March felt like one of those reading months that quietly unfolded one story at a time. Not every book landed the same way, but together they created a reading season filled with atmosphere, emotional depth, unexpected surprises, and a few journeys that lingered long after I turned the final page.
As winter softened into early spring, I found myself drawn toward immersive worlds, character-heavy narratives, and stories that leaned into mood just as much as plot. Some books completely captured me, others challenged my expectations — and honestly, that balance made March feel especially rewarding.
Here’s everything I finished this month and what I’m hoping to read next.
📖 What I Read in March
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Returning to Erik Larson always feels a little like stepping into a familiar rhythm. His ability to make history feel immediate and human remains impressive. While parts of this one felt slower and occasionally dry, the depth of research and storytelling still made it a compelling experience overall.
Discovering the Marquess by Lexi Post
A read that ultimately landed in mixed territory for me. The premise had promise, but pacing and tonal inconsistencies made it harder to fully connect with the story. Even so, every book teaches me something about my reading tastes — and this one definitely clarified a few things.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This story hit especially close to home. Being from Kentucky made the setting feel deeply personal, and I found myself completely immersed in both the characters and the history woven throughout the novel. Emotional, meaningful, and memorable.
The Raven by Susan McCauley
An atmospheric, character-driven story with strong development at its core. I enjoyed the overall narrative and character depth, though the writing sometimes felt like it needed tightening — particularly with a few continuity moments that pulled me out of the story. Still, an engaging read with a solid foundation.
Never Keep by Caroline Peckham
Dark, immersive, and emotionally charged, this read pulled me into its world quickly. Peckham has a way of creating intensity that keeps the pages turning, balancing character tension with high emotional stakes.
The Frequency of Him by T.L. Taylor
A story that leaned heavily into emotion and connection, offering a character-focused experience that explored relationships and vulnerability in compelling ways. This was a quieter read in terms of pacing but one that stayed with me afterward.
Vera by Carol Edgarian
Beautifully written and reflective, Vera stood out for its literary depth and thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging. This was a slower, more contemplative read that rewarded patience with emotional nuance.
The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman
Returning to this chaotic and wildly entertaining world was an absolute blast. Dinniman continues to blend humor, action, and sheer unpredictability in a way that makes these books incredibly fun to read. A perfect change of pace amid heavier reads.
Revelator by Daryl Gregory
Atmospheric and unsettling in the best way, Revelator delivered strong Southern Gothic vibes that completely matched my current reading mood. The setting and slow-building tension created a haunting experience that lingered long after finishing.
🌱 Reading Reflections from March
March reminded me how much I enjoy variety in my reading life. I moved between nonfiction, historical fiction, literary reads, dark fantasy, and Southern Gothic — and somehow the contrasts made each book stand out more.
I also noticed myself gravitating toward stories with strong atmosphere and character focus rather than fast-paced plot alone. It felt like a month of sinking into stories rather than racing through them, which honestly suited the seasonal shift perfectly.
Not every book became a favorite, but each one added something meaningful to my reading journey — and that’s a win in my book.
🌸 My April TBR
April feels like a reset button. With spring settling in, I’m craving immersive worlds, emotionally gripping stories, and a little bit of chaos sprinkled in between.
Here’s what I currently have lined up:
- ** Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole** — I’ve been excited to finally dive into this one and fully embrace a fantasy escape.
- ** Shame On Them by A. M. McKay** — A read I’m especially curious about, and one I’m hoping delivers strong emotional impact.
- ** The Butcher’s Masquerade by Matt Dinniman** — Back into the madness of this series I’ve been having so much fun with lately.
- ** Beautiful Things by Emily Rath** — Hoping for a character-driven story that balances emotion and heart.
I’m aiming for a mix of immersive storytelling and emotionally engaging reads — books that feel like stepping into a new season both literally and narratively.
📚 Looking Ahead
If March was about settling into stories and exploring mood-driven reads, April feels like momentum. New worlds, new characters, and hopefully a few unexpected favorites waiting somewhere in the stack.
What was your favorite March read? And what book are you most excited to start in April?
Let me know — my TBR is always ready to grow.
Happy reading,
Literary Gluttony 📖✨
literary gluttony 
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