25 April Books We're Excited About

And what you can read in the meantime

Reading ahead

Our TBR stacks may be reaching the rafters, but there are always new books that we want to pile on. From complex family dramas to quirky cozy mysteries to a thrilling romantasy inspired by the Icarus myth, April's most anticipated list is packed with must-reads! Here are 25 upcoming releases across a mix of genres. These titles are available for preorder, but in the meantime, we have recs for similar reads that you can enjoy now.

Contemporary fiction 

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (Apr. 8)

Two decades after their band broke up, sisters Zoe and Cassie aren't speaking and the reason for their breakup is still a mystery. Now Zoe's teenage daughter, Cherry, who's determined to be a star in her own right, is on a quest to learn the truth. As secrets from the past emerge, all three of them must face the music.

What to read while you wait: Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith (Apr. 8)

Once inseparable, the four Endicott siblings—Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude—haven't spoken in years. When Jude, now a famous actress, summons the others to a small town in South Dakota, each of them is at a crossroads. As the weekend unfolds, secrets emerge that could change everything. 

What to read while you wait: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr. 22)

Newlyweds Ryan and Lillian Bright are deeply in love and parents to baby Georgette. But Lillian has a secret son and Ryan is hiding an alcohol addiction, so Georgette comes of age watching her family implode. Years later, Lillian's son comes looking for answers, forcing Georgette to return to her roots. 

What to read while you wait: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr. 29)

At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday should be feeling lucky. As it is, reeling from the death of his daughter and his failed marriage, he spends both his money and his time at the bar. So the last thing he expects is to end up on a zany, cross-country road trip to reunite with his high-school flame. 

What to read while you wait: Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

Mystery, thriller, and suspense 

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Apr. 1)

Things are going great for Vera. She's surrounded by loved ones, her teahouse is bustling, and her son, Tilly's new girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray, who investigated the recent murder in Vera's shop. Vera knows she mustn't be ungrateful but she can't help wishing for more murder mysteries to solve.

What to read while you wait: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Overkill (Book #18 in the Ali Reynolds series) by J. A. Jance (Apr. 1)

When Chuck Brewster, the former business partner of Ali's husband B. Simpson, is found murdered, suspicion falls on B.'s first wife, Clarice. But Clarice swears she's innocent and begs for Ali's help. At the same time, someone is targeting Camille Lee while she's on the road for High Noon.

What to read while you wait: Collateral Damage (Book #17 in the Ali Reynolds series) by J. A. Jance

Murder at Gull's Nest by Jess Kid (Apr. 8)

1954: When her former novice's dependable letters stop, nun Nora Breen embarks on a quest for answers in this cozy mystery series starter. Haunted by a line in Frieda's letter, Nora arrives at Gulls Nest, a charming hotel in Gore-on-Sea in Kent. Hiding her identity, Nora pries into the lives of her fellow guests.

What to read while you wait: Murder at the Vicarage (Book #2 in the Miss Marple series) by Agatha Christie

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose (Apr. 8)

As esteemed Head Maid and Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, good things are just around the corner for Molly Gray, including her wedding to Juan Manuel. But when a daring art heist takes place at the hotel, Molly's life is threatened. The question is who's out to get her, and why?

What to read while you wait: The Maid by Nita Prose

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose (Apr. 15)

This twisty sequel begins eleven years after attorney Sarah Morgan defended her then-husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. After learning that her new husband Bob had a one-night stand, Sarah files for divorce. Amid their separation, the past and present converge and startling truths emerge.

What to read while you wait: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror

Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake (Apr. 1)

Where there's a will, there's a war. Thayer Wren, the brilliant CEO of Wrenfare Magitech and so-called father of modern technology, is dead. Now his three telepathically and electrokinetically gifted children are reckoning with their long-festering rivalries as they battle for power.

What to read while you wait: The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way

Scorched Skies by E. J. Mellow (Apr. 15)

In the divided world of Cadra, the winged Volari rule over the Süra. The child of a forbidden union, Tanwen has spent her life in hiding. When Prince Zolya, acting on his father's orders, takes her family captive, Tanwen infiltrates the royal court disguised as a servant. This slow-burn romantasy is inspired by the Icarus myth.

What to read while you wait: A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (Apr. 29)

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast to investigate a series of mysterious shipwrecks. But secretly, she's on the hunt for something specific—sunken treasure. This bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.

What to read while you wait: The Lost Apothecary: Collector's Edition by Sarah Penner

The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (Apr. 29)

In this mesmerizing horror novel, five friends find a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods. One of them decides to investigate and walks up. Then the staircase disappears. Twenty years later, the staircase has reappeared and the group returns to find out where it goes and look for their friend.

What to read while you wait: It by Stephen King

Historical fiction

The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper (Apr. 1)

Head Curator Tildy Barrows, is distressed to learn that her cherished San Francisco archival library is on the verge of bankruptcy. When she discovers two exquisite historic dollhouses in a hidden room, she sets out to decipher the secret history of the dollhouses, hoping to save the library along the way.

What to read while you wait: The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci (Apr. 15)

From the bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes this thrilling historical mystery. Set in London in 1944, the story follows Charlie and Molly, two teenagers who find themselves without guardians and stability amidst World War II. They find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius, a bereaved book shop owner.

What to read while you wait: The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi (Apr. 15)

1930s India: Renowned painter Mira Novak arrives at a Bombay hospital after a miscarriage. When she suddenly dies, suspicion falls on her young nurse, Sona. As Sona sets out on an epic quest to prove her innocence, she makes revelatory discoveries, both about the mysterious artist and herself.

What to read while you wait: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

The Pretender by Jo Harkin (Apr. 22)

Set in the tumultuous period of the Tudors' ascent, this novel tells the little-known story of Lambert Simnel. From humble beginnings as a peasant boy, Lambert's life takes an astonishing turn when, at just ten years old, he becomes a claimant to the English throne as one of the last of the Plantagenet line.

What to read while you wait: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (Apr. 22)

By 1960s standards, suburban housewife Margaret is living the American woman's dream. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Intrigued by Charlotte, a mysterious new neighbor, she starts a book club, inviting two other neighbors, Betsy and Viv, to join. Their first book? Controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique.

What to read while you wait: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Romance 

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (Apr. 1)

When Samantha finds a stray kitten in need of medical attention, she meets brooding veterinarian Xavier. Despite an awkward start, they hit it off. But after one incredible date, Samantha tells Xavier that a relationship is impossible because she's about to move across the country to care for her mom.

What to read while you wait: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

The Geographer's Map to Romance (Book #2 in the Love's Academic series) by India Holton (Apr. 8)

Geography professors Elodie and Gabriel Tarrant have been estranged since shortly after their marriage of convenience a year ago. What they don't know is that they are both secretly pining for one another. When magic erupts in a small Welsh village, they're forced to work together to prevent catastrophe.

What to read while you wait: The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Apr. 22)

Margaret Ives is a famous octogenarian who hasn't been seen in years when she invites two authors to come stay with her. After a month, she'll choose one of them to tell her story. Optimistic up-and-comer Alice and Pulitzer Prize-winning thundercloud Hayden may be polar opposites, but a lot can happen in a month.

What to read while you wait: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

King of Envy by Ana Huang (Apr. 29)

The fifth book in the deliciously steamy Kings of Sin series features a new bad boy billionaire. Vuk Markovic is powerful and reclusive. When the woman he secretly loves gets engaged to his best friend, he's torn between loyalty and desire. What he doesn't know is that the engagement is only a business arrangement.

What to read while you wait: King of Wrath by Ana Huang

Kids/YA

MK's Detective Club: The Double Trouble Puzzle by James Patterson and Keir Graff (Apr. 7)

Discover Nancy Drew for a new generation in this middle grade series packed with thrills, chills, and even laughs. Minerva Keen is the best kid detective Chicago has ever seen, and she's hungry for a new mystery to solve with her friends. But a know-it-all new girl is trying to take control of her detective club.

What to read while you wait: Minerva Keen's Detective Club by James Patterson and Keir Graff

Fearless by Lauren Roberts (Apr. 8)

Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer return to the Kingdom of Ilya in the conclusion to this thrilling YA fantasy trilogy. And Paedyn has a life-altering choice to make. Whatever she decides will determine her fate—and the fate of those around her—forever. In the ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who wins?

What to read while you wait: Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi (Apr. 15)

It's been ten years since Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner Anderson led a worldwide rebellion, establishing the New Republic of the West. But now The Reestablishment is on the move again. Get in on the breathtaking deluxe edition of book one in this YA series set in the bestselling Shatter Me universe.

What to read while you wait: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

We hope you find some titles here that you want to add to your TBR list! Let us know which new books you’re most excited about this month.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon