Waiting for Aegina

The Gift Saga, Book 2

By: Effie Kammenou

Narrated by: Emily Lawrence

Book two in the Gift Saga: the continuation of Evanthia’s Gift....

In 1961, five little girls moved into a suburban neighborhood and became inseparable, lifelong friends. They called themselves the Honey Hill Girls, named after the street on which they lived. As teenagers, they shared one another’s ambitions and dreams, secrets and heartaches. Now, more than 30 years later, they remain devoted and loyal, supporting each other through triumphs and sorrows.

Evanthia's Gift follows the life of Sophia Giannakos. In Waiting for Aegina, the saga continues from the perspectives of Sophia and her friends as the story drifts back and forth in time, filling in the gaps as the women grow to adulthood.

Naive teenage ideals are later challenged by harsh realities, as each of their lives takes unexpected turns. Now nearing their 50th year, Sophia, Demi, Amy, Mindy, and Donna stand together through life-altering obstacles while they try to regain the lighthearted optimism of their youth.

©2017 Euthemia Speyer (P)2018 Euthemia Speyer

Sweet story of great friendships.

Love the story of each of these friends. Not always happy moments but they always were there for each other. Great Narration!

Waiting for Aegina

Waiting for Aegina is a beautifully written story that follows the lives of the five “Honey Hill girls”.

We were introduced to the girls, Sophia, Demi, Mindy, Amy, and Donna in Evanthia’s Gift and now we find out even more details about them. The happy times and the sad, the good times and the bad... Seeing the strong bonds that formed between these girls, and how they were always there for each other... I feel emotionally connected to all of them, and that is due to the phenomenal writing of Effie Kammenou.

Emily Lawrence’s performance is also top notch. She truly brought out the emotions that Ms. Kammenou put to the page. I cant imagine anyone else narrating this series.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Waiting for Aegina

What made the experience of listening to Waiting for Aegina the most enjoyable?

Emily Lawrence did a wonderful job narrating this second book by Effie Kamenou, who through her efforts continued the story of the legacy of Sophia, of the Anna Fotopoulos family, and her relationships with her family, and her friends. This book had its highs and lows, but showed what can be accomplished through perseverance and faith in oneself, and one's family. I can't wait for the next one!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Waiting for Aegina?

When Sophia sat there after the accident, willing Dean to wake up. It was a moment that grabbed you from page one, and didn't let go.

Have you listened to any of Emily Lawrence’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to her in the first book she narrated for Effie, 'Evanthias' Gift'. She had the correct accent for Greeks speaking English as a second language. Her pronunciations were spot on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both. I get involved in reading books, and I can feel the pain and happiness of the characters, as if they're real.

Any additional comments?

Being as my name originally was FOTOPOULOS, I have really loved these books, and I will continue to re-read them in the future.

Absolutely beautiful read of friendship and time

We revisit an emotionally filled read that took me on a journey through a deep lasting friendship of five women. Their early years. Their teen years. There adult years of love, loss, family, triumphs, sorrows and more. Visiting Sophia again and getting to see more of her life and her friends (Demi, Amy, Mindy and Donna).

Narrator Emily Lawrence gave some spark and life to the telling of this tale of friendship that span fifty years. The audio was clear and smooth. Emily gave life to each of the characters and allowed her voice to reflect the emotional ups and downs of the events that unfolded over years.

A Must Read....

Book Two continues the story of this multigenerational Greek family focusing more specifically of the first generation of the American- Greek children and their unique journeys of love, fear, joy, saddness and perserverance. The reader get to see through the eyes of these characters the challenges of being a first generation American born child in integrating customs, ancestral & religious beliefs, language, cuisine and social dynamics. The love story of all the characters continues as they learn perserverance, adjustment, and compromise as they intergrate into the melting pot of America while holding true to their Greek heritage and beliefs. I could not stop listening as I was so fully engaged and invested in these characters and needed to know how it all played out. Love this book and the journey it takes you on. A Trilogy definitely worth the listen/ read.

The story continues!

Any additional comments?

You will want to read Evanthia's Gift before this second book to truly appreciate the continuing stories. This series, while featuring charming Greek customs and history, really is about the love and comfort of a tightly knit extended family. In this book, the focus is on The Honey Hill Girls, neighbors who grew up together and their support and love each other through all the miles and years. The girls go through some devastating events, sadness. and happiness with their children, marriage and relationships. It is a warm and satisfying book and series you don't want to miss, I look forward to the next book!

The kind of love that lasts forever.

Once again, the marvelous writing of Effie Kammenou took my breath away and made me cry.

This book can be read as the second volume of the Gift Saga or a standalone since the reader can fully understand the storyline and all the characters involved.
As a reader, one can deeply emphasize with every single character. Throughout the years told and their adventures, we meet a group of five girls who are the core of the novel; The Honey Hill Girls. We get to know them, mourn with them, share their joys in life and, even experience their steamy and romantic relationships along the way.

In this novel, the most relevant aspect is friendship. No matter how many years have passed, their strong friendship stands amid the turbulent changes they face. Each of the five, in her particular way, achieve personal growth.

It's a book about life itself, love and, friendship. I really loved this book, it touch my heart in beautiful way. Can't wait to see what is new for the next generation.

Beautiful in every way!

Waiting for Aegina: The Gift Saga, Book 2 by Effie Kammemou, narrated by Emily Lawrence is so wonderful! I cannot recommend it enough to everyone out there. Although it could stand-alone, you do not want to rob yourself of the opportunity to get to know how these characters came to be. I loved Book 1, Evanthia's Gift, just as much as this one; I'm taken aback by the beauty and eloquence of Kammemou's flowing words and beautiful storyline. These true-to-life characters have quickly become part of me. With them, I've laughed, cried, shared in their joys and successes, as well as their pains and sorrows. I recently lost my own mother to Cancer, and in a way, these characters have allowed me to feel not so alone. They have let me see that life goes on, and, in the end, everything works out just like it's supposed to. Wirhout knowing, they have given me the friendship, hope, and courage that I needed. Thank you for that. :-)

Narrator Emily Lawrence, again, puts on an absolutely amazing performance. She has made my listening experience memorable, and I can still hear her voice speaking to me as I type this. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to her narrate every minute of this series. I am very much looking forward to hearing her again in Book 3 when it is released on audio.

A rating of 5/5 stars is not enough for this series...I'd give it 10, if I could! I have no doubts that Waiting for Aegina: The Gift Saga, Book 2 by Effie Kammemou, narrated by Emily Lawrence is one that will be enjoyed by all. It is highly relatable, as it is a story about all of us...life, love, loss, family, friendship, and everything in between. These characters and all they experience on their unpredictable journeys through life will stay with you long after the story, itself, ends. It has allowed me to reflect on my own life and decisions I have made, as well as my future, because I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters, as you will, too. Without hesitation, I give this book my highest recommendation.

Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

better then the 1st book!

so much happens in this book. I love the friendships and how they grow together

Family, Friends and Foes...and a Mini Series?

Every family has its history, its lifelong relationships whether formed by blood or by time alone. Some family members we couldn’t imagine life without...they are, in southern terms, the meat and potatoes of our clans, while other members are the scraps we know belong in the garbage! Well, Effie has written a saga that not only includes the above described members and their satellite people but she also allows us to get to know them over the span of decades. I experienced a myriad of emotions while being a (mostly) silent observer as I was listening to this book but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I need an author who can make me laugh, cry, become angry, feel frustrated and most of all feel like I’ve become a part of the characters’ inner circle by invitation, not just someone on the outside looking in. I’m really glad I started this series and I’m rushing this review (believe it or not) so I can get on to book three!! And I didn’t even comment on the yummy sounding Greek recipes included within the chapters!! If only I could cook!!!