Thursday, March 12, 2015

Review: The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

Title: The Violets of March
Author: Sarah Jio
Genre: Contemporary/Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 26th April 2011
Pages: 296
Book Source: Book win from Stacy @ Stacy's Books

Synopsis: In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after. 

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life. 

A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line, The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.

My Thoughts:
No secret, I love Sarah Jio's writing. Goodnight June was a favourite read last year. I loved The Bungalow & Morning Glory. The Violets of March was a favourite read of Stacy's and I was lucky enough to win a copy from her a few years ago, sadly it remained unread while I inhaled Sarah Jio's more recent works. 

I happen to love the delicate but hardy little violet flower with it's sweet, fleeting scent and some day I'd love to visit the beautiful Bainbridge Island. For now, I'm happy I pulled Sarah Jio's (very patient) debut off my bookshelf. 

In The Violets of March Emily retreats to her great-aunt Bee's home on Bainbridge Island with her marriage and writing career in tatters, hoping the beauty of the Puget Sound will heal and work its magic. The past seeps into the present and long kept secrets are slowly revealed as Emily gets caught up reading an old diary found in her nightstand. 

I really liked Bee and her dear friend Evelyn, and Jack too. And I was as consumed as Emily by Esther & Elliot's story, the secrets and mystery pulled me in ... betrayals, lost loves, forgiveness and second chances.

Another little treasure from Sarah Jio ... 

Cover: much love 




Connect with Sarah Jio




17 comments:

  1. Thanks for the push! I loved Goodnight June and have been really wanting to read this but for some reason keep walking past the copy that's on the shelves of my library. I'll definitely have to fix that! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Definitely worth reading Katherine, obviously Sarah's writing has evolved over the last few years but it's a lovely debut. Let me know what you think :)

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  2. This sounds good!! Glad you dusted it off your shelf for a read!!!!!!!!!

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  3. Wasn't this a good one? I loved it. Can still remember where and when I read it - on vacation in Arizona and wishing that I was on Bainbridge Island. Such a lovely story. Highly recommended by me.

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    1. Isn't it wonderful that the stories that really touch us stay with us like that!

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  4. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I did too, although it wasn't my favorite. Next on my Jio list are The Bungalow and Morning Glory!

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    1. YAY I'll be keeping an eye out for your thoughts on those two Brandie. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did but Goodnight June is still number one for me ;)

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  5. Mmmm I love the smell of violets. Yes agree, this was a good one, it's a fact many of the books we would love to read sit on our shelf and it takes a long time to get to them.... but we do! Loved this one too. I still have some more of hers to catch up on... one day!

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    1. I used to have violets growing in hanging baskets, might have to put a few seedlings in when it cools down a bit. And yes you're right about books waiting patiently, I have a few more I'm dying to read lol

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  6. I do want to read more of her books :)

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  7. I remember this book being everywhere when it first came out. I have yet to try her writing, scared I won't like it, but I'm getting closer and closer to do it.

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    1. I'll keep nagging you, I mean encouraging you Ryan lol

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  8. I haven't heard of Sarah before. Will check it out. Thanks

    Deb

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    1. I have favourites but all her books have been wonderful, she's now a go-to author for me :)

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  9. Well it's about time! ;) Glad you liked it. I loved Bainbridge Island and wanted to move there :)

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