New Fiction: April 2026
As I write this, I’m looking at a lilac tree just outside my window. It has the smallest yellowish-green buds on the ends of the branches and it makes me feel so hopeful. Watching the world come back to life in such slow sleepy ways is such a joy every year. I can imagine myself sitting outside in a comfy chair with the sun on my face as I read a book. While I love the hibernation of winter, April, in all it’s luscious splendor, is magnificent.
Another lovely thing I’m looking forward to? All of the fantastic fiction releases this month. There are some REALLY fabulous authors coming out with new books in April. Emma Straub, Maria Semple, Tom Perrotta and Anthony Horowitz are some of my favorites! I was a bit underwhelmed by the March releases but there are at least ten that I’m looking forward to reading. So that sun better shine all month so I can get out there and plow my way through them all.
Last month was a little light on reading. With getting ready for spring break and being gone over week (and we were not on a lazy beach reading kind of vacation, we were on the go), I only read four books:
- Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
- The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
- Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh
- The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1
I wasn’t blown away by the first three. I normally really like Adriana Trigiani but for some reason The View from Lake Como left me underwhelmed. I will say, though, that The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion was a complete delight. She’s a fun, strong lead character with wholesome wit and charm. I’m looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
Without further ado, here are 9 fiction releases for April that I’m most looking forward to reading.
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
A nostalgic cruise featuring a reunited nineties boy band brings together thousands of devoted fans—including Annie, who’s tagging along for her sister. But once the music starts, the energy of the trip sparks something unexpected. As she reconnects with a long-forgotten part of herself, an unlikely connection with one of the band members opens the door to new possibilities. Why You’ll Love It? It’s nostalgic, funny, and quietly insightful. Perfect if you love stories about rediscovery, second chances, and the music that shapes who we are. (4/7/26 release date) Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
My Dear You by Rachel Khong
This inventive short story collection explores love, identity, and modern life through a mix of surreal and everyday moments. From strange government experiments to ghostly encounters and unexpected friendships, each story offers a fresh, often thought-provoking take on what it means to connect—with others and with ourselves. Why You’ll Love It? It’s smart, quirky, and a little unexpected. If you like short stories that blend humor with deeper questions about identity, relationships, and modern life, this one will keep you thinking long after you finish. Release Date: April 7, 2026 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
Go Gentle By Maria Semple
Adora Hazzard has built a carefully controlled life in New York, guided by her belief that happiness comes from wanting only what you already have. But when a chance encounter disrupts her routine, she’s pulled into a world of secrets, desire, and unexpected risk. As her past resurfaces, Adora begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself—and what she truly wants. Why You’ll Love It? It’s smart, witty, and a little bit thrilling. If you love stories about reinvention, complicated women, and a touch of intrigue, this one feels both fun and thought-provoking. Release Date: 4/14/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
When Cherry’s husband leaves for Hollywood and doesn’t come back, she’s left behind in Omaha grappling with a life that no longer feels like her own. To make matters worse, he’s turned their story into a wildly popular project—complete with a character that looks a little too much like her. As Cherry begins to question who she is without him, an unexpected reconnection with someone from her past offers a glimpse of something new. Why You’ll Love It? It’s honest, tender, and quietly empowering. If you love character-driven stories about identity, starting over, and finding yourself after heartbreak, this one really stays with you. Release Date: 4/14/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola
When Sola returns home to Chicago after years away—hoping to quietly rebuild her life—she’s pulled back into the orbit of her siblings, who are all navigating their own messy realities. As tensions rise and old wounds resurface, a long-overdue family reunion forces them to confront the past and reconsider what they mean to one another. Why You’ll Love It? It’s heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable. If you love family-driven stories with layered characters, emotional depth, and a touch of humor, this one hits all the right notes. Release Date: 4/14/26. Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta
Set in 1970s suburban New Jersey, this coming-of-age story follows Jimmy as he struggles to cope with a sudden loss that leaves him feeling untethered from everything he once knew. Drawn into an uneasy friendship with two older teens, he becomes increasingly captivated by the promise of connection—real or imagined—through a mysterious Ouija board. Years later, Jimmy looks back on that pivotal time and the lasting impact it had on who he became. Why You’ll Love It? It’s moody, reflective, and quietly haunting. If you’re drawn to character-driven stories that explore grief, memory, and the lasting pull of the past, this one lingers in the best way. Release Date: 4/28/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
Ms. Mebel Goes Back To The Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto
When Mebel’s husband leaves her for their private chef just as retirement begins, she decides the only logical next step is to win him back—by learning to cook. But her plan takes an unexpected turn when she ends up at a culinary school in a quiet English village instead of Paris. As she navigates life among much younger classmates, an unlikely friendship begins to shift her perspective on who she is—and what she actually wants. Why You’ll Love It? It’s charming, funny, and quietly empowering. If you love stories about reinvention, unexpected friendships, and starting over later in life, this one is such a feel-good read. Release Date: 4/28/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
A Deadly Episode by Anthony Horowitz
When an actor portraying a famous detective is murdered on set, what seems like a straightforward case quickly unravels into something far more complicated. As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about whether the real target was someone else entirely—and whether a past mistake is finally catching up. With secrets stretching back years, the case takes unexpected turns across England as the truth slowly comes into focus. Why You’ll Love It? It’s clever, fast-paced, and full of twists. If you love classic whodunits with a modern edge and layered mysteries that keep you guessing, this one is a total page-turner. Release Date: 4/28/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
How To Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin
A dual-timeline mystery unfolds between 1960s London and the present day, where Annie arrives to visit her mother—only to discover a chilling murder that feels eerily familiar. As she digs deeper, she uncovers connections to her great aunt Frances and a decades-old crime involving a glamorous and enigmatic friend. With the danger closing in, Annie must piece together the past to stop history from repeating itself. Why You’ll Love It? It’s atmospheric and suspenseful with a touch of old-school glamour. If you love layered mysteries that weave past and present together, this one will pull you in quickly. Release Date: 4/28/26 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop.org
How I Chose These April Releases
I always look for a mix of buzzy new releases, authors I consistently love, and books that feel like they’ll be perfect for the season ahead. For April, I leaned into character-driven fiction, a few smart mysteries, and stories that feel especially good to read on a sunny afternoon.
What You’ll Find In This List
- Light, feel-good reads
- A few twisty mysteries
- Smart, character-driven fiction
- Books perfect for spring reading
April always feels like a fresh start, and this list feels like the perfect way to lean into that. I’ll be working my way through as many of these as I can this month, preferably outside, with a coffee in hand. If you pick one up, let me know what you think.
Published April 2026
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