Once We Were Here - Christopher Cosmos

Just love the cover, the subject matter and being comparable to novels by Victoria Hislop was a real draw for me.

A gripping saga of a family's survival throughout Italian and German occupation in mainland Greece throughout the Second World War. At 18 Alexei and Costa, living on the shores of the Aegean Sea form a close bond that will be strengthened and tested during the years that follow. Before leaving for battle Alexei asks a fellow villager Philia for her hand in marriage and despite her fathers misgivings she accepts.
Faced with unbelievable atrocities, gripped with a strength of determination, a sense of tenacity and perseverance shines through these hard nosed Greeks, fear is not in their vocabulary. Looking forward to more by this author, definitely a highlight read of my year.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Arcade publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review

I love historical fiction and I especially love learning new things. This is a story of heroism, love, loss, brotherhood and loyalty. It’s a travelogue, a romance and a war tale. Enjoyed every page. Recommend to both men and women. Will explore this writer more. Thanks for the arc!

This is a story of brotherhood, heritage, sacrifice, strength, survival and love in a time of war.
Christopher Cosmos pulls you in so deep you can taste the salt of the sea on your lips, Smell the fresh caught fish cooking over the open fire, you can see the destruction of war, you can feel the deep passionate love for family, brotherhood and Greece.

"In so many books that he loved, he'd read about moments in people's lives. Moments when what they did mattered, because it changed everything else, for one way or the other. And that's what our lives are built on, these choices, and these moments. English doesn't have a word for it, but the Greeks have a word for everything. Kairos." This book is the story about two best friends, born on the same night during a storm in Greece, making choices through one of the most difficult times in history. Choices for themselves, their families, their love for one another and their futures. Alexei and Costa face down adversity like that of legendary Greek heroes---Alexander the Great, Achilles, and Odysseus---with courage, honor, and tenacity. This is their story set in the backdrop of the invasion of Greece by the Italians and then the Germans in World War II. Christopher Cosmos takes the reader on a journey through history in this beautiful country as it fights for everything it believes in and loves. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to not only lovers of historical fiction but lovers of true stories of heroism.

This is a good historical fiction tale. It starts slow but is mostly engaging once it gets going. The characters are well written and the setting and plot seemed mostly realistic. The is a bit emotional at times, and it's written with a nice style.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

First of all, I just want to say thank you to Christopher Cosmos for allowing me to receive an advance copy. Secondly, THANK YOU for writing this wonderful story! I feel as if I have just returned from Greece, and the war. My heartstrings are still recovering.

Over the years I have read many novels and memoirs from WWII, however, this was the first that shed light on the pivotal role of the Greek resistance. Which is rather astounding given all that they sacrificed. The people of Greece were tasked with stalling the Nazis as long as possible in order to give Russia time to better prepare, and so they would have the brutal winter weather of their country to aid them in their battles. The courageous and passionate people of Greece more than rose to the occasion in spite of the odds. This fictional story shares a piece of that valiant Greek spirit with us as readers. You will be pulled back into the past and will be hard pressed to return until you've reached the last page. It was that intense. That powerful.

Mr. Cosmos has penned his characters with such vivid detail that I feel as if I have met them, battled beside them, walked along the shores of the Aegean with them. You will feel for Alexei and his family as if they are a part of your own family; The joys, the anxiety, the passion, the courage, the hope, the losses, and the victories. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from Christopher Cosmos in the future!

Two young fishermen friends from small greek village on a brink of WWII. Before they go to fight in the war, Alexei asks Philia, the girl that he’s loved his entire life, to marry him. And so begins an epic story of the strength of the human spirit, courage and a power of love which will affect generations to come.

I love good historical fiction and this was a joy to read.

A story set in 1940, Mussolini wanting to invade Greece~ Best friends....and 18years old Alexei and Costa, leave their homes to take part in fighting for their country.! I enjoyed it however....the characters could have been more developed!
It was enjoyable to read!!!
Thank you for allowing me to read this!