The night before Frances Mayes left Edinburgh to come to Greece for the first time, her old school comrades at their 30 year reunion named her 'Shirley Valentine'.  Frances fulfilled that role by finding a new enthusiasm for life, and a number of jobs, from teaching English, to caretaking an estate, to working for a holiday villa company.

Encouraged to write by the good reception for her work on the local English language paper, Frances relates this first part of her memoir, which covers her life in 3 very different Greek places, and adventures ranging from hilarious to hair-raising.

Fran is a sort of 'Everywoman' learning to deal with Greece and its people - wonderful, beautiful, free and friendly - but often maddening and frustrating.

On the cover is the fabulous house that Fran and Dad bought, where visitors can stay   www.halkimouthouria.com