Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Gallery Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Queen of the beach read,” (Cosmopolitan) New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina.

After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm. In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

Review:

4/25

There’s just something about a Kristy Woodson Harvey novel that feels like slipping into your favorite beach chair with a perfectly chilled drinkand Summer State of Mind is exactly that kind of magic. Set once again in Cape Carolina, this story blends small town charm with layered emotional depth, following burnt out NICU nurse Daisy as she escapes to start over, only to find herself pulled into something far more complicated—and meaningful—than she expected. Harvey has such a gift for crafting character driven stories that feel both cozy and compelling, and this one is no exception. The relationships are rich, the setting is absolutely transportive, and the plot quietly builds with secrets, moral dilemmas, and just enough intrigue to keep you fully invested.

What really elevates this story is how seamlessly it balances heart and tension. Daisy, Mason, and even delightfully eccentric Aunt Tilley all feel like fully realized people navigating messy, real life choices. The abandoned baby storyline could have felt overly dramatic in lesser hands, but here it’s handled with care, raising thoughtful questions about love, responsibility, and what it truly means to belong. It’s emotional without being heavy, dramatic without losing its warmth—a signature Harvey sweet spot.

I also switched between print and audiobook for this one, and the audio experience was phenomenal. Cassandra Campbell delivers exactly what you’d expect, absolute excellence, while Stephanie Einstein and Matt Pittenger were fantastic additions, bringing fresh energy and depth to the story. The full cast truly brought Cape Carolina to life in a way that made it hard to stop listening. This is peak “elevated beach read” it’s full of heart, a little bit of drama, a touch of intrigue, and that irresistible feeling of being completely swept away. Another home run from my beach read queen.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 12, 2026

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Every Year He Comes For Them.

On one fateful night in 1992, the lives of two seventeen-year-olds are changed and intertwined forever. Quinn Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, is arrested after he innocently tries to break up a fight but ends up nearly killing someone. Jules Delaney, high school royalty, survives an attack by the elusive and terrifying May Day Killer—a serial predator who strikes every May 1st in midwestern small towns.

A year later, Jules is struggling with trauma and guilt, tormented by one question: Why was I spared? Quinn is newly released from juvenile detention and returns home to fresh the unsolved murder of his mother.

Over the next decade, their lives are revisited on a single day each year—May 1st. As secrets unravel and the paths of Quinn and Jules collide, two mysteries edge closer to the truth. All the while, the May Day Killer is still out there—and the clock is racing toward another May 1st.

The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.

Review:

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay is easily his strongest work to date, and that’s saying something if you’ve followed his thrillers. From the opening pages, the structure alone hooks you: we check in on Quinn Riley and Jules Delaney on the same day each year—May 1st—watching their lives fracture, shift, and slowly spiral toward something far more connected than they could ever imagine. It’s a simple concept on paper, but in execution it’s incredibly effective, giving the story this fractured, almost cinematic rhythm that makes it impossible to put down.

What really elevates this book is the pacing and structure combo. The chapters are razor short, constantly pulling you forward with just enough detail to make you say “one more chapter” until suddenly you’ve read half the book. Finlay balances the dual mysteries—the fallout of a near fatal teenage incident and the chilling presence of the May Day Killer—with precision. It’s twisty without feeling chaotic, emotional without losing its thriller edge, and smartly layered so every yearly snapshot adds weight to what came before.

There’s also something unexpectedly poignant about it. Watching these characters over a decade, always on the same date, creates this quiet sense of fate and inevitability that lingers beneath the suspense. Quinn and Jules are both shaped by trauma in very different ways, and the way their paths gradually tighten toward each other feels earned and gripping. Add in the serial killer thread that never quite lets you relax, and you’ve got a book that’s both bingeable and surprisingly emotional. This is a perfect summer thriller, it’s dark, addictive, and absolutely unputdownable, don’t miss it. 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 28, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A nearly divorced housewife enrolls in culinary school to win back her husband, only to start questioning the strange antics of her classmates in this new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.

Retirement should mean long-awaited trips to the sapphire waters of Santorini or careening down a sand dune in Dubai. For sixty-three-year-old Mebel, retirement means her husband of more than forty years announcing that he’s leaving her for their private chef. Mebel isn’t sure who’s the bigger loss.

Not to worry, Mebel has the perfect plan: she’s going to win back her husband. No one knows what he needs better than her—after all, she’s been anticipating his needs their whole marriage. And if he wants a wife who can cook (why else would he leave her for a chef?), she will simply go to cooking school. Luckily, class at the renowned Saint Honoré School of Culinary Arts in France starts in just four days!

However, Mebel quickly realizes that her culinary school is not in illustrious Paris but rather in England—and some small village outside of Oxford no less. Despite the less-than-warm welcome from her much younger classmates, Mebel manages to befriend Gemma, the breakout star of the program, who offers to help Mebel on their first day. When Gemma stops showing up to class, Mebel knows she must figure out what—or who—caused her friend’s sudden disappearance. After all, Mebel may not know the first thing about how to cut a potato, but she certainly knows how to identify a fraud, and there’s definitely something fishy going on.

Review:

Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block is quirky, chaotic, and undeniably charming in that signature Jesse Q. Sutanto way. What starts as a slightly ridiculous premise—a nearly divorced, privileged housewife enrolling in culinary school to win back her husband—quickly unfolds into something far more engaging and unexpectedly endearing. Mebel herself doesn’t exactly win you over at first; she’s self absorbed, a little out of touch, and honestly kind of annoying. But that’s part of the journey. Watching her slowly gain self awareness, form genuine connections, and step outside of her comfort zone is where the story really shines.

The setting adds such a fun layer, trading dreamy Paris expectations for a quaint English village, which only amplifies the fish out of water energy. The culinary school backdrop, paired with a cast of younger, often suspicious classmates, creates the perfect mix of light mystery and offbeat humor. There’s a slightly absurd, almost silly tone woven throughout, but it works somehow. It leans into its quirks rather than trying to smooth them out, and that’s what makes it so entertaining.

At its core, this is a story about reinvention, independence, and realizing you might want more for yourself than what you originally thought. It’s light, easy, and genuinely funny, with moments that will catch you off guard in the best way. If you’re in the mood for something breezy, a little ridiculous, and completely delightful, this one absolutely delivers.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 21, 2026

Publisher: St Martin’s Press

Genre: Mystery, General Fiction

Synopsis:

There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She’s lived on her idyllic street for sixty years—longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else’s business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past she’s worked exceedingly hard at concealing—because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.

Review:

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth leans more layered mystery than outright thriller—but don’t let that fool you. It’s still deliciously tense, twisty, and packed with surprises that keep the pages turning. Hepworth masterfully weaves past and present timelines, allowing Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick’s history to unfold in pieces that feel both haunting and deeply intentional. As the story builds, the question isn’t just what happened—it’s who is Mabel, really?, and that slow unraveling is where the book truly shines.

What elevates this story is how unexpectedly tender and character driven it is. Mabel herself is an absolute standout: sharp, biting, and hilariously grumpy, with a brutally honest edge that makes her impossible to ignore. And yet beneath all that prickliness is something softer, more vulnerable, and surprisingly emotional. Watching those layers peel back, especially as her connection with Persephone, the curious and delightful little girl next door, grows, adds so much heart to the mystery. Their dynamic brings warmth and levity while also quietly raising the stakes.

This is one of those rare books that balances intrigue with genuine emotional depth. The merging timelines create a rich sense of history, giving weight to every revelation and making the twists land even harder. By the end, Mabel isn’t just unforgettable, she feels deeply human. Smart, complicated, a little messy, and wholly original, Mad Mabel is a special kind of story that lingers long after the final page.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: May 5, 2026

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Narrator: Henrietta Meire

Synopsis:

A joyful, sun‑soaked story of friendship, love, and new beginnings, from USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan—perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Jill Shalvis, and seaside escapes.

Running a five-star Cornish hotel should have been Evie Hamilton’s dream job. But restoring it to its former glory is going to take a miracle. All Evie has is grit, and a hoard of unruly staff who love to speculate about her love life. She needs back-up, and fast.

Enter Abby Jones. Parachuted in by the hotel’s umbrella company for the summer, Abby thinks Evie could be the best friend she never had. But Abby has her own agenda for being in Cornwall. If her real motives are uncovered, their friendship is going to melt away faster than an ice cream in the summer sun.

Yet Abby’s arrival starts a chain reaction. With the help of a charming chef and a gruff pub owner, they begin to embrace their true selves and the bonds that unite them. But it’s not just the hotel’s five-star reputation that needs rebuilding – Evie and Abby will also have to brave tearing down their lives in order to reshape their futures…

Perfect for readers who love:

• Feel‑good women’s fiction
• Sun‑soaked seaside settings
• Stories of friendship, love, and new beginnings

Published in the UK as “Brave New Summer”

Review:

The audiobook of Five Star Summer by Sarah Morgan is exactly what you want when you’re craving a true escape read, it’s warm, immersive, and effortlessly charming. Set against the dreamy backdrop of a Cornish hotel, the story follows three women—Evie, the determined hotel manager; Alexandra, the enigmatic owner; and Abby, whose arrival stirs up more than just summer energy. It’s a layered, character driven story that weaves together friendship, family dynamics, and romance in a way that feels both comforting and engaging.

The audio narration by Henriette Meire  elevates the experience beautifully. She brings a lively, witty tone to the lighter moments while also capturing the emotional depth of each character with care. Her performance adds richness to the relationships and makes the small village setting feel even more vivid and alive. You can practically hear the hum of the hotel and feel the coastal breeze.

This is a five star beach read through and through—heartfelt, uplifting, and filled with just enough drama to keep things interesting without ever feeling heavy. The combination of a gorgeous setting, wonderful characters, and a story centered on growth and connection makes it the perfect poolside or vacation listen. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how lovely it is to get completely lost in a story for a while.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Synopsis:

Follow the Rites…

Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake.

From Marcus Kliewer, a new “titan of the macabre and unsettling” (Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author), comes a supernatural horror about a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist, only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.

Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she’s not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.

Besides, it’s only three days’ work…

Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.

What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.

Follow the Rites…

Follow the Rites…

Follow the Rites…

..— / ….. / —..

Review:

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer had such an intriguing premise that immediately pulled me in, and for a large portion of the book, I was completely invested. The eerie, isolated setting and the slow unraveling of something deeply wrong created a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. Kliewer’s writing is evocative and immersive, excelling at building tension and delivering moments that are creepy, disturbing, and at times downright chilling. There’s a strong sense of unease woven throughout, and I found myself both fascinated and unnerved by what was unfolding.

That said, this ended up being a bit of a mixed experience for me. Macy, our main character, was difficult to connect with—her perspective often felt frustrating to sit in, which made it harder to stay emotionally grounded in the story. While I could appreciate what the author was attempting with her characterization, it created a level of distance that impacted my overall engagement.

Ultimately, my enjoyment hinged heavily on the ending, and unfortunately, that’s where it lost me. The conclusion felt abrupt and somewhat underdeveloped, leaving a significant number of questions unanswered. Rather than feeling intentionally ambiguous, it came across (for me personally) as incomplete, which made the overall experience feel a bit unsatisfying after such a strong buildup. There’s no denying the creativity and atmosphere here, but I was left wishing for a more fully realized resolution.

Overall rating: 2/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Quarter 1 of 2026 has already delivered some incredible reads! From soapy thrillers to swoony romances, cozy mysteries, and contemporary fiction that tugs at the heart, these are the books I couldn’t put down. Whether you love scandal, suspense, swoon, or heartfelt stories, there’s something here for every mood.

All the Little Houses – May Cobb

Sinfully fun and addictive, full of messy, gossipy small town drama and dark secrets. Check out my review here

The Better Mother – Jennifer Van Der Kleut

 Fast paced, morally gray characters, and suspenseful tension make this domestic thriller a popcorn worthy binge. Check out my review here

Across the Vanishing Sky – Catherine Cowles 

Layered emotional stakes, slow burn romance, and tender moments with a suspenseful edge. Check out my review here

Love Song – Elle Kennedy

 Nostalgic, chaotic, swoony, and packed with emotional depth. Check out my review here

Primrose Murder Society – Stacy Hackney

Clever puzzles, found family, and humor combine for an utterly delightful cozy. Check out my review here

Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer – Bellamy Rose 

Witty, glitzy, and engaging, with charm, suspense, and fun couple dynamics. Check out my review here

The Me I Used to Be – Kristan Higgins 

Heartfelt, character driven, layered with humor and emotion—book club perfection. Check out my review here

Where the Wildflowers Grow – Terah Shelton Harris

Grief, healing, and emotional depth, elevated in audiobook form. Check out my review here

I can’t wait to see what the rest of 2026 holds! Stay tuned for Q2 favorites but tell me, what books have you loved so far this year? 

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Narrator: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

Synopsis:

What if everyone in the world found out who their soulmates are at the same time?

Olivia Adler’s life is a behind-the-scenes job she loves in a bustling newsroom, an engagement to golden-boy Wells, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create the documentary she’s always wanted to make.

Then one sleepless night, everything unravels.
One message on Wells’s phone shatters her engagement.
A second message—an anonymous global email quickly dubbed Soulmail—shakes the world.

Delivered to every individual’s inbox, Soulmail reveals the name and birthdate of your soulmate. Suddenly, love as we know it is rewritten overnight…and Olivia accidentally becomes the face of it all when she reports on the story live and goes viral.

With millions watching her every move, Olivia resolutely refuses to open her Soulmail. She’s not ready for fate to make her choices—especially not now. But when she crosses paths with her childhood best friend—the boy she loved and lost—everything she thought she knew about destiny, timing, and love comes into question.

Is true love written in the stars…or something we choose for ourselves?

Review:

Your Soulmail is Attached by Joanna F. Smith delivers such a fascinating, high concept premise that instantly pulls you in—what if everyone in the world discovered their soulmate at the exact same time? The story leans into that question in a way that feels both expansive and surprisingly grounded, exploring not just romantic connections but platonic and familial soulmates as well. That added layer made the concept feel richer and more thought provoking than expected, raising questions about destiny, choice, and the different forms love can take. Watching Olivia navigate the emotional fallout, both personal and very public, added a compelling human core to such a big, speculative idea.

The audiobook experience elevates it even further, thanks to Mia Hutchinson-Shaw who truly brings Olivia to life. She captures every nuance of Olivia’s emotional journey—from heartbreak and confusion to curiosity and quiet resilience—with so much authenticity. It made the internal conflict hit harder and the overall story feel more immersive. This is one of those reads that feels like pure escapism while still staying emotionally grounded, blending speculative fiction with real, relatable struggles in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.