Books to Read - March 2021

 

Read, Read, Read

Pixabay Photo - No Attribution Required 

It is March 2021.  Can you even believe it!  Let us rejoice.  A year ago, on March 16, 2020, those of us living in the Seattle, Washington shut down because of COVID 19.  Over the months, we have adapted and moved forward with strength, courage and are ready for Spring and Summer of 2021.  We feel the bounce in our steps as we eagerly look forward to flowers beginning to bloom, fresh air, rain showers to cleanse the air and vivid blue skies.  It is a glorious time of renewal.   

On a similar vein, I am wishing peace, love and calmness has entered your life.  Many are on edge, spinning out of control and filled with negativity. Their words are sharp, actions erratic and sometimes can be justified when change is fast and uncertain.  Others have struggled with conforming, reshaping, and figuring out new life paths.  Perchance, the brush of spring will settle the thorns and calm the mind and soul.  The vaccines are here, and life will begin again. 

In the meantime, maybe you have had a moment to read for pleasure.  Reading is a terrific way to learn about the past, understand history, feel emotions, focus on what is important in life and basically be transported to another era and place.  Currently, I am reading a book about the Civil War and the settling of the State of Texas.  It is a fascinating read and reminder of the horrors of the Civil War prior, afterwards, and beyond.   I am constantly prompted on what it takes to build, to create, to earn is always through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.  Nothing in life is easy and the more complex the better.  

Something to Ponder

Are you building and creating?  Or are you tearing people down, their ideas and thoughts.  Are you focusing on only self and frivolous goals?  Are you spreading love, joy, empathy and are aware of others?  

My March Picks

South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

If you loved Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber, you will enjoy South of the Buttonwood Tree.  The story commences with Blue Bishop who has a knack for discovering lost things. She is a nice person with a special skill though her family lineage is thought to be a curse.  On her daily travels through the woods she comes across a new born baby just south of the magical buttonwood tree.  A tree that leaves messages to those who believe.  

Sarah Grace Landreneau is at a crossroads in life.  She tries hard to do the right things as a young woman, vying for her mother's approval, but she has secrets that are meant to be kept secret.   

The discovery of the baby will bind Blue and Sarah together defining who they really are in the town of Buttonwood, Alabama.   

This is a heartwarming adventure with twists, turns and drama that keeps the reader eager to turn the page.  The magical charm, love, family, angst and life is captivating and memorable. 

"Perfect for the fans of Like Water for Chocolate and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe." - Bustle

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

Are you ready for a thriller that will have you turning the pages almost faster than you can read? The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse hits the mark and keeps you guessing until the finale. 

Elin Warner, a detective forced to take time off, and her boyfriend, attends her brother, Issac, and his fiancée, Laurie for their engagement celebration at Le Sommet in the Swiss Alps.  Le Sommet, formerly a sanatorium, has been renovated into a five-star minimalist hotel.  The interior is white, sanitized creepy with reminders of the former sanatorium.  The setting creates the chilly stage for the sudden disappearance of the fiancée, Laurie. 

The wind howls, snow falls in the Swiss-Alps as Elin is forced to use her detective skills to solve the mystery as other characters dwindle from the scene.   Everything is white, cold, and eerie.  A massive storm moves in, pressing everyone to stay together as the killer runs loose and the mountain rumbles. 

The pages will turn, your heart will race, tension will mount as you ponder who reigns as the evil villain.  This is a Reese Weatherspoon book club selection and is destined to be a film.  Mark my words.  The characters, setting and tale is the perfect winter storm of maleficence.  You will not be disappointed. 

"Pearse's The Sanatorium will keep you checking over your shoulder. This spine-tingling, atmospheric thriller has it all: an eerie alpine setting, sharp prose, and twists you'll never see coming. A must read."  - Richard Osman, international bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club. 

"Enjoy the blossoming of Spring. Beauty is all around. Capture it. Blessed are we who cherish every moment of each day." 

Happy International Women's Day!!! 

Until Next Time,

Kim