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The Gift Saga #1
Evanthia's Gift
In the year 1956, Anastacia Fotopoulos finds herself pregnant and betrayed, fleeing from a bad marriage. With the love and support of her dear friends Stavros and Soula Papadakis, Ana is able to face the challenges of single motherhood. Left with emotional wounds, she resists her growing affection for Alexandros Giannakos, an old acquaintance. But his persistence and unconditional love for Ana and her child is eventually rewarded and his love is returned. In a misguided, but well-intentioned effort to protect the ones they love, both Ana and Alex keep secrets - ones that could threaten the delicate balance of their family.
The story continues in the 1970’s as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean,
who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she’d hoped for.
EVANTHIA’S GIFT is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.
The story continues in the 1970’s as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean,
who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she’d hoped for.
EVANTHIA’S GIFT is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.
Audible Audio
First published August 7, 2015
424 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Effie Kammenou
11 books646 followersEffie Kammenou believes it's never too late to chase your dreams, follow your heart, or change your career. She is proof of that. At one time, long ago, she'd hoped that by her age, she would have had an Oscar in her hand after a successful career as an actor. But instead, she worked in the optical field for forty years while raising her two daughters.
In 2015, three years after her mother died from pancreatic cancer, she published her debut novel, Evanthia's Gift, the first book in a women's fiction, multigenerational love story, and family saga, inspired by her mother and her Greek heritage. Kammenou continued to pick her father's brain for stories of his family's life in Lesvos, Greece, and their journey to America until his recent death in November 2022 at 100. Her interview with him was published in the nationally circulated magazine Reminisce.
Evanthia's Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga was a 2016 finalist in the Readers Favorite Book Awards. Book two, Waiting for Aegina, was awarded finalist status in the 2019 International Book Awards. Chasing Petalouthes, the last book in the trilogy, also placed in the Readers Favorite Book Awards for the 2018 contest.
Most recently, Love is Worth Fighting for won silver, second place for contemporary romance, in The Readers Favorite Book Awards.
Kammenou's latest project is The Meraki Series. Love is What You Bake of it, Love by Design, and Love is Worth Fighting for are available. Book four: Love in Plain Sight, will finish the series. Each book focuses on a sibling and their quest for love and professional success despite their sometimes stifling and meddling family. But it would only be a Kammenou novel with delving into the past or references to mouth-watering foods. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in Greek history is slowly uncovered throughout the series.
As a bonus, each book contains traditional Greek recipes; many passed down from her Athenian mother.
Effie Kammenou is a first-generation Greek-American who lives on Long Island. When she's not writing or posting recipes on her food blog, aptly named Cheffie's Kitchen, you can find her entertaining family and friends or traveling for 'research.' She recently returned to her roots by occasionally working as a background actor in film and television productions.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University.
For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on Social media or log onto her website to sign up for her newsletter.
Website - http://effiekammenou.com
Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effieka...
https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou
www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou
https://www.instagram.com/effiekammen...
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMZ...
In 2015, three years after her mother died from pancreatic cancer, she published her debut novel, Evanthia's Gift, the first book in a women's fiction, multigenerational love story, and family saga, inspired by her mother and her Greek heritage. Kammenou continued to pick her father's brain for stories of his family's life in Lesvos, Greece, and their journey to America until his recent death in November 2022 at 100. Her interview with him was published in the nationally circulated magazine Reminisce.
Evanthia's Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga was a 2016 finalist in the Readers Favorite Book Awards. Book two, Waiting for Aegina, was awarded finalist status in the 2019 International Book Awards. Chasing Petalouthes, the last book in the trilogy, also placed in the Readers Favorite Book Awards for the 2018 contest.
Most recently, Love is Worth Fighting for won silver, second place for contemporary romance, in The Readers Favorite Book Awards.
Kammenou's latest project is The Meraki Series. Love is What You Bake of it, Love by Design, and Love is Worth Fighting for are available. Book four: Love in Plain Sight, will finish the series. Each book focuses on a sibling and their quest for love and professional success despite their sometimes stifling and meddling family. But it would only be a Kammenou novel with delving into the past or references to mouth-watering foods. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in Greek history is slowly uncovered throughout the series.
As a bonus, each book contains traditional Greek recipes; many passed down from her Athenian mother.
Effie Kammenou is a first-generation Greek-American who lives on Long Island. When she's not writing or posting recipes on her food blog, aptly named Cheffie's Kitchen, you can find her entertaining family and friends or traveling for 'research.' She recently returned to her roots by occasionally working as a background actor in film and television productions.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University.
For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on Social media or log onto her website to sign up for her newsletter.
Website - http://effiekammenou.com
Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effieka...
https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou
www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou
https://www.instagram.com/effiekammen...
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMZ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
August 27, 2015
"This book is dedicated to my mother. I miss you and think of you each and every day. It was with your whispers in my ear that this story was written. You were, and still remain the thread that holds our family together."
This dedication is so beautiful, I couldn’t not share it.
Evanthia’s Gift is a generational love story that connects two couples, two countries, and two generations. Part of the book is set in war-time Greece, and it shares with us a great cultural heritage that I could predict appearing in a Greek family saga, but still was overwhelmed by its beauty and detail. Learning about the Greek culture was one of the parts that I immensely enjoyed, especially, because it was absolutely new to me.
The other part of the story was set in New York, my favorite city that I love so much from books and movies. It was nice to read about it once again through a new author’s perspective, and this second setting added a certain flair to the historical aspect of the book. I can’t say I know a lot about the 50’s aside from music, but the way the author described it, the picture was clear as day in my head. This book would make for a great romantic movie about love, family, friendship, and the adventure that is life.
One thing that was a great surprise to me was the number of plot twists. For some reason, I hadn’t expected it from a travel romance book. But it turned out to be a real page turner, and I could never predict what would happen next. A roller-coaster of emotions, this book is for romance readers who believe that even the most tangled story can have a happy ending; it’s for fans of women’s fiction and multigenerational stories, tied neatly together.
Big thank you to the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
This dedication is so beautiful, I couldn’t not share it.
Evanthia’s Gift is a generational love story that connects two couples, two countries, and two generations. Part of the book is set in war-time Greece, and it shares with us a great cultural heritage that I could predict appearing in a Greek family saga, but still was overwhelmed by its beauty and detail. Learning about the Greek culture was one of the parts that I immensely enjoyed, especially, because it was absolutely new to me.
The other part of the story was set in New York, my favorite city that I love so much from books and movies. It was nice to read about it once again through a new author’s perspective, and this second setting added a certain flair to the historical aspect of the book. I can’t say I know a lot about the 50’s aside from music, but the way the author described it, the picture was clear as day in my head. This book would make for a great romantic movie about love, family, friendship, and the adventure that is life.
One thing that was a great surprise to me was the number of plot twists. For some reason, I hadn’t expected it from a travel romance book. But it turned out to be a real page turner, and I could never predict what would happen next. A roller-coaster of emotions, this book is for romance readers who believe that even the most tangled story can have a happy ending; it’s for fans of women’s fiction and multigenerational stories, tied neatly together.
Big thank you to the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
December 10, 2017
This is such a beautifully written story that begins in 1956 with Anastacia Fotopoulos fleeing her home and husband after he has betrayed her in the most unforgivable way possible. Her husband is unaware that she is having his baby, something that she will keep from him as she finds it impossible to forgive him.
The story follows Anastacia and her daughter through their lives, loves and two continents. It is a time when old traditions collide with the modern world and rebellious teenagers. I loved learning about Greek traditions and cultures and was absolutely delighted with the delicious recipes that were shared in the story. I shall try out some of these myself in the future.
There were strong bonds between families that I loved as they were always there for each other in good and bad times but some of the traditions were hard for the second generation in the story to follow, especially in the USA. This became a costly rebellious action for one young man in terms of losing who he loved for the sake of making a point. I really did cringe at his actions. It really was a matter of cutting his nose off to spite his face. I really could not believe what he sacrificed and my heart sank.
There is such a lot of love in this book, not just between couples but between families too. Times when a mother holds back waiting for her child to come to her to be comforted because she knows her child is hurting but also a child thinking she is protecting her mother by keeping things from her. So many times I recognised my own feelings in them. Heart ache and love. Just such a lovely book of life.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in The Gift Sage in New Year.
The story follows Anastacia and her daughter through their lives, loves and two continents. It is a time when old traditions collide with the modern world and rebellious teenagers. I loved learning about Greek traditions and cultures and was absolutely delighted with the delicious recipes that were shared in the story. I shall try out some of these myself in the future.
There were strong bonds between families that I loved as they were always there for each other in good and bad times but some of the traditions were hard for the second generation in the story to follow, especially in the USA. This became a costly rebellious action for one young man in terms of losing who he loved for the sake of making a point. I really did cringe at his actions. It really was a matter of cutting his nose off to spite his face. I really could not believe what he sacrificed and my heart sank.
There is such a lot of love in this book, not just between couples but between families too. Times when a mother holds back waiting for her child to come to her to be comforted because she knows her child is hurting but also a child thinking she is protecting her mother by keeping things from her. So many times I recognised my own feelings in them. Heart ache and love. Just such a lovely book of life.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in The Gift Sage in New Year.
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September 21, 2019
Effie Kammenou builds a heartfelt multigenerational love story in Evanthia’s Gift. Sophia has always had a special connection with Dean since childhood, but as secrets start to tear them apart she seeks out her mother for advice. In doing so, she discovers her mother’s life wasn’t as smooth as it seemed on the surface. I loved the depth of the family and vivid emotion Kammenou evoked. If you love touching romances like The Notebook, check this one out!
October 21, 2015
Evanthia’s Gift is a one-of-a-kind story. It all starts with Anastacia Fotopoulos, in 1956, when her world turns upside down. Deceived and heartbroken, Anastacia faces indescribable challenges such as single motherhood. After finally finding herself and healed from the past, Anastacia lets herself be happy. The drama progresses on with Anastacia’s daughter, Sophia, where she is left with no choice but to be strong for herself and her family.
I have to say that the title of this book is so alluring that I wanted to know the meaning behind it. After a long time analyzing the title, I came to a conclusion that Alexandros was Evanthia’s gift to Anastacia and her family. It makes sense since Alexandros helped Anastacia in so many ways and was the person that Anastacia desperately needed in her life. After the sad marriage she had, it was extremely hard for her to trust and love somebody new. It was a very difficult task for Anastacia to stay at peace and happy with herself. Alexandros changed her life for the better. Alexandros had a horrible past, but he didn’t grow up as a bitter, hateful man but as a hard-working and smart man who had values. I might be wrong, but I think Alexandros really was Evanthia’s gift to everyone that Alexandros made contact with.
The main reason I enjoyed reading Evanthia’s Gift is because of the Greek culture and history. I loved knowing about places in Greece, Greek words, and Greek Orthodox Christianity. At first, the Greek customs and beliefs were very foreign to me, but after a few hundred pages, Greece felt like home to me. Every time a chapter ended, the following pages were Greek food recipes which I absolutely adored since all the food she stated sounded so good. It also made the story more real since every time a character cooked something Greek, Kammenou would write the recipe so the readers could also try it and get a taste of Greece. This book had a beautiful aura. The only downside was that the author barely mentioned what specific greek words meant. Every time the author wrote something in greek, I had to use context clues to determine the meaning of those words. Overall, I loved how Kammenou made Greece so familiar, memorable, and real to someone that’s only seen Greece in pictures. I could touch the white walls and smell the salt water from the crystal blue beaches that Anastacia constantly talked about.
Read more at: http://fullofbooks.com/evanthias-gift...
I have to say that the title of this book is so alluring that I wanted to know the meaning behind it. After a long time analyzing the title, I came to a conclusion that Alexandros was Evanthia’s gift to Anastacia and her family. It makes sense since Alexandros helped Anastacia in so many ways and was the person that Anastacia desperately needed in her life. After the sad marriage she had, it was extremely hard for her to trust and love somebody new. It was a very difficult task for Anastacia to stay at peace and happy with herself. Alexandros changed her life for the better. Alexandros had a horrible past, but he didn’t grow up as a bitter, hateful man but as a hard-working and smart man who had values. I might be wrong, but I think Alexandros really was Evanthia’s gift to everyone that Alexandros made contact with.
The main reason I enjoyed reading Evanthia’s Gift is because of the Greek culture and history. I loved knowing about places in Greece, Greek words, and Greek Orthodox Christianity. At first, the Greek customs and beliefs were very foreign to me, but after a few hundred pages, Greece felt like home to me. Every time a chapter ended, the following pages were Greek food recipes which I absolutely adored since all the food she stated sounded so good. It also made the story more real since every time a character cooked something Greek, Kammenou would write the recipe so the readers could also try it and get a taste of Greece. This book had a beautiful aura. The only downside was that the author barely mentioned what specific greek words meant. Every time the author wrote something in greek, I had to use context clues to determine the meaning of those words. Overall, I loved how Kammenou made Greece so familiar, memorable, and real to someone that’s only seen Greece in pictures. I could touch the white walls and smell the salt water from the crystal blue beaches that Anastacia constantly talked about.
Read more at: http://fullofbooks.com/evanthias-gift...
September 18, 2015
I just finished this book last night. It was a win from Goodreads and I am glad I won it. This was one of the best books I have ever read, it was a long book but I never lost interest. The love that Ana and Alex had for each other set such a good example for Sophia and Dino even though they lost each other, in the end they refound their love. I didn't like the way Irini showed up at the funeral it just sort of put a damper on the ending for me. I hope Effie offers book two on Goodreads and if not I will surly look for the release date.
December 15, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I've come to realize that family sagas are one of the most interesting types of books that I read this year. There is, of course, my favorite: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith; too there was Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. As the year draws to a close, I was able to read/listen to Evanthia's Gift, a story of Greek immigrants and their family as they move back and forth between Greece and America and, finally, raise their children as Greek-Americans in a time when identity is something hard to pinpoint, particularly one that has dual countries contributing to who they are.
The book opens with betrayal, but even in that Anastacia, the first main character, finds some hope: her daughter, Sophia. As the story progresses there is still much doubt and pain. Anastacia struggles with what to tell Sophia about her father and, with her friends old and new, the lingering effects of World War II in their homeland, Greece.
The movement from her earliest feelings of betrayal to the slow effort of healing, delayed as it was by self-doubt and trouble from the past, was a tender experience for Anastacia and her readers. There were moments of beauty, such as when she is walking through her hometown and by the sea during her later honeymoon. There were almost moments of personal pain, such as recovering from a late-term miscarriage and hysterectomy. Anastacia was a strong character, even at rock bottom moments, and her and Alex were a wonderful couple to read about.
There were reminiscences throughout that were painful and saddening. Anastacia remembering rationing and the black market. Alex recalling trying to find a beloved merchant and searching the place he knew him most likely to be: boarding a train, guarded by Nazis. Not to compare the heartache to these previous examples, but even the love of the young, the desperation in the relationship between Sophia and Dean, was hard to bear because of their young age, the intensity of such feelings, and the knowledge that there is heartbreak in their past and probably their future as well.
I wasn't a fan when the story turned from Anastacia and Alex and their generation to that of their children because it felt like two separate stories that were only loosely connected. Sophia was a bit difficult to like half of the time because of her infatuation with Dean. Her determination was almost admirable in that she knew what she wanted and held on to that, but I think it hurt her in some ways because she was pinning so much hope and almost her entire future on this one guy when she was still so young. There's an entire future ahead of her, but from the age of twelve onward she's sure that she would go through anything, wait forever even, if only Dean could be hers.
Anastacia and Alex's relationship was much more emotionally rich than that of Sophia and Dean. When things go wrong between them, primarily Dean's fault through some lies with Sophia, much weight is loaded upon her. Her melancholy is exaggerated, too intense, and yet Dean puts the burden on her, refusing to accept responsibility for his part. A textbook teen romance, something of Lifetime movies, once Sophia and Dean started dating, their relationship and the dissolution of it, was a serious downswing in readability.
Sophia states at one point that she has grown as a dancer and as a person; while I might accept her dancing ability, her growth as a person is debatable because of her pining for Dean, her insistence that he will be the only man for her ever, despite their separation and the pain he's put her through by keeping their relationship a secret.
Dean continued to be a disgusting character that I disliked more and more as time went on. His possessiveness of Sophia, even years later, was creepy as hell, especially since he kept insisting he'd evolved and moved on with a woman named Elizabeth. Sophia wasn't much better, frustrating as she was clinging to Dean, to the past, almost as much as he was. The callbacks to Romeo & Juliet were cringe worthy in their accuracy.
The way the secondary female characters Irini (Anastacia's sister) and Elizabeth (Dean's wife) were treated as "developed" characters was disgusting. They were set up as shrewish if only to bolster the primary ladies in their generation. Loading them down in favor of other women felt extreme and a bit hostile. While Elizabeth admittedly had some traits, some snobbishness, that made her unlikable, I think I understood some of her aversion to Dean's family. Considering how they treated her, his parents because she wasn't Greek and his sister because she wasn't Sophia, I don't blame her for sticking to the people she knew and was comfortable with.
The second generation in this family saga was full of people that couldn't figure out their own minds and kept making bad decisions regarding personal relationships. The silent treatment doesn't work and as much as the reader is meant to like Sophia, I kept rolling my eyes at her childish behavior. From seventeen to the end of the book, she in particular felt immature; at 41, her voice, her presence in the book, doesn't feel like she's grown from where she started.
Emily Lawrence was a very good narrator. The quality of her voice made the epic story a pleasant experience and that's essential, particularly when the book was so long. Her accent for the first generation of the story was, as far as I could tell, accurate and it set them apart from their children, who know Greek but have grown up primarily in the United States and thus have more exposure to American sounding voices.
The beginning of this book was far superior to the later two-thirds and while I disliked Sophia, Dean, and others of that time period, Anastacia and Alex's story is worth the read. The interludes of Greek recipes and of excerpts from poems and philosophy texts, while not always making sense in context, were a nice way to break up the monotony of the drier moments. I would not count this among my favorite family sagas, but I think it might reach others that enjoy lighter novel atmospheres, wanting to branch out.
I received a copy of this book from the Audiobookworm Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
I've come to realize that family sagas are one of the most interesting types of books that I read this year. There is, of course, my favorite: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith; too there was Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. As the year draws to a close, I was able to read/listen to Evanthia's Gift, a story of Greek immigrants and their family as they move back and forth between Greece and America and, finally, raise their children as Greek-Americans in a time when identity is something hard to pinpoint, particularly one that has dual countries contributing to who they are.
The book opens with betrayal, but even in that Anastacia, the first main character, finds some hope: her daughter, Sophia. As the story progresses there is still much doubt and pain. Anastacia struggles with what to tell Sophia about her father and, with her friends old and new, the lingering effects of World War II in their homeland, Greece.
The movement from her earliest feelings of betrayal to the slow effort of healing, delayed as it was by self-doubt and trouble from the past, was a tender experience for Anastacia and her readers. There were moments of beauty, such as when she is walking through her hometown and by the sea during her later honeymoon. There were almost moments of personal pain, such as recovering from a late-term miscarriage and hysterectomy. Anastacia was a strong character, even at rock bottom moments, and her and Alex were a wonderful couple to read about.
There were reminiscences throughout that were painful and saddening. Anastacia remembering rationing and the black market. Alex recalling trying to find a beloved merchant and searching the place he knew him most likely to be: boarding a train, guarded by Nazis. Not to compare the heartache to these previous examples, but even the love of the young, the desperation in the relationship between Sophia and Dean, was hard to bear because of their young age, the intensity of such feelings, and the knowledge that there is heartbreak in their past and probably their future as well.
I wasn't a fan when the story turned from Anastacia and Alex and their generation to that of their children because it felt like two separate stories that were only loosely connected. Sophia was a bit difficult to like half of the time because of her infatuation with Dean. Her determination was almost admirable in that she knew what she wanted and held on to that, but I think it hurt her in some ways because she was pinning so much hope and almost her entire future on this one guy when she was still so young. There's an entire future ahead of her, but from the age of twelve onward she's sure that she would go through anything, wait forever even, if only Dean could be hers.
Anastacia and Alex's relationship was much more emotionally rich than that of Sophia and Dean. When things go wrong between them, primarily Dean's fault through some lies with Sophia, much weight is loaded upon her. Her melancholy is exaggerated, too intense, and yet Dean puts the burden on her, refusing to accept responsibility for his part. A textbook teen romance, something of Lifetime movies, once Sophia and Dean started dating, their relationship and the dissolution of it, was a serious downswing in readability.
Sophia states at one point that she has grown as a dancer and as a person; while I might accept her dancing ability, her growth as a person is debatable because of her pining for Dean, her insistence that he will be the only man for her ever, despite their separation and the pain he's put her through by keeping their relationship a secret.
Dean continued to be a disgusting character that I disliked more and more as time went on. His possessiveness of Sophia, even years later, was creepy as hell, especially since he kept insisting he'd evolved and moved on with a woman named Elizabeth. Sophia wasn't much better, frustrating as she was clinging to Dean, to the past, almost as much as he was. The callbacks to Romeo & Juliet were cringe worthy in their accuracy.
The way the secondary female characters Irini (Anastacia's sister) and Elizabeth (Dean's wife) were treated as "developed" characters was disgusting. They were set up as shrewish if only to bolster the primary ladies in their generation. Loading them down in favor of other women felt extreme and a bit hostile. While Elizabeth admittedly had some traits, some snobbishness, that made her unlikable, I think I understood some of her aversion to Dean's family. Considering how they treated her, his parents because she wasn't Greek and his sister because she wasn't Sophia, I don't blame her for sticking to the people she knew and was comfortable with.
The second generation in this family saga was full of people that couldn't figure out their own minds and kept making bad decisions regarding personal relationships. The silent treatment doesn't work and as much as the reader is meant to like Sophia, I kept rolling my eyes at her childish behavior. From seventeen to the end of the book, she in particular felt immature; at 41, her voice, her presence in the book, doesn't feel like she's grown from where she started.
Emily Lawrence was a very good narrator. The quality of her voice made the epic story a pleasant experience and that's essential, particularly when the book was so long. Her accent for the first generation of the story was, as far as I could tell, accurate and it set them apart from their children, who know Greek but have grown up primarily in the United States and thus have more exposure to American sounding voices.
The beginning of this book was far superior to the later two-thirds and while I disliked Sophia, Dean, and others of that time period, Anastacia and Alex's story is worth the read. The interludes of Greek recipes and of excerpts from poems and philosophy texts, while not always making sense in context, were a nice way to break up the monotony of the drier moments. I would not count this among my favorite family sagas, but I think it might reach others that enjoy lighter novel atmospheres, wanting to branch out.
I received a copy of this book from the Audiobookworm Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2020
First thoughts: Wow! At 12% so much had happened it felt like I had already read a well-written novella. When I got to the Epilogue I was totally wrung out. This story of two Greek families, their loves and losses, trials and triumphs, is outstanding. So well-written by author, Effie Kammenou, that you live it all along with them...get out the tissue box! There's love, betrayal, birth, death, good, and evil throughout this whole saga as you follow along intimately with the two families. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2017
A lovely romance story that stays with to make you happy. Heartache as well, that needs to be solved. A not to be missed book by anyone.
April 23, 2017
Evanthia’s Gift was a beautifully written two generation Greek-American love story, once I started reading it, I hated to put it down. The book starts out with Ana & Alex’s love story, what a wonderful love that was, Alex had loved Ana from the first time he met her in college but never let his feelings known and lost his opportunity when she married another. They meet few years later through a mutual friend and this time he never let the opportunity get away this time. You could just feel how much Alex loved & cherished Ana & her daughter Sophia, who he adopted, he would not stop until Ana trusted & loved him. I could just feel the pain the couple went through early in their marriage, it almost destroyed them but as a couple they love was more powerful than it was before the tragedy. I loved Alex & Ana’s story but to me the best was yet to come with Sophia & Dean’s story.
Sophia & Dean’s love story there was so many ups & downs, when you finally thought yes a big NO came. Dean had always thought of Sophia as another sister along with his own sister. They were always together, with their parents being best friends, more like family, living next door to each other, family functions & Sophia as far as she could remember Dean was always her “Dino” & she always loved him, until one kiss that changed it all.
There was so many times I wanted to go through the book & wring Dean’s neck, shake him until he finally realized what was right in front of him. But eventually, many years later, he did it for me finally opened his eyes and realized what truly mattered in life.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, I was laughing, yelling at the characters, and find myself crying. I also loved learning so much Greek history, I myself never knew their was Greek Jews, and the struggles that Greeks had to through to keep their beliefs. If you are looking for a beautiful love story that will take you away on a emotional rollercoaster, that expands over 50 years, I recommend you grab a copy of Evanthia’s Gift today! Effie Kammenou has earned a new fan in this reader, & I can not wait to get my hand’s on the next book in the The Gift Saga!
I received a copy from the author for my honest review.
Review by Mel
Sophia & Dean’s love story there was so many ups & downs, when you finally thought yes a big NO came. Dean had always thought of Sophia as another sister along with his own sister. They were always together, with their parents being best friends, more like family, living next door to each other, family functions & Sophia as far as she could remember Dean was always her “Dino” & she always loved him, until one kiss that changed it all.
There was so many times I wanted to go through the book & wring Dean’s neck, shake him until he finally realized what was right in front of him. But eventually, many years later, he did it for me finally opened his eyes and realized what truly mattered in life.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, I was laughing, yelling at the characters, and find myself crying. I also loved learning so much Greek history, I myself never knew their was Greek Jews, and the struggles that Greeks had to through to keep their beliefs. If you are looking for a beautiful love story that will take you away on a emotional rollercoaster, that expands over 50 years, I recommend you grab a copy of Evanthia’s Gift today! Effie Kammenou has earned a new fan in this reader, & I can not wait to get my hand’s on the next book in the The Gift Saga!
I received a copy from the author for my honest review.
Review by Mel
January 14, 2016
A mesmerizing romance over two generations. In the first part of the story, we follow the beginning of Anastacia and Alex romance as they try to overcome their past to be in relationship and work it out together. Single motherhood, destroyed and got her heart broken by her first mariage, Ana will not allow herself to trust any man. Alex will have to teach her to love herself again and trust him. They will discover that each of them has their own dark past. The second part of the book, takes on their daughter Sophia, who will develop a childhood love with Dean , who happens to be the son of Anastacia's best friend : Soula .We also get to see the dynamic in a Greek family, what are their values and religions. What is interesting in this novel is the fact that we get to see how the children will have their own struggles as culture and family traditions will come to try and separate them.
The two parts were greatly integrated and we see the struggles each couple from different generation have to face. In the end, everything will make sense and we see all the connections from the past to the future. It was quite a fun and emotional ride reading this book!
Full review: https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/...
Trang - Book Blogger and Book Reviewer
http://bookidote.wordpress.com
The two parts were greatly integrated and we see the struggles each couple from different generation have to face. In the end, everything will make sense and we see all the connections from the past to the future. It was quite a fun and emotional ride reading this book!
Full review: https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/...
Trang - Book Blogger and Book Reviewer
http://bookidote.wordpress.com
January 8, 2016
A heart-warming story and vivid characters that will stay with you
Evanthia's Gift is a heart-warming family saga that still stays with me even though I finished the book a couple of weeks ago. My mind often drifts to its vivid characters, their difficult life situations and heartache. Although it is a long book, it kept me interested and I couldn't put it down, always starting yet another chapter to see what happens next. In terms of storyline and characters, this books scores top marks. However, I found the pace could have been better - there are many scenes that are not necessary to advance the story and therefore could have been omitted to make this a shorter, tighter read. Still, because it was so unputdownbable and its story/characters so palpable and haunting, I am giving it four stars. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Evanthia's Gift is a heart-warming family saga that still stays with me even though I finished the book a couple of weeks ago. My mind often drifts to its vivid characters, their difficult life situations and heartache. Although it is a long book, it kept me interested and I couldn't put it down, always starting yet another chapter to see what happens next. In terms of storyline and characters, this books scores top marks. However, I found the pace could have been better - there are many scenes that are not necessary to advance the story and therefore could have been omitted to make this a shorter, tighter read. Still, because it was so unputdownbable and its story/characters so palpable and haunting, I am giving it four stars. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2018
Evanthia's Gift (The Gift Saga Book 1) by Effie Kammenou is the first book in her The Gift Saga. This is a multi gene story that is engaging and will keep you reading until the end. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more of hers. This book that this author has created has something for everyone. I enjoyed her easy flowing writing style that goes right along with her attention to details that made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. Her characters are both lovable and connectable. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride of laughter to suspense. The twists and turns that it took me on, I never seen coming and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. I also enjoyed the history in this book, the details were engaging and understandable. This is the story follows a family through generations of romance, culture and the test of loyalty. The story starts with Anastacia who is pregnant and alone. She finds herself betrayed and trying to get away from a bad marriage. The good thing is that she has the support of friends. What will happen when she meets up with an old friend? They both have secrets in their pasts but will it destroy their new found family situation? Then the story moves on to the Papadakis couple, Dean and Demi, as they try to move through two different cultures. Then you are going to add a friend to the mix, Sophia who had a connection with Dean since childhood. But when things get a little cozy with them, what will happen? When he is forced to pull away from his family because he loves her, will she get the life she was expecting? The story of two families from two different cultures, many generations between them but will it bring them together? There is a lot going on in this book. It was almost like two different books until I found the common factor with them, pulling them together. It took me a little bit to get into this story but once I did, it really just flowed. There are a few characters in this story but I could imagine them as real people. They will pull at your heartstrings one minute and leave you wanting to throw something the next asking what were they thinking. You need to see what happens to this family, I really can't do this book justice because there is just so much. You just need to read it to see what I am talking about. They really did take me on a historical journey through two different cultures. I enjoyed learning about the different cultures as well. I highly recommend this book I know you will enjoy the journey between the two countries and their cultures.
March 23, 2019
An Exceptional & Heartfelt Story! Great Audible Listen🎧
Evanthia's Gift
The Gift Saga, Book 1
By: Effie Kammenou
Narrated by: Emily Lawrence
I love books, I enjoy reading them and listening to audiobooks, sometimes separately, sometimes together. I did both with this book and it blew me away, the story and narration is beyond exceptional. It should be called Effie Kammenou’s gift because that is what it is. You can feel the love she put into this story flowing off the pages. It is well written and well told. The character development is beyond amazing. This multigenerational story begins with Anastasia in NYC it follows her throughout her life and meet her family and friends along the way. Actually you more than meet them you get to know them. I loved the bonds and friendship she shared with Soula and Stravos and how supportive they were from the start, also loved how protective her Uncle was too. I adored Alex, he was so loving and understanding. I was happy for Ana and Alex. The 2nd part of the book brings you to Sophia’s story, it includes all the people in her life, some you were introduced in the 1st part, others are the new people she meets in her life. You learn more of Dino & Demi, Soula and Stravos’ son and daughters and Sophie’s best friends and side kicks growing up. You are given views into their angsty teenage years and as they mature to adults, the paths they chose in life and lessons they learn. It is amazing how Effie Kammenou manages to bring the reader and/or listener into her story, places you right along side the characters, allowing you feel what they feel. I cried when they cried, felt their emotions and yes, I even got mad at some of their actions, mainly Dean’s and then Sophie’s. I can say so much more about this book, it is an original, heartfelt story, an exceptional one from start to end and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading & listening to more of Effie Kammenou’s work. Thank you so much for this great & enjoyable story and for the for the great recipes too!
I listened to the Audible edition, Emily Lawrence is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She performed the voices for all the characters, she brings them to life gives each their own unique sound and personality. She does an amazing job with the accents too. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to!
Evanthia's Gift
The Gift Saga, Book 1
By: Effie Kammenou
Narrated by: Emily Lawrence
I love books, I enjoy reading them and listening to audiobooks, sometimes separately, sometimes together. I did both with this book and it blew me away, the story and narration is beyond exceptional. It should be called Effie Kammenou’s gift because that is what it is. You can feel the love she put into this story flowing off the pages. It is well written and well told. The character development is beyond amazing. This multigenerational story begins with Anastasia in NYC it follows her throughout her life and meet her family and friends along the way. Actually you more than meet them you get to know them. I loved the bonds and friendship she shared with Soula and Stravos and how supportive they were from the start, also loved how protective her Uncle was too. I adored Alex, he was so loving and understanding. I was happy for Ana and Alex. The 2nd part of the book brings you to Sophia’s story, it includes all the people in her life, some you were introduced in the 1st part, others are the new people she meets in her life. You learn more of Dino & Demi, Soula and Stravos’ son and daughters and Sophie’s best friends and side kicks growing up. You are given views into their angsty teenage years and as they mature to adults, the paths they chose in life and lessons they learn. It is amazing how Effie Kammenou manages to bring the reader and/or listener into her story, places you right along side the characters, allowing you feel what they feel. I cried when they cried, felt their emotions and yes, I even got mad at some of their actions, mainly Dean’s and then Sophie’s. I can say so much more about this book, it is an original, heartfelt story, an exceptional one from start to end and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading & listening to more of Effie Kammenou’s work. Thank you so much for this great & enjoyable story and for the for the great recipes too!
I listened to the Audible edition, Emily Lawrence is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She performed the voices for all the characters, she brings them to life gives each their own unique sound and personality. She does an amazing job with the accents too. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to!
April 18, 2018
Evanthia's Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga - Women's fiction/ contemporary romance - Women's fiction 2106 Reader's Favorite Award finalist - Available in print, kindle and audible
Anastacia Fotopoulos has moved to the USA after the horrors of the second world war in order to educate herself and so take a step closer to fulfilling her dreams. She hadn’t anticipated falling in love and marrying the first handsome man to come her way, nor less to then be cruelly betrayed by those closest to her. It is 1956 and she finds herself alone, pregnant and ashamed to return home to Greece. She is fortunate in the support of her wonderful friends Stavros and Soula, also first generation Greek immigrants, and her Uncle who gives her employment to keep a roof over her and her new baby daughter’s heads. The last thing that she expects is to attract the attentions of another young Greek man from her student days, and when her friends try to match make her with Alex she is determined to resist. She will never put her future in the hands of a man again.
Ana has no idea that Alexandros Giannakos has loved her since he first knew her, and he wins her over with his perseverance and love for both her and daughter Sophia. Their friends have had two children, Dean and Demi, and life for the close Greek American families is good. But secrets have been kept, with the best of intentions by all involved, and these will affect life in the future. The storyline skips forward to the teenage years of the children, and whilst the girls are closer than sisters, a deeper relationship develops between Dean and Sophia. Their Greek heritage remains extremely important to the families, particularly the older generation, and teen Dean cannot bear to have his life mapped out by his parents – he wants to be an American boy who goes to college and finds his own way in the world. As a result, he refuses to acknowledge his feelings openly for Sophia and as he pulls away from the family traditions, Sophia too has her young heart broken.
Life continues for the families. Dean marries a college girl and goes to work for his father in law, Demi marries her secret childhood sweetheart and Sophia throws herself into her career as a dancer. Along the way family secrets emerge that threaten to splinter relationships, and the rock the families to the core.
If you enjoy family dramas that span generations, without sugar coating life, then you will love this novel. The historical element of life in war torn Greece was fascinating, as was the story that was so common to many immigrant New York families be they Greek, Italian, Irish….the author is herself a second generation Greek American, and she appears to have exactly the right understanding between the need for embracing their heritage and culture for the older family members, to the desire to be American youngsters and growing up in America for the youngsters. The friction was palpable in the writing.
The characters all grow and develop throughout the course of the novel as life throws both expected and unexpected joys and sorrows at them. Ana remains at the core of the story, and I love the way in which both she and Soula are presented as the strong women keeping the wheels of their family life oiled and turning. The secret to this is food! I recognised in this book one of my own close friends, who moved to London from Athens in the 1980s, and is the most amazing homemaker and cook. My kids love to go to her house and she feeds us all in a very similar way to Ana and Soula in the story. The descriptions of the food are enough to make the reader’s mouth water, but then the author will offer up a wonderful gem every few chapters with a complete Greek recipe. Imagine my delight when I also found that the author has a recipe website! I am so excited to try cooking some of these mouth-watering delicacies!
Evanthia’s Gift is a love story that covers generations, continents, different loves lost and found – but it is so much more than a love story, it is a story of human life and emotions over a fifty-year period. I wanted to shout at the characters when the miscommunication caused problems and altered the course of lives and changed choices made. I cheered when decisions ended well, and I shouted and cried at the bad decisions and the sorrows that life dishes up. This book depicts real life – not everything can be planned, not everything is sugar coated and joy is tempered with sadness. If you haven’t guessed I loved this book and am really looking forward to the next one in the series….and yes, you will find out who Evanthia is and just what her gift is.
Anastacia Fotopoulos has moved to the USA after the horrors of the second world war in order to educate herself and so take a step closer to fulfilling her dreams. She hadn’t anticipated falling in love and marrying the first handsome man to come her way, nor less to then be cruelly betrayed by those closest to her. It is 1956 and she finds herself alone, pregnant and ashamed to return home to Greece. She is fortunate in the support of her wonderful friends Stavros and Soula, also first generation Greek immigrants, and her Uncle who gives her employment to keep a roof over her and her new baby daughter’s heads. The last thing that she expects is to attract the attentions of another young Greek man from her student days, and when her friends try to match make her with Alex she is determined to resist. She will never put her future in the hands of a man again.
Ana has no idea that Alexandros Giannakos has loved her since he first knew her, and he wins her over with his perseverance and love for both her and daughter Sophia. Their friends have had two children, Dean and Demi, and life for the close Greek American families is good. But secrets have been kept, with the best of intentions by all involved, and these will affect life in the future. The storyline skips forward to the teenage years of the children, and whilst the girls are closer than sisters, a deeper relationship develops between Dean and Sophia. Their Greek heritage remains extremely important to the families, particularly the older generation, and teen Dean cannot bear to have his life mapped out by his parents – he wants to be an American boy who goes to college and finds his own way in the world. As a result, he refuses to acknowledge his feelings openly for Sophia and as he pulls away from the family traditions, Sophia too has her young heart broken.
Life continues for the families. Dean marries a college girl and goes to work for his father in law, Demi marries her secret childhood sweetheart and Sophia throws herself into her career as a dancer. Along the way family secrets emerge that threaten to splinter relationships, and the rock the families to the core.
If you enjoy family dramas that span generations, without sugar coating life, then you will love this novel. The historical element of life in war torn Greece was fascinating, as was the story that was so common to many immigrant New York families be they Greek, Italian, Irish….the author is herself a second generation Greek American, and she appears to have exactly the right understanding between the need for embracing their heritage and culture for the older family members, to the desire to be American youngsters and growing up in America for the youngsters. The friction was palpable in the writing.
The characters all grow and develop throughout the course of the novel as life throws both expected and unexpected joys and sorrows at them. Ana remains at the core of the story, and I love the way in which both she and Soula are presented as the strong women keeping the wheels of their family life oiled and turning. The secret to this is food! I recognised in this book one of my own close friends, who moved to London from Athens in the 1980s, and is the most amazing homemaker and cook. My kids love to go to her house and she feeds us all in a very similar way to Ana and Soula in the story. The descriptions of the food are enough to make the reader’s mouth water, but then the author will offer up a wonderful gem every few chapters with a complete Greek recipe. Imagine my delight when I also found that the author has a recipe website! I am so excited to try cooking some of these mouth-watering delicacies!
Evanthia’s Gift is a love story that covers generations, continents, different loves lost and found – but it is so much more than a love story, it is a story of human life and emotions over a fifty-year period. I wanted to shout at the characters when the miscommunication caused problems and altered the course of lives and changed choices made. I cheered when decisions ended well, and I shouted and cried at the bad decisions and the sorrows that life dishes up. This book depicts real life – not everything can be planned, not everything is sugar coated and joy is tempered with sadness. If you haven’t guessed I loved this book and am really looking forward to the next one in the series….and yes, you will find out who Evanthia is and just what her gift is.
June 14, 2024
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. That's what we are, one sole."
"Biology doesn't make a father, love does.
"He lives in the shadow of the man I truly loved."
These quotes are just a tiny sample of the epic themes and emotions explored throughout book one of the sweeping Gift Saga trilogy, Evanthia's Gift, by expansive emotionally expressive author Effie Kammenou.
The story begins in 1956 with Anastacia (Ana), coming home early and finding her husband in bed with another woman. She leaves him, never telling him about her pregnancy and fulfills her life being a mother to Sophia with her Greek family and their heritage protecting them. Then she meets Alexandros. I believe he is the gift in this life spanning story. His love for Ana and Sophia is the strength for both of them as they deal with the curves we all navigate in life.
The second half is Sophia's early adult life in the 1970s. She's always loved Dean and though he loves her too, he rebels against his family's Greek traditions wanting to forge his own path and that doesn't include Sophia. I felt pride in Sophia as she follows her dreams despite her broken heart and at the end how both her and Ana's story comes full circle.
There is not enough praise to bestow upon voice actress Emily Lawrence. Whether it's main, side or inconsequential characters or a NY, Midwest or Greek accent she gives award-worthy performances.
Over 17 hours, the Evanthia's Gift audiobook surprised, saddened, humbled and engulfed me into the rich Greek traditions with awesome recipes, family holidays and profound unconditional love. This is a completed trilogy so I will be listening to the future generations of this family and the descriptive creative gifts of this talented writer.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Book and Wine Lovers Marketing for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Biology doesn't make a father, love does.
"He lives in the shadow of the man I truly loved."
These quotes are just a tiny sample of the epic themes and emotions explored throughout book one of the sweeping Gift Saga trilogy, Evanthia's Gift, by expansive emotionally expressive author Effie Kammenou.
The story begins in 1956 with Anastacia (Ana), coming home early and finding her husband in bed with another woman. She leaves him, never telling him about her pregnancy and fulfills her life being a mother to Sophia with her Greek family and their heritage protecting them. Then she meets Alexandros. I believe he is the gift in this life spanning story. His love for Ana and Sophia is the strength for both of them as they deal with the curves we all navigate in life.
The second half is Sophia's early adult life in the 1970s. She's always loved Dean and though he loves her too, he rebels against his family's Greek traditions wanting to forge his own path and that doesn't include Sophia. I felt pride in Sophia as she follows her dreams despite her broken heart and at the end how both her and Ana's story comes full circle.
There is not enough praise to bestow upon voice actress Emily Lawrence. Whether it's main, side or inconsequential characters or a NY, Midwest or Greek accent she gives award-worthy performances.
Over 17 hours, the Evanthia's Gift audiobook surprised, saddened, humbled and engulfed me into the rich Greek traditions with awesome recipes, family holidays and profound unconditional love. This is a completed trilogy so I will be listening to the future generations of this family and the descriptive creative gifts of this talented writer.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Book and Wine Lovers Marketing for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2019
~I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review~
This audiobook really amazed me. I rarely gives a book five stars, but this time I did!!
It’s the first book of three in “The Gift Saga”. It’s a heart-warming family saga about a Greek-American family and their life in Greece and NY (America).
The book starts with the story of Anastacia, as she returns home and finds her husband betraying her with another woman. She leaves him, and she doesn’t tell him she’s pregnant. She stays as a single mother for several years, not trusting her heart to another man. Not until ……… I think you should listen to the audiobook and experience the very well written Saga of Anastacia’s life with her Greek family and best friends, her daughter Sophia, the love of her life - and as times goes by Sophia grows up and we starts to follow her life too.
It’s a heartwarming story, and I had to listen to all of the audiobook without stopping. I just fell in love with this lovely family and their friends, with their stubbornness, their difficult life situations, their heartaches, the wonderful Greek recipes (included in the book) and most of all their unconditional love and support for each other.
Effie Kammenou has done an amazing job writing this book. And I can’t wait to start the next audiobook in this series - but I think I better wait until the morning, because I already know I will have a hard time stopping listening, but unfortunately I need some sleep before work tomorrow ;)
I listened to the Audible edition narrated by Emily Lawrence. The Saga and her voice is the perfect match. She did an excellent job and I really enjoyed her voice. Sometimes a book and a narrator is the perfect match - for me this was one of the perfect matches!
This audiobook really amazed me. I rarely gives a book five stars, but this time I did!!
It’s the first book of three in “The Gift Saga”. It’s a heart-warming family saga about a Greek-American family and their life in Greece and NY (America).
The book starts with the story of Anastacia, as she returns home and finds her husband betraying her with another woman. She leaves him, and she doesn’t tell him she’s pregnant. She stays as a single mother for several years, not trusting her heart to another man. Not until ……… I think you should listen to the audiobook and experience the very well written Saga of Anastacia’s life with her Greek family and best friends, her daughter Sophia, the love of her life - and as times goes by Sophia grows up and we starts to follow her life too.
It’s a heartwarming story, and I had to listen to all of the audiobook without stopping. I just fell in love with this lovely family and their friends, with their stubbornness, their difficult life situations, their heartaches, the wonderful Greek recipes (included in the book) and most of all their unconditional love and support for each other.
Effie Kammenou has done an amazing job writing this book. And I can’t wait to start the next audiobook in this series - but I think I better wait until the morning, because I already know I will have a hard time stopping listening, but unfortunately I need some sleep before work tomorrow ;)
I listened to the Audible edition narrated by Emily Lawrence. The Saga and her voice is the perfect match. She did an excellent job and I really enjoyed her voice. Sometimes a book and a narrator is the perfect match - for me this was one of the perfect matches!
February 22, 2019
An authentic Greek Story...
Complete with recipies for famous well-loved special Greek dishes.
It is said, "be true to yourself."
I found this story to be a delightfully charming real Greek story, spanning four generations, as written by Effie Kammenou. I am not Greek but went to school with a Greek girl who shared something of her culture with us. At reunions we revel in her gastronomic creations. I adore Greek dishes like buttery feather-light biscuits, bulging with almonds and rolled in icing sugar, although I would be the size of a house if I indulged in honey, nuts and cinnamon infused phyllo pastry more often. I drool at spinach and feta cheese dishes and would happily eat a huge one single-handedly. I copied a recipe or two to try later.
However it was the Greek tragic emotions, raging passions, and vibrant colourful love of life which is portrayed so clearly in this story which appealled so strongly to me. What a stunning read! This author was indeed true to herself, honouring her Greek / American culture equally.
In fact, I shared it with a Greek friend who is recovering from her own tragedy and know it is exactly what she needs right now. Thank you!
Complete with recipies for famous well-loved special Greek dishes.
It is said, "be true to yourself."
I found this story to be a delightfully charming real Greek story, spanning four generations, as written by Effie Kammenou. I am not Greek but went to school with a Greek girl who shared something of her culture with us. At reunions we revel in her gastronomic creations. I adore Greek dishes like buttery feather-light biscuits, bulging with almonds and rolled in icing sugar, although I would be the size of a house if I indulged in honey, nuts and cinnamon infused phyllo pastry more often. I drool at spinach and feta cheese dishes and would happily eat a huge one single-handedly. I copied a recipe or two to try later.
However it was the Greek tragic emotions, raging passions, and vibrant colourful love of life which is portrayed so clearly in this story which appealled so strongly to me. What a stunning read! This author was indeed true to herself, honouring her Greek / American culture equally.
In fact, I shared it with a Greek friend who is recovering from her own tragedy and know it is exactly what she needs right now. Thank you!
January 18, 2021
This a multigenerational book that follows Anastasia and her close family and friends through her lifespan. Its in two parts, the first is all about Anastasia and the story takes off where she’s just caught her husband cheating on her. It starts in 1955 and focuses on her rebuilding her life as a single expectant mother. The second part starts in 1970, concentrating on her highly moral, romantic daughter Sophia and her all-encompassing and unrequited love for her close friend since childhood, Dino.
It’s a long book that’s a got a soap opera feel to it, but with much better characters and gripping storylines, set between America and Greece. The book is interspersed with time relevant mentions of films, music, news, events and clothing worn which really helps to set the picture. There also many Greek recipes included and fitting quotes which is a lovely touch.
Despite the length of this book, I flew through it. I got completely lost in it for hours at a time. It’s so beautifully written and full of emotion. The steamy scenes were especially good!
I can’t wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
It’s a long book that’s a got a soap opera feel to it, but with much better characters and gripping storylines, set between America and Greece. The book is interspersed with time relevant mentions of films, music, news, events and clothing worn which really helps to set the picture. There also many Greek recipes included and fitting quotes which is a lovely touch.
Despite the length of this book, I flew through it. I got completely lost in it for hours at a time. It’s so beautifully written and full of emotion. The steamy scenes were especially good!
I can’t wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
July 2, 2019
Wonderful Authentic Greek Family Saga!!
This book made me laugh, made me angry at some characters at times and had me crying my heart out. The tight, loyal group of friends for 40 + yrs. as well as their families is an amazing story!! The Greek traditions and how important their heritage is to these families keeps them close and their friends they have grown up with are just as much family and always there for each other. The story takes you through first loves, lost loves, soul mates, children and grandchildren. Grandparents keeping their Greek history and traditions alive through generations. Family in Greece and the many trips family and this tight group of friends take to visit, learn lessons from their grandparents. Secrets kept and never shared until it's unearthed in the most inopportune times. I can't wait for more of these characters in this series. They are believable and the traditions and foods authentic!!! Wonderful writing Effie!!!!!
This book made me laugh, made me angry at some characters at times and had me crying my heart out. The tight, loyal group of friends for 40 + yrs. as well as their families is an amazing story!! The Greek traditions and how important their heritage is to these families keeps them close and their friends they have grown up with are just as much family and always there for each other. The story takes you through first loves, lost loves, soul mates, children and grandchildren. Grandparents keeping their Greek history and traditions alive through generations. Family in Greece and the many trips family and this tight group of friends take to visit, learn lessons from their grandparents. Secrets kept and never shared until it's unearthed in the most inopportune times. I can't wait for more of these characters in this series. They are believable and the traditions and foods authentic!!! Wonderful writing Effie!!!!!
June 7, 2019
Evanthia’s Gift is a wonderful story spanning 3 generations and following two families. It tells of the hardships of love, family, following your dreams and trying to stay true to their Greek culture. It’s a story about finding yourself, whether it through true love or a rebellious teenager. It’s a long listen, but a good one. It definitely kept my interest and it was interesting to learn about the Greek culture. There are some really good recipes at the beginning of several chapters. Emily Lawrence did a fabulous job with the narration! Especially with all the different characters and the accents!
December 10, 2018
Very touching love story
This was a love story that touched two generation of a Greek family. Ana and
Alex had a love that was so deep and affected so many around them. Sophia, Ana's daughter, and Dean's love story started when they were teenagers but didn't come together again until years later. The author keeps the reader engaged with the rich development of the characters and plot.
This was a love story that touched two generation of a Greek family. Ana and
Alex had a love that was so deep and affected so many around them. Sophia, Ana's daughter, and Dean's love story started when they were teenagers but didn't come together again until years later. The author keeps the reader engaged with the rich development of the characters and plot.
June 5, 2019
I have never read a book that I have been so moved by as I was this book. It's a story about family, relationships, love, second chances, life, death. I felt like I was a part of the story. I learned a lot about Greek culture because of this book. It's authentic and beautiful. It's touching. I had to fight not to cry several times.
The narrator did a fantastic job. She made an already beautiful story even more amazing. This is a new to me narrator, but I'm glad I listened to this. I would love to listen to the rest of this series. I'm fully invested in this. It's like I'm reading about my own family!
The narrator did a fantastic job. She made an already beautiful story even more amazing. This is a new to me narrator, but I'm glad I listened to this. I would love to listen to the rest of this series. I'm fully invested in this. It's like I'm reading about my own family!
August 15, 2017
Interesting insight into what it must have been like to emigrate from Greece to America. In two parts it tells the story of Anastacia embarking on single motherhood in a new country with the support of her close friends. The second part is her daughter Sophia's story growing up as a Greek-American teenager.I found the first part grabbed me more than the second but I enjoyed the journey. Full of joy and sorrow, this book embraces all the emotions of life.
November 20, 2018
I have just finished listening to Evanthia’s Gift by Effie Kammenou, and I’m sad... sad that I came to the end of the first book in the series. I’m just grateful that the next book is available!
This is a beautiful story that spans over 50 years and multiple generations. I loved getting to know the characters and following their lives. I really feel like I know these characters and I truly care about them, having experienced their joys and sorrows, through the good times and the bad.
Emily Lawrence delivered a stellar performance. She handled all the different characters wonderfully, with the wide range of emotions and the accents. The book truly came to life.
I listen to many different audiobooks and I have to say this has been one of my favorites.
This is a beautiful story that spans over 50 years and multiple generations. I loved getting to know the characters and following their lives. I really feel like I know these characters and I truly care about them, having experienced their joys and sorrows, through the good times and the bad.
Emily Lawrence delivered a stellar performance. She handled all the different characters wonderfully, with the wide range of emotions and the accents. The book truly came to life.
I listen to many different audiobooks and I have to say this has been one of my favorites.
November 25, 2018
What I actually loved about the book is the touching and sensitively written plot it based upon. This book beholds one of the most significant and heart warming story that can touch any reader's heart since the very beginning of the book. Though it was bit lengthy that it took me more than one sitting to finish. But it was completely worthy my time. I would love to recommend this one.
December 28, 2019
Some of this was so predictable that I am tempted to ignore the next 2 of the saga.
It was an easy read, so there is that.
AND good recipes.
I say borrow it or do as I did and buy it through BookBub.
It was an easy read, so there is that.
AND good recipes.
I say borrow it or do as I did and buy it through BookBub.
May 3, 2020
From a book nerd
I read 2-5 books a week. At times I find myself gravitating back to re-read the great saga writers like Barbara Taylor Bradford, Michener and so many others. I missed that depth of writing in many books today. I was ecstatic to find and read this book. High praise and kudos to the writer for such an enthralling and engaging book.
I read 2-5 books a week. At times I find myself gravitating back to re-read the great saga writers like Barbara Taylor Bradford, Michener and so many others. I missed that depth of writing in many books today. I was ecstatic to find and read this book. High praise and kudos to the writer for such an enthralling and engaging book.
July 31, 2020
A beaut9iful book. The story of a Greek family along with Greek receipes
June 5, 2019
Epic
This was an epic tale of generations of strong women who love deeply. I enjoyed it, and have already recommended it to my mom! Well written and interesting. A nice insight into Greek traditions and life.
This was an epic tale of generations of strong women who love deeply. I enjoyed it, and have already recommended it to my mom! Well written and interesting. A nice insight into Greek traditions and life.
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