What to read in April 2025
Sometimes, you just need to hit pause on the chaos and dive headfirst into a good book. Call me crazy, but this month I fully embraced comfort reading—and let me tell you, it was exactly what my soul needed. I didn’t limit myself to just one genre either. From laugh-out-loud women’s fiction to whimsical fantasy and swoony YA romance, I was all about stories that whisked me away and left me smiling.
First up: The Reinvention of Lottie Potts by K.L. Crear
If you love British humor, this one’s a treat. Lottie is navigating heartbreak (yep, the ol’ cheating husband trope), but what makes this book shine is her witty resilience and the warmth of the characters around her. Her mother and son are absolute gems—supportive, hilarious, and refreshingly real. I was totally charmed by how authentic the characters felt, even in the more dramatic moments. It’s book one of a series, and if I wasn’t buried under my TBR pile, I’d be snapping up book two in a heartbeat. Maybe next year… okay, definitely next year.
Audiobook of the Month: Starling House by Alix Harrow
Oh, how I love a moody, atmospheric fantasy! I read The Ten Thousand Doors of January last summer and while that one took a bit longer to settle into, Starling House had me hooked right away. There’s a spooky edge to it, but it’s more intriguing than terrifying—the kind of eerie that makes you want to keep the lights on and read just one more chapter. The narration added an extra layer of magic, and I was completely immersed in its world.
A Sweet Surprise: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
This one’s a blast from the past—originally released in 2014 and discovered on my son’s bookshelf. (Yes, really!) I’d totally forgotten how eclectic his reading tastes were growing up. He’s mostly into anime now, which is cool, but not really my thing. As I flipped through his old books, Isla caught my eye, and I’m so glad it did. It’s a light, breezy YA romance set in (swoon!) Paris, and even though high school was, ahem, several decades ago, the characters still felt relatable and real. I’m not quite done with it yet, but so far it’s been the perfect blend of nostalgia and escapism.
I’ve already got a fresh stack of library books queued up for next month, and spoiler alert: the theme of escape is still going strong. Sometimes, the best way to stay positive is to let yourself drift into stories that feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s romance, fantasy, or good old-fashioned reinvention, I’m here for all of it.
What’s your comfort read right now? I’m always looking for my next escape!
