“Writing became my way of keeping my mother’s memory eternal.” — Effie Kammenou

Effie Kammenou has lived many beautiful chapters in her life — but perhaps the most meaningful one began after retirement.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Glen Oaks since she was nine, Effie always carried her Greek heritage close to her heart. She married in 1983, built a life rooted in family and tradition, raised two daughters, and today beams with pride as “Yiayia” to two grandchildren. For decades, she worked as an optician at Pearl Vision — a career she loved, one filled with loyal customers, routine, and familiarity. And then, two years ago, she stepped away. Not because her story was over — but because a new one was ready to

In 2012, Effie lost her mother, the woman who shaped her, loved her, and passed down the vibrant stories, recipes, and Greek traditions that lived in their home. Grief changes us. It breaks us, bends us, and if we’re lucky, it leads us somewhere unexpected. For Effie, that somewhere was writing.

She began to write not simply to fill time, but to fill space — the space where her mother’s presence once lived. Every page, every character, every unfolding word became a tribute to honoring her heritage and her Mom. It is a way of saying I will carry you forward. Effie speaks of her mother often, with gentleness and certainty — as if she is still right there beside her, hand on her shoulder, guiding her through each sentence, each chapter, each book.

The books she has written are rich, emotional, layered stories of love, legacy, and multigenerational connection.

“The Gift Saga” is a sweeping, multigenerational story of Greek heritage, love, sacrifice, and family.

“Evanthia’s Gift” is a love story rooted in the immigrant experience — spanning continents, generations, and the powerful pull of tradition.

“Waiting for Aegina”: The story continues through the next generation — with friendships, cultural roots, and life-defining choices at its heart.

“Chasing Petalouthes” is a culmination of journeys, hearts, and history — where past and present meet with beauty and purpose.

The Contemporary Romance Series (The Meraki Series) includes “Love Is What You Bake of It”, a delicious mix of romance, independence, and rediscovering yourself along the way, “Love by Design” where passion, mystery, and family secrets intertwine as love challenges expectations, and “Love Is Worth Fighting For”, a story about ambition, hardship, and choosing love — even when the path is complicated.

When asked what she wants other women — especially those entering their next chapter — to know, Effie’s answer is clear and powerful:

“Always have a project. Find something creative. Go back to the little girl within you and ask her what she dreamed of being.”

She has learned from the younger generation that experiences matter more than things, and from the older generation that practicality matters — have something to fall back on. To her daughters, she teaches: Balance. Focus. Have fun. And, of course — “Your Mom is always right.”

Her story is a reminder that life doesn’t stop at retirement — sometimes, it begins there. Sometimes the chapter that defines you is the one you write later, with courage, memory, and love guiding your pen.

Effie Kammenou shows us what it means to honor where we come from while courageously stepping into who we’re meant to be. Her writing keeps her mother’s memory eternal, her culture alive, and her legacy unfolding — one book, one reader, one heart at a time.

To explore more of her work, visit her official website: www.effiekammenou.com