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Greek Village/Greek Island #9

Watching the Wind Blow

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Watching the Wind Blow is the ninth in the series The Greek Village Collection by INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR Sara Alexi.

Inspired by a true story, Watching the Wind Blow is a dramatic tale that takes place in a boat on the Aegean Sea, immersing us in the events that change one woman’s life forever as we sail under the Mediterranean Sun.


Married with a young baby and living with her mother in law, Irini has found herself a comfortable life after a traumatic childhood as an orphan. But Irini’s husband Petta is unable to bear hearing the stories from her past, and so Irini carries her burdens alone, often haunted by her troubled upbringing.

On a day like any other, Irini leaves home to tend to her cleaning job on board a yacht. But little does she know this day will turn out to be unlike any day she could ever have imagined, and alarm sets in as she feels the boat set sail, discovering she is not on board alone.

Surrounded by endless blue sky and calm clear waters, Irini realises the tranquillity is an illusion as it dawns on her that a stranger has taken desperate measures, and her life is now at risk.

Who is onboard with Irini? And what will it take to make it safely home to her husband and baby?

Finding she has more in common with the stranger than Irini could have anticipated, this thrilling novel reveals how the courage taken to confront a painful past has the potential to save her future.

If you enjoyed Watching the Wind Blow you'll love book ten in the series, The Reluctant Baker. Find it on Amazon now!

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2014

136 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

About the author

Sara Alexi

37 books317 followers
Best selling author Sara Alexi was born in Oxford, England. After travelling widely she now splits her time between England and a tiny rural village in the Peloponnese, in Greece, where she has renovated a stone farmhouse, whilst observing the Greek way of life and absorbing the culture.

As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.

Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.

If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.

www.Saraalexi.com

She would also love you to friend her on;

https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi

You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...

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5 stars
298 (53%)
4 stars
184 (32%)
3 stars
54 (9%)
2 stars
20 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books228 followers
January 6, 2015
Having read all the books in the Greek Village series so far, I found this one especially moving. I don’t know if that is because it’s based on a true story but the book is rife with emotion. This is Sara Alexi at her best! Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for MK.
279 reviews70 followers
February 17, 2016
Irini's story ... And Sam's,.too ...

Wow! I'm surprised at how frantic/tense I felt, in sympathy with Irini, near the end, as she tracks the box to the crate, with her eyes.
And then, it doesn't matter, at all. Sara is skilled at drawing you inside the strong emotions of her characters!

On a side note, it was negative 9°F as I finished this book this morning, with a wind chill of -27°… Sara Alexi's talent with drawing the setting so well, made me feel like I was hot and thirsty, on the wide blue Mediterranean Sea, even while bundled in layers and huddled in blankets! So, thanks for that, Sara ^_^

Gonna be -12°F tomorrow morning, I think I'll start on #10, The Reluctant Baker, right away <3
Profile Image for Linda.
89 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2015
Honestly, I think I would have liked the book more had I realized it was about an actual event. Instead, it was one of my least favorite of the Greek Village series. So much thinking. So much angst. Very little action. Very few characters. I feel almost ashamed that I didn't enjoy it more.
949 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2018
I did not like the writing technique in this book. I skimmed through it but didn't find it to be my type of book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
433 reviews
March 15, 2015
Sad story - a mercenary finds love and understanding on the last day of his life. Have a box of tissues handy.
Profile Image for Valerie.
1,376 reviews22 followers
July 24, 2017
Since this is based on a true story, I would like to read about the that incident. This is book 9 in the Greek Village series by Sara Alexi. We come back to Marina of the corner store. Her long lost son and his wife are now living with her with their baby. Seeing that Marina is strapped for money, Irina goes out and finds a job, besides helping the the corner store. She cleans a tourist yacht or two for Captain Yorgas. One morning the boat is commandeered by a mercenary trying to get to Casablanca. At first, Irini is scared out of her wits by this man, his gun, and his wounds. Then, in an attempt to diffuse the situation for herself, she tries to personalize their experience together. Irini had been a street child, more or less abandoned by her grandmother at 15. So she had many devastating experiences in Athens as she lived by her wits. She related these stories to "Sam" and he shared his stories of a love less relationship with his father, no mother, and incredible demands from his father to win approval. On the shore, everyone was panicked. On the boat, Irini and "Sam" got on well, once she won his trust. In the end, they did not make it to Casablanca.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
255 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2018
As always, Ms. Alexi transports you to the beauty of the world that is Greece. With this book, she takes you out to sea and lets you see and feel the people; even those you may think are not worthy. Another easy but lovely read by Ms. Alexi. She will easily transport you to the Greek Islands for a short imaginary vacation.
Profile Image for Marylyn.
3 reviews
January 14, 2018
I've really enjoyed this series. Compelling stories, easy to read. Brings you into the story as if you are there.
Profile Image for Rebecca .
637 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2016
Another gem from Sara Alexi. In this the 9th of the Greek Village series the action takes place, not in the village, but at sea. Irini has a job cleaning Captain Yorgos boat but before she has completed her tasks she feels the boat moving. It has been hijacked by 'Sam' a mercenary who is on the run. What follows is so heartbreaking as the two disclose to each other painful issues from their past which they have kept bottled up. It reminded me of the words of a song 'the people were saying, no two were ere wed, but one had a sorrow that never was said’ Irini wanted to tell her husband Petta about her traumatic past but the right time never happened. Sam also had issues from his childhood that he carried with him as well. We can see how the situation affected those left behind. The situation is resolved and we can hope that 'Sam' is at peace. Certainly Irini's financial worries are at an end and we realise that strangely being on the boat with the pirate 'was a wonderful thing' Highly recommended..
Profile Image for Susan.
28 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2015
A closer look at characters you've come to love.

As you read through the Greek Village stories, you come to feel as if you know these characters. Reading Watching the Wind Blow not only gives you more information about and draws you closer to Rini, but also challenges you to look beyond the surface and risk reaching out to others.

As usual, the characters are so well developed that they seem like old friends, and the story-telling draws you in, making it difficult to step away, even for a moment. Take a break from every day life and curl up with Watching the Wind Blow, and then think about who in your life could benefit from a gift of your time and willingness to listen to their story...to their heart.
Profile Image for Jenn.
11 reviews
February 9, 2015
an amazing story well told

Sometime after getting into the book I read it is based on a true life event. Can't imagine that.

There were difficult parts to read, tragedy and lifestyles I know nothing about. Or knew nothing about before reading this book.

Each book of this series has been great. I loved getting to see Irini's life up close, but what a day - no, two days she had! What a story.

Very moving. Graphic at times. Tender. Tense. I totally enjoyed this book. Love the character development of those whom you can like, dislike and learn to like.

Well told! Good read.
Profile Image for Sharon Scott.
190 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2016
Watching the wind blow was another fabulous story in the Greek Village series. It had a different flavor than the previous stories, but was a definite page turner. Absolutely loved the ending. And though to begin with, it was not my favorite in this series, I had to read it again, and really liked it better the second time around. The first time I read it, it didnt live up to my Greek Village expectation because it was about the character and not really about the village. Then I reread it and enjoyed it for the story and character.
12 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2015
I'm not sure how she does it but Sara Alexi continues to engage and entertain with her deeply moving characters and powerful yet gentle stories. This may be my favourite in Sara's Greel Village series because of its simplicity and its depth of emotion. when a book stirs me like this one did I celebrate the author's hard work and for my luck at finding her. Bravo Sara. Tonight I celebrate you along with Irini, Sam and especially Petta. More please.
Profile Image for Judy.
50 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2016
I have read all of Sara's books. This one was the only one I did not get pulled into right from the get go. Took me till chapter 3 to get involved but from there on I did not put it down till the end. I related to parts of it and cried at the humanity of it. The letter touched my soul. If this is your first Greek series books by Sara give it a chance. It is different yet still has the heart and soul that Sara always brings to the pages.
Profile Image for Abbie .
613 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2016
Harrowing and uplifting all at once

Sara Alexi keeps getting better and better. This novel is gritty, raw and sad at times. Like all the Greek village collection I have read so far, there is a moral to the stories. Live, breathe, try everything you can to be happy. If you're still not happy, do something about it.
I am so glad that my trips to the Greek islands are so inexpensive. At this price I can come back many time to visit my friends.
79 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
A bit different

I've read close to a dozen of Ms. Alexi's books. Watching the Wind Blow is a bit different from her others. It doesn't occur in the typical Greek village setting or in the past of the main character - but rather brings both onto the deck of the boat which is the scene of most of the story. Different - but extremely effective! Another worthwhile read from Sara Alexi!
Profile Image for Carol.
116 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2015
Wonderfully readable series. All the books give a feel for a small village or island in Greece. The people, the food, the way the society functions. All this interwoven with stories that relate to other tales in the series. Start with the first, settle in, and enjoy. These alone make kindle unlimited worth the price.
Profile Image for Rissi.
248 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2015
Oh, I hated for it to end but longed for the story to end with Irini's family surrounding her. Sara Alexi is so good at crafting a tale builiding fascinating, complex characters we can care about. I have avidly and happily read almost all her Greek Village series.
(book is in need of some editing, especially near the end.)
147 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2016
SAM

A normal day at work as a boat "cleaner" turns scary and then ends up being Irini's family's salvation! While not a light-hearted book, Alexi's characters and their interaction along with the outcome will give you pause, make you think and maybe even rethink a long held belief.

Enjoy!
20 reviews
April 6, 2016
Sara Alexi's Greek Village books are a window into a beautiful part of the world. Her characters are very real and you will feel you know them as your friends as they intertwine into each other's lives throughout the series. The books are a holiday to a place and people that not every one can travel to on an airplane...but anyone can travel there through the pages of her books. Enjoy the trip!
22 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2015
Another interesting story

This is the 3rd book I've read by Sara Alex I. All have been her Greek series and I have enjoyed everyone of them. Watching The Wind Blow has added twists to it and has been a very enjoyable read.
74 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2015
An emotional ride

Book 9 is one of the best in the series. There are no tricks here, just good story telling. Irini is a well developed character and Sam's story while sad is also inspiring.
2 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2015
Great read

Compassionate! Wonderful read, finally a unique story! I enjoyed each character as she brought them to life. Thought provoking about the human spirit and its ability to change and endure.
Profile Image for joan caryl jewitt.
251 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2016
An enjoyable read

When I first started reading this book, I didn't think I was going to like it but how wrong I was! I found it to be very thought provoking in that what happens in early life often shapes our future as the telling of Irini's + Sam's earlier life stories show.
Profile Image for Alan.
351 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2016
Best in the series in my opinion. This is a strong emotional story and quite different from previous and so enjoyable. So glad I " found " this author but she is distracting me from other things I should be doing.

Would have given it 6 stars if possible!!!!
Profile Image for Melanie.
15 reviews
February 14, 2015
Awesome read as expected

Sarah's Greek series takes you on a vacation to Greece. Her writing makes you feel you are there observing in the village...
16 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2015
Excellent

This is yet another excellent book in the series. It pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you there.
Profile Image for Dimitra.
110 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2015
Excellent read

This book made me tear up. Very different from the other books in the series. Highly recommend. Fascinating that it is based on a true story.
4 reviews
March 28, 2015
Another fabulous read. Sara's books are getting better and better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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