Welcome to my extraordinary story

Jo Walden recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

12 July · 

Andrea is an amazing woman and reading her life story has made me realise why.
Like a dandelion in the wind is a really enjoyable read. You will laugh, cry and be amazed at the extraordinary life that Andrea and her family have lived.
Thoroughly recommend this book I couldn’t put it down from the moment I read the first page .

Betty Darzanos  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

22 July · 

From the first initial meeting with Andrea, I knew she was an incredible individual.
Reading her magnificent book that outlines her life story only confirms what a magnificent daughter, wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend that she truly is...
highly recommend reading the book. 🙏

Mary Upton  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

26 July · 

I have just finished one of the best novels I have read in a long time. There was not a point I wanted to put it down. I was so eager to find out what happened next in Andrea's bright astonishing life. what an amazing read it has been. what a beautiful strong inspirational women Andrea is and it is depicted well in her novel. I absolutely admire her strength. what a wonderful read. Highly recommended.

Helen Darzanos-Griffiths recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

28 July · 

What a wonderful story Andrea has written about her amazing life. I first met Andrea when I was eight years old, and thought she was the most beautiful little lady I had ever seen. So to read about her life, her loves and her adventures was fascinating. I loved this book about her well-lived life, and I thank her for sharing it, and may she continue to enjoy the spoils. I hope someday Andrea gets her kisses on the beach.

Anna Giannakopoulos  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

4 August 

Andrea! Wow, what an amazing read. Once I started reading your book I didn’t want to put it down. I have known you for at least 35 years and have only heard snippets of your life experiences. As I was reading your book I felt like I was by your side living them with you. I felt your joy, grief, pain, frustrations and fears. I commend for your resilience, strength, perseverance and unconditional love for your family throughout your journey. Your mother was a beautiful soul and I now have an even greater respect for her and the sacrifice she made for her family, she would be so proud of you.

Barb Mogridge  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

6 August· 

I've just finished reading this book, Andrea has had an amazing life and I recommend her book to anyone who likes a good read. Knowing Andrea is a pleasure, and I could hear her words as though she was reading the book to me. Congratulations x

28 August

Just finished reading this book. I can not believe how much one person went through in such a short time frame. I believe all  this would have made you the strong lady you are today Andrea. I was constantly blown away while reading this and can not imagine going through what you and your family did. It is a pleasure to know you, thank you for sharing your life story xx

Milly Costi recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

Andrea Johns is to be congratulated on her memoir.
 

She has captured the essence of storytelling and as a reader, I felt that I was listening to her telling her story in the oral tradition.
 

Andrea evoked many emotions; excitement, love, anguish, fear, frustration, and anger as she narrated the story of her itinerant life.
 

A true 'dandelion', Andrea is the epitome of resilience to have survived all that life has thrown her way.
 

"Like a Dandelion in the Wind" is Andrea's first publication and it is a book to read and read again.
 

Milly 

Julie  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

 Hi Andrea,

I have read your book and wanted you to know I really enjoyed it. I think you have been very brave sharing your experiences.
I found it easy reading, often picturing the moments in my head.
Very early in the book I kept thinking I wanted to see what your parents, especially your dad looked like. It wasn't til I got closer to the end of the book I discovered you had read your readers mind! Your poor mum was a Saint!
As I kept reading I kept thinking 'there's a Movie in this book'. I sincerely believe it would make a good movie.
I have many childhood memories of the 60's in Australia so I guess I found it easy to relate.

Take care and stay safe.

Andriana  Economou  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

·21st November 

Andreas two books in one is a complete recall of interesting places and people she came across during her life time.I laughed and I felt sad especially for her mum who had a heart of gold to put up with husband and his almost gypsy lifestyle moving constantly and his love of women.
The book showed the good and bad in people and covered topics that involved friendships involving racial discrimination, war and hatred. She overcame many obstacles with compassion for others including indigenous kids in a tough time Australia at the time and her pets were a big part of growing up.
Although she couldn’t get too attached to anything since the suit case was at the ready when things got tough and a move was on the cards.
All the moving took her and her family to many wonderful places around Australia where many Greeks did not venture. Moving to Cyprus and then England and back home. The reasons why will unfold as you read this easy read.
She reminded me of relatives who we’ve lost and finds love at a very early age and is the happiest she’s ever been.
I learnt a lot about Andrea and every page has adventure or a story to tell.
A book I have already shared to others to read.

A fabulous read. Well written Andrea.

I could not put this book down!! 

It made me laugh, cry and taught me so much on not only life here in Australia but in Cyprus too. 

I read this book months ago and I still find myself thinking of it and the people in the stories. Thank you Andrea.  

· 

Every once in a while, I pick up a book that’s so compelling I just can’t put it down until I reach the last page. 'Like a Dandelion in the Wind' was just that! Andrea's early life in Australia with her larrikin father and dear suffering mother were definitely adventurous! Moving back to Cyprus and living through the 1974 coup and then becoming refugees... what a life changing experience. Thank God after some time she was able to return home with her family and although there were hardships, as a family they persevered and made it their home once again. This book was a fantastic read and it was lovely to learn more about Andrea and her lovely family     

13 March  · 𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Andrea Johns Introducing "𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱" by Andrea Johns, an extraordinary memoir nominated in the Memoir Category. This book is not just a memoir; it's a journey of a lifetime, encapsulating 30 years of profound experiences and emotions in its pages. Described as unputdownable, Andrea's work takes readers through a narrative so compelling and heartfelt, it resonates deeply with everyone who turns its pages.  

Jo Walden recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

12 July · 

Andrea is an amazing woman and reading her life story has made me realise why.
Like a dandelion in the wind is a really enjoyable read. You will laugh, cry and be amazed at the extraordinary life that Andrea and her family have lived.
Thoroughly recommend this book I couldn’t put it down from the moment I read the first page .

Betty Darzanos  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

22 July · 

From the first initial meeting with Andrea, I knew she was an incredible individual.
Reading her magnificent book that outlines her life story only confirms what a magnificent daughter, wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend that she truly is...
highly recommend reading the book. 🙏

Mary Upton  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

26 July · 

I have just finished one of the best novels I have read in a long time. There was not a point I wanted to put it down. I was so eager to find out what happened next in Andrea's bright astonishing life. what an amazing read it has been. what a beautiful strong inspirational women Andrea is and it is depicted well in her novel. I absolutely admire her strength. what a wonderful read. Highly recommended.

Helen Darzanos-Griffiths recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

28 July · 

What a wonderful story Andrea has written about her amazing life. I first met Andrea when I was eight years old, and thought she was the most beautiful little lady I had ever seen. So to read about her life, her loves and her adventures was fascinating. I loved this book about her well-lived life, and I thank her for sharing it, and may she continue to enjoy the spoils. I hope someday Andrea gets her kisses on the beach.

Anna Giannakopoulos  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

4 August 

Andrea! Wow, what an amazing read. Once I started reading your book I didn’t want to put it down. I have known you for at least 35 years and have only heard snippets of your life experiences. As I was reading your book I felt like I was by your side living them with you. I felt your joy, grief, pain, frustrations and fears. I commend for your resilience, strength, perseverance and unconditional love for your family throughout your journey. Your mother was a beautiful soul and I now have an even greater respect for her and the sacrifice she made for her family, she would be so proud of you.

Barb Mogridge  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

6 August· 

I've just finished reading this book, Andrea has had an amazing life and I recommend her book to anyone who likes a good read. Knowing Andrea is a pleasure, and I could hear her words as though she was reading the book to me. Congratulations x

28 August

Just finished reading this book. I can not believe how much one person went through in such a short time frame. I believe all  this would have made you the strong lady you are today Andrea. I was constantly blown away while reading this and can not imagine going through what you and your family did. It is a pleasure to know you, thank you for sharing your life story xx

Milly Costi recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

Andrea Johns is to be congratulated on her memoir.
 

She has captured the essence of storytelling and as a reader, I felt that I was listening to her telling her story in the oral tradition.
 

Andrea evoked many emotions; excitement, love, anguish, fear, frustration, and anger as she narrated the story of her itinerant life.
 

A true 'dandelion', Andrea is the epitome of resilience to have survived all that life has thrown her way.
 

"Like a Dandelion in the Wind" is Andrea's first publication and it is a book to read and read again.
 

Milly 

Julie  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

 Hi Andrea,

I have read your book and wanted you to know I really enjoyed it. I think you have been very brave sharing your experiences.
I found it easy reading, often picturing the moments in my head.
Very early in the book I kept thinking I wanted to see what your parents, especially your dad looked like. It wasn't til I got closer to the end of the book I discovered you had read your readers mind! Your poor mum was a Saint!
As I kept reading I kept thinking 'there's a Movie in this book'. I sincerely believe it would make a good movie.
I have many childhood memories of the 60's in Australia so I guess I found it easy to relate.

Take care and stay safe.

Andriana  Economou  recommends Like a dandelion in the wind.

·21st November 

Andreas two books in one is a complete recall of interesting places and people she came across during her life time.I laughed and I felt sad especially for her mum who had a heart of gold to put up with husband and his almost gypsy lifestyle moving constantly and his love of women.
The book showed the good and bad in people and covered topics that involved friendships involving racial discrimination, war and hatred. She overcame many obstacles with compassion for others including indigenous kids in a tough time Australia at the time and her pets were a big part of growing up.
Although she couldn’t get too attached to anything since the suit case was at the ready when things got tough and a move was on the cards.
All the moving took her and her family to many wonderful places around Australia where many Greeks did not venture. Moving to Cyprus and then England and back home. The reasons why will unfold as you read this easy read.
She reminded me of relatives who we’ve lost and finds love at a very early age and is the happiest she’s ever been.
I learnt a lot about Andrea and every page has adventure or a story to tell.
A book I have already shared to others to read.

A fabulous read. Well written Andrea.

I could not put this book down!! 

It made me laugh, cry and taught me so much on not only life here in Australia but in Cyprus too. 

I read this book months ago and I still find myself thinking of it and the people in the stories. Thank you Andrea.  

· 

Every once in a while, I pick up a book that’s so compelling I just can’t put it down until I reach the last page. 'Like a Dandelion in the Wind' was just that! Andrea's early life in Australia with her larrikin father and dear suffering mother were definitely adventurous! Moving back to Cyprus and living through the 1974 coup and then becoming refugees... what a life changing experience. Thank God after some time she was able to return home with her family and although there were hardships, as a family they persevered and made it their home once again. This book was a fantastic read and it was lovely to learn more about Andrea and her lovely family