficult to sell the hotel and move back home to the UK, but isn't home where the heart is? 

Abbie's self-confidence builds as she gets her life on track in a new country with new friends. She slowly realizes that her dreams can be achieved in Corfu as she falls in love with the friendly community and the peaceful setting.  Not to mention the moody, yet supportive Nikos who comes to her rescue more than once as she learns the ropes in running a hotel. Nikos' sacrifices for his family is commendable since he knows nothing about vineyards and left his job as a great chef. He is generous with his time as he helps Abbie entertain her guests. They are destined to become so much more.

Supporting characters are abundant. Abbie's best friend, Emily, is direct and honest with her advice. There is the Australian, horoscope-touting, colorful lycra-wearing, muscular yoga master Felix with whom Abbie is greeted with the "Greek version of the Full Monty" as he steps out of the hotel pool. Sofia is the taverna owner who gives Abbie motherly advice and reveals why Abbie's aunt was estranged from her and her mother for so many years. Then of course there is the hen party with sabotage afoot when the bride-to-be appears with bright pink hair from a conditioner provided by Abbie.

With Ms. James' knack for adding mystery to her charming stories along with lovable characters and beautiful scenery, I highly recommend this refreshing beach read to while away the summer.

Thank you to Ms. James for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.