There are so many great books coming out in the next two months. It’s almost too many to even think of reading! I have narrowed down my most anticipated books to these 24 although I could have added dozens more.
Books are listed in order of release date. All links are Amazon affiliate links. If you’d like to support independent bookstores and creators, check out my Bookshop.org affiliate link.
Historical Fiction
Most Anticipated
The Star of Camp Greene by Joy Callaway (May 6th)
Joy is one of my all-time favorite authors, and her latest historical fiction about a starlet at a WWI-era army camp in Charlotte, North Carolina looks amazing! I can’t believe there was an army camp just 30 minutes from my hometown – I had never heard of it before this book!! This is my next read, and I just know I’ll love it! Read my glowing five-star review here!
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8th)
This book about a hidden African-American kingdom in the mountains of North Carolina looks so intriguing! As a native North Carolinian, I have to learn more about this! Plus I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s previous books.
The Eights By Joanna Miller (April 15th)
This book about the first women students at Oxford sounds perfect for me. Oxford is one of my favorite places, and I love learning about women who broke barriers in history! I just got my ARC so will be reading soon.
The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli (April 22nd)
I love any book about the Italian front of WWII, and this one set in Tuscany as a young woman hides treasures from the Uffizi Gallery from the Nazis looks really good! Can’t wait to get to my ARC.
The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe (May 27th)
This sweeping novel about Italy during WWII looks full of intrigue, romance, and danger. It’s the sequel to a previous book which can be found on Kindle Unlimited. Looking forward to reading both!
Historical Mystery
The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian (April 1st)
I’ve already read this thrilling book about a mother’s love and a daughter’s search set in Depression-era Mississippi. It grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go as I read it in one sitting! It was a five star read for me! Read my review here.
The Miniaturist’s Assistant by Katherine Scott Crawford (May 13th)
With this book set in my favorite city of Charleston and involving time travel, I have to read it! A dual timeline story from the early 19th century and early 21st century, it focuses on a modern-day miniature portrait art conservator who falls into the past to uncover the mystery of a portrait. Read my final review here.
Classics-inspired Historical Fiction
The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson-Wheeler (April 1st)
I have a new obsession with The Great Gatsby thanks to the fantastic musical, so this novel from the perspective of Jay Gatsby’s sister looks so intriguing! Just got my ARC and hope to include it with a reread of the original. Read my review here.
Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner (May 6th)
A book inspired by the works of Jane Austen and includes Louisa May Alcott as a character? Sounds perfect! I have read and enjoyed all of Jenner’s books, and I know she’ll create something special in this book about different people all looking to escape into Jane Austen’s world. Read my review here.
Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson (April 1st)
With the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, there are many books coming out to celebrate. This one is a middle grade novel set during the siege of Boston in 1776 and focuses on a young girl who is all alone in the midst of war and a smallpox epidemic. Anderson is a favorite middle grade author so I know it will be amazing!
The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew by Libby Carty McNamee (TBD)
I am so excited for my dear friend’s new book to come out! Elizabeth Van Lew was a Richmond woman who became a Union spy that helped General Grant win the Civil War. Her story is amazing! I’ve read an early copy and kids (and adults!) are going to love it! Sign up for Libby’s newsletter to find out when you can get your copy! I’ll update this post as well once the spring publication date is announced.
History Nonfiction
The Pathfinder and the President: John C. Frémont, Abraham Lincoln, and the Battle for Emancipation by John Bicknell (April 15th)
I’ve always been interested in John C. Frémont (mainly because his wife, Jessie Benton Frémont, is one of my favorite historical women!), so this book is perfect for me. He was anti-slavery and pushed the Republican Party and Lincoln to do more to end slavery. It looks to be a fascinating read!
The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780 by Rick Atkinson (April 29th)
The second book in a planned trilogy about the American Revolution, this book is written by one of the most prominent historians of that time period. I have the first book in the series and hope to add this one to it.
The Last Secret Agent: My Life as a Spy Behind Nazi Lines by Pippa Latour (May 13th)
This book is written by the last surviving undercover female operative from WWII. Hearing the harrowing stories directly from her is sure to be amazing!
Contemporary Fiction
Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio (April 1st)
I read this cute book about a woman living out paths not taken and really enjoyed it. It’s like a happier The Midnight Library. If you are always wondering “what-if” about past choices, this is the book for you! Read my review here.
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods (April 8th)
This book with a hint of magical realism looks delightful. A croissant that brings luck or a pastry that unlocks an enchanting memory? Sign me up! I have an ARC and can’t wait to dig in!
Contemporary Romance
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (April 1st)
I have read all of Abby’s books. She is a pro at writing romances with lots of emotional heft. Looking forward to her latest about a perfect date ending in one of the protagonists moving thousands of miles away. Read my review here.
If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley (April 1st)
I got this heartfelt romance as an Amazon First Reads and am excited to read. With a plotline about a woman with leukemia kissing a guy who turns out to be her stem cell donor’s boyfriend, it seems like it will be very moving!
The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20th)
I always like Center’s rom coms, and this one about a woman pretending to be someone she’s not in Key West looks adorable! Can’t wait to read my ARC on the first summer-like day in Virginia. Read my review here.
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27th)
Just in time for Memorial Day, Monaghan’s latest romance about a former child TV star-turned-Hollywood executive crossing paths with her first love-turned-mega popstar promises to be a winner. I’ve loved all of her books and can’t wait to get to this one! Read my glowing review here!
Middle Grade
Conspiracy at the Launch (The Virginia Mysteries Book 12) by Steven K. Smith (April 22nd)
Smith is back with the latest installment in my favorite kids’ series, the Virginia Mysteries. Sam, Derek, and Caitlin find themselves on Virginia’s Eastern Shore where NASA has a rocket launch pad. As always, they get involved in a mystery which this time involves a tech billionaire and drones. Read my review here.
General Nonfiction
A Jane Austen Year (March 11th)
Compiled by the curators at the Jane Austen house, this book looks at Jane’s life from the people to the places she lived just in time for her 250th birthday. What a treasure!
London: The Hidden Corners For Curious Wanderers by Jack Chesher (April 8th)
I love following along with Jack’s history walks on his Instagram and blog. His first book about London was so beautiful and informative! I know this one will be as well. Perfect for my upcoming trips!
Dear Writer by Maggie Smith (April 1st)
Beloved poet Maggie Smith provides helpful advice for aspiring authors like myself in her latest book. I know I will find a lot of inspiration!
So many great books in just two months! Stock up for reading on the porch swing or in the garden!
Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads to learn more about what I’m reading throughout the year!
