February 11, 2016 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book Review: Untethered by Katie Hayoz

Untethered

Oh my goodness. I simply devoured this book. I fell in love with the story straight away, sympathizing with Sylvie and her life’s difficulties. As if her huge crush on Kevin who notices her best friend instead, and her family breaking up weren’t enough, her body keeps embarrassing her in public as her spirit keeps projecting out of it. What a concept! And this intriguing situation reeled me right in. But, it wasn’t just the original story that did it for me, it was the exquisite writing and the characters that were so well fleshed out they felt incredibly real to the point that I miss them now and wish I could revisit them just to see how they’re getting on. A remarkable achievement. This book will stay with you forever and will make your mind drift to your own life’s troubles back at puberty – hopefully filling your heart with the same bittersweet feeling as it did for me. Highly recommended. This book whetted my apetite for more paranormal stories and I only wish they’ll be half as wonderfully written as this one was by Katie Hayoz. I’ll definitely look into her other books, and hope she’ll write a paranormal story again in future.

My rating:

5 stars

An intriguing story and characters you’ll never forget.

Untethered

Do you enjoy paranormal young adult books? Stories about teenagers dealing with the heartache of divorcing parents or public ridicule in school? And what about the bitter sweet experience of first love? If this description made your heart leap, make sure to check out Untethered on Amazon. It could be what you’re looking for!

Visit Amazon US UK

Unforgettable! 5 stars for Untethered by @KatieHayoz #ASMSG Click To Tweet

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) to receive email notifications of new posts. Sign up to Effrosyni’s exclusive newsletter to be informed first about her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Do you love Greek food? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find a list of mouth-watering recipes!

February 4, 2016 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book Review: Dark Shadows of the Past by Angel Sefer

darkshftpast

This book is my favorite by Angel Sefer so far. It takes the reader on an exhilarating ride and I couldn’t put it down. Through an intricate web of guilty secrets, lust, danger and heartache, Christina and Dan keep separating and reuniting again, their love and trust towards each other being tested throughout. Angel Sefer has grown immensely as a writer since publishing the first book in the series. The writing in this volume is superb and it took my breath away. I am amazed at this author’s capability to create such fast-faced, riveting reads. Also, her choices of setting remain as stunning as always. I loved that the story took me as a reader to so many different enchanting locations, the island of Kefalonia being the precious jewel that’s suitably introduced at the riveting climax. Although this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. I am still going through them and can’t wait to start the next one now.

My rating:

5 stars

An exhilarating ride of stunning locations and constant twists and turns.

darkshftpast

Do you enjoy romantic mysteries and riveting adventures with sizzling sexual tension between the protagonists? Angel Sefer’s Greek Isles Series will delight you. Dark Shadows of the Past is a great choice!

Check it out on Amazon US UK

An exhilarating ride! Dark Shadows of the Past by @angelsefer #ASMSG #IARTG Click To Tweet

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) to receive email notifications of new posts. Sign up to Effrosyni’s exclusive newsletter to be informed first about her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Do you love Greek food? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find a list of mouth-watering recipes!

January 21, 2016 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book review: Musiville by Nicholas Rossis

musiville

I was eagerly awaiting the second children’s story by Nicholas Rossis, having loved the moral behind Runaway Smile. Musiville was, as expected, just as entertaining. Rossis has created another terrific story for little readers out there, this time talking about the benefits of coming together. Only deafening, annoying music can come out of the mouths of those who do and live without taking others under consideration. But have them work together and beautiful, perfect harmony can only be the result. Well done to this remarkable author who keeps taking me by surprise with his fascinating imagination and diverse storytelling abilities.

My rating:

5-stars

Another great moral cleverly presented to the little readers!

Are you looking for a good book that’ll entertain children and teach them some wholesome truths? Check out Musiville and also, the award-winning Runaway Smile by Nicholas Rossis on Amazon before you decide. Both, ideal choices.

Runaway Smile on Amazon US UK

Musiville on Amazon US UK

Read my review of Runaway Smile here

A great moral story for kids behind Musiville by @Nicholas_Rossis #eNovAaW #ASMSG Click To Tweet

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

January 8, 2016 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book Review: Evanthia’s Gift by Effie Kammenou

evanthiasgift2

Evanthia’s Gift is a heart-warming family saga that still stays with me even though I finished the book a couple of weeks ago. My mind often drifts to its vivid characters, their difficult life situations and heartache. Although it is a long book, it kept me interested and I couldn’t put it down, always starting yet another chapter to see what happens next. In terms of storyline and characters, this books scores top marks. However, I found the pace could have been better – there are many scenes that are not necessary to advance the story and therefore could have been omitted to make this a shorter, tighter read. Still, because it was so unputdownbable and its story/characters so palpable and haunting, I am giving it four stars. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

My rating:

4 stars

A heart-warming story and vivid characters that will stay with you.

final cover

Visit Amazon US UK

Do you enjoy drama and nostalgic stories about life back in the 60s – 70s? Give this family saga a try – especially if you have some Greek ancestry. The Greek recipes included in the book are also worth a try!

Check out my interview with Effie Kammenou on this blog!

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

December 23, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book review: An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano

Christy is a hospital nurse who volunteers to help Aaron give his little girl, Izzie, the perfect Christmas at home. Izzie suffers from leukemia so Christy feels compelled to work with Aaron–a widower for the past two years–as they try to tick off every item on Izzie’s Christmas list. This story tugs at the heartstrings, as one would expect, and Donna Fasano’s masterful pen does it with a mixture of drama and lightheartedness that allows you to keep reading without feeling heartbroken all the time. It is a dramatic theme, after all, and the two adults seem to be living their sweet romance almost guiltily considering the tragedy unfolding. Still, the romance is what gives Christy and Aaron the strength to carry on, little Izzie being the glue that binds them together. If you’re looking for a Christmas book that will stay in your memory, this one is the perfect, short read and won’t disappoint. Grab a hankie and lose yourself in this heart-stopping, spell-binding Christmas tale.

My rating:

5-stars

A spell-binding Christmas tale!

analmostperfxmas

Looking for a heart-warming, short Christmas read?

Trust USA Today bestselling author Donna Fasano to deliver the perfect choice!

Visit Amazon US UK

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

December 9, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

5-stars for The Pineapple Mystery Series by Amy Vansant

Today, I have a double review to share! I could only do it this way as I wanted to make a point of recommending to you this delightful cozy mystery series by Amy Vansant, an author who is now one of my favorites.

Having enjoyed The Angeli Series by Amy Vansant I thought I might give this cozy mystery a try as well. It was the first book in this genre I’ve ever read and I loved it! Vansant’s remarkable humor provided a bundle of laughs along the way, and the storyline was surprisingly intriguing for such a humorous book – I couldn’t put it down. Vansant is now one of my favorite authors, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her books, whatever the genre!

My rating:

5-stars

Hilarious, intriguing and unputdownable!

Murder and mystery are back in Pineapple Port, and even though I thought I’d seen it all in book 1, it seems Mrs Vansant’s wicked humor is inexhaustible! The Mystery Box is another hilarious cozy mystery by this author that was well worth the wait. It is a compelling mix of dangerous villains, a ruthless ex, a character or two for whom appearances are deceiving, and the usual Golden Girls humor from the half-mad locals that had me howling continuously as I read. You don’t have to start at book 1 to enjoy this volume – it can be read as a standalone but I do recommend you read both books for maximum enjoyment. If you’re looking for laughs and mystery, then look no further!

My rating:

5-stars

A delightful mystery – highly recommended!

VISIT AMAZON

Pineapple Lies US UK

Pineapple Mystery Box US UK

Are you into dark fantasy interwoven with humor? Make sure to check out Amy Vansant’s Angeli Series. Here are my reviews of Angeli and Cherubim on this website!

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

November 27, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book Review: Sewing Can Be Dangerous by Sarah Mallery

Sewing Can Be Dangerous was an utter delight to read because it felt like an exhilarating time travel journey. Each short story takes us to a different place and time in history. The element of sewing is always present, sometimes it’s someone’s work, other times a hobby, or a matter of life and death – a means to save a life. Mallery’s storytelling is compelling and often haunting, the unexpected twists in the end delightful. I highly recommend this book to readers who love short stories, especially to those who enjoy delving into worlds long forgotten in the mists of time. The first short story was my favorite. It haunted me for a few days after reading it; it felt incredibly real.

My rating:

5 stars

A compelling journey around the world and through history!

Do you enjoy short stories? How about historical fiction? Check out this gem now!

Amazon US UK

Would you like to meet the artist behind the book? Check out my interview with Sarah Mallery and marvel at her various artistic skills!

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

November 20, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book review: Girl Gone Greek by Rebecca Hall

I loved this book! Rachel felt so real to me and I empathized as I read about all the quirky Greeks she encountered. Among all the locals mentioned, the young students seemed the most likable. Rachel’s girlfriend ranges from incredibly rude to just loopy and although I howled to read her antics I didn’t manage to warm up to her at all. The owner of the Greek school was one tough cookie but Rachel handled her wonderfully, I thought. By the end of the book, I found myself admiring Rachel, not only for managing to live alone in a tiny, basic flat while co-existing with a series of awkward foreigners and showing incredible stoicism, but also for the way she bloomed through the experience, finding strength in herself enough to stand up to her horrid, judgmental sister back home. Well done Rachel! I highly recommend this delightful book for its insights into the Greek way of life from a foreigner’s perspective, especially as it contains very interesting facts on modern Greek history. I look forward to the next book in the series.

My rating:

5 stars

A delightful story!

Are you interested to gain insights on the Greeks and their way of life? Do you enjoy stories of young expats living an adventure abroad? Try this book, I think you’re going to love it!

VISIT AMAZON US UK

Check out my interview with Rebecca Hall on this blog!

Have you enjoyed this post? Follow the blog (see right sidebar) and miss no more posts! Sign up to Effrosyni’s newsletter to keep up to date with her news and special offers (very sparse emails). Interested to read more? Head over to Effrosyni’s Blog, where you’ll find her earlier interviews, book reviews, author tips, travel articles and even Greek recipes!

October 9, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book review: Infinite Waters by Nicholas C. Rossis

Having enjoyed The Power of Six, Rossis’s first short story collection, I was looking forward to reading Infinite Waters and it was well worth the wait. The same resourcefulness, the same wicked imagination has delighted me in this collection too. Twists and turns kept coming and I just couldn’t put it down, so I wound up devouring this in just one sitting. If you’re looking for a short story writer to become your next favorite, then Nicholas Rossis is the one. I am already looking forward to the next collection from his unique, masterful pen!

My rating:

5 stars

Masterful – couldn’t put it down!

Graphic design by 187Designz

Are you looking for a book that will stay in your memory long after you’ve closed it? Nicholas C. Rossis will astound you with his highly imaginative, haunting stories!

Find this gem now on Amazon US UK

September 11, 2015 by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Book review: Red Clover by Florence Osmund

I really enjoyed this story and sympathized with Lee, a man who’s been unsure of himself, having had the misfortune to be raised in a dysfunctional, upper-class family where he felt misunderstood, if not ignored. His father was critical and aloof and I cringed with compassion every time Lee interacted with him. As the story progressed, and as Lee slowly unraveled his awkward parents’ secrets, he slowly began to create a circle of friends around him that, for the first time, helped him to feel at ease in his interactions with others. Predominantly, this story is about Lee’s journey from childhood to adulthood, as we watch him stand on his own two feet and acquire self-assurance. Florence Osmund has done a wonderful job, creating characters that feel 100% real. The only downside is I felt the flow could be better at times, as some scenes/passages weren’t necessary and could have been removed, especially in the second half of the book. Summing up, a great story and I shall look forward to reading more from this author.

My rating:

4-stars

A wonderful, touching coming-of-age story

Do you enjoy stories about family secrets or awkward family relationships?

If so, then this one, is a must!

Find it now on Amazon

Read my interview with Florence Osmund on this blog!