The Violets of March is a heartwarming story sure to please all who read it. This is a captivating bittersweet tale with genuine charm and beautiful writing. These rich, well-crafted characters will capture your heart.
The main protagonist, Emily, rediscovers and takes control of her life. In her twenties she had a best-selling novel and a perfect husband and was living the dream.
Ten years later, her husband left her for the usual reason-another woman-. An invitation from her free-spirit great aunt Bee took her to Bainbridge Island in Washington State, longing for healing by the sea and do research for her next book. She discovers a red velvet diary, written in 1943 that turns her life around.
Emily is fascinated to discover the life of woman named Esther who lived on the island in 1943. Emily becomes completely addicted to Esther's story as it reveals a passionate love between her and man named Elliot and the energy of their marriage. There is adultery, betrayal and mystery so thick she couldn’t begin to tear herself away from this journal. To Emily's amazement, she begins to see links into her own family and her own childhood that never made sense to her then. Esther's story brings information to light that seem to fill in pieces like a puzzle being slowly put together and then to see the full finished picture. Finding the love of her life sends her spinning out of control and for all those keeping dark secrets on the island.
I love these starting over, life-changing, soulful reads that seem to test our capacity to love and allow ourselves to be loved. It’s all about finding yourself and your true “authentic self”. The richness of the setting and Emily’s heartfelt anguish feel so very real and relatable. Her triumph is our triumph!
THIS BOOK HAS A BEAUTIFUL SOUL I can understand all of these wonderful reviews singing this book’s praises. This is a great book with an important message that separates the bone from its marrow. A good friend of mine handed me this book and insisted, “Read this! It will change your life!” So I did and now I’ve ordered two more copies, one for me to keep and one to gift. If I had to sum up this book with only one word it would have to be “empowering”. Even under the direst of circumstances these characters are trying to make a difference. From the bustling Metropolis and picturesque, romantic City of Paris to the quaint rolling hills of peaceful St. Remy de Provence, I so desperately wanted to be the main protagonist, shattered past and all! I can’t find the right words to express how I feel. It is almost a feeling of being sprinkled with fairy dust, a touch of magic. This isn’t exactly a mystery being that the killer is exposed early on but more of a suspense because you want so badly for him to suffer and get his just desserts! It’s hard to find something that is not already covered in all of these reviews and that won’t give too much away to spoil the reading for you. I feel that I have to say something because I so enjoyed this lovely, memorable book. I give10 stars for the stunning setting, the memorable and three-dimensional characters, the exciting plot, the empowering theme, the eloquent, tasteful, empathetic writing and the inspiration that makes the world a better place. This excellent, intoxicating book has so many virtues that it is hard to limit the words to a short review. THIS BOOK HAS A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. This is a powerful drama, laced with humor, wisdom and tenacity, featuring smart, strong, dignified, and bold characters redefining their lives in the face of daunting adversity. It is a searing, moving novel of liberation with a colorful, exotic background. The author captured the importance of “home”, be it people, or be it place, but home is always where you are cared about and feel a sense of “comfort”. I was fascinated by the French culture that was so vividly detailed and the whole adventure of fixing up the chateau. There is a message, among so many sprinkled hither and yon that even if you are up to your eyeballs in turmoil and strife, live through it like a victor, not a victim. Another good message I felt was that if you are struggling with anger at God for your pitiful existence, read this book! Then, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! If only the world could find a way to live in harmony, free of judgment, free of scrutiny and take the blinders off to see people at “heart-value”. There are so many nuggets of wisdom to chew on that will impact your life in this beautiful story of healing and courage. This book was the highlight of my summer reading. I feel that my life is enriched by having read this exceptional gem of a book and feel it necessitates a thank you note to the author!
