Another month, another round of fantastic books! March includes plenty of romance, a few thrillers, some great nonfiction, and more. If you’ve been wanting to try audio, now is the time (so many good narrators, like Mae Whitman, Marin Ireland, and Lauren Graham). I’ve included a note on the ones I think would work especially well in that format, and if you use code KATHARINE, you can get two LibroFM audiobooks for the price of one! Now, onto the books…
In this month’s newsletter:
My reviews of three new releases
New books already on my shelf
March releases on my holds list
Previous bestsellers out in paperback
Note: Please check content warnings before picking up these books if there are certain things you’re trying to avoid. The StoryGraph is a great resource!
Ones I’ve Read
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
Greta is 36 years old and still trying to figure out what she wants from her life, which was entirely relatable. Feeling unmoored after a lot of loss, she’s trying to find herself again. And doing so on a cruise with her dad is the last place she wants to be.
The setting, Alaska, immediately hooked me – as someone who loves the water, and misses traveling desperately, this book transported me right to the deck of the ship. And the relationships in this book are complicated yet full of love – you’ll be rooting from them all from the beginning.
This book is about grief, growing up, and mending relationships. Is it possible to grow up and live out your dreams at the same time? What does it actually mean to grow up? Have your tissues ready. And check out my reel to get a sense of this book’s vibe. (This would be great on audio – it’s narrated by Mae Whitman!) Released today, March 1. For fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over.
Bookshop | LibroFM
The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
Having read and loved Walsh’s Ghosted, I was thrilled to hear she had a new book coming out. The publisher calls it “a love story wrapped in a mystery” and they’re exactly right. The pacing was great, the characters were well developed, and it definitely kept me guessing. Plus, it was much more of an emotional read than I was anticipating. Released today, March 1. For fans of Little Fires Everywhere.
Bookshop | LibroFM
The Golden Couple by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks
Reading thrillers on audio is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them, so when I was in the mood for just that I listened to this, having enjoyed The Wife Between Us. One of my favorite parts was its setting – the D.C. area of Maryland, so I was familiar with many of the places they mentioned. Seemingly perfect from the outside, Marissa and Matthew’s marriage isn’t quite what it appears. I’m not sure I’m entirely satisfied with the ending, but it was entertaining and well plotted. (This is narrated by a fave, Marin Ireland, along with Karissa Vacker.) Releases March 8. For fans of Then She Was Gone.
Bookshop | LibroFM
You can get two audiobooks from LibroFM for the price of one by using my link or KATHARINE at checkout.
Ones On My Shelf
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
From the publisher: “The New York Times bestselling author of the ‘heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hard to put down’ (Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author) modern classic In Five Years returns with a moving and unforgettable exploration of the powerful bond between mother and daughter set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.” I read In Five Years in one sitting so I can’t wait to read Serle’s newest. Plus, this cover is beautiful. (This is narrated by Lauren Graham which means I WILL be listening to it!) Released today, March 1.
Bookshop | LibroFM
The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke
From the publisher: “Blending lyricism and erudition, candor and empathy, O’Rourke brings together her deep and disparate talents and roles as critic, journalist, poet, teacher, and patient, synthesizing the personal and universal into one monumental project arguing for a seismic shift in our approach to disease. The Invisible Kingdom offers hope for the sick, solace and insight for their loved ones, and a radical new understanding of our bodies and our health.” This sounds right up my alley, and perfect for anyone who wants to learn about what it’s like to live with chronic illness (ahem, everyone). Released today, March 1.
Bookshop | LibroFM
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
From the publisher: “From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir comes a brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary YA novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.” I started Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series last year and am eager to see what her adult fiction is like. (I’ll be listening to this one on audio.) Released today, March 1.
Bookshop | LibroFM
Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliot
From the publisher: “A chef’s journey to success leads to discovering the perfect recipe for love in this delicious romantic comedy.” After having just read (and adored) Love & Other Disasters, I’m here for all the foodie romance. Releases March 15.
Bookshop | LibroFM
In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
From the publisher: “A clever, tender, and romantic ‘Nora Ephron romp for the modern ages’ (Christina Lauren) for readers of Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez, and Sophie Cousens, this laugh-out-loud debut is a perceptive reminder that fate can have a sense of humor, and that love can happen . . . In a New York Minute.” I’ve been a fan of Spencer’s Forever35 podcast for years, and a Christina Lauren endorsement? Count me in. Releases March 15.
Bookshop | LibroFM
Letter to a Stranger edited by Colleen Kinder + Leslie Jamison
From the publisher: “Lauren Groff, Elizabeth Kolbert, Pam Houston, Pico Iyer, T Kira Madden, Gregory Pardlo, Maggie Shipstead, and Peter Orner are among the 65 writers who grapple with this mystery: How can an ephemeral encounter leave an eternal mark?” This unique premise has me very intrigued. Plus the contributing authors are some of my favorites! (This has a handful of narrators which I always love.) Releases March 22.
Bookshop | LibroFM
On My Holds List
Tell Me An Ending by Jo Harkin
From the publisher: “Never Let Me Go meets Black Mirror in this thrilling dystopian debut about a tech company that deletes unwanted memories.” Released today, March 1.
Bookshop | LibroFM
A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch
From the publisher: “An unflinching exploration of how we narrate the stories of our lives, as an aspiring novelist finds herself stalking – and writing about – her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend.” Releases March 15.
Bookshop | LibroFM
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
From the publisher: “A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings.” St. James’ The Sun Down Motel is a book I still think about, and this one sounds equally as good. (It looks like this one has different narrators for each timeline/perspective.) Releases March 15.
Bookshop | LibroFM
Paperback Releases
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro – I read and loved this one last month (you can find my review in the February Deep Dive).
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad – I listened to this on audio and while it’s a heavy read, it was very relatable.
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri – On my TBR!
Let me know if you add any of these to your TBR! And tell me what books YOU’RE excited about this month 📚
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Thank you for sharing your notes. I am so excited for the new releases this month! Just today I have seen three of my auto buy authors' novels published today - a mystery novel set in 1908 NYC, a historical fiction and another mystery set in the 1950s.
So excited for the new releases this month!