My Greek Books
Welcome back! Hope you’re making some progress through your reading list. This month’s reads are from multiple genre. Keep reading to find out!
I’m an Amazon affiliate. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn money from qualifying purchases. By clicking through the links, when you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps to support my writerly endeavors. Thank you!
The Magic of Robola by Effie Kammenou
Independently published (January 30, 2026)
About the author
Greek-American Author Effie Kammenou is the author of ‘The Gift Saga’ (3 books) and ‘The Meraki Series’ (3 books). Effie writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, “inspired by Greek heritage, close-knit families, and second chances at love.” She’s also the author of “Don’t Want to Leave Her Now,” part of The Paperback Writers, an anthology of original short stories inspired by the music of The Beatles. This New York native traces her Greek roots to Kefalonia, Mytilini, and Athens.
About the book
Growing up, Eleni Pangalos spent her summers on Kefalonia, in and around her grandfather’s vineyard. Life seemed perfect, as she spent all her time with Nikko, her closest friend—and first love. Everything changed the day her family was killed in a car accident. Eleni returned to the States with her grandparents. But the memories were just too painful, like the idyllic island turned on her. So she swore she’d never return. And to her, that also meant no contact with anyone on the island, even Nikko.
Years later, her grandfather passes away, and his wish is to be buried on the island. Eleni reluctantly returns. Back on the island, Nikko’s family greets her warmly. Her grandfather and Nikko’s had been partners in the vineyard. They help with the arrangements, while she tries to avoid Nikko. It had been too hard to say goodbye to him the last time. She didn’t want to go there.
When Eleni learns she has inherited a portion of the vineyard, she learns more about its history and its challenges. She draws on her experience running an event company and develops ideas to grow the business. Eleni hopes to share her ideas and return to New York, but it’s too much for the family to manage. So she extends her stay. She and Nikko can’t deny what’s between them. They rekindle, but Eleni has a full life and business she must return to. Frightened, she hightails it off the island, as she has done in the past, hurting Nikko once again. Back home, she can’t stop thinking about the island—and Nikko. Is the island where she belongs? Can she give up everything for a brand-new life? You’ll have to read it to find out!
My Greek Books review
The Magic of Robola is an enchanting escape to Greece. It was such a beautiful story, I didn’t want it to end. I wish I could have lingered in the story and stayed with the characters. Effie Kammenou reminds us about the strength of family bonds and history and the importance of fighting for your dreams. Never give up on love or hope. Don’t miss it!
Are you on my email list? Get my monthly newsletter and stay up to date on all my latest news, learn about recent blog posts, and more. And get in on great book giveaways! Click HERE to join. It’s FREE.
The First Shot: A Parrish Prequel by Liv Constantine
LCO Productions LLC (November 17, 2021)
About the author
Liv Constantine is the pen name of Greek-American sisters Lynne Constantine (she also publishes under the name L.C. Shaw) and Valerie Constantine. They had been writing individually for years, but the magic they create together has made them international bestselling authors.
Their books have been translated into 29 languages and are available in 34 countries. Some are in development for both TV and film. They’ve sold more than 2 million books worldwide. Their forthcoming novel, Promise Me Never, will be out in August. You can pre-order here. Stay tuned, as I have some exciting news coming up regarding Lynne and Valerie!
About the book
In this prequel novella to the million-plus seller, The Last Mrs. Parrish, we meet Amber Patterson. She’s in a rush to get out of town and leave her old life behind. She crosses state lines to meet up with a man she hasn’t seen since high school. To get where she needs to go, she’ll use anyone and anything, including social media stalking. She studies and crafts her plan. Now with a new identity, she heads to Colorado, hoping to meet her future husband among the wealthy vacationers.
Every part of her plan is carefully orchestrated. There’s too much on the line. What does she have up her sleeve? Will she be successful? You’ll have to read it to find out!
My Greek Books review
After reading The Last Mrs. Parrish, I often wondered what happened to Amber and what led her to that moment. Liv Constantine covers all the bases in this novella, showing us Amber’s beginnings. They’ve given us great insight into the workings of her mind and what drives her. I couldn’t put it down. Oh Amber! It’s a must-read for Parrish fans! Be sure to check this out, as well as the other books in the “Parrish Universe”, before the film, The Last Mrs. Parrish comes out.
Bouboulina and the Greek Revolution: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Heroines of 1821 Edited by April Kalogeropoulos Householder
Lexington Books (May 15, 2024)
About the editor
April Kalogeropoulos Householder is director of Undergraduate Research and Prestigious Scholarships at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She has taught gender, sexuality, and media studies. She’s also the award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her research interests include modern Greece and comparative media and identity politics.
While attending graduate school, she became interested in her maternal heritage as a Greek-American. The Brave Stepped Back is an independently produced biography about Bouboulina, the heroine of the Greek War of Independence. It’s the first in a series of historical biographical studies about important women in Greek history. Another project is about Greece’s first female painter, Eleni Altamoura Boukoura. Another Spetses-based film, In Her Hands, will document the life and art of Greek Sculptor Natalia Mela.
In December 2006, she completed her PhD in Comparative Literature and Film Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her dissertation film, The Brave Stepped Back: The Life and Times of Laskarina Bouboulina, premiered at the Armata Festival in Spetses, Greece in September 2005, at the request of the island’s mayor, and is collected by the University of Maryland Libraries and the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, as well as many universities and Greek Orthodox parishes worldwide.
About the book
This volume, which includes chapters by several esteemed scholars, is the first to present an in-depth analysis of the life and times of Laskarina Bouboulina, the legendary heroine of the Greek Revolution and one of the most important figures in modern Greek history and the world. Most Greeks know of Bouboulina, who at age 50 commanded a fleet of ships from the island of Spetses and became the first female admiral in world naval history. But her success on the battlefield is only part of the story. By considering her three-century impact on feminism, cultural production, and as a touchstone of diasporic Greek identity, the contributors also expand our understanding of her far-reaching and under-recognized contributions.
My Greek Books review
All Greeks know of Bouboulina, but do we really know her story? April Kalogeropoulos Householder compiled writings of many esteemed scholars to open a door into Bouboulina’s life and legacy. We also learn how her role was often underplayed and why. We get great insight into how she is depicted in art and popular cultural, how she’s viewed abroad, and more. Bouboulina, along with other heroines, should be well-known and it’s past due that the world knows. Her story provides much inspiration, and still resonates today. What a fascinating book!
My Greek Books—February 2026
That’s it for this month. Now you have more great books to add to your list. See you next month for more My Greek Books! Til then, Happy Reading!
