Greetings, book lovers! As I bid goodbye to March and welcome the blooming joys of April, it's time to reflect on the literary adventures that have captivated my mind and stirred my soul over the past month. March proved to be an absolute whirlwind of reading, with a delightful array of genres and narratives gracing my bookshelves. From spine-tingling thrillers to heart warming romances, each book I encountered brought its own unique magic to the table, earning a coveted spot in my collection of 5-star reads.
As a dedicated book blogger, I relish the opportunity to immerse myself in the vast tapestry of storytelling that spans across genres, authors, and perspectives. March presented me with a smorgasbord of literary delights, each one offering a fresh perspective, a new adventure, and a chance to escape into worlds both familiar and fantastical.
From the moment I opened the first page of my March reads, I was transported to far-off lands, introduced to unforgettable characters, and swept up in narratives that kept me eagerly turning pages long into the night. Whether I was unravelling the mysteries of a gripping thriller, basking in the warmth of a heart warming romance, or exploring the depths of human emotion through a poignant literary masterpiece, each book left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
But enough preamble – it's time to unveil the treasures that graced my bookshelves in March. From pulse-pounding page-turners to soul-stirring sagas, each book has earned its place among my favourites, and I can't wait to share my thoughts and recommendations with you all.
So, dear readers, prepare to embark on a literary journey like no other as we delve into the captivating tales, compelling characters, and unforgettable moments that made March a month to remember. Buckle up, grab your favourite reading nook, and join me as we explore the wondrous world of books read in March – I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Until next time, happy reading!
Love Alis x
Title: The Pieces Of Us
Author: Caroline Montague
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Orion
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 440
Format: Paperback supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Marina and Hugh were once madly in love. But after the loss of their beautiful little daughter, grief has created a distance between them that feels impossible to bridge. Marina knows leaving Italy is the only way they will be able to move on, but Thorncliffe Hall, Hugh's family home in England, is so grey and unwelcoming. Just when life feels like it may never regain colour, Marina and Hugh come across a striking china coffee pot in a London shop window, adorned with a fox flying through the night sky. The coffee pot comes attached with a mystery, one that is connected with Hugh's own family many years ago. By digging into the past, Marina is about to discover a story far beyond her wildest dreams. But will the past help her heal the present?
My Thoughts: Caroline Montague is a wizard with words. The Pieces Of Us begins with a poignant and impactful start, setting a tone that truly resonated with me. The intense descriptions made me feel as If I was actually there as a bystander.
The book moves back and forth in time making both timelines come to life.
The characters are well developed with flaws and secrets. I particularly liked where the character of the past was able to start healing a character in the present.
The book moved like a flower opening from bud one petal at a time. Just giving enough but leaving you knowing there is much more to come until everything is revealed.
The pieces of us truly had it all emotion in spades, secrets untold, a mystery unfolding. I was invested in the past and the present right until the very end where the book still had the ability to make me cry. A 5-star book for lovers of history, romance and for books with dual points of view and one I highly recommend.
Title: The Journey Continues
Author: Sara Ann Key
Genre: Biography
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 164
Format: Paperback supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I lived it and highly recommend
About Book: Acknowledging our own Spirit, the eternal part of self, has a wonderful liberating effect on our awareness as there we can see who we really are and what we need to achieve whilst here on earth.
Drawing from real life events, Sara chronicles each challenging life event and explores from personal experience how to overcome these challenges.
A deeply heartfelt and honest read, the reader is sure to come through changed.
My Thoughts: The Journey Continues by Sara Ann Key is the 2nd book I have read by the author the first being The Journey and although they can read independently, I strongly advise that you read both as they are like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that fit together.
I am not sure everyone reads the preface of a book, but I always do, and the words written strongly resonated with me and they definitely set the tone with reasons in a profound way.
As I read The Journey Continues the words felt honest and raw but also heart warming and deeply insightful, and you could tell the author had put her heart and soul into the book, which enabled me to connect with what Sara Ann Key was talking about on an emotional level.
My favourite quote was ‘The most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Belief in ourselves, self-confidence, self-awareness, self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-love.
What makes "The Journey Continues" a must read is Sara Ann Key's commitment to authenticity. She bares her soul on the pages of this memoir, which allowed me to connect with her on a deeply personal level. In a world filled with superficiality, Key's vulnerability is a refreshing reminder of the beauty found in embracing one's true self.
In conclusion, "The Journey Continues" is full of introspection and self-discovery. Sara Ann Key's memoir is not just a book; it is an experience that has the power to change lives. Through her honest storytelling, Key reminded me of the importance of acknowledging our own spirit and embracing the journey of self-discovery. This is a book that deserves to be savoured, cherished, and shared, a great read in every sense of the word.
Title: The Mark Of The Salamander
Author: Justin Newland
Genre: Historical
Series: The Island Of Angels series Book 1 of 2
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 256
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest reviewStar Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: 1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.
Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hoards of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.
My Thoughts: The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland is book 1 of The Island of Angels duology and the first book I have read by Justin Newland. I love a historical novel and as soon as I saw the description, I knew it was a book for me.
Nelan the main protagonist and his epic journey through the book just jumps of the page at you a testament to Newlands writing as it draws you in. To me, although Nelan has had a difficult time since having to run away, he comes across as someone older than his years and noticeably confident with his ability to manage as well as he does is astounding. I was rooting for his character all the way through the book.
I loved the elements of the book when Nelan was on board ship, the descriptions often felt eerie, as if you were watching the actions take place. Newland weaves the historical elements with the mystical along with integrating elements of Queen Elizabeths court and the famous Sir Francis Drakes voyage making The Mark of the Salamander an unforgettable read. I could feel the tension building as the book progressed through the twists and turns of the book.
A great 5 ***** read and one I highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
Title: Wesley
Author: SM Reeve
Genre: Thriller
Series: Anna Croix series
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 30
Format: e book supplied to me by the author as I have a starring role as the Doctor (Look out for Alis Page)
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: This new life was supposed to be easy. Then I met Anna. Then I met Spike.
Heaven help me.
My Thoughts: Wesley is a short story and a backdrop to the Anna Croix series telling us a little more on the characters. I love these short story snippets because they give me a little more on the characters we love so well. SM Reeve quickly became a favourite author of mine her Anna Croix series are action packed thrillers and Wesley is part of that I do have another reason for loving it as Alis the doctor is based on my character and how proud am I of that. I do hope SM Reeve develops this story further.
Title: Dark Shadow
Author: Simon Dinsdale
Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
Series: A Detective Christian Danes Thriller Book 1 of 2
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 246
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced. He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered. As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer. Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help. The detective finally identifies a suspect and aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
My Thoughts: Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is book 1 of 2 in the Detective Christian Dane series. I found the book easy to follow as the prose flowed systematically. The characters were well defined, and I settled into the book right from the start. However, you could still feel there were secrets about the main protagonists that was waiting to unfold.
I also enjoyed the elements of the private lives that were intertwined within the story it makes it all feel more realistic.
I did wonder at the point of DCS Grant in the story as he only ever did one thing and then he stopped appearing. However, this did not hinder the overall story.
Dinsdale’s diligence in and understanding of police procedures shines through and makes the story more believable.
The partnership between Dane and Cross is compelling, and for me adds a layer of depth and with every twist and turn Dinsdale kept me guessing right until the end.
In conclusion Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is a must read for fans of crime fiction with authentic portrayal of police procedure that make this an easy book to recommend.
Title: The Giveaway Girl
Author: Chrissie Bradshaw
Genre: Saga Romance
Series: The Kelly Family book 3 of 3
Publisher: Vallum Publishing
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 328
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot, and recommend
About Book: Joy’s world is turned upside down when she discovers she was given away as a newborn. She runs away from her home in Australia to go in search of her birth family in Northumberland, England. Coming face-to-face with the Kelly family ignites Joy’s envy of her sister, Rose, and she plunges into a tailspin of mistakes and heartache. Joy’s trouble-strewn journey is set in the sixties, a time of freedom and promise. She sees that popular culture and attitudes are changing, yet she still hides the shame of being the giveaway girl. What will it take for her to accept the events of the past, come to understand the meaning of love and discover her true worth?
My Thoughts: The Giveaway Girl by Chrissie Bradshaw is a romance book about a young girl who finds out she was given away as a newborn. This is the third book in the Kelly family series, and is the first book I have read, it can be read as a standalone as I wasn’t confused by anything that may have been written prior. Bradshaw delicately crafts a narrative that looks at families, secrets, and the journey of Joy to find out where she comes from and understand why this has happened to her.
The emotional journey for Joy is raw and draws you in, although at times I did not like her. However, the complexity of the situation was brought to life and the twists and turns of love, burdens and misunderstanding became an emotional roller-coaster.
The one thing that was not truly clear for me was that if I had not been told the story took place in the 1960’s I would not have known that there were a couple of clear references, but it didn’t always ring true for me and I would have loved to see more.
With all that said this for me is still a 4**** read with Bradshaws ability to tell a story make The Giveaway Girl a compelling read for those of you who love books about family and romance.
Title: The Asymmetric Man
Author: Alex Rushton
Genre: Romance, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Series: Book 1 of 3 The Blake Carter Series
Publisher: Scriptora
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 359
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Embark on a gripping journey of sacrifice and self-discovery in The Asymmetric Man, a thrilling tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War. Follow Blake, a young recruit turned undercover agent, as he navigates the treacherous world of espionage, survival, and forbidden love. From war-ravaged Saigon to seemingly impenetrable jungle and the tranquillity of a Buddhist monastery, this riveting novel explores the power of recognising and embracing one's true calling, no matter the cost.
My Thoughts: The Asymmetric man by Alex Rushton is an action, adventure thriller and I found it intriguing fight from the start wanting to know more about the characters which I think is a testament to Rushton’s writing.
The vivid descriptions effortlessly transported me to the places providing a clear sensory experience bringing the narrative to life. The build-up of momentum during key moments was brilliant as I could almost feel the adrenalin soaring through the protagonist’s veins. I loved the dual timeline it offered a much more insight into Blake Carter enabling me to piece together connections and events more clearly.
There was only one negative for me, Hoa once married does not appear much which felt like although there was a start and an end for her that was not much in the middle. However, this is an extremely minor point and did not detract from the story or reduce the overall star rating.
The descriptions of the time in the jungle were perceptive and I could feel the intense drama with each turn of the page. This continued right until the end where the book became a powerhouse of emotion.
In conclusion, The Asymmetric Man was a book full of enlightenment and emotion that keeps you interested right until the very end. The drama ebbs and flows and you are not sure what is going to happen next. A true 5 ***** read that although the book is down as an action, adventure, thriller, romance book it is so much more than that.
Title: 17 Alma Road
Author: Ian Gouge
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Coverstory Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 226
Format: E book supplied to me by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating; 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: A house filled with history and secrets is more than mere bricks and mortar; not only a mirror on the past, it can also be a window to the future.
My Thoughts: 17 Alma Road by Ian Gouge is a contemporary fiction book. It starts of in a confusing was, so much so that I had to re-read the first couple of pages and go back to the synopsis to try to understand what I was reading. Them the book settled down and came into its own mixing history with the current period, unravelling secrets making me feel that the house had its own personality at times. But this was a home and if like me you have lived in a house for a very long time you will know what I mean. The book does suffer from some pacing issues at times, but Gouge brings the book to a satisfactory conclusion with a surprise at the end.
If any of the books have inspired you to purchase them, please click on the links provided, I do earn a small commission from you purchasing and thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to contact me, you can via email at apagebookclub@gmail.com or via instagram at https://instagram.com/alisbookstagram_
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