The beautiful Parsenis sisters led charmed lives, or so they thought. Born into a prosperous Greek American family, sisters Nicole and Theodora have achieved the perfect balance between the old world rich in Greek tradition and the freedom of life in America. But when Theodora marries a rich and handsome man from outside the Greek community, events are set in motion that threaten to disrupt the enchanted "circle" of the sisters' lives.Headstrong and independent, Nicole plunges into life head-first. Her talent and astute business acumen make her the perfect heir to her father's empire, but his old world attitudes prevent him from giving the top spot to a woman. Nicole's world spins out of control when she falls for a married senator who shares her heritage and her dreams.As the dramatic plot unfolds, the two young women must confront deceit and betrayal and the consequences of their personal choices, while they struggle to preserve the values they cherish.Set in Baltimore, Annapolis and the tiny island of Ikaria, Greece, Circle Dance gives the reader a view into the lives of a dynamic family that has successfully achieved the American dream without abandoning the customs and traditions handed down through their Greek heritage. Artfully intertwined plots bring generations together in a dance of rejoicing and mourning, loss and healing that will keep readers enthralled until the last frame. About The Authors Lynne Constantine Lynne wrote her first book, Circle Dance, with her sister Valerie. Circle Dance was a legacy of love fueled by the desire to pass on to their children the traditions and experiences unique to them as second generation Greek Americans. Lynne was raised in a close-knit family surrounded but extended family and "adopted" family through the Greek community. Both she and her sister wanted to leave a legacy for their children and future generations of a bygone era. Lynne attended Hellenic College where she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development. She went on to earn her masters degree in Business Administration at Johns Hopkins University.. She left the corporate world in 2000 to pursue her writing full time. She has written for magazines and journals but her true passion is fiction. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Lynne relocated to the New York area with her husband and children. In addition to her writing, she is active in her church and local community. She serves on the board of her town's Women's League - a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping women and children. She is passionate about education, reading, health, and wellness. She enjoys traveling, spending time on the beach and talking walks with her family and their adorable golden retriever. Lynne is currently at work on her next book, a thriller. Valerie Constantine Valerie Constantine was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always loved books and spent many nights reading by the light of her bedside lamp until 3 a.m. (Those were the days when she was able to stay up that late.) She graduated from Nancy Drew to Shakespeare and went on to study at the University of Maryland where she received a degree in English Literature. She is an active community volunteer working with a Task Force to fight Human Trafficking and also with Caritas Society of St. John's College Annapolis, which raises funds for student financial aid. In her spare time she reads, kayaks and travels. She spends part of the year in England and lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and Zorba, their brilliant King Charles Cavalier. CIRCLE DANCE REVIEWS: "Circle Dance has captured the essence of the Greek American experience. Full of plot twists and turns, it is a page-turner, appealing to Greeks and non- Greeks alike. Bravo to these two talented authors." -Olympia Dukakis "This intriguing story filled with deception, hope, sorrow, and joy, is perfectly balanced with the traditions and culture of Greek America. The reader becomes an eyewitness to the saga of the close-knit Parsenis family. Compelling and wonderfully described characters come to life as you conjure up vivid images- trying to anticipate the fast-paced events impacting two sisters, Theodora and Nicole. The story often alternates between these characters with a seamless flow that contrasts and compares their lives. The book's authors, also children of the Greek-American experience, tell a story that is both delightful and suspenseful. It is not surprising to find the reader transported with ease between the unfolding drama in America and Greece. Beginning with an elusive death, the story comes full circle concluding with the shining hope offered by new life. In a surreal fashion, you are there with the Parsenis family every step of the way and once you finish Circle Dance...you will simply wish for more." -Nicholas M. Prevas, Historian, Author of History of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Baltimore, 1982. Gone But Not Forgotten, A Definitive History of the Greek Section at Woodlawn Cemetery, Baltimore, 2001. Circle Dance is a well-crafted, touching story about two Greek- American sisters, Nicole and Theodora, who return to the United States after vacationing with their grandparents in Ikaria, an island in Greece. Each sister is thrust into life changes and circumstances that ultimately test their deepest values. Each one deals with deception that unfolds in their personal relationships, and it is not easy, as they have to handle conflicting emotions and passions. The authors have done an excellent job in realistically portraying love and loss. I loved the two sisters: their characters are rich and well rounded, and both have family values and strong ethics. I felt their heartbreak and sadness, and yet cheered them on when life smiled upon them. This is a wonderful, memorable story and I look forward to reading more from these talented authors. -Patty Apostolides, Author of "The Greek Maiden and the English Lord"
