Plot Summary
Homecoming and Hidden Wounds
Mia Saunders lands in Las Vegas, greeted by her best friend Ginelle and her younger sister Maddy. The reunion is bittersweet: Maddy reveals their father's car was destroyed by the same men who put him in a coma over gambling debts. Mia's protective instincts flare, vowing to buy Maddy a car and keep her safe. Visiting her father in the convalescent home, Mia pours out her heart, confessing her struggles as an escort to pay off his debts and her conflicted feelings for past clients, Wes and Alec. The weight of responsibility, love, and anger at her father's choices presses on her, but she finds solace in the bonds with her sister and Ginelle. The chapter sets the emotional stakes: Mia's journey is about survival, sacrifice, and the hope for something better.
Debt, Danger, and Defiance
Mia, accompanied by Ginelle, faces Blaine, the ruthless loan shark responsible for her family's suffering. She delivers a payment, enduring his veiled threats and unwanted advances. Blaine's power is chilling—he controls Mia's fate as long as she owes him. Mia's defiance is fierce; she refuses to be intimidated or manipulated, even threatening him in return. The encounter leaves her shaken but resolute. Afterwards, she and Ginelle bond over drinks, reaffirming their friendship and mutual support. The chapter underscores the ever-present danger Mia faces and her determination to protect her loved ones, even as she's forced to navigate a world of violence and exploitation.
Chicago's Unconventional Engagement
Mia's next assignment takes her to Chicago, where she's hired to pose as the fiancée of Anthony Fasano, a successful restaurateur and former boxer. Upon arrival, she discovers Anthony is in a committed relationship with Hector, his business partner. The arrangement is a façade to appease Anthony's traditional Italian family and protect his public image. Mia is swept into their world, learning the intricacies of their relationship and the pressures they face. The trio quickly forms a bond, with Mia acting as confidante and ally. The emotional complexity of pretending to be Anthony's lover while witnessing the real love between him and Hector challenges Mia's perceptions of love, loyalty, and authenticity.
Family Ties and Pretenses
Mia is introduced to the boisterous, loving, and deeply traditional Fasano family. She must convincingly play the role of Anthony's fiancée, enduring probing questions and the matriarch Mona's intense scrutiny. The family's desire for Anthony to marry and produce an heir is palpable, adding pressure to the charade. Mia witnesses the pain this deception causes Hector, who is forced to remain in the shadows. The warmth and chaos of the family dinners contrast with the underlying tension of secrets and unspoken truths. Mia's empathy for both men grows, and she becomes determined to help them find a way to live authentically without losing their family.
Secrets, Sex, and Surrogacy
As Mia settles into her role, she navigates the emotional minefield of her own desires and the needs of her clients. A late-night phone call with Wes, her former client and lover, leads to a passionate exchange, highlighting the unresolved feelings between them. Meanwhile, Mia learns more about Anthony and Hector's relationship—their dreams of having a family, the pain of hiding, and the sacrifices made for love. The chapter explores the complexities of intimacy, both physical and emotional, and the ways people seek connection even when circumstances force them apart. Mia's own longing for love and stability is mirrored in the struggles of those around her.
Shopping, Schemes, and Sisterhood
Mia is swept into a whirlwind of shopping and family bonding with Angelina, Anthony's vivacious sister, and Hector. The outing becomes a confessional, with Angelina revealing her suspicions about Anthony and Hector's true relationship. The trio shares laughter, tears, and secrets, forging a deep sense of sisterhood and solidarity. Angelina's own struggles with fertility and feeling overshadowed by her brother add layers to the family dynamic. Mia's honesty about her escort work is met with unexpected acceptance, reinforcing the theme of chosen family and the power of vulnerability. The chapter highlights the importance of support, understanding, and the courage to be oneself.
The Weight of Expectations
As the month progresses, the strain of maintaining the façade takes its toll on everyone. Mona's expectations for a Catholic wedding and grandchildren intensify, pushing Anthony and Hector to their breaking point. Mia becomes the voice of reason, urging Anthony to consider the cost of living a lie—not just for himself, but for Hector and the entire family. The emotional burden is palpable, with each character grappling with duty, fear, and the longing for acceptance. The chapter delves into the psychological impact of societal and familial expectations, and the courage required to break free from them.
St. Patrick's Day Revelations
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago becomes a turning point. Anthony, Hector, and Mia join the city's festivities, culminating in a public display of affection between Anthony and Hector. The act is both liberating and terrifying, signaling a shift in Anthony's willingness to embrace his true self. The celebration is interrupted by the surprise arrival of Wes, leading to a charged encounter that forces Mia to confront her feelings and loyalties. The chapter is a whirlwind of joy, jealousy, and revelation, underscoring the transformative power of authenticity and the risks inherent in living openly.
Love, Lust, and Letting Go
Mia and Wes seize the opportunity to rekindle their passion, sharing a night of intense intimacy and emotional honesty. Their connection is undeniable, but the realities of Mia's journey and obligations remain. Wes's letter the next morning is a bittersweet reminder of what could be, and a promise to wait for her. Mia is left to grapple with the tension between desire and duty, freedom and responsibility. The chapter captures the ache of longing, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the necessity of letting go in order to grow.
Coming Out and Coming Together
The climax arrives at the Fasano family's celebration for their new business venture. In a bold, heartfelt speech, Anthony comes out to his family and the public, proposing to Hector in front of everyone. The moment is electric—filled with fear, hope, and overwhelming love. One by one, the family embraces the truth, offering acceptance and support. Mona's emotional blessing cements the family's unity, and the couple's joy is mirrored by the announcement of Angelina's long-awaited pregnancy. The chapter is a triumphant affirmation of love's power to overcome prejudice and the importance of living authentically.
Farewells and Fresh Starts
With her assignment complete, Mia prepares to leave Chicago, reflecting on the lessons learned from Anthony, Hector, and the entire Fasano family. She writes a heartfelt note, expressing gratitude for their bravery and the inspiration they've given her. The experience has deepened her understanding of love, courage, and the necessity of choosing one's own happiness. As she boards her flight to Boston for her next assignment, Mia carries with her the hope that, one day, she too will have the courage to claim her own happiness—on her own terms.
Characters
Mia Saunders
Mia is the heart of the story—a young woman driven by fierce loyalty to her family and a deep sense of responsibility. Her father's debts force her into escort work, a role she navigates with both vulnerability and strength. Mia's relationships—with her sister Maddy, best friend Ginelle, and her clients—reveal her capacity for empathy, humor, and self-reflection. Psychologically, Mia is torn between duty and desire, craving love and stability but wary of being hurt. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to set boundaries, embrace her own needs, and find meaning in the connections she forges. Mia's development is marked by increasing self-awareness and the courage to hope for more.
Anthony Fasano
Anthony is a successful restaurateur and former boxer, outwardly confident but inwardly struggling with the expectations of his Italian-American family. His love for Hector is deep and genuine, but fear of disappointing his mother and jeopardizing the family business keeps him closeted. Anthony's psychological conflict centers on identity, loyalty, and the fear of rejection. His journey is one of gradual self-acceptance, culminating in a public declaration of love and a willingness to risk everything for authenticity. Anthony's growth is catalyzed by Mia's presence and the unwavering support of his family.
Hector Chavez
Hector is Anthony's partner in both business and life—a lawyer with a gentle spirit and a fierce love for Anthony. He endures years of secrecy, sacrificing his own happiness for Anthony's peace of mind. Hector's psychological landscape is shaped by longing, resilience, and the pain of invisibility. Despite his suffering, he remains steadfast, offering support and understanding. Hector's vulnerability is his strength, and his willingness to forgive and hope is ultimately rewarded. His relationship with Mia is one of mutual respect and friendship, further highlighting his capacity for empathy.
Ginelle
Ginelle is Mia's best friend—a vivacious, outspoken woman who provides both comic relief and unwavering support. She helps care for Maddy and keeps Mia grounded, offering tough love and humor in equal measure. Ginelle's own struggles, such as quitting smoking, are woven into the narrative, adding depth to her character. Her friendship with Mia is a source of strength, reminding Mia of her worth and the importance of chosen family.
Maddy Saunders
Maddy is Mia's younger sister, a college student navigating adulthood in the shadow of family trauma. She represents both innocence and resilience, determined to make the best of difficult circumstances. Maddy's relationship with Mia is central—she is both a responsibility and a source of joy. Her growth mirrors Mia's, as she asserts her independence while remaining deeply connected to her sister.
Mona Fasano
Mona is the formidable matriarch of the Fasano family, embodying the weight of tradition and the desire for continuity. Her expectations for Anthony are both a source of pressure and a reflection of her love. Mona's journey is one of transformation—from rigid adherence to tradition to a tearful, heartfelt acceptance of her son's truth. Her capacity for love and adaptation is a testament to the power of family bonds.
Angelina Fasano
Angelina, Anthony's sister, is lively, perceptive, and fiercely loyal. She suspects the truth about Anthony and Hector, and her acceptance provides a crucial turning point. Angelina's own struggles with fertility and feeling overshadowed add nuance to her character. Her friendship with Mia and her role in the family's acceptance of Hector highlight her importance as a bridge between tradition and change.
Wes Channing
Wes is Mia's former client and lover, a movie producer whose connection with Mia is intense and enduring. Their relationship is marked by longing, mutual respect, and the ache of separation. Wes represents the possibility of lasting love, but also the reality of timing and circumstance. His willingness to wait for Mia, and his understanding of her journey, make him a symbol of hope and the promise of future happiness.
Blaine
Blaine is the loan shark whose actions set the story in motion. He is a figure of power and menace, representing the dangers Mia faces and the lengths she must go to protect her family. Blaine's presence is a constant reminder of the stakes, fueling Mia's determination and resilience.
Alec
Alec, Mia's former client and lover, is a French artist who teaches Mia about love, art, and the beauty of impermanence. His relationship with Mia is transformative, helping her embrace the idea that love can be meaningful even if it isn't forever. Alec's influence lingers, shaping Mia's approach to relationships and self-acceptance.
Plot Devices
The Calendar Girl Structure
The novel's episodic structure—each month a new client, city, and challenge—serves as both a narrative engine and a metaphor for Mia's personal growth. Each assignment exposes her to new experiences, relationships, and dilemmas, forcing her to confront her fears, desires, and values. The structure allows for a blend of romance, drama, and social commentary, while maintaining a sense of momentum and anticipation.
The Façade and the Closet
Central to the plot is the device of pretending—Mia as an escort, Anthony and Hector as a closeted couple, the family's willful ignorance. The tension between appearance and reality drives the emotional stakes, highlighting the costs of secrecy and the courage required to live openly. The eventual breaking of the façade is both cathartic and transformative, for the characters and the reader.
Family as Both Anchor and Obstacle
The novel explores the dual nature of family—as a source of love and support, but also of pressure and constraint. The characters' struggles to balance personal happiness with familial duty are universal, resonating across cultures and contexts. The eventual acceptance and celebration of difference is a powerful affirmation of the possibility of change.
Interwoven Romantic and Platonic Relationships
The story blurs the lines between romantic, platonic, and familial love, emphasizing the importance of connection in all its forms. Mia's relationships—with clients, friends, and family—are complex and evolving, reflecting the messiness of real life. The narrative structure allows for multiple emotional arcs, each contributing to Mia's growth and the novel's central themes.
Foreshadowing and Emotional Payoff
Throughout the novel, subtle hints and unresolved threads—Mia's feelings for Wes, the looming threat of Blaine, the next assignment in Boston—create a sense of anticipation and continuity. The emotional payoffs, particularly Anthony's coming out and proposal, are carefully seeded, making their resolution both satisfying and earned.
Analysis
Audrey Carlan's March is a vibrant, emotionally charged exploration of love, identity, and the courage to live authentically. Through Mia's journey, the novel interrogates the costs of secrecy and the transformative power of vulnerability. The episodic structure, with each month bringing new challenges and relationships, mirrors the unpredictability of life and the necessity of adaptation. The story's heart lies in its depiction of chosen family—the bonds forged through empathy, honesty, and shared struggle. Carlan deftly balances humor, sensuality, and drama, creating characters who are flawed, relatable, and ultimately hopeful. The novel's central lesson is clear: true happiness requires the bravery to claim one's own story, even in the face of fear and tradition. By embracing risk, seeking connection, and refusing to settle for less than authenticity, Mia and those around her illuminate a path toward fulfillment that is as messy as it is beautiful.
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