Lipsi's Daughter was my very first novel.  The reason I chose the Greek Island of Lipsi as my setting is because both my parents were born and raised on this Dodecanese island. In addition, the island's religious connection with Patmos is the perfect background needed to develop the virtuous character of my heroine. When I was a college student and afterwards, I visited the beautiful, small island many times, and was won over by its charming and hospitable people. Getting to know all my wonderful relatives living there, tasting the simply delicious food, circle dancing the kalamatiana under the moon light to Bombi's crooning violin (I also had the chance to play a waltz on his violin at that dance), swimming in the clear waters, all left me with warm feelings after each visit.

Lipsi Island is actually Lipsos Island, but since it has more than one island associated with it, it is typically called Lipsi (or Leipsoi), which is the plural of Lipsos. It is located less than an hour away by boat from both Patmos and Leros islands. Patmos Island is the island where St. John was exiled and experienced the revelations that were written up in the Bible. For five hundred years, the monastery of Patmos ruled over Lipsi Island and the monks used the land.  Later, when people migrated to the island, the monastery sold land to them on the condition that they build a church on their property. At least thirty, if not forty, churches exist on the island today.  Lipsi has a miracle that occurs there every year. In the 1940s, a maiden  was praying to the "Panagia tou Harou" icon (The Virgin Mary of Haron). Her prayers were met, so she placed a simple bouquet of lilies on the icon. The lilies withered and remained on the icon. The following year, the lilies blossomed and gave off a fragrance on August 23rd, the anniversary date. Since then, every year on that day, the lilies blossom and give off a fragrance. This miracle is included in the novel, as well as other interesting descriptions of island life, like vivid scenes of milking a goat in the early morning, and the strong sense of community feeling depicting people caring about each other.

"Lipsi's Daughter" is a Cinderella-style story set in the 1980s, where Ipatia, a 17 year old orphan, lives on Lipsi Island with her grandfather. She leaves for Piraeus with high hopes of obtaining a college education there.  In the process, she finds love in the way of a handsome shipowner's son. Tony. Their love blossoms, but obstacles get in the way, and a car accident separates the couple. Ipatia finds herself in Chicago, where she eventually gets her degree. Tony has amnesia from the accident and doesn't remember anything or anyone, including Ipatia.  Will they get together again? Read the book!
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"The Greek characters spring to life with their hopes, dreams, and fears.  Filled with important family values, educational ideals, and an underlying religious foundation, this story is sure to please young and old alike."- Constantine Papadakis, Ph.D., former President, Drexel University

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"This superbly charactered and richly endowed bitter-sweet romance has all the right messages and morals that will warm the cockles of every Greek mother's heart. This is a story of an independent, strong willed young lady who challenges conventional  norms, while maintaining her values. How relevant the message is for these turbulent times!" - Joseph C. Keane, Hellenic Cultural Commission, AHEPAN Magazine Jan 2006.

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"Ipatia Kouris has her life planned out, and it does not include marriage. She knows the world has more to offer an intelligent young woman than a relationship that fate can destroy on a whim. Her plan involves leaving the little island she lives on with her grandfather and going to Piraeus to obtain her education at a university. When Ipatia lands in harm’s way and is rescued by the strikingly handsome Tony Plakis, she experiences feelings she has never known and realizes there is more to life than merely existing.
     Although he is attracted to Ipatia, Tony is in a dilemma. He is torn between pleasing his ailing father who hopes he will marry another while running the family business, and listening to his heart which sings a song for Ipatia. Even after Tony and Ipatia agree on a melody, they must still dance with destiny, and destiny is a fierce keeper of secrets. Will Tony’s and Ipatia’s love survive or will time erase all the music of their hearts?
     Although Lipsi’s Daughter starts a little slowly, the story picks up quickly and unfolds into an enjoyable, albeit predictable romance. The scenery descriptions were exceptionally well written, especially that of Lipsi Island. Nearly all of the characters were appealing. Tony and Ipatia were the perfect couple. They played together as finely as a Stradivarius. Tony was the quiet and gentle loving suitor who would let nothing keep him away from the love of his life. Tony’s sister, Melissa, was one of the few characters who was not particularly attractive. Her personality was temperamental and childish, and the tale probably could have survived just as well without her.
     Still, one bad apple does not ruin a whole tree, and Lipsi’s Daughter remains a charming story." - Natasha, Romancereview.com

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"Patty Apostolides has written a romance that abounds with action and suspense while weaving vivid descriptions of the settings. This book is not only a romance but it intertwines family, religious and educational values. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to everyone who likes a romance that takes you away to other  countries." - Melissa Alvarez, About.com                                                                 * * * * * * *
"This first chapter is subtly enchanting. For those of us who have been to Greece, fallen in love with a place, a special place, or the whole country collectively and completely, the setting, the action, the characters are a delightful fleeting memory. Somehow, the tree, the water, the magical encounter between Ipatia and Tony open memories. I will not only recommend this book to Everyone I know, I'm ordering copies for each of my three daughters to savor. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I want to read your poetry!" - Sophia K., Florida

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"I recently purchased one of your autographed books, Lipsi's Daughter. I just wanted to write and say that it was absolutely wonderful! I loved the story, the characters and the Greek setting! I would like to know if you have written any other books or if you are planning to write more. I would love to purchase these to read. Thank you again for writing such a beautiful novel!" - Vasia M.G.

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"I finished your book a few days ago and it was really a wonderful book.  My daughter and I went to the beach for a week and I couldn't put it down.  It was a great book and I didn't want it to end.  Great job!" - Marina P.

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"What a fun book!  A Great Cinderella feel good story! Good job!" - Kay N., Michigan

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"Enjoyed it very much - recommended it to several family members." - Debbie K., Ohio

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"I couldn't put this book down until I read it all. It reminded me of the harbor in Kavala. I have loaned it to several friends at church and they loved it."- Pat P., South Carolina

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To order from iUniverse.com:
http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=139760

To order from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Lipsis-Daughter-Patty-Apostolides/dp/0595375723