#459 ~ The Violets of March

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

Published by: Plume

Published on: April 2011

Page Count: 304

Genre: Women’s Fiction

My Reading Format: Paperback copy sent to me by the publisher for consideration

Available Formats: Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook

My Review

Emily Wilson, a literary one hit wonder, is divorcing a husband she seemed to feel underneath was too good for her. He moved in with another woman and, kicking her while she was down, sent her an invitation to his second wedding before the ink was dry on their divorce papers. To keep her from wallowing in all that was going wrong with her life, her best friend encourages her to leave New York City and take time to heal. Emily chooses to visit her Aunt Bee on Bainbridge Island off the coast from Seattle. She’s always wondered about some tension within the family and thought perhaps by investigating her family’s past she could reignite her desire to write. What she discovers on the Island is more complicated than that and it will change everything.

When I want a cozy read, what I’m looking to do is to follow a character working through issues through to a happier, richer life. The Violets of March is an excellent example of just that kind of book. Sarah Jio created a character I could root for in Emily. I wanted her to be happy. She deserved it. Jio also made the setting as magical as it was mysterious. I was ready and willing if not able to jump on the next plane to Seattle to spend time on Bainbridge Island. Reading the book at Myrtle Beach was the next best thing.

I wish I had found the time to read Sarah Jio before this summer, but it’s never too late to read a wonderful book that makes you feel good about life. That’s what The Violets of March is. I am looking forward reading more from this author.

At 2012.08.29 07:07, Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com said:

I liked this one too. Totally a cozy read. Well said.

[Reply]

At 2012.08.29 07:09, bermudaonion(Kathy) said:

I’m kind of embarrassed that I haven’t read Jio’s work yet because so many people I know love it.

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At 2012.08.29 08:58, Natalie ~ the Coffee and a Book Chick said:

I also have delayed on this book for quite some time. I’ve only heard such beautiful praise about it, not sure what I’m delaying for.

At 2012.08.29 20:31, Patti Smith said:

I read a review of her brand new book just this morning. I’ve had this one on my WishList for too long as well Sounds great!

At 2012.08.29 21:33, Krista said:

I guess I will need to buy this on the iPad and read it

At 2012.08.30 09:42, Nise' said:

I loved this one as well. Hope you get to visit Bainbridge Island it is beautiful! My brother lived there for years, he moved because of the Ferry traffic and I was so mad. LOL. He still lives close. I look forward to Jio’s third book due out soon.

At 2012.08.30 11:38, Alyce said:

I’ve seen nothing but good reviews for this book, and like that you said it was a cozy read with a happy ending. I definitely have times when I’m in the mood for those.

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At 2012.08.30 12:06, Karen White said:

I loved this book, too. I have a weakness for books set on those West Washington state islands for some reason.

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At 2012.08.31 12:29, Julie said:

I loved this one. I loved the mystery surrounding it all. In The Bungalow, there’s a mystery but for the romance took the lead. I have her newest, Blackberry Winter, staring at me as of yesterday.

At 2012.10.01 07:01, #476 ~ Blackberry Winter said:

[...] first read Sarah Jio this summer during my vacation. The Violets of March made for a perfect beach read, leaving me looking forward to my next read. When Blackberry Winter [...]