As a young girl, Eleni Pangalos spent her summers on the breathtaking Greek island of Kefalonia, growing up on her grandparents’ vineyard. Those were the happiest days of her life, spending all her time with Nikko, her closest friend and, later, her first love, until her family was killed in an automobile accident, changing her idyllic existence forever. Grief-stricken, Eleni returned to the States with her grandparents, never intending to set foot on the island again. Years later, her beloved grandfather has passed away. As the last living member of Eleni’s immediate family, she depended on his strength and love. Now she was truly all alone. Alone and destined to step onto that island’s soil once more. A place that at one time filled her with happy memories now only reminded her of unimaginable loss. But when she arrives, Eleni finds a family ready to embrace her as their own. From them, she learns about the bond between her and Nikko’s families—rooted deep in the vineyard and loyal friendship. This foundation and history inspire a new purpose and offer her a chance at happiness, if only she could break through the walls Nikko had erected to protect himself from the heartache of losing her all those years ago. Like the vines of the Robola grapes, which thrive in the most unlikely conditions and rocky terrain, Eleni needs to find the same strength to overcome her past. The Magic of Robola is about family, second chances, and the power of hope. It’s about making every day count, discovering new dreams, and being brave enough to fight for them. Dive into a captivating second-chance romance that unfolds across dual timelines. This story weaves poignant moments with swoon-worthy scenes through a forced proximity scenario that pulls at the heartstrings.
Author
Effie Kammenou believes that it is 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 hoped that by her age, she would have had an Oscar in her hand after a successful career as an actor. But instead, she worked in the optical field for 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 continues to pick her father's brain for stories of his family's life in Lesvos, Greece, and their journey to America. 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 for the 2018 contest. Kammenou's latest project is The Meraki Series. Both Love is What You Bake of it and Love by Design are available now. Book three: Love is Worth Fighting for is set for its release on June 24, 2022, and is available for preorder. This series is a contemporary romance focused on three sisters and their quest for love and professional success despite their sometimes stifling and meddling family. But it wouldn't be a Kammenou novel without delving into the past or references to mouth-watering foods. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in Greek history is slowly uncovered over the course of the three books. As a bonus, each book contains traditional Greek recipes, many of which were passed down from her Athenian mother. 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, aptly named Cheffie's Kitchen, you can find her entertaining family and friends, or traveling for 'research.' She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University. For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on Social media or log onto her website and sign up for her newsletter. Website - http://effiekammenou.com Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effieka... https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou https://www.instagram.com/effiekammen... Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMZ...
