New Releases

MNEMOSYNI’S MUSINGS…

Maria A. Karamitsos

You’ve heard of Mnemosyni, the Greek goddess of memory. Mythology buffs will know that she’s also the goddess of storytelling—and mother of the Muses! So, it’s only fitting to name a literary column in her honor. Here, you’ll learn about authors, poets, books, and all things “Greek” literary.
By: Maria A. Karamitsos

New Releases

So many great new books out this fall! Check out these from Greek and PhilHellene authors.

FICTION

Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine

Bantam (August 18, 2026)

New from the New York Times bestselling author and queen of psychological thrillers.

A woman becomes embroiled in the mystery of her husband’s deceased first wife—and after moving to his remote house in the woods, uncovers terrifying secrets. With memorably complicated characters, deliciously devious betrayals, and truly shocking twists, this edge-of-your-seat novel will keep you guessing until the last page. This might be my fave Liv Constantine novel yet!

What We Left Behind by Valerie Nifora

Author Academy Elite (September 22, 2026)

Margaret survived losing Seth once. Now, decades after breaking her heart, he has returned with little time left—and one final chance to ask for forgiveness. As old wounds reopen and unspoken words finally find their voice, the two must decide whether forgiveness can come too late—or if love, even after all this time, still has the power to heal. What We Left Behind is a tender, timeless story of first loves, second chances, and the beauty of finding peace in the pieces of what once was.

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The Silent Gods of Messenia: An Ancient Greece Novel by Dr. Georgios J. Anastasopoulos

Independently published (September 15, 2026)

A young Messenian from the village of Kalamos, Nikias’ life is transformed as resistance to Sparta spreads across the land. What begins as the world of family, friendship, romance, village traditions, and the sound of his reed flute gradually becomes a world of secret meetings, dangerous journeys, betrayal, battle, and difficult choices. As Nikias is drawn deeper into the struggle, he finds himself close to the man who will come to embody Messenia’s determination to be free.

SHORT STORY COLLECTION

Olive Leaves: Stories of Islands, Memory and Return by Stuart R. Fleming

Noble Legacy Publishing (September 18, 2026)

Olive Leaves is a collection of ten short stories set across Greece, moving between the islands and the streets of Athens, between old houses and the lives that pass through them. These are stories about the people who leave and the ones who stay, the houses that hold memory long after their owners have gone, and the love that surfaces again when least expected. These stories are about the places we choose, the people we carry with us, and the places that, in the end, seem to choose us.

MEMOIR

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Maria the Pappas by Maria Pappas

Eckhartz Press (September 9, 2026)

Cook County’s (Illinois) long-serving treasurer believes her life has been a lifelong search for the person who needs help—and that her childhood, psychology, politics, government reform, cultural outreach, and faith are all different expressions of that same calling. That’s what makes this more than a conventional political memoir. Politics provides the backdrop, but service is really the subject. And there is another important underlying theme: Pappas never assimilates by erasing herself. The Greek identity, West Virginia upbringing, accent of the immigrant household, Orthodox faith, music, flamboyant clothes, bluntness, and her unconventional personality aren’t obstacles she overcame to become successful. They are precisely the things that made her successful.

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Nostos: The Journey Home for Greek Adoptees by Mary Cardaras

 Spuyten Duyvil Publishing (October 11, 2026)

Cardaras, herself an adoptee, believes that identity is paramount to every human being. This is why it is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every child has the right to know who they are and from where they come. The millions of adoptees around the world have a right to understand who they are and it needs to be protected. Their children and their children deserve to know their origins, too. States and countries around the world, including data protection authorities, need to comply with international standards to preserve their identities and provide full access to their records, also while reestablishing their identities whenever information is missing or falsified. She stands ready with thousands of others to advocate for children and to uphold the right of every person to know who they are.

Greek by Osmosis: My Life on a Small Greek Island by Laura Aristidou Candris

Independently published (November 18, 2025)

In this memoir, Candris recounts her life from the time she met her husband and embraced the Greek culture. Her in-laws moved to the States and lived with them for a time, and she lovingly shares the recipes her mother-in-law taught her at the end of the book. It’s also the story about how an American fell in love not only with a man from Greece, but his tiny island and its way of life. Despite all the challenges, she loves her Greek home and her Greek life.

Sifnos, Room 10 by Sharon Blomfield

The Parea Group (November 16, 2026)

Travel back to Sifnos in Book 3 of ‘The Sifnos Chronicles’ series. After too long away, two Canadians return for another extended stay on their favorite island. The place where everyone knows their name and feels like a second home. There, they learn, once again, that slowing down to island time and simply living is the best kind of travel. And when they do that, they belong.

Lots of great books to add to your list. Happy reading! See you next time for more of Mnemosyni’s Musings.

Maria A. Karamitsos is a journalist, author, and poet. Since 2002, her journalistic work has been published widely published in Greek media. She is the founder and former publisher/editor of WindyCity Greek magazine and the former Associate Editor and Senior Writer for The Greek Star newspaper.

Maria has contributed to two books: Greektown Chicago – Its History, Its Recipes and The Chicago Area Ethnic Handbook. Her poetry has been published in The Magic of Us – A Moms Who Write Poetry Anthology, The PEN poetry magazine, and Highland Park Poetry. Her essays and articles have also appeared in Recipes & Roots, TripFiction, Shortcuts for Writers, Women.Who.Write, Voices of Hellenism Literary Journal, Harlots Sauce Radio, and more. Her essay, “It’s the Goddess of America” has been optioned for film development as an anthology series. She’s currently editing her debut historical novel, set in Chicago’s original Greektown. mariakaramitsos.com