Chasing Petalouthes - blog tour

BLOG TOUR

Blurb:  The Gift Saga concludes with the next generation coming into the forefront of the story during their tumultuous years between adolescence and adulthood.

Evvie has lived through more tragedy than a young girl should ever endure, having lost both her father and a most beloved grandmother at a young age. Her rebellious ways are her only defense to mask the ever-present pain in her heart. Closing herself off emotionally, Evvie vows to never let anyone into her heart. But will her determination to keep everyone out see her lose the only person who could heal her broken soul?

Over-achieving, focused, talented, determined to succeed. Those are the traits Stella envies in her siblings and cousins. Her insecurities and lack of confidence stunts her ability to realize her own worth. When an older, handsome young man claims her as his own, Stella believes she has finally found who she has been looking for—someone to love her enough to mold her into the best version of herself. But has she fallen in love too quickly for a man she barely knows anything about?

Chasing Petalouthes (Chasing Butterflies) is the coming of age story of two flawed, young women who push their way out from the confines of the cocoons they’d built around themselves and discover how to soar.

 Can be read as a standalone. For the full emotional impact on the character’s live and histories, read Evanthia’s Gift & Waiting For Aegina

EXTRACT

Excerpt 3  

  Stella’s response was immediate. In an instant she wrapped her arms around RJ, embracing and comforting him. She shook her head emphatically. “Don’t even think that. Anthony was the kindest, sweetest soul. We’re taught that God’s mercy is infinite. But we really don’t understand what that means, do we? To me, it means you must have faith that God loves every single one of us, even when we disappoint him. Even when we make a mistake. Even when we hurt so much we can’t stand to stay in this world another day.” RJ clutched Stella like a lifeline, sobbing into the crook of her neck. “Thank you for that,” he whispered as he calmed down. “I’d like to recite part of the Kaddish,” Sam said. “It’s our prayer for the dead.” Sam stood and motioned for Adam. “Join me?” Adam rose and stood by his older half-brother. He let Sam take the lead, as he wasn’t sure of all the words. Together they began to recite the prayer. “Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.” Spotting a large pebble in the corner of the room, Sam bent down to Effie Kammenou 10 retrieve it. He pressed the pebble into RJ’s palm. “It’s an ancient Jewish tradition for a mourner to place a stone on the grave of the deceased. When you get home place this one on Anthony’s grave for me. Though I can’t be at the gravesite physically, I’ll be there spiritually.”  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kammenou is a believer 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 thought that, by her age, she would have had an Oscar in her hand after a successful career as an actor. Instead, she worked in the optical field for 40 years and is the proud mother of two accomplished young women.

Her debut novel, Evanthia’s Gift, is a women’s fiction multigenerational love story and family saga, influenced by her Greek heritage, and the many real life accounts that have been passed down. She 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 a nationally circulated magazine.

Evanthia’s Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga was a 2016 award finalist in the Readers Favorite Awards in the Women’s Fiction category.  Waiting for Aegina is Book Two in The Gift Saga and Chasing Petalouthes is Kammenou’s latest release, completing the series.

Effie Kammenou is a first generation Greek-American who lives on Long Island with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not writing, or posting recipes on her food blog, cheffieskitchen.wordpress.com, you can find her entertaining family and friends or traveling for ‘research.’

As an avid cook and baker, a skill she learned from watching her Athenian mother, she incorporated traditional Greek family recipes throughout the books.  

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University.