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Title: Evanthia's Gift

Subtitle: The Gift Saga, Book 1

Author: Effie Kammenou

Narrator: Emily Lawrence

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-17

Publisher: Effie Kammenou

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In the year 1956, Anastacia Fotopoulos finds herself pregnant and betrayed, fleeing from a bad marriage. With the love and support of her dear friends Stavros and Soula Papadakis, Ana is able to face the challenges of single motherhood. Left with emotional wounds, she resists her growing affection for Alexandros Giannakos, an old acquaintance. But his persistence and unconditional love for Ana and her child is eventually rewarded and his love is returned. In a misguided, but well-intentioned effort to protect the ones they love, both Ana and Alex keep secrets - ones that could threaten the delicate balance of their family.

The story continues in the 1970's as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean, who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she'd hoped for.

Evanthia's Gift is a multigenerational love story spanning 50 years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.

Members Reviews:

Multigenerational Greek family saga

Any additional comments?

This was a lovely story of two close Greek families beginning in World War II. I had had no idea of the difficult Greek experience of the war. The story offered a look into the daily life with the wonderful family bonding and support through difficult times. It caused me to reflect on my own family. I really enjoyed learning about the Greek culture and food. There were even recipes included. The family story and romance was very satisfying. I look forward to the next book to see how the next generation turns out.

Didn't like the second generation as much

I got hooked on this story very early! I enjoyed Anastacia and Alexs story. They were two very interesting characters who have lived through a terrible time of WWII in Greece. They are telling the younger generation their struggles and their heartbreaks. It got me very emotionally invested. Their love was very beautiful and I was happy to hear about how they overcame such trials.

Then it moved onto Sophia, their daughter, and her love interest Dean. Sophia is just blah. She is whiny and totally dependent on Dean, who is a jerk waffle and doesnt deserve her. I hated their relationship, I wanted to punch something every time Sophia cried over Dean and every time she accepted him back..I dont understand how it went from such a beautiful and touching story to something just angsty and annoying. This is my opinion, you may perhaps enjoy angsty books and girls who super pine after dudes that are not good enough for them. For that reason I give the story a 3.5/5.

The narration was beautiful! Lawrence has an amazing accent for the first generation characters and I am in love with it!!! I think she had a great tone and pacing throughout the story. Even if I was extremely mad at certain parts, I cannot fault her voice as it was steady and clear, and had great emotion throughout. Her audio I give 4.5/5 stars!

So worth it!

Any additional comments?

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. The narrator instantly brought the story to life.