March was a fun month of reading for me and I have been looking forward to writing this post as a result. I truly enjoyed everything I read and emphatically recommend each book for a different reason. To recap, I read 6 books in January, 4 books in February, and picked back up with 5 in March. While I enjoyed all of the books I read, my hands down favorite was Remarkably Bright Creatures. I would not normally pick this for myself–I was actually supposed to read it for a book club, and I am *so* glad I read it! Keep scrolling for a synopsis of each book and my rating for each.
See my favorite reads from 2022 here and check out all of what I’ve read here.
5 Books I Read in March 2023
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
SYNOPSIS
Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend and current rival, is attending doesn’t dampen her excitement.
But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell–they must all complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal. Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate, including Roza’s erratic behavior, Wren’s cruel mind games, and the alleged haunting of the mansion itself. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. With the clock running out, she must discover the truth–or suffer the same fate.
A claustrophobic and propulsive thriller exploring the dark side of female relationships and fame, The Writing Retreat is the unputdownable debut novel from a compelling new talent.
MEGHAN’S THOUGHTS AND RATING
- Were there parts that were predictable? Yes. Did I still fly through it? Also, yes. This book was a good thriller–there were parts that made it hard to know what was true v. fantasy and I appreciated the pace.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maame by Jessica George
SYNOPSIS
It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.
When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts” She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it’s not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils–and rewards–of putting her heart on the line.
Smart, funny, and deeply affecting, Jessica George’s Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism, to female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship. Most important, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures―and it celebrates finally being able to find where you belong.
MEGHAN’S THOUGHTS AND RATING
- I just adored this book. I kept rooting for Maddie and felt protective over her from her mother and brother. Her evolvement through the story kept the story going–I really flew through this. Highly recommend this heartwarming story!
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
SYNOPSIS
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors–until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
MEGHAN’S THOUGHTS AND RATING
- While it started a bit slow for me, I ended up not being able to put it down for the last half. It is such a great story of friendship, family, while being quirky, charming, and a tad bit of a mystery at times. It is such an endearing story. Highly recommend added it to your TBR.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
SYNOPSIS
Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has made a career out of putting others before herself. When an unexpected upheaval sends her away from her hectic job in L.A. and back to her hometown, Georgie must confront an uncomfortable truth: her own wants and needs have always been a disconcertingly blank page.
But then Georgie comes across a forgotten artifact–a “friendfic” diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined. To an overwhelmed Georgie, the diary’s simple, small-scale ideas are a lifeline–a guidebook for getting started on a new path.
Georgie’s plans hit a snag when she comes face to face with an unexpected roommate–Levi Fanning, onetime town troublemaker and current town hermit. But this quiet, grouchy man is more than just his reputation, and he offers to help Georgie with her quest. As the two make their way through her wishlist, Georgie begins to realize that what she truly wants might not be in the pages of her diary after all, but right by her side–if only they can both find a way to let go of the pasts that hold them back.
Honest and deeply emotional, Georgie, All Along is a smart, tender must-read for everyone who’s ever wondered about the life that got away . . .
MEGHAN’S THOUGHTS AND RATING
- I thought this was such a precious book. It was heartwarming, endearing, steamy in parts, and I just loved Georgie as the heroine. Being from a small town originally, I related to so much of their stories. And, let’s be real, Hank is the real star of the show. I loved it! Levi deserves everything and just… so cute. Such a good read.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
SYNOPSIS
There’s a cottage on a cliff. Gabe and Pippa’s dream home in a sleepy coastal town. But their perfect house hides something sinister. The tall cliffs have become a popular spot for people to end their lives. Night after night Gabe comes to their rescue, literally talking them off the ledge. Until he doesn’t.
When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral…Did the victim jump? Was she pushed?
And would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate…lie? As the perfect facade of their marriage begins to crack, the deepest and darkest secrets begin to unravel.
MEGHAN’S THOUGHTS AND RATING
- I was hooked from the beginning–truly couldn’t put it down once I picked it up! Lots of twists and turns & every time I thought I had it figured out… there was another turn I wasn’t expecting.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
