The Hellenic Collection
4 total works
In wartime Corfu, two hearts defy the odds.
Corfu, 1943.
The Nazis are dragging Jews from their homes in the dead of night, and Rosa knows time is running out. Her father clings to the hope that they will be spared, even as whispers of deportation grow louder. When he demands Rosa end her relationship with Alvertos, a Greek Christian and the love of her life, she is forced to make an impossible choice.
Disowned and disgraced, Rosa faces an uncertain future—one that may mean she will never see her family again.
As the violence escalates, Rosa and Alvertos secretly marry, forging a bond that defies the hatred around them. But staying in Corfu means certain death. Forced to flee to the mountains, they face tragedy, impossible choices, and sacrifices that could tear them apart forever.
Edinburgh, 2002.
Rosa thought she could bury the past, but the scars of war never fade. When an invitation arrives for the unveiling of a memorial in Corfu, she is forced to confront the memories she has kept hidden for fifty years—the memories of love, sacrifice, and unimaginable loss.
Under a Broken Sky is an emotional tale of courage, love, and resilience in the face of unimaginable darkness. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, and Victoria Hislop.
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Praise for The Hellenic Collection:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I stayed up until 2AM finishing Under a Broken Sky.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great characterization, engaging story, I felt at times I was there, very moving in parts, recommended, a real page turner.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Heartbreaking but painted a picture of Jews in Corfu that I was not aware of.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ It is gritty, heart wrenching and beautiful. The best book that I have read this year.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I needed a tissue one or two times.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Dougie you really brought the characters to life and I couldn’t wait to read more.
A shared past. A life-changing secret. Can love find its way back?
1992
For Brodie, happiness feels real for the first time during a summer in Edinburgh with Elora, the woman who changes everything. But, after a devastating betrayal, Elora returns to Greece, leaving behind only a note with two haunting words: Forgive me. Brodie is forced to move on, despite his unanswered questions.
2018
Twenty-six years later, the sudden passing of Brodie's wife leaves him shattered but determined to carry on—he has survived heartbreak before. Then, a chance discovery of a photograph changes everything. Elora, now a bestselling author, is living on a sunlit Greek island. Drawn to her once more after all this time, Brodie embarks on a journey from Edinburgh to the olive groves of Greece, seeking answers and rekindling feelings he thought long buried.
But as the spark between them reignites, Brodie uncovers truths about their shared past that could either heal old wounds or deepen the divide between them forever. To move forward, Elora must summon the courage to confront the secrets that have haunted her for decades. She must find a way to tell Brodie the truth of what happened all those years ago, and hope that forgiveness is still possible.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Greek islands, A Moth to the Flame is a poignant story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of second chances. Part of Dougie McHale’s Hellenic Collection, it explores the complexity of relationships, the weight of our choices, and the hope that love can endure against all odds.
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Praise for The Hellenic Collection:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A great story, really authentic and heartfelt
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Devoured this in one sitting couldn't put it down.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The settings really come alive and I could even taste the flavour of the food!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great story line and a bit of a twist to it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ He makes you feel you know the characters the feelings they have.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is far from a straightforward love story as both characters have skeletons in their cupboards.
One moment of courage can echo through generations.
Corfu, 1943.
In the shadow of World War II, a badly wounded British soldier is found near the home of Helena, a young Greek wife and mother. Risking her family's safety, she makes a choice that will change everything—saving a stranger who will become far more than just a man she rescued.
Edinburgh, 2018.
Seventy-five years later in Edinburgh, Jason discovers a journal among his great grandfather Marcus's belongings. Uncovering a story of love, passion, betrayal, and long-buried secrets, he embarks on a journey to Corfu. Though struggling with his own personal trauma, Jason seeks to understand a history that has the potential to transform not just his family's past, but his entire future.
Beneath A Burning Sky is part of The Hellenic Collection by Dougie McHale. Set against the dramatic landscapes of wartime Corfu and modern-day Scotland, Beneath A Burning Sky explores the extraordinary courage of ordinary people and the enduring power of love across generations.
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Praise for The Hellenic Collection:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ His description of Corfu transported me back to this beautiful island and the generous people who occupy it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ You’ll smile reading about majestic mountains and glorious sunrises, as well as a wealth of human emotions.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ It was heart wrenching at times but what a beautiful story, really really enjoyed this one!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The depth he gives to his characters makes you feel their feelings, live their lives, be part of the story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is the best book from Dougie so far.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A beautiful, beautiful love story, that will draw you in completely.
In the shadow of World War Two, love blossoms—but at a devastating cost.
Corfu, 1943
Under German occupation, the once-idyllic island of Corfu has been reduced to hardship and fear. For Alexia, survival is all that matters—until she stumbles upon Frank, a man hiding in an olive grove. He claims to be neither a soldier nor a British spy, but a war artist in desperate need of her help.
Risking her life, Alexia hides Frank from the Nazis, knowing that every day brings danger closer. As their bond deepens, love begins to bloom amidst the shadows of war. But Frank harbors secrets of his own, and when the truth comes to light, Alexia is faced with an unthinkable choice—a choice that will test her loyalty, her courage, and the very limits of her heart.
Edinburgh, 2010
Decades later, Rob discovers a mysterious photograph among his late mother’s belongings. Determined to uncover its story, he sets out on a journey that leads him to the sunlit olive groves of Corfu. As Rob pieces together the fragments of Alexia and Frank’s story, he discovers that the sacrifices of the past echo into the present, reshaping everything he thought he knew about his family—and himself.
As the truth is revealed, Rob uncovers an extraordinary tale of love, betrayal, and unimaginable bravery.
Where the Sky Falls is part of Dougie McHale’s Hellenic Collection. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of wartime Corfu and the lingering shadows of its past, Where the Sky Falls is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices we make for love and the hope that bridges generations.
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Praise for The Hellenic Collection:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ So descriptive you feel like you're there.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A very well written insight into how WW2 affected Greece.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I couldn't wait to read what was happening next.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I loved the story telling, even through the awful terrors of the dreadful war.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I loved every minute of reading it and didn't want the story to end.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ He paints a vivid picture of war-torn Greece, the people caught in the melee. And yet, still, in all that misery and desperation, he’s added textures of love and hope.