A Handful Of Pebbles

Greek Village/Greek Island #7

by Sara Alexi

A Handful of Pebbles is the seventh book in the series The Greek Village Collection by INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR Sara Alexi.

Taking us to the sun soaked Greek island of Saros, A Handful of Pebbles is a turbulent tale of loss and regret as one woman on a family holiday finds herself waking up from the slumber she has been in for the last 26 years of her life.

Sarah travels to Greece for the wedding of her youngest son Finn. But Sarah’s own marriage to her controlling older husband Lawrence is strained, and now that her children have grown up and left home she finds herself questioning her role as wife and mother.

Having suffered great loss in her younger years, Sarah gave up on finding true love and married for comfort and security instead. It was all too easily that Sarah fell into the role of house wife and cleaner, forgetting the passionate girl inside herself and forgetting that she too had dreams.

During her stay on Tilos, Sarah finds a love of walking among the hills and olive groves, feeling a reawakening within herself as she reflects on her past. An unforeseen friendship with the local shepherd Nicolaos, who she meets along the way, helps Sarah to think more even more clearly and plan changes for her future.

But as buried stories find their way to the surface, the serene rural surroundings can't calm the storm. As Sarah struggles to break free from the shackles she has found herself in, how will the revelation of a dark family secret impact upon her decisions? And why is it that Sarah feel so unsettled in the presence of Nicolaos?

Prepare to submerge yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Greek life as one woman’s journey of self-discovery turns looming remorse into hope and courage.

If you enjoyed A Handful of Pebbles you'll love book eight in the series, The Unquiet Mind. Find it on Amazon now!

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Greece, Ebooks, Contemporary

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2014

About the author

Best selling author Sara Alexi was born in Oxford, England. After travelling widely she now splits her time between England and a tiny rural village in the Peloponnese, in Greece, where she has renovated a stone farmhouse, whilst observing the Greek way of life and absorbing the culture.

As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.

Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.

If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.

www.Saraalexi.com

She would also love you to friend her on;

https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi

You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 7, and so far my favorite! This book IS going to be purchased and sent to friends.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, from the very beginning I get lost in Sarah's story. I fell in love with Greece with her first book. I love that when you are reading along that all of a sudden a character from one of the other books pops in like an old friend. I will not tell you about the story for fear of spoiling it for you. I wondered if this time the author took some of the story line from my life. That is how good she is at relating to and being sensitive to how people feel. You will grow to love and not love these people who we find here and in our own lives. Look forward to the next book as I always do. As soon as the hard copy comes out I will be sending it to my granddaughter as I always do. That is another plus. It is a story for all ages.
P.S. Reading them in order is not necessary but if you can then do so.

[Adri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, the second and third were still enjoyable, but it is my humble opinion that the story ideas are getting weaker and unbelievable. I had to force myself to finish this book and will not be reading the next one in the series. The book was also poorly edited, something which contributed to my irritation with the book.

I can see that the book has given many other reviewers a lot of joy, and I am sure that many other readers will find it equally compelling.

[Adriana Strunk · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so read

First book I've read by this author and found it difficult to follow her story line as she brought in thoughts from characters that did not seem to go with the reading. Once I got accustomed to that, story became easier to follow. Some places drug on for too long and felt she could have embellished more on the characters thus giving them more depth. Story was good but predictable.

[Mindy Tysinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't really like it either. The story seemed so drawn out. There are times when an author builds characters for most of the story and it really works. I just didn't feel the worth in this case. There were some interesting points in the book but for me it wasn't a great read.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, A handful of Pebbles by Sara Alexi, is the 7th book in theGreek Village Series. I have not read any of the other books but this did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. The fact that it is set in an area of the world that intrigues me pulled me in and the story kept me involved.

In this book, Sarah goes to Greece to attend her youngest son's wedding. This was an emotional book that pulled on many feelings that, I believe, many mothers go through when they witness their children marrying, regrets, change and more. I now want to read each of the other books in this series. Alexi is such a wonderful writer. Thank you for this book .

I wish that I could rate this book higher than five-starts

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magical trip into the wonderful world that Ms Alexi has created. We meet some new faces and are reacquainted with some old favourites. As with her other books, this can be read stand-alone but to get the whole experience, it is best to read the series.
It is a relatively simple story on the surface but like the other books in the series, there is quite a lot of interesting philosophy going on below the surface if you choose to acknowledge it.
The characters are very real, very easy to relate to and emote with. The scenery breathtaking as always, and the author has this way of describing little observations regarding the Greek way of life and slipping them into the narrative as appropriate. The story is credible and the ending more than satisfactory.

I just wish that this place was real, the people were real. If they were, I would have booked my ticket already.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovetoread

A pretty good adventure about a young woman who fell in love then loss, a and so married for securely.

[Gill Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from the Greek Village series. Ending was a surprise, didn't see that coming.
Thoroughly enjoyed, ready to next one in the series. They are addictive.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of what I have read of this series, possibly because it resonates with my own life.

[Janice Falvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the author's writing style. Easy to read, but always a good story.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Sara Alexi, her insights and writing. This was the weakest I have read so far (I am reading them in order, except Saving Septic Cyrill which I have also read. This story seemed to rely on the heat from the sun to heal all. I live in Texas, so that failed to impress me. While all books (and life) tend to rely on coincidence, this story had too many whoppers. Finally, the main character was too wishy washy for my taste. I have come to expect a lot from the Greek Village series and was very disappointed in this entry.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

And another goodie of a book in this series. I found myself reading and rereading some of the thoughtful sentences about what makes a good and happy life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it made me think :)

[Ruby Derouen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Great Book!

Reading this book reminded me of some of the choices I have made in my life. Just like Sara, I went along with whatever others thought I should do. But also like Sara, I have stepped out in faith on my own terms! Can't wait for the next one!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice break from murder and mayhem.

Actually a pretty good book and a nice break from murder and mayhem that I usually read. Sometimes it moved s bit slow - that’s why the 3 stars. Still, I found some parts very thought provoking. Worth the read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring!

A deep speaking story of a woman coming to terms with her own life. It moved me to feel all those spaces between hope and hurt, ending and rebirth. Read this book. Be moved.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provocating book

This book was one that makes you think about how each moment can effect another. The give and take in relationships. Love gained love lost. Told from a middle age woman perspective it was one of eye opening thoughts for me. Definitely worth the read.

[Stacy Doubrava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt transported


Reading this book, the first one I hzve read by the author, makes me want to go to Greece. Well written, good storyline. Her section was a longtime coming...but her ultimate decision came quickly.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Ms. Alexi brings the sights, smells, food, and village to life. Great light reading which will make you want to go explore the Greek countryside.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. The author spins a beautiful tale time and again. This is one of the better ones with a whole panoply of characters and a well interwovens toryline

[Pia Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Another wonderful book by Sara Alexi. It's never to late to start the magic adventure of leaving life to the fullest.

[Peggy Pleasant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the Greek Village Collection that I enjoyed. Sarah travels to the village for a wedding and finds that it may be time for her to make changes. I have enjoyed all the books I have read in this series and I find I do not have to read in the order reading. A good, relaxing read and you get to visit and enjoy the people of this Greek Village.

[Jean Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greece with a philosophical twist

The sights, sounds and scents of Greece, but also some very interesting insights into life, feelings, reactions. In general, uplifting.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story! Sarah and her husband Laurence arrive in Saros, Greece to see their youngest son married to Helena. From the beginning, we see Laurence as a cold, controlling husband and Sarah as a depressed and unhappy person. For Sarah, her past looms big through the whole book, as she discovers that she has been "sleepwalking" through her life. She meets Nicolaos, a philosophising shepherd, whose advice and insights serve her well...save her life, and give her courage to change her life...to live her life fully awake. In the meantime, Sara Alexi takes her reader on a complex, emotional roller coaster ride, giving us deep insights into Sarah's life, marriage, and the pact she made with her best friend Liz, when they were 19 years old. This is the 7th book in the Greek Village Series. A series that sweeps you away to beautiful, sunny Greece, but raises your awareness of the complexities we all face in living in a community, family, and with ourselves. Well-written and inspiring...I love these books!

[Blue Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is of “A Handful of Pebbles”, book 7 in the “Greek Village” series by Sara Alexi.

The Story: So far, a couple, Sarah Quayle, a homemaker and her husband, Laurence, a commercial pilot, have come to Greece for the wedding of one of their sons, Finn, to his fiance, Helena Plusiopoulous; their other son, Joss, is married to a woman, Pru, who Sarah derisively refers to as “Pruella De Ville”. Sarah and Laurence are staying with his cousin, Neville, and his wife and Sarah’s friend, Liz. Sarah isn’t happy with Laurence, and that fact comes into more stark focus now that her sons’ are adults and distancing themselves from her.

As the book continues, Sarah starts to face the facts about her marriage that she didn’t want to acknowledge, and it’s not pretty. Among the things she finds is a shocking revelation about the death of her former boyfriend, Torin, who died in a motorcycle accident. The book ends with Sarah making decisions that will change her life. For the better? We don’t get the answer to that as the book ends somewhat on a cliffhanger.

Upside: The book’s center is Sarah Quayle, who is in every scene. She is a strong, complex woman dealing with a variety of feelings and issues, most of which she has kept buried for decades that are coming to light with her trip to Greece. Sarah is a woman hurt by her past, unsure of her present and conflicted about her future. Her growth is the subject of the book. I never felt as though I was reading a book; Ms. Alexi’s writing made me feel as though I was watching the lives of Sarah and the other characters in the book. Ms. Alexi’s writing style is vivid and evocative, making her readers feel that they are in Greece and experiencing everything the characters are.

Downside: Sarah is the only fully formed character in the book. I understand this is women’s fiction, and the story is about Sarah, but given that her actions affect other people-and theirs affect her-it would have been nice to hear the characters in their own thoughts and voices away from her.

Sex: None. There is only one kissing scene in the entire book. This is nearly a “clean” book.

Violence: As mentioned earlier, Sarah’s former boyfriend, Torin, dies in a motorcycle accident. His injuries are described rather graphically by Sarah toward the end of the book. At one point, Sarah debates whether or not to shoot Laurence; she doesn’t do so.

Bottom Line: “A Handful of Pebbles” is not a flawless book. What is does, however, it does very well.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Sara’s books so far and this is no exception although it is rather different in tone from her others. It features Sarah and her husband who are in Greece for their son’s wedding to Helena. It is obvious from the start that neither of them is really happy and the suspense builds as we find out little by little the root of the problem. Sara’s style is simple yet the book is quite profound at times. There may well be a new craze for pebble collecting as a result and I love her turns of phrase; ‘Sleepwalking through life’ is one which will always remain with me.

I wasn’t sure how the story would end as three possibilities come to mind. I’m not sure if the author found it difficult to choose an ending too but the last twist is certainly interesting. I don’t want to say any more and spoil it – you’ll just have to read it for yourself.

I also loved the way characters from the earlier books make brief appearances and it was good to catch up with Juliet and Michelle again. A great summer read wherever you are.

[IRIFF · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought, Ugh! Won't this book ever pick up the pace? Do we really have to pet every cat, hear every dog barking, and even watch every bug buzz by? But now I see that the answer is yes, and it's beautifully and brilliantly done.

Starting so slow, analyzing every minute detail, sets the pace for Sarah's self-reflection. The story seamlessly picks up as we become more familiar with Sarah's struggle with latent grief, years of guilt, and a darkness that is growing within her. Each nod the nature brings Sarah comfort as she deals with these emotions.

Then I thought these characters are so flat with the exception of Sarah. What I've realized is that Alexi's writing is honest and fearless. We don't need depth for the supporting characters; the trials in their lives undulate in the background, giving her experiences relevance without distracting from her inner conflict. The writing is purposeful, without a word wasted.

This is book 7 of 10 in the Greek Village collection, but it can be read as a stand alone.

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time with the star ratings for a book like this. I would have given it a 3.5 if I could have. I stumbled upon this book rather randomly on Book Bub. I haven't read others in the series, so I can't comment on the relative strength of this one versus others, but I did enjoy this book. I loved the peak into Greek life and some of the reflective moments. A couple of quotes I noted:

‘You know we have no access to the past, nor to the future. There is only now. And now you are under the olive tree.’ He reaches up and picks a leaf and hands it to her. ‘One side blue- green, the other silver. The wind blows and we see both sides. But you, the wind cannot blow you, you get to choose.’

"...it is important to listen to your thoughts, dispute them when they are out of line, and replace them if they are not positive, because our thinking affects our behaviour and our behaviour dictates the feedback the world gives us.’

[Brenda Cheers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh instalment in “The Greek Village Collection”, this novel spans several days in the life of Sarah, a sad woman who is struggling to find meaning in her life.

She and her husband arrive at a Greek village to celebrate the wedding of their son. Sarah is Irish, so we view the Greek village through her fresh eyes. As she becomes more familiar with the town and its inhabitants, the reader does as well, which is a treat.

The reader witnesses Sarah’s emotional struggle and we see her make some life-changing decisions.

Ms Alexi is a good storyteller. She creates characters that can be related to by readers. Her command of language is excellent.
I have enjoyed every novel in this series, delighted with the very real glimpses of Greek village life that they offer. I believe that “A Handful of Pebbles” may be the best in the series thus far.

Five stars

[Efremis]

Book 7 of the Greek Village Series. Another great read from this prolific author. Her books have a common thread, i.e the comings and goings of village life with a more detailed look into the lives of each of the residents.
Although set in a Greek village, the characters and their personalities are people we actually know. We've met them, live with them and sometimes we disengage from them. For me, this is what makes me want to return time and time again.
Book 7 is about 'the black dog' or depression and how some of the characters perceive it or deal with it.
A thoroughly great read!