Review of The Violets of March

Synopsis in a Sentence: A thirty something woman, Emily, reeling from a painful divorce decides to seek rest and refuge across the country with her aunt in Washington State, but finds herself embroiled in several mysteries instead.

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing novel! It definitely kept my interest and I found myself turning the pages until well after dark on a few nights :). 

First of all, Emily is a pretty likable heroine...we can all identify with having a broken heart and what healing it entails. She finds out that her seemingly "perfect" husband has been cheating on her, and decides to flee New York City for the sanctuary of Bainbridge Island, off the coast of Washington. Her great aunt Bee lives there and tries to help Emily make sense of her life again. In her great aunt's quaint cottage, Emily happens upon a red velvet diary, which holds a delicious mystery concerning her aunt as well as other characters. She sets out to solve the mystery, discovering a new romance along the way.

What I liked:

The mystery itself was intriguing, if a little confusing. I had to go back and re-read a few parts to make sure that I figured it out correctly. I also loved the descriptions of Bainbridge Island...it sounds like such a beautiful place and the imagery used by the author made me feel like I was there. The cover art is what attracted me originally to the book...take a look above, it really is lovely! Who says you shouldn't judge a book by its cover?!

What I didn't love:

The romance between Emily and her new man seemed a little contrived and rushed given her recent, crushing divorce. The pair fall in love in a mere several weeks...but I guess there's nothing wrong with a little love at first sight! 

Review of The Wednesday Letters

Synopsis in a Sentence: After the death of their parents, Jack and Laurel, three adult children try to cope with their loss, while uncovering family secrets along the way.

My Thoughts:

What a quaint and charming book written by author Jason F. Wright! The best kinds of books are the ones which inspire deep feelings within you, and this novel did that for me.

First of all, I love the cover- a deep, rich red with a vintage feel to it. I sort of felt like I might find this book in an antique store, hidden away like a delicious secret next to other dusty, time worn tomes. For those of you, like me, who like to read certain types of books during certain seasons of the year, or even in different types of weather- this is a perfect novel to read around Valentine's Day, which is what I did, even though I am posting about it in April! (I'll slap my hand later for being behind on my reviews again!)

The characters. Jack and Laurel: the two lovebirds. Matthew, Samantha and Malcolm: the three adult children struggling to cope with their parents deaths and find some redemption for themselves in the process. After their parents die in one another's arms at their bed and breakfast, the trio find stacks of love letters that Jack wrote to Laurel throughout the course of their marriage. I won't spoil it, but a shocking family secret is revealed in the letters, prompting them to question everything they know about themselves and their faith.

This book will make you laugh and cry-but most of all, it will inspire you. A sweet, little book about the power of love, faith, family and forgiveness...

Unfortunately, my husband already said "no" to my request for Wednesday letters, but perhaps you will have better luck with your hubby! Slip him this book and it's possible his views on romance and your relationship will change forever :). *Sigh*