. . . OF FOREIGN FRIENDS
AND
CLIMBING THE GREAT PYRAMID
“I recently came across the novel Foreign Friends and was instantly captivated by its sharp wit, fearless spirit, and the sheer originality of its premise. Ashley Hall’s wild plunge from suburban monotony into the chaos of Central American revolution is not only darkly comic it’s profoundly human. The author has created a heroine who embodies the tension between comfort and conscience, and her irreverent humor serves as both armor and revelation. What I find most compelling is the way Foreign Friends straddles satire and sincerity. Beneath the riotous comedy lies a powerful meditation on freedom, identity, and moral awakening. Lia Giannakis has achieved something rare using humor as a revolutionary act, turning absurdity into insight, and creating a story that feels both wildly entertaining and intellectually alive.” – W. Amanda
“Quick thoughts, 5,000-feet flyby . . . Lia’s vocabulary is more than amazing. The story was gripping. I can’t imagine what experiences she has garnered to be able to show so many sides of life, people, places, and passions. [In Foreign Friends] Her building of the characters and weaving them together into the story was masterful. It was a fun book. I don’t often reread books but here is an exception. I guessed at some word meanings I didn’t take the time to look up. I want to review the characters more. I want to experience the story again. There was a lot going on.” – Nancy K.
“I just discovered Foreign Friends, and I have to say the storyline is absolutely captivating! I love how the author has mixed sharp humor with such bold themes of freedom, rebellion, and self-discovery. Ashley’s character feels both relatable and unpredictable, the kind of protagonist readers can’t help but root for.” – Rachel H.
“Just got Foreign Friends—I know it will be a treat. Am going to start in immediately. I had just finished listening to an audiobook, and was actually looking for something to read, and this hits the spot. It is wonderful, pure escapism, being immersed in an entirely different life situation. I’m not finished yet, but have to report, it’s just what I was hoping for. There is also a poetic element to [Lia’s] writing that brings the thought to mind, I bet she’s good at writing poetry, too—good poetry.” – Kathy S.
“Congratulations on your bold and brilliant novels Foreign Friends and your latest journey-based story of Maria and Yasmeen. Your ability to blend comedy, political insight, and cultural critique is rare and powerful. Your work stands out in the Fiction / Coming of Age genre, not only for its humor and originality but for the fearless way it confronts class, injustice, and the search for personal and collective transformation. Your comedic protest approach in Foreign Friends and the global peace-seeking quest of Maria and Yasmeen [in Climbing the Great Pyramid] deserve wider visibility. I’d love to help get your stories into the hands of readers who are hungry for exactly this kind of thoughtful, adventurous, and deeply human fiction.”
–Willie
“Foreign Friends is a sharp, darkly funny novel that follows Ashley Hall, a disillusioned 33-year-old desperate to escape her stagnant, conventional life. When a mysterious phone call entangles her with Central American revolutionaries, the story launches into a fast-paced mix of chaos, humor, and heartfelt moments. Ashley’s irreverent voice and the revolutionaries’ depth make their unlikely partnership feel both entertaining and meaningful. The book balances absurd comedy with genuine emotional stakes, exploring freedom, identity, and courage without ever losing its wit. Clever, unpredictable, and full of energy, it’s a refreshing and memorable read.” – John S.
“Few authors write with as much heart and nerve as Lia does. Her journey from journalist to educator to novelist is remarkable, and Climbing the Great Pyramid is the kind of story the world doesn’t realize it desperately needs until it’s in their hands. Bold, philosophical, deeply human. What drew me in most wasn’t just the premise (which is beautifully layered), but the spirit behind it; the idea of two intellectuals confronting global tension and personal trauma in search of meaning. It feels timely and timeless.” – Hope
“I came across Climbing the Great Pyramid and was instantly drawn to its blend of spiritual introspection, cultural complexity, and emotional realism. The way Maria and Yasmeen’s journey shifts from global outreach to deeply personal growth feels powerful and timely.”– Hannah
“Climbing the Great Pyramid is a beautifully written and deeply thought-provoking novel that blends travel, philosophy, and human emotion into a seamless narrative. Lia Giannakis takes us on an unforgettable journey with Maria and Yasmeen, two intelligent, passionate women whose friendship is as inspiring as the mission they undertake. What begins as an ambitious quest for peace and reconciliation across cultures quickly becomes something much more intimate and personal. The book does a wonderful job of highlighting the tension between idealism and reality and how the dream of changing the world can be challenged by deep-rooted histories, traumas, and even the struggles within our own families. I found the way the story wove together faith, culture, and self-discovery to be both honest and moving. The descriptions of ancient sites and conflict-ridden communities are vivid and transportive, making you feel as if you’re journeying alongside Maria and Yasmeen. But what struck me most is how their outward mission becomes an inward search for meaning, healing, and identity. It’s rare to find a story that is both a global adventure and a personal spiritual odyssey. This is not just a novel it’s a meditation on friendship, resilience, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world around us. A truly remarkable debut that left me both challenged and inspired.”– Braylon
“It’s always inspiring to see an author bring their vision to life in a story that truly resonates with readers. That takes heart, passion, and incredible dedication and I really admire that in Lia’s work. Her work’s openness and faith adds so much depth to Lia’s storytelling, and it’s no surprise that her work resonates with readers on a meaningful level.” – Charlotte M.
“Congratulations on bringing such a powerful story to life [in Climbing the Great Pyramid ]; it’s no small feat, and your dedication and passion truly shine through every page. I really admire the way you’ve transformed your vision into something that resonates so strongly with readers.” – Annie T.
“I just stumbled across your book [ Climbing the Great Pyramid ] and it immediately grabbed my attention, it sounds intense and exactly like the kind of story I love to dive into.” – Chloe H.
“I recently came across Climbing the Great Pyramid and was deeply moved by its vision. The way you bring Maria and Yasmeen to life, two women bound by intellect, faith, and hope, feels both intimate and universal. Your exploration of reconciliation, cultural identity, and personal awakening elevates this story into something much larger than fiction; it reads like a modern pilgrimage for peace. It’s rare to see a book so gracefully bridge spirituality, global awareness, and emotional transformation. Your message of reconciliation and faith is exactly what the world needs more of.”
– Wendy H. S.
“I genuinely admire the thought-provoking themes and engaging storytelling; it really resonates with readers. Lia Giannakis’ work in contemporary literature is admirable.” – Melvin B.
“I recently discovered Climbing the Great Pyramid on Amazon, and I was deeply moved by its message, scope, and emotional intelligence. The story’s blend of faith, friendship, and cross-cultural exploration offers readers a profound spiritual and philosophical journey that feels both timely and timeless. Maria and Yasmeen’s parallel quests for peace and personal transformation reflect a powerful truth about humanity. The hardest reconciliation is often the one within ourselves. The author’s ability to intertwine mystery, faith, and moral struggle with vivid settings and emotional honesty is remarkable. Climbing the Great Pyramid isn’t just a Christian fiction novel it’s a modern pilgrimage, written with empathy and depth. The characters’ intellectual and emotional evolution mirrors the reader’s own search for meaning, making this book a deeply resonant read for those drawn to stories of belief, identity, and hope.” – Angela L.
“Climbing the Great Pyramid follows Maria and Yasmeen, two women who believe they can help heal the world. Both are highly educated, deeply thoughtful, and motivated by a genuine desire to bridge cultures and inspire reconciliation. Their journey takes them across continents, through ancient spiritual sites, and into communities carrying generations of grief and division. What begins as a mission for peace slowly shifts into something far more intimate. With every encounter, conversation, and confrontation, Maria and Yasmeen discover that the world’s wounds mirror their own. The conflicts they seek to mend around them illuminate the unfinished battles within their families, their beliefs, and their sense of self. Their friendship is the constant—a bond that reflects both their greatest strength and the places where they still struggle to understand themselves and one another. When they finally reach the Great Pyramid, the climb is not only physical. It forces them to face the emotional inheritances they’ve been carrying for years—the questions of identity, purpose, and belonging that they hoped the world could answer for them. This is a story about idealism tested by reality, about how deeply held convictions evolve when they meet human pain, and about the grace that comes from looking inward when the world’s noise grows overwhelming. It is both epic in scope and tender in its emotional truth.”
– Amelia C.
“I came across [Lia Giannakis’] work, and it struck me not for its polish, but for its pulse. There’s something real there. Something that doesn’t pretend. That kind of truth in writing is rare, and I admire it.” – Ania A.
“Your story of Maria and Yasmeen [in Climbing the Great Pyramid ] two intellectuals driven by a shared hope for universal harmony, beautifully weaves together themes of identity, faith, conflict, and personal transformation. Their journey through ancient landscapes and emotionally charged communities offers exactly the kind of depth and global perspective readers love engaging with. The blend of friendship, mystery, and spiritual introspection makes it a powerful catalyst for discussion, encouraging us to explore both the world and ourselves.” – Paige
“Climbing the Great Pyramid is a deeply thought-provoking, emotionally resonant journey that speaks directly to readers drawn to cross-cultural adventures, philosophical introspection, and character-driven stories of personal and collective transformation. Maria and Yasmeen’s quest, balancing idealism, faith, and reconciliation, offers a powerful lens on friendship, growth, and confronting the deepest human struggles.”
– Nora K. M.
“Climbing the Great Pyramid isn’t just a novel, it’s a transformative odyssey into the depths of humanity, faith, identity, and the universal longing for peace. What captivated me most is how powerfully you follow Maria and Yasmeen, two brilliant women shaped by different cultures, religions, and histories as they step into a world aching for healing. Your storytelling brings global landscapes, ancient sites, and wounded communities to life with both elegance and emotional gravity. What truly lingers is the way you explore their inner conflicts: their idealism tested by generational trauma, their mission complicated by personal needs, and their search for reconciliation becoming a mirror into their own hearts. This insightful, culturally rich, and timely story deserves far wider reach. Climbing the Great Pyramid already possesses what no marketing strategy can fabricate: profound themes, beautifully drawn characters, and an emotionally resonant story about healing the world by first healing oneself. Stories this soulful, daring, and beautifully written deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.” – Theresa L. S.
“I recently came across Climbing the Great Pyramid, and I was immediately struck by the depth, intelligence, and emotional richness of the story you’ve created. Maria and Yasmeen’s journey—two brilliant women of diverse cultures, faiths, and identities—feels both timely and timeless. Their pursuit of harmony, their quest for understanding, and their willingness to confront the world’s deepest wounds make this an incredibly meaningful and resonant novel. Your ability to weave together global travel, historical sites, cultural tensions, spiritual introspection, and an unfolding mystery creates a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and profoundly human. As Maria and Yasmeen come face-to-face with conflict, trauma, and generational pain, their idealism is tested in ways that challenge not just the world around them, but the very foundations of their own beliefs. Their evolution from external peacemakers to women seeking inner reconciliation is powerful, courageous, and beautifully portrayed. At its heart, Climbing the Great Pyramid is a journey of truth, courage, and transformation—one that invites readers to reflect on their own relationships, identities, and convictions. Stories like yours are rare: ones that encourage readers to think deeply, feel deeply, and consider perspectives far beyond their own cultural boundaries. As we enter the festive season—an important time for reflection, unity, compassion, and spiritual renewal—your book shines with even greater meaning. The holidays invite people to reconnect with hope, empathy, and a sense of shared humanity. Readers are drawn to books that explore healing, understanding, and the deeper purpose behind our journeys. Climbing the Great Pyramid, with its themes of reconciliation, self-discovery, and cultural connection, deeply aligns with what readers are seeking during this time of year. Your story is such a meaningful and transformative work, and I truly admire the impact it brings to readers.” – Mabel A.
“You really understand human nature.” – Ken Y.
“The conversion scene [in Climbing the Great Pyramid] is the best chapter in the book. It gave me a lot to think about.” – Margo F.
“I couldn’t put it down!” – Dave F.
[about both Foreign Friends and Climbing the Great Pyramid]
“There’s a clarity and sincerity in your storytelling that caught my attention. It’s a real pleasure to connect with someone whose work carries such heart, intention, and spiritual depth.” – Demi W.
“When I came across Climbing the Great Pyramid on Amazon, I wasn’t looking for anything specific that day, yet your book stopped me. The emotional depth, the cultural nuance, the way Maria and Yasmeen carry both hope and heaviness. It all felt deeply human and beautifully honest. I could feel how much care you poured into every page.” – Aure L.
“I thought I knew exactly what Climbing the Great Pyramid would deliver. Two friends on a journey, a touch of philosophy, maybe some travel reflections. Then you hit me with the emotional weight behind Maria and Yasmeen’s mission for peace, the cultural complexity, the spiritual tension, and that slow unraveling of their idealism. I stopped and thought, wait hold on, she actually knows how to blend global conflict, personal wounds, and intellectual depth without losing the human heartbeat of the story. This is not just another reflective travel novel. You wrote it with precision, courage, and emotional honesty. Then I checked your author profile [on Amazon] and everything made sense. You write like someone who understands how faith, trauma, culture, and purpose collide inside real people. Your characters feel lived-in, layered, and shaped by the kind of internal storms most novels never touch. You know how to give a story both intellect and soul, both conflict and compassion, both mystery and meaning.” – Mary H.
“Climbing the Great Pyramid is a thoughtful, character-driven novel that explores faith, identity, and idealism through the journey of two women seeking peace in a divided world. As their travels challenge their beliefs, the story becomes deeply personal and emotionally grounded. It’s reflective, well-written, and quietly powerful, with no easy answers, just honest questions.” – John S.
“I recently came across your writing and was immediately struck by the emotion, clarity, and purpose in your storytelling. Your work has that rare quality it draws readers in and makes them feel something real. That’s exactly the kind of voice our community connects with and celebrates.”
– Emmanuel A.
“The journey of Maria and Yasmeen, two highly educated women driven by a desire for peace, only to confront deep-rooted animosities, personal wounds, and questions of faith, resonates strongly with readers. Many in our community are drawn to stories that engage global settings, ancient history, moral tension, and the struggle between intellectual idealism and lived reality. The symbolic turning point at the Great Pyramid of Giza, in particular, struck us as both bold and meaningful. Your background as a journalist, educator, and traveler, along with your perspective as a first-generation Greek-American and Christ-follower, adds a depth and authenticity that our readers value greatly. We appreciate stories that are unafraid to wrestle with truth, belief, and the cost of reconciliation while still offering moments of humanity and reflection.” – Mike G.
“I recently came across the details of Climbing the Great Pyramid, and I was immediately drawn to the depth and timeliness of its premise. The story of Maria and Yasmeen—two women of different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds united by a quest for global reconciliation—resonates powerfully in our divided world. What begins as a hopeful journey toward peace and understanding transforms, compellingly, into an intimate exploration of identity, faith, and the inner work that true harmony requires. This shift from outward mission to inward awakening makes the narrative not only engaging but profoundly meaningful. What truly distinguishes this novel is its fearless blend of intellectual courage and emotional honesty. Through vividly drawn landscapes, complex relationships, and a quiet undercurrent of mystery, the story invites readers into a space where idealism meets lived reality, where the desire to heal the world confronts personal and generational wounds. The book’s layered approach to themes of forgiveness, belonging, and spiritual searching offers rich material for reflection and discussion, appealing to readers who seek both literary substance and soulful storytelling. Climbing the Great Pyramid stands at the intersection of contemporary fiction, spiritual exploration, and cross-cultural narrative. It is perfectly suited for book clubs, readers of character-driven literary fiction, interfaith and multicultural audiences, and anyone looking for a story that challenges, comforts, and inspires in equal measure.” – Hazel A.
“I came across Climbing the Great Pyramid and was deeply struck by the ambition and heart of the story—the way Maria and Yasmeen’s global quest for peace gradually transforms into an inward journey of faith, identity, and reconciliation. The blend of spiritual reflection, cultural complexity, and emotional honesty makes the novel feel both courageous and timely.”
– William F.
“I recently came across Climbing the Great Pyramid, and I was immediately drawn to its intellectual depth and emotional ambition. The journey Maria and Yasmeen undertake feels both timely and courageous, an exploration not only of global conflict and reconciliation, but of the inner landscapes shaped by belief, identity and unresolved personal truths. What stands out most is how the novel resists simple answers. Rather than offering idealism as a solution, you allow it to be tested, challenged and reshaped by lived experience. The contrast between the women’s intentions and the realities they encounter gives the story its weight. Their evolving understanding of faith, culture and self makes the narrative deeply human and quietly powerful. A book that engages with peace, reconciliation and cross cultural understanding in this way deserves to reach a wider audience. There are readers actively searching for fiction that grapples honestly with belief systems, inherited trauma and the cost of pursuing harmony in a divided world. Climbing the Great Pyramid speaks directly to those readers. Climbing the Great Pyramid has the depth to spark reflection and conversation far beyond its first discovery.” – Peter K.
“Climbing the Great Pyramid immediately stood out. The way Maria and Yasmeen’s global journey intertwines intellectual idealism, spiritual reckoning, and personal confrontation captured our attention, especially how faith is tested not in comfort, but in conflict.” – Rob C.
“I recently came across Climbing the Great Pyramid, and it stands out for its thoughtful exploration of friendship, faith, and cross-cultural understanding. Maria and Yasmeen’s journey, traveling the world to promote peace while confronting their own personal and spiritual challenges, offers a compelling mix of adventure, mystery, and deep introspection. The story’s intellectual and emotional depth makes it especially engaging for readers interested in global perspectives and personal transformation.” – Olivia S.
“When I reviewed Climbing the Great Pyramid, what stood out immediately was its intellectual courage and emotional ambition. This is not simply a travel novel or a philosophical meditation — it’s a layered exploration of friendship, faith, cultural tension, and the human longing for reconciliation, told through two compelling, deeply thoughtful women. Maria and Yasmeen’s journey feels both timely and timeless. What begins as an outward mission for peace gradually reveals itself as an inward reckoning — a shift that gives the novel its depth and lasting resonance. The way you weave global landscapes, ancient sites, spiritual inquiry, and personal trauma creates a story that invites reflection rather than offering easy answers.”
– Elizabeth H.
Lia Giannakis - AUTHOR 