The Ebb

The Lady of the Pier #1

by Effrosyni Moschoudi

When Sofia falls in love, a mourning spirit begins to haunt her...

CORFU, GREECE, 1987
On a long holiday with her grandparents, Sofia Aspioti meets Danny Markson, a charming flirt who makes her laugh. Although she tries to keep him at arm's length, worried that village gossip will get back to her strict family, she falls desperately in love. That's when strange dreams about Brighton's West Pier and a woman dressed in black begin to haunt her. Who is this grieving woman? And how is her lament related to Sofia's feelings for Danny?

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, 1937
Dreaming of wealth and happiness, Laura Mayfield arrives in Brighton to pursue a new life. She falls for Christian Searle, a happy-go-lucky stagehand at the West Pier theatre, but when she's offered a chance to perform there, her love for him is put to the test. Charles Willard, a wealthy aristocrat, is fascinated by her and pursues her relentlessly. Will Laura choose love...or money?

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2014

About the author

Effrosyni Moschoudi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She writes books for the romantic at heart, and for all readers around the world, who love her country, its people and vast culture.

Her stories are set in alluring locations around Greece and tend to feature supernatural creatures such as angels, ghosts or witches, as she believes our world is magical and not as mundane as we think.

She writes clean and sweet romances that are peppered with humour and a touch of family drama, offering the reader an emotional rollercoaster ride with perfect happily-ever-after endings.

During her twenty years of work experience in large corporations in both Greece and the United Kingdom, Effrosyni has met some of the most problematic and unbalanced people one can ever have the misfortune of sharing an office space with. Still, it has not been for nothing, but has provided a wealth of material for creating the most hilarious among her villains.

Effrosyni lives in a quaint seaside town near Athens with a British husband, two naughty cats, and a vast collection of books and DVDs. Her little town is heavenly enough, yet her mind forever drifts to her beloved island of Corfu.

The Ebb, her new adult romance that was inspired from her summers in Corfu in the 1980s, was a Q-Finalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards in 2014. Her debut novel, The Necklace of Goddess Athena, won a silver medal in the 2017 book awards of Readers’ Favorite. Her ghost romance novella, The Boy on the Bridge, was a Top 10 winner of the “50 Best Indie Books” awards of Readfree.ly in 2021.

Effrosyni’s books are clean and sweet romances. All of them are Amazon bestsellers, having hit #1 several times, and are available mainly in kindle and paperback format.

The paperbacks, other than Amazon, can also be ordered at any library or physical bookstore worldwide.

What others say about Effrosyni's books:

"Effrosyni layers her words on the page like music."
~USA Today bestselling author Jackie Weger

"Very few writers have such a gift for realism."
~Kelly Smith Reviews

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Reviews

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 parallel stars



The Lady of the Pier is a book that takes place in two locations, during different timelines. It basically speaks about two different stories that somehow get connected.

Brighton (UK) 1937 & Corfu (Greece) 1987

Sofia is a 21-year-old greek girl raised by overprotective parents in Athens, Greece, who constantly keep her on a leash. The only freedom she gets from them is whenever she's visiting her grandparents at Corfu.



Sofia has her own battles to give there as well, since there are certain people who can spoil the fun for her. This summer she decides to work at the pier and there she meets Danny, a flirty british lad who is on vacation with his best friend and they both approach her and her best friend, Loula. But being raised by strict parents, can she give him a chance? Even if he seems like every flirty tourist who by the end of the week he'll be long gone? And what's going on with these weird dreams that she has started having lately? Who is this woman in her dreams?



At the same time we're reading the story of Laura, a girl from London, moving to the West Pier of Brighton, in order to help her mother's health and to get a new job there as well.



Laura is a really ambitious girl, who always envied the finest things in life. A local lad, Christian, is trying to pursue her from the first moment he sets his eyes on her, but knowing her ambitious personality, he knows that could be an obstacle, considering he doesn't share the same thoughts about life. Plus at the same time there's a noble man who also tries to pursue her and he knows he can't compete to him, at least socially.



I really enjoyed this book, especially because the writing seemed so different on each of the stories, that it could fool you of being written by seperate authors. I loved the graphic description of the locations, you could feel like you were there, smelling the things that were described in this book. I loved the greek idioms and the old british dialect. I loved those two stories equally, since I was intrigued to see what would happen in each of them and at the same time I was curious to see how it's possible they get connected.



I'm looking forward for the rest of the series because I'm officially hooked on both stories! So curious to see how things are going to develop for each of them.

Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Elle Boca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love in UK, Greece

I enjoyed the slow paced young romance in The Lady of the Pier which featured two settings many years apart, Brighton in United Kingdom and Corfu in Greece.

I especially liked the rich setting descriptions. Corfu in particular came alive in Effrosyni Moschoudi's story, making me long to visit the island and its quaint villages. I look forward to the continuing story.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady of the Pier - The Ebb (The Lady of the Pier, #1)
by Effrosyni Moschoudi

1937, Laura Mayfield and her mother move to Brighton to start a new life. Young Laura finds a job and love (Christian Seale) on the Pier. She has the opportunity of a lifetime, to sing at the famed Auditorium. But it comes at a cost, will her love for Christian prevail?

Corfu 1987, Sofia Aspioti goes to visit her grandparents for the summer, there she meets up with her childhood friends, and gets a job on the pier. She also meets Danny Markson and their love blossoms, even though if her family found out it would cause great problems in her life.

Then Sophia has dreams of the Pier and a woman in black. The dreams are haunting her and carry over into her every day life. Who is this mysterious woman in black? Why does Sophia feel sadness when she has these dreams? What do these dreams mean ?

A well written story, perfectly blending the story of both women. You get the feel of what each person is going through, the descriptive prose brings you into the story, filled with emotions. I really liked Laura and Sophia, I could relate to what each was going through.

I also enjoyed the location, and the accuracy of each era. I highly recommend to those who love Romance/Drama. I Also recommend The Necklace of Goddess Athena, by Effrosyni Moschoudi and book two in the Lady of the Pier trilogy, The Lady of the Pier - The Flow.

[Lilian Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I receive a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I immediately fell in love with the plot and with the amazing characters that the author introduced in this novel. The story unravels in Brighton (UK) and Corfu (Greece). These are two of the most magnificent places in the world for me. The times are 1937 and 1987 and the story moves very elegantly to various other locations.

“The Lady in the Pier” has now become one of my favorite reads. The author interweaves a mixture of emotions, such as romance, friendship, fame, family and heartbreak in a masterful way to keep the reader glued to the pages. I am a romance author and this was the kind of book I wanted to spend time reading and enjoying.

The amazing characters of Laura Mayfield, her mother Ruth, Sophia Aspioti, Christian Seale, Charles the Viscount, a childhood friend Danny Markson and so many others stole my heart. Laura and her mother chose to start their life in Brighton where Laura falls in love with Christian, while Sophia finds love and excitement In Corfu. The romance is wonderful and the charm of the places holds you hooked to the pages from cover to cover.

My interest picked at the mystery of Sophia’s dreams. The enigmatic lady in black of the Brighton Pier, that haunts her day in and day out. Who is that woman? Why her presents distress her is such a way? What is the significance of the pier? The author does an amazing job in providing an intriguing story that will keep you hungry for more.

I love how the author cleverly interlinks the main two characters Laura and Sophia. They are two totally different people who find love and excitement in totally different places, at totally different times, but they are connected by the same fate. I just love the book.

Effrosyni Moschoudi is a delightful and very talented author with a fascinating imagination that provides a very well written book with an exciting plot. The pace of the story is just right and provides a clear view of the lives and emotions of her story characters. I would recommend this book to any person who loves to be enchanted by a novel, who enjoys adventure and who loves romance and mystery.

[Jenny Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady of the Pier has two plots running in parallel. One is the story, set in Brighton in 1937, of Laura Mayfield, who moves from London to Brighton for the sake of her ailing mother and is lucky enough to get a job as a singer at the theatre in the West Pier Pavilion. She falls in love with Christian Searle, a humble stagehand but soon finds herself pursued by the wealthy Charles Willard who could offer her the life style she craves.
The second plot is set in Corfu 50 years later and revolves around Sofia Aspioti, spending her summer holiday at her grandparents’ house, and Danny Markson, an English tourist. Danny’s home town is near Brighton and, as Sofia falls in love with him, she finds herself dreaming about the Pier and a mysterious woman in black.

Having read Effrosyni’s first novel, The Necklace of the Goddess Athena, I was intrigued to read this one. I am a great fan of the supernatural and there is a strong suggestion in this book that something supernatural is going on.
What is perhaps most surprising about this author’s work is her superb grasp of the English language. For Effrosyni, as you might guess from her name, is a native Greek speaker. I can’t imagine the courage it must take to actually write whole novels in a foreign language.
This, subtitled ‘Ebb’, is the first of two novels. The second, ‘Flow’, will be released next year.

[Stephanie Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this story began, I was intrigued by how the lives of two very different girls in two unrelated situations could possibly connect or link together in any way, but my investigative inclinations were quickly replaced by a deep emotional involvement in each of the girls’ journeys to accept and celebrate true love.
Both Laura and Sofia have very different reasons for believing that their love is unrequited, but they each want to be true to their heart’s desire even if life keeps throwing difficulties their way. I became so captivated by the highs and lows of each girl’s relationship that I totally forgot about their possible connection until the end of the book where the door is left open for further development in the second of this series, The Flow.
Naturally, the next two books in this trilogy are already waiting on my kindle and I can’t wait to find out what will happen to these two unforgettable characters.

[Nicholas Rossis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having already read Moschoudi's first book, The Necklace of Goddess Athena, I expected more of the excellent writing I have come to associate with her. The Lady of the Pier: The Ebb did not disappoint. It has the same charm and nostalgic character as the Necklace, despite the genre difference. Her amazing descriptive talents shine throughout the book, explaining its impressive success with ABNA.

I was also pleased to find that the plot has a lot more "tension", as one of the things I had noticed in the Necklace - the absence of an antihero - is redressed here. Charles is a delightful "baddie", and a great addition to the cast.

If you enjoy romance, take heed: The Ebb makes a perfect summer read!

[Kindle Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two love stories from different eras told against the backdrop of picturesque Brighton and Corfu. This immediately intrigued me because I was curious about how the stories would intersect. It’s slow-going, but it’s something to be expected when the location and mood are described down to the last detail. It certainly feels like reading a travelogue that romanticises the places.

I find Laura’s story more conflict-driven, while Sophia’s story more retrospective. There’s no denying that this is a well-written romance novel with paranormal elements. I had expected a deeper connection between the two stories that I thought would make for a convincing unified conclusion. Instead, the author went for a more subtle approach that has its own dramatic effect on the reader.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She stood on the pier under torrential rain, in a long, black dress that flowed in a fierce wind. Huge waves crashed ferociously against the piles underneath. Murky, foaming seawater, mixed with seaweed, rose up from the wash in sharp tongues, threatening to take the woman down to the depths with them. (…)She held her hands open wide, as if waiting to embrace someone, yet no one came. A wistful melody and faint singing could be heard, as the woman called out to someone. Her expression was remorseful and pleading, her arms stretched out in front of her, or pounding at her chest.” (p. 5-6)

And now it’s time to talk about the first trilogy I’ve completed this year and a five-star-read that will certainly be included in my top favourite books of 2017. The Ebb is the first instalment in Ms Effrosyni Moschoudi’s paranormal romance/historical romance trilogy entitled The Lady of the Pier and it comprises of two plotlines set in different time periods. The first plotline is set in Corfu (Greece) in the late 80s and it follows Sofia Aspioti’s life, while the second plotline is set in Brighton in the late 30s and it revolves around Laura Mayfield’s life.

Sofia Aspioti is a twenty-one-year-old student at Athens University who goes to Corfu every summer to spend time with her grandparents and many relatives. But going to Corfu isn’t all about hanging out with friends or going to the beach, it’s also a refuge from Sofia’s overprotective father who always checked in on her to be sure that everything is alright. It seems to be a summer like many before: Sofia spends time with her best friend Loula, an outgoing teen who is the opposite of shy and introverted Sofia. Loula suggests that Sofia should look around and admire the cute boys strolling around the tavern or the beach, but finding a boyfriend is the last thing on Sofia’s mind because her father would find out quickly if she were flirting with someone. Uncle Yiannis, who seems to be her father’s informant, senses Sofia’s every move and his presence gives her the creeps. Overwhelmed by so many restrictions including dating, Sofia is forced to play the role of the submissive girl who always acts properly and never crosses the line.

However, in August, while Sofia and Loula are having a chat about work at Karavi, the tavern where Loula and Sofia’s cousin Akis worked, Sofia spots two Brits going to the beach. Even though she was apprehensive of falling in love with a flirt, the boy who catches her attention is Danny, the carefree lad who listens to Rick Astley’s Never Gona Give You Up and dances hilariously annoying his friend Steve in the process. Sofia feels unconsciously interested in him, but is there more besides her envy/admiration for his non-conformist way of living?

Meanwhile, in the story set in 1937, we follow Laura Mayfield, a young lady who moves to Brighton with her mother Ruth because the older woman is very ill and she needs a milder climate to live in. Very soon afterwards, Laura gets a job in the West Pier Pavilion, but on the pier, she will also find something else. Though the way Laura meets Christian Searle is very cute, Laura is a very annoyed by his boldness and constant teasing which gives her the impression that he is a bit rude with her. Finding out that both of them work in the same area angers Laura more, but, as they get to know each other, she understands that Christian is not the cheeky devil he seems to be on the outside. However, things will get more complicated for Laura and Christian’s relationship when opportunity strikes and Laura is offered a job at the theatre, where she mesmerises everyone with her enchanting voice. When Viscount Charles Willard appears into her life, Laura has to choose between true love and the chance to climb the social ladder as she secretly dreamed of.

This book, as well as the entire trilogy, is up my alley because it has everything I liked in a well-built and written novel: stunning descriptions of Corfu and Brighton and the vivid atmosphere of each setting, two female protagonists who are shy and naïve at first, but life gives them opportunities to take risks and grow, outgoing male characters who pull the protagonists out of their shell and give them the freedom they long for, wonderful secondary characters who make you laugh or your heart melt and villains who are well-built and have strong reasons to act like they do. When it comes to themes, the most important ones are a second chance at love, family and family secrets, friendship, love and so on.

I won’t talk about the similarities between the primary and secondary plotline because I don’t want to spoil your read, but they are subtle for the new reader and obvious to the seasoned one who has finished the trilogy. I think that the idea for these two stories connected to each other by Sofia’s strange dreams and bitter-sweet poems is a really interesting concept I haven’t read about before. I enjoyed this motif because it gives the reader hope that, at least in a book, anything is possible.

In this first book, the pacing is a bit slow, but I wasn’t bothered by it because I let the poetic writing fill my mind with breath-taking imagery of the sea, the impressive West Pier in Brighton and the quint yet picturesque Greek islands Sofia and her friends visit. There are references to songs and singers from the 30s and 80s, Greek culture and cuisine and family businesses which didn’t seem to change over the course of time. If I hadn’t known that the story was set in the 80s, I would have sworn that the story was set in the present-day Greece.

My favourite character is Sofia because she is shy, studious, but also nostalgic for the past and a bit too cautious. However, I can understand her because she doesn’t want Uncle Yiannis or the other villagers to see her hanging out with Danny who accepts to be discrete in order to avoid gossip and trouble. Nevertheless, they have the time of their lives: they explore new places and fall in love with each other. Though I had a hard time liking Danny at first, I enjoyed picturing their first kiss and rejoiced when he made Sofia step out of her comfort zone.

"Only time would tell if this blazing fire would eventually die on the altar of ephemeral summer love, or if, by any chance, it had the power to kindle for a while, then light up anew, this time to burn forever more." page 242

The way Ms Effrosyni Moschoudi describes the tranquil life of Sofia’s grandparents made me love them instantly and made me think of my grandparents. Although I don't know what is like spending the summer in the countryside, the story pulled me in and I pictured myself being there with Sofia and meeting the kind-hearted Kyriakis. Here’s a quote that reminded me of my gran: “She always found her granddaughter too thin. That gave her an excuse to pile up the food on her plate and to treat her to homemade sweets almost every day too. Not that Sofia minded of course.” (p. 34)

In the end, I hope that my review convinced you to pick up the first instalment in The Lady of the Pier trilogy.

[S.R. Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****WHAT A UNIQUE READ!

I found Effrosyni Moushoudi’s THE EBB (The Lady of the Pier Triology, Book 1) to be quite a unique read. Vivid descriptions of Corfu, Greece and Brighton, England––their buildings, food, local customs, childhood memories––all serve as lovely backdrops to two very different, interesting stories, placed in two very different eras.

Back and forth the book peels, beginning in 1937, when Laura and her mother arrive in Brighton, England. Her mother Ruth is there for health reasons, and for Laura, it’s a chance to discover the finer things in life; the kind of things that are unattainable in East London.

Switch to 1987, Corfu, Greece, where Sofia gets to retrace her roots with her grandparents and simultaneously, attain some freedom from her overbearing parents.

Each story is absorbing and romantic, but what struck me halfway in was the commonality of these very diverse girls. In 1937 Laura yearns for a different life. Fancy things and ‘elegant’ people fascinate her, but will those trappings deliver true love? In 1987, Sofia aches as well from the confines of her family, yet when she encounters some autonomy and love, will that bring true stability to her life? In other words, love can be hard, and along with it, difficult choices must be made and that fact never changes, no matter the city, no matter the generation.

With an ending that had me immediately head over to Amazon to buy the next book in the series, all I can say is how much I enjoyed this book. Highly recommended!

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

This story begins in Brighton, England in 1937. Destitute and seeking a new start, Laura, and her mother leave London to find a new home where Laura’s sickly mother can recover from the ills of living in the city. Once there, life blossoms for the lovely Laura. Soon after her arrival, she meets Christian, a stagehand at the West Pier Theater. Laura falls in love with him and their life seems destined to be a happy one. However, Christian realizes that Laura has ambitions that might not include him.

Almost true to the form of a rag to riches tale, Laura embarks on a promising singing career after being discovered while cleaning up after her shift in the nearby coffee shop. Ecstatic with her new career, Laura realizes she wants the good things in life. A rich aristocrat, Charles Willard pursues Laura with the intent to make her his own. Laura’s singing ambitions create problems for Laura and Christian as Laura realizes the horrible truth that Willard has an unhealthy obsession for her.

Suddenly, it is 1987, where twenty-year-old Sofia from Athens, Greece spends the summer with her grandparents in Corfu, Greece. Her vacation is at an idyllic location near the sea with a loving family that cherishes her. In an act of defiance against her strict father, Sofia takes a job at the local boat rental shop located on the pier near the beach. One day a captivatingly handsome Englishman named Danny who is vacationing from Brighton, England appears on the beach.

Quick as a flash, Danny steals Sofia’s heart with his laughter and winning ways. Sofia cannot resist his charms and falls in love with him, all the while worrying that her family will report her activities to her strict father. Danny’s vacation comes to an end and he heads home to Brighton leaving Sofia in her beloved Corfu.

In the midst of trying to balance her feelings for Danny and her family obligations, Sofia begins to have dreams of a strange lady in black who walks the West Pier in Brighton, of which she has never seen except for pictures in a magazine that Danny showed her. The woman resembles Sofia and somehow the woman’s pain becomes part of Sofia, deepening a haunting and mysterious connection between the two women.

And the mystery thickens…

At the heart of the two intertwining love stories are the piers – one in Brighton, and the other in Corfu. Sofia and Laura are connected through the haunting dreams even though they are separated by fifty years. Unfortunately, this is part one of the series and it does not give many answers to the questions that I was left with at the end of this book. Not that this is a bad thing.

Nevertheless, the descriptions painted by the words of Ms. Moschoudi transported me easily between the two times and locations. I loved how easy it was for me to find myself at both locations; on the Brighton pier and relaxing on the beach in Corfu. The characters were easy to connect with and I yearned for their love stories to become complete. I can’t wait to continue the series to find out what happens next!

My Recommendation:
I do highly recommend this book with the understanding that the story will continue to unfold in the subsequent volumes. There is a bewitching quality to the stories you will not forget. The second book is: “The Flow,” and the third book in the series is: “The Storm,” to be published in December 2015.


Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4.5
Reader Enrichment: 4.5
Reader Enjoyment: 4.5
Overall Rate: 4.5

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Lady of The Pier - The Ebb and would highly recommend it to romance enthusiasts and readers who love stories set in different locations and cultures. The Lady of The Pier tells the story of two young girls Sophia and Laura in two contrasting settings, and time periods - Greece in 1987 and Brighton, England in 1937. Both of these locations appealed to me and were my initial encouragement for reading Effronsyni's book - a dual narrative love story (with elements of paranormal fantasy,) of Laura and Christian, and Sofia and Danny. I have spent many happy holidays in Greece and Brighton too, so I really felt immersed in the story almost like I was on holiday myself! The Lady of The Pier is a sweet, heart warming story with an intriguing ending. I particularly enjoyed the important little details that the author added to suggest the close relationship between Sofia and her Greek grandparents. And the dreams of the strange lady in black who walks the West Pier in Brighton really captured my attention too. Equally, the relationships and love stories in both Brighton and Greece are engaging to read and I'm sure that there will be much to keep the reader entertained. I'm looking forward to reading Book 2 and finding out how the story unfolds.

From Reading #1 I highly recommend you give this book a read. I believe the second book in the series is “The Flow,” and the third book in the series is: “The Storm.”

[M.M. Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the enchanting fantasy tale of The Necklace of Goddess Athena, I marked this author as one whose books I won’t miss. The fact that this second attempt of Effrosyni Moschoudi cleared the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest is a further testament to the writer’s talent.



Emancipated Laura finds love and her star shines brightly in Brighton in the ‘30s. Insecure Sophia finds love and a modicum of independence from her overbearing parents in Corfu in the ‘80s. Different places, different eras. But what binds the two girls in a common fate? And who is the lady of the pier?

As with Ms Moschoudi’s previous book, I found myself immersed and mesmerized. The writer has an undisputed talent for creating vivid imagery through her amazing descriptive skills that managed to stay with me long after I’d put the book down. No, this was not one of the books that I speedread, needing to devour the story. Here, I needed to savor. I found myself rereading parts just to refuel a scene’s energy to keep it running in my mind longer, and I got withdrawal symptoms when I finally ended it.

It’s not just the two enticing stories, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, the authenticity of the characters or the heart-warming dialogue; it’s what reigns over these. An inner glow, an inherent purity that emanates from the pages to create a sense of completeness, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.

I'm so glad I'll get to live the dream again in the book’s sequel, The Lady of the Pier—The Flow!

Highly recommended!

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in Brighton(UK) 1937 and Corfu(Greece) 1987. Two love stories from different era's. The first love story is set in 1937 Brighton ( UK) And it is the story of Laura Mayfield who moved from London to Brighton to help her ailing Mother she is lucky enough to get a job as a singer at the theatre in the West Pier Pavilion. She falls in love with Christian Searle a lowly stage hand. But she finds herself pursued by Charles Willard a wealthy man who could give her the life style she craves. The second story is set in 1987 in Corfu (Greece) fifty years later and revolves around Sofia Aspioti , who is spending the summer holidays at her grandparents house and an English tourist Danny Markson, His hometown is near Brighton and as Sofia falls in love with hin. She starts dreaming about the pier and a mysterious women in black. I loved the descriptions of the settings i felt like i was there. I also loved the paranormal aspect to the story. It seems Laura and Sofia's journeys are some how connected it really makes you think. I highly recommend if you love romance/ drama stories.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Lady of the Pier: The Ebb, Effrosyni Moschoudi has created the promising start of a paranormal romance series: The Lady of the Pier. The Lady of the Pier: The Ebb is an entertaining and fast read, making you want to read more. I was drawn into the story right away. I felt close to what happened in both times and countries. All relevant characters became so real that I ‘reacted’ to them. Effrosyni’s descriptions create a live sensation i.e. you easily see, hear, and smell. I have never before felt this burning wish to visit Greece and/or Corfu.

It makes sense that both threads end with a cliffhanger. In this case I do not mind at all, knowing that the next volume will solve what I do not know, yet. Moreover, the cliffhangers give the readers the great opportunity to imagine what might come to pass.

This is a book to read again; and the start of a series to be looking forward to.

[Lindy Lu Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story it was well written, sweet and a little edgy. When I started to read this book I was captured and completely focused. But as I read it lost me somewhere in the middle only to grab me again to finish...

This was a story of two lives one past life and one present. Two stories of sweet loves one was almost tragic the other remains to be seen what will happen. But as Sophia (present day) dreams of Laura (past) could their lives be some how knit together?

[Bob Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effrosyni Moschoudi's The Lady Of The Pier: The Ebb is a parallel narrative divided by half a century. It centers around two young women, one in Greece, Sofia, and one in England, Laura. Both are on the threshold of womanhood when life is magical and discovering true love the greatest adventure of all. This is first and foremost a grand, sometimes heart aching, love story.

The two stories are joined together by seaside piers where the young women find employment, Laura at one of the magnificent piers at Brighton Beach, and Sofia at a much more modest pier at the Greek village of Vassilaki on Corfu, an island in the Ionian Sea. It is on these piers, fifty years apart, that Laura and Sofia meet the young men who they will fall in love with.

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for a good love story honestly told, especially by a skilled writer like Ms. Moschoudi. There is one scene in particular when two of the lovers have to part, maybe never to meet again, that is written so powerfully and driven by such raw youthful emotions that it took my breath away. And I'm an action/thriller kind of guy.

There is a haunting connection between the two narratives. The journeys of Laura and Sofia are somehow intertwined, but how can they be, separated as they are by half a century? It gives the stories an air of mystery. It tickles your brain.

The locations are colorful and peopled with fascinating characters. Ms. Moschoudi does not do the tour bus itinerary of stopping at one place for a couple of hours before moving on to the next. Instead, she gives you all the time you want to explore, meet people, and soak up the atmosphere. It's a delightful trip and I strongly urge you to take it. This would make an excellent stocking stuffer.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady of the Pier - The Ebb - 2014 ABNA Entry (Kindle Edition)
by Effrosyni Moschoudi

The story of two young ladies, in 1937 Laura Mayfield and her Mother leave London for Brighton. She gets a job at West Pier Pavilion and falls for a young man named Christian.

In 1987 Sofia Aspioti leaves Athens for summer vacation at her grandmothers home in Corfu, she also finds work at West Pier. She falls for a young man named Danny. She starts to have dreams a of a mysterious woman in black, leaving her curious about the woman.

This is a short(story) on the book that is to come. Having read Ms. Moschoudi's work I am now so anxious to see how this story unfolds. I wonder if and what the connection two these two women may have.

A great story to spark your interest and leave you yearning to read more!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moschoudi’s romance novel goes back and forth between two stories of two women falling in love in two different eras and places - Brighton in 1937 and Corfu, Greece in 1987. I found the two main characters Laura and Sofia to be two positive, upbeat and sunny personalities. Their similarities don’t end there as their lives unfold before you. They both encounter parallel experiences that relate directly to their change and growth as women of their time. The symbolism of each pier is also an interesting part of the story to read into. Moschoudi writes some beautiful and descriptive prose bringing you into each location and era with accuracy. Recommended for those who absolutely love romances that take you back in time!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a great fan of Effrosyni’s first book, I was really looking forward to reading this one. It is a totally different genre being more romantic fiction than mythological and the premise grabbed me from the start. I loved the way we read two stories, one set in Brighton and the other 50 years later in Corfu. I was very impressed by the recreation of 1930s Brighton and of course I loved the Corfu story. I would have liked more to link the two as it seems the pier is the main link at the moment. However, I’m sure more will be revealed in the second book, ‘The lady of the pier, the flow.’ A great romantic/historical read.

[Teresa Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I'm generally not a romance reader, but there was just something about the characters that struck a cord and kept me reading. Having the two story lines was an interesting twist, and the connection was clever and the bit of paranormal hit at just the right level and didn't distract from the story - it was the perfect balance.

It was really a delight to read; from the upbeat, fascinating characters to the beautifully detailed descriptions, this book really makes you 'feel' the story.

I would certainly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one!

[Coco.V]

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[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sensitively told dual time novel is about two young women 50 years apart. In 1987 Sofia is visiting her grandparents in Corfu. Struggling against her parents’ strict upbringing she relaxes in the loving comfort her grandparents give her. So far immune to romance, this summer a madcap young man from England touches her heart, but will she ever see Danny again when he returns to Brighton. In parallel chapters, set in 1937, we meet Laura moving down from London to the seaside for the sake of her mother’s health. She is lucky to find helpful, kind locals and starts working in a local theatre. She too meets a cheeky young man and soon she and Christian are a couple. Only her ambition and wish for the finer things in life threatens to come between them. When she is given the opportunity to sing in a successful show their relationship may be doomed.

I felt that I knew and understood each young women and hope for a happy conclusion to their relationships, but I was unsure what linked them except for Brighton. Towards the end of the book, Sofia has disturbing dreams of a woman in black looking out to sea and here may be the clue leading into the next book, The Flow. I would love to have discovered more of Sofia’s family secrets and followed her further into the future, but I must be patient and read the next book!

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories seemingly unrelated, one in 1980's Greece, the other begins in 1937 Brighton England. Can they be related? The author weaves her tale with such vivid descriptions, particularly of Greece, you can almost feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and smell all the spices released from the cooking in the kitchens. The West Pier in Brighton plays a part, in summer and winter. Love is the theme. Two couples, close friends, in each time period. One couple seems fine, but the other couple have a hard time getting together. As book number one ends, things are looking much better for all, yet a hint of future trouble looms. The story will continue with book number two and how the events of 1937-38 may or may not be repeated in the 1980's. Very well written, especially of the teen-age girls. I look forward to reading the next in this series.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ebb is an enjoyable summer time read mixing romance with some paranormal activity and adding some mystery of the evil character, Charles. It took a little bit to get into the two stories that are played out simultaneously. At first I thought these two woman, one from 1937 and the other from 1987, were related but soon I realized that they were one and the same woman from different times.

It is no surprise that this was picked by Amazon as a Breakout Novel. It was fascinating and held my interest throughout the book. This author has a talent that draws the readers in and makes them feel as if they are part of the story. The descriptive scenes of her beloved Greece come alive and make me long to visit Greece to see the beauty and feel the magic that she portrays there.

This is a wonderful summer time or any time read to take you away from your troubles. I look forward to the next book in the series. I was gifted this book and chose to review it without compensation.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lady of the Pier Trilogy series by Effrosyni Moschoudi. This story is set in two different periods: Corfu, Greece in 1987 and Brighton, England in 1937. In Corfu, Sophia Aspioti is a young student who falls in love with Danny Markson a charming British tourist during summer break. Sophia starts having dreams of a woman in black who haunts her. In Brighton, Laura Mayfield arrives with her unwell mother dreaming of wealth and happiness. Laura falls in love with Christian Searle a stagehand at the West Pier theater. Charles Willard a wealthy aristocrat is also pursuing Laura’s love. These two stories start to intertwine with each other with a mysterious connection between Sophia and Laura. Even though the two do not physically meet they have a paranormal connection between each other. I really enjoyed this fantastic historical fiction romance novel.

[Teri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a feast! Can't wait to read the second book.

I was so sad at the end, I have to get the next book immediately! This has been a feast of sights: the blue green water, the full moon pizza party, the sun kissing the sea making colors to fill your soul with happiness. Sounds: the sea lapping the shore, birds singing all day, girls in love giggling on the pier. Tastes: grandma's cake, veggies picked fresh, first kisses.

Two stories, one in 1937 and the other in 1987. How are they connected? I'm still working on it, but by the end of the first book there are enough hints to link them. No spoilers! I recommend this book, and this author if you enjoy literature - this is not a Raiders of the Lost Ark action packed story, this is a feast to linger over, to savor.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, actually two stories. And the book goes back and forth between the two stories, which for me, who is not able to sit down and read the book uninterrupted, makes it difficult to keep them straight. But aside from that, both stories had me captivated. I'm sorry but I will not tell you what they are about because near the end of the book it is revealed how they are connected. Then BAM, the book ends! For this reason I have rated the book only 3 stars. If you have time and you can read all three books in this series, I'm sure you will find out how the stories truly end. Good luck.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ebb (The Lady of the Pier, #1) by Effrosyni Moschoudi is a long book. Full of details and daily activities, I enjoyed never being left with questions. It is a wonderful beginning to a promising series. If love is eternal, then these characters seem to have found it. Typically, though, love is also difficult and nearly always tragic. This is masterfully portrayed and promised in this series. Thanks, in no small part, to the insights from the seer near the end. I will find my way through the other two in the not too distant future.