Books to Read in March / An Early Spring Reading List

Hello and happy Friday! Today, I'm sharing some brilliant books to read in March, from recent releases, to old favourites and non-fiction reads. Do any of these books appeal to you? Do you have any seasonal reads on your March TBR pile? Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
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BOOK LINKS:
(Affiliate links used for Blackwells)
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: blackwells.co....
William Wordsworth poems: blackwells.co....
The Ballad of Dorothy Wordsworth by Frances Wilson: blackwells.co....
The Armourer's House by Rosemary Sutcliff: blackwells.co....
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan: blackwells.co....
Tales of a Country Parish by Colin Heber-Percy (press copy): blackwells.co....
Our Village by Mary Russell Mitford (out of print)
Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey: blackwells.co....
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon: blackwells.co....
Skylarks with Rosie by Stephen Moss: blackwells.co....
Martha's Vineyard - Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch: blackwells.co....
The Private Life of the Hare by John Lewis-Stemple: blackwells.co....
A Poem for Every Spring Day: blackwells.co....
In Pursuit of Spring by Edward Thomas: www.littletoll...
Windswept by Annabel Abbs: blackwells.co....
The Ready-Made Family by Antonia Forest: www.ggbp.co.uk...

[@karenhaire5451]

I am a North Carolinian and am so pleased that you are suggesting Jan Karon's books and particularly the first on the series, At Home in Mitford. It was published initially as a serial in a newspaper in the mountains of NC. She mentions that she loves the Miss Read books, and having read both authors books I definitely see where she takes from Miss Read.

[@CrystalClearLife]

I love the Jan Karon series. I have read the entire series several times. Thank you as always for your wonderful recommendations.

[@candacenagle505]

I loved Jan Karon's books!

[@beverlybullock8960]

Miranda, you're videos are a delight and I so enjoy watching them. I live in the US (Tennessee), and Windswept sounded particularly interesting to me, because the Appalachian Trail runs through my state, as well as several others. When I looking into it further, I noticed Emma Gatewood is listed as one of the women written about in Windswept. She was a courageous woman for many reasons, and hiked the 2,000+ mile long trail the first time when she was 67 years old. A wonderful book about her is Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery. Thanks for all the work you put into your channel. I look forward to seeing you (and your mom!) in future episodes.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so very much, Beverly!

[@nancyfritz1827]

I enjoy your monthly reading recommendations, always such a nice eclectic selection of reads. Susan Branch and Jan Karon are favorites of mine and I believe their writing would bring much solace during this sad and frightening time. Both have the gift of helping us focus on and appreciate the small but beautiful moments in our lives. Hope your weekend is full of sunshine!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Nancy! 📖💕

[@janeallen7679]

You sorted out my gift for a new born boy. The Wind in the Willows! How perfect. I hope his life will be blessed and full of adventures

[@MirandaMills]

Oh wonderful! A lovely gift for a beginning library 📚💙

[@sandyokey7728]

I always come away from these videos with a list of books to add to my tbr. Thank you Miranda💕

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much Sandy!

[@maryloper7275]

For some reason I find Dorothy Wordsworth’s journals to be so comforting. I read them over and over.

[@DianeC1975]

As always I enjoyed your picks. You have a wonderful way of describing your picks. I love Susan Branch too. I'll be checking out other books on the list as well. Thank you! 👍📚💐💕

[@faeriehearthwitch6185]

I love Our Village and have the Folio Society version. Such a fun book to escape into. The Wind in the Willows and the Winnie-the-Pooh books are some of my favourite comfort books, as well as The Secret Garden. Right now I am living the life of Mole!

[@lilaccottage]

"Armchair traveling" I love it! I've never that expression before, but you can bet I'll be using it myself from now on.😊

[@suebrown436]

Hi Miranda. I read At Home in Mitford quite a while back - I think because you gave it a mention before. Loved all of those characters, totally in the Miss Read style. I've just received my paperback copy of Windswept, and I'm very much enjoying it!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you, Sue! Yes, you’re right - I have recommended ‘At Home in Mitford’ on here before. So glad you enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to getting to Windswept myself 😊 xxx

[@joysedgwick812]

I’m really happy to hear you talk about Jan Karon and Father Tim, I discovered them when trawling a bookshop in Massachusetts at the beginning of 2005. I have the whole series and love to reread the earlier ones. In my edition Dora Saint (Miss Read) was quoted as liking At Home in Mitford, I was “sold”. After your recommendation I have downloaded “The Guernsey…..Pie” and am loving it, I have decided that it counts for March as many of the first letters were written then! I had no idea that the film was based on a book so thank you. I’ve been walking in Worcestershire today where snowdrops, crocus and daffodils are all flowering together, however the wind was still bitter.

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! So glad to meet another fan!

[@Lora.Crawford]

Such an enjoyable video, Miranda! Love the passages you read aloud especially about the cold wind in the nostrils...I chuckled out loud at that! The weather there in March sounds similar to here in Virginia; changes drastically day to day. I so loved the Mitford series years ago. Food for the soul! Now I enjoy Miss Read's series. Your other recommendations sound wonderful! 🥰📚 🇬🇧

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! Here’s hoping for some mild March days! 😃

[@vickygauthier2353]

Your wonderful Miranda and your recommendations have transformed my life. Thank you 💕🇨🇦

[@annieapple9395]

Thank you again Miranda for another soothing, comforting video, full of the anticipation of Spring. I was delighted to see you featuring a Susan Branch novel. I recently bought ‘A Fine Romance-Falling in Love with the English Countryside’ (perhaps you’ve read?) and was enchanted by it. I’m not usually drawn to books by American authors, but was charmed by this one, having been lucky enough to have visited a few of the places highlighted in the book. And to see it from an American visitor’s perspective was fascinating. Your video was just what I needed. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! Yes, I have read it - and have recommended it on this channel! Xx

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Miranda! I’m currently enjoying very much The Mill on the Floss. It actually starts “in this leafless time of departing February”… but that makes it almost March, doesn’t it?😉I bought The Armourer’s House, based on your recommendation, some time ago, and I’m going to read it next. I live in Holland, I adore tulips and while I’m writing I see a multicoloured bunch 💐 in a vase before me. A novel in which a tulip bulb plays such an important role sounds irresistible! So, thanks again.

[@christinalinklater7742]

Lots of wonderful additions to my to-read pile! I am currently re-reading Ali Smith’s Spring, and will definitely seek out the springtime bicycle ride book as this is the time of year when cycling finally goes back to being enjoyable. Thank you, Miranda, for this warm hug of a video. I am glued to the news and I think from your yellow blouse and blue cardigan you are mindful as well but it is nice to bolster the spirits with literature and friends.

[@Cityheart221]

Of all the book KZbinrs I check on you are my favorite. You always have excellent book read suggestions and make them sound so interesting. So far I haven't been disappointed. I continue to add new authors to my list. Thank you for such interesting and fun suggestions.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for those kind words!

[@debbiesittard7979]

Greetings Miranda. I’m new to your channel and thoroughly enjoying all videos. I love love books, especially old books and old bookstores. I just finished your video of 7mo ago where you visited London house sitting for 2 adorable cats. What beautiful scenery. Oh, I could spend hours and days in all the lovely bookstores.- Debbie, NE Texas.

[@maureenstokowski5848]

Thank you for the great recommendations!

[@faithwentworth7906]

Fantastic recommendations, Miranda! I always love when you give a shout out to Susan Branch. She's one of my favorite authors as well and invariably I turn to her books when I need a bookish hug.

[@jennethgraser]

What a wonderful selection of marvelous books!! And what a chuckle I had over the cheerful weather, knives up the nose! 😂 Thank you Miranda for such cheerful spring recommendations!

[@mariatavares8513]

I enjoyed your picks very much. Thank you, Miranda.

[@a.oquinn6396]

Huge Jan Karon fan here, and I always recommend all of her books. I love to visit Blowing Rock, NC where she lived when she first started writing her Mitford books, whenever possible. She based many of the fictional places in Mitford on real locations in the area-and besides, it’s beautiful there. I am also a Susan Branch fan too, and I especially love her book, A Fine Romance. Great list! Thanks for all the recommendations!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them! I love A Fine Romance too.

[@pamelapoet9]

The high emotions surrounding weddings can indeed feel like cheerful attempts at the weathering of many a storm. One of my favorite Persephone reads! I'm currently reading One Woman's Year. I promised myself I would read it by the month, but I'm enjoying it too much to be that patient. I just read the short bio about Edward Thomas and want to read In Pursuit of Spring to keep him forever biking in that countryside. What a hauntingly timely book. Thank you for all of these. Wishing you and your mum a lovely weekend!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Pamela! So glad you’re a fan of ‘Cheerful Weather’ too xxx

[@juliavasquez82]

Hi Miranda! Thank you for these great recommendations in these sad times. Have a nice weekend.

[@lomazowr1]

Wonderful selections,I love Susan Branch’s books I’m going to revisit them.I really enjoyed Windswept a very interesting readAdding the Village to my list.I really enjoyed finding your video waiting finished housework sat back and enjoyed.

[@kamicastillo1451]

Hey Miranda! I just ordered Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch. So excited for it to arrive. Thanks for the recommendation! Happy Reading 📚 😊

[@cheryljunkins6935]

I am re -reading Jan Karons series, but you always talk about a book or two that I definitely will read, just love your videos. I am crazy about books, not enough hours in the day to read. Although I have found that the libraries in Monroe, Michigan, USA, do not have England writers. Most disappointing for i enjoy everything about England. Thank you so much for videos.

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

Thank you Miranda for another lovely video and for your excellent recommendations!!!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Cristina!

[@lucybalt7312]

As always, interesting and varied selection. Martha’s Vineyard by Susan Branch has been on my wish list for a long time - I am definitely going to treat myself! I recently picked up one of her Christmas books which I will save for next Christmas! As a big Miss Read fan, I love the sound of Jan Karon, thanks for the recommendation. 📚❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Lovely! Hope you enjoy Jan Karon if you give her books a go! Xx

[@LisaofHopewell]

Nice to see the "other Mitford family" represented! I love Jan Karon's books and I love Debo and Nancy and the rest of the aristocratic [Freeman-] Mifords!

[@maryh4650]

Ordered the Julia Strachey book from my library. I absolutely love The Wind in the Willows.

[@anitaalfred2880]

Great suggestions! Susan Branch's work looks lovely. To wrap up winter, I read A Little Princess and Journey to the Center of the Earth so far this week.

[@ihatefindingapasswor]

Thank you for your recommendations. I always love your comfort reads recommendations. I'm looking forward to adding Cheerful Weather for the Wedding, Our Village, andThe Ready Made Family (none of which I'd heard of before) to my TBR. Cheers to a happy reading month! ☔🌷

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed my recommendations! Thank you xxx

[@sharonanderton9671]

Hello Miranda again a wonderful video, love all the recommendations, have also read some of them and could go back to them time and time again, got Spring inside with masses of Daffodils in vases and quite a few different spring flowers in our garden, and around the countryside where we live in North Norfolk. Look forward to next week. Sharon X🌹📙💛🌞

[@tinabauerle2794]

HI Miranda, I enjoy walking. I just ordered from Blackwell's Windswept. Thank you

[@MirandaMills]

Oh lovely! Hope you enjoy it xxx

[@teresaparkins1255]

Hi Miranda, many favourites here, thank you for bringing them back into focus. I am so fond of Edward Thomas. I would love to read Our Village by Mary Russell Mitford, too and will be keeping an eye out for that, thank you. Happy reading, Teresa 🌸

[@MirandaMills]

I hope you can find Our Village, Teresa. I always think it’s such an enjoyable read.

[@chbronte582]

I have enjoyed a lot of your recommendations, as always. And as always I take note of several books. Thank you very much Miranda, nice and peaceful weekend xxx

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks very much! Xxx

[@paulamoreshead1694]

This was such a delightful video with a wonderful list of old and new suggestions....more than I can possibly find time to read! Thanks for recommending Our Village. I bought a copy of the illustrated version in a thrift store and had totally forgotten about it. I am a southerner who loves Miss Read and the Mitford books. I can so identify with the characters in the books, and they are truly comfort reads no matter how many times I read them.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! Glad to have reminded you of Our Village!

[@ruthb9403]

I really enjoyed this and have taken note of many of these - thank you. Daffodils are everywhere - they are just so cheering! I am particularly intrigued by Windswept. I love walking and would love to know how it inspired and changed other women. I'd like to discover more Wordsworth and read some spring poems. Looking forward to spring walks - hope the weather will be kind to us all.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, here’s hoping for some mild March days and inspiring walks!

[@karenwhite2601]

My copy of Inspector Chopra arrived today, I'm looking forward to reading it for the Comfort Book Club. I'm also reading Jane's Country year. The Private Life of the Hare looks particularly fascinating, I've never seen one either but would love to. Lots of other lovely titles too, thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much! Happy reading 📖💕

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Always enjoyable and informative , thank you so much.

[@suenicholls5446]

💕😀xx thanks Miranda. A lovely choice. I shall see if I can get any titles from my county library.

[@tinabauerle2794]

By the way the cover on the Hardback is sooo! much better than the paper back. So I was very happy that I could get it in Hardback.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Our Village’ sounds like a cozy Sit-Com. ‘Downton Abbey’ but no entail to deal with 😂

[@kitchentablecrafting7111]

Lovely recommendations Miranda. I'm enjoying a Poem for Everyday in Spring and also the 'Miss Silver' novels by Patricia Wentworth. Thank you for introducing them.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you’re enjoying them!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Cheerful Weather for the Wedding’ sounds like the novella we should be reading. We need all the spicy takes we can have right now.

[@elecole71]

Well Miranda, at this point I find myself just sitting around waiting for your videos to come out before placing my monthly Book Depository order...lol😁. Thanks for sharing. As always, you highlighted some lovely books. 😊❤📚

[@MirandaMills]

Haha thanks Elena!

[@nicky_bee]

Lovely recommendations!

[@janicemacdougall1844]

Thank you for all these wonderful recommendations.

[@MirandaMills]

You're very welcome, Janice! I only know Longfellow's poem "Evangeline" so will have to look that one up, but thanks for the play recommendation.

[@AdrianasWonderland]

thats is what i needed, thank you

[@virginiatowsey7381]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you for your lovely support, Virginia ❤️

[@gcm2734]

Hi Miranda, how about "The Daffodil Sky" by H.E. Bates? It's on my TBR list!

[@MirandaMills]

It’s such an interesting short story, and I loved the detail about the smell of picked daffodils being on his hands.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I feel like the vibe of this collection is giving me Lake District Energy.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Joanna Lumley Documentaries are such fun. Not only is she charming, but you can see the positive impact of the trip.