April marked the rise of spring — the quintessential “warm-ish” weather month where we’re beginning to use our facial SPFs and head outside. Perhaps, to read.
If you’re new here, I’m a full-time commerce reporter and product tester who has read more than 50 books in 2024 so far. That said, I love to read new titles, find hidden gems that are beloved by fellow readers and create monthly lists for Post Wanted shoppers to sort through and shuffle into their Amazon carts.
Naturally, this month had a handful of some of the buzziest new releases, some books on my TBR list (that’s to-be read, for short) and some happy-go-lucky plots that’ll make you feel good as the warm weather continues to rise.
RELATED: Best March books we read, ranked and reviewed
You’ll find the 13 books I read in April, each with initial thoughts, a brief summary and, of course, links to purchase the books ahead of your next book haul. Oh, and you’ll also find commentary on most titles and additional recommendations from the Amazon Book Editors.
“Friends in Napa” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar
As I’m headed to Napa at the end of this month, it was only fitting to pick up the “Friends in Napa” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar. If you love plots with “rich people problems,” this is filled with a juicy plot and an alluring setting that’ll make you keep reading. While it’s not the most suspenseful book I’ve read, it sure kept me on my toes.
Specifically, the story centers on six old friends who make their way to Napa Valley for a luxurious, escapist weekend of fine wine. Yet, old tensions surface during the three-night stay at the country-side mansion — and everyone has something to hide.
“Wedding Issues” by Elle Evans
Darling and light to read, “Wedding Issues” by Elle Evans is the epitome of a springtime read. I wholly enjoyed it, especially for its engaging characters and wonderful chapter-by-chapter flow. It doesn’t drag and holds a unique plot: competition for a bridal magazine cover.
When Olivia “Liv” Fitzgerald’s scheming aunt throws her into a bridal competition for Southern Charm’s cover — against her best friend, Leighton — there’s an unfortunate domino effect that soon unravels. After graduating from law school and balancing schemes of her own, this book is perfectly tied with a bow for any reader.
“How to Plot a Payback” by Melissa Ferguson
New in the rom-com space is “How to Plot a Payback” by Melissa Ferguson. With a dazzling cover that makes you want to curl up and read, this story unfolds successful screenwriter Finn Masters and his inevitable new colleague — his lifelong nemesis Lavender Rhodes, who just so happened to destroy Finn’s acting career.
Better yet, when he’s “plotting his payback,” Finn realizes he can spin Lavender’s character in completely new directions, possibly seeing his perpetual nemesis as entirely lovable. In short, it’s a fabulous enemies-to-lovers new title that’ll have you wanting more.
“The Age of Magical Overthinking” by Amanda Montell
As a huge fan of Amanda Montell’s “Cultish” title that explored modern-day cult-inspired throes in society — like SoulCycle and psychics — I couldn’t wait to crack open her latest, “The Age of Magical Overthinking.” Think of it as a collection of doctorate-level essays in an easily digestible form, expounding upon cognitive biases, empathy, anxiety and more. It was fascinating to read.
“Amanda Montell’s brilliant new book takes on the psychology of language, and how we use it to convince, connive, coerce and comfort ourselves and each other,” Lindsay Powers, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told the New York Post. “It’s perfect if you’ve ever tossed around phrases like ‘magical thinking,’ ‘Mercury in retrograde’ or ‘The Secret.'”
Additionally, Montell deploys “whimsical to warlike” analogies (think: Taylor Swift, Disney adults, conspiracy theories) to explain why we all feel so overwhelmed, insecure and disoriented. “Reassuring, entertaining, endlessly quotable…after reading this ‘love letter to the mind,’ the world suddenly made more sense to me,” Powers added.
“Kismet” by Amina Akhtar
After devouring Amina Akhtar‘s other two novels this year, “#FashionVictim” and “Almost Surely Dead,” I had to add “Kismet” to my list. After all, it’s a thriller about wellness set in Arizona, with “the smoothies, the secrets and the deliciously deadly impulses.” Seriously, Akhtar never misses on originality within her plot lines.
When lifelong New Yorker Ronnie Khan decides to start anew in Arizona, she meets her newfound bestie, socialite wellness guru Marley Dewhurst. Marley’s all about “finding her best self,” and then the novel takes a turn; when the glam gurus around town start turning up gruesomely murdered, Ronnie soon discovers that the mantra of wellness isn’t all too well at all, making this page-turner coming-of-age and extraordinarily brilliant.
“Annie Bot” by Sierra Greer
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book as unique as “Annie Bot” by Sierra Greer. As a top Book of the Month pick, I knew I had to order it and start flipping through it immediately. It’s about the relationship between a female robot and her human owner, exploring questions of intimacy, power, autonomy and control. Among all books on this list, the plot is so eye-opening, it sparks conversation. It’s the perfect book club pick.
“Provocative, chilling, and hypnotic, ‘Annie Bot’ feels more like prescience than sci-fi, and the Amazon Book Editors chose it as a Best Book of the Month,” Seira Wilson, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “Greer’s careful probing of humanity, empathy, power and freedom in the age of AI made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about the questions she raises.”
And, like Wilson, this is a book that I want to talk about with everyone who reads it, and I want to give it to those who haven’t.
“The Husbands” by Holly Gramazio
As part of Read with Jenna’s book club, “The Husbands” by Holly Gramazio was a difficult start to get fully into but, once you get into it, you’ll be hooked. When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she’s greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. But, she isn’t married, even though her home decor and photos on her phone trace their marriage years back.
“‘The Husbands’ is a clever, funny, thought-provoking debut that the Amazon Editors selected as a Best Book of the Month,” Abby Abell, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “When you can try on husbands and lives like outfits, how do you know when to stop? This is the conundrum facing Lauren when she discovers that her attic generates an unlimited supply of husbands. This novel gets to the heart of the world we live in today, where we’re exposed to, and exhausted by, endless choices.”
“Forever Barbie” by M.G. Lord
For those still in their Barbie Era, the “Forever Barbie” by M.G. Lord is my only five-star read for the month of April (yes, I’m a pretty harsh critic). To sum it up, it’s a case study of the life of Barbie throughout the decades. Spoiler alert: you’ll learn about the rise of Bratz and a lawsuit that arose.
“I totally judged this book by its delightfully eye-catching bright pink cover,” Powers said. “‘Forever Barbie’ is a fun, and at times enraging, ride through history of the hugely-popular doll, not unlike the movie, which was one of my favorites last year. Written by a popular podcast host and professor, this book was re-released in March, just in time for the Oscars and Women’s History Month.”
“The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo
Reese’s Book Club pick for the month of April is an oldie but a goodie: “The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo.” It’s a *thick* book but worth it for a cozy, character-driven plot that’s weaves familial relationships well. I loved curling up on the couch with my weighted blanket to head into this cleverly written page-turner.
“I love an epic dysfunctional family saga, and this novel delivers tenfold,” Sarah Gelman, editorial director of Amazon Books Editorial, shared. “I had never considered that two intensely happy parents could (also) mess up their kids, but apparently it can happen, and I’m here for the ride.”
To debrief, Marilyn and David have a wonderful marriage, and have four daughters, all of whom are mid-crisis. It’s also a great read and perfect preparation for Lombardo’s upcoming “Same As It Ever Was,” which Gelman tells us “is also wonderful.”
“Table for Two: Fictions” by Amor Towles
If you love blast-to-the-past stories and something different to add to you reading pile, I can’t recommend “Table for Two: Fictions” by Amor Towles enough. Here, Towles shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories based in New York City and a novella set in Golden Age Hollywood.
“Amor Towles is one of the Amazon Book Editors favorite novelists; we named ‘The Lincoln Highway‘ the No. 1 Best Book of 2022, and both ‘A Gentleman in Moscow‘ and the ‘Rules of Civility‘ were Best Books of the Year when they published,” Al Woodworth, Senior Editor, Amazon Books Editorial, highlighted.
His latest is Woodworth’s favorite title of the month, as it’s filled with his signature wit, old-world atmosphere and beguiling characters “Readers will not be disappointed!” she added.
“Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez
One of the most anticipated new book releases of April, without a doubt, was “Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez. I read “Part of Your World” and “Yours Truly” this year — both of which were five-star reads for me — and this one evoked that same, lovely writing style as her other two books. Plus, you can never get enough of Jimenez’s characters.
“‘Just for the Summer’ is in the running to be my favorite romance of the year — and it’s one of Amazon Books Editors Romance picks for April,” Kami Tei, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, shared. “If you’re into stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster in the best possible way, this one is for you. I laughed, cried, and gripped my heart from the tenderness of this more-than-a-romance love story.”
While I enjoyed Jimenez’s aforementioned two titles a bit more, this one was a delight in and of itself. And, a great beach read.
“Such a Lovely Family” by Aggie Blum Thompson
Perfect for fans of “Gossip Girl,” “Such a Lovely Family” by Aggie Blum Thompson is a grand foray into the lives of the rich and glamorous. As the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the crest of Washington, D.C., the Calhouns are amid hosting their annual party to celebrate the best of the spring season.
While a hot-button party is what is expected with their beloved three children, nothing goes as planned. The kicker? A brutal murder in the middle of the celebration transforms the yearly gathering into a homicide scene, and all the guests into suspects. It was *riveting* and one of the fastest books you’ll flip through.
“The Divorcées” by Rowan Beaird
With a grabby summer-esque cover, “The Divorcées” by Rowan Beaird is a title I instantly wanted to devour. Eventually, I did just that, toward the end of the month.
Lois Saunders thought marrying the right man would cure her loneliness, but as pretty as her husband is on paper, she finds herself in a loveless marriage. However, in 1951, that’s hardly an acceptable excuse for a divorce — except in Reno, Nevada, where there’s a fleet of famous “divorce ranches.”
Finding herself there for six weeks, Lois eventually meets Greer, her daring friend that’s taking her new season of life to new heights. But, how much can she trust her, and how far will she go to “forge her independence?” This book was the perfect dose of fiction, suspense and historical undertones — a must-read, for sure.
Other April Books to read, per the Amazon Books Editorial team
“I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger
“I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger is a new April title that the Amazon Books Editorial team named as one of their top recommendations. This sci-fi read centers om an aspiring musician who sets sail on Lake Superior in search of his departed, deeply beloved, bookselling wife. However, his quest for love grows both wider and wilder which, in turn, makes the title a buzzy new pick.
“This harrowing, but beautifully told, tale is a sly paean to books, language, love and the transformative power of receiving and extending kindness,” Erin Kodicek, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, shared with The Post.” It’s safe to say, she *cheerfully* endorses it.
“The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo
“Leigh Bardugo has once again written a stunning novel that made the Amazon Book Editors’ list of the Best Books of the Month,” Wilson explained. “Rich with the atmosphere and intrigue of Renaissance Spain, The Familiar is an enchanting web of power, politics, love, magic and self-determination that held me in thrall until the final — perfect — denouement.”
“Nuclear War: A Scenario” by Annie Jacobsen
According to Powers, “ten trillion scream emojis are not enough to describe this Amazon Editors’ Best Book of the Month!”
In two sittings, she tore through this horrifying narrative that’s written like a thriller while being visceral and cinematic, like the big-budget blockbuster of Hollywood’s dreams (fitting that it was just optioned for a movie).
“Some books stick in your brain forever, and this is one of them; I can’t stop thinking about it — and talking about it — with everyone I know,” she added.
“Funny Story” by Emily Henry
“Emily Henry’s sparkling new romance, ‘Funny Story,’ is an Amazon Editors’ Best Book of the Month and an absolute delight,” Abell said. “It has all the trademarks we expect from Henry — charm, wit, beautiful scenery — the list goes on and on. But it’s also a departure from her previous books.”
Daphne and Miles don’t have a shared history, and Abell noted how it was joyful watching their journey as they discover each other for the first time. “This book is a feast for the senses (and the heart), and I didn’t want it to end,” she noted. Plus, it’s great for fans of her other titles, like “Book Lovers” and “Happy Place,” both of which I personally enjoyed.
“Lost Man’s Lane” by Scott Carson
“I was totally bowled over by this stunningly well-written mix of ‘90s nostalgia, coming-of-age tale and darkness on the edge of town story,” Vannessa Cronin, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “It’s perfect for fans of classic Stephen King.”
Specifically, this title surrounds the life of a sixteen-year-old-turned-private-investgiator who’s looking into the most shocking crime to unleash in Bloomington, Indiana: the classic tale of the local woman who vanished. However, his sharp memory unravels some accusations, and it spirals and builds up from there. It sounds ultimately suspenseful and page-turning, to say the least.
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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.