Books

What I’m Reading Now

I’m thrilled to share a fantastic new book with y’all today!

I just finished my friend Sarah Jio’s new book, Blackberry Winter, and just loved it. I loved her previous two books {reviewed The Violets of March here}, so I had pretty high expectations for this one. Well, let me tell you — I thought it was her best book yet! I started reading it on Sunday night and had a hard time putting it down to go to bed. The next morning, I drove my mom to work and then actually sat in the parking lot to finish reading! I couldn’t stop until I flipped the final page…and then I felt sad that it was over. It was that good.

Like her previous two novels, Blackberry Winter weaves two stories together from the past and present. Like Violets of March, Blackberry Winter involves a female character stumbling upon a secret in the past that solves a present day mystery. I just love it. The writing is great and both female protagonists, Claire and Vera, are highly relatable.

I won’t tell you too much because I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but the book alternates between 1933 and present-day Seattle. There’s a bit of romance weaved in, along with the mystery aspect. Do yourself a favor and grab this book, a comfy blanket and a cup of tea this weekend. You won’t regret it!

You Might Also Like

  • Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
    October 4, 2012 at 3:18 am

    I love finding out about new books. Thanks for the recommendation.

  • Denise Waghorn
    October 4, 2012 at 4:22 am

    I’m on hold (#5) at my local library. Must be popular. Thanks for the mention … I bet it’ll be a great read!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    October 4, 2012 at 4:44 am

    This sounds like a good one!! I just finished my latest read, and am looking for a few new ones to curl up on the couch with on the weekends as the weather gets cooler. Might have to add your suggestion to the list!

  • Blog is the New Black
    October 4, 2012 at 4:50 am

    YAY! I’m doing Violets of March now and LOVE it!

  • Cathy
    October 4, 2012 at 4:50 am

    I love this author! I’ve read her first two books and can’t wait to read this one – thanks!

  • johanna
    October 4, 2012 at 4:55 am

    Today’s National Cinnamon Roll Day here in Sweden, great day!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    October 4, 2012 at 4:58 am

    I am on the hunt for a good book (or 2) for my flights to CA next month. This one sounds so good!

  • June g.
    October 4, 2012 at 5:04 am

    I love any storyline set in Seattle, thanks for the recommendation:)

  • luv what you do
    October 4, 2012 at 5:27 am

    I love al your book reviews…this is one I am adding to my amazon list!

  • Allison G
    October 4, 2012 at 5:43 am

    Ahhhh! This just made my day! I read the other two based on your reviews and absolutely LOVED them! Home alone tonight, so I may just have to download this one. Thanks!

  • Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit
    October 4, 2012 at 5:59 am

    I love finding new books to cuddle up to! I’m reading a Danielle Steel book right now, but will keep Sarah Jio in mind. I’ve seen her other book floating around and have heard awesome things! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂

  • Kristen @ The Chronicles of Dutch
    October 4, 2012 at 6:16 am

    I literally just finished a book & looking for a new one. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    October 4, 2012 at 6:19 am

    Sounds great!! I started a new book last night — yours 😀

  • Mandy
    October 4, 2012 at 6:29 am

    Oh! This sounds amazing. I love books that transport me to a different time and place then bring me back to the present. Putting it on my list.

  • Diana
    October 4, 2012 at 7:19 am

    Oh, I have been eyeing this novel even before it was released. I guess I’ll go ahead and take the plunge. Thanks for sharing!

  • Taylor
    October 4, 2012 at 7:20 am

    I always love when you post book reviews!!! Thanks!

  • Elisabeth
    October 4, 2012 at 7:25 am

    I love Sarah’s books & can’t wait to read this one! I liked Violets of March best (so far) & read The Bungalow in 2 hours in one sitting 🙂

  • molly
    October 4, 2012 at 7:36 am

    I just finished this book last night and was so sad that it was over! I loved her previous books, too, so I knew that this one would turn into an instant favorite! Now… I can’t wait for the next one!

  • Katie @ peacebeme
    October 4, 2012 at 8:23 am

    You KNOW its a good book when you’re sad that it ends!

  • Emily
    October 4, 2012 at 8:26 am

    I LOVED Violets of March so I am so excited to read this! I am starting JK Rowling’s new book, The Casual Vacancy, today!

  • Life's a Bowl
    October 4, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Thanks for the suggestion, I have been meaning to get a new read! It’s always nice during the cooler months to curl up in front of the fireplace and get lost in a book 🙂

  • Kim@hungryhealthygirl
    October 4, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I loved Sarah’s first two books too! Can’t wait to pick this one up. Glad it was so good!

  • Sarah @ Yogi In Action
    October 4, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Perfect timing! I just finished the book I was reading and needed a new one! I’ll definitely be checking this out!

  • Caroline L.
    October 4, 2012 at 9:22 am

    That sounds great! I haven’t been doing much pleasure reading as of late… it’d be great to get back in that!

  • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    October 4, 2012 at 9:23 am

    This sounds great! I absolutely adored Violets of March!

  • doodles
    October 4, 2012 at 9:54 am

    just put it on my Book Nook……….thanks!!

  • Brianne
    October 4, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Just last night I was getting close to finishing YOUR book thinking, ‘i wonder when the next book feature will be,’ go figure I click on your blog and here it is! I love the violets of march, I look forward to another good read by Sarah Jio! 🙂

  • Brindi
    October 4, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Are you on GoodReads.com? I seem to love all of the books you review/suggest and wanted to know if you were on the site so I could follow you? P.S. The site is addicting!

    • Elisabeth
      October 4, 2012 at 7:56 pm

      Jenna is on Goodreads & I love seeing what she’s read for new book ideas! If you go to her author page, there is a link to Jenna’s bookshelf on the left side 🙂

  • Suzanne H
    October 4, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    I agree, it was really good. And sad. I cried.

  • Nancy F
    October 4, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    I loved your book so I look forward to reading this one, too. So now that you’ve loved a book set in Seattle, any plans to do a reading/signing in Seattle itself? I know personally that you’ve got a large audience here!

  • booksfoodfun
    October 4, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation. I have The Violets of March on my reading list and will have add this one to the list too!

  • Gina
    October 5, 2012 at 9:27 am

    I LOVE Sarah’s books!! I have Blackberry Winter waiting on my kindle for me…I’ve actually been putting off reading it because I KNOW I will have to sit down a read the whole thing in a day! And that is exactly the setting I want to read her books in…couch, blanket, cup of tea:)

  • Kelly
    October 5, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Completely agree about this book! I absolutely loved it and also loved her other two books so I had high expectations. This was my favorite so far!

  • From Mid-Atlantic
    October 6, 2012 at 5:45 am

    Enjoyed your review. I was puzzled with the title at first, as it is also the title of Margaret Mead’s memoir of her early years, which I have enjoyed reading….quite different from this fiction!

    I was looking for a good read for a gift for a recuperating friend. This author looks like a good bet.

  • Christine
    October 7, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    I love this author . . . off to request it from the library 🙂

  • Sarah
    October 11, 2012 at 8:25 am

    I have heard so many great things about this book. I can’t wait to dive in and read it!

  • Julie
    October 15, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    I can’t wait to read this now! I read The Violets of March super quick.

  • Yvonne
    October 27, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    Thank you for this great book recommendation! Started and finished this book today! A truly great read! Can’t wait to read Sarah’s other books!

  • Meg
    January 1, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation. I requested this book through inter-library loan in town after seeing your post about it and I can honestly say it is one of the best books I have ever read, and I have read many! I look forward to getting more book ideas from you! Thanks for sharing.

  • Book Review: Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio — eating bender
    February 7, 2013 at 7:39 am

    […] feel like it’s waiting to be plucked off the shelf? After reading rave reviews from Gina and Jenna, I knew I had to add it to my list. I then proceeded to finish it in less than 24 […]