How are we already over a quarter of the way through the year? The fact that I am writing about the books I got lost in during March seems completely bizarre! Another year slipping through our fingers, but how did I get on with reading after returning to work.
Schools back
I knew that once I returned to work this month, reading would soon become some what of a luxury. I don’t think I realised that the extra time at home would make such a difference. But 10 minutes longer in bed or my 4.30pm bath really did give me a lot more time with my books.
And of course, the audiobooks that I had been listening to are now completely a thing of the past. I have to step it up a little bit though because I love writing about books and reading. It has fast become my favourite thing to blog about.
The Books I got lost in during March
The Five people you meet in Heaven – Mitch Albom
I’ve talked about my love of this book when I shared the books that last a lifetime. But after finishing the Midnight Library, I felt compelled to read this book again. I am so glad that I did,
I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed it. Although it did feel like a very different read since losing Mum, I can’t quite place the way it made me feel but it changed the experience.
You’re probably bored of me recommending this, so just read it and I’ll quit! Maybe!
Book 1 – 4.5/5
Dead Woman scorned – Michael Clark
This is part 2 in what I am affectionally renaming the Mildred saga. I read the first one back in January and I could not wait to get my hands on the next two books.
Never before has a book had me so invested. This scary tale with a ghost at the heart of it all had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. This book followed Mildred but took a look at her past. It could be said it was a slower paced book but I loved the telling of her journey. I was a little thrown by the addition of new characters, but I had faith that the story would unfold and make sense.
As the book began to wrap up, I felt sad that I only had one book left to read. I enjoyed the 2nd book so much. Michael Clark is a talented writer who takes the reader on a journey. Like watching a film, I could see the grove, the house and Mildred. He painted such a clear picture of it all while taking nothing away from the experience of reading a book that is unlike any story I have read before.
Book 2 – 4.5/5
Anger is an Acid – Michael Clark
Initially, I decided I needed another read in between. In a bid to try and drag the saga out a little. I couldn’t do it. I could hear Mildred calling out to me from the closed pages. CLAIRE READ ME!
I was weak and resisted for about 6 hours! 6 long hours!
As I said above, I had faith in this winding road we were travelling. Faith that the new characters had a place in the story. Turns out I was of course right. The Author delivered. In a way I would never have expected. Following Mildred and her anger through over 1000 pages, I had an ending in mind. I was wrong but I loved it!
To say I had kind of fallen for the character of Mildred seems a little odd, but that’s exactly what happened. A revenant intent on revenge, killing all that cross her doesn’t sound like the most likeable character. But thanks to the second book and uncovering her past, it is easy to feel sympathy for her. Despite all her evil doings, and believe me, they are pretty bad! This was a character that was completely engaging.
Book 3 – 5/5
Wrapping up March
When I look at the books I got lost in during March, I do feel a bit gutted. But I finished The Midnight library which I loved and then I made a start on two books. I don’t often tandem read but I started The Vanished bride by Bella Ellis and although I am enjoying it, it’s a slow burner.
I then took delivery of my first ever book subscription box. The book included was The Split by Sharon Bolton. So far I am LOVING this book and I have no idea where it might go. It’s creepy and edge of the seat stuff.
Unfortunately, despite the Easter break I am not reading as much as I expected. Yesterday the electrics blew in our attic conversion and now we have no electric! Only 2 days until it’ll get sorted, but reading by torch is not the one! Let’s hope April picks up on the reading front!
I hope you enjoyed a look at what books I got lost in during March and I would love to hear your recommendations from this month.
I read the 5 people you meet I heaven years ago and loved it.
It is such a special story. I really must read his other books x
I only heard of The midnight library and is up on my reading list, hopefully will pick it up soon as everyone is recommending it! Hope you’re still reading a lot this month, thanks for sharing x
I have not read any of these, sadly I seem to run out of time to sit and read at the moment, but it is something I want to start up again
I haven’t read any of these books or indeed authors, but I love the sound of your subscription box! I recently finished The Glass House and The Queen’s Gambit, both of which are very different but I adored them. Highly recommended! x
I haven’t read or heard of any of these books before but I have been looking for some books to read lately. Michael Clark sounds like a good author and I would love to read Dead woman scorned.
I have always loved the books of Mitch Albom. I have finished reading “The First Phone Call from Heaven” and it was so touching. Thank you for your book suggestions and reviews.
Oh gosh, I hope your electrics are fixed soon!
I love Sharon Bolton but I haven’t read any of her books for years, I hope you enjoy The Split.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I’ve not heard of any of these books before BUT I have to say I do love it when you enjoy a book so much that you can’t wait to get your hands on the next one’s in the series. I’ll be checking Mitch Albom out x
This is a great list.
I read a new book in a series I’ve been following for years (it was book six) and I loved it so much that I just had to reread the five others in the series, so that was all my reading time last month lol
First of all, well done for reading so many books in March! You’re my reading hero. Secondly, I always love your book recommendations. I’ll definitely be checking out Dead Woman Scorned – that sounds dark and twisty, just the way I like them!
Rosie
Really nice list, I will look for some of them
Thanks for sharing
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I’ve heard a lot of good things about the five people you’ll meet in heaven, thank you for sharing these recommendations from last month x
I’ve had an up and down few weeks with reading as I read the Elton John biography which was great but it took me quite a while to get through x
Dead Woman Scorned sounds absolutely terrifying but really gripping! I haven’t heard of that one so might add it to my list to pick up one day. Thanks so much for sharing and great reviews as always!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Wow you have been busy with reading Claire! I like the sound of these books that took up your reading time in March x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Some great suggestions here. I need to start my reading again and just letting myself ‘switch off’.
The Midnight Library utterly changed my life and is definitely one of my forever favorite reads. I treasure it! Since you enjoyed it so much, I appreciate knowing that there’s a bit of a comparison with The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I may need to read that in the future. I hope you’re able to find more time to enjoy reading 🙂
Lol, that Mildred does love attention. It’s great that you couldn’t wait to start readiing the 3rd book. Sounds like the sort of books i would enjoy x
I haven’t read any of these, except for The Midnight Library which I really enjoyed! It’s such a magical and engaging book x
I struggle to find the time to read these days but before kids and the business, there was nothing I loved more than getting lost in a good book saga.
These sound like a great selection. I’ll be sure to keep them in mind.
Aww, bless with school back means less time to read but loved the books you got lost in during the month of March.
It’s so hard when you really want to be reading more and just can’t quite fit it in, isn’t it? I haven’t heard of Michael Clarke before but will have to check him out after these recommendations.
Three very different and interesting books indeed, I have not read any of them but am curious about The Five people you meet in Heaven. Adding this to my reading list.
Thanks so much for all of your book recommendations. I would love to relax and have a good read soon. They all sound fab!
I could really do with getting stuck into a new book; it really helps to wile away the hours!
I’ve not read any of these but well done for reading loads! I’m slowly getting through my book list x
These all sound like really interesting books! In March I really enjoyed The Dinner Guest by B.P Walter – it really kept me hooked!