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Sun Sea and Secrets
Set on a beautiful Greek island in the sun, this is a tale of mystery and searching. Ella is looking for someone whose name she does not even know. The islanders are friendly and welcoming, but everyone, it seems, has a secret of their own. The island is paradise, but what secrets does paradise hide under stunning vistas, and overwhelming scents? Can Ella find who she is searching for? Will she find the answers she needs? What else will she find along the way? A story of Love in all its forms, love of Greece, love between past characters, new love between friends, cats, nature, and of food.
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2014
10 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
May J. Panayi
26 books17 followersI'm a writer, see website and a voracious reader. I love to travel especially to the Greek islands and Cyprus where I have family, but everywhere too. I love to cook and invent recipes. I maybe love to eat what I cook a bit too much. I'm Greek Orthodox now, but used to be a Witch and High Priestess and run a coven. I've been writing since I was five and have now written nine books and am working on the tenth, horror this time. I love cats, but have not got any living with me just now since my little guy died in 2011 and broke my heart. I'm happily married to Chris since 1995. We have no kids. I live in central Brighton and write looking out of the window at the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 26, 2015
This book could have been written by the Greek Tourist Board as it is a wonderful advert for the culture, food and ,lifestyle of the Greeks. I have long been a fan of Greece and in particular the islands so loved every minute of this book. The story is about a young woman -Ella, who sets out to discover more about her mother, who died when Ella was five, leaving her to be brought up in a care home as she had no other family. All that Ella has left of her mother is a photo taken one summer on an idyllic Greek island where dates suggest it seems likely Ella was conceived. Ella sets out to discover more about her mother and her time spent on the island.
The author proves it is possible to write a mystery without dead bodies, sex or violence and still captivate the reader. By the end of the book you will be thinking of moving to or at least visiting the island. The descriptions are obviously very authentic and the author's love for the Greek culture permeates from every page. A very enjoyable way to pass a winter's evening while looking forward to my next summer holiday.
The author proves it is possible to write a mystery without dead bodies, sex or violence and still captivate the reader. By the end of the book you will be thinking of moving to or at least visiting the island. The descriptions are obviously very authentic and the author's love for the Greek culture permeates from every page. A very enjoyable way to pass a winter's evening while looking forward to my next summer holiday.
April 1, 2019
Ella arrives in Greece to solve a mystery that bothered her for years. All she has is a photo of her mother from 1961 and the knowledge that her mother used to work in a bar during that fateful summer before escaping back to England and giving birth to her. Armed with determination to find her biological father, Ella begins her investigation which soon starts to reveal more and more information surrounding her mother and her mother’s mysterious lover.
I thoroughly enjoyed not only the plot but the exotic setting as well. Greece was described so vividly that I could easily picture walking through its picturesque streets, tasting local food, and feeling the sun on my skin. I also found the ending perfectly befitting and I couldn’t be happier for Ella and the outcome of her investigation. If you love well-written mysteries, this one is definitely for you. Highly recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed not only the plot but the exotic setting as well. Greece was described so vividly that I could easily picture walking through its picturesque streets, tasting local food, and feeling the sun on my skin. I also found the ending perfectly befitting and I couldn’t be happier for Ella and the outcome of her investigation. If you love well-written mysteries, this one is definitely for you. Highly recommended!
June 10, 2017
A while ago I read Malbed Mews by May Panayi, and I am not a fan of truly horrible horror! This author hooked me from the start and dragged me, kicking and screaming, to the five-star end, so when I wanted something different to take on holiday and the title “Sun, Sea, and Sand” popped up in my search I decided to be brave. Courage is not required, this time. Just admiration for the sheer versatility of a writer who can entertain to two such different ways. I have, as it happens, been to Greece. If you have too, you’ll recognise it. If you haven’t, go courtesy of May Panayi and enjoy the country, it’s food, it’s people, and an interesting mystery along the way.
September 11, 2018
Superb story
This is a light, contemporary, holiday/mystery story. It is set on a Greek island that is richly described with local customs & behaviour, so that you can easily imagine being there. The characters are interesting and the plot is not over demanding. The narrative is peppered with Greek language immediately followed by English translation. It interrupted my flow of reading because I paused and tried pronunciation. I had to ignore the Greek and only read the English. That said, the story has mystery, intrigue and grand description of scenery which kept me turning the pages.
This is a light, contemporary, holiday/mystery story. It is set on a Greek island that is richly described with local customs & behaviour, so that you can easily imagine being there. The characters are interesting and the plot is not over demanding. The narrative is peppered with Greek language immediately followed by English translation. It interrupted my flow of reading because I paused and tried pronunciation. I had to ignore the Greek and only read the English. That said, the story has mystery, intrigue and grand description of scenery which kept me turning the pages.
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January 3, 2016I could best describe Sun, Sea and Secrets with one word - sumptuous. In this novel, Panayi has adopted a writing style that draws the reader in and caresses them with the warm breezes of the Greek Islands.
This is not the first book of Panayi's that I have read and what amazes me about her writing style is her ability to contour her works to suit the genre or subject she is writing about. I have read a non-fiction book by this author as well as a paranormal story and each was as totally different in their phrasing and style as they could be, yet they were all wonderfully written stories. I have called Panayi, in the past, the Eclectic Indie Author for a reason. She is one of those rare authors who it appears can write about any topic and tailor it perfectly to their audience.
Sun, Sea, and Secrets is a perfect example of this rare talent. The story is as simple as they come. We follow Ella, a British woman seeking her roots and her possible father amongst the Greek Islands. He mother, who died when Ella was just five, had a brief stay on one island back in the early 1960's, with Ella being the result of her summer vacation. Ella, now an attractive, young, woman, returns to the island to try to discover more about her mother's stay there and possibly to find her father.
This is a simple, uncomplicated tale, with minimal drama, no conflict and also virtually no romance and yet in Panayi's skillful hands it became a compelling story that I couldn't wait to get to the end of. Her rich, descriptive language had me yearning to visit the Greek Islands. I could smell the trees and the honeysuckle, I could taste and smell the wonderful Greek food that she so beautifully described, in such detail.
This book truly ranks as one of my favorite reads of all time. For such a simple tale it managed to grab and excite me totally through the written words of Panayi. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys rich, fulsome, descriptive language. It was a joy to read and I am hanging out for the sequel to see where Ella's adventures lead next.
I hesitate to say anything negative about this book because I loved it so much, but if I could give one piece of advice to Panayi, it would be this. A book this good deserves a cover with the name of the book and the author's name. The cover photograph is beautiful, but it's not a book cover. I would suggest she remedy this, but that is a VERY minor note.
This is a five star plus read. It is simply exquisite.
This is not the first book of Panayi's that I have read and what amazes me about her writing style is her ability to contour her works to suit the genre or subject she is writing about. I have read a non-fiction book by this author as well as a paranormal story and each was as totally different in their phrasing and style as they could be, yet they were all wonderfully written stories. I have called Panayi, in the past, the Eclectic Indie Author for a reason. She is one of those rare authors who it appears can write about any topic and tailor it perfectly to their audience.
Sun, Sea, and Secrets is a perfect example of this rare talent. The story is as simple as they come. We follow Ella, a British woman seeking her roots and her possible father amongst the Greek Islands. He mother, who died when Ella was just five, had a brief stay on one island back in the early 1960's, with Ella being the result of her summer vacation. Ella, now an attractive, young, woman, returns to the island to try to discover more about her mother's stay there and possibly to find her father.
This is a simple, uncomplicated tale, with minimal drama, no conflict and also virtually no romance and yet in Panayi's skillful hands it became a compelling story that I couldn't wait to get to the end of. Her rich, descriptive language had me yearning to visit the Greek Islands. I could smell the trees and the honeysuckle, I could taste and smell the wonderful Greek food that she so beautifully described, in such detail.
This book truly ranks as one of my favorite reads of all time. For such a simple tale it managed to grab and excite me totally through the written words of Panayi. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys rich, fulsome, descriptive language. It was a joy to read and I am hanging out for the sequel to see where Ella's adventures lead next.
I hesitate to say anything negative about this book because I loved it so much, but if I could give one piece of advice to Panayi, it would be this. A book this good deserves a cover with the name of the book and the author's name. The cover photograph is beautiful, but it's not a book cover. I would suggest she remedy this, but that is a VERY minor note.
This is a five star plus read. It is simply exquisite.
March 24, 2016
It’s unusual to feel the sun on your back when you read a book indoors, but this is exactly what I felt reading Sun Sea and Secrets. I also felt very hungry as May Panayi described all the wonderful Greek food in great (maybe a bit too much)detail. This is a story about a woman coming to a Greek island hoping to discover more about her mother who died when she was only five. She hopes to discover what happened during the summer when her English mother worked in a Greek tavern and find out who her father is. Ella retraces her mother’s footsteps and in doing so, falls in love with the island, its people, the cats and its wonderful food. I particularly enjoyed the anecdotes about the cats; anyone who has visited Greece will have been affected by the legion of scrawny little cats desperate for food. I don’t think I was the only sunburned tourist getting funny looks from the checkout girl when I went into the supermarket to buy cat food. I could hear her think, “do British people eat cat food?’
This is a very warm portrait of a visit to Greece and would make an excellent travel companion as it teaches some basic Greek and introduces the many dishes on offer. Feel good sunny read.
This is a very warm portrait of a visit to Greece and would make an excellent travel companion as it teaches some basic Greek and introduces the many dishes on offer. Feel good sunny read.
December 31, 2014
Primarily a travel novel, introducing the reader to the culture, cuisine and lifestyle of the Greek islands, it weaves an interesting plot into the mix by telling the story of Ella, a woman who visits the island of Aegos to learn something of her mother, who had spent a long summer on the island in 1961.
The book has a pleasantly gentle pace, taking care to introduce each of its characters properly. Ella gradually meets many people who remember her mother, and gradually the details of the summer long ago are fleshed out, as Ella continues her own personal quest.
A very uplifting novel, its pace perfectly emulates its setting and ensures that all of the characters come alive. When the final page is read, it's like finishing a holiday, and saying farewell to the friends made there. But Ella has a new plan on her mind at the last page, so perhaps there's the potential for a second visit to Aegos?
The book has a pleasantly gentle pace, taking care to introduce each of its characters properly. Ella gradually meets many people who remember her mother, and gradually the details of the summer long ago are fleshed out, as Ella continues her own personal quest.
A very uplifting novel, its pace perfectly emulates its setting and ensures that all of the characters come alive. When the final page is read, it's like finishing a holiday, and saying farewell to the friends made there. But Ella has a new plan on her mind at the last page, so perhaps there's the potential for a second visit to Aegos?
January 4, 2016
This book was like being on holiday, it was such a rich wonderful tale that I simply could not put down. It's about a young girl looking for her father in the Greek Islands but it is so wonderfully written you feel like you are actually there. The style of writing is lovely and warming. The descriptions are quite brilliant, I only wished I was sat on some beach somewhere reading it.
It really does make you went to set off to Greece
Panayi seems to be able to write in ant genre and adapt her style of writing to suit. This is the fifth book I have read by hers and I think in some ways this may be my favourite. If you want a delightful and comforting read with a book you won't put down until you've turned the last page. Get sun sea and secrets. You won't be sorry.
There are no negatives about this book whatsoever. If it had a cover to suit the wonderful story it would fly off the shelves. Loved every page.
It really does make you went to set off to Greece
Panayi seems to be able to write in ant genre and adapt her style of writing to suit. This is the fifth book I have read by hers and I think in some ways this may be my favourite. If you want a delightful and comforting read with a book you won't put down until you've turned the last page. Get sun sea and secrets. You won't be sorry.
There are no negatives about this book whatsoever. If it had a cover to suit the wonderful story it would fly off the shelves. Loved every page.
January 28, 2020
An afternoon on a Greek Island
If you are looking for a few hours of escapism then I suggest you grab a cool glass of wine, a few olives and a comfy chair to travel through the footpaths and mountains of a Greek Island soaking up the vivid descriptions of the sights and smells that will surround you throughout this book.
Meet and chat with the locals and let your imagination savour the delicious foods and drinks at the same time as you join in Ella's search for her father...
If you are looking for a few hours of escapism then I suggest you grab a cool glass of wine, a few olives and a comfy chair to travel through the footpaths and mountains of a Greek Island soaking up the vivid descriptions of the sights and smells that will surround you throughout this book.
Meet and chat with the locals and let your imagination savour the delicious foods and drinks at the same time as you join in Ella's search for her father...
September 20, 2015
An enjoyable odyssey in Greece. Sun Sea and Secrets is a personal journey of discovery for Ella. She's on the hunt for the secrets of her past, including the identity of a father she has never met. Ella's search is described in great detail, bringing the Greek countryside and culture to life. There's a sweet, charming quality to Ellas's interactions with welcoming locals who help unlock the secrets that have brought her to Greece. Friendly gossip and a chain of liaisons among the people she meets is testament to the interconnectedness of those who live in small, intimate communities. This 'six degrees of separation' strategy is a key to finding the answers she seeks. Will it be enough to bring her closure; the peace and happiness that motivates her search? You'll have to read this novel of discovery for yourself to find out!
September 23, 2015
I had just enjoyed reading Malbed Mews, another of Panayi's books and thought I would give this a look as I have visited Greece. It was everything I had hoped, with a great deep look at the culture and the people. I gained a much better insight in to the Greek people than from my vacation and felt as it I were transported to the islands.
Ella, who works for a travel agent and loves the Greek islands to the point of learning the language, goes on a vacation of discovery. She was left orphaned at a very early age by the tragic death of her mother, a single parent. Now, all alone and an independent adult, Ella wants to learn more about the mother she never had a chance to know and also to get clues about the identity of her father, for he must have come from the islands.
It is a fascinating journey of discovery not to be missed.
Ella, who works for a travel agent and loves the Greek islands to the point of learning the language, goes on a vacation of discovery. She was left orphaned at a very early age by the tragic death of her mother, a single parent. Now, all alone and an independent adult, Ella wants to learn more about the mother she never had a chance to know and also to get clues about the identity of her father, for he must have come from the islands.
It is a fascinating journey of discovery not to be missed.
January 1, 2016
I have enjoyed several holidays in Greece, and this book took me back there, making me feel like I now need to plan my next summer vacation.
I have read several of this author's books, and what I love is her true versatility! She is able o craft a story across several genres from horror, children's fiction, poetry, short stories and more. This book was a really lovely read. There wasn't any pretence, just a group of wonderful characters that you will enjoy getting to know through the pages.. and the writing brings you into Greece as though you are there, tasting the delicious food and experiencing the atmosphere of the lively Greek islands. I want to be there now!!
Thank you for such a heartwarming and engaging story!
I have read several of this author's books, and what I love is her true versatility! She is able o craft a story across several genres from horror, children's fiction, poetry, short stories and more. This book was a really lovely read. There wasn't any pretence, just a group of wonderful characters that you will enjoy getting to know through the pages.. and the writing brings you into Greece as though you are there, tasting the delicious food and experiencing the atmosphere of the lively Greek islands. I want to be there now!!
Thank you for such a heartwarming and engaging story!
January 12, 2016
Totally absorbing
After reading this captivating story, I feel that the Greek Tourist Board don’t need an advertising agency to attract tourists – all they need to do is to hand the job over to May J. Panayi. From the opening pages, readers are offered a wealth of tempting dishes and descriptions of the stunning island scenery and life style that almost make you forget the purpose of Ella’s challenging quest – to unravel the mystery behind her mother’s visit to the island in 1961 before she was born. As the story unfolds, it makes you feel that you are there in person to share every moment of this compelling tale. But your patience will be rewarded as the last unsolved link is finally resolved.
Mike
After reading this captivating story, I feel that the Greek Tourist Board don’t need an advertising agency to attract tourists – all they need to do is to hand the job over to May J. Panayi. From the opening pages, readers are offered a wealth of tempting dishes and descriptions of the stunning island scenery and life style that almost make you forget the purpose of Ella’s challenging quest – to unravel the mystery behind her mother’s visit to the island in 1961 before she was born. As the story unfolds, it makes you feel that you are there in person to share every moment of this compelling tale. But your patience will be rewarded as the last unsolved link is finally resolved.
Mike
December 15, 2015
This is a sweet novel. I was looking for something to make me forget that it's cold outside, and my house feels like it's blowing down in the wind. The author doesn't disappoint on this score. It's a leisurely paced novel and this is clearly intentional as we are being brought into the main character's holiday. It is evident from the first page that the author knows the landscape and the language very well. The lifestyle of the people and their characteristics feel authentic. It isn't a novel that has your heart in your mouth but for a non-traveller like me, I look for books like this that take me places.
December 16, 2015
A delightful story. Great if you are going on holiday. Sun, Sea and Secrets will transport your mind and definitely get you in the holiday mood. Even while you are lounging around this love story is a quaint love story set at a nice leisurely pace. The reader can immerse themselves in a easy to read book that has been edited and a pleasure to read.
The author has a gift when writing the descriptive and does go into detail regarding food, conversation and scenery. If you are heading to Greece, this is a must. Reading May J Panayi's book, you may even pick up some valuable phrases in Greek.
The author has a gift when writing the descriptive and does go into detail regarding food, conversation and scenery. If you are heading to Greece, this is a must. Reading May J Panayi's book, you may even pick up some valuable phrases in Greek.
April 16, 2016
Ella's mother Elizabeth died when she was five. It left her with a lot of questions. All she had belonging to her mother was a box of photos and a few dried-out flowers. She visits Greece, where her mother spent many months in 1961. Her hope is to learn more about her mother and the mystery man in one of the photos. She finds beautiful scenery, good people, and delicious food. But will her quest be fulfilled? This is a beautifully written story which makes me feel like I was right there. I thought the storyline is great and I was excited to learn there is a second book about the characters.
March 26, 2018
Interesting read about a woman who is on a quest to find her birth father. She only has a few clues in a box left by her mother. A box of memories from a long-ago trip to Greece. It would seem an unsurmountable task, but to her surprise everyone she bumps into seems to remember her mother. A warm heartfelt story of lost loves and friendship. The author details the customs and foods of the island, perhaps a little too detailed. A good story that will make you want to book your trip to this friendly isle.
August 1, 2015
A lovely story. Great if you are going on holiday. Sun, Sea and Secrets will transport your mind and definietly get you in the holiday mood. The author has a quaint way for writing the descriptive and does go into detail regarding food, conversation and scenery. If you are heading to Greece, this is a must. Reading May J Panayi's book, you may even pick up some valuable phrases in Greek.
August 24, 2015
Not every mystery has to be a murder. The heroine finding her father pieces together a puzzle that is intriguing and captivating. A beautiful and charming story, wrapped in a detailed and loving travelogue of the Greek islands, well plotted and well written. It offers interesting characters and a mystery that has enough twists to keep you hanging around.
November 11, 2019
A holiday mystery.
Ella goes to the Greek islands to try to find her unknown father. She visits beautiful sites and encounters many friendly, likeable characters on her journey. A lovely holiday read! The only thing I found frustrating was the constant translation of speech from Greek to English.
Ella goes to the Greek islands to try to find her unknown father. She visits beautiful sites and encounters many friendly, likeable characters on her journey. A lovely holiday read! The only thing I found frustrating was the constant translation of speech from Greek to English.
April 15, 2016
Really enjoyed this book, its descriptive, fun and enjoyable to read.
July 13, 2020
This is a fun read. Makes me ready to return to Greece. Look forward to reading Return to Aegos.
October 4, 2020
Loved this book, could not put it down. I love Greece i have been quite a few times , so I knew some of the places , but with the names changed it was funny .
June 1, 2023
enjoyable read.
January 21, 2017
Nice story
I liked the story and felt like a Greek tourist. There was one thing I found strange and it drove me nuts. Every time the main character bought anything, from a meal to a dress, the author told us how much it cost and how much tip was left.
I liked the story and felt like a Greek tourist. There was one thing I found strange and it drove me nuts. Every time the main character bought anything, from a meal to a dress, the author told us how much it cost and how much tip was left.
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March 6, 2019Feeling for Greece
Heartwarming story for sure to read before trip to Greece- could use edits for repetitive detail around what eating wearing etc
Heartwarming story for sure to read before trip to Greece- could use edits for repetitive detail around what eating wearing etc
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews