April TBR: A Little Bit of Everything We’re Loving Right Now
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April always feels like everything is happening all at once. The days are getting longer, the weather is (finally) warming up, and somehow our schedules are filling up just as fast. Spring really is springing over here—and with summer getting closer, life is starting to feel a little extra full.
Between end-of-school-year activities, busier evenings, and trying to soak up every bit of sunshine, reading time can feel a little harder to come by. But if anything, this is when we need it most.
So this month, we’re leaning into books that pull us in fast—stories that feel immersive, comforting, or just impossible to put down. A mix of backlist books we’ve been meaning to get to, new picks we couldn’t resist, and a few that just felt right for the season.
April showers might be bringing the chaos… but they’re also bringing more excuses to curl up with a good book.
Here’s what we’re hoping to read this month—and why we picked each one.
Jump to: Katie’s April TBR | Emily’s April TBR
Katie’s April TBR
Valley of the Fireflies — Emma Fraser
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback
Why it’s on my TBR:
This one caught my eye immediately—the cover is just so pretty. But once I read what it was about, I was completely sold. It sounds like one of those slightly magical, emotional reads that you just get lost in. I have a feeling this is going to be one I don’t want to rush through.
Status: Currently Reading
Rating: Coming Soon
The Girls — Emma Cline
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
I’m really bouncing around decades this month, apparently. I found this while thrift shopping, and it felt like one of those books I was just meant to pick up. It’s set in the 1960s and follows a cult storyline, which already has me intrigued. I’ve heard it’s a little unsettling but really well written—definitely one I’m excited to finally get to.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
The Chosen and the Beautiful — Nghi Vo
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Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
Okay, first of all—the cover. Stunning. That alone made me want it. But I’ve also seen this recommended a few times, which sealed the deal. From what I’ve learned, it’s actually a reimagining of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, told from Jordan Baker’s perspective with a twist.
So now I’m thinking… do I finally read Gatsby first? Honestly, I might just go ahead and add that to the list too.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev — Dawnie Walton
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This one is giving me Daisy Jones & The Six energy, and I am not mad about it. I love stories centered around music and complicated people, and this one sounds like it really leans into that. Plus, I’ve been wanting to read more books that explore different decades instead of just sticking to one, so this felt like a perfect pick.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
The Perks of Being a Wallflower — Stephen Chbosky
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Why it’s on my TBR:
I feel like everyone has either read this or at least knows about it—and somehow I’ve just never picked it up. But when I saw it at Goodwill, I grabbed it. It’s been sitting on my shelf for a while, and I’m finally in the mood for something a little shorter and more introspective.
It’s set in the 1990s, which I love, and while it’s not technically historical fiction, it definitely has that nostalgic feel to it.
Status: Read
Rating: 3/5 stars
If you want to follow along with my reading this month,
you can find me on Goodreads here → Katie’s Goodreads Profile
Emily’s April TBR
Kin — Tayari Jones
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This was Oprah’s Book Club’s March pick, and I got it in my BOTM box last month, so it really feels like the universe is telling me to read it. I don’t even need to know much more than that—I’m already in. I’ve heard amazing things about Tayari Jones’ writing, so I’m going in with high expectations and very ready to be emotionally wrecked (in a good way).
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
This Book Made Me Think of You — Libby Page
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
A book about books will always win me over—it’s basically guaranteed at this point. I’ve also been seeing Libby Page everywhere on our Instagram lately, which feels like a sign. It sounds like one of those cozy, thoughtful reads that just hits you right in the feelings, and I’m really excited to see what it’s all about.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter — Heather Fawcett
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Hardcover | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
Er mer gersh. How cute does this sound?! A cat rescue manager teaming up with a grumpy magician to save the world?? I’m sorry, what more could I possibly need? This feels like it’s going to be whimsical, funny, and just the right amount of magical chaos—and I am absolutely here for it.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Alchemized — SenLinYu
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
I’m doing it. I’m finally doing it. I’ve been putting this one off because, honestly, I’m a little intimidated—but the curiosity has officially won. I’ve heard so many people talk about this book, and I just need to know what the hype is about. Wish me luck… I have a feeling this is going to be a ride.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Battle of the Bookshops — Poppy Alexander
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
After looking at the rest of my April list, I realized I might need something a little lighter to balance things out. This one seems like the perfect way to end the month—cozy, charming, and centered around bookshops (which is always a win). I’m hoping for something sweet, easy, and just really enjoyable.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
If you want to follow along with my reads in real time,
you can find me here → Emily’s Goodreads Profile
Wrapping Up Our April TBR
April is always a little bit of a juggling act. Full schedules, changing seasons, and all those little busy moments that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
We’re not putting pressure on ourselves to get through everything on this list—but we are excited about every single book on it, and that’s what matters most.
Whether it’s a few quiet pages in the morning, an audiobook in the car, or a late-night chapter when the house finally settles down, we’re finding the time where we can.
This month’s stack feels like the perfect mix of comfort, curiosity, and a little bit of fun—exactly what we need right now.
As always, we’ll be sharing what we finish, what we love, and what inevitably gets carried over into May (because let’s be honest… it always happens).
What’s on your April TBR? Are you reaching for anything cozy, emotional, or totally binge-worthy this month?
Here’s to longer days, open windows, and stories that make all the busy moments feel just a little bit slower.
Want an easy way to stay organized with your reading (without adding stress)?
Grab our free Busy Mom’s Reading Tracker! It’s a 12-page printable PDF designed to help you plan goals, log your progress, and reflect on your reading—without pressure or perfection. Whether you print it or use it digitally, it’s made to fit real life and celebrate your reading wins, big and small.
Download it here →
