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A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.
In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.
Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.
A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line, The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.
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angeleyesAS
Posted June 15, 2011
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The Violets of March is a delightful intricate family saga about secrets that join the past with the present. Emily, the main protagonist, is a best-selling author who is suffering from writer's block after her husband leaves her (for the usual reason) after ten years. Emily escapes from New York City and takes refuge for a while with her eccentric Great Aunt Bee on Bainbridge Island in Washington. While doing research for her new book she comes across an old diary written by a woman named Esther in 1943. Things aren't the way they seem and there are many dark secrets to be found out. The truth behind Esther's tragic disappearance will keep you guessing until the very end. But it's so worth the suspense until then. The mystery slowly unravels as relationships expand, especially that of a former teenage involvement who still lives on the Island and a handsome painter who is a mystery unto himself. There's unexpected romance and as secrets are revealed Emily's world is turned upside down as she discovers her real self. This is a treasure!
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Emily Wilson had it all. Married to a GQ handsome hubby, bestselling author her life was picture perfect. Suddenly, it was all over. Her husband leaves her for another woman and her best-seller writing career is going know where because she has writers block. Where can she go? She decides to go back to one of her favorite places in the world, Bainbridge Island, where she spent her summers growing up visiting her Aunt Bee.
There to deal with the loss of her marriage and hopefully to find some inspiration for a new book, what she finds instead is an Island full of secrets and two love interests. Love interest number one is Greg, an old high school boyfriend and the other good looking local artist, Jack. While figuring out her own love life, she stumbles onto an old diary dated from 1943. As Emily begins reading the story of diary, she finds her own life to have parallels to the author, Ester's, life. Emily begins to realize the sort of love she wants and deserves. Feeling so close to Ester, she realizes she must solve the mystery, but the more Emily learns the more questions arise.
I have a very messy house right now, because I could hardly put this book down. I read it in one day and that is not an easy feat in my home. When I read the journal entries (which are more of a story within a story) I felt transported to another era. I was completely engaged in the story and lost track of time. The descriptions are very well written. I could smell the salty air and I could feel Emily's frustration. The entire time I was trying to figure out the puzzle of the story and I could not figure it out. I wanted the mystery solved, but at the same time I didn't want the story to end.
This book has goosebump moments and brought me to tears! I LOVED this book! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading!
This is Jio's debut novel. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. And this is a book I will read again and I almost never do that!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.6883361
Posted May 16, 2011
I loved this book! I took a chance when I read a good review in a magazine and I was not disappointed. This book has suspense, romance, and a plot that moves along at a nice pace without being predictable. The author is talented and I look forward to her next novel!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Sarah Jio's debut novel, "The Violets of March" is a wonderful story, set on beautiful Bainbridge Island, in Washington. Jio's characters are throughly believable and the plot develops beautifully. I loved the aspect of a story within a story, via a diary. It is such an integral part of the story, but flows WITH the story. The lovely description of the setting of Bainbridge Island allowed me to immerse myself in the book and feel i was there. A great story, a lovely setting. Let yourself just enjoy it!
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 3, 2011
I picked this book by chance and could not put it down! I definitely recommend it.Happy Reading!!!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.robinakers
Posted December 30, 2011
This is a great book. You may think you'll know how it ends but you don't & you'll spend reading the entire book trying to figure out who is who but well worth the read. Couldn't put it down.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I absolutely loved this story...couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it to EVERYONE!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was recommended on Facebook by Jodi Picoult, & since I love Jodi's books I decided to try it. I'm so glad I did! I loved the book, kept me interested on every page, & I hated to see it end. I will definitely be looking for more books by Sarah Jio!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ChloBugsMeme
Posted July 16, 2011
This is a story that involves family, friendship and lost love. Has there ever been two people in your life that you cared for? One, the dependable, caring but somewhat dull person everyone thinks is good for you. The other, one that is also a good and caring person, but not quite as dependable. There are skyrockets going off in your head every time you are near them. You find youself unble to carry on a decent sentence, not to mention clumsy. These are the two men Emily Wilson encounters, not once but twice in her life. When her husband decides he should marry another woman, Emily makes the trip for a month long stay with her dear aunt Bee. Here she meets two men, one she knew from her past, the other only a chance encounter. It is also here that she makes the mysterious discovery of a red velvet diary. One that leaves her with more questions than answers about her family. She simply cannot stop reading the diary written by a young woman named Esther. The more she searches for answers the more she learns the truth about herself, her family and her new love. The characters in this books are well written and well rounded. Each have their own special mystery to be learned in the end. You won't be able to put it down.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mama-H
Posted July 17, 2011
Great story line, intriguing characters. Can't wait for Sarah's next book! A sequel maybe??
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I am an avid reader. I love to read. I love to read all sorts of genres. I have been asked over the years, "what is your favorite book," well I don't have one. There are just too many good ones out there. But from now on I have an answer. I will from now on answer, "The Violets of March by Sarah Jio."
Emily Wilson had it all. Married to a GQ handsome hubby, bestselling author her life was picture perfect. Suddenly, it was all over. Her husband leaves her for another woman and her best-seller writing career is going know where because she has writers block. Where can she go? She decides to go back to one of her favorite places in the world, Bainbridge Island, where she spent her summers growing up visiting her Aunt Bee.
There to deal with the loss of her marriage and hopefully to find some inspiration for a new book, what she finds instead is an Island full of secrets and two love interests. Love interest number one is Greg, an old high school boyfriend and the other good looking local artist, Jack. While figuring out her own love life, she stumbles onto an old diary dated from 1943. As Emily begins reading the story of diary, she finds her own life to have parallels to the author, Ester's, life. Emily begins to realize the sort of love she wants and deserves. Feeling so close to Ester, she realizes she must solve the mystery, but the more Emily learns the more questions arise.
I have a very messy house right now, because I could hardly put this book down. I read it in one day and that is not an easy feat in my home. When I read the journal entries (which are more of a story within a story) I felt transported to another era. I was completely engaged in the story and lost track of time. The descriptions are very well written. I could smell the salty air and I could feel Emily's frustration. The entire time I was trying to figure out the puzzle of the story and I could not figure it out. I wanted the mystery solved, but at the same time I didn't want the story to end.
This book has goosebump moments and brought me to tears! I LOVED this book! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading!
This is Jio's debut novel. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. And this is a book I will read again and I almost never do that!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 5, 2012
I was captivated by this story.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 6, 2012
Unexpected and certainly had me guessing. It's not very long but it's just as intriguing as a longer book. Loved it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JGarrison
Posted July 25, 2012
I picked this little gem up at an used bookstore and so glad I gave it a chance. Beautiful story, wonderfully written, and was truly taken on a journey!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 10, 2012
Love this book interesting characters easy to read couldnt wait to finish it i will definitely read other books from this author
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Bookworm40FL
Posted June 26, 2012
LOVED this book.....I first read "Bungalow" and immediately purchased this one when I finished.
I was sad when it ended because I just wanted it to keep going.
Her writing draws you into the plot and makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the story.
A MUST READ!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mergatroy
Posted June 18, 2012
Very interesting, London in the Blitz. Loved it!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 18, 2012
I cruised through this novel, because it's such a simple, sweet story. Not heavy, just a great read that leaves you feeling good.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 30, 2012
Just didn't enjoy this book. Too simple.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AlanaCA
Posted May 3, 2012
Amazing story! You will be immediately drawn into the characters lives. Sarah Jio has a gift!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.
In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.
Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, ...