Picture a storyteller who swapped the BBC studio for the sun-drenched shores of Greece, weaving tales of love and loss that tug at the heartstrings—meet Emma Cowell! A former presenter turned bestselling author, Emma captivates readers with her evocative novels set against Greece’s sapphire waters and olive groves. Her stories, steeped in Greek culture and cuisine, blend grief, romance, and self-discovery, inviting readers to escape into worlds as vibrant as a Mediterranean sunset.
Emma’s journey from broadcasting to writing is as compelling as her novels. With a knack for storytelling honed on air, she found her true calling during lockdown, channeling personal loss into fiction that resonates deeply. Now, she balances her writing with philanthropy, all while learning Greek to fuel her love affair with the country that inspires her work.
The Making of Emma Cowell
Born and raised in the UK, Emma Cowell now calls Cornwall home, living with her husband, Tony, and their cat, Papoushka Gerald Cowell. A former actress and BBC presenter, she spent years captivating audiences with her voice before transitioning to the charity sector, where she’s Head of Philanthropy for Together for Short Lives. Storytelling was always at her core, but it was the quiet of lockdown that sparked her pivot to novels. Inspired by personal grief—particularly the loss of her mother—Emma poured her emotions into writing, finding solace in crafting fictional worlds.
Her love for Greece, sparked over fifteen years ago, became the heartbeat of her work. From the myths of ancient gods to the simplicity of fishing villages, Greece’s landscapes and traditions infuse her stories with authenticity. Emma’s also a keen angler, once holding a Cornish fishing record, and practices yoga to balance her busy life, though she humorously admits her Greek language skills are limited to tavernas and bakeries!
Emma Cowell’s Unforgettable Stories
Emma’s debut, One Last Letter from Greece (2022), is a heartrending tale of Sophie, who uncovers her mother’s secrets in the idyllic town of Methoni. Praised for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, it became a bestseller across the US and Canada, translated into multiple languages. Readers adore its blend of romance and mystery, with one calling it “an emotional rollercoaster” that transports them to Greece’s tranquil shores.
Her second novel, The House in the Olive Grove (2023), follows three women finding friendship and self-discovery in Petalidi. It’s a love letter to Greek cuisine and community, hitting the UK bestseller list upon release. The Island Love Song (2024) explores sisterhood and secrets on a Greek island, while Under the Lemon Tree (2025) promises another moving story set on Hydra, delving into family and romance. Emma’s style—rich, evocative, and steeped in Greek culture—draws comparisons to Victoria Hislop and Santa Montefiore, blending lush settings with raw human emotion.
Her novels often weave personal touches, like robins and white feathers symbolizing lost loved ones, reflecting Emma’s own experiences. Music, especially Leonard Cohen’s, also plays a role, with her upcoming work drawing on Hydra’s artistic legacy. Each book is a sensory escape, celebrating Greece’s flavors, history, and heart.
Why Emma Cowell Matters
Emma Cowell’s novels do more than entertain—they offer solace. Her stories of healing through grief resonate with readers worldwide, earning her a devoted following. By spotlighting Greek culture, from its cuisine to its tight-knit communities, she bridges cultures, inviting readers to savor Greece’s beauty. Her philanthropy adds another layer, as she champions children’s palliative care, proving her impact extends beyond the page.
Emma’s ability to turn personal pain into universal stories makes her a standout voice in contemporary fiction. Her work reminds us that even in loss, there’s hope, love, and the promise of a new chapter—whether in a Greek taverna or our own lives.
- Residence: Cornwall, UK
- Key Works: One Last Letter from Greece, The House in the Olive Grove, The Island Love Song, Under the Lemon Tree
- Hobbies: Fishing, yoga, learning Greek, baking
Snag One Last Letter from Greece and dive into Emma Cowell’s sun-soaked, soul-stirring world of romance and redemption!