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Wind Chime #1
Wind Chime Café
When single mother Annie Malone purchases a café on Heron Island, she thinks she's finally turned her dream of opening her own restaurant into a reality. Hearing rumors that a developer is about to build a five-star resort on the sleepy Chesapeake Bay island, she plans to transform the café into a premier upscale bistro. But Annie's life is about to get a lot more complicated.
Back on Heron Island for the first time in ten years, Navy SEAL Will Dozier has no intention of selling his grandparents' property to a developer. As he works on renovating the house and trying to find another buyer, he's forced to face a painful reality—that he's secretly struggling with PTSD. Determined to hide his troubles from the rest of the islanders, Will decides that a fling with the new girl is the perfect way to help him "get his head straight."
The last thing Will expects is to fall in love...with his hometown and with Annie. But Will's life and career are in San Diego with the SEALs. Can Annie's love and the healing magic of the island be enough to convince him to stay?
Back on Heron Island for the first time in ten years, Navy SEAL Will Dozier has no intention of selling his grandparents' property to a developer. As he works on renovating the house and trying to find another buyer, he's forced to face a painful reality—that he's secretly struggling with PTSD. Determined to hide his troubles from the rest of the islanders, Will decides that a fling with the new girl is the perfect way to help him "get his head straight."
The last thing Will expects is to fall in love...with his hometown and with Annie. But Will's life and career are in San Diego with the SEALs. Can Annie's love and the healing magic of the island be enough to convince him to stay?
304 pages, ebook
First published February 4, 2014
3511 people are currently reading
3036 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Moss
7 books262 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sophie Moss writes magical Irish romances and heartwarming love stories set on the Chesapeake Bay. Drawn to peaceful island settings and the charm of close-knit communities, Sophie sets all her novels in places that feel like home. She grew up in a small, coastal town in Maryland, much like the one featured in her beloved Wind Chime series. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a retired Navy pilot who’s convinced she manifested him in one of her books.
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February 27, 2016
You know when you're so profoundly upset over something you just have to stop whatever it is you're doing? Yeah, that was this book for me. I ended up putting this book down at several points because it was angering and upsetting me so much. Had the author mentioned in the synopsis that a central aspect of this story was 9/11, I would never have picked it up. I went back and forth with whether or not I even wanted to write this review because of how divisive and personal 9/11 can be.
The only reason I even picked this book up to begin with was because I'd previously enjoyed Moss's writing, which was part of the reason why I kept reading even though I wasn't comfortable with some things in this book. I try and avoid novels to do with 9/11 because they have the potential to go completely wrong, and because of how one-sided they can be. People tend to forget that there are more victims to it than just Americans. And, unfortunately, in this case, the author definitely did the aforementioned. Again, if I'd known this book had anything to do with 9/11, I would never have picked it up. I really don't like getting political, especially in reviews, but with the continued mention of it throughout the book, the author all but forced my hand.
At many points throughout the book, Will and Annie recall that Will's mother and sister were on the plane that hit The Pentagon. Will joined the Navy SEALs because he wanted to kill the people who "killed"/"murdered"/etc his family. His PTSD stems from having witnessed his team getting ambushed (with two of them dying and one losing his leg).
My problem with this book is that, while he goes on about going after those who killed his family, and also a big dose of survivor guilt for having come out fairly unscathed while his team didn't, it makes not one mention of the people in the Middle East. Some soldiers who've come back with PTSD have had it be a result of not just their fellow soldiers being hurt, but also seeing what the locals there have gone through. But not Will. He never breathes a word of them even once. He talks about 9/11 this, 9/11 that, 9/11 blah blah blah, but not one word is thrown in there for the innocent Iraqis, Afghanis, Pakistanis, and others who've died as collateral since then. The Americans aren't the sole victims of this; the people in the Middle East are, too . In fact, I'd argue that they're the greatest victims of all.
But, it actually doesn't even cross his radar that people have suffered as a direct result of his and his fellow soldier's and government's actions. At one point in the book, Taylor, Annie's 8 y/o daughter, asks if Will likes guns.
But only your second graders count, right? Not those in the Middle East who've been killed by guns and bombs similar to the ones Will uses. And there's not one thought spared for any of this, only continued talk about how great and heroic Will and his buddies are for taking down the terrorists; for going somewhere else to protect their own country. Fuck the regions they've destabilized, right?
There's also this near the very end:
The effect those two wars have on the service men and women? What they'd experienced? He feels they made the world a safer place? Senseless attacks on innocent people? Are you kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me? What about the millions upon millions of people in the Middle East (and the surrounding regions)? What about what the people there have experienced and continue to experience? Made the world a safer place? For whom, exactly? Certainly not for the people there, having destabilized the entire fucking region! The Syrian refugee crisis is a direct result of that intervention and that bullshit Iraq War. The rise in power of ISIS and other terrorist groups as they exist today is a direct result of that intervention. Senseless attacks on innocent people? Oh, so all those people there who've been killed as collateral don't count, right? With their people being murdered and raped (etc)? Fuck them because it's all foryour the greater good, right?
The sheer lack of acknowledgement and accountability is fucking astounding. That above is two paragraphs dedicated to how good Will feels about what they've done. But in the whole of the book, there's not one syllable, much less a word, sentence, or entire paragraph, dedicated to, or in acknowledgement of, what they'd gone and done to the people there. There's not even a moment spared for the brown lives that've been taken because of the Iraq War (and subsequent battles), or about how ISIS only even exists in its current capacity due to this, or how bullshit the war was to begin with. It's not that I wanted a full accounting of all of this (it's a romance book, after all), but I think the author could've spared a single sentence to the millions of people there, the countless war atrocities committed on those people (gang-rape and murder of 14 y/o Abeer, Collateral Murder, Abu Ghraib, Kandahar massacre, Mukaradeeb, amongst others), along with the fallout that is still being felt. She could've had Will's PTSD be a result of what he's seen of what the people there have gone through, too. But, hey, let's not talk about that or even bother to acknowledge their suffering in a nearly 300 page book in which the character goes on and on about how much he and his own people have suffered, right?
This book was published in 2014, which is well past the time it'd been universally acknowledged that the Iraq War was a giant fucking clusterfuck, the foundations of which was a lie to begin with, so there's no excuse for the author not to acknowledge any of this; not even a little bit.
Look, I'm not saying that experiences like Will's should be belittled or ignored, but is it really so much to ask to acknowledge that your people are not the only victims? A little responsibility or accountability is the least of what should be expected. Completely ignoring that there are more victims here than just the Americans (or their allies) is insensitive at best (and far too many words at worst). At one point, Annie feels awful for Will because he'd "been to some of the darkest, most dangerous places in this world." Yeah, well, people have to live their daily lives in those "darkest, most dangerous place in this world"—places that have only gotten worse within the last 10+ years—but there's no thought spared for them.
I read romance books for the enjoyment. This book was not that for me. Not only did I have to put the book down at several points, I even had to stop while writing this review. I didn't want my experience of this to turn political, so I tried to ignore it and push forward despite my uncomfortableness with it. The biggest reason why I even bothered to finish it was because I thought that maybe—eventually—the author might come to acknowledge the deaths (amongst other things) of the innocent civilians that Will definitely witnessed there (with 10+ years as a SEAL under his belt). But she didn't. She didn't even acknowledge them or their existence or their loss for even a sentence out of this entire book.
And I don't even want to get into how disturbed I was that Taylor's, Annie's 8 y/o daughter, backstory is a fictionalization of Sandy Hook. Again, this book was published in (early) 2014, meaning it was just over a year after Sandy Hook. (Which means she had to be working on it prior to that, which then means that she'd started working the Sandy Hook fictionalization into it less than a year after it happened.) Did the author need to use Sandy Hook in her novel?? And especially so soon afterwards? Too soon is a damn understatement. What the fuck. That's another reason why I would never have read this book, but of course the author didn't bother to disclose that in the synopsis.
But those weren't the only issues that I had with it. Will only looks at Annie to begin with because he wants a quick management tool with his PTSD. He sleeps with women in order to forget once in a while. Will keeps on pestering her, even though she wants nothing to do with him because she knows he's leaving and doesn't want to form an attachment. However, even though her POV keep stating how she should push him away, she still lets him kiss her, still lets him spend time with her daughter (allowing her fatherless 8 y/o to form an attachment to him), and just being all-around spineless. These two don't really talk, tbh. I was so frustrated with how she kept going with things with Will, while also thinking that she has to push him away for her and her daughter's sake. Except she doesn't.
Then, Will thinks that Annie deceived him. A major company wanted to buy his inn, and son of said company owner just so happens to be Taylor's father. Will thinks that Annie was in cahoots with Blake, Taylor's father, and says this:
He doesn't try and listen to her and immediately starts in on the accusations, presuming the worst. After this point, Annie runs after him, but he leaves regardless. After this point, whenever anyone tries to talk to Will about Annie or the situation, he gets angry, ignores it, and then changes the subject. He doesn't bother trying to listen, which was completely frustrating.
Then, he gets a call and finds out he's being re-deployed. He decides to sell the inn and go back to his life in San Diego. Annie tries to talk to him and asks that he at least talk to Taylor and say goodbye before he leaves (because he's become such a father-figure in her life and all). He doesn't.
At a later point, Annie goes to track him down. During this time, Annie is thinking "But what did any of it matter as long as he forgave her? As long as he still wanted her?" And then when they meet up again, he never once apologizes for the things he said or the accusations he threw her way. In fact, she's the one who ends up apologizing to him.
And of course, then the end is wrapped up all nicely. Blake, at one point, threatened to take Taylor away from Annie. Then, Grace, Will's bff, just so happens to track down Blake's frat brothers and get all the dirt on Blake. It was so lacking in creativity. Much of the book felt like things were going to come to a head with the Blake situation, but then it's resolved with some Deus Ex Machina bullshit? And while the Blake situation hung over much of the book, but after the initial confrontation, it's then resolved within a handful of paragraphs in the epilogue. Completely anti-climactic.
The only reason I even picked this book up to begin with was because I'd previously enjoyed Moss's writing, which was part of the reason why I kept reading even though I wasn't comfortable with some things in this book. I try and avoid novels to do with 9/11 because they have the potential to go completely wrong, and because of how one-sided they can be. People tend to forget that there are more victims to it than just Americans. And, unfortunately, in this case, the author definitely did the aforementioned. Again, if I'd known this book had anything to do with 9/11, I would never have picked it up. I really don't like getting political, especially in reviews, but with the continued mention of it throughout the book, the author all but forced my hand.
At many points throughout the book, Will and Annie recall that Will's mother and sister were on the plane that hit The Pentagon. Will joined the Navy SEALs because he wanted to kill the people who "killed"/"murdered"/etc his family. His PTSD stems from having witnessed his team getting ambushed (with two of them dying and one losing his leg).
My problem with this book is that, while he goes on about going after those who killed his family, and also a big dose of survivor guilt for having come out fairly unscathed while his team didn't, it makes not one mention of the people in the Middle East. Some soldiers who've come back with PTSD have had it be a result of not just their fellow soldiers being hurt, but also seeing what the locals there have gone through. But not Will. He never breathes a word of them even once. He talks about 9/11 this, 9/11 that, 9/11 blah blah blah, but not one word is thrown in there for the innocent Iraqis, Afghanis, Pakistanis, and others who've died as collateral since then. The Americans aren't the sole victims of this; the people in the Middle East are, too . In fact, I'd argue that they're the greatest victims of all.
But, it actually doesn't even cross his radar that people have suffered as a direct result of his and his fellow soldier's and government's actions. At one point in the book, Taylor, Annie's 8 y/o daughter, asks if Will likes guns.
“You don’t like guns either?”
Will looked back out at the duck blind. That was a good question. He liked his guns, the ones he used to protect his teammates and his country, and he didn’t have a problem with the ones his friends used to hunt deer and waterfowl. But he did not like the guns that a mentally deranged teenager had used on a room full of second-graders.
But only your second graders count, right? Not those in the Middle East who've been killed by guns and bombs similar to the ones Will uses. And there's not one thought spared for any of this, only continued talk about how great and heroic Will and his buddies are for taking down the terrorists; for going somewhere else to protect their own country. Fuck the regions they've destabilized, right?
There's also this near the very end:
But none of them had expected the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to last over ten years. None of them could have predicted the effect those two wars would have on over two million returning service men and women back home now and struggling with how to deal with what they’d experienced.
He’d like to think they’d made the world safer. They’d captured Saddam Hussein and killed Osama Bin Laden, but there were still plenty of terrorists actively recruiting, forming cells, planning senseless attacks on innocent people. The War on Terror wasn’t going to end anytime soon.
The effect those two wars have on the service men and women? What they'd experienced? He feels they made the world a safer place? Senseless attacks on innocent people? Are you kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me? What about the millions upon millions of people in the Middle East (and the surrounding regions)? What about what the people there have experienced and continue to experience? Made the world a safer place? For whom, exactly? Certainly not for the people there, having destabilized the entire fucking region! The Syrian refugee crisis is a direct result of that intervention and that bullshit Iraq War. The rise in power of ISIS and other terrorist groups as they exist today is a direct result of that intervention. Senseless attacks on innocent people? Oh, so all those people there who've been killed as collateral don't count, right? With their people being murdered and raped (etc)? Fuck them because it's all for
The sheer lack of acknowledgement and accountability is fucking astounding. That above is two paragraphs dedicated to how good Will feels about what they've done. But in the whole of the book, there's not one syllable, much less a word, sentence, or entire paragraph, dedicated to, or in acknowledgement of, what they'd gone and done to the people there. There's not even a moment spared for the brown lives that've been taken because of the Iraq War (and subsequent battles), or about how ISIS only even exists in its current capacity due to this, or how bullshit the war was to begin with. It's not that I wanted a full accounting of all of this (it's a romance book, after all), but I think the author could've spared a single sentence to the millions of people there, the countless war atrocities committed on those people (gang-rape and murder of 14 y/o Abeer, Collateral Murder, Abu Ghraib, Kandahar massacre, Mukaradeeb, amongst others), along with the fallout that is still being felt. She could've had Will's PTSD be a result of what he's seen of what the people there have gone through, too. But, hey, let's not talk about that or even bother to acknowledge their suffering in a nearly 300 page book in which the character goes on and on about how much he and his own people have suffered, right?
This book was published in 2014, which is well past the time it'd been universally acknowledged that the Iraq War was a giant fucking clusterfuck, the foundations of which was a lie to begin with, so there's no excuse for the author not to acknowledge any of this; not even a little bit.
Look, I'm not saying that experiences like Will's should be belittled or ignored, but is it really so much to ask to acknowledge that your people are not the only victims? A little responsibility or accountability is the least of what should be expected. Completely ignoring that there are more victims here than just the Americans (or their allies) is insensitive at best (and far too many words at worst). At one point, Annie feels awful for Will because he'd "been to some of the darkest, most dangerous places in this world." Yeah, well, people have to live their daily lives in those "darkest, most dangerous place in this world"—places that have only gotten worse within the last 10+ years—but there's no thought spared for them.
I read romance books for the enjoyment. This book was not that for me. Not only did I have to put the book down at several points, I even had to stop while writing this review. I didn't want my experience of this to turn political, so I tried to ignore it and push forward despite my uncomfortableness with it. The biggest reason why I even bothered to finish it was because I thought that maybe—eventually—the author might come to acknowledge the deaths (amongst other things) of the innocent civilians that Will definitely witnessed there (with 10+ years as a SEAL under his belt). But she didn't. She didn't even acknowledge them or their existence or their loss for even a sentence out of this entire book.
And I don't even want to get into how disturbed I was that Taylor's, Annie's 8 y/o daughter, backstory is a fictionalization of Sandy Hook. Again, this book was published in (early) 2014, meaning it was just over a year after Sandy Hook. (Which means she had to be working on it prior to that, which then means that she'd started working the Sandy Hook fictionalization into it less than a year after it happened.) Did the author need to use Sandy Hook in her novel?? And especially so soon afterwards? Too soon is a damn understatement. What the fuck. That's another reason why I would never have read this book, but of course the author didn't bother to disclose that in the synopsis.
But those weren't the only issues that I had with it. Will only looks at Annie to begin with because he wants a quick management tool with his PTSD. He sleeps with women in order to forget once in a while. Will keeps on pestering her, even though she wants nothing to do with him because she knows he's leaving and doesn't want to form an attachment. However, even though her POV keep stating how she should push him away, she still lets him kiss her, still lets him spend time with her daughter (allowing her fatherless 8 y/o to form an attachment to him), and just being all-around spineless. These two don't really talk, tbh. I was so frustrated with how she kept going with things with Will, while also thinking that she has to push him away for her and her daughter's sake. Except she doesn't.
Then, Will thinks that Annie deceived him. A major company wanted to buy his inn, and son of said company owner just so happens to be Taylor's father. Will thinks that Annie was in cahoots with Blake, Taylor's father, and says this:
“No.” Annie shook her head. “Of course, not. I didn’t even know the Hadleys had bought Morningstar until a couple of weeks ago.”
“But you did know?”
He was so close now she could feel the anger vibrating off him in waves. She had never seen him like this before. “Yes, but—”
“Is this how you two play it?” he cut in, his words like ice. “You move here first, get to know the locals, butter up the owner, maybe even sleep with him so he agrees to sell. Then Blake comes in when you can’t close the deal?”
Annie jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”
“I can’t believe I fell for it.”
“How dare you?” Annie breathed as shock gave way to anger. “How dare you accuse me of trying to seduce you? I didn’t ask for this! I never even wanted this! Whatever this”—she waved her hand between them—“even is!”
Will’s eyes were cold. “A lapse in judgment, on my part.”
He doesn't try and listen to her and immediately starts in on the accusations, presuming the worst. After this point, Annie runs after him, but he leaves regardless. After this point, whenever anyone tries to talk to Will about Annie or the situation, he gets angry, ignores it, and then changes the subject. He doesn't bother trying to listen, which was completely frustrating.
Then, he gets a call and finds out he's being re-deployed. He decides to sell the inn and go back to his life in San Diego. Annie tries to talk to him and asks that he at least talk to Taylor and say goodbye before he leaves (because he's become such a father-figure in her life and all). He doesn't.
At a later point, Annie goes to track him down. During this time, Annie is thinking "But what did any of it matter as long as he forgave her? As long as he still wanted her?" And then when they meet up again, he never once apologizes for the things he said or the accusations he threw her way. In fact, she's the one who ends up apologizing to him.
And of course, then the end is wrapped up all nicely. Blake, at one point, threatened to take Taylor away from Annie. Then, Grace, Will's bff, just so happens to track down Blake's frat brothers and get all the dirt on Blake. It was so lacking in creativity. Much of the book felt like things were going to come to a head with the Blake situation, but then it's resolved with some Deus Ex Machina bullshit? And while the Blake situation hung over much of the book, but after the initial confrontation, it's then resolved within a handful of paragraphs in the epilogue. Completely anti-climactic.
May 27, 2014
Sophie Moss
Sophie Moss is a new author to me but you can be sure I will be following her now!
Wind Chime Café was simple remarkable. This was a real life story. I know that seems simple but it truly was. The characters in this book were your neighbors, sisters, brothers, and friends.
I felt immediately tied to the story. With a personal connection that may not be there for some but spoke to me, Wind Chime Café was an incredible story that told of life in a small town and learning that some things are more important.
Annie, a single mother, has had her trials and all she wants is to put down roots and show her daughter that you can count on things, stability. What she wasn’t counting on was the complications that would come with a certain Navy Seal returning home.
Will is haunted. After a mission gone wrong he is lost and trying to just tie up loose ends so he can get back to life as usual, at least for the last ten years. Then he runs into Annie and her daughter Taylor and everything changes.
This was Hallmark romance at its best! A warm charming tale but Sophie one ups it and adds a bit of steam! For the lovers of a feel good story that leaves you with a happy heart and hope for true love, Wind Chime Café is the book for you!
Sophie Moss is a new author to me but you can be sure I will be following her now!
Wind Chime Café was simple remarkable. This was a real life story. I know that seems simple but it truly was. The characters in this book were your neighbors, sisters, brothers, and friends.
I felt immediately tied to the story. With a personal connection that may not be there for some but spoke to me, Wind Chime Café was an incredible story that told of life in a small town and learning that some things are more important.
Annie, a single mother, has had her trials and all she wants is to put down roots and show her daughter that you can count on things, stability. What she wasn’t counting on was the complications that would come with a certain Navy Seal returning home.
Will is haunted. After a mission gone wrong he is lost and trying to just tie up loose ends so he can get back to life as usual, at least for the last ten years. Then he runs into Annie and her daughter Taylor and everything changes.
This was Hallmark romance at its best! A warm charming tale but Sophie one ups it and adds a bit of steam! For the lovers of a feel good story that leaves you with a happy heart and hope for true love, Wind Chime Café is the book for you!
March 16, 2015
I actually had the privilege of listening to this book on audiable.com I absolutely loved it. The story is one that will touch every person’s heart and make them smile. There was love, heart break, suspense and the spirit of living again. This is definitely a must read.
The characters were all so likeable as if you knew them all personality. And Heron Island is a place that you want to move too and raise your family. Everyone knows everyone and is willing to help you out with any projects or issues that you may have.
Annie Malone is a single mom with dreams of opening her own French café. After purchasing a diner on Main Street on Heron Island; she starts to realize that maybe her dreams are changing; Wind Chime Café is more reality than she realizes. Annie’s daughter is the soul survivor of a school tragedy in DC. Annie believes living her on the island will help her daughter deal with this.
Will Dozier, Navy Seal, is home to settle the estate of his grandparents and sell the Inn that they owned. He is only her for 6 weeks to get it ready but once he is home, the memories of growing up on this island and the love that is in the house, start to unravel Will’s desire to sell. But what would he do with this place when his home is in San Francisco, across the states?
But once Will sees Annie, he wants to know her better. But Annie is very guarded with her heart and does not want to allow just any man into her life for the sake of her daughter and her heart. Will has away of getting what he wants; in no time Will has formed a special friendship with Annie’s daughter Taylor. This maybe just what Taylor needs to over come her fears.
As the weeks continue to countdown, Annie’s past shows up. She is not sure what to do. How will Taylor react? And Will? Will takes the news without letting Annie explain deciding to leave before his leave is up. He has to get back to his life; not the life he thought he could have on Heron Island.
While I was listening to this story, I had tears coming down my face in the car. I cried for Annie, Taylor and Will. The journey that they all have to take to find peace is incredible. And to think that the sound of wind chimes seemed to make it all go away.
The characters were all so likeable as if you knew them all personality. And Heron Island is a place that you want to move too and raise your family. Everyone knows everyone and is willing to help you out with any projects or issues that you may have.
Annie Malone is a single mom with dreams of opening her own French café. After purchasing a diner on Main Street on Heron Island; she starts to realize that maybe her dreams are changing; Wind Chime Café is more reality than she realizes. Annie’s daughter is the soul survivor of a school tragedy in DC. Annie believes living her on the island will help her daughter deal with this.
Will Dozier, Navy Seal, is home to settle the estate of his grandparents and sell the Inn that they owned. He is only her for 6 weeks to get it ready but once he is home, the memories of growing up on this island and the love that is in the house, start to unravel Will’s desire to sell. But what would he do with this place when his home is in San Francisco, across the states?
But once Will sees Annie, he wants to know her better. But Annie is very guarded with her heart and does not want to allow just any man into her life for the sake of her daughter and her heart. Will has away of getting what he wants; in no time Will has formed a special friendship with Annie’s daughter Taylor. This maybe just what Taylor needs to over come her fears.
As the weeks continue to countdown, Annie’s past shows up. She is not sure what to do. How will Taylor react? And Will? Will takes the news without letting Annie explain deciding to leave before his leave is up. He has to get back to his life; not the life he thought he could have on Heron Island.
While I was listening to this story, I had tears coming down my face in the car. I cried for Annie, Taylor and Will. The journey that they all have to take to find peace is incredible. And to think that the sound of wind chimes seemed to make it all go away.
November 27, 2017
This was a very lightweight read. Sophie should, stick to romance motherhood and apple pie and not involve herself in the complex politics of terrorism, gun laws and PTS unless she is prepared to tackle it a bit more deeply. Also, as a British woman, I have to say I found the approach of Will to Annie unbelievably patronising and bordering on sexual abuse in the beginning. Touching her, kissing her forcing his way into her house. All based on what she looks like. And of course Annie is physically gorgeous, not to mention Will with his knock out body. Annie seems to respond to this caveman approach however so maybe that's how its done in the US. He'd almost certainly get a slap and a restraining order here in the UK unless he took it a bit slower and showed some respect. Nevertheless, an easy pleasant read on a ling flight. Loved the description of the natural surroundings and will have a go at the recipe. Looks very much like Swedish bullar although they use cardamom instead of cinnamon.
July 18, 2018
I hadn't gotten far before the male lead pronounced that his current need was to "get laid." There may be a good story in here, but that's where I decided I needed to check out.
May 14, 2018
Ms. Moss’s Wind Chime Cafe is a bittersweet story of healing, forgiveness, and bravery.
Her novel is about real people, going through real struggles, and trying to help one another heal. While the love story between Annie and Will is beyond swoon-worthy, this novel is not limited to their interaction. Most if not all of the characters within the book are treated with respect and given a chance to grow and move forward. Taylor and Will learn to trust one another and create a lasting bond. Will reaches out to Colin and they find common ground after years of friendship and heartache. Della becomes the support that Annie had been lacking all her life. And don't get me started on Riley the dog and her faithfulness to Taylor. I'M NOT EVEN AN ANIMAL PERSON, and yet I cried all the tears over them. All the relationships were skillfully intertwined - each given time to develop and expand into real lasting bonds.
Weaved into the story is a gorgeous setting and a touch of magic that sets it apart from your average boy meets girl, boy and girl have issues, boy and girl work out issues and fall in love. This was exactly the right book at exactly the right time. It gets two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel Wind Chime Wedding!
Her novel is about real people, going through real struggles, and trying to help one another heal. While the love story between Annie and Will is beyond swoon-worthy, this novel is not limited to their interaction. Most if not all of the characters within the book are treated with respect and given a chance to grow and move forward. Taylor and Will learn to trust one another and create a lasting bond. Will reaches out to Colin and they find common ground after years of friendship and heartache. Della becomes the support that Annie had been lacking all her life. And don't get me started on Riley the dog and her faithfulness to Taylor. I'M NOT EVEN AN ANIMAL PERSON, and yet I cried all the tears over them. All the relationships were skillfully intertwined - each given time to develop and expand into real lasting bonds.
Weaved into the story is a gorgeous setting and a touch of magic that sets it apart from your average boy meets girl, boy and girl have issues, boy and girl work out issues and fall in love. This was exactly the right book at exactly the right time. It gets two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel Wind Chime Wedding!
October 10, 2017
Dnf when the reason for Taylor carrying a broom was explained. Too many ‘real life’ situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2014
Wind Chime Café is the first in the Wind Chime series by Sophie Moss. From the setting to the characters I slid right into this feel good tale. Moss delivered an engaging tale with few twists and characters that wrapped around my heart. Mini review: Small-town charm, sweet romance with a Navy Seal hero and a little girl who will steal your heart.
I love small-town romances and getting to know the townsfolk. Not only did Moss give us a yummy, troubled Navy Seal for a hero but she also introduced lovable secondary characters that stole my heart. Annie is a woman you cannot help but admire, from her humbles begins to here fierce love of her daughter. Taylor will completely steal your heart from the very first pages. I laughed and cried for her. Will is strong, noble, and dealing with some serious issues and just like a Navy Seal he isn’t sharing or crying about it. I loved how Moss peeled back his layers sharing the man and his childhood on Heron Island. We meet members of this small community and they added depth, humor, friendship and charm. I am looking forward to their stories. Will’s Aunt is a hoot and someone I’d like to have in my corner.
Wind Chime Café is more than just romance, and I love how Moss wrapped in such topics as the environment, school violence, PTSD, wounded war-heroes and more. I easily slipped into the story and found myself immediately drawn to the café and town. The romance developed quickly, but Moss made me believe as she slowly added depth. I so wanted Will and Annie to find their happy. Moss weaved in some twists, like an old ex-boyfriend that kept me completely engaged. The tale reminded me of some other beloved series; the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr and the Sullivan’s by Bella Andre. The tale wrapped up nicely, but not before Moss had me shedding a few tears. It appears that each of these books will work as a standalone and feature a character from the small-town. I for one cannot wait to return.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I love small-town romances and getting to know the townsfolk. Not only did Moss give us a yummy, troubled Navy Seal for a hero but she also introduced lovable secondary characters that stole my heart. Annie is a woman you cannot help but admire, from her humbles begins to here fierce love of her daughter. Taylor will completely steal your heart from the very first pages. I laughed and cried for her. Will is strong, noble, and dealing with some serious issues and just like a Navy Seal he isn’t sharing or crying about it. I loved how Moss peeled back his layers sharing the man and his childhood on Heron Island. We meet members of this small community and they added depth, humor, friendship and charm. I am looking forward to their stories. Will’s Aunt is a hoot and someone I’d like to have in my corner.
Wind Chime Café is more than just romance, and I love how Moss wrapped in such topics as the environment, school violence, PTSD, wounded war-heroes and more. I easily slipped into the story and found myself immediately drawn to the café and town. The romance developed quickly, but Moss made me believe as she slowly added depth. I so wanted Will and Annie to find their happy. Moss weaved in some twists, like an old ex-boyfriend that kept me completely engaged. The tale reminded me of some other beloved series; the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr and the Sullivan’s by Bella Andre. The tale wrapped up nicely, but not before Moss had me shedding a few tears. It appears that each of these books will work as a standalone and feature a character from the small-town. I for one cannot wait to return.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
August 20, 2016
What a gorgeous story. I love, love, loved it! Wind Chime Cafe is a heart warming story that I could truly read over and over.
Annie is a strong and determined sole parent who has held dreams close to heart and has worked very hard to get where she is. After Annie's daughter is sole survivor of a school shooting, Annie decides now is the time to move forward and begin the life she had always dreamed.
Annie buys a cafe on Heron Island, in the hopes of developing it into an high class restaurant...and after the promise of a resort being developed on the Island, Annie can see a bright future for herself and her daughter.
That is until the owner of the property that is to be used for the resort is in two minds about selling. On top of that he happen's to be the Island's most eligible bachelor who has his sights set on Annie.
Will is a returned Navy Seal and on top of the tough decision to sell the family property, flashbacks and nightmares from his last tour plague his every day life...and to top it off a new fiery red head has moved in to town and she too seems to be invading his thoughts...too much for Will's liking...so much so he finds himself feeling things he had spent years being able to suppress.
So Annie and Will play cat and mouse with their feelings, the resort developers slowly manipulate their way into the island and demons from both Annie and Will's pasts come to haunt them...the question is are either of them ready to finally confront them.
This beautiful love story is a journey of hope, a little bit of cupid magic from the local town folk and demonstration of good old fashioned community spirit that pulls this story together.
Wind Chime Cafe is both heartwarming and emotion filled. This is a wonderful feel good story that does not disappoint. I look forward to reading more about the characters on Heron Island, and any other books the talented Ms Moss has written!
Annie is a strong and determined sole parent who has held dreams close to heart and has worked very hard to get where she is. After Annie's daughter is sole survivor of a school shooting, Annie decides now is the time to move forward and begin the life she had always dreamed.
Annie buys a cafe on Heron Island, in the hopes of developing it into an high class restaurant...and after the promise of a resort being developed on the Island, Annie can see a bright future for herself and her daughter.
That is until the owner of the property that is to be used for the resort is in two minds about selling. On top of that he happen's to be the Island's most eligible bachelor who has his sights set on Annie.
Will is a returned Navy Seal and on top of the tough decision to sell the family property, flashbacks and nightmares from his last tour plague his every day life...and to top it off a new fiery red head has moved in to town and she too seems to be invading his thoughts...too much for Will's liking...so much so he finds himself feeling things he had spent years being able to suppress.
So Annie and Will play cat and mouse with their feelings, the resort developers slowly manipulate their way into the island and demons from both Annie and Will's pasts come to haunt them...the question is are either of them ready to finally confront them.
This beautiful love story is a journey of hope, a little bit of cupid magic from the local town folk and demonstration of good old fashioned community spirit that pulls this story together.
Wind Chime Cafe is both heartwarming and emotion filled. This is a wonderful feel good story that does not disappoint. I look forward to reading more about the characters on Heron Island, and any other books the talented Ms Moss has written!
November 12, 2017
I started this after seeing it on the "most read romances" list a few times, and it had good reviews so I decided to give it a go, despite wanting to judge it by its cover which is pretty ordinary.
I immediately didn't like Will. He was too pushy. I mean geez, the woman said no, multiple times, so back off and give her some space. His persistence was super annoying. And I disliked Annie for not telling him to f*** off. I mean, he waltzes into her house without an invitation and then in their next meeting intrudes in her personal moment and forces a kiss on her - are you serious?
All of that just turned me off. I pushed through to chapter five and then chucked it in.
I immediately didn't like Will. He was too pushy. I mean geez, the woman said no, multiple times, so back off and give her some space. His persistence was super annoying. And I disliked Annie for not telling him to f*** off. I mean, he waltzes into her house without an invitation and then in their next meeting intrudes in her personal moment and forces a kiss on her - are you serious?
All of that just turned me off. I pushed through to chapter five and then chucked it in.
August 10, 2019
3.5 stars.
It's a heartwarming small town romance. Great characters and setting. I liked it but I don't think the characters needed such tragic back stories to push them along. 9/11 and a school shooting was a bit much for a light romance read. Glad I read it though.
It's a heartwarming small town romance. Great characters and setting. I liked it but I don't think the characters needed such tragic back stories to push them along. 9/11 and a school shooting was a bit much for a light romance read. Glad I read it though.
February 6, 2017
A very good story, sweet and tender but with a strong heroine and a good plot. Before reading this book I went through the reviews and someone pointed the link with 9/11 and how it was disturbing. I didn't find it so disturbing, but maybe not being American is the difference.
I find otherwise curious there are so many books on Veterans theme. USA fought a lot of wars because they have always some kind of veterans to look after. It's strange for me.
Good and recommended!
I find otherwise curious there are so many books on Veterans theme. USA fought a lot of wars because they have always some kind of veterans to look after. It's strange for me.
Good and recommended!
October 21, 2021
I am officially giving up on the romance genre. I got all excited when I saw how many rave reviews this romance received and I set out to read it with high hopes, but found it the usual predictable boring affair with cookie-cutter characters. But that's just me! I know this is the defining trope of romance novels so why did I think this one would be different? If I were rating it for enjoyment I would have given it two stars but that is not fair to the author so I will call it three stars, and abandon my search for a modern-day Mary Stewart or Georgette Heyer -- unless anyone has another suggestion.
February 7, 2014
FAVOURTIE FAVOURITE FAVOURITE!! <3 Absolutely adored this book! Full review will be posted on release day - http://www.oldvictorianquill.wordpres...
As a Psychology graduate, my love for books that raise the nitty gritty psychological aspects of human behaviour and illness is pretty much common knowledge. But it isn’t so much the raising of these issues that makes me love a book, it is the very real way in which the issues are dealt with and how the fallout affects many people, not just those who are suffering from the first hand experience. Sophie Moss has done it again as she writes this truly heartfelt story about the struggle a young single mother fights to keep her daughter safe following a tragic shooting at her daughter’s school.
Annie was the most wonderful character. I usually find that romance is my favourite part of novels, but with the authors incredible creation of Annie Malone, I just knew from the start that the relationship that would heal my heart the most was that of her and her daughter Taylor . I adored Taylor and Annie, and after having a bad day, just thinking about these two just made me smile and gave me hope for the world. There were some pretty horrifying circumstances that resulted in Annie and Taylor's move to Heron Island, and I commend Sophie Moss for her absolutely thoughtful and delicate approach to the school shootings, something that we’ve been hearing about on the news recently. Taylor's PTSD following her being the only survivor in her class, was written perfectly. I loved how real her coping and recovery was to read, and I didn’t doubt for one moment that this is how a young child may act when suffering from PTSD. This was brilliantly tackled as PTSD in children isn’t understood as well as in adults, but Taylor's coping strategies and setbacks were written to perfection.
And Will. Oh Will you gorgeous man! I loved his attraction to Annie and although I was firmly on Team Girl Power, I loved the sarcastic flirtation going on between them, as Annie tried to keep herself away from him. His devotion to Taylor's and helping her overcome her PTSD, as well as Taylor helping Will heal from his traumatic experiences in Afghanistan, was so genuine and touching that I just wished there was a Will out there for me. His gentle nature when it came to Taylor was his most attractive quality, and you could see the effect the little girl had on his own emotions and healing process. It was truly a beautiful thing to read, and I felt for Annie when her protective nature over Taylor could only go so far after she saw the benefit that Will had on her daughter.
And thank you, thank you Sophie Moss for creating the wonderful dogs of Heron Island. I’m an animal lover, and as soon as I saw the devoted nature of Will to his friends dogs, I just knew he was a keeper. I think you can always trust a man when he treats his fellow animals well!
Sophie Moss has an extraordinary talent when it comes to setting the scene. As with her Seal Island Trilogy, I was just swept into the beautiful landscape of the story. I could see myself there on Heron Island, and I could feel the sea wind in my hair as I read scenes set on the boat. I just wanted to be there for real, and I wanted to taste the gorgeous sounding creations that Annie serves at the Wind Chime Cafe. The place felt so real to me, and I know that if I needed a break from the real world I could return to ‘Wind Chime Cafe’ and escape in the beauty of Heron Island.
A gorgeous, heart-warming read with some brilliant suspense and drama thrown in. This is a must-read, and a sparkling gem of a book.
As a Psychology graduate, my love for books that raise the nitty gritty psychological aspects of human behaviour and illness is pretty much common knowledge. But it isn’t so much the raising of these issues that makes me love a book, it is the very real way in which the issues are dealt with and how the fallout affects many people, not just those who are suffering from the first hand experience. Sophie Moss has done it again as she writes this truly heartfelt story about the struggle a young single mother fights to keep her daughter safe following a tragic shooting at her daughter’s school.
Annie was the most wonderful character. I usually find that romance is my favourite part of novels, but with the authors incredible creation of Annie Malone, I just knew from the start that the relationship that would heal my heart the most was that of her and her daughter Taylor . I adored Taylor and Annie, and after having a bad day, just thinking about these two just made me smile and gave me hope for the world. There were some pretty horrifying circumstances that resulted in Annie and Taylor's move to Heron Island, and I commend Sophie Moss for her absolutely thoughtful and delicate approach to the school shootings, something that we’ve been hearing about on the news recently. Taylor's PTSD following her being the only survivor in her class, was written perfectly. I loved how real her coping and recovery was to read, and I didn’t doubt for one moment that this is how a young child may act when suffering from PTSD. This was brilliantly tackled as PTSD in children isn’t understood as well as in adults, but Taylor's coping strategies and setbacks were written to perfection.
And Will. Oh Will you gorgeous man! I loved his attraction to Annie and although I was firmly on Team Girl Power, I loved the sarcastic flirtation going on between them, as Annie tried to keep herself away from him. His devotion to Taylor's and helping her overcome her PTSD, as well as Taylor helping Will heal from his traumatic experiences in Afghanistan, was so genuine and touching that I just wished there was a Will out there for me. His gentle nature when it came to Taylor was his most attractive quality, and you could see the effect the little girl had on his own emotions and healing process. It was truly a beautiful thing to read, and I felt for Annie when her protective nature over Taylor could only go so far after she saw the benefit that Will had on her daughter.
And thank you, thank you Sophie Moss for creating the wonderful dogs of Heron Island. I’m an animal lover, and as soon as I saw the devoted nature of Will to his friends dogs, I just knew he was a keeper. I think you can always trust a man when he treats his fellow animals well!
Sophie Moss has an extraordinary talent when it comes to setting the scene. As with her Seal Island Trilogy, I was just swept into the beautiful landscape of the story. I could see myself there on Heron Island, and I could feel the sea wind in my hair as I read scenes set on the boat. I just wanted to be there for real, and I wanted to taste the gorgeous sounding creations that Annie serves at the Wind Chime Cafe. The place felt so real to me, and I know that if I needed a break from the real world I could return to ‘Wind Chime Cafe’ and escape in the beauty of Heron Island.
A gorgeous, heart-warming read with some brilliant suspense and drama thrown in. This is a must-read, and a sparkling gem of a book.
February 7, 2014
Yes! Sophie did it again! From the author of the Selkie Trilogy comes another great trilogy.
I have to admit I love Sophie's writing style so I was pretty sure I was going to like this book too. The thing when you start a new trilogy by the same author is that you're still living in the previous books and are still sort of attached to the characters, so becoming fond of new ones can be hard. Not if you read a book by Sophie Moss, though. I immediately grew fond of Annie and Taylor, and obviously fell for Will the minute he entered the scene. She has a way of describing places and characters in such a way that you'll actually be able to see the scenes unfold in front of your eyes as if it were a movie.
I've never been to Maine but even though I have no idea what it looks like, I could see it all in front of my eyes, smell the delicious scent of Della's sweet rolls, feel the salty wind on my face, see the monarch butterflies and their beautiful colors. When I finished the book, I wanted to move to Heron Island. Words can't really express the emotions I felt while reading this book - you'll have to read it and find out for yourselves.
The story has a high level of chemistry without the need of graphic sex scenes that have become so popular in most of the books I've read recently, and this earns Sophie at least 100 extra points. Just like in the Selkie books, Sophie manages to capture the emotions and spark the heat between the two main characters with deeply emotional scenes, without all the annoying graphic details that sometimes really take me away from the main story. I love that there are still authors who can do this, who can create a connection using emotions instead of sex - for people like me who haven't read (and will probably never read) Fifty Shades and prefer the romantic Prince Charming over the badass alpha male this brings a great relief.
I loved Taylor, Annie's daughter; she's super cute and I spent half the book wanting to hug her. Her relationship with Will was lovely (and he was so hot when he was around Taylor!) Oh, and I loved that a dog was an important character in the story too. The way Taylor got attached to it was super cute.
I enjoyed every bit of this book, although I have to say that the fast forward bit at the end left me wanting for more (I can't tell you what happened or I'll spoil it for you, but I would've loved to read about what happened during those six weeks...)
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which from what I've heard, it's going to be about Colin and Becca, two great side characters I truly loved.
Go grab a copy of Wind Chime Café, you won't be disappointed.
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review***
I have to admit I love Sophie's writing style so I was pretty sure I was going to like this book too. The thing when you start a new trilogy by the same author is that you're still living in the previous books and are still sort of attached to the characters, so becoming fond of new ones can be hard. Not if you read a book by Sophie Moss, though. I immediately grew fond of Annie and Taylor, and obviously fell for Will the minute he entered the scene. She has a way of describing places and characters in such a way that you'll actually be able to see the scenes unfold in front of your eyes as if it were a movie.
I've never been to Maine but even though I have no idea what it looks like, I could see it all in front of my eyes, smell the delicious scent of Della's sweet rolls, feel the salty wind on my face, see the monarch butterflies and their beautiful colors. When I finished the book, I wanted to move to Heron Island. Words can't really express the emotions I felt while reading this book - you'll have to read it and find out for yourselves.
The story has a high level of chemistry without the need of graphic sex scenes that have become so popular in most of the books I've read recently, and this earns Sophie at least 100 extra points. Just like in the Selkie books, Sophie manages to capture the emotions and spark the heat between the two main characters with deeply emotional scenes, without all the annoying graphic details that sometimes really take me away from the main story. I love that there are still authors who can do this, who can create a connection using emotions instead of sex - for people like me who haven't read (and will probably never read) Fifty Shades and prefer the romantic Prince Charming over the badass alpha male this brings a great relief.
I loved Taylor, Annie's daughter; she's super cute and I spent half the book wanting to hug her. Her relationship with Will was lovely (and he was so hot when he was around Taylor!) Oh, and I loved that a dog was an important character in the story too. The way Taylor got attached to it was super cute.
I enjoyed every bit of this book, although I have to say that the fast forward bit at the end left me wanting for more (I can't tell you what happened or I'll spoil it for you, but I would've loved to read about what happened during those six weeks...)
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which from what I've heard, it's going to be about Colin and Becca, two great side characters I truly loved.
Go grab a copy of Wind Chime Café, you won't be disappointed.
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review***
December 2, 2017
I had every intention of purchasing this book as a combination of the compelling cover art and back cover blurb pulled me inside the front cover. Imagine my surprise (quite pleasantly, I might add) when I arrived at the Nook Store to find it was available, free of charge. Putting my author-preneur hat on for a moment, that was simply brilliant.
But, on to the story, for a great front cover, intriguing synopsis, and free price point can only get you so far. Ms. Moss's words do the rest, and then some. The assortment of characters in this book peel back a layer of the metaphorical onion on so many aspects of our human condition.
I immediately identified with both Will and Annie. I am giddy with joy to know that there are at least two more books waiting for me to virtually spend time with them. Their individual psychological struggles and how they interleave with each other is both believable, and compelling. Oh, so compelling.
As much as I love an engaging love story, and the one that develops between Will and Annie is just that, engaging and wonderful, there is another relationship in this book that tugs on my emotional strings even harder. Will and Taylor, along with the bond that they share, transcends age, gender, and every other stereotypical moniker you can toss in their direction. Their connection boils down to human compassion and understanding, a "love" that goes far beyond the romanticized notions that we usually associate with the word.
Overcoming personal demons, both physical and psychological, is a central thematic element in this brilliant and compelling story. But, beyond that, it's even more about realizing that we don't have to tackle those seemingly impossible tasks on our own, even if it sometimes seems like it's the only path available to us.
"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” ~ Helen Keller
Beautiful quote that speaks to me of the beautiful story told my Ms. Moss. Little effort will be required to read it, but I am pretty certain you will find it beautiful indeed.
But, on to the story, for a great front cover, intriguing synopsis, and free price point can only get you so far. Ms. Moss's words do the rest, and then some. The assortment of characters in this book peel back a layer of the metaphorical onion on so many aspects of our human condition.
I immediately identified with both Will and Annie. I am giddy with joy to know that there are at least two more books waiting for me to virtually spend time with them. Their individual psychological struggles and how they interleave with each other is both believable, and compelling. Oh, so compelling.
As much as I love an engaging love story, and the one that develops between Will and Annie is just that, engaging and wonderful, there is another relationship in this book that tugs on my emotional strings even harder. Will and Taylor, along with the bond that they share, transcends age, gender, and every other stereotypical moniker you can toss in their direction. Their connection boils down to human compassion and understanding, a "love" that goes far beyond the romanticized notions that we usually associate with the word.
Overcoming personal demons, both physical and psychological, is a central thematic element in this brilliant and compelling story. But, beyond that, it's even more about realizing that we don't have to tackle those seemingly impossible tasks on our own, even if it sometimes seems like it's the only path available to us.
"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” ~ Helen Keller
Beautiful quote that speaks to me of the beautiful story told my Ms. Moss. Little effort will be required to read it, but I am pretty certain you will find it beautiful indeed.
March 18, 2020
Simple and sweet love story. Was quite predictable. I liked it for the descriptions of a close-knit community, a kind teacher and a beautiful mother-daughter relationship.
I found Will's character problematic. He ignored consent and had this "I need a woman to fix me" vibe that I found off-putting.
I found Will's character problematic. He ignored consent and had this "I need a woman to fix me" vibe that I found off-putting.
November 5, 2017
Brilliant life story
Wow, I struggle to write a review that will do this book justice. This was a brilliant story of people. Their lives and how one Instance in their lives sets them on a chosen path. Will, the navy seal joined the military to avenge his mother and sister he lost on 9/11. Annie who wanted a better life and at a young & vulnerable stage in her life gave her heart and virginity to someone she thought loved her setting her path as a single mom. The trauma of PTSD, not just for our military but for survivors of violent crimes and attacks. My heart broke for little Taylor and all the trauma and stress a second grader is forced to endure due to an act of violence. This story is emotional and will have you emotionally involved with everyone of the characters in this book. You will love every character, laugh and cry with them and your heart will hurt and then rejoice with them. This was my first book by this author but clearly won't be my last. She has a way of making the characters in this small town come alive, pull you in and make you feel everything they are feeling. She not only makes you feel but she tackles real life challenges, real life issues. To me that is the best thing a reader can hope for, feeling like they are apart of the story. Friends and family with the characters, makes you lose hours because you can't stop reading!
Highly recommended read!
Wow, I struggle to write a review that will do this book justice. This was a brilliant story of people. Their lives and how one Instance in their lives sets them on a chosen path. Will, the navy seal joined the military to avenge his mother and sister he lost on 9/11. Annie who wanted a better life and at a young & vulnerable stage in her life gave her heart and virginity to someone she thought loved her setting her path as a single mom. The trauma of PTSD, not just for our military but for survivors of violent crimes and attacks. My heart broke for little Taylor and all the trauma and stress a second grader is forced to endure due to an act of violence. This story is emotional and will have you emotionally involved with everyone of the characters in this book. You will love every character, laugh and cry with them and your heart will hurt and then rejoice with them. This was my first book by this author but clearly won't be my last. She has a way of making the characters in this small town come alive, pull you in and make you feel everything they are feeling. She not only makes you feel but she tackles real life challenges, real life issues. To me that is the best thing a reader can hope for, feeling like they are apart of the story. Friends and family with the characters, makes you lose hours because you can't stop reading!
Highly recommended read!
November 23, 2019
Anna is single mother who has bought a cafe and moved to Heron Island after her daughter was involved in a traumatic event at school when all of her class friends were killed by a gunman. Will is a navy SEAL who come home to Heron Island to sort out his Grandparents Inn after their deaths, to sell up and move on.
Sophie Moss managed to create a believable love story between the two of them. The storyline made sense, Will and Annie's relationship was very plausible and all the characters were totally believable.
I also liked the way that Will's relationship with Taylor grew (and also the relationship between Taylor and the dog). 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.
I have never read anything by this author before but now I think I may get the next book in the series just to see how the rest of the community is getting along!
If you are looking for a relaxing feel-good read then this can be one.
Sophie Moss managed to create a believable love story between the two of them. The storyline made sense, Will and Annie's relationship was very plausible and all the characters were totally believable.
I also liked the way that Will's relationship with Taylor grew (and also the relationship between Taylor and the dog). 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.
I have never read anything by this author before but now I think I may get the next book in the series just to see how the rest of the community is getting along!
If you are looking for a relaxing feel-good read then this can be one.
February 5, 2022
Anne Malone is more than just a single mother. She's a single mother whose daughter survived a Sandy Hook-style massacre. And Will, the love interest, lost family members to 9/11 and fellow soldiers to combat in the Middle East. These themes were a bit heavy for the genre, and in all three of the books, which I eagerly consumed, there was a bit too much speechifying about political issues. Also, in the very beginning, Will kisses Anne before they even know each other, they're complete strangers, and this seemed weird and creepy. But now that I've told you all the things I didn't like about the book, I DID like so much about it. The island/small town is a fantasy where we'd all like to live, the café is a dream come true, and Will's ultimate decision about his family property hooks you into the next two books. It's such a good idea. So overall, a good read.
June 2, 2019
Wind Chime Cafe is book 1 in the Wind Chime series. This book is about Annie and Will. Annie is a single mum that moves to Heron Island after her 8 year old daughter goes through a life altering experience that no child should ever have to experience. Will is a navy SEAL and has come back to his family home to sell it. He has been suffering after his last deployment left him with guilt that won’t go away. Will Annie and her daughter be able to make him stay or will Annie’s past come back and make him think it was all a ploy to get him to sell his family home. One click you won’t be disappointed.
November 6, 2017
I enjoyed the backstories (why who was where) and the characters and the circumstances, but mostly the peaceful setting that seemed to ground everyone. Plus, I'm a sucker for romance and heroism and flawed warriors and strong, tight-knit communities. Set against some tragic circumstances, the writing was adept at describing what it's like to navigate through unspeakable trauma and still have the ability to open up one's heart to make connections, create bonds and become families, regardless of their unconventionality. And for me, a hopeful ending never hurts.
April 12, 2018
Annie has purchased a small cafe in rural Maryland to try and make a better life for herself and her 8 year old daughter, Taylor. But complications arise when she finds herself attracted to Will, a Navy SEAL who grew up on the island. A light romance set in a pleasant and friendly island community.
Read
February 17, 2021⚠️
Il libro non é questo. Si chiama "Copenhagen Cafe" di Julie Chaplin.
Su questa piattaforma non era presente ma il numero di pagine rispetto a questo é identico quindi lo inserisco in questo modo.
⚠️
Il libro non é questo. Si chiama "Copenhagen Cafe" di Julie Chaplin.
Su questa piattaforma non era presente ma il numero di pagine rispetto a questo é identico quindi lo inserisco in questo modo.
⚠️
March 15, 2020
Love this book.. I plan to keep reading this series.
Read
May 25, 2014I was given Wind Chime Cafe to read and I am so glad that I read it. Sophie Moss has written a wonderfully sweet book that takes serious issues and addresses them appropriately in a great book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, as well as other books that Moss has written.
Annie and her daughter, Taylor, move to Heron Island in order to make a fresh start and make Annie's dream of opening a French bistro come true. Annie purchases the restaurant in hopes the resort her realtor talked about opening would bring plenty of business to repay the loan she has acquired for the renovations of the cafe.
Annie and Taylor find Heron Island to be a quiet place to start over and deal with the trauma that Taylor has endured. They start meeting people and feel they are making a great start for their new future. Enter Will Dozier.
Will Dozier, a Navy SEAL and native resident of Heron Island, is returning to the island in order to sell his grandparents' inn to a buyer. He comes back to town late one night and the only place open - well the light is on- is Annie's cafe. He stops in with the hopes of grabbing dinner before going to his grandparents' inn for the night. Both are surprised when Will comes to the cafe. Will is taken with how beautiful he thinks Annie is. Annie, being in a new town, is uneasy with Will's presence in the cafe so late and worries Taylor's safety. However, she is drawn to Will and is not comfortable with the feelings his presence evokes in her. Will tries to tell himself that "getting laid" will help keep away the dreams of his last mission at bay, and asks Annie out for a date. Focusing on her daughter's well-being, she refuses to go out with him. Annie gives him some frozen fish sticks and a can of soup and makes him leave the cafe.
What can I say? Will is determined to get to know her, and Annie is determined to stay away from relationships until Taylor's trauma is under control. He wants her more than he has anyone since high school, and Annie is afraid to let someone into her and Taylor's lives who isn't going to stay. Will's only there to sell the inn and will then return to San Diego and resume his SEAL career.
Circumstances bring the two together and they finally admit their attraction to one another. And then secrets are exposed that threaten everything they've ever wanted. Saying anything more will only ruin a completely amazing story for you. Moss write a beautiful story that I am glad I have read. It made me laugh. It made my heart go "awwwe". And it made me smile. Will is a sweet, kind man who has suffered tragedy and hides himself from everyone. He's that big teddy bear that you can't want to hug.... and make it all better. ;) I mean, come on. He's a SEAL for crying out loud. That alone gives him major hot points. More for being good with kids. And some for being sentimental. A little for ....... skills. TOTAL HOTTIE!
I loved Will's story and how he and Annie found their way home with each other. And Taylor. She's so sweet and vulnerable that you can't help but want to take her as your own. I completely recommend this book for everyone. If you want a really good read, complete story, and a book that makes you smile, Wind Chime Cafe by Sophie moss is the book for you! i can not wait to read the next book in this series which involves Will's best friend, Colin, and a high school friend, Becca. And from what was hinted around in this book about them.... It's going to be good!
And as for what kind of secrets could Annie possibly have that could hurt Will? Go one-click now, because you know I'll never tell! ~A
Annie and her daughter, Taylor, move to Heron Island in order to make a fresh start and make Annie's dream of opening a French bistro come true. Annie purchases the restaurant in hopes the resort her realtor talked about opening would bring plenty of business to repay the loan she has acquired for the renovations of the cafe.
Annie and Taylor find Heron Island to be a quiet place to start over and deal with the trauma that Taylor has endured. They start meeting people and feel they are making a great start for their new future. Enter Will Dozier.
Will Dozier, a Navy SEAL and native resident of Heron Island, is returning to the island in order to sell his grandparents' inn to a buyer. He comes back to town late one night and the only place open - well the light is on- is Annie's cafe. He stops in with the hopes of grabbing dinner before going to his grandparents' inn for the night. Both are surprised when Will comes to the cafe. Will is taken with how beautiful he thinks Annie is. Annie, being in a new town, is uneasy with Will's presence in the cafe so late and worries Taylor's safety. However, she is drawn to Will and is not comfortable with the feelings his presence evokes in her. Will tries to tell himself that "getting laid" will help keep away the dreams of his last mission at bay, and asks Annie out for a date. Focusing on her daughter's well-being, she refuses to go out with him. Annie gives him some frozen fish sticks and a can of soup and makes him leave the cafe.
What can I say? Will is determined to get to know her, and Annie is determined to stay away from relationships until Taylor's trauma is under control. He wants her more than he has anyone since high school, and Annie is afraid to let someone into her and Taylor's lives who isn't going to stay. Will's only there to sell the inn and will then return to San Diego and resume his SEAL career.
Circumstances bring the two together and they finally admit their attraction to one another. And then secrets are exposed that threaten everything they've ever wanted. Saying anything more will only ruin a completely amazing story for you. Moss write a beautiful story that I am glad I have read. It made me laugh. It made my heart go "awwwe". And it made me smile. Will is a sweet, kind man who has suffered tragedy and hides himself from everyone. He's that big teddy bear that you can't want to hug.... and make it all better. ;) I mean, come on. He's a SEAL for crying out loud. That alone gives him major hot points. More for being good with kids. And some for being sentimental. A little for ....... skills. TOTAL HOTTIE!
I loved Will's story and how he and Annie found their way home with each other. And Taylor. She's so sweet and vulnerable that you can't help but want to take her as your own. I completely recommend this book for everyone. If you want a really good read, complete story, and a book that makes you smile, Wind Chime Cafe by Sophie moss is the book for you! i can not wait to read the next book in this series which involves Will's best friend, Colin, and a high school friend, Becca. And from what was hinted around in this book about them.... It's going to be good!
And as for what kind of secrets could Annie possibly have that could hurt Will? Go one-click now, because you know I'll never tell! ~A
May 24, 2014
If you are looking for a truly amazing book that is not like any other, then Wind Chime Cafe is the book for you. I knew nothing about the book before I read it. Never even read the blurb. I went into this blindly and was so blown away by this book, I stayed up all night to read it. It was worth every minute of lost sleep.
This whole book, for me was a breath of fresh air. A love story at it's best. Sophie Moss is a storyteller like no other right now. I was laughing and crying. I was holding my breath and feverishly reading to see what was going to happen. At the same time I didn't not want this story to end. If you like love stories, you will love this book as much as I did.
Annie Malone is a single mom who's daughter survived a horrific school shooting. At just 8 years old, her mom moves her to a small coastal town to start over. She is going to open her own fancy French bistro. When she arrives, she finds out her plans are not going to work out because they big hotel she was promised would be built might not because the seller changed his mind. The island and it's residents have no use for a fancy restaurant. They are simple people.
Will Dozier owns the small inn that he was originally planning on selling. It was his grandparent home and holds a lot of sentimental value because he grew up there. He is back to his hometown after years and years of being away. Will is now a Navy Seal stationed in California. He has not intentions of moving back to Maryland. He is home on leave and place to fix up the old inn and move on.
Something draws Will to Annie. Annie does not want a relationship with Will other than friendship. She is not one to bring men into her daughter's life. When I tell you Annie is a outstanding mom, I am putting it mildly. While reading the book, I was thinking, I wish more mom's out there were like her. She puts her child first in every situation.
Will is just as equally fantastic. While he knows he is only home for 6 weeks, he can't help but be drawn to the single mom and her adorable little girl. Whether he likes to admit it or not, he misses his hometown along with the small town life that it comes with. Life is simple back home. Annie could be just what it takes to get him to realize this is where he belongs.
To be honest with you, my review is not doing the book the praise that to deserves. I have fallen in love with this book. It touched my heart. It made me feel. It made me think. It was amazing. I am going to re read this book again. There are not many books that I want to reread. It has to be one of the best books of 2014.
This whole book, for me was a breath of fresh air. A love story at it's best. Sophie Moss is a storyteller like no other right now. I was laughing and crying. I was holding my breath and feverishly reading to see what was going to happen. At the same time I didn't not want this story to end. If you like love stories, you will love this book as much as I did.
Annie Malone is a single mom who's daughter survived a horrific school shooting. At just 8 years old, her mom moves her to a small coastal town to start over. She is going to open her own fancy French bistro. When she arrives, she finds out her plans are not going to work out because they big hotel she was promised would be built might not because the seller changed his mind. The island and it's residents have no use for a fancy restaurant. They are simple people.
Will Dozier owns the small inn that he was originally planning on selling. It was his grandparent home and holds a lot of sentimental value because he grew up there. He is back to his hometown after years and years of being away. Will is now a Navy Seal stationed in California. He has not intentions of moving back to Maryland. He is home on leave and place to fix up the old inn and move on.
Something draws Will to Annie. Annie does not want a relationship with Will other than friendship. She is not one to bring men into her daughter's life. When I tell you Annie is a outstanding mom, I am putting it mildly. While reading the book, I was thinking, I wish more mom's out there were like her. She puts her child first in every situation.
Will is just as equally fantastic. While he knows he is only home for 6 weeks, he can't help but be drawn to the single mom and her adorable little girl. Whether he likes to admit it or not, he misses his hometown along with the small town life that it comes with. Life is simple back home. Annie could be just what it takes to get him to realize this is where he belongs.
To be honest with you, my review is not doing the book the praise that to deserves. I have fallen in love with this book. It touched my heart. It made me feel. It made me think. It was amazing. I am going to re read this book again. There are not many books that I want to reread. It has to be one of the best books of 2014.
May 30, 2014
Single mother Annie Malone and her daughter Taylor move to Heron Island to start a new life. Annie puts her life savings into opening a French restaurant, hoping that the small town environment will help her daughter recover from the horrible school tragedy that occurred at her school.
Navy SEAL Will Dozier has returned to Heron Island after ten years to sell his deceased grandparents’ inn. When Will meets Annie, he craves the solace of her arms to silence his own emotional demons from a mission gone wrong. He only plans to stay a short time on the island because of his dedication to fighting terrorism, despite silently suffering from PTSD. However, Annie and her troubled daughter weave a spell on his heart, encouraging him to long to stay around much longer than he expected.
Wind Chime Café is a sweet contemporary romance set in picturesque Heron Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Chesapeake Bay. This is a wonderful story that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride and tugs at the heartstrings. The reader can't help but feel compassion for Annie and Will’s difficult pasts, their emotional connection is heartwarming, and when you add in young Taylor, it's a endearing relationship that will leave a smile on your face.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author does an amazing job of transporting the reader to Heron Island with the richly vivid description of the tranquil small island setting and the supportive community spirit of the islanders.
Wind Chime Café is a wonderful story about the courage of facing fears, overcoming struggles, and the healing power of love. It is a beautifully written story about one woman's efforts to build a better future for her daughter, a young girl's strength to let go of her fears, and one man's struggles to accept the things he can't change. Wind Chime Café is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by IndieSage Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Navy SEAL Will Dozier has returned to Heron Island after ten years to sell his deceased grandparents’ inn. When Will meets Annie, he craves the solace of her arms to silence his own emotional demons from a mission gone wrong. He only plans to stay a short time on the island because of his dedication to fighting terrorism, despite silently suffering from PTSD. However, Annie and her troubled daughter weave a spell on his heart, encouraging him to long to stay around much longer than he expected.
Wind Chime Café is a sweet contemporary romance set in picturesque Heron Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Chesapeake Bay. This is a wonderful story that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride and tugs at the heartstrings. The reader can't help but feel compassion for Annie and Will’s difficult pasts, their emotional connection is heartwarming, and when you add in young Taylor, it's a endearing relationship that will leave a smile on your face.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author does an amazing job of transporting the reader to Heron Island with the richly vivid description of the tranquil small island setting and the supportive community spirit of the islanders.
Wind Chime Café is a wonderful story about the courage of facing fears, overcoming struggles, and the healing power of love. It is a beautifully written story about one woman's efforts to build a better future for her daughter, a young girl's strength to let go of her fears, and one man's struggles to accept the things he can't change. Wind Chime Café is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by IndieSage Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 27, 2014
Sophie Moss has stunned me speechless. With Wind Chime Cafe, Sophie has turned a tragic experience into a powerfully, moving story of overcoming fears and putting action to our aspirations. We meet Annie and Taylor who've relocated after a tragic event. The meaning and purpose of Taylor's broom is powerful as it's her security, her ability to have something to hold on to physically and mentally/emotionally to keep her grounded. Annie wants her daughter to feel safe and not push her daughter's limits. Taylor's strength and talent I think helps keep Annie grounded as well. The wind chimes, the nature, the habitants of the island were brought to life in my mind through Sophie's voice of beautiful words. I could hear the wind chimes and the different tones of music they'd make depending on the various materials used to construct them. I could see the butterfly's and hear the birds flapping their wings overhead. The beauty of the island was in my living room in the dead of winter. Will is a Navy SEAL and upon returning to his hometown of Heron Island allows his memories of growing up to resurface as he grasps back on to his connection to wind chimes. The friendship, trust, and security he develops in his relationship with Taylor was touching to observe. He connects with her through having experienced a tragic event as a survivor and what's most beautiful is that Taylor helps him feel safe and security as much as he does the same for her. Taylor's ability to cope and build healthy ways of doing so was remarkable and powerful for an 8 year old. She welcomed and embraced Riley by her side and her many talents and new interests helped replace her negative memories with healthy, positive new memories and excitement for more in her future. Of course there's a villain but there's also the healthy support system Annie, Taylor, and Will have in the island community. Sophie is working on Becca and Colin's story next and I absolutely can not wait for more of the clan from Heron Island. Give this a try!! Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...
May 27, 2014
Book Review - Wind Chime Cafe by Sophie Moss
Wind Chime Cafe was my first introduction to Author Sophie Moss, but what a lovely introduction it was, and also a great day to actually be reading about a serving officer, on Memorial Day..
Sophie paints a very vivid picture with her writing, her descriptions of Heron Island, (the sleepy little town that Annie moves herself and her daughter to after a tragedy leaves her daughter with PTSD) that I could quite vividly imagine myself walking around the town, into her cafe and staring up at all the delicate little wind chimes.
Will is just back home on leave to oversee the sale of his Grandparents Inn before he heads back off overseas. He ends up staying longer than he thinks after meeting Annie and finding out about the intended use by the proposed owners of the Inn. Blocking the sale and attempting to find new owners, he finds more than he bargained for. After his last mission went horribly wrong, he’s suffering horrible flashbacks of his own and comes to find some peace in being back at Heron Island, and through his relationship with Annie & her daughter. Of course, life isn’t all straight forward, there are a series of bumps in the road. Can they get through these and will this be a short fling or something more?
This story has just the right blend of sweet and sass to keep it on the right side of sickly sweet. Annie has a side of spunk to her, as shown by a particular scene, when she finds the workman, who is meant to be at her house giving her an estimate, actually propping the local bar up and plays him right in front of his friends.
If I had one criticism, it would be that I would have liked some links to PTSD charities at the end of the story. I also felt that although this was touched on, it kind of got forgotten about a little as the story progressed, and I would have liked to have seen some assistance come to Will in fighting his battles.
But it’s a very small criticism in a lovely little story, which i’d recommend people go and buy and enjoy.
I’ll certainly be looking for the next story in the series.
Wind Chime Cafe was my first introduction to Author Sophie Moss, but what a lovely introduction it was, and also a great day to actually be reading about a serving officer, on Memorial Day..
Sophie paints a very vivid picture with her writing, her descriptions of Heron Island, (the sleepy little town that Annie moves herself and her daughter to after a tragedy leaves her daughter with PTSD) that I could quite vividly imagine myself walking around the town, into her cafe and staring up at all the delicate little wind chimes.
Will is just back home on leave to oversee the sale of his Grandparents Inn before he heads back off overseas. He ends up staying longer than he thinks after meeting Annie and finding out about the intended use by the proposed owners of the Inn. Blocking the sale and attempting to find new owners, he finds more than he bargained for. After his last mission went horribly wrong, he’s suffering horrible flashbacks of his own and comes to find some peace in being back at Heron Island, and through his relationship with Annie & her daughter. Of course, life isn’t all straight forward, there are a series of bumps in the road. Can they get through these and will this be a short fling or something more?
This story has just the right blend of sweet and sass to keep it on the right side of sickly sweet. Annie has a side of spunk to her, as shown by a particular scene, when she finds the workman, who is meant to be at her house giving her an estimate, actually propping the local bar up and plays him right in front of his friends.
If I had one criticism, it would be that I would have liked some links to PTSD charities at the end of the story. I also felt that although this was touched on, it kind of got forgotten about a little as the story progressed, and I would have liked to have seen some assistance come to Will in fighting his battles.
But it’s a very small criticism in a lovely little story, which i’d recommend people go and buy and enjoy.
I’ll certainly be looking for the next story in the series.
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