Quarter 1 Favorites

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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? 

Audiobook Review: The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Genre:

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Synopsis:

They’ll need the sweetest getaway ever to escape this mess as the cops are closing in…

Jennifer used to be a wholesome daydreamer who’d never broken a law in her life.

Then her bold roommate, Nari, ropes her into a money-making scheme that isn’t exactly…legal. To Jennifer’s shock, stealing from bad guys is actually fun.

But their joyride comes crashing down when someone tips off the cops. Now Jennifer and Nari must team up with a crew of seasoned criminals for one daring heist that could set them up for life…or land them behind bars.

Add in a charming stranger who tempts Jennifer’s heart, and suddenly her double life is more complicated than ever. Can she find a happily-ever-after that doesn’t include an orange jumpsuit?

Fans of heist rom-coms, found family crews, and laugh-out-loud women’s fiction will love The Sweetest Getaway.

The Sweetest Getaway is a no spice, cozy heist novel with laughs and the smartest heroines since Ocean’s 8. Get it today for a criminally good time.

The Sweetest Getaway follows A Sweet Scheme but can be read first. Each story stands on its own with a full, satisfying ending.

Review:

The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston is the kind of audiobook that feels like pure serotonin, it’s bright, playful, and effortlessly entertaining. From the very first chapter, you’re swept into Jennifer’s unexpectedly chaotic world, where her rule following tendencies are quickly upended by a not so legal scheme and a fast paced spiral into heist territory. The story leans fully into its rom com crime vibes, blending found family dynamics, high stakes antics, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s warm, witty, and delightfully a little silly in the best way, making it incredibly easy to sink into and just have fun with.

Narrated by Bahni Turpin, the audio experience absolutely shines. She’s a legend for a reason and her performance adds so much personality and charm to every character, elevating the humor and heart of the story effortlessly. Her delivery captures the light, adventurous tone perfectly, making each twist, close call, and comedic moment land exactly as it should. She brings a cinematic quality to the listening experience that makes the heist elements feel vivid and engaging without ever losing that cozy, feel good energy.

At its core, this is a story about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Between the lovable crew dynamics, the dash of romance, and the action packed plot, it delivers a feel good escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, charming, and easy to devour, The Sweetest Getaway is a seriously fun ride from start to finish.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Your Soulmail is Attached by Joan F. Smith

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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.

Review: Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Saturday Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Can fake dating lead to real love? In Kasie West’s next sexy adult romcom two people must decide where the lie ends and the chemistry begins.

Sutton knows she needs therapy. After all, she’s managing her newly opened restaurant remotely while taking care of her ungrateful sick mother. Plus, her boyfriend of two years just dumped her over the phone. But does therapy with a handsome stranger, who she has to pretend to be engaged to, in order to help her friend’s struggling relationship count? Probably not. Then why did she just agree to go? Because she’s had a few too many drinks? Because this stranger, Elijah, is smug and annoying and really, really handsome? Because she feels guilty that she abandoned her best friend, Tara, after high school and this might just make up for it? Whatever the reason, she has committed to this unhinged plan.

What the hell is Sutton doing?

Helping Tara prove a point: a good therapist can tell the difference between real love and fake love. That’s what she’s doing. But as they attend their sessions, Sutton and Elijah only seem to be proving one thing—the lines between pretend desire and real desire are very blurry. This true connection forming between them is threatening to unravel everything Sutton thought she knew about family, friendship, and her own heart.

Review:

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West is a light, flirty romcom that fully embraces a slightly over the top premise and turns it into an entertaining, feel good read. The story follows Sutton, who finds herself caught up in a fake engagement with a stranger in order to participate in couples therapy sessions—yes, it’s a bit chaotic, but if you lean into the setup, it becomes part of the charm. The tone is low angst and fast paced, with witty banter and playful tension carrying the story from start to finish.

What grounds the story is Sutton herself. Beneath the humor and absurdity, she’s dealing with family strain, emotional burnout, and lingering guilt over a fractured friendship, which adds a layer of heart to the narrative. Elijah proves to be the perfect counterpart, he’s confident, slightly smug, but ultimately warm and steady, and their chemistry is immediate and engaging. Together, they strike a balance between humor and sincerity that makes the romance feel both fun and satisfying. This is the kind of book you pick up when you want something easy, swoony, and genuinely enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: I Choose Me by Jennie Garth

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Memoir

Narrator: Jennie Garth

Synopsis:

Jennie Garth is best known for playing the iconic role of Kelly Taylor in the hit television series “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Now in her 50s, she invites readers into the real story of growing up on screen, facing Hollywood’s impossible beauty standards, and losing—and finding—herself through heartbreak, loss, and the challenge of motherhood. She shares the raw truths of the moments that broke her open and shows the resilience it takes to walk through grief and begin again.

Jennie writes with warmth and candor about learning to quiet the voice that says “not enough,” rediscovering her strength after loss, and daring to take up space, speak her truth, and want more. She opens up about the unglamorous, deeply human moments and finally letting go of the need for perfection and other people’s approval.

Through personal stories, practical advice, and the wisdom earned through her own hard lessons, Jennie lights a path back to self-love and clarity. I Choose Me is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their roles, struggling to give themselves permission to ask, “What do I want now?” It’s an invitation to honor your own journey, embrace self-care, and believe with compassion that choosing yourself is the bravest, kindest thing you can do.

Review:

I Choose Me by Jennie Garth had all the makings of a memoir I thought I would love, especially as a longtime fan of hers from Beverly Hills 90210. I went in expecting a deeply personal look at her life, relationships, and experiences growing up in the spotlight. And while there are glimpses of that—moments where Jennie reflects on her past, her struggles, and her growth—I found myself wishing the entire book leaned more heavily into those sections. Those were easily the strongest parts: honest, engaging, and exactly what I had hoped for.

Unfortunately, the book shifts heavily into self help territory, and that’s where it lost me. About half of the content felt more like general advice and personal development guidance rather than a true memoir, and the tone occasionally came across as a bit preachy or inauthentic for my taste. It wasn’t overly religious, but it didn’t feel as grounded or personal as I’d hoped. That said, I did really enjoy the audiobook narration, hearing Jennie tell her own story added warmth and familiarity that elevated the experience. Overall, this was a bit of a letdown for me, which is disappointing given how much I wanted to love it.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The two-time Edgar Award–nominated author of ON A QUIET STREET and THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10, Seraphina Nova Glass, is back with TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Nothing in this idyllic community is quite what it seems…

Those lucky enough to live in the elite lakefront community of Cloverhill Lakes are drawn to it for its safety and top-notch school district. The moms meet for coffee at the park while their kids play, they’re heavily involved in the PTA, and the summers are filled with chardonnay, brunch, sundresses, and backyard bonfires.

But everything changes when Regan Hoffman’s car explodes at the annual Labor Day party. The wrong person is killed, but it was meant for her. As the carefully crafted walls of her community begin to crumble, Regan tries to keep it together—something made infinitely harder when she sees her dead husband…alive.

When a Cloverhill Lakes resident suddenly goes missing, dark secrets begin to surface from underneath the idyllic veneer of their beautiful community—and the truth threatens to destroy them all as Regan finds herself in a fight for her life.

Review:

Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass is the kind of suburban thriller you fly through in a weekend—fast paced, twisty, and packed with secrets that unravel at lightning speed. Set in an idyllic lakefront community where everything looks picture perfect, the story quickly spirals into chaos after a shocking explosion at a neighborhood party sets off a chain reaction of lies, betrayals, and very questionable decisions. The multiple POV structure keeps things moving and adds to the tension as each character brings their own baggage (and secrets) to the table.

This is one of those reads where you absolutely have to suspend disbelief to fully enjoy the ride, but honestly? If you lean into the drama and don’t overthink the logistics, it’s a lot of fun. The plot is unapologetically unhinged in the best way, with twists that keep coming and a constant sense that no one can be trusted. Between the missing persons, shocking reveals, and increasingly chaotic turns, it delivers exactly what you want from a bingeable thriller.

At its core, this is a story about the cracks beneath curated suburban perfection, and it thrives on the messiness hiding just below the surface. If you’re in the mood for something suspenseful, entertaining, and just a little bit outrageous, this one makes for a perfect grab your snacks and don’t move kind of read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Narrator: Xe Sands

Synopsis:

From the international bestselling author of PACK UP THE MOON and OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY…

Winnie Smith was never supposed to be that woman. She’s the responsible sister, the behind-the-scenes event planner, the one who avoids drama at all costs. So how did she end up publicly branded as the other woman—and promptly canceled by the Mommy Mafia of Cape Cod? One disastrous relationship, a missing background detail, and suddenly Winnie’s quiet life is in shambles.

Enter Lorenzo Santini, the world-renowned surgeon, feared and revered by colleagues, with zero patience for incompetence and life’s ordinary tasks. Known to hospital staff as Dr. Satan, Lorenzo needs a personal assistant—and Winnie needs a fresh start. It’s strictly business…until it isn’t.

As Winnie manages Lorenzo’s demanding schedule and carefully guarded life, she discovers there’s more beneath his intimidating exterior than arrogance and ambition. And Lorenzo begins to see that Winnie is anything but invisible.

Once in a blue moon, two people who seem to have nothing in common could turn out to be perfect for each other after all.

Review:

There’s something so comforting about returning to a familiar world, and Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins delivered exactly that for me. While you absolutely don’t need to read the connected books to enjoy this one, longtime fans will appreciate the little threads that tie everything together—especially getting to see beloved characters again (yes, Grandpop 🥹). Higgins has such a gift for creating communities that feel warm, lived in, and full of heart, and stepping back into Winnie’s world felt like coming home.

Winnie is such an easy character to root for, she’s the responsible, behind the scenes sister who suddenly finds herself at the center of unwanted drama. Watching her rebuild after being unfairly labeled and judged was both frustrating and empowering in the best way. And then there’s Lorenzo—aka Dr. Satan—who was such a fun surprise here. Seeing him soften, layer by layer, and getting a deeper look into who he really is made his dynamic with Winnie incredibly satisfying. Their boss/employee relationship evolving into something more was slow, sweet, and filled with those little moments that just work.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Xe Sands and she was, as always, an absolute joy. Her performance added so much depth and personality to both Winnie and Lorenzo, bringing out the humor, tenderness, and emotional beats beautifully. And Winnie’s family? Truly one of the highlights, so loving, warm, and supportive, it made being back with them feel extra special. Honestly, my only complaint is that I wanted more. Higgins never misses for me, and I would happily stay in this world a little longer.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Start at the End by Emma Grey

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Zibby Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

This is a love story . . . but not the one you’re expecting.

Start at the End is a powerful, soul-stirring, sliding-doors novel from the bestselling author of The Last Love Noteand Pictures of You that explores second chances and unwritten endings.

Audrey and Fraser tumble into a romance for the ages. After an unlikely start, they fall deeply in love and dream of the life they’ll build together—until one tragic moment upends everything. Facing the unimaginable and wrestling with guilt, they’re left haunted by “what ifs,” each asking where they would be if fate had spun a different story.

Start at the End is an unforgettable drama of two soulmates who have to find a way to start over when they had only just begun.

Review:

Emma Grey’s Start at the End is a heartbreakingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the unthinkable ways life can shift in an instant. Audrey and Fraser’s connection feels immediate and all consuming, the kind of love that readers will ache for and root for in equal measure. But this isn’t a conventional romance, it’s a sliding door story that shows how one moment can ripple into countless “what ifs,” forcing each character to navigate grief, guilt, and the daunting prospect of starting over. Grey handles this delicate structure with a deft touch, ensuring the emotional resonance lands without feeling manipulative.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its emotional realism. Grey’s writing captures the raw, often contradictory feelings of heartbreak, hope, and human fragility with a rare honesty. Moments of tenderness sit alongside gut punch heartbreak, and the characters’ struggles to rebuild their lives feel painfully authentic. As with her previous novels, Grey excels at portraying humanity in all its messy, flawed, yet profoundly beautiful glory. Every scene is charged with depth, every choice weighed with consequence, making it a book that lingers long after the last page.

For book clubs, Start at the End offers layers to unpack—from the ethics of moving on, to the nature of love and destiny, to the quiet, often invisible ways grief shapes us. It’s a story that is both intimate and expansive, heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful. Fans of Grey will recognize the same emotional acuity and character driven storytelling that makes her novels so unforgettable, and newcomers will be swept up in the intensity of Audrey and Fraser’s journey. This is a book that asks you to feel deeply and think about what it means to start again, even when everything you thought you knew has changed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Spring Reading List 2026: Romance, Cozy Mysteries & a Little Chaos

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Spring is the perfect time to refresh your reading list with stories that feel light, hopeful, and just a little bit escapist. Whether you’re in the mood for swoony romances, charming cozy mysteries, or a few thrillers that add a twist of chaos to all the sunshine, this list has something for every reading mood.

These spring reads lean into fresh starts, small towns, travel, and seasonal charm—with just enough drama to keep things interesting.

🌷 Romance Picks

The Bodyguard — Katherine Center

A sunshiney, laugh out loud romance featuring fake dating, lovable characters, and a heartfelt emotional core. This one is equal parts funny and tender, with a story that feels like it’s meant to be a rom com movie.

Check it out here

A Novel Love Story — Ashley Poston

A whimsical, bookish romance where a woman finds herself inside a fictional town from her favorite series. Charming, magical, and deeply rooted in the love of stories.

Check it out here

What Happens in Amsterdam — Rachel Lynn Solomon

A fresh start abroad turns into a marriage of convenience with an ex, blending travel, second chances, and emotional growth into a romantic and engaging story.

Check it out here

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie — Rachel Linden

A reflective and uplifting story about second chances, following a woman who gets to experience the life she didn’t choose. Thoughtful, magical, and perfect for a fresh start season.

Check it out here

🫖 Cozy Mysteries

Live and Let Chai — Bree Baker

Set in a seaside town, this cozy mystery follows a tea shop owner who becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Light, charming, and filled with small town vibes.

Check it out here

Arsenic and Adobo — Mia P. Manansala

A food focused cozy mystery with humor and heart, where a woman must solve a murder after a food critic drops dead in her family’s restaurant.

Check it out here

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea — Darci Hannah

A lakeside bakeshop setting, a celebrity chef, and a deadly twist make this a perfect seasonal cozy with strong spring to summer vibes.

Check it out here

Toxic Toffee — Amanda Flower

A spring festival, a small town setting, and a poisoned treat create a fun and festive mystery with just the right amount of intrigue.

Check it out here

🌿🔪 Thrillers (Spring… but make it unhinged)

Not in your soft, sunshiney era? These bring the drama.

The Hunting Wives — May Cobb

A scandalous, addictive thriller filled with toxic friendships, obsession, and secrets set against a lush Southern backdrop.

Check it out here

The Villa — Rachel Hawkins

A glamorous Italian getaway with a dark past, told through dual timelines full of secrets, betrayal, and a haunting history.

Check it out here

Whether you’re in the mood for romance, cozy mysteries, or something a little more chaotic, spring is the perfect time to mix things up and explore new reads.

Let me know your current reading mood—are you in your romance, cozy, or chaos era?

Review: Everyone is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Severn House

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s life is upended when her past comes back to mess with her mind in this psychological thriller full of twists and turns.

There’s no such thing as perfect.

It’s been fifteen years since Carly Bennett’s mother was brutally murdered during a home robbery. Since then, she’s worked hard to build a normal life with a stellar career as an English professor—far away from the picture-perfect stepfamily that abandoned her at boarding school.

When a male colleague is found dead in Carly’s office—her name scrawled next to his body—everything she’s strived for starts to fall apart. There are eerie similarities to her mother’s attack, and Carly determines to find the truth. 

Yet things take a bizarre turn when she suddenly experiences lost time, waking up in strange places, and flashes of dormant memories . . . memories that can’t possibly be real. Because, if they are, then she was there the night her mother was killed.

Could Carly have been responsible? Or is something more sinister at play in her stepfamily’s perfect world . . .?

This eerie domestic suspense is perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell.

Review:

Everyone Is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine is an engaging, twisty domestic suspense that leans heavily into family drama, buried trauma, and the lingering impact of the past. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Carly Bennett as she’s pulled back into the mystery of her mother’s murder, an event that shattered her childhood and continues to echo into her present. The past and present structure keeps the narrative moving at a steady, compelling pace, gradually revealing secrets that reshape everything Carly thought she knew.

Carly herself is an intriguing and layered protagonist, especially as her grip on reality begins to blur with unsettling memory gaps and flashes of something darker beneath the surface. The story thrives on that eerie uncertainty—what really happened, what can be trusted, and how much of the past has been buried for a reason. The pacing is quick and the twists keep things entertaining, making it an easy book to fly through, especially for fans of family centered thrillers with psychological elements.

While this one didn’t fully land as a standout for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable read. The exploration of trauma and complicated family dynamics adds depth, even as the story leans into more dramatic, twist driven moments. Overall, it’s a fast paced, intriguing suspense that will appeal to readers who enjoy unraveling messy family secrets with a touch of unreliability and tension.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.