April 2026 Book Reviews and Recommendations
There is a book in this month’s book reviews that I know will already make my top 12 list at the end of the year. I hear rumors that a movie is in the making for it as well (fingers crossed!). But if fantasy is not your speed, I have classics, romance, and even a parenting book for you to choose from this month. Happy reading!
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Excellent (4.5 – 5 Stars)
Alchemised
Published Date: September 2025
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Paper
Wow, this book completely lived up to the hype. Though it did take me a minute to get into the story, once I did, I flew through it and it’s big! Warning: maybe read the content warnings, as it is dark and gory. There is very little spice but the love story is fantastic. The ending is excellent and the pace is perfection.
Helena is a healer with resonance. She is looked down upon by guild members but the son of the principate is her best friend. When his dad is murdered, he comes into power and war begins again. They need her as a go-between with an important spy.
The other side of the war is all about immortality and using dead people’s bodies. There are traitors, lies, and so much death. Some parts were a little challenging to understand but it is such a fantastic book. It’s NOT a beginner fantasy novel!
Great (4 Stars)
The House Witch 2
Published Date: October 2022
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Kindle
A great second book; the story is still funny and charming.
War is imminent, relationships are growing more serious, the queen’s pregnancy is worrisome, and a house of ill repute is a cause for concern.
This is such a delightful series. I will continue to read when I need something to bolster my spirits.
Emily of New Moon
Published Date: August 1923
Genre: Classics
How I Read: Kindle
Some have claimed this series is better than Anne of Green Gables – absolutely not! But I liked it. At times I was a little annoyed that so much was similar to Anne. The main character is an orphaned girl who is outspoken, loves to write, and gets crotchety old people to fall in love with her (sound familiar?).
There is a main difference between the two stories. Emily goes to live with wealthy relatives after her father dies. When she arrives, she makes friends and finds herself in predicaments that are sometimes funny. The story is set again on Prince Edward Island.
I laughed. I cried. But it’s no Anne. I will read the next book in the trilogy.
Blood In The Water
Published Date: July 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
How I Read: Audio
I think this is a great middle grade mystery but the ending felt rushed and a bit too convenient.
The main character’s father is in jail for a white-collar crime she is sure he didn’t commit. Kaylani is being sent away for summer vacation to live with a wealthy family on Martha’s Vineyard to help take her mind off things at home. The two daughters she is spending the summer with are very materialistic.
Kaylani wants to spend her time in the library researching, trying to help her father’s case. Not long after she arrives, a teen boy dies a mysterious death. It initially looks like a shark attack but soon evidence points to murder.
Good (3.5 Stars)
No Matter What
Published Date: March 2026
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
I hated this book until 65% of the way in. It’s depressing; I definitely cried at least twice. The miscommunication trope is not for me, especially with a married couple.
It’s clear from the start that a married couple was in a traumatic accident but the details never come out until the end. Their marriage is on the rocks, his brother is her best friend and he was in the accident too and lived with them for a year recuperating.
Now her husband might be moving out, she is finding art and a new group of friends, and he is finding therapy. It’s a lot of trauma rehashing. The entire story is will they/won’t they stay together.
Nurture Shock
Published Date: September 2009
Genre: Parenting/Psychology
How I Read: Kindle
If you are looking for a different kind of parenting/child development book, you may want to give this one a look. It includes information you won’t find anywhere else, which I appreciated. There are a lot of studies mentioned with fascinating takeaways but sometimes getting to the “juice” is long and boring.
I personally like more story and bullet points for these types of informational books.
Husband Material
Published Date: August 2022
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
This sequel was a letdown. The couple is attending multiple weddings and starts to feel all the feels about marriage. Maybe they should get married too?
Luc and Oliver discover they have deep-seated differences when it comes to their identity. When a huge life event comes out of nowhere, it might be the couple’s doom.
It’s not a very funny book, which is what I was hoping for. I felt it was depressing and long. At the end, I just wanted it to be over.
Emily Climbs
Published Date: July 1925
Genre: Classics
How I Read: Audio
Not much was different in book two. Emily moves in with another old aunt as she begins high school. She continues to get into altercations with said aunt over misunderstandings.
Emily has the same friends but what drives me crazy is the friendship with Dean. Who is this pedophile? He is waiting for her to grow up (GROSS!!). They are always alone together. This book didn’t age well.
Want to check out more book recommendations? Take a look at my March book reviews!
