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The Gift Saga #2
Waiting for Aegina
Book Two in The Gift The continuation of Evanthia’s Gift … *Read as a standalone or as part of the trilogy In 1961, five little girls moved into a suburban neighborhood and became inseparable, lifelong friends. They called themselves the ‘Honey Hill Girls,’ named after the street on which they lived. As teenagers they shared one another’s ambitions and dreams, secrets and heartaches. Now, more than thirty years later, they remain devoted and loyal, supporting each other through triumphs and sorrows. Evanthia's Gift follows the life of Sophia Giannakos. In Waiting for Aegina the saga continues from the perspectives of Sophia and her friends as the story drifts back and forth in time, filling in the gaps as the women grow to adulthood. Naive teenage ideals are later challenged by harsh realities, as each of their lives takes unexpected turns. Now nearing their fiftieth year, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna stand together through life-altering obstacles while they try to regain the lighthearted optimism of their youth.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2017
84 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Effie Kammenou
9 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 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.
Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effieka...
Linktree
https://linktr.ee/effiekammenou_author
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.
Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effieka...
Linktree
https://linktr.ee/effiekammenou_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 10, 2022
This was a lovely listen, for several reasons.
As this is book 2 in The Gift saga and I haven't read the first one, I came into this book a little blind. I managed to follow it well enough, but did feel that I would have benefitted from reading book 1 before going into this.
That being said, once I established myself with the characters, I really enjoyed it. The pace is fairly quick but doesn't feel rushed, and the different time frames and POVs really worked to keep the reader engaged the whole time. I loved the narrators!
I already have Book 3 on my TBR, and now I'm even more excited to listen to it.
As this is book 2 in The Gift saga and I haven't read the first one, I came into this book a little blind. I managed to follow it well enough, but did feel that I would have benefitted from reading book 1 before going into this.
That being said, once I established myself with the characters, I really enjoyed it. The pace is fairly quick but doesn't feel rushed, and the different time frames and POVs really worked to keep the reader engaged the whole time. I loved the narrators!
I already have Book 3 on my TBR, and now I'm even more excited to listen to it.
March 10, 2018
Book Two in the Gift Saga, follows the stories of the “Honey Hill Girls.” Five childhood friends who have continually been there for one another. Supporting each other through tragedy, heartache, life-altering decisions, and love. The strength of their bond and the uniqueness of their friendships are the true binding force that keeps them in each other’s lives for decades.
Flashbacks throughout the book give us glimpses into the now forty-something friends earlier lives when teenage angst, mistakes, and decisions ultimately define who they will become as adults. A past that shapes their adult lives for better or worse and develops interesting and in-depth characters with realistic flaws and shifting perspectives. Through tragedy, love, heartbreak, and loss the “Honey Hill Girls,” realize the importance of life and friendship and the power of the inner strength they possess. Their journeys are what defines the story, the characters, and their place in each other’s lives, taking the reader on a voyeuristic ride through the complexity of living.
Kammenou again, pulls out all the stops when it comes to evoking emotional responses from her readers. The book, filled with moments of tenderness, fear, uncertainty, and joy, infuse the story with a sense of authenticity, for many of these moments were/are truth for all of us.
The second book in Kammenou’s continuing saga, portrayed in a deep emotional and though-provoking way, is sure to leave readers desperate to follow her characters through the final chapters of their stories. I for one can’t wait for Book Three.
Flashbacks throughout the book give us glimpses into the now forty-something friends earlier lives when teenage angst, mistakes, and decisions ultimately define who they will become as adults. A past that shapes their adult lives for better or worse and develops interesting and in-depth characters with realistic flaws and shifting perspectives. Through tragedy, love, heartbreak, and loss the “Honey Hill Girls,” realize the importance of life and friendship and the power of the inner strength they possess. Their journeys are what defines the story, the characters, and their place in each other’s lives, taking the reader on a voyeuristic ride through the complexity of living.
Kammenou again, pulls out all the stops when it comes to evoking emotional responses from her readers. The book, filled with moments of tenderness, fear, uncertainty, and joy, infuse the story with a sense of authenticity, for many of these moments were/are truth for all of us.
The second book in Kammenou’s continuing saga, portrayed in a deep emotional and though-provoking way, is sure to leave readers desperate to follow her characters through the final chapters of their stories. I for one can’t wait for Book Three.
August 30, 2020
Thoughts: I didn't remember reading the first book until I got partway into the story and things became familiar, then it all came back to me. This was the same richness of feeling and plot, great characters and depth of character that I had found in the first one. The continuing stories of these five girls now as women in their forties, the loves, losses, successes and disasters that run through this closeknit group and families. At about 75% please be warned you will need a box of tissues. Recommended
May 11, 2017
I want to start out by saying this is the second book in The Gift Saga, it is the sequel to Evanthia's Gift(which I also reviewed and highly recommend you starting with that book). I was given both books in exchange for an honest review and this is one time I have never been more grateful that I was. Both books in this saga (well, and her entire saga) has been highly influenced by her Greek heritage, which she displays beautifully for her readers to see.
This story picks up right where the Evanthia's Gift left off and is just as beautifully written! It is about the meaning of true friendship with a side dish of love and romance. Through out the second book you get the chance to see new and familiar faces (from the first novel) that is able to add intensity to each chapter you read.
Waiting for Aegina, is a lot more dynamic and dramatic than Evanthia's Gift however Effie's amazing abilities to capture and draw on readers emotions is spot on from the first novel. This book is a lot like is predecessor in the way of it being an honest heartfelt book about greek life. I have never read a book much like these, that make you feel that your from Greece and that you and Sophia are friends in real life...
This is only Effie's second book and I can tell this series, saga, whatever you want to call it will be a classic. I read almost the entire book on Monday and saved the last chapter for last night and I was not disappointed. I honestly am eagerly awaiting the next book in this incredible saga.
This will also be posted to www.heatherbloggs.com
This story picks up right where the Evanthia's Gift left off and is just as beautifully written! It is about the meaning of true friendship with a side dish of love and romance. Through out the second book you get the chance to see new and familiar faces (from the first novel) that is able to add intensity to each chapter you read.
Waiting for Aegina, is a lot more dynamic and dramatic than Evanthia's Gift however Effie's amazing abilities to capture and draw on readers emotions is spot on from the first novel. This book is a lot like is predecessor in the way of it being an honest heartfelt book about greek life. I have never read a book much like these, that make you feel that your from Greece and that you and Sophia are friends in real life...
This is only Effie's second book and I can tell this series, saga, whatever you want to call it will be a classic. I read almost the entire book on Monday and saved the last chapter for last night and I was not disappointed. I honestly am eagerly awaiting the next book in this incredible saga.
This will also be posted to www.heatherbloggs.com
July 13, 2018
Waiting for Aegina: The Gift Saga, Book 2 by Effie Kammemou, narrated by Emily Lawrence is so wonderful! I cannot recommend it enough to everyone out there. Although it could stand-alone, you do not want to rob yourself of the opportunity to get to know how these characters came to be. I loved Book 1, Evanthia's Gift, just as much as this one; I'm taken aback by the beauty and eloquence of Kammemou's flowing words and beautiful storyline. These true-to-life characters have quickly become part of me. With them, I've laughed, cried, shared in their joys and successes, as well as their pains and sorrows. I recently lost my own mother to Cancer, and in a way, these characters have allowed me to feel not so alone. They have let me see that life goes on, and, in the end, everything works out just like it's supposed to. Wirhout knowing, they have given me the friendship, hope, and courage that I needed. Thank you for that. :-)
Narrator Emily Lawrence, again, puts on an absolutely amazing performance. She has made my listening experience memorable, and I can still hear her voice speaking to me as I type this. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to her narrate every minute of this series. I am very much looking forward to hearing her again in Book 3 when it is released on audio.
A rating of 5/5 stars is not enough for this series...I'd give it 10, if I could! I have no doubts that Waiting for Aegina: The Gift Saga, Book 2 by Effie Kammemou, narrated by Emily Lawrence is one that will be enjoyed by all. It is highly relatable, as it is a story about all of us...life, love, loss, family, friendship, and everything in between. These characters and all they experience on their unpredictable journeys through life will stay with you long after the story, itself, ends. It has allowed me to reflect on my own life and decisions I have made, as well as my future, because I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters, as you will, too. Without hesitation, I give this book my highest recommendation.
Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
Narrator Emily Lawrence, again, puts on an absolutely amazing performance. She has made my listening experience memorable, and I can still hear her voice speaking to me as I type this. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to her narrate every minute of this series. I am very much looking forward to hearing her again in Book 3 when it is released on audio.
A rating of 5/5 stars is not enough for this series...I'd give it 10, if I could! I have no doubts that Waiting for Aegina: The Gift Saga, Book 2 by Effie Kammemou, narrated by Emily Lawrence is one that will be enjoyed by all. It is highly relatable, as it is a story about all of us...life, love, loss, family, friendship, and everything in between. These characters and all they experience on their unpredictable journeys through life will stay with you long after the story, itself, ends. It has allowed me to reflect on my own life and decisions I have made, as well as my future, because I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters, as you will, too. Without hesitation, I give this book my highest recommendation.
Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
September 8, 2019
This book continues from Evanthia's Gift. Both books were incredibly beautiful. They follow Greek families that become one big family over time. The story covers many generations growing up. It highlights the good moments and the bad moments. The beautiful and the heartbreak. It's one of the most real and emotionally gripping stories I've ever followed. I am so ready to continue with book three.
I don't even know where to begin talking about the characters. They were all so beautiful. It's hard not to develop a connection to each and every one of them. As you follow their lives, you see each one for better or worse. You see them at their lowest and their highest. It's really beautiful. I couldn't get enough.
I was impressed with the Narrator was well. She did a fantastic job. It was very obvious that she was just into the story as I was. I'm convinced that the emotions in her voice actually pulled me into the story more than I already was. That's saying a lot. She did great in the first book as well.
I really enjoyed this book. As somebody who had a broken family, it was so beautiful to see this big beautiful family always there for each other when you need it. It's kind of like a fairy tale to me since I don't know what it's like to have family like that. Not only that, but this book is so educational. I've learned so much about the Greek culture because of these books. They even have some nice recipes scattered through the books. I'll definitely be trying them.
I don't even know where to begin talking about the characters. They were all so beautiful. It's hard not to develop a connection to each and every one of them. As you follow their lives, you see each one for better or worse. You see them at their lowest and their highest. It's really beautiful. I couldn't get enough.
I was impressed with the Narrator was well. She did a fantastic job. It was very obvious that she was just into the story as I was. I'm convinced that the emotions in her voice actually pulled me into the story more than I already was. That's saying a lot. She did great in the first book as well.
I really enjoyed this book. As somebody who had a broken family, it was so beautiful to see this big beautiful family always there for each other when you need it. It's kind of like a fairy tale to me since I don't know what it's like to have family like that. Not only that, but this book is so educational. I've learned so much about the Greek culture because of these books. They even have some nice recipes scattered through the books. I'll definitely be trying them.
April 10, 2018
4 Stars
Waiting for Aegina is the second book in The Gift Saga by Effie Kammenou.
We pick up right where the Evanthia's Gift finished off. And again, we are treated to a beautiful story that tugged on my heartstrings. The author writes beautifully, painting vivid images with her words. The details and descriptions transported me into the story and I followed along as the story transpired. This journey of friendship, connections, and love is a fitting sequel to the first book. I loved catching up with characters from the first book, as well as meeting some new ones. The characters really make this story special.
I think this book is a little more complex and dramatic than the first one. But every bit as enjoyable. The Greek culture and heritage depicted in the story adds an honest, fascinating and enlightening element to the book.
The story has a great pace, a smooth flow and is easy to read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this awesome saga.
Thank you, Ms. Kammenou!
Waiting for Aegina is the second book in The Gift Saga by Effie Kammenou.
We pick up right where the Evanthia's Gift finished off. And again, we are treated to a beautiful story that tugged on my heartstrings. The author writes beautifully, painting vivid images with her words. The details and descriptions transported me into the story and I followed along as the story transpired. This journey of friendship, connections, and love is a fitting sequel to the first book. I loved catching up with characters from the first book, as well as meeting some new ones. The characters really make this story special.
I think this book is a little more complex and dramatic than the first one. But every bit as enjoyable. The Greek culture and heritage depicted in the story adds an honest, fascinating and enlightening element to the book.
The story has a great pace, a smooth flow and is easy to read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this awesome saga.
Thank you, Ms. Kammenou!
July 21, 2019
Audio book review
Waiting for Aegina is the second book in The Gift Saga by Effie Kammenou The author. It follows the live of five long friends called the Hill Street Girls. It’s the street the girls lived on and meet. You meet Sophia in the first book . It shows how she meet her 4 life long friends and even in the fifty’s they support each other through think and thin. Each person wishes they have a friendship like Mindy, Sophia, Demi, Amy, and Donna. It shows no matter what true friends like those 5 girls are what life is always about .
Emily Lawrence performance was fantastic. Her take on the friendship was spot on . Her voice was strong , smooth and clear.
Waiting for Aegina is the second book in The Gift Saga by Effie Kammenou The author. It follows the live of five long friends called the Hill Street Girls. It’s the street the girls lived on and meet. You meet Sophia in the first book . It shows how she meet her 4 life long friends and even in the fifty’s they support each other through think and thin. Each person wishes they have a friendship like Mindy, Sophia, Demi, Amy, and Donna. It shows no matter what true friends like those 5 girls are what life is always about .
Emily Lawrence performance was fantastic. Her take on the friendship was spot on . Her voice was strong , smooth and clear.
March 6, 2020
In this second part of the trilogy (Evanthia’s Gift), the five childhood friends are approaching their 50’s and still remain close. The book gives you enough of their history that it could be read alone, but the first one was so good, I would recommend reading it first so you have all the details. Mindy has become the designer she always wanted to be, Amy a congresswoman, Sophie has her dance studio, Donna is a teacher and Demi a florist and event planner. In this book, they all battle their own romantic/marriage issues. I am in to part three!
April 12, 2018
Effie has done it again.
I loved the first book in this series and the sequel left off right where the last book ended. And still, friendship, love and hope are the central themes of this novel. I don't think I have ever read a book, a series, that delivered such a realistic but complex bond of what friendships can be.
The five friends are so different, and yet bonded by their past in such a way, that the reader is drawn in to figure out what exactly kept them together throughout every decade. It's as dramatic as the first book but I found this story full of more twists and turns, secrets, and stronger emotionally than the first one. It was hard to put this book down, I wanted to finish it in one sitting. Beautifully written by Effie, this story and these women pull on your heart strings once again leaving you with one or two tears in your eyes as you eagerly wait for the 3rd book.
I loved the first book in this series and the sequel left off right where the last book ended. And still, friendship, love and hope are the central themes of this novel. I don't think I have ever read a book, a series, that delivered such a realistic but complex bond of what friendships can be.
The five friends are so different, and yet bonded by their past in such a way, that the reader is drawn in to figure out what exactly kept them together throughout every decade. It's as dramatic as the first book but I found this story full of more twists and turns, secrets, and stronger emotionally than the first one. It was hard to put this book down, I wanted to finish it in one sitting. Beautifully written by Effie, this story and these women pull on your heart strings once again leaving you with one or two tears in your eyes as you eagerly wait for the 3rd book.
January 1, 2020
A great story about 4 friends and their lives. Kept my interest and wished I had read book one first but that's just so that I had more of the story.
February 22, 2021
Book Two continues the story of this multigenerational Greek family focusing more specifically of the first generation of the American- Greek children and their unique journeys of love, fear, joy, saddness and perserverance. The reader get to see through the eyes of these characters the challenges of being a first generation American born child in integrating customs, ancestral & religious beliefs, language, cuisine and social dynamics. The love story of all the characters continues as they learn perserverance, adjustment, and compromise as they intergrate into the melting pot of America while holding true to their Greek heritage and beliefs. I could not stop listening as I was so fully engaged and invested in these characters and needed to know how it all played out. Love this book and the journey it takes you on. A Trilogy definitely worth the listen/ read.
February 23, 2021
This book picks up immediately where the first one left off and delves much deeper into the friendship between Sophia and the Honey Hill Girls. There are flashbacks to the past, which explains parts of their story from when they were girls that we were not party to in the first book. The trials that the girls go through from young adults up to the time they become married mothers really cements their friendship and is a story of warmth and loyalty. This book has a lot of emotional trauma for the characters and reflects real life events that readers will be able to relate to. The writing is lovely and by the second book I really cared deeply for these people that have been through so much together. Having spoken with the author, I know that the inspiration for some of these characters came from people that she has been close to in real life. This saga is a beautiful way to honour their memory.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2021
This is book two of the gift saga. I didn’t think it would be possible for this to be better than the first…but it is! I adore this series, the characters, the settings, the plot… <3
It focuses on the five honey hill girls, Sophia, Amy, Demi, Donna and Mindy as they grow up throughout the years. How they support each other through highs and the lows of work and family life. I’m so invested in these loveable characters.
The book skips back and forward in time, sometimes find this style hard to follow but this was clear, fluent and easy to keep up with.
The book has more fabulous Greek recipes to try and time relevant mentions of important events. The part about the twin towers was so heart breaking and well described that I felt like I was there with them.
Effie is such a wonderful author. Her writing is so real. Good and bad things happen in life. Sometimes we don’t get a happy ending. She focuses on how we can draw from every situation, highlights the importance of good supportive friends and family and captures what it is to be in love, heartbroken, grieving, impulsive, depressed and hopeful.
I felt every emotion when reading, from laughter to tears.
I'd recommend this series to everyone, it’s such a wholesome read and I can’t praise it enough!
thanks to @lovebookstours and Effie Kammenou for my copy!
It focuses on the five honey hill girls, Sophia, Amy, Demi, Donna and Mindy as they grow up throughout the years. How they support each other through highs and the lows of work and family life. I’m so invested in these loveable characters.
The book skips back and forward in time, sometimes find this style hard to follow but this was clear, fluent and easy to keep up with.
The book has more fabulous Greek recipes to try and time relevant mentions of important events. The part about the twin towers was so heart breaking and well described that I felt like I was there with them.
Effie is such a wonderful author. Her writing is so real. Good and bad things happen in life. Sometimes we don’t get a happy ending. She focuses on how we can draw from every situation, highlights the importance of good supportive friends and family and captures what it is to be in love, heartbroken, grieving, impulsive, depressed and hopeful.
I felt every emotion when reading, from laughter to tears.
I'd recommend this series to everyone, it’s such a wholesome read and I can’t praise it enough!
thanks to @lovebookstours and Effie Kammenou for my copy!
February 14, 2021
I’ve been trying to inject a little non-crime into my reading for 2021 and I am glad I chose this one. What a beautifully written and evocative book - I feel Effie has poured her soul into this story.
I haven’t read the first book - it read well as a stand-alone - however I invested quite heavily in these characters so will be definitely reading the first and third book. The life experiences these five women supported each other through can no doubt be related to by many - that level of friendship, and family, is heartwarming. I come from quite a small family so I (surprisingly) found myself yearning for this level of family life. It was well paced and I loved the change in perspectives and time throughout. I got an amazing sense of Greek lifestyle and I will be passing the recipes Effie provides to my husband! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to all.
I haven’t read the first book - it read well as a stand-alone - however I invested quite heavily in these characters so will be definitely reading the first and third book. The life experiences these five women supported each other through can no doubt be related to by many - that level of friendship, and family, is heartwarming. I come from quite a small family so I (surprisingly) found myself yearning for this level of family life. It was well paced and I loved the change in perspectives and time throughout. I got an amazing sense of Greek lifestyle and I will be passing the recipes Effie provides to my husband! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to all.
August 9, 2020
Ditto
Ditto my review of Evanthia's Gift. I love this family and how every other page I'm either laughing or crying. Beautiful story.
Ditto my review of Evanthia's Gift. I love this family and how every other page I'm either laughing or crying. Beautiful story.
August 1, 2020
Family saga
This book was second in a series the story of a Greek family. It has wonderful characters and a good plot. He’s very emotional with happiness sadness and angst. I recommend this book and the author.
This book was second in a series the story of a Greek family. It has wonderful characters and a good plot. He’s very emotional with happiness sadness and angst. I recommend this book and the author.
August 4, 2018
Waiting for Aegina takes us back to the family and friends saga picking up the story where its predecessor, Evanthia’s Gift, left off.
It is the beginning of the 21st century and friends Sophia, Demi, Donna, Amy & Mindy are entering the next stage of their lives – as wives, mothers and business women. Affectionately known as the Honey Hill Girls, after the street where they grew up together, their friendships and love have strengthened with time and different experiences.
Sophia, now very happily married to childhood sweetheart and Demi’s brother Dean, is still grieving for her mother Ana and worried for her father Alex. She is also battling with her teen twins from her first marriage, who miss their father since his death and resent her marriage to their “Uncle Dean”, running her successful dance studio and she is heavily pregnant!
Demi has grown from a feisty youngster into a self assured woman, with a Greek fiery temperament and a fiercely protective streak for all those that she loves. Her children are growing and the business that she runs with her husband Michael and brother, Dean is going from strength to strength – a vineyard that holds weddings and functions in a recently restored Carriage house. But Demi and Michael are spending more and more time concentrating on their separate areas of the business, and Demi feels estranged from her adored husband and jealous of anyone else spending time with him – particularly his demanding mother!
Donna, the former high school cheerleader/Prom queen married to the football team captain/Prom king, is a teacher with 2 sons. She has reached her forties and is feeling disillusioned with her marriage as husband Richie lavishes more attention on his sport, car and beer bottle than on Donna and the family. The attention he focuses on elder son RJ – a keen sportsman like his father – is in direct contrast to the lack of interest that is shown towards younger son Anthony, a sensitive boy who enjoys art, theatre and music. Donna struggles with her husband’s attitude toward their youngest and his derogatory comments about Anthony’s interests and gentle character.
Amy is now a successful lawyer turned politician, married to Ezra and mother to son Adam. She is hiding a secret from her past that only Sophia knows – a son born 20 years ago and given up for adoption to a Greek family – but his father is a secret that Amy has never shared. When her son, Sam, contacts her, Amy is delighted to get to know him through letters and phone calls. But before she has found the right time to tell Ezra and Adam about him or to even meet him face to face, the story has broken in the press that Congresswoman Amy had an illegitimate child and that the father was a now senior Congressman.
Mindy is the only one of the Honey Hill Girls to have never married, having put her soul into the building of her now successful dress design label Bloom. She has been in love. Nightclub owner Tyler loved Mindy and wanted a life with her, but her long working hours and devotion to her work killed the relationship. Several years later a chance encounter with Tyler gives Mindy a glimpse of the life that she could have had – marriage and his children. She takes off to Greece to “grieve” and meets the dashing Apollo, but can this become a long distance relationship or will their differences make it doomed from the start. As Mindy’s career goes from strength to strength, she despairs that she will never experience in her personal life what friends Sophia and Demi have.
The women’s lives move in different directions but remain intimately connected as they love and support each other through births, love and loss.
My review of the first in the Gift trilogy Evanthia’s Gift can be read here and whilst this book can be read as a stand alone……please, please, please read it as a sequel! I gave the first book 5 stars and absolutely adored the characters, the settings, and the story telling – so I started the sequel with excitement but also trepidation. Would it match up to the first novel? Would I enjoy it as much and feel the characters in the same way? Would I be inspired?
Yes, yes, yes! This book is written around the five friends, whilst the first concentrated on the stories of the first generation Greek families, and each chapter is titled with a different friend’s name – Sophia, Demi, Donna, Amy or Mindy. Sophia and Demi featured heavily in the first book, so it is lovely to get to know more about the other friends in this novel and the author gives us some more of their back stories whilst delivering the individuality of the characters. When I feel that I could be friends with a character, that I think about the people as I go about my day to day life and I might even dream about them – then I believe that the author has really succeeded in creating something special.
There were so many aspects of this book that appealed to me – but as a woman of a similar age with growing children, I identify with these women. I know that the author’s inspiration came from a group of close school friends and a reunion (see her facebook page), and I have also recently returned for a 30 year reunion with both old school friends and my nurse training set. The feelings reignited with people who you have grown up with or spent informative years of your life cannot be underestimated – it just happens that these women have remained in each other’s lives and those feelings have only strengthened over the years. Love, loyalty, strength and friendship
Ms Kammenou tackles both the joyful aspects of family and friendship, but she doesn’t shy away from difficult aspects of real life. This novel tackles depression and counselling, domestic abuse, sexuality, devastation from a road traffic accident, politics, suicide, separation and bereavement. As the mother of a young gay man, I was particularly moved by the story of young Anthony’s sexuality and the difficulties he and others experienced. This is very different to my own family.
Once again I laughed with these ladies, but I also cried with them. Their characters grow throughout the book and the author describes real life, not sugar coated, warts and all. I loved this sequel and can’t wait to get my hands on the final book in the saga. A great warm, emotional family saga to pack in your suitcase this summer!
I forgot to mention that once again Ms Kammenou demonstrates her wonderful Greek heritage with beautiful descriptions of Greece but more importantly of the food preparation. Then interspersed with the chapters are recipes and directions to make the dishes, and they are so mouth watering that my family were treated to the Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers last night! More wonderful recipes can be found her her website.
Another 5 stars for this heart warming contemporary, family novel.
It is the beginning of the 21st century and friends Sophia, Demi, Donna, Amy & Mindy are entering the next stage of their lives – as wives, mothers and business women. Affectionately known as the Honey Hill Girls, after the street where they grew up together, their friendships and love have strengthened with time and different experiences.
Sophia, now very happily married to childhood sweetheart and Demi’s brother Dean, is still grieving for her mother Ana and worried for her father Alex. She is also battling with her teen twins from her first marriage, who miss their father since his death and resent her marriage to their “Uncle Dean”, running her successful dance studio and she is heavily pregnant!
Demi has grown from a feisty youngster into a self assured woman, with a Greek fiery temperament and a fiercely protective streak for all those that she loves. Her children are growing and the business that she runs with her husband Michael and brother, Dean is going from strength to strength – a vineyard that holds weddings and functions in a recently restored Carriage house. But Demi and Michael are spending more and more time concentrating on their separate areas of the business, and Demi feels estranged from her adored husband and jealous of anyone else spending time with him – particularly his demanding mother!
Donna, the former high school cheerleader/Prom queen married to the football team captain/Prom king, is a teacher with 2 sons. She has reached her forties and is feeling disillusioned with her marriage as husband Richie lavishes more attention on his sport, car and beer bottle than on Donna and the family. The attention he focuses on elder son RJ – a keen sportsman like his father – is in direct contrast to the lack of interest that is shown towards younger son Anthony, a sensitive boy who enjoys art, theatre and music. Donna struggles with her husband’s attitude toward their youngest and his derogatory comments about Anthony’s interests and gentle character.
Amy is now a successful lawyer turned politician, married to Ezra and mother to son Adam. She is hiding a secret from her past that only Sophia knows – a son born 20 years ago and given up for adoption to a Greek family – but his father is a secret that Amy has never shared. When her son, Sam, contacts her, Amy is delighted to get to know him through letters and phone calls. But before she has found the right time to tell Ezra and Adam about him or to even meet him face to face, the story has broken in the press that Congresswoman Amy had an illegitimate child and that the father was a now senior Congressman.
Mindy is the only one of the Honey Hill Girls to have never married, having put her soul into the building of her now successful dress design label Bloom. She has been in love. Nightclub owner Tyler loved Mindy and wanted a life with her, but her long working hours and devotion to her work killed the relationship. Several years later a chance encounter with Tyler gives Mindy a glimpse of the life that she could have had – marriage and his children. She takes off to Greece to “grieve” and meets the dashing Apollo, but can this become a long distance relationship or will their differences make it doomed from the start. As Mindy’s career goes from strength to strength, she despairs that she will never experience in her personal life what friends Sophia and Demi have.
The women’s lives move in different directions but remain intimately connected as they love and support each other through births, love and loss.
My review of the first in the Gift trilogy Evanthia’s Gift can be read here and whilst this book can be read as a stand alone……please, please, please read it as a sequel! I gave the first book 5 stars and absolutely adored the characters, the settings, and the story telling – so I started the sequel with excitement but also trepidation. Would it match up to the first novel? Would I enjoy it as much and feel the characters in the same way? Would I be inspired?
Yes, yes, yes! This book is written around the five friends, whilst the first concentrated on the stories of the first generation Greek families, and each chapter is titled with a different friend’s name – Sophia, Demi, Donna, Amy or Mindy. Sophia and Demi featured heavily in the first book, so it is lovely to get to know more about the other friends in this novel and the author gives us some more of their back stories whilst delivering the individuality of the characters. When I feel that I could be friends with a character, that I think about the people as I go about my day to day life and I might even dream about them – then I believe that the author has really succeeded in creating something special.
There were so many aspects of this book that appealed to me – but as a woman of a similar age with growing children, I identify with these women. I know that the author’s inspiration came from a group of close school friends and a reunion (see her facebook page), and I have also recently returned for a 30 year reunion with both old school friends and my nurse training set. The feelings reignited with people who you have grown up with or spent informative years of your life cannot be underestimated – it just happens that these women have remained in each other’s lives and those feelings have only strengthened over the years. Love, loyalty, strength and friendship
Ms Kammenou tackles both the joyful aspects of family and friendship, but she doesn’t shy away from difficult aspects of real life. This novel tackles depression and counselling, domestic abuse, sexuality, devastation from a road traffic accident, politics, suicide, separation and bereavement. As the mother of a young gay man, I was particularly moved by the story of young Anthony’s sexuality and the difficulties he and others experienced. This is very different to my own family.
Once again I laughed with these ladies, but I also cried with them. Their characters grow throughout the book and the author describes real life, not sugar coated, warts and all. I loved this sequel and can’t wait to get my hands on the final book in the saga. A great warm, emotional family saga to pack in your suitcase this summer!
I forgot to mention that once again Ms Kammenou demonstrates her wonderful Greek heritage with beautiful descriptions of Greece but more importantly of the food preparation. Then interspersed with the chapters are recipes and directions to make the dishes, and they are so mouth watering that my family were treated to the Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers last night! More wonderful recipes can be found her her website.
Another 5 stars for this heart warming contemporary, family novel.
February 8, 2021
My Thoughts: if you’ve been following my blog this year, you’ll know that Evanthia’s Gift the first book in the series was one that I really enjoyed, it made my heart so happy. well this one was no different, I absolutely loved it!
We’re still following the same characters, but this one is spread over multiple timelines, present day where something tragic happens right at the start of the book and we’re all just waiting on the edges of our seats and hoping for a good outcome!
And in the past too, which for me really helped me understand the friendship that the 5 girls have and the reasons why, they really have been there for each other through everything! 🥺
Again there are so many emotions packed into this story, the present day parts start off happy and so full of love and hope for the future but quickly then to devastation and heartbreak, whilst the chapters set in the past have all that and more too, mix in the teenage angst the thinking they know a everything and an unplanned pregnancy! – it’s no wonder their journey to adulthood wasn’t plain sailing 😂
I really enjoyed getting to see more of Dino, his chapters building up to the present day were my favourite, seeing it dawn on him that he’s made the wrong decision but feeling like he has to put up with it anyway broke my heart.
This book deals with some really hear hitting topics but does it so sensitively, hats off to Effie for being brave enough to tackle them in the first place.
You’ll definitely need tissues to make it through this book, I personally can’t wait to dive into book 3.
We’re still following the same characters, but this one is spread over multiple timelines, present day where something tragic happens right at the start of the book and we’re all just waiting on the edges of our seats and hoping for a good outcome!
And in the past too, which for me really helped me understand the friendship that the 5 girls have and the reasons why, they really have been there for each other through everything! 🥺
Again there are so many emotions packed into this story, the present day parts start off happy and so full of love and hope for the future but quickly then to devastation and heartbreak, whilst the chapters set in the past have all that and more too, mix in the teenage angst the thinking they know a everything and an unplanned pregnancy! – it’s no wonder their journey to adulthood wasn’t plain sailing 😂
I really enjoyed getting to see more of Dino, his chapters building up to the present day were my favourite, seeing it dawn on him that he’s made the wrong decision but feeling like he has to put up with it anyway broke my heart.
This book deals with some really hear hitting topics but does it so sensitively, hats off to Effie for being brave enough to tackle them in the first place.
You’ll definitely need tissues to make it through this book, I personally can’t wait to dive into book 3.
March 26, 2021
Once again, the marvelous writing of Effie Kammenou took my breath away and made me cry.
This book can be read as the second volume of the Gift Saga or a standalone since the reader can fully understand the storyline and all the characters involved.
As a reader, one can deeply emphasize with every single character. Throughout the years told and their adventures, we meet a group of five girls who are the core of the novel; The Honey Hill Girls. We get to know them, mourn with them, share their joys in life and, even experience their steamy and romantic relationships along the way.
In this novel, the most relevant aspect is friendship. No matter how many years have passed, their strong friendship stands amid the turbulent changes they face. Each of the five, in her particular way, achieve personal growth.
It's a book about life itself, love and, friendship. I really loved this book, it touch my heart in beautiful way. Can't wait to see what is new for the next generation.
This book can be read as the second volume of the Gift Saga or a standalone since the reader can fully understand the storyline and all the characters involved.
As a reader, one can deeply emphasize with every single character. Throughout the years told and their adventures, we meet a group of five girls who are the core of the novel; The Honey Hill Girls. We get to know them, mourn with them, share their joys in life and, even experience their steamy and romantic relationships along the way.
In this novel, the most relevant aspect is friendship. No matter how many years have passed, their strong friendship stands amid the turbulent changes they face. Each of the five, in her particular way, achieve personal growth.
It's a book about life itself, love and, friendship. I really loved this book, it touch my heart in beautiful way. Can't wait to see what is new for the next generation.
January 26, 2022
I just finished this second book in The Gift Saga series. This one not only includes multiple generations of a couple Greek American families, but tells the story of the Honey Hill girls all grown up. It centers mainly on Sophia, but also the others. They have remained fast friends and loyal to each other regardless of what each are going through. It tells of second chances in love, business and family as their friendships continue and grow stronger. Effie Kammenou’s descriptive writing keeps me immersed in the story and really tugged at my heart. Keeping tradition alive! I love it. Looking forward to reading the final book in the series.
Read
February 5, 2017Continuation of Evanthia's Gift - a story a true friendship and loyalty.
February 1, 2022
Waiting for Aegina
I loved this continuing story. I love the characters. Since I am of Greek heritage, I relate to the story.
I loved this continuing story. I love the characters. Since I am of Greek heritage, I relate to the story.
December 29, 2022
🇬🇧📚 Book Tour Review 📚🇬🇧
#️⃣ 2022 Tour Number: 69
#️⃣ 2022 Books Read: 101/30
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(4/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Waiting for Aegina
📚 Series: The Gift Saga - Book 2
🗣️ Narrated: Emily Lawrence
🖋️ Author: Effie Kammenou
🎧 Listening Time: 11 hours and 3 minutes
🎭 Genre: Contemporary / Romance / Saga Fiction
📖 Format: 🎧
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours @lbt.crew
📅 Tour dates: 14th - 22nd Nov 2022
📅 Review date: 18th Nov 2022
#LBTCrew#lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
I really enjoyed the narration of this book, the narrator's voice is engaging and easy to follow.
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
I always love a good audiobook. My dyslexic brain definately favours them.
🎨 Artwork🎨
Heartwarming cover.
✒️ Style & Plot 📉
Absolutely agree this book works as a stand alone or part of the saga/series. I particularly like how the author captures the characters. How they explore the family dynamics and expanding on the traumas and challenges. The author really has poured her heart and soul in to this book, relating some of the characters to people from her life, which in turn gives the chargers life, feeling their friendships and the soul of the book.
📖 Read more 📖
I'm actually quite enjoying this series, not normally my preferred genre but I'm looking forward to the next book 😍. Keep your eyes open for the review.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
Book Two in The Gift Saga: The continuation of Evanthia’s Gift …
*Read as a standalone or as part of the trilogy
In 1961, five little girls moved into a suburban neighborhood and became inseparable, lifelong friends. They called themselves the ‘Honey Hill Girls,’ named after the street on which they lived. As teenagers they shared one another’s ambitions and dreams, secrets and heartaches. Now, more than thirty years later, they remain devoted and loyal, supporting each other through triumphs and sorrows.
Evanthia's Gift follows the life of Sophia Giannakos. In Waiting for Aegina the saga continues from the perspectives of Sophia and her friends as the story drifts back and forth in time, filling in the gaps as the women grow to adulthood.
Naive teenage ideals are later challenged by harsh realities, as each of their lives takes unexpected turns. Now nearing their fiftieth year, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna stand together through life-altering obstacles while they try to regain the lighthearted optimism of their youth.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://amzn.to/3RCg2xZ
🤓 LBT Crew on the tour 🤓
I'm enjoyed reading your reviews 😍📚📖
@fiction_vixen18
@curlingupwithacoffeeandakindle
@reading.late.into.the.night
@takealookatmybookshelf
@book_a_holic_17
@thedifferenceenginephoto
@paws.read.repeat
@Barbarasbookshelf_
@nlcraigwrites
#️⃣ 2022 Tour Number: 69
#️⃣ 2022 Books Read: 101/30
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(4/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Waiting for Aegina
📚 Series: The Gift Saga - Book 2
🗣️ Narrated: Emily Lawrence
🖋️ Author: Effie Kammenou
🎧 Listening Time: 11 hours and 3 minutes
🎭 Genre: Contemporary / Romance / Saga Fiction
📖 Format: 🎧
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours @lbt.crew
📅 Tour dates: 14th - 22nd Nov 2022
📅 Review date: 18th Nov 2022
#LBTCrew#lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
I really enjoyed the narration of this book, the narrator's voice is engaging and easy to follow.
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
I always love a good audiobook. My dyslexic brain definately favours them.
🎨 Artwork🎨
Heartwarming cover.
✒️ Style & Plot 📉
Absolutely agree this book works as a stand alone or part of the saga/series. I particularly like how the author captures the characters. How they explore the family dynamics and expanding on the traumas and challenges. The author really has poured her heart and soul in to this book, relating some of the characters to people from her life, which in turn gives the chargers life, feeling their friendships and the soul of the book.
📖 Read more 📖
I'm actually quite enjoying this series, not normally my preferred genre but I'm looking forward to the next book 😍. Keep your eyes open for the review.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
Book Two in The Gift Saga: The continuation of Evanthia’s Gift …
*Read as a standalone or as part of the trilogy
In 1961, five little girls moved into a suburban neighborhood and became inseparable, lifelong friends. They called themselves the ‘Honey Hill Girls,’ named after the street on which they lived. As teenagers they shared one another’s ambitions and dreams, secrets and heartaches. Now, more than thirty years later, they remain devoted and loyal, supporting each other through triumphs and sorrows.
Evanthia's Gift follows the life of Sophia Giannakos. In Waiting for Aegina the saga continues from the perspectives of Sophia and her friends as the story drifts back and forth in time, filling in the gaps as the women grow to adulthood.
Naive teenage ideals are later challenged by harsh realities, as each of their lives takes unexpected turns. Now nearing their fiftieth year, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna stand together through life-altering obstacles while they try to regain the lighthearted optimism of their youth.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://amzn.to/3RCg2xZ
🤓 LBT Crew on the tour 🤓
I'm enjoyed reading your reviews 😍📚📖
@fiction_vixen18
@curlingupwithacoffeeandakindle
@reading.late.into.the.night
@takealookatmybookshelf
@book_a_holic_17
@thedifferenceenginephoto
@paws.read.repeat
@Barbarasbookshelf_
@nlcraigwrites
April 25, 2018
WAITING FOR AEGINA is the second in THE GIFT SAGA by Effie Kammenou. I feel it is her gift to me as I loved this sequel. EVANTHIA'S GIFT, the first in the series, was a wonderful story filled with love, hope, family , Greek culture, as the central theme. Continuing on after Sophia and Dino are married is the perfect spot for a reunion for me with my favorite characters. They are returning home after a party with their friends, when a drunken driver swerves into them causing serious injuries and immiate hospitalization. Sphia has a broken arm and facial bruises but Dino's injuries are life threatening. We watch as Sophia and her family remain at his bedside praying for his recovery. In time, Dino gets better and they remain closer than ever.
Sophia has always been the glue that holds the five girls together, known as The Honey Hill Girls, named after the street they lived on. BFF's, Sophiia, Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna form a bond and a lifetime friendship. This is their story. Female friendshps and how they cope, endure and remain close handling the unexpected ups and downs that life throws their way. However, through the years, no matter how busy they became, they were always there for the happy or sad times.
Effie Kammenou writes beautifully. She is like an artist as she paints with words. Each chharacter becomes real to us in this saga continues from past to present. Each women face the hardships they are given, clinging together and weathering the storms. As Sophia is about to celebrate her 50th birthday, Dino plans a surprise trip for the 5 girls to the Greek Island ofAegina, where as children they talked about going there together one day. Their dream comes through and after ten days being together as the Honey Hill Girls the rest of the family joins them for a celebration....All those who Sophia loves in the world along with her warmest memories of those who were gone but not forgotton, are present at the lovely beach house. It is time to make new memories. I eagerly await the third sequel. Opa!
Sophia has always been the glue that holds the five girls together, known as The Honey Hill Girls, named after the street they lived on. BFF's, Sophiia, Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna form a bond and a lifetime friendship. This is their story. Female friendshps and how they cope, endure and remain close handling the unexpected ups and downs that life throws their way. However, through the years, no matter how busy they became, they were always there for the happy or sad times.
Effie Kammenou writes beautifully. She is like an artist as she paints with words. Each chharacter becomes real to us in this saga continues from past to present. Each women face the hardships they are given, clinging together and weathering the storms. As Sophia is about to celebrate her 50th birthday, Dino plans a surprise trip for the 5 girls to the Greek Island ofAegina, where as children they talked about going there together one day. Their dream comes through and after ten days being together as the Honey Hill Girls the rest of the family joins them for a celebration....All those who Sophia loves in the world along with her warmest memories of those who were gone but not forgotton, are present at the lovely beach house. It is time to make new memories. I eagerly await the third sequel. Opa!
March 5, 2018
Waiting for Aegina (The Gift Saga Book 2) by Effie Kammenou is the second book in her The Gift Saga series. I highly suggest reading the first book before this one as this one picks up where the last one left off with Sophia. I enjoyed this book a little bit more then the first one. She has wrote a book that if heartfelt and full of compassion. The characters are connectable, lovable and true to life. They will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you won't be able to put down. The twists and turns they took me through I didn't see coming. This story is about friendship and the challenges that go with it. This story goes back and forth between the present and the past but it is done very well. This book picks up with this group of women who grew up together. After thirty years they still have a bond together. They each have their own life challenges that have been through. This story is told through Sophia's eyes but is centered around this group called Honey Hill Girls. Find out how this group grows together throughout their friendship. Their struggles are very real and will pull at your heart strings. I enjoyed all of these characters. They all are strong characters that have some type of insecurity. The bond they have is really strong which was awesome to see that they stuck together after all these years. They will pull you into their world. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens to the Honey Hill Girls and what life has in store for them.
April 10, 2018
Waiting for Aegina- Effie Kammenou
5-star review
“Nothing is a sacrifice when you do it for the one you love.”
Waiting for Aegina by Effie Kammenou is the second book in The Gift Saga. I can’t even properly explain how excited I was to get my hands on this book. I couldn’t possibly love book one, Evanthia’s Gift, more the I did so I would strongly suggest reading it first in order to be properly introduced to these amazing characters. Waiting for Aegina is another five-star read and honestly if I could I would give it a ten-star rating. Effie has been added to my list of favourite authors. Book two follows the Honey Hill Girls over many years of their lives, all of these characters were introduced in book one, but I loved getting to know them on a much more personal level as they dealt with many heartbreaking and heartwarming situations.
This book starts off so strong and doesn’t let up until the end as there always seems to be something going on. It had me laughing out loud, feeling intense heartbreak and shedding many tears. A true roller coaster ride of emotions. The amount of detail is simply incredible, I’ve never read a book with as much detail as these two do.
I could not recommend this book enough! It’s one that should not be missed, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
5-star review
“Nothing is a sacrifice when you do it for the one you love.”
Waiting for Aegina by Effie Kammenou is the second book in The Gift Saga. I can’t even properly explain how excited I was to get my hands on this book. I couldn’t possibly love book one, Evanthia’s Gift, more the I did so I would strongly suggest reading it first in order to be properly introduced to these amazing characters. Waiting for Aegina is another five-star read and honestly if I could I would give it a ten-star rating. Effie has been added to my list of favourite authors. Book two follows the Honey Hill Girls over many years of their lives, all of these characters were introduced in book one, but I loved getting to know them on a much more personal level as they dealt with many heartbreaking and heartwarming situations.
This book starts off so strong and doesn’t let up until the end as there always seems to be something going on. It had me laughing out loud, feeling intense heartbreak and shedding many tears. A true roller coaster ride of emotions. The amount of detail is simply incredible, I’ve never read a book with as much detail as these two do.
I could not recommend this book enough! It’s one that should not be missed, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
April 11, 2018
a great read about the lasting power of friendship. when Sophia and her husband are injured in a car accident, their friends help them get through it. whilst doing soo, Sophia reminiscences over how they became friends as children. she struggles with the present situation by remembering the past and how her friends have always been there for her in ups and downs.
a great read. an excellent example of a switch of point of view in a sequel. well developed plot. well developed characters such as Sophias gentle heart underneath strengths or with Dinos kind nature. I loved the sense of friends sticking together which was beautifully written. the flashbacks were well written and didn't distract from the narrative of the present. I also adored the action paced start to the novel which captivated you to read more with short sentences and an atmosphere of terror. once again, the use of Greek culture and language was beautifully woven into the plot to create a sense of family and heritage for Sophia. the mix of bildungsroman and the present was a brilliant idea and worked perfectly to show hwo the characters have grown up over time. I also loved the visual detail of the homely houses in Honey Hill street which was sweet and added to the sense of a community family feel. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
a great read. an excellent example of a switch of point of view in a sequel. well developed plot. well developed characters such as Sophias gentle heart underneath strengths or with Dinos kind nature. I loved the sense of friends sticking together which was beautifully written. the flashbacks were well written and didn't distract from the narrative of the present. I also adored the action paced start to the novel which captivated you to read more with short sentences and an atmosphere of terror. once again, the use of Greek culture and language was beautifully woven into the plot to create a sense of family and heritage for Sophia. the mix of bildungsroman and the present was a brilliant idea and worked perfectly to show hwo the characters have grown up over time. I also loved the visual detail of the homely houses in Honey Hill street which was sweet and added to the sense of a community family feel. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
April 11, 2018
Waiting for Aegina (The Gift Saga Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou
Wow, that is how I feel about this series and this book. My advice is to read book 1 first if you haven't done so because it gives you some history and picks up where the other one leaves off.. I fell in love with book 1 and I knew this one would be good but I didn't think the author could top book 1 but I was mistaken this one is a masterpiece!!!
This book tells us the story of 5 extraordinary women, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy, and Donna, who remain close friends throughout of their lives. Their bond and ability to be there for each other through it all is amazing to read about. They go through so much in their life, trials and tribulations, heartache, love, and so much more. This book is an emotional rollercoaster that you don't want to get off of.
This book goes back and forth through the past and present and let's us in on how and why some of their past decisions have led them to where they are now, as it does in all of our lives. For me, this book is so real and emotional. I recommend this book and series to everyone I know, I cannot wait for book 3 ( hurry hurry hurry)!!!! If I could give this book 10 stars i would because I have become emotionally attached and invested to this story. Effie Kammenou, you have done an amazing job telling beautiful stories!!!
Wow, that is how I feel about this series and this book. My advice is to read book 1 first if you haven't done so because it gives you some history and picks up where the other one leaves off.. I fell in love with book 1 and I knew this one would be good but I didn't think the author could top book 1 but I was mistaken this one is a masterpiece!!!
This book tells us the story of 5 extraordinary women, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy, and Donna, who remain close friends throughout of their lives. Their bond and ability to be there for each other through it all is amazing to read about. They go through so much in their life, trials and tribulations, heartache, love, and so much more. This book is an emotional rollercoaster that you don't want to get off of.
This book goes back and forth through the past and present and let's us in on how and why some of their past decisions have led them to where they are now, as it does in all of our lives. For me, this book is so real and emotional. I recommend this book and series to everyone I know, I cannot wait for book 3 ( hurry hurry hurry)!!!! If I could give this book 10 stars i would because I have become emotionally attached and invested to this story. Effie Kammenou, you have done an amazing job telling beautiful stories!!!
August 18, 2022
Why should you read this book?🤔
👇🏻
It has those “awaited” 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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👍🏻Author Effie has done an amazing job with the background of the story, plot and seamlessly blended characters🤩 The book has yumm-licious characters! Swooon...😍😋
👍🏻 The story continues from Book 1, it is about The Honey Hill Girls. 5 friends who have been forever see all ups and down in their life. Everything changes but the one thing that remains constant is their friendship!
The book starts with the reunion and walks back to how it all began. It takes us through the life of each of them- Amy who is a congresswoman who faces a scandal, Mindy who faces closes herself to relationships, Donna who suffers a loss unimaginable, Demi whose gut says something in her relationship is off and Sophia fears the worst!
Join in the ride of their lives and find some amazing Greek food recipes to much on!
“It’s perfect. The five of us together at the beach house—just like we’d always talked about. I’ve been waiting for Aegina my whole life.”
👍🏻 This book is a perfect blend of friendship, finding true love and a second chance romance, heartbreak, loss, suffering and the bond of love. It is definitely worth the read🔥
👍🏻My recommendation: The book never feels too long when you are immersed in the story❤
#fromauthorstoreaders #customizeurcover #fictionlove_alwaysforever
👇🏻
It has those “awaited” 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
•
👍🏻Author Effie has done an amazing job with the background of the story, plot and seamlessly blended characters🤩 The book has yumm-licious characters! Swooon...😍😋
👍🏻 The story continues from Book 1, it is about The Honey Hill Girls. 5 friends who have been forever see all ups and down in their life. Everything changes but the one thing that remains constant is their friendship!
The book starts with the reunion and walks back to how it all began. It takes us through the life of each of them- Amy who is a congresswoman who faces a scandal, Mindy who faces closes herself to relationships, Donna who suffers a loss unimaginable, Demi whose gut says something in her relationship is off and Sophia fears the worst!
Join in the ride of their lives and find some amazing Greek food recipes to much on!
“It’s perfect. The five of us together at the beach house—just like we’d always talked about. I’ve been waiting for Aegina my whole life.”
👍🏻 This book is a perfect blend of friendship, finding true love and a second chance romance, heartbreak, loss, suffering and the bond of love. It is definitely worth the read🔥
👍🏻My recommendation: The book never feels too long when you are immersed in the story❤
#fromauthorstoreaders #customizeurcover #fictionlove_alwaysforever
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