March is a month dedicated to women—cheering for their triumphs, identifying with their struggles, and basking in their general fabulousness. While both history and the contemporary age provide a plethora of admirable women figures to exalt, there is something to be said for discovering new literary ladies to celebrate. Below is a sampling of the many well-rounded female characters the SELF-e platform has to offer. Clayton, Melinda. Appalachian Justice. Thomas-Jacob. (Cedar Hollow, Bk.1). 2013. 274p. ebk. ISBN NA. F Tackling such issues as misogyny, sexuality, and domestic abuse, Clayton deftly presents the social climate of the sheltered mining town of Cedar Hollow, WV. At the helm is Billy May Platte, reflecting on her troubled life as she lies dying in a hospice. Having learned long ago about the difficulties of being different, Billy May tries to come to terms with the violent beating she suffered at 14 owing to her romantic interest in another girl. The cast of characters who surround our protagonist are disturbingly authentic, representing the victims of intolerance and their brutish oppressors. VERDICT Billy May’s colloquial narration will draw readers in and make them feel like they are sitting vigil at her bedside as she discusses the injustices of her past. The tale she weaves brings Cedar Hollow and its mountain to life in brilliant and horrifying color. Evelina, Nicole. Daughter of Destiny. Lawson Gartner. (Guinevere’s Tale, Bk. 1). 2016. 326p. ebk. ISBN 9780996763110. FANTASY Lady Guinevere’s role in Arthurian legend is widely known to be the betraying wife who breaks the king’s heart and takes away his noblest knight. Evelina seeks to change that perception by giving Guinevere a voice as she recounts her own rich backstory and journey to becoming a queen. Plagued by visions, she seeks guidance from the priestesses of Avalon. There, she pushes the boundaries of her powers, meeting friends, rivals, and even a lover before being called home potentially to fulfill her duty as a noble woman of marrying age. VERDICT A new twist on an old tale that gives agency, sympathy, and personality to a woman typically cast as a one-dimensional adulteress. Classic characters find their way into Guinevere’s orbit in unexpected ways, keeping the novel both familiar and fresh. Massey, Sujata. The Kizuna Coast: A Rei Shimura Mystery. Ikat. 2015. 392p. ebk. ISBN NA. M Antiques dealer Rei Shimura is off on another adventure, this time at the behest of her friend and business mentor, Mr. Ishida. Dealing with the aftereffects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan, Ishida calls Shimura from her home in Hawaii to help him find his apprentice Mayumi, now missing among the devastation. With aid from disaster survivors and volunteers and her own expertise of the country, Shimura is on the case to uncover the events surrounding the mysterious disappearance. That is until she finds herself with a stalker on her heels. VERDICT Massey presents a real-life tragedy with compassion and knowledge. Fans who have been following the clever Shimura for years will not be disappointed by this recent offering.