Hello, fellow readers! I’m not sure I’ll get to say this again, but despite a completely miserable and toxic month in the news, my March reading was calmly solid. I only had one book I didn’t finish, am fully immersed in a fabulous fantasy series, and read six books that were successful (3.5 stars or above).
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Published by Simon & Schuster
Publication date: March 4, 2025
Genres: Book Clubs, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Vacation Reading 
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I have a bit of an unusual situation with this book. Broken Country is beautifully written and explores the various aspects of grief, love, and forgiveness. I stopped reading it at 60% when a key element was introduced that killed my interest. A particular topic that makes me really judge-y. But so many people enthused about the book that I gave it another try. Still didn’t like choices made by the main characters, but it is extremely well-done. I’ll definitely be looking to see what this author does next.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon: I’m re-reading this fantasy series with a friend and loving it even more the 2nd time around. My review
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerreo: Review to follow
Dear Edward: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel by Ann Napolitano
Published by Dial Press
Publication date: January 6, 2020
Genres: Book Clubs, Fiction, Childhood, Coming-of-age 
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A commercial flight goes down in Colorado. There is only one survivor, a 12-year-old boy. Dear Edward is his arduous story of recovery from surviving the loss of everyone in his family. While the pain in this beautiful novel goes deep, it does end with hope.
Heartwood by Amity Gaige: Review to follow
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay: Loved this sequel. My review
I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman
Published by Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: December 3, 2024
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I Might be in Trouble begins as a macabre, fast paced, comedic thriller when struggling author, David awakens in his bed after a one night stand to find the man dead next to him. This is not a gruesome case of murder per se, the man appears to be asleep, but is no longer alive after a night of wild party with David. In his confusion and desire to save whatever scraps of his reputation are left, David calls, not the police, but his agent Stacy. Here begins a wild tale of a dead body and two people frantic to simply get it back where it belongs.
This fast paced but slow burn suspense novel is so well done that at 3/4 of the way through there’s a small detail so huge in its impact I gasped out loud. That the author was able to slip this in subtly and yet have it have such an outsized impact is one of the reasons I enjoyed this novel. Once the drama wraps up, there is an abrupt change shift to a more introspective ending. For some this will be too incongruous and is going to dampen their enthusiasm for the novel, but Aleman did a good enough job with his story that I was able to appreciate his character’s self-reflection at the end.
That’s a wrap for March reading. How was your month?
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*I received a free copy of this book from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.*
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