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Effie’s 2025 Year in Books

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Effie Kammenou

Goodreads Author

Born

in New York, The United States

December 29

Website

http://effiekammenou.com

Twitter

EffieKammenou

Genre

Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

Member Since

April 2013

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/effiekammenou

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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 dreamed of a successful career as an actor. Instead, she worked in the optical field for over 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 the age of 100. Her interview with him 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 dreamed of a successful career as an actor. Instead, she worked in the optical field for over 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 the age of 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 in 2018.
Love is Worth Fighting For won silver, second place for contemporary romance in The Readers Favorite Book Awards, and most recently won first place in the BookFest Awards.
Kammenou's latest series is The Meraki Series. Love is What You Bake of it, Love by Design, and Love is Worth Fighting For are available in print and Kindle formats. 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 a sometimes stifling and meddling family. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in recent Greek history is slowly uncovered throughout the series.
As a bonus, each book contains the traditional Greek recipes featured throughout the novels, many of which were passed down from her Athenian mother.
Kammenou’s latest novel, The Magic of Robola, a captivating second-chance romance that unfolds across dual timelines, is set to release January 30, 2026. This story weaves poignant moments with swoon-worthy scenes through a forced proximity scenario that pulls at the heartstrings.

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, you can find her entertaining family and friends or traveling for 'research.' She recently returned to her theatrical roots by occasionally working as a background actor in film and television productions.
She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Women Fiction Writers Association, Long Island Authors, Long Island Authors Group, and Long Island Romance Writers.
For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on social media. Sign up for her newsletter to receive a free copy of her novella Don’t Want to Leave Her Now.
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Combine Editions
Effie Kammenou’s books

Average rating: 4.46 · 1,739 ratings · 803 reviews · 9 distinct works • Similar authors

	Evanthia's Gift (The Gift Saga #1) 4.39 avg rating — 559 ratings — published 2015 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1) 4.35 avg rating — 322 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Waiting for Aegina (The Gift Saga, #2) 4.60 avg rating — 255 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2) 4.47 avg rating — 182 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Chasing Petalouthes (The Gift Saga #3) 4.66 avg rating — 148 ratings — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Love is Worth Fighting for 4.39 avg rating — 121 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Magic of Robola 4.55 avg rating — 56 ratings — published 2026 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Gift Saga Trilogy (The Gift Saga #1-3) 4.74 avg rating — 50 ratings — published 2018	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Paperback Writers Anthology by Jennifer Locklear (Goodreads Author), Morgan Locklear (Goodreads Author), Beck Anderson (Goodreads Author) 4.59 avg rating — 46 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Effie Kammenou…

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Effie Kammenou's Blog

I think it’s time for a cocktail

If you’ve read my books, then you know I insert recipes between some of the chapters. But this is the first cocktail I’ve added rather than food or desserts. I love anything cherry-flavored. Visinatha is the syrup made from cherry preserves. It can be purchased as a syrup alone or in a jar with the cherries. My mother and Yiayiá would stir a few tablespoons of this confection into a glass of cold

Series by Effie Kammenou

The Gift Saga (3 books)
by

Effie Kammenou (Goodreads Author)

4.50 avg rating — 1,012 ratings

Meraki (1 book)
by

Effie Kammenou (Goodreads Author)

4.35 avg rating — 322 ratings

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Effie’s Recent Updates

Effie Kammenou liked Lyndsey's review of The Magic of Robola: "Second chance romance are one of my favorite tropes so this was right up my alley. These two love each other but life has other plans. When Eleni returns to the island she tries her best to avoid Nikko and the feelings being back have stirred back up" Read more of this review »
Feb 20, 2026 04:38PM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou liked Ashleigh's review of The Magic of Robola: "The Magic of Robola follows the story of Eleni Pangalos, who has just returned to her family home after over 10 years away, and must wade through the grief of profound loss. She will have to find ways to cope not only with the loss of her loved one b" Read more of this review »
Feb 20, 2026 10:48AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou liked lisa_lou_reads's review of The Magic of Robola: "I absolutely adored my first book by Effie Kammenou. I picked this book by its beautiful cover, and went in blind for the read. What I didn’t expect was a story about first love, grief, forgiveness, and how to navigate your way back to what you thoug" Read more of this review »
Feb 20, 2026 10:45AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou liked Chris's review of The Magic of Robola: "I enjoyed this second chance romance set in a vineyard on a Greek Island. The writing transported me to Greece for a few hours and I did not want to leave. Eleni, the main character, however was torn about returning to Greece and her family vineyard." Read more of this review »
Feb 20, 2026 10:45AM · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou has read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book got rave reviews, so I had to read it on so many recommendations. I was one-third of the way in and I set it aside, not sure if I would pick it up again. I wasn't thrilled with the whole novel written as a series of letters. I didn't like t ...more
Feb 19, 2026 02:26PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Correspondent by Virginia Evans <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou rated a book it was amazing The Fairmounts (The Fairmount Saga) by Valerie Nifora (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The Fairmounts is a well-written, engaging story reminiscent of the classics from another era. The novel was an exploration in humanity, ethics, and morality. The course Mary Whitcomb's life had been controlled and manipulated. Harry LeCroix is deter ...more
Feb 18, 2026 02:34PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Fairmounts by Valerie Nifora. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Fairmounts by Valerie Nifora <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou made a comment on Kerry Baker’s review of The Magic of Robola " I don't usually respond to reviews, though they are so greatly appreciated. But I want to extend my condolences. Treasure the memories you have. He wi ...more "
Feb 11, 2026 05:48PM · see review
Effie Kammenou rated a book it was amazing Wrapped in Blue: An Indigo Beach Holiday Novella by Kara Emerson (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Wrapped in Blue, written by Kara Emerson, is a delightful holiday romance. Told from the points of view of Julian, a journalist writing a travel piece about a quaint small town, and Iris, the small-town sweetheart organizing the Christmas festival. T ...more
Dec 25, 2025 09:03PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Wrapped in Blue by Kara Emerson. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Wrapped in Blue by Kara Emerson <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Effie Kammenou made a comment in the group Authors-Readers Connect — BOOK PROMOTION SITES--THE ONES THAT ACTUALLY WORK! topic " Hi! I hate that I no longer get comment notifications on this group anymore. I don't know why. So I've missed a lot. Something must be in the air with ...more "
Jan 25, 2025 07:26PM
Effie Kammenou has read Worth It (Yama Yama, #1) by S.M. Shade (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jul 13, 2024 02:51PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Worth It by S.M. Shade. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Worth It by S.M. Shade <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by Effie Kammenou (?)

“Everyone’s experience is unique to them. Don’t minimize it.”
― Effie Kammenou, Evanthia's Gift

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“Whenever I was going through a tough time he knew just what to say. I’m going to pass some of his wisdom to you. Everything you went through may have been painful at that time, but it led you to this moment. There is a reason for everything. Out from the storm, the sun will shine. You’ll see.”
― Effie Kammenou, Waiting for Aegina

tags: customizeurcover, fictionlove_alwaysforever, fromauthorstoreaders

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“If nothing ever changed, there would be no such thing as butterflies.” —Wendy Mass”
― Effie Kammenou, Chasing Petalouthes

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Topics Mentioning This Author

topics	posts	views	last activity
Goodreads Authors...: Know of any great book publicists or PR reps?	7	48	Mar 12, 2016 09:54AM
Readers & Writers: BOTM for October 2016 - Evanthia's Gift by Effie Kammenou	1	10	Oct 01, 2016 08:48AM
Review Group: * Birthday hop is on!	20	129	Oct 02, 2017 10:50PM
Review Group: * Group 154. DONE. Mod K.A.	158	103	Nov 08, 2017 11:40AM
Romance Audiobooks: Evanthia’s Gift by Effie Kammenou	5	46	Feb 07, 2018 08:18AM
Romance Audiobooks: Evanthia’s Gift by Effie Kammenou	12	91	Mar 30, 2018 08:13AM

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Effie’s Quotes

“Why not think that sometimes—just sometimes—you can overcome evil with silence? And let people hear their hatefulness in their own ears, without distraction. Maybe goodness is enough to expose evil for what it really is, sometimes.”
― Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel's Inferno

788 likes

“Kindness is never wasted.”
― Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel's Inferno

648 likes

“Sometimes goodness doesn't tell everything it knows. Sometimes goodness waits for the appropriate time and does the best it can with what it has.”
― Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel's Inferno

478 likes

“Look at me. Look into my eyes." His eyes fixed on hers as they fluttered open.
"I'll give you anything. My body, my soul, Take them. Take everything.”
― Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel's Inferno

402 likes