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Effie Kammenou
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Evanthia's Gift (The Gift Saga Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Effie Kammenou (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 712 ratings
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Sophia Giannakos will settle for nothing less than the rare love her parents share. At a tender and impressionable age, she has found her soul mate in Dean, the boy she has known her whole life -- until secrets and deceptions pull them apart. No stranger to heartache, Anastacia, Sophia's mother, attempts to comfort her without revealing ugly family truths that could haunt her daughter's future.
In the year 1956, Anastacia, a former NYU student, finds herself in the challenging role of a single parent. Left with emotional wounds from a bad marriage, she is reluctant to trust and resists her growing feelings for Alexandros, 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 1970s, as their daughter attempts to negotiate between two cultures. Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean, have shared a special connection since childhood. Although their desire for one another is undeniable, Dean resists her, rebelling against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage. When he can no longer fight his feelings, Dean asks Sophia to conceal their love. She hesitantly complies until it becomes too much for her. Like her mother, Sophia loves with every fiber of her soul, leaving her shattered when Dean pulls away from his family, culture, and ultimately his love for her, leaving her no choice but to find a life different than the one she'd hoped for. Evanthia's Gift is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and across two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Gift Saga
  2. Print length
    570 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    August 7, 2015
  6. Reading age
    17 - 18 years
  7. File size
    2623 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

4.0 out of 5 starsThis is a vast storyByLincs ReaderTOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICEon 18 April 2018Format: PaperbackThis is a huge, multi-layered, multi-generational story that follows Anastacia (known as Ana) from her early years as a Greek immigrant in New York in the 1950s, right through to Evanthia (Ana's granddaughter) story.

What I loved most about this story was the Greek influence; and whilst the majority of the story is set in the US, the whole Greek family thing shines through, and I really recognise that from my time in Greece and spending time with my Greek friends. Family is everything in this culture, and whilst sometimes it can feel a little overpowering for family members, everything usually revolves around food! The addition of recipes throughout the story is welcome and quite wonderful, I recognised many of my favourites amongst them.

This is a vast story, and I'll admit that I thought that it was a little too long, there were times at the beginning where I felt that there was a little too much description. Overly long passages that didn't really add a lot to the story, and then later, there are lots of skipped years. However, the author writes well, with authenticity and warmth and despite some of my minor criticism, I did enjoy the story very much.

I have the next in the saga on my shelf waiting to be read, and I'm looking forward to it.Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' FavoriteEffie Kammenou writes with confidence in her debut novel Evanthia's Gift: The Gift Saga Book 1, where we follow the story of a Greek-American family through the life of Anastacia Fotopoulos. In a story spanning three generations, we get a glimpse of life in Greece through her parents' and in-laws' viewpoints as the country is ravaged by the Second World War. In 1956, Ana finds herself in New York, pregnant, and escaping from a bad marriage. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries to get on with her life, vowing not to fall in love again. That is until a former acquaintance, Alexandros Giannakos, comes along. Unable to get pregnant again, Ana goes through another painful phase. And her daughter, Sofia, who grows up between two cultures, faces her own struggles too.

Evanthia's Gift: The Gift Saga Book 1 chronicles the life of a Greek-American family. As such, we get to learn about the Greek culture and how it is preserved in a foreign country through generations. The recipes at the start of some chapters certainly help to enhance the story. And if it's location you want, Evanthia's Gift offers that too, but Effie Kammenou, unwittingly perhaps, shows us that even in New York, a place of many nations, Ana still prefers her own kind when it comes to those she keeps the closest. As the story progresses, the plot reveals a number of fissures crackling beneath the surface - marriages falter and children stray. In the end, this is a universal story of love, pain, hope, and dreams made exceedingly colorful and interesting because it unravels through generations and between two completely different cultures.

From the Author

I began to write Evanthia'sGift about six months after my mother passed away. It was my way of working through my grief and I found great inspiration in my mother's life and character. My mother was an amazing woman of inner strength. She fought pancreatic cancer for two and a half years. Through her surgeries and chemo treatments, she spent time with everyone in the family, soaking up every last minute she had on earth.
My mom spoke of her childhood in Greece often, and I used what she told me to create a fictional story, one that was very loosely based on true events. Her accounts of WWII, her journey to America, and the history of her family all came into play.
My dad had his own stories, and at ninety-four years old, he is still feeding me family history and memories from his childhood.
The story itself just developed as I wrote it, and the basic plot that I had in my mind for some time, flourished into a story more detailed than I'd expected.

 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B013MG484M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Effie Kammenou; 1st edition (August 7, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 7, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2623 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 570 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 712 ratings

About the author

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Effie Kammenou

Effie Kammenou

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Effie 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.

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/effiekammenou

https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou

www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou

https://www.instagram.com/effiekammenou_author/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMZUQRPRjX0R6VVPpIKk8A

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
712 global ratings
I was so happy to receive this book
5 Stars
I was so happy to receive this book
I was so happy to receive this book!!! It came to me very fast and it's my best buddy on my way to work every morning and my way back home and at night before bed ! The story is very beautiful makes me feel like home it has a strong family and Greek culture feeling . I'm just amazed by this book ! My sister also got it and she loves it! Thank you Effie Kamenou!
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Top reviews from the United States

Bette
5.0 out of 5 stars An Exceptional & Heartfelt Story! Great Audible Listen🎧
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
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!
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Jackie Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotionally charged family saga
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
A multi-generational family saga that follows the characters through love, tragedy, heartache, and the stages of life.

Evanthia’s Gift, the first book in the Gift saga, is a brilliantly written, touching, and emotionally charged story. Kammenou’s characters are engaging and real, providing the reader with not only the ability to connect with each but to engage in their emotional journey. Each was realistically flawed, broken, or somehow affected by their past, which made the reader engage in their story on a personal level as much of what these characters experience is very relatable.

The author’s ensemble cast of characters helps to elevate the story-lines and the Greek culture, which she is portraying. Not only do her characters and story-line provide a better understanding into this culture but the author adds a personal touch by including authentic recipes inside the books pages, a wonderful treat for the reader. The author also touches on the historical past of Greece and her people; insight into the horrors attributed to the Nazi invasion, the religious aspects of the characters homeland, and the personal past that contributes to each character’s development. She also provides the reader with beautifully rendered visuals through her artistic world-building.

The plot twists keep the reader engaged but are realistic, enhancing the difficulties of maintaining relationships over years and through generations. Wound into the fabric of this multi-generational story are an exceptional group of antagonists – whether they be estranged sisters, ex-husbands, pride, or life-threatening diseases, Kammenou does not shy away from portraying them in their tragically wicked, agonizing, and heart wrenching dark truth.

The story is possibly the most emotionally draining read I have experienced in a very long time. It takes a talented writer be able to evoke a multitude of emotions from a reader in such an intense and breathtaking way. Kammenou has managed to do this in spades.

Clearly, the author has a very personal connection with the culture, the places depicted in her book, and the “family saga” that she portrays in the pages, making Evanthia’s Gift a book that is truly inspirational and authentic.

I have already purchased the second book in the series and am looking forward to reading it very soon.
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K. Matson
4.0 out of 5 stars Good But Long
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2019
Verified Purchase
This novel is a Greek-American saga told over several decades. I did enjoy learning about the Greek culture and the story was good. I have to say it did go on and on...and the middle was aimed more to the younger generation. It did have some explicit sexual situations but not over done. There was an interesting little twist at the end which added to the story.
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Top reviews from other countries

Loretta Hendy
5.0 out of 5 stars And what a beautiful gift it was
Reviewed in Australia on January 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
Evanthia's Gift was exactly as promised -a gift. And what a beautiful gift it was.
I fell in love with it right from the start. The writing is absolutely flawless, but that's not what captivated me. It was the heartbreaking story of Anastacia Fotopoulos, a young, vulnerable Greek woman cruelly abandoned by her cheating husband and left to raise her daughter Sophia alone. But in tragedy there is triumph, and the Author Effie Kammenou displays this triumph in the most spectacular, romantic, and heart warming way.
Ana reconnects with an old acquaintance from her college days, Alexandros Giannakos, and it is clear from the start these two are destined to spend their lives together. Ana is understandably guarded, deeply wounded by the betrayal of her husband, however Alex's persistence and love eventually wins her heart. Their story is quite possibly the most romantic one i have read. Alex is such a beautiful man, and it is amazing how he embraces Sophia as his own daughter, loving her as much, if not more, than if he were her biological father. It is utterly breathtaking, and this unconditional love continues right throughout their lives, never wavering, and if anything becoming stronger as time goes on.
'Evanthia's Gift' is a stunning love story that introduces you to the 'The Gift Saga' series.
I have to mention the supporting characters in Ana and Alex's story, as they played an extremely important role in the novel. Ana's extended family, her Aunt Litsa & Uncle Tasso, friends Soula & Stavros, and of course her parents, were the glue that often held Ana together. Without these caring, generous and loving people in her life, I feel that perhaps at times, Ana's life would have been much more difficult than it was. And this shows the importance of strong friendship and family ties. And of course Ana reciprocated this love and support with her family and friends, being there to support them when she was needed.
This was a lengthy novel, however it flowed beautifully, and I found myself not able to put down, wanting to read more and more to find out what happens next.
The novel transitioned seamlessly from Ana and Alex's story, to their daughter Sophia's story.
The pace changed somewhat with Sophia and Dean's story, however it was appropriate as the era had changed, so I found it was in context to the current social times.
I felt all of Sophia's heartbreak, and I will admit, at times, I did want to pull Dean out of the book, give him a good hard slap, and throw him back in. But this just makes for great, compelling reading, and as much as he infuriated me at times, I still loved Dean, and of course, all I wanted to see was Sophia and him together. Timing in a relationship is not something we often consider, however, this novel made me realize that sometimes perhaps the timing is wrong, even if the person is right.
We all mature at different stages in our lives, and I guess some people take longer to get there.
Ms Kammenou made me wait a long time for my HEA, but she gave it to me eventually. But like my mum always said "GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME."
Deserved more than the five stars I gave it. Loved this book. Highly recommend.
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lori jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
It is not often when an author can make me smile and then a few pages later make me hold back my tears. The story flowed smoothly and is set in New York and Greece. Adding some history of events that occurred during war times in Greece.

Evanthia’s Gift, begins with Ana as a young woman, with devastating discoveries that she slowly overcomes with the help of her family, friends Stavros and Soula and later with Alex the love of her life.

Several surprises await the reader with twists and turns that had me talking out loud to myself! I gasped when Irini showed up at the end. The characters of Sophia, Dean and Demi are so strong that it is impossible to loose interest in the book. This is one of those stories that I do not want to see end for when it does, I will miss all the families, especially Dean and when he says, Sophia mou, my heart would skip a beat!

Coming from a Greek family and raised in North America I can relate to the two very different cultures and my own struggles with acceptance. Some of the best Greek recipes are printed in between chapters and this is a big bonus for any reader.

The near ending was unexpected and I’m glad the author added a happy finale.
I certainly recommend this book to readers that enjoy reading about family, friends, love for one another, romance and the roller coaster ride of life.

I am anxious to read Book 2 and 3 of The Gift Saga!
Bravo Effie Kammenou!
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Ekaterina Botziou
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, well-paced and bursting with emotions and plots twists
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
I read a lot of books that are either based in Greece/Cyprus or feature Greek characters and I must admit that sometimes I can become disinterested with the Big Fat Greek Wedding type similarities and mechanical descriptions of the Greek landscape.

Not so with this book by the wonderfully talented Effie Kammenou.

Effie's debut novel is a women's fiction multigenerational love story and family saga, influenced by her Greek heritage, and the many real life accounts that have been passed down.

The first outing in the Gift Saga series, the novel spans several decades and is set partly in war-time Greece and partly in New York. The story follows the lives of Ana and her daughter Sophia and the trials and tribulations they both face in life and love. The characters are relatable and their problems recognisable particularly for those who come from a close-knit Mediterranean background where everyone is in each other's pockets!

Despite being a love story, cultural identity and damaging historical events are central to the plot and generational struggles caused by tradition, religion and fear play out as Effie takes the reader through the years.

Beautifully written, well-paced and bursting with emotions and plots twists, Evanthia's Gift is everything you could want from a love story, with a wildly romantic setting thrown in for good measure.
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Julie Ryan
4.0 out of 5 stars Full of joy and sorrow
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
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.
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Jean Peloso
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story
Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2016
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed the story...wanted to keep reading & the fact it involved Greece & recipes
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