The Storm

The Lady of the Pier #3

by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Two worlds. One haunting. One love that won't let go.

When Sofia falls in love, a mourning spirit begins to haunt her... The Storm, a World War II romance, is the concluding part of the trilogy that merges the stories of Sofia and Laura into one. Now, redemption seems finally possible...

BRIGHTON 1988
Sofia does her best to get over Danny, but The Lady won't leave her in peace. The spirit guides her to meet more people who knew Laura, and now begins to haunt Danny as well. What will happen when he wears Christian's scarf? And who is the third person being haunted, and why?

BRIGHTON 1940
Laura is relieved to hear about Christian's narrow escape from Dunkirk, despite his serious injury. Things at home are as harrowing as ever, but she holds on to a glimmer of hope. When he discovers an old secret, Christian returns to Brighton. Will the old sweethearts find happiness at last or will Charles never allow it?

Genres: Paranormal

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2015

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

Go here to grab FREE books by this author: http://effrosyniwrites.com/free-stuff/

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Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm (The Lady of the Pier, #3) by Effrosyni Moschoudi


BRIGHTON 1940, Laura is happy to hear that Christian escaped from Dunkirk. He was seriously injured but still alive. Things are not so good for Laura at home (With Charles) but knowing about her true love is alive gives her hope. Then Christian returns to Brighton, will he and Laura be able to find true happiness? Or will Charles stand in the way?

BRIGHTON 1988, Sofia is trying to get over Danny. But Sofia's dreams of The Lady won't leave her be. Soon The Lady (spirit) helps Sofia meet people who knew Laura. Add to it that The Lady is haunting Danny too. What is the connection between the hunting's? Will Sofia ever get over Danny, and will she find out the truth from the past?

A fantastic installment in The Lady of the Pier series. Wonderfully written in alternating chapters, from each persons point of view. The story moves at a steady pace, with very well developed characters, attention to detail and dialog bringing you into the story and won't let you go. I was hooked from the first page up until the satisfying end.

I highly recommend The Storm to readers who love a (haunting) love story. A true five star read!

[Richa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even if it technically has a ghost as its central figure, which necessarily means its story happened in the past, hence, history; I would call this a romance. A boring, cliched, uni-dimentional romance. I still have to figure out the relevance of the title. I guess it means the internal turmoil, but I could be wrong.

[M.M. Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final installment of the wonderfully engaging The Lady of the Pier series, exuberant, vivacious Laura has turned reluctant and cautious whereas timid Sofia throws caution to the wind and opens up to life and the people it throws her way. That’s how she unpicks the thread that connects herself and Danny to the tragic story of The Lady of the Pier who has been haunting her dreams.

I found the gradual convergence and merging of the main protagonists’ personalities very interesting and expertly weaved in the story by the author. The story itself has heart-rending, dark twists that were more or less expected and led to a bittersweet ending, but that was no surprise. Yet again, both eras (early 40s and late 80s) are portrayed vividly and accurately, branding this trilogy as heartwarmingly nostalgic.

A wonderful and fitting ending to a mesmerizing trilogy.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third of the trilogy of The Lady of the Pier following The Ebb and The Flow. In 1988 Sofia is still a student in Brighton, haunted by dreams of the Lady. The reader realises that this is Laura, whose story we are also following in 1940. Sofia tells her room mate Annika that in her dream she had seen a man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, "the colour and intensity of cold steel."

Trying to forget Danny for whom she has such fond memories of their time together in Corfu. she has mixed feelings about the appearance of Jeff, another suitor for her attentions. Realising that she is not ready to "move on," from Danny she tries to help him with his mental problems.

Laura receives welcome news of her first love, Christian, but she remains trapped in a loveless marriage to Charles, who having avoided being called up in to military service, has become a black marketeer. Her friends do their best to ease her burden.

As Sofia helps Danny to face trauma from his youth, Laura begins to see the possibility of future happiness but when Danny also becomes haunted by the life of The Lady, life becomes very complicated.

This is an unusual dual time story of romance and reincarnation. It can only be read after the previous books in the trilogy and comes to a dramatic conclusion.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

After moving to Brighton, Sofia has vivid nightmares comprising of snippets of the Lady’s life. Annika, her Sweedish roommate, who is a paranormal enthusiast, offers to help Sofia and find out the truth about the mysterious Lady and the bizarre dreams the Greek girl experiences. The Lady haunts Sofia more aggressively than before because she wants Sofia to give Danny another chance, but the Greek girl is tired of Danny’s insecurities. Annika becomes Sofia’s friend and she encourages her to take a leap of faith just like the Lady demands of her because who knows what might happen next.

“I strongly doubt this is likely to go away. Sorry to say this Sophia . . . but you’ll remain knee deep in trouble unless you take heed. Spirits, when haunting someone as relentlessly as The Lady has been haunting you, don’t give up easily. In fact, from what I know, the more you resist her, the scarier the manifestations you’re likely to face. (…) You don’t want to play tough with spirits, Sofia! It’s already turned scary.” (p. 39-40)

Meanwhile, Laura and Maggie pray for Christian and Eric to return safely to England from France. Terror strikes the two women every time they hear of a British ship that has sunk after being hit by the Germans. After hearing some good news about Christian and Eric, Maggie advises Laura to write to Christian and even to take her child and move to Devon to start a new life with him. However, Laura is not thrilled about this idea because she is afraid for her and Freddie’s life because Charles is capable of anything including killing her or harming the child. Though Maggie is Laura’s best friend, I think that she is a bit naïve at times because she doesn't realise how vengeful and cruel Charles can be. Maggie feels guilty for the wrong advice she gave Laura in the past, but she finds a way to make her friend a little happier by trying to build a bridge between Laura and Christian. Will Christian finally learn the truth and forgive Laura for the mistakes she has done in the past?

“Laura never discussed it with Maggie, but now she’d daydream endlessly about the tiny chance of seeing Christian again. She hoped it could happen somehow, but her pride would never allow her to reach out to him, or even to ask Maggie to intervene.” (p. 108)

The story is different from what I’ve read before due to the two distinct yet familiar plotlines, the paranormal aspect of the trilogy and the details you have to discover and put together to uncover the big picture. One of my favourite scenes is the one where Sofia encounters some of the people who knew Laura Mayfield and she begins to understand why the spirit chose her to come to Brighton and fight for Danny’s love. It’s really an emotional moment for both Sofia and the reader because past and present seem to meet through memories and meaningful objects for Laura, her family and old friends.

However, there is something I didn’t like. Though the love triangle is well-built and makes sense in Laura’s story, I don’t think that it was that necessary in Sofia’s story. I understand that, by meeting Jeff, Sofia deviates from the path the Lady asked her to take and thus the nightmares intensify and force her to take action. But I still didn’t like how Sofia swings back and forth between Danny and Jeff. She gives Jeff the wrong message and she makes the two guys jealous of each other. I know that both Sofia and Danny are pretty insecure and apprehensive about their relationship, but it felt a bit disappointing to see a love triangle be used as a plot device.

In the end, The Lady of the Pier trilogy triggers various feelings within the reader, ranging from heartbreak, sorrow, anger, disappointment, but also sympathy, love and hope. If you love romance novels and emotional rides, then this is a trilogy you will enjoy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the trilogy brings us back to its protagonists from two different times and locations.

During World War II, Laura and her little son Freddie are still living in the family home; Charles is determined to never let someone else have Laura.

In 1988, Sofia Aspioti tries to get over Danny; her life in Brighton consists of studying, clubbing and – dreaming of The Lady of the Pier.

With The Lady of the Pier: The Storm, Effrosyni Moschoudi has created the intriguing final book of her paranormal romance trilogy: The Lady of the Pier. The Lady of the Pier: The Storm is an entertaining and fast read, has a great flow, being an expertly woven story. 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 ‘related’ to them. Effrosyni’s descriptions create a live sensation i.e. you easily see, hear, and smell. Laura & Christian, Sofia & Danny are not unusual for their times; fate isn’t always kind. I cried with them, I laughed with them and – they are now a part of my own memories.

This is a book and/or series to read again.

Highly recommended.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm is book 3 in The Lady of the Pier trilogy. I read books 2 and 3 back to back and couldn’t put them down until I completed the series. The author has created a mesmerizing story of romance and reincarnation. The story is divided into two separate stories of two women, Laura from the past, and Sofia from the present time. They supposedly share the same spirit.

Laura had a tragic life separated from her love and kept in a loveless marriage by a demented and evil husband. Sofia begins to experience dreams of a woman who looks a lot like her. The woman is Laura known as The Lady of the Pier. She vowed before her death that she would search until she found her love in another life. Through Sofia she does just that.

This story tore at my heart to see two lovers kept apart like this. Sofia realizes that she is the reincarnation of Laura and does all she can to fight to keep her love, Danny aka Christian, from the past not only for herself but to help Laura realize her dream to be with the one she loved. Laura puts many things in motion in order to assist Sofia in succeeding to be with Danny.

The author has created a heart-wrenching paranormal romantic historical story that will grip the reader and hold on tight until the ending. If you have a heart you will feel the angst of the characters in her elegant prose and shed tears along with Laura and Sofia.

I was gifted a copy of this book and reviewed it without compensation. I highly recommend this series and all books by this talented and creative author.

[Angel Sefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating revelation of the secrets haunting Sofia and tormenting the Lady of the Pier

Having read and enjoyed books 1 and 2 in The Lady of the Pier trilogy, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Storm (The Lady of the Pier Book 3). I devoured this book during a short vacation and enjoyed every minute of it.
In this captivating third book, the heartbreaking story of Laura and Christian and the stormy affair of Sofia and Danny blend together and come to a breathtaking and awe-inspiring revelation.
What can I say about this book and the trilogy as a whole?
The vivid characters made me feel as if they were going to jump out of the pages; Charles’ cruel behavior, Laura’s suffering, Christian’s self-sacrifice, Danny’s struggle to understand and face the issues tormenting him, and Sofia’s determination to fight for her love created overwhelming feelings.
The fascinating descriptions made me want to visit Corfu again and Brighton for the first time.
The author’s graceful way of writing and the poems included in the novel touched my heart.
5 stars for this book and the whole trilogy!

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novel in The Lady of the Pier series. I so enjoyed the first two novel in the series and this one I enjoyed even more. The third novel just added to my suspense and led me to wonder how the author was planning to link these two historical times together. I need not have worried as she did it in a beautiful manner that led me to wanting more. Ms Moscoudi is a talented author. She weaves story much the same as an artist paints a portrait. She captivates the reader and leads through a remarkable period of time. I cannot recommend this author more highly. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady of the Pier trilogy leads you on a supernatural trip between two time periods. The story fluctuates between Laura and Christian in Brighton in 1940 and Sofia and Danny in Brighton in 1988.

At the heart of the two intertwining love stories are the piers – one in Brighton, and the other in Corfu, Greece. Sofia and Laura are connected through haunting dreams even though they are separated by fifty years.

I absolutely loved the way these two stories twisted together supported by an enigmatic thread of paranormal activity that let the reader know there is more going on here than meets the eye. It appeared to me that both Sofia and Laura must learn about love the hard way, through their own choices. I was not far off in this assumption.

For me, the Brighton Pier was the symbolic element that acted as the bridge between both eras and both women. In the second book, I felt the tightening of the plot drawing both women along on a path to a destiny that must intersect in the last novel. In the first novel, there were two piers, one in Corfu and one in Brighton. In the second part of the series the two piers have merged into just one, the Brighton Pier where the stories of both women are were unfolding.

By the time I reached the last book, The Storm, I was dying to understand the mystery of the Lady of the Pier which linked these two couples together between the two intertwining stories. The writing stage had been skillfully set by Effrosyni Moschoudi and I was not disappointed in the revelations. The mystery had deepened to such an extreme I could not put this third book down. I literally finished the book in two nights!

In the final book, time and space merge in a reincarnation of the two time periods and the two couples. By the end of the book, I had stumbled upon the solution to the paranormal connection between the two couples. I was surprised by the depth and clarity of the characters and how neatly the story fit together. Some of the admissions from the characters caught me totally by surprise!

Once again, as with the previous two novels, the characters found a place in my heart. I was emotionally vested in the story. I literally shed tears at the explosive ending! In fact, I was sad to leave these characters behind. I finally understood them and learned that true love has no boundaries.

Of the three books in the Lady of the Pier series, I found The Storm to be the most satisfying. If you love a story that weaves supernatural events into a romantic storyline you will be thrilled with The Lady of the Pier, books one – three. This is one series I will read again and again when I want to be reminded of the power of everlasting love.

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

[Effie Kammenou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effrosyni Moschoudi weaves an interesting tale in her trilogy, The Lady of the Pier. More accurately, the reader is gifted with two stories. At first, I wasn’t sure how they could possibly tie together, and I found myself looking for a connection between the two as I read.
Sofia is a teenager visiting her grandparents in Corfu in the summer of 1987. Laura moves to Brighton with her mother in 1937. Both young women fall in love. But this is where the similarity in their stories end…or do they?
The trilogy is classified as a paranormal romance, and with that as my clue, by the end of the first book, The Ebb, I began to speculate what the connection was between Sofia and Laura.
Each story as a standalone was compelling enough to keep me reading, however, both in one book was addicting. The author captured the time period of each era beautifully and descriptively, giving the reader a real sense of pre and post war torn England, and in contrast, the simplicity and magical paradise known as Corfu.
In The Flow Sofia and Laura face obstacles, and by the third book, The Storm, choices must be made to find happiness or allow disaster to repeat.
For me, the best part of the book was the last section, but you will have to find out why for yourself. Very interesting and fascinating.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm by Effrosyni Moschoudi
BRIGHTON 1940, Laura is happy to hear that Christian escaped from Dunkirk. He was seriously injured but still alive. Things are not so good for Laura at home (With Charles) but knowing about her true love is alive gives her hope. Then Christian returns to Brighton, will he and Laura be able to find true happiness? Or will Charles stand in the way?

BRIGHTON 1988, Sofia is trying to get over Danny. But Sofia's dreams of The Lady won't leave her be. Soon The Lady (spirit) helps Sofia meet people who knew Laura. Add to it that The Lady is haunting Danny too. What is the connection between the hunting's? Will Sofia ever get over Danny, and will she find out the truth from the past?

A fantastic installment in The Lady of the Pier series. Wonderfully written in alternating chapters, from each persons point of view. The story moves at a steady pace, with very well developed characters, attention to detail and dialog bringing you into the story and won't let you go. I was hooked from the first page up until the satisfying end.

I highly recommend The Storm to readers who love a (haunting) love story. A true five star read!

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

1940 Brighton Christian has escaped from Dunkirk he was seriously injured but he is alive Laura is happy to hear. Things are not as good for Laura at home ( with Charles) But knowing Christian her true love is alive gives her hope. Christian returns to Brighton, will Laura and Christian find true happiness at last? Or will Charles stand in their way?

1988 Brighton Sofia is trying to get over Danny. But her dreams of the Lady won't leave her alone. Soon The Lady ( Spirit) helps Sofia meet people who knew Laura. The Lady is also haunting Danny. What is the connection between the two hauntings?
Will Sofia finally get over Danny, will she find out the truth from the past?

I love the Lady of The Pier series it is beautifully written the story moves at a steady pace. I was hooked on the story from the first page.

[Nicholas Rossis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm concludes Moschoudi's Lady of the Pier trilogy. I found each book to be more powerful than the previous one, and The Storm certainly ends with a bang. The two parallel stories meet head-on and masks drop to reveal old souls, entwined in an eternal game of guilt and remorse. And redemption, as this was one of the most surprising and heart-warming aspects of The Storm.

As always, Moschoudi's writing was impressive; sweet and delicate, yet powerful, like a punch rolled up in silk. As I was reading, I kept getting goosebumps - something that hasn't happened in a while.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all three books of this trilogy and this finale was a joy to read, albeit tragic and emotional I needed tissues on hand yet again. All the threads of the trilogy are brought together for a wonderful conclusion. Can thoroughly recommend this trilogy.