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Meraki #1
Love is What You Bake of it
The only love Kally Andarakis is baking up is in the form of the sweet treats she whips up in her café, The Coffee Klatch.
Kally never believed herself to be a person worthy of love, but when an intoxicating man she considered out of her league pursues her, she risks everything to be with him. Later, when tragedy strikes, truths are revealed that leave Kally brokenhearted and untrusting.
Eight years later, Kally is a successful pastry chef running the café she’d always dreamed of owning. With a home of her own, a profession she’s passionate about, and the support and love of friends and family, Kally is content with the life she has carved out for herself.
Until the day Max Vardaxis walks into her café…
With arguing parents, meddling relatives, an overly energetic grandmother, a man-crazy best friend, and the long-ago, mysterious disappearance of a grandfather, this new man in town is just one more complication in Kally’s life, if not the main one.
Kally must now decide whether to keep her heart safe or to once again take a ‘whisk on love.’
For fans of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, single dads, small town romances, and tragic pasts.
Kally never believed herself to be a person worthy of love, but when an intoxicating man she considered out of her league pursues her, she risks everything to be with him. Later, when tragedy strikes, truths are revealed that leave Kally brokenhearted and untrusting.
Eight years later, Kally is a successful pastry chef running the café she’d always dreamed of owning. With a home of her own, a profession she’s passionate about, and the support and love of friends and family, Kally is content with the life she has carved out for herself.
Until the day Max Vardaxis walks into her café…
With arguing parents, meddling relatives, an overly energetic grandmother, a man-crazy best friend, and the long-ago, mysterious disappearance of a grandfather, this new man in town is just one more complication in Kally’s life, if not the main one.
Kally must now decide whether to keep her heart safe or to once again take a ‘whisk on love.’
For fans of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, single dads, small town romances, and tragic pasts.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2020
84 people are currently reading
954 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 180 reviews
March 28, 2021
Effie Kammenou's
Love is What You Bake of It
is a charming rom-com full of drama, secrets, and lots of desserts.
There should totally be a sub-genre of fiction for books that leave you starving. I've read far too many of those to my waistline's detriment. Love is What You Bake of It would easily fall into that category, plus it has recipes!
Kally is finally living her dream of running her own bakery, The Coffee Klatch. Despite all of her success, everyone in her family is more fixated on her finding a man and getting married. But after a relationship left her scarred and doubting everything, she doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love even if she finds it.
When she meets Max, a local policeman, there’s no doubt that she feels a strong attraction to him. But the more she talks to him, the more confusing things become—it seems like he both wants to pursue her and convince her he’s no good to have a relationship with. But why is everyone pushing her toward him?
Can two people with broken hearts overcome their pain and scars and take another chance? What if both are hiding secrets they feel would surely push the other away?
Love is What You Bake of It is a sweet story which is the start of a series I’m looking forward to further diving into. (The second book, Love by Design , publishes March 24.) It switches from past to present and at times focuses on other characters in the story, too.
I enjoyed being on the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours and Effie Kammenou provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
There should totally be a sub-genre of fiction for books that leave you starving. I've read far too many of those to my waistline's detriment. Love is What You Bake of It would easily fall into that category, plus it has recipes!
Kally is finally living her dream of running her own bakery, The Coffee Klatch. Despite all of her success, everyone in her family is more fixated on her finding a man and getting married. But after a relationship left her scarred and doubting everything, she doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love even if she finds it.
When she meets Max, a local policeman, there’s no doubt that she feels a strong attraction to him. But the more she talks to him, the more confusing things become—it seems like he both wants to pursue her and convince her he’s no good to have a relationship with. But why is everyone pushing her toward him?
Can two people with broken hearts overcome their pain and scars and take another chance? What if both are hiding secrets they feel would surely push the other away?
Love is What You Bake of It is a sweet story which is the start of a series I’m looking forward to further diving into. (The second book, Love by Design , publishes March 24.) It switches from past to present and at times focuses on other characters in the story, too.
I enjoyed being on the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours and Effie Kammenou provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 30, 2020
*** Note : I received e-copy of this book as a part of blog tour. many thanks to Kelly @Love Books Group for tour invite and author for review copy. ***
Love is What You Bake of it was lovely romance that revolved around Kally, her café and her love and faith issues. It was about not everything is as it looks and make assumptions based on it, having faith in person you love, healing, forgiveness, and giving love second chance.
Essential ingredients for Love is What You Bake of it:
Flour of interesting characters
sugar of love
butter of romance
yeast of faith
salt of twist and heartbreak
eggs of secrets and revelations.
How to mix it and put it in oven? That’s in the book, written in smooth and captivating first person narrative from Kally and, occasionally, Max’s perspective. Setting of Port Jefferson and Kally’ café, The Coffee Klatch, made the story beautiful.
.
.
Overall, Love is What You Bake of it was entertaining and heart warning love story with beautiful setting, interesting characters and lots of mouthwatering confection. I highly recommend this to romance lovers.
Read full review on my book blog, Books Teacup and Reviews by following this link - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
.
Love is What You Bake of it was lovely romance that revolved around Kally, her café and her love and faith issues. It was about not everything is as it looks and make assumptions based on it, having faith in person you love, healing, forgiveness, and giving love second chance.
Essential ingredients for Love is What You Bake of it:
Flour of interesting characters
sugar of love
butter of romance
yeast of faith
salt of twist and heartbreak
eggs of secrets and revelations.
How to mix it and put it in oven? That’s in the book, written in smooth and captivating first person narrative from Kally and, occasionally, Max’s perspective. Setting of Port Jefferson and Kally’ café, The Coffee Klatch, made the story beautiful.
.
.
Overall, Love is What You Bake of it was entertaining and heart warning love story with beautiful setting, interesting characters and lots of mouthwatering confection. I highly recommend this to romance lovers.
Read full review on my book blog, Books Teacup and Reviews by following this link - https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
.
April 28, 2021
One thing that Kally Andarakis cannot abide is a cheating man. Having previously fallen in love and losing someone special - then finding out a truth about him after the fact - has kept her guarding her heart. However, when a handsome cop named Max Vardaxis enters her café her senses are immediately assaulted. Kally has actually found fulfillment in life. She has done so by creating wonderful baked items. In fact, this book contains several delectable recipes. This is what makes Kally happy. Starting a new romance after her bad experience is not the direction Kelly chooses to go.
Kally comes from a strong family, albeit more than a bit nosy, parents who constantly bicker, a friend who is determined for Kally to find a man. Despite that bit of chaos in her life, Kally is more than happy. Besides wondering whether or not anything could possibly happen with Max, there is a bit of mystery in Kally's life, and that is the fact that her grandfather has been missing for decades.
Meanwhile, it becomes more than clear that both Max and Kally are drawn to one another, yet existing baggage that they both have bears serious consideration. How far either of then will go to reach for love is a chance they both are not certain they can take.
In this sweet story where both characters come from a Greek background brings both drama and joy, with a light touch that was a delight to read. This entertaining story was a great start to an already enjoyable series. The second book in this series is Love by Design, which I have already read and enjoyed as much as I have this book.
Many thanks to Effie Kammenou for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Kally comes from a strong family, albeit more than a bit nosy, parents who constantly bicker, a friend who is determined for Kally to find a man. Despite that bit of chaos in her life, Kally is more than happy. Besides wondering whether or not anything could possibly happen with Max, there is a bit of mystery in Kally's life, and that is the fact that her grandfather has been missing for decades.
Meanwhile, it becomes more than clear that both Max and Kally are drawn to one another, yet existing baggage that they both have bears serious consideration. How far either of then will go to reach for love is a chance they both are not certain they can take.
In this sweet story where both characters come from a Greek background brings both drama and joy, with a light touch that was a delight to read. This entertaining story was a great start to an already enjoyable series. The second book in this series is Love by Design, which I have already read and enjoyed as much as I have this book.
Many thanks to Effie Kammenou for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 25, 2020
4 Stars
Love Is What You Bake Of It is the first book in a wonderful new series, “Meraki”, by Effie Kammenou. I really loved Ms. Kammenou’s “Gift Saga”, so it was no question that I was going to read this book. I happily one-clicked a copy for myself and jumped right in. It is different from the Gift Saga stories- in a great way- still the same well written and polished product, and with Greek characters that just jumped off the pages- but with a more light-hearted, humorous and fun story.
This story has a lot going on in it, but doesn’t feel ‘heavy’ or overly complicated. It is primarily, a contemporary romance- with interesting and entertaining family dynamics, some suspense, love, humour, hope, mystery, secrets, and of course- baking.
Kally has been burned by love in the past, which has tainted her view on love and relationships. She has poured all her time, energy, and passion into pursuing her dreams- focusing on her café perfecting her baking. She’s built a great life for herself and she is happy with where she is in life. Then Max walks into her life, bringing complications she will need to address. Will she let down her barriers and take a chance on love again? Or will her tainted view on love, and the revelation of secrets keep her from opening her heart?
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit of a “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” feel to the story- which I loved, but with its own unique identity. I loved the wonderfully quirky characters who really made this story come to life. There is no question, I will definitely be following the rest of the series!
A fun read!
Thank you, Ms. Kammenou!
Love Is What You Bake Of It is the first book in a wonderful new series, “Meraki”, by Effie Kammenou. I really loved Ms. Kammenou’s “Gift Saga”, so it was no question that I was going to read this book. I happily one-clicked a copy for myself and jumped right in. It is different from the Gift Saga stories- in a great way- still the same well written and polished product, and with Greek characters that just jumped off the pages- but with a more light-hearted, humorous and fun story.
This story has a lot going on in it, but doesn’t feel ‘heavy’ or overly complicated. It is primarily, a contemporary romance- with interesting and entertaining family dynamics, some suspense, love, humour, hope, mystery, secrets, and of course- baking.
Kally has been burned by love in the past, which has tainted her view on love and relationships. She has poured all her time, energy, and passion into pursuing her dreams- focusing on her café perfecting her baking. She’s built a great life for herself and she is happy with where she is in life. Then Max walks into her life, bringing complications she will need to address. Will she let down her barriers and take a chance on love again? Or will her tainted view on love, and the revelation of secrets keep her from opening her heart?
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit of a “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” feel to the story- which I loved, but with its own unique identity. I loved the wonderfully quirky characters who really made this story come to life. There is no question, I will definitely be following the rest of the series!
A fun read!
Thank you, Ms. Kammenou!
May 31, 2020
A fun sweet book filled with recipes of baked goods that filled me with love at first sight. I looked at the cover and fell in love. Author Effie Kammenou had written some delightful characters with quirky relatives set in a Greek family with a mystery or two in the past.
Kally had been hurt before, hence she was wary of love. Entered Max along with his daughter Athena, and slowly the ice around her heart started thawing.
My first book by this author, I loved the romance which swirled between the two from the first sight. Kally was endearing and an exquisite baker. Her cupcakes had me salivating, and I don’t even like cakes. Max was the perfect counterfoil for her.
The writing was smooth where the scenes flowed into the next. The past was also shown which added a bit of intrigue and mystery. One of my favorite characters was the grandma. She made giggle with her one-liners.
The book needed more sex. So said the grandma in her Book Club. When the others gasped, she added, I might look old, but the fire still burns.
With such dialogues, I couldn’t help but read the book at one go. An easy-breezy humorous read with likable characters and delicious recipes. A great way to spend the Sunday evening.
Kally had been hurt before, hence she was wary of love. Entered Max along with his daughter Athena, and slowly the ice around her heart started thawing.
My first book by this author, I loved the romance which swirled between the two from the first sight. Kally was endearing and an exquisite baker. Her cupcakes had me salivating, and I don’t even like cakes. Max was the perfect counterfoil for her.
The writing was smooth where the scenes flowed into the next. The past was also shown which added a bit of intrigue and mystery. One of my favorite characters was the grandma. She made giggle with her one-liners.
The book needed more sex. So said the grandma in her Book Club. When the others gasped, she added, I might look old, but the fire still burns.
With such dialogues, I couldn’t help but read the book at one go. An easy-breezy humorous read with likable characters and delicious recipes. A great way to spend the Sunday evening.
March 21, 2021
I absolutely adored the many uses of the Greek language. The author did a fantastic job of placing this in, but also explaining the English meaning without feeling redundant.
The familial aspect, as you expect a Greek family to be, is absolutely fantastic. Kally's family is overprotective, over bearing, and over stimulating in all the best ways!
Max brings such a wonderdul essence to this story. He and Kally create a wonderful narrative, while also showing us very trying pasts.
I really enjoyed this read. Thank you @katerockbooktours for the opportunity to review this book. I am looking forward to the others stories in this series.
Also as an added plus you get some fantastic recipes throughout this book as an added bonus to the fun story.
The familial aspect, as you expect a Greek family to be, is absolutely fantastic. Kally's family is overprotective, over bearing, and over stimulating in all the best ways!
Max brings such a wonderdul essence to this story. He and Kally create a wonderful narrative, while also showing us very trying pasts.
I really enjoyed this read. Thank you @katerockbooktours for the opportunity to review this book. I am looking forward to the others stories in this series.
Also as an added plus you get some fantastic recipes throughout this book as an added bonus to the fun story.
March 19, 2021
Two brokenhearted people, secrets, meddling family, romance, and baking, lots of delicious baking, all mixed into one. It’s the perfect romance book all cooked up and ready to be devoured.
Kally Andarakis allowed herself to be pursued and fall in love with someone way out of her league. When tragedy strikes, Kally is not only brokenhearted but shocked by secrets that are devastating and has left her completely untrusting.
Eight years later Kally has finally moved on with her life. Her love of baking has allowed her to live her dream of owning her own cafe. Kally is comfortable and successful, but when new arrival Max walks into her cafe, her content life is upended with the potential of new romance, but will Kally’s inability to trust allow her to start a new relationship?
Max has had a rough life himself. A single parent, he has left his NYC life behind to come home to his roots. He has his own past to protect, but falls instantly for Kally when he first walks into her cafe. Not looking for love, he decides to pursue her, but will his past and secrets catch up with him and keep him and Kally apart?
LOVE IS WHAT YOU BAKE OF IT is a drama filled, fast paced read full of fun, family and a bit of comedy wrapped around two people with tragic pasts who are trying to make love work again. Both Kally and Max coming from Greek backgrounds made this such an interesting read, reminding me what its like to live in a culture that is oriented around family and tradition. They are easy to love main characters, and you want nothing more for them to make things work, and end up together. The romance is steamy, but not over the top, and the meddling Greek family and friends are just enough to bring a spark of humor throughout the book. Then there is the baking. Oh the BAKING! Amazing Greek recipes that are included in the book (and on my blog) top this one off to make it one spectacular read. I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait for the sequel which comes out later this month.
I just would like to thank Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock from KateRockBookTours for the gifted copy
Kally Andarakis allowed herself to be pursued and fall in love with someone way out of her league. When tragedy strikes, Kally is not only brokenhearted but shocked by secrets that are devastating and has left her completely untrusting.
Eight years later Kally has finally moved on with her life. Her love of baking has allowed her to live her dream of owning her own cafe. Kally is comfortable and successful, but when new arrival Max walks into her cafe, her content life is upended with the potential of new romance, but will Kally’s inability to trust allow her to start a new relationship?
Max has had a rough life himself. A single parent, he has left his NYC life behind to come home to his roots. He has his own past to protect, but falls instantly for Kally when he first walks into her cafe. Not looking for love, he decides to pursue her, but will his past and secrets catch up with him and keep him and Kally apart?
LOVE IS WHAT YOU BAKE OF IT is a drama filled, fast paced read full of fun, family and a bit of comedy wrapped around two people with tragic pasts who are trying to make love work again. Both Kally and Max coming from Greek backgrounds made this such an interesting read, reminding me what its like to live in a culture that is oriented around family and tradition. They are easy to love main characters, and you want nothing more for them to make things work, and end up together. The romance is steamy, but not over the top, and the meddling Greek family and friends are just enough to bring a spark of humor throughout the book. Then there is the baking. Oh the BAKING! Amazing Greek recipes that are included in the book (and on my blog) top this one off to make it one spectacular read. I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait for the sequel which comes out later this month.
I just would like to thank Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock from KateRockBookTours for the gifted copy
May 4, 2022
Love is What You Bake of It is a story of two broken people coming together to overcome the pain of their past and give love another chance. I loved this sweet, light, and humorous story about Kally and Max. Kally has been hurt in the past and it has skewed her view on love and relationships so instead she is focused on her cafe. Enter Max who slowly starts to heal her broken heart and give love a second chance.
The meddling family, secrets, romance, and baking made this a great romance. I devoured this fast-paced romantic comedy in one sitting. I particularly liked the inclusion and emphasis on the backgrounds of both characters and how that played a role in their families, relationships, and careers. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The meddling family, secrets, romance, and baking made this a great romance. I devoured this fast-paced romantic comedy in one sitting. I particularly liked the inclusion and emphasis on the backgrounds of both characters and how that played a role in their families, relationships, and careers. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 31, 2021
Love is What You Bake of It is a romantic book about Kally. Kally Andarakis’ parents are Greek, and she owns a cafe, The Coffee Klatch. Reading about the cafe made my mouth water, especially when Kally is making a batch of baklava. (My book Sapphire Beach will tell you how much I love baklava…that is one of the reasons for placing Sapphire Beach in Crete!) I love Greek food, and there are many references to traditional Greek dishes. The best thing about this? There are lots of recipes sprinkled throughout the book!
Effie Kammenou, the author, is a first-generation Greek-American, living in Long Island where the book is based. I enjoyed the descriptions of the place as well as the people, especially the Greek community. I loved reading more about Greek feasts and customs. Effie has done a wonderful job in really giving the book a Greek flavour, through the language, people and food. I had to ask the internet how to pronounce the Greek word for granny, but I loved seeing the word every time. My parents are opa and oma, and I love hearing my kids say it. So to read about Kally’s yiayiá was lovely.
Love is What You Bake of It is a romance, but it wasn’t as straightforward as I expected! I had an idea that it would end the way I could see it going (Sorry, trying to avoid spoilers here!), but quite a few times through the book I had my doubts! Max Vardaxis doesn’t entirely make a good impression the first time he walks into Kally’s cafe, and things get very tight a few times. Not only that, but after a heart-breaking and shocking tragedy with another man eight years earlier, Kally is not keen to trust another man.
The part I really enjoyed is when Kally is trying to trace her grandfather who mysteriously disappeared many years ago. I’m hoping we will read more about that in the next book, Love by Design. It was such an interesting sideline to the story, and yet it was a huge part behind decisions made, that it was only natural for Kally to look for him when the opportunity arose.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. I particularly liked Egypt, Kally’s friend who works in the cafe with her. Egypt is a real character, and I really hope to read more about her too. Then there are Kally’s parents who are always squabbling, but who love each other dearly, and again, stunning revelations were made about them. I loved Kally’s granny; what a character full of life and fun! Kally came from quite a large, lively family, and I felt the author tried to portray a busy, noisy, energetic Greek family. Effie Kammenou has done a great job with that, and the way people are woven into the story makes you feel part of it all. The book really held my attention because of the various characters and their stories, even though romance isn’t my genre.
Effie Kammenou, the author, is a first-generation Greek-American, living in Long Island where the book is based. I enjoyed the descriptions of the place as well as the people, especially the Greek community. I loved reading more about Greek feasts and customs. Effie has done a wonderful job in really giving the book a Greek flavour, through the language, people and food. I had to ask the internet how to pronounce the Greek word for granny, but I loved seeing the word every time. My parents are opa and oma, and I love hearing my kids say it. So to read about Kally’s yiayiá was lovely.
Love is What You Bake of It is a romance, but it wasn’t as straightforward as I expected! I had an idea that it would end the way I could see it going (Sorry, trying to avoid spoilers here!), but quite a few times through the book I had my doubts! Max Vardaxis doesn’t entirely make a good impression the first time he walks into Kally’s cafe, and things get very tight a few times. Not only that, but after a heart-breaking and shocking tragedy with another man eight years earlier, Kally is not keen to trust another man.
The part I really enjoyed is when Kally is trying to trace her grandfather who mysteriously disappeared many years ago. I’m hoping we will read more about that in the next book, Love by Design. It was such an interesting sideline to the story, and yet it was a huge part behind decisions made, that it was only natural for Kally to look for him when the opportunity arose.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. I particularly liked Egypt, Kally’s friend who works in the cafe with her. Egypt is a real character, and I really hope to read more about her too. Then there are Kally’s parents who are always squabbling, but who love each other dearly, and again, stunning revelations were made about them. I loved Kally’s granny; what a character full of life and fun! Kally came from quite a large, lively family, and I felt the author tried to portray a busy, noisy, energetic Greek family. Effie Kammenou has done a great job with that, and the way people are woven into the story makes you feel part of it all. The book really held my attention because of the various characters and their stories, even though romance isn’t my genre.
May 18, 2021
What a cute little Greek love story. I loved this book and the additional touches of some recipes every couple of chapters - I will definitely be trying them out!
I loved Kally and her relationship with Max, he seems like the perfect guy. Handsome, funny and crazy for Kally! They both have their secrets which broke my heart but I loved them together and was rooting for them from the beginning.
Some twists throughout actually made me feel sorry for them both and a little emotional at points throughout. Kally‘s past particularly touching and emotional.
Thank you to Effie and Love Book Tours for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. So thankful to have been given this opportunity and chosen for this tour.
I loved Kally and her relationship with Max, he seems like the perfect guy. Handsome, funny and crazy for Kally! They both have their secrets which broke my heart but I loved them together and was rooting for them from the beginning.
Some twists throughout actually made me feel sorry for them both and a little emotional at points throughout. Kally‘s past particularly touching and emotional.
Thank you to Effie and Love Book Tours for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. So thankful to have been given this opportunity and chosen for this tour.
May 11, 2021
This is a wonderful warm romance with family at its very heart. The characters are lovely, Kally’s grandmother especially, and I felt that the different viewpoints in the different chapters kept the story moving along nicely. The recipes interspersed between chapters was a lovely touch and I’ll certainly be trying some of them.
June 8, 2022
Thank you for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis:
Kally never believed herself to be a person worthy of love, but when an intoxicating man pursues her, she risks everything to be with him. When tragedy strikes, truths are revealed that leave Kally brokenhearted and untrusting.
Eight years later, Kally is a successful pastry chef running the café she’d always dreamt of owning. With a home of her own, and the support and love of friends and family, Kally is content with the life she has carved out for herself.
Until the day Max walks into her café…
With arguing parents, meddling relatives, an overly energetic grandmother, a man-crazy best friend, and the long ago, mysterious disappearance of a grandfather, this new man in town is just one more complication in Kally’s life, if not the main one.
Kally must now decide whether to keep her heart safe or to once again take a ‘whisk on love.’
My thoughts:
This was so cute! An easy, quick, cozy read to get me through post holiday blues. It reminded me of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', mixed with yummy descriptions of Greek pastries and recipes.
🥣Kally's Yiayia (grandmother) was adorable. Her quips and reactions to everything were so cute! Apparently she's also in the next book about Kally's younger sister..which makes me excited to dive into Mia's story.
🥣I loved the chapters that were told in other family member's POV - in particular Kally's mother and grandmother's past was interesting to hear about and a unique way for us to discover.
🥣Max and Athena were so cute! Every moment with Athena bonding with Kally's family melted my heart.
🥣I feel like a certain person's issues weren't quite resolved, or that they needed a conversation for closure. Apart from that, I loved the end and all the baking puns throughout the book.
🥣The recipes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch! I may try to follow them at some point (or convince my sister to because she's the MasterChef in the house) 🤔
Synopsis:
Kally never believed herself to be a person worthy of love, but when an intoxicating man pursues her, she risks everything to be with him. When tragedy strikes, truths are revealed that leave Kally brokenhearted and untrusting.
Eight years later, Kally is a successful pastry chef running the café she’d always dreamt of owning. With a home of her own, and the support and love of friends and family, Kally is content with the life she has carved out for herself.
Until the day Max walks into her café…
With arguing parents, meddling relatives, an overly energetic grandmother, a man-crazy best friend, and the long ago, mysterious disappearance of a grandfather, this new man in town is just one more complication in Kally’s life, if not the main one.
Kally must now decide whether to keep her heart safe or to once again take a ‘whisk on love.’
My thoughts:
This was so cute! An easy, quick, cozy read to get me through post holiday blues. It reminded me of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', mixed with yummy descriptions of Greek pastries and recipes.
🥣Kally's Yiayia (grandmother) was adorable. Her quips and reactions to everything were so cute! Apparently she's also in the next book about Kally's younger sister..which makes me excited to dive into Mia's story.
🥣I loved the chapters that were told in other family member's POV - in particular Kally's mother and grandmother's past was interesting to hear about and a unique way for us to discover.
🥣Max and Athena were so cute! Every moment with Athena bonding with Kally's family melted my heart.
🥣I feel like a certain person's issues weren't quite resolved, or that they needed a conversation for closure. Apart from that, I loved the end and all the baking puns throughout the book.
🥣The recipes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch! I may try to follow them at some point (or convince my sister to because she's the MasterChef in the house) 🤔
June 15, 2021
Do you like to bake?
❤
Thank you to @lovebookstours & @effiekammenou_author for sending me a copy of Love is what you bake of it for reviewing.
❤
Effie Kammenou is a new author to me as I haven't read any of her previous novels but from one book I can tell she will be an author that I will be watching and waiting for each new book she releases. Her writing style is descriptive and immersive, you find yourself invested in the characters and storyline from the start to the end of the book.
❤
This is of course a romance story, about a young talented Greek Baker, Kally. Who is under constant pressure from her parents and grandmother to settle down, whereas Kally has other ideas and ambitions. Kally is a great character. I love a determined female lead and she is definitely strong willed. Plus anyone who tailers their apron to their mood, I am living for.
❤
The other main character is Max, a police offer, with who Kally automatically has a spark with but both are hesitant to act on the sparks between them.
❤
I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story, along with involvement of their friends and family. I love that it was done in stages and it wasn't an insta love situation. I also loved the Greek heritage that was incorporated into the story, it really added that personal touch the story.
❤
This is only the first book in the Meraki series but I cannot wait to pick up the next book, Love by design. However, will absolutely read any book released in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
❤
Thank you to @lovebookstours & @effiekammenou_author for sending me a copy of Love is what you bake of it for reviewing.
❤
Effie Kammenou is a new author to me as I haven't read any of her previous novels but from one book I can tell she will be an author that I will be watching and waiting for each new book she releases. Her writing style is descriptive and immersive, you find yourself invested in the characters and storyline from the start to the end of the book.
❤
This is of course a romance story, about a young talented Greek Baker, Kally. Who is under constant pressure from her parents and grandmother to settle down, whereas Kally has other ideas and ambitions. Kally is a great character. I love a determined female lead and she is definitely strong willed. Plus anyone who tailers their apron to their mood, I am living for.
❤
The other main character is Max, a police offer, with who Kally automatically has a spark with but both are hesitant to act on the sparks between them.
❤
I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story, along with involvement of their friends and family. I love that it was done in stages and it wasn't an insta love situation. I also loved the Greek heritage that was incorporated into the story, it really added that personal touch the story.
❤
This is only the first book in the Meraki series but I cannot wait to pick up the next book, Love by design. However, will absolutely read any book released in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 5, 2021
Puns and baked goods...
Full disclosure: I received this e-book through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway,but that in no way affected this review.
Kally is independent, loving, and untrusting in regards to men. She loves to bake goodies for her shop, The Coffee Klatch, serve her customers, and read sexy romance novels. It's the only romance in her life. Did I mention she doesn't trust men? She's been burnt before so that when she meets Max, a Greek god, she ignores him and her reaction to him.
Max has returned home with daughter Athena in tow in order to rebuild their lives after destructive marriage, but he is taken with Kally, but he can't get involved,can he?
With family and friends egging them on, they just might if they can get past their issues. Will Kally learn to trust him or will lies and half-truths do him in?
Lots of what-the-tuck trends, but an enjoyable contemporary romance. Working to read more by the author.
One of the best bits, besides the punny nature of her sprons, was her description of the unrealistic romance novels of average girl meets billionaire guy. She got it right while also coming close to it.
Recipes included.
Full disclosure: I received this e-book through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway,but that in no way affected this review.
Kally is independent, loving, and untrusting in regards to men. She loves to bake goodies for her shop, The Coffee Klatch, serve her customers, and read sexy romance novels. It's the only romance in her life. Did I mention she doesn't trust men? She's been burnt before so that when she meets Max, a Greek god, she ignores him and her reaction to him.
Max has returned home with daughter Athena in tow in order to rebuild their lives after destructive marriage, but he is taken with Kally, but he can't get involved,can he?
With family and friends egging them on, they just might if they can get past their issues. Will Kally learn to trust him or will lies and half-truths do him in?
Lots of what-the-tuck trends, but an enjoyable contemporary romance. Working to read more by the author.
One of the best bits, besides the punny nature of her sprons, was her description of the unrealistic romance novels of average girl meets billionaire guy. She got it right while also coming close to it.
Recipes included.
March 25, 2020
Love is What You Bake of it (Meraki #1)
By Effie Kammenou
5 stars
I have read quite a few books by this author now and what always has me coming back to her is her beautifully detailed writing. Her stories have such a lovely flow to them that are a real pleasure to read. I didn’t even bother reading the blurb when I decided to read this book; the title caught my eye straight away.
Love is What You Bake of it was a wonderful romance read. I loved the characters Kally and Max (aka Officer Hot Buns) they were great to read about and both really relatable. The book kind of reminded me of one of my favourite films with the Greek family parts – there were some very entertaining secondary characters. There were some very funny moments in this story and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I think this is definitely my favourite book by this author so far! I look forward to more from her again in the future!!
By Effie Kammenou
5 stars
I have read quite a few books by this author now and what always has me coming back to her is her beautifully detailed writing. Her stories have such a lovely flow to them that are a real pleasure to read. I didn’t even bother reading the blurb when I decided to read this book; the title caught my eye straight away.
Love is What You Bake of it was a wonderful romance read. I loved the characters Kally and Max (aka Officer Hot Buns) they were great to read about and both really relatable. The book kind of reminded me of one of my favourite films with the Greek family parts – there were some very entertaining secondary characters. There were some very funny moments in this story and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I think this is definitely my favourite book by this author so far! I look forward to more from her again in the future!!
March 10, 2020
4 star review of Love is What You Bake Of It (Meraki Series #1) by Effie Kammenou
Effie Kammenou is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is. Love is What You Bake Of It was an entertaining read that had me invested from the first to the last chapter.
I found Kally Anadarakis and Max Vardaxis likeable and easy to relate too. The secondary characters, including a grandmother who had me in stitches at times were just as easy to relate too.
Kally has been badly burnt in the past and is not prepared to let Max in. In face a relationship is the last thing she either wants or needs.
There was romance, suspense, some smoking hot Greeks and humour which made for a roller coaster of a read. The added layer of a meddling Greek family throughout the story had me laughing and smiling and added to my enjoyment.
Effie Kammenou is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is. Love is What You Bake Of It was an entertaining read that had me invested from the first to the last chapter.
I found Kally Anadarakis and Max Vardaxis likeable and easy to relate too. The secondary characters, including a grandmother who had me in stitches at times were just as easy to relate too.
Kally has been badly burnt in the past and is not prepared to let Max in. In face a relationship is the last thing she either wants or needs.
There was romance, suspense, some smoking hot Greeks and humour which made for a roller coaster of a read. The added layer of a meddling Greek family throughout the story had me laughing and smiling and added to my enjoyment.
April 1, 2020
Love is What you Bake of it by Effie Kammenou a five-star feast of a read. This is the first novel in the Meraki series and my first by this author, and I will be eager to read the rest of the series as this one did have a couple of dips and undercooked bits, but overall was a nice solid and sweet bake and left a lovely after reading taste. Kally was a great character, I immediately warmed to her and loved her aprons and the café, you could almost smell the coffee beans in the air. The Coffee Klatch just sounded like a great place to be, and Max well he sounded like the kind of man you could be proud of in his amazing uniform, even if he doesn’t feel like people should be proud of him. This was a great story and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into number two to see what flavour that one will be.
April 4, 2020
I loved reading the story Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I knew from the moment I saw this cover that Love is What You Bake of it would be a ton of fun, but I wasn't prepared for HOW much fun, or for the unexpected feels it hit me with.
Love is What You Bake of it is a cute read about a baker and a police officer.I found Kally Anadarakis and Max Vardaxis likeable and easy to relate too. Love the concept of love and it being forever and everlasting.
Author’s amazing sense of humor (I laughed with grandmother absolutely i love!)
Effie is an amazing writer. She's definitely an author worth reading.
She possesses a writing style I admire and is an expert at weaving tales I can’t put down and crafting characters beautifuls.
I knew from the moment I saw this cover that Love is What You Bake of it would be a ton of fun, but I wasn't prepared for HOW much fun, or for the unexpected feels it hit me with.
Love is What You Bake of it is a cute read about a baker and a police officer.I found Kally Anadarakis and Max Vardaxis likeable and easy to relate too. Love the concept of love and it being forever and everlasting.
Author’s amazing sense of humor (I laughed with grandmother absolutely i love!)
Effie is an amazing writer. She's definitely an author worth reading.
She possesses a writing style I admire and is an expert at weaving tales I can’t put down and crafting characters beautifuls.
March 23, 2020
This is a new to me, author, I will definitely read again. First off, she crafts very thorough and well-developed stories and characters. Secondly, she gives us hints and teases about future stories for the future and also in the past, people we've become connected to and want to know more about. It's honestly like three stories in one and somehow she makes all of them compelling and not overdrawn.
I also enjoyed the Greek foodie talk coupled with delicious recipes to try - it's a feast for all of your senses!
I also enjoyed the Greek foodie talk coupled with delicious recipes to try - it's a feast for all of your senses!
March 2, 2020
3.5*
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
These two together were very sweet. They both had demons but felt a draw to each other. Kally was one stubborn woman’s day at times you wanted to give her a shake!
I really enjoyed the chapters from the past from the other characters, it gave you a chance to see what they had gone through. I do wish Kelly had found her grandfather but maybe we will get to see that in a future book.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
These two together were very sweet. They both had demons but felt a draw to each other. Kally was one stubborn woman’s day at times you wanted to give her a shake!
I really enjoyed the chapters from the past from the other characters, it gave you a chance to see what they had gone through. I do wish Kelly had found her grandfather but maybe we will get to see that in a future book.
May 21, 2021
Absolutely fabulous book.
A lovely romance that revolved around Kally, her café, her love and faith issues.
It's about not everything is as it seems, not to make assumptions based on it, having faith in the person you love, forgiveness, loss and giving love a second chance.
I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want it to end.
The author brings to life the characters so brilliantly. The story is so moving with the hint of more to come. Can’t wait to read book 2 in a couple of weeks .
A lovely romance that revolved around Kally, her café, her love and faith issues.
It's about not everything is as it seems, not to make assumptions based on it, having faith in the person you love, forgiveness, loss and giving love a second chance.
I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want it to end.
The author brings to life the characters so brilliantly. The story is so moving with the hint of more to come. Can’t wait to read book 2 in a couple of weeks .
March 25, 2020
Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1)
This is a lovely romance book by a new author l. I love Kally and her baking. Kally passion for baking is shown fro the effort she puts in her cafe. Max at first is not what you expect. I love how light hearted and humorous this book is it puts a smile on your face. Kally is scared to commit to a relationship due to her past burns.
This is a lovely romance book by a new author l. I love Kally and her baking. Kally passion for baking is shown fro the effort she puts in her cafe. Max at first is not what you expect. I love how light hearted and humorous this book is it puts a smile on your face. Kally is scared to commit to a relationship due to her past burns.
July 15, 2022
I really enjoyed the first installment of this series and look forward to the one!
The characters are wonderful and a "sweet treat: includes recipes that come with it! The author does a very good job of bringing each character to life and making sure readers are engaged from the very beginning!
The characters are wonderful and a "sweet treat: includes recipes that come with it! The author does a very good job of bringing each character to life and making sure readers are engaged from the very beginning!
May 10, 2021
Kally Andarakis is a greek woman with a plan, she has her dog, her best friend, her cafe and her family and doesn’t need anything else, but it hasn’t always been that way, eight years before, she took a risk on a man who was the complete opposite of what her family wanted for her, mysterious, long haired and tattooed who drove a motorcycle, but when tragedy struck and he died, she discovered something which would shatter her trust in men and it broke her heart completely.
Today is her sister's name day and Kally has a family meal and celebrates it at her childhood home in Port Jefferson, so she quickly stops in at home to change and take her dog for a quick walk before she heads over there. As usual there is plenty of food, drinks and love, her family is a close one, albeit a bit stifling at times and with some old fashioned greek ideals to boot, but she wouldn’t change them for the world. In her day to day life, when not attending family events, Kally has a routine she has perfected, in the morning she gives her dog a quick walk, then heads to work to begin baking pastries, scones and cakes for her customers, so headphones in and music on, she dances round her kitchen until the rest of her team show up to start their day, then she greets her regulars and chats with the other customers as she prepares their orders, however, today is not like any other when she finds a license plate outside her shop and so she picks it up and resolves to call the police about it when she gets a chance. When an officer shows up to collect the license plate, the cafe is busy and so she grabs it and turns to see which of the local officers had arrived, however, this one she has never seen before and he doesn’t quite fit the description of one, he is gorgeous and she is tongue tied, however, her ever present and man-crazy best friend thankfully takes the lead and makes the small talk. While he is talking Kally notices that although he complements the establishment, she is taken aback a little at the fact that he didn’t introduce himself, but her friend says his name is Max, according to his name badge, but she doesn’t need a man and he is definitely not the one for her, despite what her coworkers think.
The next day, life carries on as normal, however, Kally cannot get Max out of her head, so she bakes to take her mind off him and when her team come in it helps even more, however, when he comes back in to give her an update on the license plate, his interest in her baked goods, followed by an insult to her scones, she doesn’t know how to take his mercurial mood swings. After the cafe closes, her favourite book club arrives and talk diverts to a more steady topic as they discuss the months book and eat the sweet treats accompanying it, however, when a friend of the family tries to set her up with her nephew, Kally is less than impressed, but agrees to meet him if they run into each other at church. Meanwhile Max cannot get Kally out of his mind either and decides to come up with a way to see her again, even if it isn’t in his\best interest, he can’t afford to be distracted from the new life he is creating since moving back home and away from the disaster of his past. After church, he meets up with his daughter, his sister in law and her son and takes them to Kally’s cafe, Kally is happy to see Max and when he introduces the two kids with him, she is happy as well, they are lovely and the little girl worms her way into her heart, but when a beautiful woman joins them at the table nothing else quite goes to plan and she backs away thinking that it was too good to be true after all. When the group is ready to leave, Max stays behind to talk to Kally, he loves how she was with his daughter and feels like things are going well. However, when he bumps into her the next day, he cannot understand why Kally has suddenly lost the warmth she had when she looks at him and talks to him, although when he discusses it with a coworker later on, he realises the reason and is determined to clear up the misunderstanding.
Will Kally listen to Max, let him clear the air and take a chance on him, or will she hold back her heart behind the walls she has erected over time? This is a romance where the past affects the present in more ways than one as experiences are discussed, truths are revealed and hearts are thrown around on a rollercoaster ride, but can a family mystery from the past help two hearts to find each other? Only reading to the end can tell you.
Today is her sister's name day and Kally has a family meal and celebrates it at her childhood home in Port Jefferson, so she quickly stops in at home to change and take her dog for a quick walk before she heads over there. As usual there is plenty of food, drinks and love, her family is a close one, albeit a bit stifling at times and with some old fashioned greek ideals to boot, but she wouldn’t change them for the world. In her day to day life, when not attending family events, Kally has a routine she has perfected, in the morning she gives her dog a quick walk, then heads to work to begin baking pastries, scones and cakes for her customers, so headphones in and music on, she dances round her kitchen until the rest of her team show up to start their day, then she greets her regulars and chats with the other customers as she prepares their orders, however, today is not like any other when she finds a license plate outside her shop and so she picks it up and resolves to call the police about it when she gets a chance. When an officer shows up to collect the license plate, the cafe is busy and so she grabs it and turns to see which of the local officers had arrived, however, this one she has never seen before and he doesn’t quite fit the description of one, he is gorgeous and she is tongue tied, however, her ever present and man-crazy best friend thankfully takes the lead and makes the small talk. While he is talking Kally notices that although he complements the establishment, she is taken aback a little at the fact that he didn’t introduce himself, but her friend says his name is Max, according to his name badge, but she doesn’t need a man and he is definitely not the one for her, despite what her coworkers think.
The next day, life carries on as normal, however, Kally cannot get Max out of her head, so she bakes to take her mind off him and when her team come in it helps even more, however, when he comes back in to give her an update on the license plate, his interest in her baked goods, followed by an insult to her scones, she doesn’t know how to take his mercurial mood swings. After the cafe closes, her favourite book club arrives and talk diverts to a more steady topic as they discuss the months book and eat the sweet treats accompanying it, however, when a friend of the family tries to set her up with her nephew, Kally is less than impressed, but agrees to meet him if they run into each other at church. Meanwhile Max cannot get Kally out of his mind either and decides to come up with a way to see her again, even if it isn’t in his\best interest, he can’t afford to be distracted from the new life he is creating since moving back home and away from the disaster of his past. After church, he meets up with his daughter, his sister in law and her son and takes them to Kally’s cafe, Kally is happy to see Max and when he introduces the two kids with him, she is happy as well, they are lovely and the little girl worms her way into her heart, but when a beautiful woman joins them at the table nothing else quite goes to plan and she backs away thinking that it was too good to be true after all. When the group is ready to leave, Max stays behind to talk to Kally, he loves how she was with his daughter and feels like things are going well. However, when he bumps into her the next day, he cannot understand why Kally has suddenly lost the warmth she had when she looks at him and talks to him, although when he discusses it with a coworker later on, he realises the reason and is determined to clear up the misunderstanding.
Will Kally listen to Max, let him clear the air and take a chance on him, or will she hold back her heart behind the walls she has erected over time? This is a romance where the past affects the present in more ways than one as experiences are discussed, truths are revealed and hearts are thrown around on a rollercoaster ride, but can a family mystery from the past help two hearts to find each other? Only reading to the end can tell you.
March 17, 2021
I loved the play on words for the title 💕! This is the first book in the new Meraki series. This is a sweet story of finding love again after loss for both characters Kally and Max.
Kally is a baker who's branched out on her own from her fathers bakery, she's still dealing with the aftermath of a relationship she thinks was built on lies.
Max is police officer who has recently moved back to his small home town with his daughter after a messy marriage.
The first time they meet at her bakery there's definite sparks, but both are hesitant to act on the attraction because of their pasts.
I enjoyed watching their relationship grow, along with the help of their very large Greek families and their friends. While this was definitely a contemporary romance I enjoyed quite a few laughs throughout!! Kallys grandmother had me in stitches!!
I loved the incorporation of the Greek heritage throughout the whole book. Traditional foods made everyday whether at home or at Kallys bakery. Another favorite is each chapter contains a delicious sounding recipe!!
This was my first time reading a book by Effie but it certainly will not be my last as she weaves a beautiful story.
I would like to thank the author Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock Book Tours for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kally is a baker who's branched out on her own from her fathers bakery, she's still dealing with the aftermath of a relationship she thinks was built on lies.
Max is police officer who has recently moved back to his small home town with his daughter after a messy marriage.
The first time they meet at her bakery there's definite sparks, but both are hesitant to act on the attraction because of their pasts.
I enjoyed watching their relationship grow, along with the help of their very large Greek families and their friends. While this was definitely a contemporary romance I enjoyed quite a few laughs throughout!! Kallys grandmother had me in stitches!!
I loved the incorporation of the Greek heritage throughout the whole book. Traditional foods made everyday whether at home or at Kallys bakery. Another favorite is each chapter contains a delicious sounding recipe!!
This was my first time reading a book by Effie but it certainly will not be my last as she weaves a beautiful story.
I would like to thank the author Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock Book Tours for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2021
The book is centred around Kally who is a successful and independent owner of her cafe, The Coffee Klatch, things seem to be going amazing for Kally until one day Max walks into her cafe and adds even more complication to her life.
This book was AMAZING and gave me everything and more than I was expecting from it!! Kally is a strong woman, but after a tragic incident years ago she struggles to open herself to trusting a man again and doesn’t see herself as someone worthy of love, so lives her fantasies amongst her romance novels. I really loved this story as when you get further into the plot and read Kally and Max’s journey, you begin to understand that not everything is as it seems and wounds from the past are buried a lot deeper than you would think.
I really struggled to put this down and only did so once in the entire time I read this book when I reluctantly put it down to get some sleep and picked it straight back up the next day - it was absolutely addictive! Not only was I desperate to read more about Kally and Max’s blooming romance, but also their histories as well and how their past shaped them as people. I also really liked that multiple characters got their own chapters where I learned more about their lives, such as Kally’s mum and dad’s history and also her grandmother whose husband seemingly abandoned her and her daughter years ago.
This book was filled with emotional twists that left me choked up but by the end of it I was smiling ear-to-ear and felt so happy after having finished it😍
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good rom-com with lovable characters and an addictive storyline! I loved these characters and found myself laughing along with them, gasping at the shocking moments and smiling throughout this lovely story💗
Thank you to Love Book Tours & Effie Kammenou for having gifted me with this book and the second book in the Meraki series and also for inviting me to both book tours🤩
This book was AMAZING and gave me everything and more than I was expecting from it!! Kally is a strong woman, but after a tragic incident years ago she struggles to open herself to trusting a man again and doesn’t see herself as someone worthy of love, so lives her fantasies amongst her romance novels. I really loved this story as when you get further into the plot and read Kally and Max’s journey, you begin to understand that not everything is as it seems and wounds from the past are buried a lot deeper than you would think.
I really struggled to put this down and only did so once in the entire time I read this book when I reluctantly put it down to get some sleep and picked it straight back up the next day - it was absolutely addictive! Not only was I desperate to read more about Kally and Max’s blooming romance, but also their histories as well and how their past shaped them as people. I also really liked that multiple characters got their own chapters where I learned more about their lives, such as Kally’s mum and dad’s history and also her grandmother whose husband seemingly abandoned her and her daughter years ago.
This book was filled with emotional twists that left me choked up but by the end of it I was smiling ear-to-ear and felt so happy after having finished it😍
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good rom-com with lovable characters and an addictive storyline! I loved these characters and found myself laughing along with them, gasping at the shocking moments and smiling throughout this lovely story💗
Thank you to Love Book Tours & Effie Kammenou for having gifted me with this book and the second book in the Meraki series and also for inviting me to both book tours🤩
May 17, 2021
Love is What You Bake of it is book 1 in the new Meraki series and the first book of Effie Kammenou that I’ve read, and all I can say is wow - I LOVED it!
The stunning cover initially caught my eye and as an avid romance lover, cake fiend and keen baker, this book ticked all of the boxes for me.
It tells the story of Kally - a strong, dependant and very talented Greek woman who, despite her father’s misgivings, follows her dreams to set up her own successful bakery and cafe. Her life is going how she wants it - nice and safe - until one day a hot, mysterious cop comes in to her cafe ...
Everything about this book is perfection. The characters are fabulous and instantly likeable. Kally and Max’s relationship is a slow burn one (my fav!) due the emotional baggage they both carry but every one of their scenes sizzle with chemistry.
The secondary characters are great too. I particularly loved Kally’s bestie Egypt (a girl with the confidence and freedom of spirit most girls can only aspire to) and Kally’s steamy romance novel loving gran!
I loved the addition of recipes throughout the book and I can confirm that the blueberry muffins are to die for.
There are loads of aspects of Greek culture, food, family and religious traditions woven throughout the story which were really insightful and added to the richness of the novel.
I thoroughly recommend this book to any romance fans and I can’t wait to start book 2 in the series!
The stunning cover initially caught my eye and as an avid romance lover, cake fiend and keen baker, this book ticked all of the boxes for me.
It tells the story of Kally - a strong, dependant and very talented Greek woman who, despite her father’s misgivings, follows her dreams to set up her own successful bakery and cafe. Her life is going how she wants it - nice and safe - until one day a hot, mysterious cop comes in to her cafe ...
Everything about this book is perfection. The characters are fabulous and instantly likeable. Kally and Max’s relationship is a slow burn one (my fav!) due the emotional baggage they both carry but every one of their scenes sizzle with chemistry.
The secondary characters are great too. I particularly loved Kally’s bestie Egypt (a girl with the confidence and freedom of spirit most girls can only aspire to) and Kally’s steamy romance novel loving gran!
I loved the addition of recipes throughout the book and I can confirm that the blueberry muffins are to die for.
There are loads of aspects of Greek culture, food, family and religious traditions woven throughout the story which were really insightful and added to the richness of the novel.
I thoroughly recommend this book to any romance fans and I can’t wait to start book 2 in the series!
March 9, 2021
Kally is a strong spirited and independent woman. She owns her own pastry and coffee shop on Long Island, rising above the familial expectations of going into the family business. She approaches relationships with others with caution as she her trust has been broken in the past. Will she be able to trust Max, a new police officer in town?
I loved the different recipes offered throughout this book, especially for the Greek desserts I am not at all familiar with. I loved the use of Greek terminology as it again introduced me to information I was not familiar with. I also really enjoyed seeing Kally's dedication to her family and friends! This was a great light-hearted book, with some romance weaved in.
Thank you to Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock Book Tours for a copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the different recipes offered throughout this book, especially for the Greek desserts I am not at all familiar with. I loved the use of Greek terminology as it again introduced me to information I was not familiar with. I also really enjoyed seeing Kally's dedication to her family and friends! This was a great light-hearted book, with some romance weaved in.
Thank you to Effie Kammenou and Kate Rock Book Tours for a copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 16, 2021
When Love Is What You Bake Of It arrived in my mailbox I was so excited- the first book in the Meraki Series looked like such a sweet and light read... and for that initial reaction, I apologize! While this book is so charming, there is so much more depth to this story than I had originally thought.
Kally is not just a talented pastry chef but a successful businesswoman. She has branched out from her father’s Greek restaurant, opening her own bakery in Long Island, The Coffee Klatch highlights her Greek upbringing combined with her own passionate creations.
It is here Max enters her bakery and her life. Max is divorced and has returned to Long Island with his daughter, fleeing a fast and lavish lifestyle in NYC. Kally and Max’s attraction is instant but it is a slow burn for these two relationship wary 30 somethings.
I loved the family dynamics in this book. Kally’s Greek family is both overbearing and so endearing. The differing POV with characters and timelines gives insight into everyone’s past. The author deals so well with tough subject matter- death, grief, and infidelity without weighing down the overall feel of the story.
Greek culture is a central theme throughout the story. From family traditions to church celebrations, and a family member’s story actually told in Greece- I loved all of these cultural elements! There are even traditional recipes included throughout the book.
I would recommend Love Is What You Bake Of It to anyone but especially people who think they may not like a traditional romance book. This book offers so much with a gorgeous love story as it’s core!
Kally is not just a talented pastry chef but a successful businesswoman. She has branched out from her father’s Greek restaurant, opening her own bakery in Long Island, The Coffee Klatch highlights her Greek upbringing combined with her own passionate creations.
It is here Max enters her bakery and her life. Max is divorced and has returned to Long Island with his daughter, fleeing a fast and lavish lifestyle in NYC. Kally and Max’s attraction is instant but it is a slow burn for these two relationship wary 30 somethings.
I loved the family dynamics in this book. Kally’s Greek family is both overbearing and so endearing. The differing POV with characters and timelines gives insight into everyone’s past. The author deals so well with tough subject matter- death, grief, and infidelity without weighing down the overall feel of the story.
Greek culture is a central theme throughout the story. From family traditions to church celebrations, and a family member’s story actually told in Greece- I loved all of these cultural elements! There are even traditional recipes included throughout the book.
I would recommend Love Is What You Bake Of It to anyone but especially people who think they may not like a traditional romance book. This book offers so much with a gorgeous love story as it’s core!
May 16, 2021
Love if what you bake of it is the first book in the Meraki Series. This first segment focuses on Kally and how her previous relationship has defined her perception of love. She has decided that a good romance and true love can only be found in books, and definitely she is not destined to experience such a powerful feeling.
This book is sweet, funny and a bit dramatic. All the ingredients you want in a romantic book are definitely there, plus the author has blessed the reader with some really nice recipes, that you can use to spoil your significant other.
I really appreciated as well the inclusion of Greek culture and customs and a bit of the historical context as well.
I’m definitely curious to read the second book now, Love by Design, which this time focuses on Mia, Kally’s sister. And if Love is What you Bake of it was just a taste of what the series can be I’m sure we can expect great things from Effie Kammenou.
This book is sweet, funny and a bit dramatic. All the ingredients you want in a romantic book are definitely there, plus the author has blessed the reader with some really nice recipes, that you can use to spoil your significant other.
I really appreciated as well the inclusion of Greek culture and customs and a bit of the historical context as well.
I’m definitely curious to read the second book now, Love by Design, which this time focuses on Mia, Kally’s sister. And if Love is What you Bake of it was just a taste of what the series can be I’m sure we can expect great things from Effie Kammenou.
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