50 in 2012: Book Thirty Six

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Part mystery, part love story…a touching tale that illustrates the undying fortitude of true love. I could not put it down.

Shortly following her divorce and less than graceful fall from prior bestselling novelist glory, Emily Wilson retreats to her great-aunt Bee’s home on Bainbridge Island. As she settles in for her first night’s stay, she discovers a red velvet journal hidden in her nightstand. Intrigued, she begins to read. However, the names remain a complete mystery to her and she finds herself immediately invested in the woman’s words.

As Emily meets more and more of the islanders, she begins to question their suspicious glances and behaviors. Her Aunt also appears to be hiding something. It isn’t until her Aunt’s best friend mentions that the journal was destined for her eyes that she begins to suspect something much bigger is going on, but what is everyone hiding?

Multiple layers of love and betrayal lead to a life altering realization and closure for people who had been haunted by choices made years before…so so good. Super fast read. Sarah Jio is the bomb diggity, really loving her style. AMAZING!!