I’m the world’s worst packer. (Or, at least, it feels like I am!) I tend to overthink literally everything I’m packing for a trip (including which books to bring). My brain spirals. I suffer from decision paralysis. And then I make a mad dash to jam everything I may possibly need into my suitcase.

If you’re relating, my condolences! But even if you’re a whiz at packing, deciding how many books, which titles, and hardback vs. paperback vs. ebook is vitally important for the enjoyment of your trip! (Imagine not having anything to read on your travels! The horrors!)

So, today I created a poll: How do you decide how many books to bring on a trip? Let’s keep this discussion going in the comments. I can’t wait to see what you have to say!

Then, I’ve got more summer bookish fun for you, including …

• 7 of the best NEW books to bring on your next trip

• 2 Bookish AF Summer of Reading Mini-Challenges

• Last-minute book gift ideas for Father’s Day

• & More Bookish News Updates!

Happy Summer Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Now is the perfect time to join the Bookish AF Summer of Reading! It’s giving bookish fun in the sun. It’s giving yelling Bingo at strangers. It’s giving ask-your-father-I’m-reading vibes! (Find out how to win a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!)

Bookish Poll: How many books should you bring on a vacation?

There really isn’t an ideal answer! Your book choices and the amount you bring are incredibly personal, based on your reading pace, genre preferences, and preferred format. Plus, your choice of destination, how long you’ll be gone, and method of travel all factor in!

So, for this poll, let’s say you’re traveling by car on a one-week vacation with an even mix of downtime and activity. How many books do you bring?

Share your thoughts on how many books to bring on vacay!

Leave a comment

6 NEW Books to Pack on a Trip …

Consider this book list as Part 2 of Page-Turners to Pack on a Trip! Last year, I recommended new release books that seemed perfect for different vacation destinations. Plus, I shared several helpful tips for traveling with books. Check it out:

This year, I’ve kept most of the destinations but swapped out the book recs for 2026's new releases. Enjoy!

To the Beach

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

If you find yourself at the beach (or just wishing you were there), look for or pre-order this book, which releases June 30th! When it publishes, you’ll likely see many, many people reading it on the beach (and everywhere else!). Rich people drama, a small New England town, and a love triangle that keeps getting so page-turningly complicated! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

On an Island

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

This book had me at the charming setting of Balboa Island, along the California coast! While we dream of a getaway, why not read this “skillfully crafted story” (as one reader described it) about three women in the 1950s dealing with life issues on the island. It has tennis, friendship, and plenty of drama! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

By a Lake

The Lake Club by Lina Patton

Let’s join an elite club by the lake and watch rich people behave badly! Or let’s save the high price tag and spend our money on something far more entertaining: a book about two well-off women pursuing the same male nanny and the country club that loves to gossip about it! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

In a Big City

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

I’d be up for a trip to London! However, I may feel a little unnerved about my ventures there after reading thriller author Lisa Jewell’s newest book. Set initially in the British countryside, a girl goes missing. Then the action swiftly relocates to a mysterious home in London. Jewell’s None of This Is True was such a fabulous “unhinged woman” read, that I’m sure this book will be equally as addictive! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

On a Cruise

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

When I think about a cruise ship, I think about having a good time! And, fortunately, it seems that when Emma Straub imagines a cruise ship, she also envisions a good time … and a 90s boy band, and a romance! All aboard for this feel-good read of the summer! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Abroad

Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer

Twist my arm. Yes, I’ll go to Tuscany with you. Threaten me with a good time! While I’m booking our flights, travel to Tuscany in this book with a recent grad who takes a job as an assistant to the aging Baronessa, Coco. He’s hired to archive her art and antiques in her equally aging Tuscan villa, but really, he’s enjoying the characters and life at the villa! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org! (Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

Bookish AF Summer Reading BINGO

This summer, add whimsy to your reading habit! Follow along with the Bookish AF Summer of Reading 2026 here!

Mini-Challenge #2 Reading Outside

Reading, as we all know, is good for your brain, your mood, and basically your life. Spending time outdoors is also good for your brain, your mood, and basically your life. Hmm, I’m seeing a lot of similarities! So, imagine if we combine the two? Woah!

expressed it more poetically in her recent post: “reading— under a shady tree, on a towel by the water, in your favorite backyard hammock, reading in the summer is joyful comfort!”

So, here’s the mini-challenge (You’re going to thank me!):

1. Choose a pleasant weather day

2. Set up the essentials (chair or blanket, book, drink, snacks, sun block…)

3. Open a book and read for at least 20 minutes!

Enjoy less eye strain, lower stress, and potentially better sleep that night! (You’re welcome!)

Mini-Challenge #3 Summer Reading Photo

Now that reading outside has provided you with a natural glow-up (book reading automatically makes you more attractive!), snap a selfie or an “ussie” if you’re with friends! Lookin’ good! If you want, share your reading pics over on the Bookish AF Chat! And don’t stop there. Consider sharing on your social media, too, because you never know who you’ll inspire to start a reading habit!

Bookish AF News Updates

Father’s Day Book Recs

I wanted to put together a Father’s Day Book List, but I’ve run out of time and space this week! But never fear … I haven’t forgotten about all you wonderful Dads who love to read! Fortunately, I found an excellent book list perfect for Dads searching for their next read or for anyone looking for a thoughtful gift for them. Check out Zibby’s Bookshop for book recs that match a few of Dad’s favorite interests!

Pride Month: Read These Books If You Loved Heated Rivalry

Queer Romance hit an all-time high in popularity over the past year thanks to the bestselling series and hit show, Heated Rivalry. Now that the ice has melted (probably from all those hot scenes, oh, and it’s pretty much summer), you may be looking for your next queer romance fix. This book list from Penguin Random House is here for you! Best of all, it includes swooning characters playing summer sports. See Two Left Feet, The Prospects, and The Open Era.

Read It & Watch It

READ: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune for the heartbreakingly, heart-warming full circle romance with all the nostalgic summers by the lake vibes!

WATCH: Every Year After series, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Here’s to books, the cheapest vacation you can buy.”

― Charlaine Harris

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my over 1,000 readers!

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There’s something special about reading in the summer. As a kid, summer meant freedom for many things … most especially freedom to choose where, when, and what I wanted to read!

Books by Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time just naturally fit into those leisurely days that also included riding my bike around my neighborhood and occasional trips to a pool. (Oh, the nostalgia of life before phones!)

Here at Bookish AF, I wanted a way to inspire this same whimsical sense of freedom and easy enjoyment of summer reading. So, this week I’m kicking off the “Bookish AF Summer of Reading 2026!”

Each week, I’ll feature a new idea to bring more joy and whimsy to your reading habit this summer. I’ll also provide a Bingo card so you can keep track of these mini-challenges and revel in the satisfaction of marking them off as you accomplish them.

So, today’s newsletter includes lots of new and exciting reading inspo:

• All about the Bookish AF Summer of Reading 2026

• The first mini-challenge: Go on an Audiobook Walk!

• Bookish Updates:

  • 3 New books to celebrate Pride Month!

  • Katie Couric Book Club’s Pick for June!

Happy Summer Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. My mom and a very good friend both read, enjoyed, and recommend Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. I featured this book in my Mother’s Day post, as perfect for moms (or anyone!) who are obsessed with mysteries and thrillers. I’m definitely reading it this summer!

Bookish AF Summer of Reading 2026!

A recent New York Times Opinion article spotlighted Brian Bannon, the chief librarian of the New York Public Library (see the Instagram summary of it here). Bannon warned that reading for fun, especially among young people, has plummeted in America. It’s a concerning trend because reading books is not only good for your individual wellness, but it also uplifts your community and beyond.

Bookish AF readers are already enthusiastic book lovers! But it’s always helpful to find ways to keep the bookish fun going and perhaps inspire others through your example to start their own reading habit!

So, from starting now in June through August, join all the Bookish AF Summer of Reading fun! Each week, I’ll feature one or two of the mini-challenges of reading inspiration ideas to help you make the most of your summer reading life!

You don’t have to complete every square. The goal is simple: have fun, discover great books, and create a summer full of memorable reading experiences.

Bookish AF Summer Reading Bonus!

Become an paid member during the challenge and save 25% on your first year! All annual and founding members will also be entered to win a $50 Bookshop.org card when we celebrate the end of Summer Reading Bingo on August 26.

BONUS: All PAID subscribers can download a PDF of the Bookish AF Summer Reading Bingo Card, plus more helpful resources!

Subscribe now

Bookish AF Summer Reading Challenge #1: 🎧 Take an Audiobook Walk

I chose to start with this Summer Reading Mini-Challenge first because of two events happening now:

• Saturday, June 13th, is National Get Outdoors Day, which celebrates spending time outside and enjoying nature. I’m hoping to attend an audiobook walk event at a local library this Saturday! Find an audiobook walk near you here!

• It’s also Audiobook Appreciation Month! I’ve recently become an audiobook fan for many reasons, most especially that listening while I’m doing other mundane tasks has doubled how many books I’ve read!

What’s an Audiobook Walk?

An audiobook walk is exactly what it sounds like. Put on an audiobook, lace up your shoes, and head outside!

If you’re new to audiobook walks, here are a few quick tips:

• Choose a simple route so you can focus safely on your audiobook.

• Wear comfy headphones or earbuds that stay in securely

• Double the fun and bring a friend to walk with you!

For more audiobook tips and recs, check out these Bookish AF posts:

Share what book kept you company on your audiobook walk!

Leave a comment

Bookish AF News Updates

Top 3 Books to Celebrate Pride Month

I love the power of books, especially fiction, to provide representation and opportunity for empathy. As a reader, you live the life of the characters in your mind. Sometimes that means you resonate with their experiences, and sometimes that means you understand others a little better. During Pride Month, this benefit of reading takes on even greater meaning!

For the ultimate Pride Month book list, Bookshop.org asked “booksellers at local, LGBTQIA+-owned bookstores to share the books they’re recommending this Pride Month.”

Here are the top three books on their list:

John of John by Douglas Stuart

Maybe because Oprah selected it as her June book club pick, or because early reader reviews rate it sooo highly, but this novel tops every Pride book list this year!

In this deeply emotional story, both father and son hold on tightly to the secret that they are both gay. They keep this secret from the world, and more importantly, from each other. Listen to Douglas Stuart discuss (in his lovely lilting accent) his novel in this fascinating NPR interview! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune

You may well recognize the author, TJ Klune, from The House in the Cerulean Sea (I haven’t read it yet, but it’s high on TBR!).

In this novel, we follow Don and Rodney, who have shared a life for forty years. Sadly, time is running out as Earth is about to be gobbled up by a black hole! With unfinished business motivating them, Don and Rodney hop into a mobile home for a road trip from Maine to Washington State. The reviews are stellar, and it may be the end of the world if I don’t read it soon! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Let’s keep our eyes cast upward to the rainbow-filled heavens above, for another novel that is beautifully written and worthy of praise during Pride Month and all year long! Taylor Jenkins Reid rarely disappoints (why oh why haven’t I read one of her books yet?!), and Atmosphere is among her most beloved.

The story follows Joan Goodwin, who ventures into the 1980s Space Shuttle mission. While training for the mission, Joan befriends her fellow astronauts and finds an unlikely love. Then, on a mission, things go wrong. You'd better block out time to read this last section because you won’t want to put it down! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org! (Save 15% off the books on this list until June 30th with code: Pride26 and know that local independent bookstores, LGBTQIA+-owned, benefit from your purchases!)

June Book Club Selections

Katie Couric Book Club (KCBC) June 2026 Book Pick: Whistler by Ann Patchett

I’m so excited Katie selected this book (read more about it here) because now I can look forward to watching her interview Ann Patchett on her Substack. Save the date: June 29 at 8:30 p.m. While you wait, check out this fascinating interview with Elle Magazine where Ann Patchett discusses Whistler and more!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”

― Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

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Divorce has been a go-to topic for writers for a long time. But lately, new books about fractured families have taken it to another level!

These novels and memoirs aren’t afraid to share the shocking betrayals, the messy breakups, and the quiet heartbreak that happens when a family is torn apart. They’re impossible to put down. And you’ll definitely want to discuss them with someone!

So, today, I’m sharing:

• 5 Divorce Reads worth adding to your TBR (Also, June’s 5 on Five theme!)

• June is Pride Month and Audiobook Appreciation Month!

• New June book club picks from Sarah, Jenna, Reese, and more!

• Prime Day book discounts you can get today!

• Bookish Reading Tip: Appreciating Your Reading Habit!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Today’s book list is two days early for the monthly 5 on Five Link Sharing Party! Simi Sidhu Writes is hosting June’s 5 on Five with the optional theme of “fractured families.” So, this Friday, visit the 5 on Five post at Simi Sidhu Writes: Between Worlds for links to more great books!

P.P.S. I can’t get enough of public libraries with a sense of humor on Instagram! If you want a laugh, watch “Hot Girl Summer” Parts One and Two!

5 Bold, Emotional Books About Fractured Families

These novels and memoirs about both fictional and real-life divorces put it alllll out there! The women in these stories go through complicated, at times unhinged emotions and tough healing journeys. Bring on the page-turning, must-read drama!

Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden | Memoir

Belle Burden had a steady, financially secure life until her husband of 20 years suddenly announced he was walking away from her and their children. Stunned and questioning everything she thought she knew, Belle looks back at her marriage and family history. There, she finds the courage to face betrayal, speak up, and become a braver version of herself. Watch Jennifer Weiner recommend this book here. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose | Thriller

In this follow-up novel to The Perfect Marriage, it’s now eleven years after Sarah Morgan got her husband Adam acquitted of murdering his mistress. She’s built a new life with a new husband, a new career, and a future she thought was finally steady. But when her marriage to Bob falls apart, and fresh DNA evidence reopens Adam’s old case, Sarah is pulled back into a twisted mystery. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story by Leslie Jamison | Memoir

Leslie Jamison opens up about the most personal parts of her life, including single motherhood after her fractured marriage, and the complicated love story of her parents. With sharp, beautiful writing, she explores how joy and grief can coexist, and how she managed to move forward. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell | Contemporary Fiction

Cherry is stuck in Omaha, while her soon-to-be ex-husband gets famous in Hollywood for a webcomic based on her plus-sized life! Finally, she meets someone who doesn’t recognize her from the comic, someone from her past who sees her for who she really is, and suddenly Cherry has a chance to figure out who she wants to become. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler | Contemporary Fiction

For Gail Baines, everything seems to be going wrong, and it’s only getting messier as her daughter’s wedding gets closer. When her ex-husband appears back on her doorstep, a family secret comes to light, and old wounds reopen. It’s a quick read at 166 pages, but it makes an impact with its sharp, emotional story. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org! (Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

Bookish AF News Updates

June is Pride Month!

Next week, I’ll share a book list highlighting several new and noteworthy fiction and nonfiction books featuring LGBTQ+ authors and themes. If you don’t want to wait, here are the book lists I’m searching through: Goodreads, Bookriot, Penguin Random House, and Bookshop.org. Share with me what book you’re looking forward to reading!

Leave a comment

June is also Audiobook Appreciation Month!

It’s time to celebrate how audiobooks make reading easier, more fun, and more accessible for everyone! All month, libraries, publishers, and reading platforms join in by sharing recommendations and events that show why listening to stories is such a great part of bookish life.

• Learn more about this event on the American Library Association’s page!

• Join an audiobook walk-a-thon near you on June 13th! Find your local Silent Book Club here to participate!

June Book Club Selections

SARAH SELECTS: Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan - Also last month’s GMA Book Club Pick!

The reader ratings are sky-high for this story about a single mom who returns to her hometown in Rhode Island. While there, she gets involved with a fake-dating scheme that turns into a real romance. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

READ WITH JENNA: The Children by Melissa Albert

Guinevere Sharpe grew up in two worlds: the magical stories her famous mother wrote and the difficult real life she lived in a remote Vermont farmhouse. As an adult, she’s pulled back into the spotlight and must face the dark truth behind the fantasy. See what Jenna has to say about it here! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

REESE’S BOOK CLUB: A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

I featured this book last week! When Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, Eunice Carter, goes after mob boss Lucky Luciano, she’ll need help from Polly Adler, a powerful madam determined to protect her girls. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

PRAIRIE PAGES BOOK CLUB: Stash: My Life In Hiding by Laura Cathcart Robbins

Laura Cathcart Robbins’ memoir tells the story of a privileged but fractured childhood, addiction, recovery, divorce, and starting over while also facing what it means to be a Black woman in spaces that weren’t built for her. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Bookish Buys

Prime Day is June 23rd through the 26th! But you can shop “Today’s Deals” right now for amazing discounts on books and more!

Bookish Reading Tip: Appreciating Your Reading Habit!

When you pick up a book or an audiobook, know that you’re doing something good for both your mind and your mood! Reading strengthens your ability to focus, helps you think more clearly, and makes you more empathetic. Best of all, it’s such a simple, low-cost way to slow down, relax, and ease stress!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“We aren’t loved in the ways we choose. We are loved in the ways we are loved.”

― Leslie Jamison, Splinters

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my over 1,000 readers!

New Paid Subscriber and Founding Member Gifts

Your paid support makes it possible for me to spend more time on all this Bookish AF fun! It also allows me to focus on writing my next novel. As an additional thank you for your generosity of a paid subscription, I’ve recently added:

• A new printable PDF of Book Club Discussion Questions for Any Book.

• Your name in the acknowledgments of my next book (in progress) when it publishes (with your permission)!

• Founding Members: The gift of my previously published Kindle e-books sent to your email.

Finally, it feels like summer! I’m so excited to start spending more time outside reading! Whether it’s in my favorite Adirondack chair (see here in this note) or on the beach or poolside, it’s pure joy to slip on my sunglasses, kick off my sandals, and get lost in a story!

So, if you’re looking for new summer reads to enjoy now, I rounded up the best new fiction just released this May! I’m also featuring several new books coming out on June 2nd that I’m sure you’ll be seeing in front of a lot of faces this summer!

Happy Summer Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Today’s Bookish News Updates include: A new book club pick that’s also super perfect for summer reading, a booklist for Mental Health Awareness Month, and what Jenna Bush Hager had to say about banning books!

12 New Books for the Summer!

I thought about creating another “most anticipated” post for all the great books coming out this summer.

However, I ran into two problems: First, that book list would be wayyyy too long. And, second, I’m always disappointed when I find out a book I’m excited for isn’t coming out for several weeks or months!

So, all this summer, I’m listing the sensational new reads you need to know about as they become available, or are released before my next post!

To Read Now!

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune | Romance

Frankie and George have been best friends since childhood, but their bond has always been as messy as it is strong. When Frankie’s wedding falls apart, George decides he’ll take her on her honeymoon trip to the rugged coast of Tofino on Vancouver Island in Canada. What starts as one last chance to fix their friendship turns into a heart-tugging escape full of secrets, old feelings, and maybe (definitely) love. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Land by Maggie O’Farrell | Historical Fiction

In 1865 Ireland, Tomás and his young son Liam are helping map the country for the Ordnance Survey when a strange encounter changes everything. As the weight of the Great Hunger, colonization, and family secrets closes in, Liam must figure out how to survive a father who is no longer the man he knew. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

June Baby by Shannon Garvey | Literary Fiction/Romance

After losing her mother to cancer at seventeen, Ruth’s father sends her to Block Island with only the name of a famous photographer, Diana Beckett. Ruth finds Diana, who gives her a summer refuge full of beauty, writing, and her first love with Diana’s nephew, Charlie. Now, ten summers later, another tragedy and a shocking discovery from Diana force Ruth to rethink everything she thought she knew about her past. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn | Rom-com

Renley Gossage has one chance to save her favorite candy shop and prove to everyone in Cape Meril that they’re wrong about her and her family, even if that means doing the hard work alone. Then Theo Williams, a posh runaway dealing with a fake engagement mess and way too much confidence, ends up next door. Between the chaos, the gossip, and all their forced closeness, things get a lot sweeter than either of them planned. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig | Fantasy/Romance

When Wilbur boards the Midnight Train, he gets a chance to revisit the moments that shaped his life, including his honeymoon in Venice with Maggie, the love of his life. But as he begins to wish he had made different choices, he learns that changing the past could cost him everything. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

It Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson | Mystery/Romance

Harriet Baker thought she’d left Logan Island behind for good. But after losing her dream job, she’s reluctantly back home in her beach town. When her birthday party ends with a dead body, and her ex-fling’s sister is marked as the main suspect, Harriet teams up with Nic to uncover the truth. In the process, they dig up old secrets, messy feelings, and a hometown that’s not as picture-perfect as it seems. (Amazon | Bookshop.org) (Sent to me by Claire McLaughlin at Terrace Public Relations for review.)

Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore | Mystery/Thriller

After three years of brutal hours as assistant to a terrifying media CEO, Fletcher Spence finally lands a spot on her company’s luxurious retreat, where she hopes to win the promotion of her dreams. But when her boss dies and leaves the whole company to whoever survives the week, Fletcher finds herself trapped on a private island full of coworkers who are suddenly willing to do anything to come out on top, even if it means hunting her down! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Available June 2, 2026!

You only have to wait until next Tuesday to grab up these most anticipated new books!

Whistler by Ann Patchett | Literary Fiction

When Daphne Fuller spots her old stepfather, Eddie Triplett, at the Met, she’s suddenly pulled back into a part of her life she thought was long gone. Their reunion opens up memories, regrets, and a powerful connection that shows how one brief relationship can shape a whole life. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Let’s Not Go Overboard Here by Erica Hendry | Mystery Thriller

After the death of her best friend, Mel joins a yacht trip in Greece, hoping for a break from her grief. Only, she gets pulled into a glamorous mystery when she thinks a fellow passenger has been murdered. But as no one else seems to believe her, Mel has to untangle the truth fast before the danger on board sinks her too. Watch this funny video the author made about the book! (Amazon | Bookshop.org) (Sent to me by Jes Lyons at Grand Central Publishing for review.)

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews | Contemporary Fiction

Sisters, Maeve and Therese Dunigan, have spent years living very different lives. But their mother’s death throws them back together when they inherit a mysterious painting that could be worth a fortune. As they travel to Ireland to uncover the truth, the sisters face family secrets, old grudges, and a few charming surprises that might change everything they thought they knew. (Amazon | Bookshop.org) (See ’s book tour dates here!)

A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray | Historical Fiction

When Eunice Carter, Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, goes after mob boss Lucky Luciano, she realizes the usual crimes won’t be enough to bring him down. With help from Polly Adler, a powerful madam who’s ready to protect her girls, the two women build a daring case that could change New York City forever. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang | Science Fiction

Dr. Jo Ness would rather keep company with jellyfish than people. After losing her best friend, Aldo, she’s been hiding out at an aquarium and clinging to the notes they left behind. But when an old friend calls from a tiny island in Maine with a wild story about a giant jellyfish terrorizing the residents, Jo goes in search of answers. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

GMA Book Club Pick

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan | Contemporary Romance

Dolly Brick is the kind of woman who can handle almost anything, from her mom disappearing when she was twelve to now, at thirty-nine, moving back home to save her family’s house. So when she helps Stewart Whitfield after a flat tire and a very public breakup, the last thing she expects is for their fake arrangement to turn into real chemistry and a whole lot of feelings she’s not sure she can trust. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Note: Right now, I’m listening to Annabel Monaghan’s It’s a Love Story on audiobook, and it’s such a cute rom-com! I’ve actually laughed out loud … really! The narrator does a great job, but it would be equally enjoyable to read in print or as an ebook.

Books for Mental Health Awareness Month

May has been Mental Health Awareness Month! Back in October, I put this helpful book list for this serious topic: 6 Mental Health Books (To Help You Feel Seen!)

Banned Books: “I don’t think so, Honey!”

recently joined the Apple podcast, Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, for an amusing discussion and “an impassioned rant against book banning.” You gotta watch this Instagram Reel to hear what she had to say!

“A summer away from everything, where I could read my books without worrying about being called a freak and swim whenever I wanted to, felt like heaven.”

― Carley Fortune, Every Summer After

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

Leave a comment

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships?

If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my over 1,000 readers!

New Paid Subscriber and Founding Member Gifts

Your paid support makes it possible for me to spend more time on all this Bookish AF fun! It also allows me to focus on writing my next novel. As an additional thank you for your generosity of a paid subscription, I’ve recently added:

• A new printable PDF of Book Club Discussion Questions for Any Book.

• Your name in the acknowledgments of my next book (in progress) when it publishes (with your permission)!

• Founding Members: The gift of my previously published Kindle e-books sent to your email.

What do Fredrik Backman’s well-known novels, Elena Ferrante’s beloved Neapolitan series, and Thomas Schlesser’s recent breakout hit Mona’s Eyes all have in common? They’re translated fiction!

Despite the above books landing on several bestseller lists, most translated fiction flies under the radar. However, yesterday, the International Booker Prize shone a spotlight on translated books by announcing its winner! (See here)

So, today, I’m helping you to expand your reading horizons with:

• 5 Approachable translated books to read now!

• The International Booker Prize Winner 2026

• The most-read translated fiction of all time!

• Tips for reading translated fiction

And, in Bookish News Updates, I share about the movies I watched this weekend and two more book club picks from Reese and Oprah!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

Bookish Recs: 5 Approachable Translated Books to Read Now!

Through these translated stories, we step into cultures, histories, and perspectives far beyond our own lives. Recent releases include literary fiction, speculative fiction, family sagas, thrillers, surreal stories, cozy reads, and more.

The hardest part now is deciding where to start! So, I selected five books with the best reviews and highest star ratings:

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

(Translated from Japanese by Alison Watts)

The Premise:
A lonely man working at a small shop selling dorayaki (a pancake filled with a sweet bean paste) reluctantly hires an elderly woman with a mysterious past. Her homemade sweet bean paste slowly changes both the business and his outlook on life. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why It’s Approachable:
This book is gentle, cozy, and emotionally accessible from the very first page. The short chapters and food-centered storytelling make it feel comforting.

Who Would Like This:
Fans of cozy Japanese fiction, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and stories that feel warm, reflective, and quietly emotional.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

(Translated from French by Ros Schwartz)

The Premise:
A young woman and a group of older women are imprisoned underground with no explanation, no memories of the outside world, and no understanding of why they’re being held captive. When an unexpected escape becomes possible, the narrator must confront what it truly means to be human in a world she barely understands. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why It’s Approachable:
While the novel explores philosophical questions about freedom, identity, and loneliness, the eerie dystopian mystery and suspenseful survival-story premise keep the pages turning.

Who Would Like This:
Readers who love speculative fiction and books that leave you thinking for days afterward.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

(Translated from Japanese by Eric Ozawa)

The Premise:
This comforting sequel returns readers to the beloved Morisaki Bookshop in Tokyo, where books continue helping people heal, reconnect, and rediscover themselves. As familiar characters navigate love, grief, friendship, and new beginnings, the shop remains a quiet refuge for anyone searching for meaning. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why It’s Approachable:
The cozy setting, short length, and heartfelt storytelling make this book perfect for readers craving low-stakes comfort reads.

Who Would Like This:
Bookstore fiction lovers, cozy readers, and anyone who wishes they could disappear into a tiny bookshop for an entire weekend.

Eating Ashes by Brenda Navarro

(Translated from Spanish by Sophie Hughes)

The Premise:
After the death of her brother, a woman wanders through Barcelona reflecting on family trauma, violence, grief, and the emotional scars left behind by both personal and societal expectations. The novel is told through fragmented memories and deeply intimate reflections. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why It’s Approachable:
Although the themes are heavy, the short, sharp passages and raw honesty make the story deeply engaging and surprisingly readable.

Who Would Like This:
Readers who enjoy emotionally intense family dramas, reflective literary fiction, or books that explore grief and identity with brutal honesty.

Hooked: A Novel of Obsession by Asako Yuzuki

(Translated from Japanese by Polly Barton)

The Premise:
Eriko appears to have the perfect life: a prestigious job, polished appearance, and carefully controlled routine. But beneath her flawless exterior is a deep loneliness and an obsessive fascination with Shoko, a carefree lifestyle blogger whose messy, imperfect life. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why It’s Approachable:
The psychological tension builds quickly. It reads like an addictive contemporary thriller.

Who Would Like This:
Fans of Yellowface, and books about obsession, female friendship, and messy modern womanhood.

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

(Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

Leave a comment

Why Everyone Is Talking About the International Booker Prize 2026

The 2026 International Booker Prize shortlist includes authors and translators from eight countries and four continents. Even cooler: five of the six authors and four of the six translators are women. Watch Dua Lipa here deliver the opening speech for the awards!

Here’s the shortlist (and the winner):

• The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran — an Iranian family story about revolution, exile, and the never-ending hope for freedom

• She Who Remains — a sharp, beautifully written story about a young woman in Albania and her journey to self-discovery

• The Director — a darkly funny look at filmmaker G.W. Pabst and his choice to work with the Nazis

• On Earth As It Is Beneath — a haunting novella set in a Brazilian penal colony, where justice and cruelty blur together

• The Witch — a darkly comic novel where magic, reality, and motherhood collide

• 🏆 (The winner!) Taiwan Travelogue — a post-colonial novel about a Japanese writer touring 1930s Taiwan, with a romance-like feel.

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

Fun Fact: The World’s Most Translated Books Are Surprisingly Familiar

Leaving out religious texts, the top five most translated books are all classics many of us discovered as kids:

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

• Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

• Andersen’s Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

These books have lasted for generations because of their universal themes of curiosity, adventure, loneliness, imagination, and hope. Even when a story comes from another country or language, you can still find yourself in it!

Bookish Reading Tip: Enjoying Translated Fiction

When you read translated fiction, think of it as a team effort. The translator matters just as much as the author. They essentially shape the reading experience.

However, “lost in translation” moments still may happen. For example, name pronunciations (audiobooks help with this!) or unfamiliar holidays or traditions can leave you stumped.

You could Google to learn more about your book’s background. Who doesn’t love a good trip down the rabbit hole? Or, keep reading, allowing some details and cultural references to remain a little mysterious.

Learn more tips for enjoying translated fiction, and discover book recs for South Korean literature in translation here in ’s fascinating post!

Bookish AF News Updates

Book Club Selections: Reese’s and Oprah’s Latest Selections

Reese’s Book Club’s May 2026 Pick

The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews

After a chance reentry into Manhattan’s glamorous art world leads Clare Bast to a stolen masterpiece and a brutal murder, she finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets, scams, and suspicion where every clue seems to point back to her. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Read more from author Alexandra Andrews here on Reese’s Substack: .

Oprah’s Book Club’s Book Club Pick #123

John of John by Douglas Stuart

When John-Calum Macleod returns home to the Isle of Harris after art school with little money and a lot of secrets, he finds his strict father, sharp-tongued grandmother, and their fragile community all on the edge of change in this moving novel about family, truth, and longing. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Bookish Entertainment News: What I Watched

This weekend, I enjoyed two great films. The first, The Devil Wears Prada 2, I saw in the theater with my mom and my daughter. It did not disappoint! I will say it’s more enjoyable if you’re already a fan of the first film and love the all-star cast (which we did!).

The second one, Remarkably Bright Creatures, I watched on my own on Netflix, which is good because it’s a tear-jerker even if it ends well. The book is one of my all-time favorites, and the movie really paid it justice. It kept to the book’s original story as much as a screenplay could, and Sally Field was perfect as Tova, the main character. Love her in just about anything, so no stretch there!

For fun, watch Sally read an excerpt from the book here! And then watch this bookish discussion here with her co-star Lewis Pullman! Finally, check out this list of new book adaptations coming to Netflix!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“When I hear stars whispering at night I feel part of the eternal flow of time.”

― Durian Sukegawa, Sweet Bean Paste

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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New Paid Subscriber and Founding Member Gifts

Your paid support makes it possible for me to spend more time on all this Bookish AF fun! It also allows me to focus on writing my next novel.

As an additional thank you for your generosity of a paid subscription, I’ve recently added:

• A new printable PDF of Book Club Discussion Questions for Any Book.

• Your name in the acknowledgments of my next book (in progress) when it publishes (with your permission)!

• Founding Members: The gift of my previously published Kindle e-books sent to your email.

Last year, around this same time, I called an end to the debate of whether audiobooks count as reading. They do count! And they’ve helped me double the number of books I’ve read since adding them to my reading repertoire!

But now I’m jumping onto a new audiobook debate: Does the format you decide to experience a book impact your enjoyment of it? Are some books better as audiobooks?

Let’s find out! Today, I’m sharing …

• Your audiobook recs, plus how and why you enjoy listening to them!

• The most-streamed audiobooks on Spotify

• New poll: What’s your audiobook speed?

Finally, this week’s Bookish Updates include May 2026 book club selections, the Booker Prize shortlist, and a link to an honest review of the hottest book everyone is reading! (Can you guess what book it is?)

Happy Reading! (And Listening!)

Your friend,

Audry

Bookish Recs: Books Readers Swear Are Better on Audio

Audiobooks have recently experienced a glow-up. Many now feature talented narrators, multiple voices, and celebrity readers. Some include music!

So, is going with the audiobook better for certain titles?

There’s no right or wrong answer. It really comes down to personal preference! For example, a great narrator can make a story feel alive. But it can also work in reverse. If you don’t like the narrator’s voice or style, it can distract you from enjoying the book.

To find out which books are exceptional on audio, I went to the source: book lovers!

Best Audiobooks According to You

In a recent Note, I asked for your recommendations for audiobooks you thought were better than the print copy or the ebook. You understood the assignment!

“Daisy Jones and the Six is WAY better on audio and I have the physical book as well. Because there are so many characters it’s so nice to have different voices to help keep track of them all.” (via )

“I prefer listening to memoirs read by the author versus reading them! I also loved the audiobook for Where the Crawdads Sing, which remains one of my favorites.” (via )

“I’ve been enjoying listening to Breath by James Nestor on my walks. I sometimes find myself practicing what he’s preaching while I walk and listen. I also really loved listening to The Lion Women of Tehran. That was beautifully recorded.” (via )

“I really enjoyed listening to Matthew McConaughey‘s Green Light book. I think if I had read it, it would not have appealed to me as much.” (via )

“I like going for the audiobook whenever I pick up something by Paul Tremblay. He’s a horror writer but he tends spice up his novels with mixed media. The audiobook productions of his novels are always top-tier. I especially enjoyed “The Pallbearers Club”.” (via )

“I love Elin Hilderbrand’s books on audio because the narrator is fantastic!” (via )

And that’s just a few of the great recs and fascinating conversations about audiobooks you can find in the comment thread on this Note!

Most Popular Audiobooks on Spotify

Spotify recently released its most-streamed audiobooks of all time, and the list includes (surprise, surprise) mostly well-known bestsellers!

The list is also dominated by romantasy! Sarah J. Maas appears FOUR times with the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, while Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Iron Flame also take top spots! (See the full list here!)

These audiobooks from the list stood out to me:

#9 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden - The movie was riveting, so the audiobook must be unstoppable! (Freida McFadden’s The Boyfriend also made the list at #18!)

#13 Icebreaker by Hannah Grace - Romance on skates has been having a moment, so I’m not surprised!

#15 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I have the paperback waiting for a beach trip. But now I’m wondering: Should I listen to it?

#17 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - I listened to the audiobook in January to see if I could master this “art.” I’m still a work in progress, but the book was entertaining!

#20 Funny Story by Emily Henry - I recently listened to Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life and really enjoyed the narration and the story. So, no wonder another of her novels made this list!

Check out ’s post on Bookish Media (read it here), where she comments on her experience with listening to most of the audiobooks on this list!

Bookish Poll: What’s Your Audiobook Speed?

I had no idea you could adjust how quickly you can listen to an audiobook. I’m a slow reader who loves to savor words and the story. So 1.0x is my jam! What’s your perfect speed? (Also, see the fun conversation about play speeds in this note!)

More AudioBookish Fun

Ending the debate, plus the best audiobook sites and top audiobooks of 2025:

Bookish AF News Updates

Book Club Selections: May 2026

Prairie Pages Book Club

Life’s Short, Talk Fast: Fifteen Writers on Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls by Ann Hood

Through personal essays about moms, daughters, friendship, and Stars Hollow’s charm, this collection shows how the show became more than a TV series. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Prairie Pages is a free virtual book club from Melissa Gilbert’s brand Modern Prairie. It features monthly reads, often with a nostalgic feel! And my bookish friend Laura K. Bray (find her at here on Substack) is the book club host!

Katie Couric Book Club

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

Artie Dam seems to have a steady, ordinary life as a history teacher, husband, and neighbor, but inside, he feels deeply alone. When a shocking secret comes to light, he has to rethink his whole life, his closest relationships, and the mysteries that connect us all. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Sarah Selects

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one, sharp-tongued, and perfectly happy keeping to herself … until a neighbor’s death brings old rumors roaring back. As the press closes in and a curious little girl moves in next door, Elsie must face the truth about her past as Mad Mabel Waller. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The 2026 Booker Prize Short List Announced

The International Booker Prize celebrates fiction and short story collections translated into English. Discover which books made the esteemed short list here!

An Honest Review of Yesteryear

This book! Sometimes a book goes viral. And that’s so exciting! But the reviews have been all over the place for Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear. So, when I saw my friend, fellow bookish Substacker, and librarian extraordinaire, write a review on it, I knew I’d get the real deal! Read Kelly’s honest review of Yesteryear here!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“When you read a book, the story definitely happens inside your head. When you listen, it seems to happen in a little cloud all around it, like a fuzzy knit cap pulled down over your eyes.”

― Robin Sloan, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

The Bookish Shop

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my over 1,000 readers!

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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I’m a day late for this month’s “5 on Five,” since I publish on Wednesdays and today is the 6th. But it’s never too late to share exciting new book recs!

This month’s host, the fabulous Book Talk With Lauren, has chosen the “top five books of the first five months of 2026” as May’s theme. Visit her post here to check out her top 5 books. And remember to scroll to the comments for links to more book lists!

So, today, see which books made my list of the top 5 books I’ve read in 2026, so far!

I’ve already written so much about the books on my personal top 5 list. So, as a bonus, I’m also sharing the top five new books gaining the best reviews and the most attention so far this year!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Also scroll down to this week’s Bookish Updates, which include: May 2026 book club picks, this week’s most anticipated new books, and how “bookending” can improve your life!

New Paid Subscriber and Founding Member Gifts

Your paid support makes it possible for me to spend more time on all this Bookish AF fun! It also allows me to focus on writing my next novel. As an additional thank you for your generosity of a paid subscription, I’ve recently added:

• A new printable PDF of Book Club Discussion Questions for Any Book

• Your name (with your permission) in the acknowledgments of my next book (in progress)!

• Founding Members (only): The gift of my previously published Kindle e-books, sent to your email!

Bookish Recs: Top 5 Books of the First Five Months!

My Top 5 Books of the First Five Months of 2026

I’ve had the best year of reading … and we’re only five months into it! My better choices are definitely thanks to your comments, which directed me toward books I otherwise would never have picked up. Bookish AF readers are the best!

1. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - The perfect late fall/winter read! The strong main character, Martha Ballard (based on a real woman), will stay with me forever. And that ending!

2. My Friends by Fredrik Backman - My heart still melts and breaks over this story. It’s so well-written! No wonder it made my list of the best books of 2025!

3. Weyward by Emilia Hart - I recommend listening (as I did) to the atmospheric audiobook version. (I shared about it in this note!) Emilia Hart braids the stories of three generations of witchy women expertly in this novel, with plenty of suspense!

4. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - This romance had a little of everything I adore in a story: heartfelt moments, a few chili peppers of spice, and secrets revealed in the end! I’ve had this book on my TBR ever since I featured it as a Reese’s Book Club May 2025 pick!

5. Evie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes - I needed an uplifting, humorous read, and this one, which I featured on March’s 5 on Five book list, delivered! The witty banter, the heartfelt story, and the romance are so entertaining!

Top 5 New Books of the First Five Months of 2026

As someone who loves curating the latest, hottest books coming out, I had a terrible time narrowing it down to only five! So I consulted books recently selected by the New York Times Books Staff and Goodreads’ weekly-updated Most Popular Books Published in 2026, plus a few other noteworthy lists!

1. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Description: Equal parts time-travel story and identity crisis, a social media influencer mysteriously wakes up decades in the past and is forced to confront who she is without the internet, her audience, or the carefully curated version of herself she built online. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why Top 5? This bestseller is a GMA Book Club pick and chosen as one of the New York Times Best Books of the Year (So Far). The reader ratings are high. It’s getting a movie adaptation… hello, Anne Hathaway! And it’s one of those books I predict everyone will still be discussing at the end of the year.

2. Kin by Tayari Jones

Description: Set in 1950s Louisiana, Kin follows two childhood friends, both motherless daughters, whose lives diverge onto different paths shaped by family expectations, buried secrets, and the social pressures of the American South. As the story unfolds, old tensions resurface, and loyalties are tested. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why Top 5? This bestseller and Oprah’s Book Club Pick also topped the New York Times Best Books of the Year (So Far) list. Readers can’t get enough of this literary, emotionally rich, character-driven story that’ll stay with you long after the last page!

3. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

Description: Debbie Mullen has spent years giving practical advice to the women who write into her newspaper column. But now her own life is falling apart, from a lost job to strange behavior from her daughters to a husband who seems to be hiding something. When she finally stops trying to be the bigger person, Debbie decides it’s time to take her own advice and get a little revenge. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why Top 5? Dear Debbie has topped Goodreads’ most popular books list for weeks and has been “shelved” on the platform over 800,000 times! According to rave reader reviews, the chapters fly by, the twists keep escalating, the humor adds a fun element, and the characters don’t disappoint!

4. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

Description: Larissa thought a simple ride home after a concert would change her night, but it ended up changing her whole life. Now she’s in a sweet, complicated mess with two men, one rescue Yorkie, and a growing question she can’t ignore: how do you choose between what feels right and what’s truly yours? (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why Top 5? Readers are absolutely obsessed with this book. They love how Abby Jimenez balances humor and vulnerability so well that the characters feel completely real. If you love romance novels that make you laugh and cry, this one likely deserves the hype.

5. The Keeper by Tana French

Description: A young woman’s death sends shockwaves through the tight-knit Irish village of Ardnakelty, where old grudges and hidden power struggles run deeper than anyone wants to admit. As retired detective Cal Hooper and his fiancée Lena get pulled into the mess, they uncover a dangerous scheme that could change everything for the village … and put them both in real danger! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Why Top 5? Named a New York Times Best Book of the Year (so far) and a People Best Book of March, this bestseller brings a ton of atmosphere and literary suspense. It’s moody, quietly intense, and immersed in the Irish countryside.

View these books and more on Bookshop.org! (Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

What are your top 5 books of 2026 so far?

Leave a comment

Bookish AF News Updates

May is AAPI Heritage Month

This month, celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of people with Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds by visiting these three book lists packed with recent fiction and nonfiction by authors with this heritage from around the world.

• New Fiction and Nonfiction to Read This AAPI Heritage Month

• 15 books to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

• 35 Books to Read for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Book Club Selections

KCBC: Recently, Katie Couric interviewed James author, Percival Everett. Watch the fascinating book club discussion about his book’s themes and behind-the-scenes fun facts!

READ WITH JENNA: Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister

The May 2026 book club pick “will keep you reading late into the evening,” according to Jenna. In this page-turner thriller, when Simone’s daughter, Lucy, goes missing during a vacation in Texas, Simone is forced into a terrifying choice: obey the kidnappers’ demands or risk losing Lucy forever. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Most Anticipated New Releases: May 5, 2026

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
  From the author of The Help, this historical novel is set in 1933 Mississippi and follows three women facing hard times. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
  A buzzy romance with a best friends-to-lovers story set during a dramatic week in Tofino. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
  Strout’s first standalone novel in over a decade follows a Massachusetts high school teacher dealing with a powerful realization. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel
  Pepper Mills, 77, moves into a retirement community, makes a new friend, and ends up pregnant! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Bookish Reading Tip: “Bookending”

Bookends aren’t only for your shelf. They can be for your day, too! Bookending your day means starting your morning and ending your night with a book instead of your phone. Reading in the morning can help you ease into the day with more calm and focus, and reading at night can help your brain slow down before bed.

This small ritual can also lower stress and make your day feel more intentional. Instead of letting screen time take over, you’re choosing something peaceful and nourishing. Even 20 minutes of reading can help center your mind and give your day a gentler start and finish.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Love is self-sustaining. It doesn’t get weak and die when you don’t feed it.”

― Abby Jimenez, The Night We Met

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

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Mother’s Day is coming up on May 10th, and choosing a gift beyond flowers and a card can be tricky. But if your mom, or the “motherly” person in your life, enjoys books or wants to get back into a reading habit, you’re in luck!

Because today, I’m giving you a head start on your Mother’s Day shopping and planning with 7 Mother’s Day bookish pairings for (almost) any mom! Each pairing creates a cozy moment with two book recs in different genres, links to thoughtful bookish gifts, and an idea for a priceless bookish experience!

Happy Reading! (And, soon, Happy Mother’s Day!)

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Bookish AF just surpassed over 1,000 free subscribers! 🎉Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of our beautiful bookish community! 💗

The Bookish Shop

Did you know that Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it right here in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my hundreds of readers!

Bookish Recs: 7 Mother’s Day Reading Pairings for the…

“I Don’t Have Time to Read” Mom

Book Recs:

• The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (Release Date: May 6, 2026)
  A reflective, slightly magical story about second chances and the quiet moments that can change everything. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
  A beautifully thoughtful, character-driven novel told through letters that explores connection, grief, and the stories we carry. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

Your time! (And maybe this tumbler! ) See the details below.

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Take Mom on a “book crawl!” Map out a few bookshops, cafes, and scenic locations. Then set out for the day: purchase drinks (or bring drinks - that’s where this tumbler comes in! ), order decadent food choices, set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes, and enjoy peaceful reading at each location. Watch this cute Instagram reel to see a book crawl with Mom in action!

“I’m Obsessed with Mysteries and Thrillers” Mom

Book Recs:

• Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
  A twisty, character-driven mystery with secrets, sharp humor, and a protagonist you won’t forget. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
  A fast-paced psychological thriller packed with tension, secrets, and jaw-dropping reveals. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

A reading light (I bought this one and love it!) for late-night reading binges.

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Pour Mom a glass of wine, pop some popcorn, and watch one of the thriller adaptations from this list with her!

“I Love a Good Romance” Mom

Book Recs:

• Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (Publication date: May 5, 2026)
  An emotional, summery love story filled with longing, nostalgia, and complicated second chances. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie
  A sweeping, romantic story set against a dreamy coastal backdrop, full of secrets, love, and self-discovery. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

The Republic of Tea Bridgerton Tea Assortment Gift and floral tea cups

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Steep tea in a fancy tea pot, sip from dainty cups, and snack on tea sandwiches and sweet treats as you listen to a classic romance on audiobook while working on a puzzle (like this pretty one).

“I’m in a Book Club” Mom

Book Recs:

• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

  A warm, thoughtful story about a quiet man who transforms a town, and the lives around him, through small, meaningful acts. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Go Gentle by Maria Semple

  A sharp, funny, and slightly chaotic story about motherhood, identity, and what happens when life refuses to stay predictable. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

A book club reading journal to jot down discussion-worthy thoughts! Plus, this adorable “cocktails with a literary twist” book for the next time she hosts her book club.

Bonus! Gift mom a paid subscription to Bookish AF! *New for paid subscribers: 77 Book Club Questions (Printable PDF)!

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Set your mom up with all the fixings for a charcuterie board, plus wine (see these bookish pairings), for her next book club meeting or to snack on as you discuss your latest reads with her.

“I Love Nature” Mom

Book Recs:

• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

  A beautifully written blend of science and storytelling that invites you to see the natural world as a source of connection, gratitude, and wisdom. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• The Overstory by Richard Powers

  An immersive, sweeping novel that weaves together multiple lives through their deep and transformative relationships with trees. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

A beautiful reading journal or pressed flower bookmarks

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Grab an iced coffee and a pastry and go on an “audiobook walk” with your mom. Pop in your earbuds, press play, and wander through a park or garden together.

“I’m a Cozy Homebody” Mom

Book Recs:

• The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

  A charming, feel-good story with literary nods, romance, and cozy, escapist vibes. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander

  A cozy mystery set in a bookish world, full of charm, small-town intrigue, and just enough suspense. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

A cozy blanket and a book-themed candle.

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Go a step further with the cozy accessories to create a “reading nook” she’ll actually want to sit in. Then indulge in this new space with her! Prep hot cocoa and share a plate of cookies as you quietly read your current books. Or take turns reading aloud from one of your favorite books.

“I Read Better at the Beach” Mom

Book Recs:

• The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom

  A heartfelt, atmospheric story about uncovering family secrets and the power of the past. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Publication date: May 5, 2026)

  A bright, feel-good summer read filled with friendship, fresh starts, and coastal charm. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Gift:

A cute beachy tote bag for books

Sip & Snack Bookish Moment:

Pack up cold drinks and fresh fruit. Plus, bring your books, portable chairs, and sunscreen. Then head to your nearest beach. Or a park will do, too! Enjoy an afternoon of lounging and reading in the sun!

Bookish AF News Updates

I’ll be back next week with the latest bookish updates! But in the meantime, mark your calendars for movie adaptations coming in May that I’m super excited about:

• The Devil Wears Prada 2 is out this Friday, May 1st, in theaters!

• Remarkably Bright Creatures is out May 8th on Netflix!

(See this post for more info and to watch the trailers!)

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I know you think of me as your mother only, but please remember, inside I am also just a girl.”

― Virginia Evans, The Correspondent

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This week, libraries and bookstores (and the people who work there) receive the love and support they deserve! We’re in the middle of National Library Week, and this Saturday, April 25th, is Independent Bookstore Day!

So, to honor these two bookish events, today I’m sharing a list of books about bookstores, libraries, and, well, books! For a fun twist, I asked Substack readers for book recommendations. And, wow, did you deliver!

Plus, this week’s Bookish News Updates includes Oprah’s latest book club pick, new movie adaptations, hot celebrity memoirs, and a can’t-miss buzzy book!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. - All the book links in this week’s post will send you to Bookshop.org. (Because local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases! Plus, 20% off for Earth Day now through May 1, 2026!)

Bookish Recs: Charming Books About Bookstores and Libraries

Books about books, libraries, or bookstores will always be a favorite among readers! In April alone, two new buzz-worthy releases, The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer and Love by the Book by Jessica George, hit the shelves.

So when I asked Susbstack readers in this note for books with a bookstore or library theme, it was no surprise how many of you showed up!

⭐ My Picks From This List…

(It was so hard to decide! There were so many intriguing choices!)

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (via )

Burned out after life goes exactly the way she was told it should, Yeongju takes a leap and opens a bookshop in a quiet neighborhood in Seoul. As customers walk through her doors, each carrying their own disappointments and dreams, the Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes a cozy place where they slowly learn that it’s never too late to start over.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (via and )

In post-war Barcelona, Daniel, the son of an antiquarian book dealer, stumbles onto a mysterious novel called The Shadow of the Wind and becomes obsessed with finding its reclusive author, Julián Carax. But he soon discovers a chilling secret: someone has been hunting down and destroying every book Carax ever wrote, pulling Daniel into a dark story of love, loss, and murder.

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich (via )

A small independent bookstore in Minneapolis becomes the center of a haunting when its most irritating customer dies on All Souls’ Day and refuses to leave. As bookstore worker Tookie tries to solve the mystery, she also faces a year filled with grief, isolation, and big questions about what we owe the living, the dead, and the stories we carry with us.

Lulu Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsty Manning (via )

In the small town of Troy, Georgia, Beverly Underwood and Lula Dean are on opposite sides of a growing fight over banned books, with Lula leading a crusade against stories she has never even read. But when a sneaky switch at Lula’s little front-yard library fills it with banned titles (gay romance, Judy Blume, witchy books, black history) instead of “safe” ones, the whole town starts changing in ways nobody expects!

More Reader Recs to Browse!

I wish I could write about every single one of your book recs. But to keep this post from turning into a novel, I sorted and linked all the remaining books. It’s like bookshelves at a virtual bookshop or library! So many great finds here!

🏡 Cozy Bookstore Vibes

• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (via )

• How to Read a Book by Monica Wood (via )

• The Bookshop of New Beginnings by Jen Mouat (via )

• The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman (via )

• Twigs Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy (via )

• The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

• The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble

• The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery

✨ Magical, Mysterious Libraries

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (via )

• The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

• The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

• The Library of Fates by Margot Harrison

• The Library of Babel by Jorge Luis Borges (via )

• If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino (via )

🕯️ Atmospheric, Literary, and Romantic Reads

• The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry (via )

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (via )

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (via )

🔍 Bookish Mysteries & Historical Fiction

• The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill (via )

• The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes (via )

• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray (via )

• Library Fuzz by James Holding (via )

• The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (via )

• Lighthouse Library Mystery Series by Eva Gates (via )

📖 Books About Books

• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (via )

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (via )

📚 Book Lover Nonfiction

• Bookshops: A Reader’s History by Jorge Carrión (via )

• The Bookshop: The History of American Bookstores by Evan Friss (via )

• A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel (via )

A huge thank-you to everyone who shared a recommendation! 💗 If I missed adding your recommendation, first, my apologies. And second, you can still add it to the comments!

Leave a comment

Bookish Celebrations Happening Now!

National Library Week: April 19-25, 2026

This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy,” celebrates libraries, librarians, and the communities they serve! Join the celebration by stopping by your local library, getting your library card, or attending a special event! For more information, visit the National Library Week page and the I Love Libraries site.

Independent Bookstore Day: April 25, 2026

If you love supporting local bookshops, mark your calendar for the 13th annual celebration of indie bookstores. Around 2,000 bookstores are expected to join in with exclusive books, special merch, author events, and scavenger hunts. (And, I believe, cupcakes are a possibility!) Find participating stores here!

Also, read about my favorite indie bookshops in last year’s post: What to Love About Indie Bookshops!

Bookish AF News Updates

Oprah’s 122nd Book Club Pick Is …

Go Gentle by Maria Semple! The story follows a divorced philosopher navigating motherhood, money, and a very unexpected disruption to her carefully controlled life. From the author of one of my favorite reads, Where’d You Go, Bernadette, this book looks equally smart, chaotic, and a little bit unhinged (in a good way).

Book-to-Screen News

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is officially getting a movie adaptation … and Anne Hathaway is set to star and produce!

The Practical Magic 2 teaser trailer just dropped. I’m so excited for this adaptation!

Hot Celebrity Memoirs

• I Choose Me by Jennie Garth offers behind-the-scenes life after 90210!

• Famesick by Lena Dunham takes on fame, identity, and navigating chronic illness.

Most Anticipated Release This Week

We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune comes out on April 28th. I missed this book in last week’s post! But it looks like such a fun read about a couple in their golden years who take on “an end-of-the-world road trip.”

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I’m of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved.”

― Barbara Kingsolver

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More Bookish AF Fun:

Last year, I shared my favorite bookshops, plus more book recs with a bookshop theme!

I’m so impressed with how many fantastic new books keep being released this spring! There are so many that I’m taking it month by month.

So, today’s book list is dedicated to the most talked-about new books coming out this April 2026! The first two books, Yesteryear and American Fantasy, have been getting a ton of buzz!

Crack open your TBR list, because today I have for:

• 13 New Fiction Books that look phenomenal!

• 2 Nonfiction Books you’ll want to get your hands on!

• Plus, Bookish Updates:

  • An author’s true identity reveal,

  • Another reading retreat idea,

  • And learn more about bestselling author Emma Straub!

Happy 🌸 Spring 🌸 Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. You LOVED last week’s post about reading retreats! So, I’m planning another similar list to share with you this summer!

Bookish Recs: Best & Buzziest Books of April 2026

Welcome to Part 2 of the Best & Buzziest Books of Spring 2026!

New in Fiction

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Natalie has built a huge online following around her picture-perfect life: a rustic farmhouse, a handsome cowboy husband, and six adorable children. But when she wakes up in a version of her life that feels both familiar and terrifyingly wrong, she has to figure out whether she’s in a twisted test, a reality show gone bad, or something even stranger. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

On a four-day fantasy cruise with her sister, Annie unexpectedly finds herself surrounded by screaming fans and the five members of a once-famous boy band she grew up loving. Suddenly, the music, memories, and unexpected friendships awaken a lost part of herself. All the old feelings she thought were gone start rushing back, especially after meeting one of the members of the band! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Into The Blue by Emma Brodie

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves is stuck in a video rental store in small-town Massachusetts when she meets Noah Drew, a magnetic member of a famous acting family. The two form a bond that feels bigger than either of them understands. Years later, when they’re cast together in the same TV production, old feelings and a buried secret pull them back toward each other, forcing them to face what really tore them apart. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old tea-loving, no-nonsense woman whose quiet life gets complicated when a neighbor turns up dead and old secrets start bubbling to the surface. But Elsie has a past she’s kept buried for decades. With a nosy little girl next door, a suspicious town, and the police closing in, she may finally have to tell the truth about who she really is. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Love the Book by Jessica George

Remy is a bestselling author whose inspiration disappears right when her closest friends start drifting away, leaving her more alone than ever. When she crashes into Simone at a bookstore, the two women slowly uncover their deepest secrets, recent heartbreaks, and a friendship that could change both their lives. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer

Rainy March is a Book Witch who protects stories by jumping into novels and fixing any messes that try to change them. But when her grandfather disappears, and a rare book is stolen, she has to team up with the handsome fictional detective she’s not supposed to see, even if it could cost her everything. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

When six struggling authors are invited to a private Scottish island to help finish the final novel of a famous reclusive writer, they quickly learn the job comes with one huge problem: Arthur Fletch is already dead. With only seventy-two hours and a big career-changing prize on the line, this twisted writing contest turns into a race to outsmart each other before someone else writes the killer ending. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Go Gentle by Maria Semple

Adora Hazzard thinks she has found the secret to a happy life: keep your wants small, enjoy what you already have, and stay in control. But when a mysterious stranger enters her world, her carefully built routine starts to crack open with desire, secrets, and a past she hoped would stay buried. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein

Forty-year-old Jean Dornan can’t stop reliving the summer of 1998, when an affair with her professor left her carrying guilt, regret, and a life she barely recognizes. When the real Monica Lewinsky becomes a kind of spiritual guide, Jean is forced to look back at her younger self with honesty and wonder if forgiveness is finally possible. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Take by Kelly Yang

A young writer desperate for a break and an older Hollywood producer trying to stay relevant strike a wild deal: $3 million and a series of age-reversing treatments that link their lives in ways neither of them expects. But as ambition, power, and survival collide, both women are forced to ask how far they’re willing to go to get what they want … and what it might cost them. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Dog Person by Camille Pagán

Harold is an aging dog on a mission to help his grieving owner, Miguel, fall back in love with life after a loss. But when a bookstore crisis and a missing author lead them to Fiona, a women who dislikes dogs, Harold discovers that sometimes the path to healing starts with a little chaos and a lot of heart. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

Alicia Canales Forten is a 26-year-old woman who feels trapped by the life she’s expected to live until one night pulls her into the exciting, chaotic world of Fort Greene’s creatives. As she gets closer to her glamorous neighbor and her wealthy cousin, Alicia is drawn into a story about ambition, secrets, and the painful price of chasing the American Dream. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown

When historian Alison Sage uncovers the long-lost prophecies of a 16th-century nun, she lands a dream invitation to a prestigious research gathering at a crumbling English manor. But when a murder shakes the estate and old secrets surface, Alison has to untangle a deadly mystery connecting modern academia to a dangerous past. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Out Now in Nonfiction

This Is Not About Running by Mary Cain

Mary Cain was a track star with Olympic-level talent, but behind the speed was a brutal world of bullying, pressure, and injury that slowly broke her down. In this powerful memoir, she tells the truth about what went wrong and makes a strong case for a kinder, healthier youth sports culture. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe

When 19-year-old Zac Brettler dies after jumping from a London tower, his parents are left with a heartbreak that quickly turns into something even stranger. They discovered he had been living a secret double life. This gripping true story follows their search for answers as they uncover a dark world of crime, lies, and corruption hiding beneath London’s polished surface. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

(Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

Bookish AF News Updates

The Real Identity of Freida McFadden

I’ve featured bestselling thriller author, Freida McFadden, and her books, plus her recent movie adaptation, many times on here and last summer in my post: Chill with a Thriller. However, this reveal of her true identity has me as riveted as one of her novels!

So, who is The Housemaid author, Freida McFadden, in real life? (It’s almost like she’s a character in one of her books!) The real identity of Freida McFadden is …. (drumroll) … Sara Cohen. Read about why she’s sharing her true identity now here. And see what the real-life version of the author looks like here!

Bookish Reading Retreat Idea: Reading Aloud and Bonding Over It

A recent New York Times article spotlighted a weekend reading retreat called Page Break in the New York City area. This particular reading retreat involved reading an entire book in a weekend. Each participant took turns reading the book aloud.

Research has linked reading aloud with others as a bonding experience. I’d never really thought about it or tried reading aloud with other adults, but now I’m definitely curious! But it makes sense. Reading aloud together was so cozy and special when my kids were little, and it was a big part of creating connection with my students as a teacher, too. Watch an Instagram reel about the experience here.

Getting Bookish with Emma Straub

Emma Straub is the author of many addictively fun books. I’ve only read one of her titles, The Vacationers, and I really enjoyed it - the perfect escape read! Her latest feel-good novel, American Fantasy, is at the top of this week’s new release book list. But did you know that the author also owns her own bookstore? Learn more about the fabulous Emma Straub in this interview!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“The way you spend your days is the way you spend your life.”

― Emma Straub, This Time Tomorrow

The Bookish Shop

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my hundreds of readers!

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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Springtime always brings out the travel bug in me, probably due to being cooped up all winter! So, as I was researching fun bookish topics to share with you, I came across “Reading Retreats” and thought it sounded like an awesome idea!

This type of getaway or “readaway” is the ideal vacation or weekend escape for book lovers who dream of endless, uninterrupted reading time. Instead of packing your days with sightseeing, you settle in, slow down, and sink into a good book.

So, today I’ve partnered with VRBO to bring you ten reading retreats you can book today! (Or just click on them and dream about planning your own reading retreat!)

Plus …

• What I’d read at each of these readaways!

• 5 Tips for planning a reading retreat: with friends, solo, or staycation-style!

• And Bookish News Updates: April Book Club Picks!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. To help you find your books faster and easier, I’ll provide links to Amazon on the book’s title, plus a link to Bookshop.org to shop the books on today’s list!

Bookish Recs: 10 Cozy Reading Retreats + 10 Book Recs for Each One

📍 Novel Retreat – Austin, Texas

With a library full of rare books, it’s made for getting lost in a good story! You can spend your mornings reading on the back deck with coffee, then take breaks in the cedar hot tub, hammock, or sauna. And since it’s walking distance to South Congress, you can easily pair your reading time with great food and live music. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Smart, character-driven fiction. Or books set in Austin!

Book Pick: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a fast-paced mystery that pulls you into the streets of Austin as a stepmother and stepdaughter chase down the truth behind a man’s hidden past.

📍 The Literary House – Sorrento, Italy

Listed as “the perfect place for those who want to follow the trails left behind by famous authors, such as Torquato Tasso, Keats, Ibsen, Shelley …” Mix quiet reading time with little walks to the beach and the main square. Enjoy sunny terraces, gorgeous views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, plus a cozy bookcase in one of the bedrooms. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Books set along the Amalfi Coast or classic literature.

Book Pick: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a smart, funny, and romantic read that feels made for a dreamy Italian getaway. Set between the Ligurian coast and Hollywood, it gives you all the sun-soaked charm, glamour, and escapist vibes you want while lounging by the water.

📍 June Farms Hobbit House – West Sand Lake, New York

You get 120 acres of peaceful farmland to wander, plus a front-row seat to adorable farm animals (basically the perfect reset!). And because it’s close to Albany, Troy, and a bunch of restaurants and shops, you can have that quiet, nature-filled escape without feeling completely cut off from the real world. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Obviously, I’d bring a copy of The Hobbit! But any cozy fantasy will do!

Book Pick: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a whimsical, cozy, feel-good fantasy about leaving an ordinary life behind for a magical, secluded place. The story reminds you that “family” can be found in the most unexpected places (like a Hobbit House!).

📍 Forest House – Orcas Island, Washington

You’ll feel as if you’re leaving your life behind on the ferry ride to Orcas Island! The peaceful setting with water views is perfect for getting lost in a good book. Plus, the cozy wood interiors, round rooms, and large deck spaces make your reading time a little adventure of its own! Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Page-turning novels, literary fiction, or dreamy essays or poetry books.

Book Pick: The Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah is the perfect pick because it drops you right into the moody, misty beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With its story of a wild child found in the Washington woods, this book feels like it was made to be read somewhere cozy, hidden away, and surrounded by trees.

📍 The Book House No.43 – Columbus, Ohio

This house, filled with books, beautiful details, and old-library charm, creates an atmosphere that makes reading feel extra special. It’s a great place to stay with friends or solo, for quiet reading time plus little escapes to the nearby German Village section of the city. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Atmospheric and immersive literary fiction, mysteries, or cozy fantasies

Book Pick: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan is a sweeping, emotional family saga set in small-town Ohio. With decades of secrets, love, and local history woven through the story, it’s the kind of page-turner that feels right at home at The Book House!

📍 The Second Story Loft – Nantucket, Massachusetts

Stay right above a bookstore and a juice bar in downtown Nantucket! With comfy seating, an impressive wall of books, and no need for a car, it’s easy to settle in, slow down, and spend your days fully in your reading bubble. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Elin Hilderbrand! Or any beach read. Memoirs would match the vibe, too!

Book Pick: The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is the perfect book for a Nantucket escape, especially if you’re on a book retreat with friends! With island details, delicious food, and entertaining social drama, it’s a cozy, reflective story that’ll keep you turning pages at the Loft or on the beach!

📍 The Professor’s Beach House – Dunedin, New Zealand

If your dream reading retreat comes with ocean views, this place is hard to beat! Settle into one of several cozy reading spots, curl up by the fire, and browse a seriously impressive private collection of New Zealand literature while the sound of the waves does its thing in the background. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Literary fiction, books by New Zealand authors, or poetry

Book Pick: The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton is a rich, sweeping mystery set during New Zealand’s 1860s gold rush. It has all the moody atmosphere, danger, and old-world detail you could want while soaking up the rugged beauty of your surroundings.

📍 Wizard Tiny House – Sevierville, Tennessee

Step into a storybook world before you even crack open your book! The cozy, magical decor makes it easy to enjoy uninterrupted reading time. Plus, it’s tucked into a quiet setting but still close to the Smoky Mountains and other attractions. Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Obviously, your entire Harry Potter collection! Plus, fantasy, romantasy, or mysteries.

Book Pick: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a cozy, magical read about Mika Moon, a witch who finally finds a place where she feels like she belongs. With its warm found family, charming house, and gentle spell-casting, it feels perfect for a house with a wizard theme!

📍 Atlantic Pearl – Port Medway, Nova Scotia

Head north for ocean views, a quiet beach just a short walk away, and plenty of cozy spots to curl up with a book. The screened-in porch, hot tub, and peaceful bedrooms make it easy to settle in, slow down, and actually finish a few chapters. And it’s close to pretty coastal towns and great restaurants! Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Atmospheric, beachy mystery/thrillers, or a sweeping novel.

Book Pick: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters is a tender, haunting novel partially set in Nova Scotia that follows a Mi’kmaq family through loss, memory, and the long shadow of a missing child. It’s a deeply emotional and quietly powerful story that feels made for a reflective reading retreat by the Atlantic Ocean.

📍 Emerald Forest Treehouse – Redmond, Washington

Big windows, forest views, and a quiet pond make it easy to settle in with a book and forget about your to-do list for a while. Enjoy cozy spots, beautiful natural light, and an inviting hot tub! Learn more about staying here!

What I’d read here: Whimsical fiction with magical realism and nature-inspired settings would be perfect!

Book Pick: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is a cozy, whimsical fantasy …and it matches the “emerald” theme! This light, magical escape has clever narration, pirates, and a wildly imaginative sea-filled world!

5 Bookish Tips for Planning a Reading Retreat

1. Pick the kind of retreat you want:

• With friends: Choose a place big enough for everyone to relax together. (Watch these friends as an example!)

• Solo: Pick a quiet spot where you can truly unwind.

• Staycation: If travel isn’t in the budget right now, create your own retreat at home.

2. Look for a place that feels calm and cozy, with good lighting, comfy furniture, and maybe a nice view. If you’re staying home, you can still create that feeling with soft blankets, candles, snacks, and a little background music.

3. Build your book stack to match the mood of your retreat (just like I did above!). And don’t forget audiobooks are perfect for walks, driving, or quiet downtime.

4. Pack like a book lover! In addition to the books/e-readers, also bring a blanket and cozy socks. Select fun snacks plus coffee, tea, or your favorite drink. And bring a notebook or journal, if you like to jot down thoughts.

5. Ditch the packed itinerary! Only plan time for reading, napping, snacking, taking walks, having discussions over a relaxed dinner, and, perhaps, going on a trip to a nearby bookstore.

Note: If you want the planning done for you, organized reading retreats such as the offer book club chats, themed treats, fun activities, and plenty of time to read!

Bookish AF News Updates

April 2026 Book Club Selections

READ WITH JENNA: Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a heartfelt story set in a Los Angeles adult daycare center for disabled people. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

SARAH SELECTS: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum is a love story, a mystery, and a thriller about best friends. One goes missing. One is a suspect. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

GMA BOOK CLUB: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is one of the most talked-about books this spring! A “tradwife” influencer wakes up one morning in 1855. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

KATIE COURIC BOOK CLUB (KCBC): James by Percival Everett is a book I feel everyone should read! The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Bookish Quote of the Week

“The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world.”

― Elin Hilderbrand, The Five-Star Weekend

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

The Bookish Shop

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that my readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue! I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my hundreds of readers!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

Leave a comment

This past Friday, I joined my friends to see Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling, adapted from the bestselling science fiction novel by Andy Weir. (See my thoughts about it below in the book recs!)

The timing is perfect because, as I again team up with participating “Bookstacks” for a “5 on Five” link-sharing party … this month’s theme is: “Movie Adaptations!”

Also consider this post a follow-up to 20 Exciting Book Adaptations (Out Now & Coming Soon!), which I shared in January after watching The Housemaid (through parted fingers, with the same group of friends!).

So today I’m sharing:

• 5 Must-Read Books of 5 Must-See Movie Adaptations

• Plus, Bookish News:

  • A book list if you love books like Project Hail Mary

  • 2 Psychological Thrillers readers can’t stop talking about

  • 5 of the Buzziest Books coming out on April 7th

  • The AI controversy rocking the publishing world

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. April Fools! I’m posting this month’s “5 on Five” on the 1st. So on or after April 5th, remember to visit this month’s host, Hello Reader, Love Katie, and see her book list post: 5 books I’m reading before they hit the screen!

P.P.S. If you want your Substack publication to join in on all the “5 on Five” fun, learn more about it and how to get in on it here!

The Bookish Shop

Did you know the Bookish AF accepts newsletter sponsorships? If you offer a product or service that readers would find valuable and enjoy (bookish items, services, or even your own book), I’d love to feature it right here in an upcoming issue. I’m limiting it to one sponsor per issue to keep this an exclusive opportunity. See The Bookish Shop to learn how I can help you connect with my hundreds of readers!

Bookish Recs: 5 Must-Read Books of 5 Must-See Movie Adaptations

It’s always interesting to see how a book you loved will translate to the screen. Sometimes it’s a flop. And other times, when it works, it’s such a fun experience! Often, it helps you see the story in a whole new way.

I went through my book list of new and coming soon adaptations for 2026, plus poked around online, to select the top five books I’m most excited about reading and seeing on the big screen!

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

(The movie is out now, since March 20th, in theaters.)

From the author of The Martian, Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. Slowly realizes he’s the last hope for Earth. Something is causing the sun to dim, and every nearby star is dying, too. It’s smart sci-fi with big stakes! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

As I mentioned above, I went to see the movie with friends, most of whom had read the book. I really enjoyed the movie. It was long, at over two and a half hours, but it kept my attention! (I mean, watching Ryan Gosling float around in space isn’t the worst way to spend a Friday evening - just sayin’!)

My friends who read it really enjoyed the movie… but they still preferred the book! They also highly recommend the audiobook for its added production value. I’m considering taking advantage of the 30-day Audible trial so I can listen to it!

Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

(Movie: The Devil Wears Prada 2 is out May 1st in theaters)

I’m so excited for the movie adaptation, titled The Devil Wears Prada 2, because it’s bringing back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci. (Iconic!) I read the first book and really enjoyed it. But I preferred watching the first movie even more.

In the book, Revenge Wears Prada (the second in the 3-book series), we catch up with Andy, who has left the fashion world behind and is finally living the life she wants … until a secret letter threatens everything she has built! The book, published in 2013, didn’t wow readers, but most found it entertaining. I’m expecting the movie version won’t disappoint, and will be as fun to watch as the first one! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

(Movie is out May 8th on Netflix)

An absolute must-read! I LOVED this book about an older woman who is still mourning the disappearance of her son decades ago and the recent loss of her husband. When she starts working nights at the aquarium, she forms a surprising bond with Marcellus, an inquisitive octopus who helps uncover the truth about what happened to her son.

I’m so excited the film adaptation is starring Sally Field! When I read the book, Sally Field wasn’t who I had pictured, but I’m not complaining about the casting. And I can’t wait to see Marcellus in action. He may be an octopus, but he’s a character I hold so dear to my heart that I’ll never forget him! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann

(Movie: The Sheep Detectives is out May 8th)

I honestly had no idea about the film adaptation or the book before researching this book list. And now I’m all about reading it and seeing it! It looks sooo cute! The movie adaptation, renamed The Sheep Detectives, features Hugh Jackman and a star-studded voice cast.

In the book and the movie, the sheep of Glennkill spent years listening to George, their shepherd, read them mystery books each night. When George is found dead, this flock of unlikely detectives digs into their Irish village for secrets, odd suspects, and their own surprisingly human emotions. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

(Movie is out September 18th)

Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic continues the spellbinding Owens family story that started with Practical Magic. Long ago, I read what became a beloved book and enjoyed watching the cult-favorite film!

In this sequel, the curse hanging over the Owens women has lasted for centuries, but three generations of sisters are determined to break it once and for all. With Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock expected to return, now is the perfect time to read it or to revisit the book series! (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

*5 on Five Note: Remember on April 5th, to visit this month’s host, Hello Reader, Love Katie, for more movie adaptation book recs! Also, I created a page where you can see all the past Bookish AF's “5 on Five” book lists! Check it out here!

Bookish AF News Updates

Read This If You Loved Project Hail Mary

Libby Life shared a book list that’s out of this world … literally! So, if you’re like me and hopping on the Project Hail Mary … uh bandwagon? spaceship? Then you may be in the mood for more books with a space theme. If so, check out: 7 books set in space that are out of this world!

Bookish Trend Alert

If you’ve been seeing more twisty, tension-filled books everywhere, you’re not imagining it. Psychological thrillers are ruling the bestseller charts right now, especially Alice Feeney’s My Husband’s Wife (Amazon | Bookshop.org) and Mary Kubica's It’s Not Her (Amazon | Bookshop.org).

Most Anticipated New Releases This Week

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• Into The Blue by Emma Brodie (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

• The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (Amazon | Bookshop.org)

Bookish Question of the Week

Would you read a book that AI helped write?

Hachette Book Group recently pulled the horror novel Shy Girl by Mia Ballard from shelves in the U.K. and canceled its U.S. release when online readers questioned whether the book may have relied heavily on AI. The growing conversation about AI in publishing has only begun. What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal.”

― Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary

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Tomorrow is the official first anniversary of Bookish AF! See the first post that started it all!

I’m so thankful for every one of you who has kindly welcomed my bookish newsletter into your inbox each week! Whether you’ve been here since the beginning, just hopped on board, or joined anywhere in between, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Today, let’s take a victory lap to celebrate the past 52 posts! I’m sharing:

• The best books I read … from my own book recs!

• Plus, my weekly round-up of bookish news updates!

Once again, thank you for being a bookish friend! 🥰

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Learn more about me, the “AF” in Bookish AF, here! The only new tidbit I’ll add is that I’ve started writing my next book, a contemporary fiction novel with a bit of magical realism. More to come about that!

Bookish Recs: The Best Books I Read Within the Last Year (Thanks to my own book recs!)

I love writing this newsletter for you to find great book recs. But I’ve also benefited from finding amazing books for myself that I may not have known about otherwise!

So, here are my favorite books and the posts where I featured them!

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore: From Give Your TBR a Spring Refresh!

The atmospheric vibe of a summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains in the 1970s and the double mystery of a missing girl and what happened to her brother fourteen years ago keep me turning pages. I thought there’d be more heart-racing moments, but the slow unfolding of what happened was worth the long read. (It’s 576 pages!)

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall: From Hello Beautiful Bookish Friends

One of the best written books I’ve read! Set in the English countryside, it at first seems as if it’s about who killed the farmer. But the richly written characters provide so much more to the story. It’s a mystery. It’s a love triangle. It’s a tragedy. I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks after I read it!

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley: Also from Hello Beautiful Bookish Friends

I can only take heavy emotional reads for so long before I need something lighter and humorous to balance things out. (I’m a Libra after all!) This book reads like a comedy-action movie I’d enjoy watching with my sons and husband. Jane and Dan are celebrating their anniversary at a swanky restaurant when it gets taken over by a hostile activist group who seem all too familiar with the book Jane is writing.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: From Take Time for Yourself to Read (Especially Busy Moms!)

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks, and then told everyone I knew to go listen to the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks. (I’m serious. Go now!) In the story, Danny recounts his and his sister Maeve’s lives in relation to their opulent childhood home, The Dutch House. This book will touch your heart!

James by Percival Everett: From Bookish News in Where to Buy Cheap Books

I was first drawn to this book for its retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of James, the escaped slave who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi. However, some books are more than simply characters and plots. This book unearths a vitally missing layer of the original story. And the ending is satisfying!

My Friends by Fredrik Backman: From The Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2025 and What Are the Best Books of 2025?

I just adore any book written by Fredrik Backman (I haven’t read them all, but I plan to!), and this book did not disappoint! It’s the story of Louisa, a young girl running from foster care and the authorities, who becomes the unlikely owner of a multi-million dollar painting she had adored from afar. It’s also the story of the group of friends, which few people, other than Louisa, ever notice are featured in the painting.

The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani: From Books Set in 5 Dreamy Summertime Destinations!

I’ve been a huge fan of Adriana Trigiani since Big Stone Gap and The Shoemaker’s Wife! Growing up in a Catholic family with Italian roots on my grandmother’s side, I especially related to the characters and the humor. Set in New Jersey and Italy, this book feels like a joyful escape with an enjoyable character arc.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: From Murder Mystery Books to Murder Your Reading Slump

I first watched the movie on Netflix because I love the casting of Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Then I picked up the paperback while perusing a gently used bookshop in Bethany Beach, Delaware. This cozy murder mystery set in a peaceful, high-end retirement village in England was a delightful read!

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten: From Hottest Celebrity (& Non-Celebrity) Memoirs and Biographies

I listened to the audiobook version because Ina’s voice is just so soothing! It’s like she was saying, “Don’t worry. Audiobooks are fine.” I enjoyed listening to Ina tell her life story, which of course includes plenty of Jeffrey, Paris, and cooking! If you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy it. And the book packs plenty of wisdom, too!

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: From Add a Moody Vibe to Your Fall TBR List!

I listened to the audiobook version on Libby. As far as horror goes, it wasn’t too intense, but still super creepy and bizarre. I really enjoyed the strength of the main character, Noemí, and the 1950s setting in the remote Mexican hills that mirrors a similar vibe to classic Gothic fiction set in England.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: From Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, & More!

I haven’t read a classic since high school. (Let’s not do the math on how long ago that was!) However, with Jane Austen’s 250th birthday last December, I decided to listen to Pride and Prejudice on audiobook. It took a little bit to get into it and the flowery language, but soon I was enjoying the characters, the love story, and the wit!

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: From 5 Books That Feel Like Winter

I wanted an atmospheric winter read, and so many of you commented how much you loved this story, so I had to read it. You all were right! This historical fiction, based on a real-life woman, Martha Ballard, set in Maine in the late 1700s, kept me turning pages!

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage: From Blind Date with a Book: Hidden Gems Edition

I’m reading this book right now. On a trip with my daughter to Barnes and Noble (after checking out the new Trader Joe’s), I bought the paperback for us to share and read. I’ve been a Golden Girls fan since forever, and this book feels like I’m watching one of their episodes. Such a cute, cozy murder mystery!

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes: From 5 Books for a Fresh Start this Spring!

I just finished listening to the audiobook version, and really enjoyed it! The humor is well-done and perfectly balanced with heartfelt moments. I love it when the writing feels like a movie in my head, and this book delivered. It would make a great beach or summer read!

What book recs have I helped you find?

Please share! I’d love to know what you loved or would recommend!

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Again, any way you choose to support my work - through a paid or free subscription, by sharing, commenting, or hitting the like button - is so very much appreciated! ♥️📚

Bookish AF News Updates

Celebrate Women’s History Month through Books

Goodreads has curated an extensive book list of New Nonfiction to Read, including history, biographies, and general nonfiction. These books celebrate women’s history and female-focused topics. Check it out here!

Bookish Entertainment News

The breakout bestseller hit of 2025, Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent, can now add film adaptation to the book’s long list of accomplishments. And that’s not even the biggest news … Jane Fonda is starring in the lead role as the book’s unforgettable main character! Read all about it here!

Most Anticipated New Releases This Week

• The Night We Met (Say You’ll Remember Me, #2) by Abby Jimenez / March 24

• Son of Nobody by Yann Martel / March 31

New DNF Shelf on Goodreads

If you use Goodreads to track your book reading, there wasn’t a way to record that you started and bailed on it until now: Enter the new “Did Not Finish (DNF) Shelf” on Goodreads. Read what Goodreads says about how it will work!

Bookish Thoughts on Audiobooks and Spring Cleaning

I recently restacked a note about how spring cleaning (or any time-of-the-year cleaning) doesn’t get done unless I pop in my ear buds and listen to an audiobook! If this is you, check out this audiobook rec list from Libby!

Bookish (and More) “Big Spring Sale”

Check out Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, going on now through March 31, 2026! If you’re looking to stock up on spring-cleaning and spring-reading essentials (Big discounts on Kindle Paperwhite!), now is the time to explore these book deals for Kindle and these price cuts on print books!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Nothing weighs more than someone else’s belief in you.”

― Fredrik Backman, My Friends

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

🤓 Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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Spring begins this Saturday, but many of the best books of Spring 2026 have already hit the shelves!

I’m adding to the book list I shared back in January of the most anticipated fiction for this year. But because there are soooo many great books to choose from, today is Part 1 of the “Best and Buzziest Books of Spring.”

I’m only sharing March 2026 new releases, and this list is already 15 books long!

So, next month, watch for Part 2, featuring a shower of books released in April. And then in May, enjoy a bouquet of new books in Part 3 of this series!

Then, after I’ve helped you overfill your TBR, I’m sharing:

• How to save 20% off books!

• This week’s bookish entertainment news

• And a Spotify collab that’ll make your reading habit so adaptable!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Bookish AF is turning ONE next Thursday, March 26th! 🎉🥳 I’m so close to reaching a goal of 1,000 subscribers by the first anniversary! So, please share or subscribe! Thanks!

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Bookish Recs: Best & Buzziest Books of March 2026

New in Fiction

The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery

Jax runs the Painted Lady Bookstore with an iron grip. But when a mishap erases the names on the town’s shared diary lockboxes, she has to read strangers’ secrets to return them. As juicy revelations shake up her small town, Jax learns that loosening control and trusting a certain stubborn contractor might be the freedom she needs.

Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score

Book 2 of 2: Story Lake

Literary agent Zoey Moody is desperate to save her career. She can’t wait to leave her small Pennsylvania town, but her landlord, Gage Bishop, a serious guy ready to settle down, might just change her plans. When a family secret forces Gage to lean on Zoey for a one-night escape, sparks fly, and nothing will ever be the same.

The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble

In 1915 Manhattan, the Applebaum sisters run a rare bookshop on Book Row. But it’s a beloved hub that’s threatened by strict censorship laws. As they fight to protect free speech and forbidden knowledge, secrets and danger put their lifelong home and their bond to the test.

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw

Caroline Herschel has spent her life in the shadow of her famous brother, but when she starts learning astronomy, she discovers her own talent and a chance for freedom among the stars. Based on a true story, this inspiring novel shows how Caroline breaks free from her past to become one of history’s greatest astronomers.

Where the Girls Were by Kate Schatz

Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth “Baker” Phillips is on track for a bright future until a surprise pregnancy sends her to a home for unwed mothers, where she faces shame, fear, and uncertainty. In this powerful story set in 1960s San Francisco, Baker discovers unexpected strength and community among the girls who were sent away to be forgotten.

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

The women of the Novak family each have a rare gift: the chance to turn back time just once to change a moment in their lives. When Lauren moves back to her childhood home and runs into her first love, she faces old wounds and questions which decisions she wishes she could undo.

It Girl by Allison Pataki

At the dawn of the 1900s, Evelyn Talbot rises from a New York shopgirl to America’s first self-made celebrity, as the dazzling Gibson Girl. But as fame and fortune pull her into a world of powerful men and scandal, Evelyn must find her own strength to rewrite her story and survive the “Crime of the Century.”

Whidbey by T. Kira Madden

Three women’s lives collide after the murder of Calvin Boyer, a man linked to their pasts in painful and surprising ways. Told through multiple perspectives, Whidbey is a gripping story about trauma, revenge, and the messy quest for justice that will keep you hooked until the last page.

Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

Ninety-two-year-old Florence “Flo” Greene writes a heartfelt letter to her neighbor Ruthie, sharing the surprising stories behind the small keepsakes she’s leaving in her will. As Flo takes tiny adventures and reveals long-held secrets, she reminds us all that life’s richness comes from the moments we dare to live fully … no matter our age.

Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami

Fifteen-year-old Hana lives a tough life in 1990s Tokyo, struggling with poverty and an unstable home. When Kimiko, a bright and confident older woman, enters her world, they open a small bar together, and Hana begins to feel hope. However, soon the challenges of friendship and betrayal test everything she believes in.

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

Publish Date: March 24, 2026

From bestselling author Abby Jimenez comes a heartfelt story about how one choice can change everything. Larissa and Chris share a deep friendship full of laughter, books, and a quirky rescue dog. But the truth about the night they met still tugs at their hearts, threatening to turn their easy bond upside down.

Son of Nobody by Yann Martel

Publish Date: March 31, 2026

When Canadian academic Harlow Donne uncovers an ancient Greek epic lost for centuries, he becomes the only translator of a goatherd’s son’s journey from home to the battlefields of Troy. Through the intertwining of past and present, Son of Nobody reveals a powerful story about love, loss, and the timeless ties that bind us across generations.

Out Now in Nonfiction

You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate opens up about her battle with multiple sclerosis and the shadows of her past. Through stories of trauma, tough relationships, and body image struggles, she shares a powerful journey of pain and resilience that feels deeply human and unforgettable. Watch Christina Applegate’s sweet reaction the moment she discovers that her memoir has become an instant bestseller.

Shut Up and Read by Jeannine A. Cook

Jeannine A. Cook’s dream of opening a bookstore named after Harriet Tubman comes to life just before the world is turned upside down by the Covid pandemic. Shut Up & Read tells the inspiring true story of how she transformed her past struggles into a thriving bookshop that celebrates women and literature against all odds.

The Best Dog in the World by Alice Hoffman

Fourteen bestselling authors open their hearts in The Best Dog in the World, sharing touching stories about the dogs who changed their lives forever. From playful puppy days to last goodbyes, this collection celebrates the deep bond and unconditional love only a dog can bring.

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

Bookish AF News Updates

Celebrate Women’s History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate female authors!

Join Bookshop.org in celebrating Women’s History Month by supporting women authors and women-owned bookstores. Use code WHM26 at checkout to get 20% OFF more than 200+ titles on Bookshop.org now through the end of March.

Bookish Entertainment News

• The movie Project Hail Mary hits theaters on March 20th, featuring Ryan Gosling as a science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with a mysterious mission to save Earth.

• Billie Eilish is stepping into acting with her debut as Esther Greenwood in a new movie adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s classic novel, The Bell Jar.

• The film Reminders of Him, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, is now in theaters, starring Maika Monroe as a mother trying to reconnect with her daughter after prison.

Bookish Collab: Spotify + Bookshop.org

Spotify just teamed up with Bookshop.org to make buying physical books super easy right from the Spotify app. And this collab supports local indie bookstores!

Plus a game-changer for book lovers …

Their new feature, Page Match, lets you switch seamlessly between reading a book and listening to its audiobook without losing your place. So, whether you’re flipping pages or on the go with headphones, your story keeps flowing smoothly.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“There’s a person for every book.”

― Susan Mallery, The Bookstore Diaries

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

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🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

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Books written by multiple authors aren’t a new thing, but it has become a trend as more and more authors are teaming up.

James Patterson is well known for partnering with fellow authors and celebrities. And his latest release does not disappoint! He blends his writing expertise with Viola Davis!

Fun fact: Some author duos use a clever pen-name trick that merges their two names. (Like when Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck became “Bennifer.”) So, you may not realize the book you’re reading was written by more than one person. Today’s book list has two examples!

Get ready for double the bookish fun with:

• 5 New books written by a “dynamic duo” of authors!

• A Judy Blume biography that reveals more than you ever knew!

• 3 Book Clubs reveal their exciting March Picks!

• An Oscar-nominated book list!

• Nearly forgotten American women authors get a second chance!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. It’s finally feeling like spring around my area. Maybe last week’s spring-themed post had something to do with it!

Bookish Recs: 5 New Books Written by a Dynamic Duo of Authors

You know what they say about two heads being better than one. Check out this week’s book list to see if two authors are better than one!

New Releases

Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson

James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer, teams up with Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis to bring a powerful story to life.

A respected judge in a small Alabama town faces the toughest case of her career, one that challenges her sense of justice and her commitment to her community. This gripping legal thriller keeps you on edge as it explores the hard choices behind the courtroom drama.

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone are both bestselling authors known for their irresistible mix of romance, humor, and steamy storytelling. Together, they bring a fresh, spicy twist!

Maddie Kowalczk starts a new life as a law school grad and part-time nanny, only to find herself entangled with Bram Loe, a single dad and professor with a secret passion. Their fiery chemistry turns ordinary days into lessons in love and desire.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings write together under the pen name Christina Lauren. This best friend writing duo, known for their captivating love stories, has written over 30 books, including 20 New York Times bestsellers.

Liam “West” Weston must fake a happy marriage with his free-spirited ex, Anna Green, to claim a $100 million inheritance that depends on him staying married for five years. As their pretend relationship unfolds under the watchful eyes of Liam’s wealthy family, they both face the challenge of protecting their true feelings from a world that could tear them apart.

Coming Soon

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

Publication date: April 7, 2026

Evelyn Clarke is the joint pen name of bestselling authors Cat Clarke and V.E. Schwab, who teamed up to create this thrilling debut mystery.

Six struggling authors are invited to a private island after the death of legendary novelist Arthur Fletch. They have just seventy-two hours to finish his final, unfinished book. As they race against the clock, secrets and suspense unravel, challenging each writer to deliver the perfect, killer ending that could change their lives forever.

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny & Mellissa Fung

Publication date: May 12, 2026

Louise Penny is a bestselling author known for her thrilling mysteries, and Mellissa Fung is an award-winning journalist with a passion for uncovering powerful stories.

In The Last Mandarin, a mother/daughter team investigates a global crisis triggered by alarms mysteriously going off worldwide. Together, they unravel secrets tied to China’s past and present. This fast-paced thriller mixes family drama with political intrigue, showing how power and loyalty can both divide and unite.

View the booklist on Bookshop.org!

(Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

Bookish AF News Updates

Last Week’s Poll Results

Thank you for voting on whether to split this newsletter into two shorter versions or to keep it as is!

The Results: The format will stay the same with your regularly scheduled Wednesday rundown of book recs, along with bookish updates.

There was some interest in a weekend edition. So, I’m considering adding an extra Sunday post for paid subscribers. Let me know if you have an interest!

Leave a comment

Most Anticipated New Release This Week

Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer

I grew up reading Judy Blume! So, I’m so fascinated to read this biography that reveals the real woman behind the beloved books! Mark Oppenheimer shares the challenges and triumphs that shaped Judy Blume’s incredible legacy, from her 1950s upbringing to becoming a groundbreaking author who changed young adult literature forever.

March Book Club Selections

Reese’s Book Club

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

This bold retelling of Cinderella is told from the perspective of the fierce stepmother, who is determined to protect her family’s future. At a royal ball, Lady Tremaine must choose between the safety she desires and the challenging love she feels for her stepdaughter. This story flips everything you thought about the stepmother on its head!

GMA Book Club

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott

Beverley, Elsie, and Margot, three women tied together by their husbands’ violent crimes, have formed an unlikely friendship as they each try to rebuild their lives while facing judgment and shame. When a new string of killings shakes their town, these underestimated wives team up to catch a killer.

Sarah Selects

Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

In 1977 Rochester, Nina Larkin’s adulterous fling with a neighbor shakes up her quiet family and her wealthy neighborhood. Her daughter, Clara, takes the brunt of the fallout just as she’s falling in love for the first time and stepping into adulthood. Years later, Clara must confront old wounds and make a life-changing choice. This story beautifully explores the messy, powerful ties between love, family, and self-discovery.

Bookish Entertainment News: Oscar-worthy Reads!

The Academy Awards are this Sunday, March 15th! So, why not blend your love of movies with your love of books before the big night?

This book list from Smithsonian magazine matches some of this year’s Oscar-nominated movies with must-read books! These ten book recs are more than the originals that inspired some films. They also add layers of history and meaning to the Oscar-nominated movies.

Celebrate Women’s History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate female authors!

Discover Quite Literally Books! This small, woman-owned independent press brings back incredible, forgotten books by American women authors. Check out their book selection here!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“You’ve got to enjoy whatever you can and forget about the rest.”

― Judy Blume, Forever...

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

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I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for spring!

It’s been one of the snowiest, coldest winters around here. And for a while, hibernating under piles of blankets, snuggling with my pugs, and reading books with winter themes was comfy and nice.

But now, I’m soooo over being cold and stuck inside.

So, time for a fresh start! Today, I’ve got for you:

• 5 Books in different genres that all feel like spring cleaning for the soul!

• Vote on a possible change to Bookish AF!

• Exciting Bookish News Updates for March!

You’re reading my 50th post here on Substack! I’m so thankful for the beautiful bookish community we’re building together!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

P.S. Again, I’m teaming up with participating “Bookstacks” for a “5 on Five” link-sharing party! Yay! So, tomorrow on March 5th, visit this month’s host, The Hidden Book Nook, for more springtime, fresh-start-themed book recs!

Bookish Recs: 5 Books for a Fresh Start!

Inspiration to do a little spring cleaning for the soul can come from a variety of places. So, this book list covers different genres that’ll help you clear out the mental clutter and feel energized!

2 Healing Fiction Novels About Starting Over

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Evvie Drake hasn’t left her house since her husband died in an accident. Dean, a former pro baseball star, is struggling with the sudden end of his career. When Dean moves into the apartment behind Evvie’s house, together, they discover that sometimes starting over means facing the hardest truths and finding unexpected hope along the way.

*I’m listening to the audiobook now, and I’m really enjoying it! The humor is so well done that I’ve actually laughed out loud. But it’s also grounded by a heartwarming story. I highly recommend it!

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

A. J. Fikry’s life feels stuck. His bookstore is struggling, he’s lonely, and his priceless book of Edgar Allen Poe poems has been stolen. Then, a surprise package turns everything upside down, giving A. J. a chance to start fresh. This sweet and moving story shows how unexpected moments can help us see life (and ourselves) in a whole new light.

A Self-Help Book to Help You Reset

Stop Letting Everything Affect You by Daniel Chidiac

This powerful guide for anyone tired of overthinking and getting caught in emotional drama shares honest, practical advice to help you stop taking things personally, set healthy boundaries, and break free from toxic patterns. This book will inspire you to take control of your feelings, protect your peace, and move forward with confidence and calm.

A Memoir About New Beginnings

Uncorked: A Memoir of Letting Go and Starting Over by Mary Alice Stephens

Mary Alice Stephens opens up about her long battle with alcohol and how getting sober at 45 changed her life in ways she never expected. From losing “Fun Mary” to embracing loneliness and vulnerability, Mary shares the raw and honest journey of rebuilding herself and her relationships, and finding a fresh start through sobriety.

A Spring Cleaning Book

Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm by Katy Wells

Drawing on her own journey and tips from her podcast, Katy Wells offers practical, step-by-step advice that makes decluttering feel doable. This book helps you understand the emotional reasons behind your clutter and build systems that keep your home calm and joyful for good. Or, at the very least, it may inspire you to tidy up your bookshelves!

Bookish AF Update

Bookish AF is about to celebrate its first anniversary at the end of March! Woo-hoo! 🎉

I’m always looking for ways to improve this newsletter to make it more enjoyable. So, I’m considering splitting each week’s posts in half into two bite-sized posts (rather than one long one).

• Keeping “Bookish Recs” or the “Bookish Topic” on Wednesdays at 10 am EST as usual.

• But shifting “Bookish News Updates” to Sunday mornings around 8 am EST. So, you can enjoy a curated round-up of fun, uplifting book-related news with your Sunday coffee or hot tea!

What do you think about this change? Please vote, so I can deliver what you’d like the most.

Bookish News Updates

Celebrate Women’s History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate female authors:

If you love a headstrong, take no “you-know-what” female character, then check out one of my most popular posts from my original blog: 17 Books with Strong Female Characters.

March Book Club Picks

Read with Jenna has selected the bestselling author Amy Jo Burns’ novel Wait for Me.

In 1973, rising star Elle Harlow disappears after an epic performance, leaving her fans and loved ones stunned. Almost twenty years later, teenager Marijohn Shaw, whose father was the last one to see Elle alive, uncovers clues when a meteor hits near her hometown.

Most Anticipated New Releases This Week

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• You with the Sad Eyes, A Memoir by Christina Applegate / March 3

• That’s What Friends Are For, A Hilarious, Tender Story Based on the Golden Girls by Wade Rouse / March 3

Bookish Reading Tip

I recently shared in a Note:

“Maybe a daily reading habit doesn’t work for you. Maybe you don’t read during the week when you’re tired and busy. Maybe you go all in on a book on the weekend when you’re rested and have hours of time.

Just a little reminder to create a reading habit that feels rewarding and makes sense for you!”

Getting Bookish with Bestselling Authors’ Book Recs

Fredric Backman: Check out these eight titles recommended by one of my favorite authors! With each rec, he explains what he liked about each one. See the book list here!

Mitch Albom: I haven’t read Mitch Albom’s new book Twice yet, but it’s on my forever-long TBR! But, meanwhile, see what five books are the bestselling author’s favorite books of all time. Check it out here!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Your head is the house you live in, so you have to do the maintenance.”

― Linda Holmes, Evvie Drake Starts Over

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

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🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

So far, 2026 has been a fantastic year for new books, with the majority of the novels creating the biggest buzz from female authors!

Since Women’s History Month is coming up in March (next week!), let’s get a head start on celebrating with some fresh reads from both well-respected female authors you’ll likely recognize and quite a few talented debut women writers making an impact.

So, today I have:

• 12 new novels, all written by women about women’s lives

• Including this week’s featured Black History Month book

• And, a look at the best female authors of all time!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. - See my recent Note about “Drop Everything and Read Across America” happening on March 2, 2026, at 11 am EST! Hosted by

Bookish Recs: Exciting New Books by Women Writers!

The new books on this list highlight talented female authors, diverse voices, and the unique experiences shaping women’s lives today!

More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen

Publication date: February 24, 2026

High school English teacher Polly Goodman shares everything with her book club, from her family struggles to her hopes and fears. When they gift her a DNA test, Polly starts digging into her family’s past, wondering what secrets might be hidden. Told with warmth and insight, this story celebrates friendship’s deep power to change how we see ourselves and the people we love.

Kin by Tayari Jones

Publication date: February 24, 2026

Vernice and Annie, two motherless daughters growing up as best friends in a small Louisiana town, end up on very different life paths. One pursues education and sisterhood at a prestigious college, while the other searches for her absent mother, facing danger and heartbreak along the way. This novel explores the ties between mothers and daughters, the strength of friendship, and what it means to be a woman in the American South. And it just became Oprah’s Book Club Pick #121!

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One of Us by Elizabeth Day

Publication date: February 24, 2026

When Fliss, the mysterious daughter of the powerful Fitzmaurice family, dies under suspicious circumstances in Bali, long-hidden secrets and rivalries come bubbling to the surface. This sharply told drama reveals the tangled lives of the elite, blending dark humor with a deep look at ambition, loyalty, and the cost of power.

Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise

Publication date: February 24, 2026

After escaping a fearful childhood in Michigan, Sarah has reinvented herself as Saoirse, an artist living freely on Ireland’s rugged coast with her family. But when her work gains fame, the secrets she’s buried deep threaten to unravel the peaceful life she’s fought so hard to build.

This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman

Publication date: February 10, 2026

When their sister’s death leaves Sylvia and Helen Rubinstein drifting apart, a simple misunderstanding about apple cake sparks a decade of silence between them. This story explores how family tensions, life’s chaos, and stubborn pride test the bonds between sisters across generations, with warmth and sharp humor.

Good People by Patmeena Sabit

Publication date: February 3, 2026

The Sharaf family’s journey from refugee struggle to wealthy success seems like the American dream come true … until a devastating tragedy shatters their perfect image. Told through multiple perspectives, Good People explores the complexities of family, identity, and the secrets hidden behind closed doors in a gripping, thought-provoking story.

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Little One by Olivia Muenter

Publication date: February 3, 2026

Catharine West’s childhood seemed perfect. She spent endless summers on a family farm filled with simple joys and a tight-knit community. But as the farm’s darker secrets surface years later, Catharine must confront her past and protect the sister she left behind, all while wrestling with who she truly wants to be.

Clutch by Emily Nemens

Publication date: February 3, 2026

As longtime friends Gregg, Reba, Hillary, Bella, and Carson reunite in Palm Springs after two decades apart, they face personal and professional challenges that test the strength of their bond. Emily Nemens weaves a heartfelt story about friendship, ambition, and the messy, beautiful balancing act of life’s biggest moments.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams

Publication date: January 27, 2026

In 1995, fourteen-year-old Tati is on a mission to uncover the truth about her father. However, her mother, Nadia, and grandmother, Gladys, guard their family secrets closely. Spanning seven generations, this rich and emotional story reveals the resilience, pain, and unbreakable bonds of the Dupree women, whose legacy begins with an enslaved ancestor’s fight for freedom.

Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart

Publication date: January 27, 2026

On a cold February morning, 24-year-old Ruth Foster is forcefully taken to a State Industrial Farm Colony for Women, where countless women are imprisoned for so-called moral crimes they didn’t commit. Donna Everhart’s gripping story reveals the harsh realities these women faced and shines a light on their courage to resist oppression, making it a powerful read about injustice and resilience.

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The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver

Publication date: January 9, 2026

Lacey thought she had life all figured out—until a divorce and homelessness turned her world upside down. Finding an unlikely family of single moms at Wildwood Lane, she learns that sometimes breaking the rules is exactly what it takes to build a life where women don’t just survive, but truly thrive. ()

View this booklist on Bookshop.org!

Bookish Updates

Celebrate Black History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate black authors!

In addition to Kin by Tayari Jones and The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams mentioned in the book list above, also don’t miss out on this new release:

With Love from Harlem by ReShonda Tate

Publication date: January 27, 2026

Jazz prodigy Hazel Scott shines bright in 1943 Harlem as a film star and civil rights advocate, breaking barriers in a world that tries to hold her back. As her passionate and complicated relationship with politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr. unfolds, Hazel must navigate the soaring heights of fame alongside the sacrifices love demands in a city alive with culture and revolution.

Getting Bookish with Women’s History Month

The Best Women Writers of All Time!

Let’s take a moment as we head into March and Women’s History Month to honor the best of the best!

(Bonus points if you can name all 13 of the talented women writers pictured below! And, yes, I missed a few because I couldn’t fit everyone.)

Who is your favorite female writer of all time?

Comment and let me know!

Leave a comment

All through March, I’ll share your responses in my new Women’s History Month section here in the Bookish Updates!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Women and fiction remain, so far as I am concerned, unsolved problems.”

― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

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🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

When I first learned of “Blind Date with a Book,” I thought, what a super fun way to find new reads without judging a book by its cover … literally!

If you aren’t familiar with the idea, libraries and bookshops often run these “blind date” events. The books are wrapped in plain paper to hide their covers and titles. Then, you pick your “date” based on a few clues, which often include the genre, themes, or other interest-piquing details like the book’s first line.

Basically, you’re choosing a book just by its vibe! This idea is a great way to step out of your usual reading comfort zone and discover new authors or genres.

So, today, I’ve created the Bookish AF version of a “blind date with a book.” You’ll see a section of clues below. Select one, “unwrap” it, and discover your next read! Each book has earned glowing reader reviews but hasn’t gotten much hype (yet) – a hidden gem!

Then, enjoy this week’s Bookish News Updates:

• Exciting new release books out this week! (Like this one!)

• The hit book (I’m reading it now) that’s becoming a film!

• A reading tip reminder about your reading habit’s staying power

• A heartwarming book club interview to watch

Happy Reading! And, have fun selecting your “blind book date!”

Your friend,

Audry

Bookish Blind Book Dates: Hidden Gems You May Have Missed!

I selected seven recently released books that haven’t quite gotten the hype they deserve (except for the first book, which has just taken off!).

Blind Book Date Descriptions

Read through these fun clues about these “hidden gems” to find your perfect book match! Click “unwrap” or scroll down to the corresponding number to reveal!

If you’re a …

[1] Literary fiction enthusiast seeking:

• Mysterious stranger in a southern city

• Heartfelt stories of creative generosity

• Impactful, quietly transformative friendships

Then … Unwrap!

[2] Contemporary fiction seeker looking for:

• Heartwarming tale of mistaken identity

• Endearing, quirky characters with unexpected kindness

• Bittersweet humor woven with hope and redemption

Then … Unwrap!

[3] Historical fiction lover seeking:

• Epic love and survival against the odds

• Richly detailed 16th-century setting

• Intense, forbidden romance and faith journey

Then … Unwrap!

[4] Contemporary romance seeker:

• All-consuming workplace affair

• Complex power dynamics

• Tender, poignant self-discovery

Then … Unwrap!

[5] Historical fiction lover seeking:

• Heartfelt sisterhood and transformation

• 1960s social change and feminism

• Rich, character-driven storytelling

Then … Unwrap!

[6] Cozy mystery lover seeking:

• Quirky small-town charm with a wedding theme

• A hilarious and clever murder involving cheesecake

• Endearing friendships and witty banter

Then … Unwrap!

[7] Contemporary fiction lover seeking:

• Sharp cultural criticism with witty prose

• Futuristic virtual reality workplace

• A complex, slow-burning romance

Then … Unwrap!

Subscribe now

The Reveal!

Okay, it’s time to virtually unwrap your book! Match the number you selected from the clues above with one of the books below:

1 → Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

When Theo arrives in the southern city of Golden, questions swirl about his purpose. Drawn to a coffee shop’s 92 framed pencil portraits, he goes on a secret mission to reunite each portrait with its owner through anonymous gifts. A story about wonder, kindness, and how small acts can profoundly change lives.

2 → The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

When lonely, kind-hearted eighty-two-year-old Frederick accidentally assumes the identity of a grumpy nursing home resident, he finds a second chance at family, purpose, and connection. As he brightens the lives around him, including a weary caregiver struggling with her own pain, this clever and feel-good novel explores grief, forgiveness, and the healing power of unexpected bonds.

3 → Isola by Allegra Goodman

Orphaned heiress Marguerite is forced to join her volatile guardian on a perilous expedition to New France. When her forbidden relationship with a servant is discovered, they are cast away on a frozen island with no hope of rescue. Stripped of privilege, Marguerite must fight to survive and find strength in faith in this sweeping saga inspired by a true sixteenth-century heroine.

4 → Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams

When young book publicist Charlie lands her dream job at a historic London publishing house, she finds herself irresistibly drawn into an intense and secret affair with her literary idol, the charismatic Richard Aveling. Against a backdrop of age gaps, power imbalances, and the intoxicating world of books, this moving debut novel explores what it means to love another and, ultimately, to love yourself.

5 → The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

Four suburban housewives in early 1960s Northern Virginia feel trapped by the seeming perfection of their lives until a new neighbor and a groundbreaking feminist book bring them together. As they form a book club, their sisterhood deepens, inspiring courage and change amid a rapidly shifting world. This novel beautifully captures the power of friendship and the awakening to new possibilities during a pivotal era for women.

6 → Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

When Dorothy’s obnoxious date turns up dead in a hotel freezer (face-planted in a cheesecake!) Rose’s St. Olaf–themed wedding week spins out of control. Amid snobby wedding guests, a cousin’s Miami elopement, and Blanche’s matchmaking antics, the Golden Girls must solve the mystery to save love, friendship, and the big day. It’s cozy, funny, and full of heartwarming twists you won’t want to miss!

7 → Moderation by Elaine Castillo

Girlie Delmundo is a top content moderator climbing the ranks in a virtual reality company that promises to redefine human connection. Amid financial and environmental crises, and the isolating demands of VR, she navigates family struggles and unexpected feelings for the company’s enigmatic co-founder. It’s a bold, inventive story about love, history, and control in an uncertain future.

View this booklist on Bookshop.org!

Did you enjoy “Blind Date with a Book?” Let me know, and I’ll do it again sometime soon!

Leave a comment

Bookish News Updates

Celebrate Black History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate black authors!

• Goodreads put together a phenomenal book list: Books to Celebrate Black History Month (and Read All Year-Round)

• On the list, check out Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris. It just came out on February 17, 2026!

Bookish Entertainment News

Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is being adapted into a movie. I’m so excited! I’m reading it now, and very much enjoying the story, atmosphere, and the characters, especially Martha. I can’t wait to see who they cast for the role.

Read more about the film adaptation details here!

Most Anticipated New Releases This Week

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• The Astral Library by Kate Quinn / February 17

• So Old. So Young by Grant Ginder / February 17

Bookish Reading Tip: Books Don’t Hold Grudges

This week, I shared this Note that includes a quote from and her inspiring Substack post (which also includes a bunch of reader-favorite book recs).

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Getting Bookish with the Story Behind Theo of Golden

If you selected “Book #1” above, then you’ll want to watch Katie Couric’s interview with Allen Levi, author of Theo of Golden. He’s so genuine! It’s such an enjoyable interview to learn the story behind the story. Katie does warn about spoilers, but I watched it anyway!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“If it makes us better somehow, maybe that’s what gives it value.”

― Allen Levi, Theo of Golden

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

Figure skating is my favorite competition to watch in the Winter Olympics. I love the grace, the beauty, and the drama of it, both on the ice and off. So, it’s no wonder ice skating has, well, skated its way into fiction!

While ice hockey romance has been dominating headlines lately with Heated Rivalry (the hit TV series based on the bestselling ice hockey series Game Changers, which has been hailed as a refreshing break from clichéd romance tropes), don’t count out figure skating just yet.

So, today, let’s light the Olympic flame on your reading habit with:

• 🔥 5 Flirty Figure Skating Romances, all competing for gold!

• ❄️ 1 Chilling Ice Skating Mystery Thriller, that you won’t be able to put down!

And stay tuned for Bookish Updates:

• My historical romance is turning four years old

• Exciting new releases and book club picks

• And how to load your e-reader with free indie romance

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

Bookish Recs: 5 Figure Skating Romances

These stories glide on their edges with slow burns, spin into rivalries, triple axel with chemistry, and land with all the emotional feels.

After watching a ton of Olympics coverage, I now have running commentary in my head that sounds like a play-by-play announcer. So, here are today’s figure skating books as if they’re competing for gold!

🥇 The Favorites by Layne Fargo

At the top of the podium, Layne Fargo’s novel about a fated, toxic, messy romance between an elite ice dancing couple has earned a perfect score from today’s judge, esteemed novelist Jodi Piccoult:

“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”

Katarina Shaw is a determined elite skater who’s fighting to make her own way on and off the ice. When she meets Heath Rocha, a foster kid with a tough past, they create a unique bond.

Soon, they rise to fame with fierce chemistry and daring moves … until a shocking moment at the Olympics changes everything. Years later, a documentary about them pushes Katarina to reveal her side of the story.

Read & Watch: The characters in The Favorites are loosely based on Emily Brontë’s classic, Wuthering Heights. So, with the latest film adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi coming out on Friday, February 13th (see the trailer here), now’s the perfect time to pick it up!

🥈 Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

How can you deny this fan-favorite and TikTok sensation? The book crowd was on their feet for the silver medal chemistry.

Anastasia Allen has her eyes locked on Team USA and a scholarship at Maple Hills University. But when her rink time is suddenly shared with Nate Hawkins, the annoyingly charming hockey captain, sparks fly faster than skate blades on fresh ice. Their rivalry turns flirty as Anastasia’s future hangs in the balance.

This novel is part of The Maple Hills Series.

🥉 From Lukov With Love by Zapata, Mariana

It really came down to the solid performance of the slow burn in the long program, which earned this book the bronze medal spot on the podium!

Jasmine Santos’s skating career has taken far more falls than clean performances. With her career hanging by a thin edge, she’s offered a comeback with the one skater she never wanted to trust: Ivan Lukov.

This story is a masterclass in second chances, hard-earned respect, and a romance that builds patiently… and then sticks the landing.

❄️ Fated Skates by Victoria Schade

Despite coming in fourth, this Olympic comeback story dazzled the crowd!

Quinn Albright is chasing gold once more. But the spotlight gets hotter when Bennett Martino, former speed skating star turned TV host, skates back into her life. As cameras roll and old feelings resurface, Quinn must decide what she’s willing to risk: her heart, her focus, or everything she’s worked for.

🌟 Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli

We can’t end our figure skating romance coverage without mentioning one last inspired performance. And by “inspired,” we mean this book’s well-choreographed premise based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Persuasion.

Adriana Russo, who, much like Austen’s heroine, Anne Elliot, finds herself in a love triangle. Adriana is skating on thin ice to keep her family’s champion legacy alive while balancing a fake romance with her new partner, Brayden. But when her old flame Freddie returns, her carefully planned future suddenly feels uncertain. Will Adriana follow her heart or claim victory on the ice?

Read & Watch: The Netflix adaptation features a steamy 8-part series.

View this booklist on Bookshop.org!

Bonus Bookish Rec: Ice Skating Mystery Thriller

Newly released on February 1, 2026, just in time for the Winter Olympics, this psychological thriller delivers tension, twists, and a finale that hits like a last-second fall you did not see coming.

Blade by Wendy Walker

When former Olympic hopeful Ana Robbins returns to the world she fled, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Her old coach is dead. A young skater is accused of murder. And a blizzard traps everyone inside a remote mountain facility.

(When I was talking to my mom about this week’s book list, she told me she already read Blade and recommends it! She liked how it was both page-turning and that she learned more about the sport.)

Add this novel to my book list about thrillers and mysteries set in snowstorms!

Bookish Updates: February 2026

Bookish Celebration!

My historical romance novel, Until Next Sunday, is celebrating its fourth anniversary on February 14th! 🎉

A family member on my husband’s side hired me to write this novel based on a true story. It includes real-life love letters from 1922, which were translated from a rare Italian dialect. Read more about the backstory (in my review) here!

What’s Until Next Sunday about?

In December 1919, Rosina left everyone she knew and loved in her small Italian hillside village for a new life in America. However, after navigating Ellis Island, she didn’t receive the warm welcome she expected when she appeared at her brother’s doorstep in Philadelphia.

As Rosina made a new life, her budding romance with the handsome shoemaker, Giovianni, became her one bright spot. But tragedy struck when Rosina fell ill and was forced to quarantine in a menacing sanitarium. Only brief visits and the beautiful love letters they wrote to each other kept their love alive. But a doctor at the sanitarium had other plans for Rosina.

Learn more about Until Next Sunday here, and get the free book kit PDF download – perfect for Valentine’s Day! It includes Rosina’s recipe for homemade gnocchi, a romantic playlist, and more!

Celebrate Black History Month Through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate black authors!

The Exes by Leodora Darlington is a suspenseful psychological thriller with a plot-twisting unreliable narrator. Natalie is searching for the perfect romance. But it appears she hasn’t had much luck, given her list of dead exes! It’s also the GMA Book Club pick for February 2026!

Reese’s Book Club Pick: February 2026

In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka tells the twisty story of a celebrity trial that rivets the country with secrets that won’t stay hidden for long!

Stuff Your E-Reader with Free Books by Indie Authors!

The Indie Author Collective is hosting several events this year, each with different themes, to help you “Stuff Your E-Reader” with free or heavily discounted books. “Be My Valentine: A Romance Book Blast” is going on now. Check it out here!

Most Anticipated New Releases

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• Little One by Olivia Muenter / February 3 / Mystery Thiller

• Superfan by Jenny Tinghui Zhang / February 3 / Contemporary Fiction

• Songbird of the Sorrows by Braidee Otto / February 3 / Romantasy

• Good Intentions by Marisa Walz / February 3 / Psychological Thriller

• Good People by Patmeena Sabit / February 10 / Literary Fiction

• The Jills by Karen Parkman / February 10 / Mystery Thriller

View this booklist on Bookshop.org!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“Imagine being down so bad you’d master a whole Olympic sport to spend time with someone.”

― Layne Fargo, The Favorites

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

More Bookish Fun:

🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!

One of my favorite things about Valentine’s Day is that it colorfully and sweetly breaks up the monotony of the winter blahs. (Which my state’s adorable weather prognosticator predicts will last six more weeks! Ugh!)

And one of my favorite things about romance novels, especially rom-coms, is that they can break you out of a reading slump. They’re full of page-turning anticipation, excitement, and the hope that love will win in the end!

So why not brighten up these gloomy winter days by combining the two?!

Today, I’m playing bookish matchmaker! Here’s what I have for you:

• 5 Romance novels set on and around Valentine’s Day!

• Plus, 3 Valentine’s Day Gift Set Ideas to buy now for the book lovers in your life!

Then, scroll down for February Bookish Updates, including:

• A Rom-Com, two book clubs selected for this month! (Must be pretty good!)

• The book Bridgerton Season 4 is based on!

• A sports romance to read on Super Bowl Sunday!

• And, a new release: the first of a month of book recs to honor Black History Month!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Again, I’m teaming up with participating “Bookstacks” for a “5 on Five” link-sharing party! February’s theme is: “5 Romantic Books for Valentine’s Day.” So, tomorrow on the 5th, visit this month’s host, Laura K Bray, at The Cozy Library to view her book list and discover more book recs in her comments!

Bookish Recs: 5 Romances Set on Valentine’s Day

These books are packed with all the holiday essentials: chocolates, roses, cards, and grand gestures. If you’re craving more heart, a little heat, and happily-ever-after energy in your reading life, they’re the perfect book date! 💘📚

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

In this second book in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (3-book series), Lara Jean Song-Covey is back, and this time her romance with Peter feels more real … and a lot more complicated. Valentine’s Day matters deeply to Lara Jean. She’s all about handwritten notes, thoughtful gifts, and falling in love … perhaps a little too easily. Peter isn’t the only one making Lara’s heart swoon.

Read & Watch: Netflix loved this book series so much that they adapted it into three films and a TV series!

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

Emilie Hornby wakes up stuck in a nightmare scenario: the same disastrous Valentine’s Day on repeat. She has to relive her boyfriend cheating on her over and over and over! But as the loop continues, Emilie starts noticing the possibilities standing right in front of her … and bumping into her!

Could she really be falling for the charming yet mysterious Nick? And what happens when the “Groundhog Day” magic stops and Emilie must move forward with her life?

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea

Tara Chen is a proud romance superfan who’s been dumped ten times for being “too much.” Nonetheless, she refuses to give up on finding The One! Convinced that modern dating has killed the classic meet-cute, she decides to revisit her exes in search of a swoony second-chance romance.

Tara enlists help (although reluctant!) from her commitment-phobic firefighter roommate, Trevor. As they spend more time together, Tara starts to realize that the person who truly sees and appreciates her dramatic, hopelessly romantic heart might be right in front of her.

Exes and O’s is Book 2 of a three-book series; each can be read as a standalone.

Sweeter Than Chocolate by Lizzie Shane

Lucy Sweet runs a cozy, generations-old chocolate shop famous for its Cupid chocolates, rumored to help you meet your soulmate on Valentine’s Day. Lucy isn’t sure she believes in the magic, but she loves that her shop has been part of so many love stories. And she needs that legend to keep the business alive!

When a skeptical reporter arrives to debunk the whole thing, unexpected sparks make him wonder if love might be the real magic after all.

The Second You’re Single by Cara Tanamachi

Sora Reid is a freelance writer who believes in keeping life simple: low effort, low expectations, and absolutely no Valentine’s Day nonsense. After years of disappointment, she commits to staying single for February and encourages her readers to do the same.

She planned to find comfort in quiet nights at home and routines that feel safe. But when an old classmate with a surprising talent for baking wanders back into her life, Sora starts to wonder if love can be worth the risk after all.

View this booklist on Bookshop.org!

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Bookish Buys: 3 Valentine’s Day Gift Set Ideas for Book Lovers!

Surprise the book lover in your life with these thoughtful gifts. They’re also perfect for treating yourself. Because if you’re “Bookish AF,” you’re worth it!

• This Pride and Prejudice Book Vase for Flowers, which also includes a bookmark, is a classic and beautiful way to show your love! (Remember to pick up flowers to fill it!)

• This cute Reading Planter Pot also includes 5 Heart Leather Bookmarks and a Quote Card with a message that ties it all together: “Where Reading Blossoms, Joy Grows.”

• This Book Lover Gift Set comes with a “Just One More Chapter” mug, an adorable, happy crochet book, and a bookish bracelet on a message card, all ready for gifting in a clear bag!

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Bookish Updates: The First week of February 2026

February Book Club Pick: Chosen by Read with Jenna and Sarah Selects!

One & Only by Maurene Goo

Cassia Park comes from a family that can magically find your soulmate, but her own true love remains a mystery. On the brink of her 40th birthday, she takes a chance on a fun fling with a younger man named Ellis, only to discover he’s connected to the elusive Daniel Nam … her supposed fated match! (Uh-oh!) As secrets from her family’s past come to light, Cassia must decide whether to trust destiny or follow her own heart.

Bridgerton, Season 4 is Here!

Based on Julia Quinn’s third book, An Offer from a Gentleman, the show keeps the main story but changes some names and timelines. This season follows Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with Sophie Baek, a maid with a Cinderella vibe. The first four episodes dropped on January 29, 2026, and the rest come out on February 26th.

A Sports Romance to Read While Everyone Else is Watching the Super Bowl!

Maybe it’s because my Philly team isn’t playing this year, but having a book handy during the game sounds like a good idea! Unfortunately, reading with the TV on distracts me. But if you can manage it, here’s a football-themed sports romance that might remind you of a famous NFL/pop icon couple!

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a fun enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Backup quarterback Thaddeus and fiery opera singer Olivia travel the country promoting a luxury watch brand. Their rivalry sparks chemistry until threats from a dangerous fan force them to face the dark side behind their glamorous lives.

*Bookish AF Sneak Peek: The Olympics are also happening this month. So, next week, I’m sharing five sports romance novels that bring the heat to the winter games! Ice hockey players and figure skaters are all falling (in love, that is)!

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Celebrate Black History Month through Books

All month long, I’m featuring a book or sharing book lists that help celebrate black authors!

Pre-order Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson or mark your calendar for its release date: February 10th!

What’s it about? Three lives across decades and continents intertwine through love, identity, and one woman’s powerful mission to find family for abandoned children in post-WWII Germany. While you wait, read this Goodreads interview with author Sadeqa Johnson!

Most Anticipated New Releases This Week

This week’s hottest new release books are:

• It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica / February 3

• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page / February 3

• This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman / February 10

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”

― Lynn Painter, The Do-Over

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