Wind Chime Cafe (A Wind Chime Novel Book 1)

Nice easy read when you want something light albeit predictable

Title: Wind Chime CaféAuthor: Sophie MossNarrator: Hollis McCarthyFrom: Audible Review Copy (Blog Tour)Genre: RomanceRelease Date: 28th January 2015Challenges: Bookish ResolutionsLinks: Goodreads - Amazon - AudibleAfter a tragic event at her daughter's school leaves her with PTSD, Annie moves herself and Taylor to Herron Island, a quiet community with a rumoured development which would make Annie's dream of owning a fancy restaurant a reality. But when Will Dozier finds out it is his land that could make the resort a reality, he starts to drag his feet for the sale...or is that because of the new red-head in town? As Will deals with his own PTSD, he finds himself falling more and more for Annie and her daughter, and finds himself remembering the good things about Herron Island.Firstly let me say that I did half listen and half read this book (due to wanting to know what happened a bit too much when listening wasn't possible!) But actually I found it surprisingly easy to switch between the two, and I found listening to the audio more enjoyable than I expected. I did challenge myself to listening to more audio books, and the reason I jumped for this one was because I've read and enjoyed books by Sophie Moss before, and so felt sure I'd enjoy the story. Once I got into the narrator's reading style I actually found it really soothing.I really liked Will and Annie's relationship, it started off slow, and built up over the course of time, and even better than that, their relationship always included Taylor. She wasn't a surprise to Will, and he quickly discovered about her PTSD and what had happened to her. The passion was there for the pair of them, but it didn't feel like it was the main focus of Annie and Will's relationship.I also really liked the way that Will's relationship with Taylor grew. It wasn't just because he was interested in her mother, but also because of their shared traumas the pair of them seemed to bond. It felt realistic and it added a level of comfort to the story, particularly at moments where horrors of their pasts were uncovered.Annie was a very relatable character for me, and I particularly liked her relisation that there is nothing wrong with 'just' being a waitress. Considering it is a similar career path to the one that I want to take, I found her very relatable and that definitely helped my enjoyment of the story.This was a good read and a good listen, I don't think I'll be listening to loads of audio books, but this has definitely opened me up to the idea a bit!

It was a book that kept me interested form page one. With quite a few emotional bits along the way and a beautiful ending. Me and my mum loved reading, she passed away last Easter but if she'd still been here, she would've also loved this book.

I have never read anything by this author before, but I will be on the look out for more of her work now, especially if it's a good as this!I really enjoyed this book, if you're a fan of Sherryl Woods, Debbie Macomber, etc., you'll enjoy this book too.Set on Heron Island, Annie has bought a cafe and moved in with her daughter Taylor, a quick move after a devastating event in Washington DC. Can they find peace and a make a new life on Heron Island? Moreover, can Taylor heal?Will is a SEAL, having seen action in the most inhospitable places on Earth and witnessed sights no one should see, lost friends along the way too, he's come home to Heron Island to sort out his Grandparents Inn after their deaths, to sell up and move on.What neither Annie nor Will had counted in was meeting each other? Maybe they can help each other, and in turn help Taylor?Add in a dog called Riley; Will's well meaning Aunt, Della and childhood friends Ryan, Becca and Grace; also the beautiful scenery on Heron Island, and the scene is set for a lovely story.I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the trilogy.

This is a review of the 3 books in the 'Wind Chime' series by this author, all of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are very well laid out and very believable, as is there relationships one to the other. The basic plot centres around the struggles of founding of a rehabilitation centre for U.S veterans suffering from the effects of their various overseas campaigns in a small seaside community in Chesapeake Bay. As it unfolds we are treated to several developing relationships as well as the evolution of the centre. The local community are very supportive of the project but at the same time keen to ensure that their community retains its charm and character which prompted the founding of the centre in the first place. Good intentions, however well meant, can sometimes backfire badly and this leads to some interesting insights into the oft misunderstood suffering of veterans post-combat. There are many light hearted and feel good moments along the way, which enhance the thought provoking story that evolves through this trilogy. I was particularly drawn to the books as they reflect a community very similar to one I spent many enjoyable years in that has now been subsumed by modern consumerism.

Set against a background of romance and a fight to make new beginnings this book also covers a far more serious subject; Post traumatic stress disorder.Viewed from the lives of two very different characters and how they are helped to tackle this issue the writing sympathetically but accurately tackles the disorder. An excellent way to gain understanding of the difficulties this disorder can have on a person's life, but also to give hope that it can eventually be managed.The romantic aspect of the book builds traditionally - will they , won't they.A heart warming story worth a place on the book shelf.

A nice normal story. Maybe a bit predictable but enjoyable with a few quirks to ensure it wasn’t boring. Relaxing read.

This book grabs you from the word go. The characters are lifelike and the story is fluid. Sometimes you almost wish that it would slow down and capture more information about the island and its residents because they are all so interesting. Look forward to the next book in the series although it’s a bit pricey for an ebook