I knew I had a good reading month in March. We went on a driving vacation, which meant lots of time for audiobooks. But I also read several books I liked so much that I just devoured them. I even read one book in a single day. I’m a slow reader, so that rarely happens.
I read 21 books in March. Of those, I gave nine books perfect grades.
My Favorite Books of March 2025
The nine books I gave perfect grades consisted of three nonfiction books and six fiction books. Here are my reviews.
No Two Persons
I truly believe that some books come to you at the right time, and it changes the way you feel about them. And each person experiences a book differently.
That’s probably why I loved No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister.
The story centers on Alice Wein, an aspiring writer who pens her debut novel, Theo, following a personal tragedy. The novel then finds its way into the hands of nine diverse people, each uniquely affected by its narrative.
The writing was beautiful, and the author weaved the characters together in an interesting way
The Arrangement
Sometimes, I need to listen to TikTok sooner. I’m pretty sure that’s where I first heard about Kiersten Modglin, but I put off reading her books for some unknown reason. I read multiples this month. I didn’t give all of them perfect grades, but it was enough to convince me that I’m going to read everything she writes. Her plot twists are *chef’s kiss*.
Speaking of plot twists, The Arrangement had so many that my head was spinning!
The book is about Ainsley and Peter Greenburg, a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. In a desperate attempt to save their relationship, Ainsley proposes an open marriage arrangement.
Each partner can date someone new once a week, but they must never discuss the details of these encounters.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, everything, of course.
The Devil at His Elbow
Like seemingly everyone else, I watched the Netflix series about the Murdough family and thought, “What in the actual…?”
When I worked as a full-time journalist, I often thought that you just couldn’t make up some of the stories we covered. The Devil at His Elbow by Valerie Bauerlein has some of that.
It also makes you think that this is exactly what all those stereotypes about people who think they’re above the law are about.
Oh, and of course, I love a book written by a journalist.
The book traces the legal family’s century-long dominance in a South Carolina town and the downfall of Alex Murdaugh. It examines events leading up to and including Alex Murdaugh’s trial for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
At various times during the book, you’re left wondering which Murdaugh is the worst. I’m still not sure I can answer that question, but I have a pretty dang good idea.
The Dream Job
Guess who? Kiersten Modglin again.
The Dream Job is about Autumn Sanderson, who, burdened by debt and caring for her ailing mother, is desperate for employment. When she’s invited to interview for a mysterious company offering an exorbitant salary, she seizes the chance.
But the unconventional hiring process requires her and five other candidates to spend a week in an isolated luxury cabin, participating in strange challenges and revealing their deepest secrets.
As the week progresses, Autumn, now known as “Lark,” begins to question the company’s true intentions and the safety of her situation.
The Good Neighbors
The Good Neighbors was the first Kiersten Modglin book I read. I started it on a Saturday morning and finished it that night. I couldn’t put it down.
I now wonder if I’ve ever given the same author so many perfect grades in a month. I doubt it. Heck, I don’t even think I’ve read this much by the same author in a month. And read another of her books this month that I gave a B!
The book follows Bryant and Harper Page as they relocate to the small town of Lancaster Mills. Their initial interactions with neighbors Jason and Tori Fuller are unsettling, but they try to put them aside. After all, they are new to town, so they want to make friends and be good neighbors. And the Fullers, with their perfect lives and careers, seem like ideal people to get to know.
The Pages become increasingly entangled with the Fullers, and things get increasingly strange until they’re downright scary.
Be careful with the company you keep.
The House of My Mother
Ok. Here’s how you should handle this. First, go to Hulu and watch Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. Spend some time wondering how one woman can be such a cruel piece of crap. Then, go read The House of My Mother by Shari Franke, Ruby’s daughter, to get an even more detailed, insider perspective.
Shari is the eldest daughter of the controversial “8 Passengers” YouTube family. In her book, she exposes the stark contrast between her family’s public image and the private reality of her upbringing under her mother.
Shari recounts experiences of strict discipline and emotional abuse, providing insight into the darker aspects of influencer culture. She also touches upon her mother’s involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt, a relationship coach/cult leader (Let’s call it what it is.) promoting controversial (abusive) parenting methods.
The Let Them Theory
I love Mel Robbins with her no-nonsense, practical advice, so I was less than patient waiting for The Let Them Theory to become available in print. Once I finally got the book, I was in the middle of reading another book in print, so I saved it for vacation as a little treat.
I loved this book, but it wasn’t Mel’s best. I found it repetitive. There were also some chapters that didn’t apply to me in this season, which is totally fine. Still, I gave it a perfect grade. Not because I think theory is so unique. In fact, there’s been some controversy about whether it’s even Mel’s original idea.
What I loved about the book, and where the power really lies, is on the other side of the theory — Let You. It’s really all about recognizing that you can’t control other people, so you let them do or think whatever they want. It’s not up to you. But where your power lies in how you choose to respond. I love this message on personal responsibility and focus on it a lot with our adult children.
What can you control? You. That’s where your responsibility lies.
The support for that message alone was worth giving this book a perfect grade.
Too Late
Do you ever read a book and think, “Have I already read this?” I thought that repeatedly while I was reading Colleen Hoover’s book, Too Late. But according to my GoodReads, I haven’t read it. I still can’t put my finger on what it reminded me of, but it was great.
The story is about Sloan, a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship with Asa, a controlling and dangerous drug dealer. She stays with him out of necessity and a little bit out of love. His financial support is her only means to care for her sick brother.
But, when Carter enters her life, everything changes. Carter is not just a new recruit in Asa’s operation. He has a secret mission that puts both him and Sloan at risk.
I like trying to understand what makes people think and behave the way they do. I felt like Sloan did that with Asa, which provided depth to his character.
Also, if you read it, tell me why Asa was Vanilla Ice in my mind.
What Lies Between Us
If you’ve read anything by John Marrs, you know he’s a genius. If not, you’re missing out. Marrs, who also is a former journalist, is another author I always read. Also, if you’re interested, his TikTok is interesting. He talks about his books, his life, and being a writer in general.
In What Lies Between Us, Maggie is spending her twilight years confined to an attic. Her daughter, Nina, has Maggie chained up. Nina thinks Maggie is responsible for her father’s disappearance and, generally, everything that’s ever gone wrong in her life, so she’s punishing her.
The story alternates between Maggie and Nina’s perspectives in the present day and through 25 years of flashbacks. It shows us how many secrets a family can really have and the lengths a mother will go through to help her child.
Happy Reading!
Wow! You got a lot from this post! A couple of shows to binge, nine books to read, and potentially a new favorite author? What more could you want?
I hope you find something on the list to read and love.
As always, Happy Reading!
