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The Island Retreat

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The Island Retreat

By: Cathy Kelly
Narrated by: Fleur de Wit
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The number one Irish Times bestseller!

Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.

Five years after her career as a therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.

Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.

But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.

Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…

Will that include Rose’s, too?

'A triumph […] vivid and wise and uplifting' Marian Keyes

'This latest from [Cathy] is a cracker' Mail on Sunday

'[A] wise and calming novel […] And the Corfu setting is so beautifully evoked' Daily Mail

(P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Holidays Women's Fiction Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

Acclaim for Cathy Kelly:
‘Poignant and powerful, this is a fabulous read’ Milly Johnson
‘A wonderful entertaining story with characters we recognise and really root for. I absolutely loved this’ Katie Fforde
‘Cathy at her absolute best … Wonderful realistic women trying to forge their way in an upbeat story where dark clouds give way to sunshine. Perfect to curl up with’ Rachel Hore
‘I gulped Sisterhood down. Every woman reading this multi-layered story of the sisters and the manner in which they deal with their separate crises will feel a shudder of recognition … such a compulsive and exhilarating read’ Elizabeth Buchan
‘Vibrant characters, terrific plot and full of heart and wisdom, this is Cathy Kelly at her absolute best. Utterly engrossing and unputdownable’ Patricia Scanlan
'A burst of Sicilian sunshine … Cathy writes from the heart with great warmth and sincerity' Erica James
‘A beautiful, tender story of family, lies, secrets and the power of sisterhood. A perfect book to curl up by the fire and escape with. I read it in one sitting’ SINÉAD MORIARTY
'A wonderfully entertaining novel […] which moves at a brisk pace, posing serious questions about relationships, trust, honesty. A sort of coming-of-age novel for the middle-aged woman. Highly recommended' IRISH EXAMINER
'Another rollercoaster of an emotional journey' WOMAN'S OWN
'This is a gorgeous book full of emotion that explores themes of family, ageing and unconditional love' MY WEEKLY
'A heartwarming journey' BEST
'A warm-hearted and poignant story about families, identity and the complexities of having a sibling' WOMAN'S WEEKLY
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book. I think it is the best book Cathy Kelly has ever written. It rates alongside Marian Keyes’s RACHEL’S HOLIDAY as one of the great books about therapy and recovery.

A Brilliant Recovery Book and Romance

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It takes a while to get into the book and discover the characters who are in Corfu. Once that is done the people take over and you learn how those in the Island Retreat develop and gain from their stay. An interesting novel whose players’ stories will stay with you for a long time.

A satisfying listen.

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It did take a while to become familiar with all the characters but stick with it, it’s worth it! Different story line and really quite enjoyable.

Enjoyably different!

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as always an excellent audio book by cathy kelly but it did take a little while for me to get into the characters but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

an enjoyable listen

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The beginning was a bit jarring and I nearly gave up, but this turned into an interesting, positive and delightful story of a group of diverse characters. Very well thought through and beautifully read. I really enjoyed this book., The first Cathy Kelly one I have read and I will look forward to reading another one .

Feel good.

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