My March reading was a bit all over the place with the loss of my Papa. My focus was diminished, I spent time reminiscing rather than reading, and my audiobook listening fell off the map. But… but!… I still found comfort and joy in the pages of books. It was a beloved practice for my Papa and it is a beloved practice for me.
I also realized in putting together this list that I liked every single book I read in March. I cannot remember the last time that happened, so it is certainly worth celebrating.
Here is a rundown on everything I read:
Thank You for Listening: A recommendation from my two most trusted romance sources (hi and hello). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to Julia Whelan’s voice for many years and enjoyed this romance almost as much! The story follows Sewanee, an audiobook narrator contracted to bring to life one last project for a beloved author. For this project, she will work alongside the hottest (and most elusive) male narrator, Brock McNight. This story is sweet and cheesy with a good amount of depth. There are some coincidences that took a LOT of willing suspension of disbelief, but it was such a delight that I didn’t mind 🙂
Rabbit Hole: My latest read in a sub-genre I love: a story that analyzes true crime through a fictional and emotional lens. I am thankful it landed on my radar and still a bit scattered in my final thoughts. I loved the raw analysis of grief, but struggled with the weight of the darkness of the story and the animal cruelty. You can read my full review here — and though I am scattered, I definitely recommend it!
Anita de Monte Laughs Last: This is a vibrant novel that looks at so much: women in art, separating the art from the artist, and how history is recorded. The middle third of the story dragged for me, but I otherwise felt enthralled by the story and the incredible cast narration of the audiobook. I highly recommend and am aiming to pick up the author’s debut novel soon!
All the Sinners Bleed: A layered and gritty thriller that is action packed AND has *just* the right amount of literary writing, I loved All the Sinners Bleed. We are led through this story by Titus, a Black sheriff in small-town Virginia. After a shooting at the local high school, he discovers evidence that there is a serial killer in their midst. Apart from a chaotic ending, the plot is paced perfectly and had me hooked from start to finish. My one warning is that the novel is very violent. If you do pick it up, I highly recommend the audio copy. My full review is just over here.
The Postcard: A novel that sat atop my TBR for many months, I am thankful I finally read The Postcard. The prose is truly gorgeous and the story is remarkable. It felt fresh and different in the crowded market of World War II historical fiction. It focuses on legacy, anti-semetism in the world today, and lasting impact of trauma on families rather than any sort of plot. Though the themes are heavy, the novel is easy to read and digest. I loved it and highly recommend – I think it would make for a great book club pick, too!
Darling Girls: Sally Hepworth’s newest novel is dark, twisty, and combines her signature family dynamics and crime. Set in Australia and following three women raised in a beautiful on the outside but abusive on the inside foster home, this story is a dark but compelling. I liked the three women and particularly enjoyed their dynamic of sisterhood. However, I was a bit underwhelmed by the mystery elements of the story. I also struggled with the ending, which is neat and tidy. Not the book’s fault, but not what I wanted either 🙂
Tell me, what was your favorite read of the month? It is hard to choose this month as there isn’t one standout favorite but I think I’d go for All the Sinners Bleed.
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