Spring always brings amazing books! It seems like it’s extra special this year with so many great books coming out in just the next two months. I tried limiting my list, but I couldn’t cut it down any further! Here are the ones I am most anticipating reading: historical fiction, history nonfiction, and contemporary fiction and nonfiction.
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 Book of the Year
A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie (May 5th)
My most anticipated book of the year! I cannot wait to dig in and read about Abigail Adams. I know Stephanie and Laura’s research is top notch, and their writing is so engaging. I am so excited for this novel!
Be sure to see if Stephanie and Laura are coming to a bookstore near you on their tour for A FOUNDING MOTHER.
Read my five-star review here!
Favorite Authors
Hold On To Tomorrow by M.B. Henry (April 7th)
I am really looking forward to this novel about the JFK assassination by one of my favorite historical fiction authors!
Liberty Island by Virginia Hume (May 5th)
I loved Hume’s debut (Haven Point) and know I will love revisiting the coast of Maine in her latest novel. The dual timeline set in the first part of the 20th century looks great!
The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles (May 5th)
Linked to the author’s previous blockbuster, The Paris Library, this novel will take you back into the world of Odile as her neighbor from Montana moves to Paris and follows in her footsteps at the American library in the mid-1990s.
The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb (May 19th)
I learned about Evalyn McLean, the owner of the Hope Diamond, when I was studying First Lady Florence Harding who was Evalyn’s good friend. Webb has imagined the life of Evalyn through the eyes of a jeweler’s daughter. I can’t wait to learn more about this fabulous (yet some would say cursed!) jewel!
Authors I’ve Been Meaning to Read
The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michele Richardson (April 21st)
I think I am the only person who hasn’t read Richardson’s blockbuster, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. This follow up can be read alone, but I hope to get to the other two books in the series as well.
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison (April 28th)
I love books set in the 1950s, and this one set amidst the wealth and glamour of the California coast looks perfect for the first warm day of spring!
New-to-Me Authors
Elizabeth and Maryiln by Julie Owen Moylan (April 7th)
It may seem like a strange pairing, but both of these women lived in Windsor during the summer of 1959. The author has imagined their meeting and friendship, and I know it will have great historical details about the time period. I love any glimpse into the royal family!
The Yankee Sphinx: An FDR Novel by Mark Frost (May 5th)
I can’t wait to read this new novel about FDR’s presidency! I am sure Eleanor will be a big character in it.
A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren (May 12th)
This novel is about the daughter of W.E.B. DuBois and looks fascinating! I love learning about the early 20th century in New York and know it will be atmospheric.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
So many great novels about America’s big birthday!
Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry (April 28th)
This 250th birthday year is the perfect time to learn more about Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold’s wife. Sounds like it will be a fascinating read!
The Design of Providence: An Anthology Celebrating America’s 250 Years (May 1st)
A collection of inspirational stories by historical fiction authors, this is perfect to read in this year celebrating America’s 250th birthday!
Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly (May 5th)
Another book that includes Abigail Adams, this novel intertwines the life of Abigail, Queen Charlotte, and Marie Antoinette. Set just after the American Revolution, it will be an interesting take on how the new country was perceived in Europe.
Christian Historical Fiction
The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green (April 7th)
I love anything set in the Roaring ‘20s! While this is the third in a series, you can read it without reading the others. This novel about hidden identities and a mystery involving a New York Historical librarian looks great! And its author is taking part in Read Far and Wide’s April New York trip. I wish I could go!
The Lumber Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin (April 7th)
Lynn is a favorite Christian historical fiction writer, so I know I will love her latest set in the late 19th century along Lake Michigan. I know nothing about that area or logging so it will be informative. Plus I saw a review online that mentioned it had a time slip element, one of my favorite fiction tropes!
These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas (May 5th)
I love anything set in the South and Appalachia, so I know I will enjoy the latest novel by a favorite Christian author. Set during the Great Depression in the North Carolina mountains, this novel will be especially impactful to me as a native North Carolinian.
History Nonfiction
Celebrating America’s 250th!
The American Revolution at 250: Twenty-Four Historians Reflect on the Founding (April 3rd)
Some of my favorite historians have written essays for this collection during this 250th birthday year. I look forward to reading their thoughts!
National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America by Michael Auslin (May 5th)
This year is the perfect time to learn more about the Declaration and how it came to be. Read this before the big July 4th celebration!
A Perfect Coincidence: The Extraordinary Friendship and Astonishing Deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson by Jim Rasenberger (May 12th)
This July 4th is not only the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is also the 200th anniversary of the death of presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826, and this new book explores them as frenemies through their hundreds of letters.
History Travel
This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History by Beverly Gage (April 7th)
A book detailing a road trip through America’s favorite historical sites during this 250th birthday year? I couldn’t pre-order fast enough!
First Ladies Nonfiction Books
An Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln by Lois Romano (May 19th)
Mary Lincoln is so misunderstood as I discovered in my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project research (click here to read my post). I am excited to read a new biography about her that will, hopefully, view her in a kinder eye than most biographies.
The Colonial First Ladies: The Missus Washington, Adams, and Madison by Feather Schwartz Foster (May 30th)
I love any books about First Ladies, and I can’t wait to see how the author links these three amazing women. They were all trailblazers in their own unique way.
Contemporary Books
Contemporary Fiction
Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan (May 26th)
A novel where you get to revisit your choices from the past? Sign me up!
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (May 26th)
Haig’s The Midnight Library is one of my all-time favorite books, so I have to read this follow up with more time traveling adventures! Haig’s books always make me reflect on my own life and are uplifting while being thoughtful.
Contemporary Romance
Start at the End by Emma Gray (April 7th)
I love any book with a sliding doors premise, so I know I will love the latest by Gray who writes heartfelt and emotional romances.
Purple State by Dana Perino (April 14th)
I am so excited for this novel by one of my favorite news reporters. I’ve listened to her podcast and watched her on Fox News talking about this book that shows how love can bridge the divide we have in our country. I can’t wait!
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan (May 26th)
Monaghan is my go-to for smart romances with heart and none of the silliness in many on the market. Her latest is about a single mom moving back to her hometown where she finds a friend and possibly more with the scion of a wealthy family who rules the town. I will always read everything she writes!
Nonfiction
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About by Isabel Klee (April 28th)
I have followed Isabel for a while on Instagram, and I love her commitment to rehabilitating shelter dogs and giving them a new lease on life!
Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance by Laura Vanderkam (May 5th)
I am always looking for more efficient ways to get things done, and no one gives better advice on that subject than Laura. I love how she includes hobbies and personal interests in her time keeping research, showing how we are not just our jobs.
Christian Nonfiction
Hope – Dare to Believe by Jennifer Collins (April 12th)
My friend at church has written a lovely book about overcoming the worst. As a hospital chaplain and pastoral counselor, Jennifer is the perfect person to speak words of hope and healing.
Unshakable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Culture of Lies by Aaron Graham (May 12th)
Pastor Graham grew up at the church I attend and now pastors a large, urban church in Washington, DC. I am looking forward to reading about how we can engage the world and still hold true to Biblical doctrines.
What book tops your most anticipated list?
I accidentally came across your site. What a great concept! I frequently find books related to my travels. I want to bring Leander’s Lies, my historical novel, to your attention. I see you’re originally from Kings Mountain. Leander’s Lies is mostly set in the area where Burke, Cleveland, Lincoln, and Catawba counties meet. Briefly: In post-Civil War North Carolina, Leander, a man of books and grand ideas, yearns to escape the life of a poor tenant farmer. How many lies will he tell, how many lives will he shatter, to achieve his ambition?
I’d be glad to send you a copy for review. April Gloaming is the publisher.
Nancy
Thanks so much! I am excited to read your book. I just ordered it as I like to support authors. Thank you for sharing the info!