April 2026 Book Releases

I am so excited about the April 2026 book releases, and I can’t wait to get my hands on these books. It is always so much fun finding the upcoming new books. I included a list of the books I am most excited to read, along with a brief summary of each book.

April 2026 Book Releases

The April 2026 book releases include some amazing fiction picks that speak to current pop culture moments. I’m excited to read these books and cannot wait to see how they change throughout the year.

The nonfiction book that follows this trend is our pick about F1 racing. If you know Kirsten, she has an obsession with racing, and this is one she is going to love!

I said earlier that this is the year of the bibiophile. Even though there are not many picks this month on the list about books, there are two thrillers about books and writers that I cannot wait to read.

If you want some in-depth reviews before the books are published, you can check out our Beyond the Bookends Book Club. We host a monthly Zoom meeting where we share our favorite upcoming books with you. We give you the scoop on what to read and what to skip!

You can help authors by going into your favorite reading app and adding these books to your To Be Read pile. You can also head to your local indie bookstore and pre-order the books you know you will love. This helps the authors a lot. All the books on this list are linked to Libro.fm and Bookshop.org. Both of these sites are associated with independent bookstores!

Most Anticipated April 2026 Book Releases

The Read Carpet Report Podcast

Watch Episode 12: April 2026 Celeb Book Club Picks on YouTubeSpotify or Apple Podcasts

April 2026 Fiction Book Releases

Love by the Book

Author: Jessica George

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling author of Maame

Spice Rating: 💋💋💋
Age Range: 16+

Remy is a best-selling author whose debut novel is based on her three best friends. Unfortunately, her friends feel more distant, and her creativity is suffering because of it. Simone is a kindergarten teacher who has a side hustle that cuts her off from her family. When the two women bump into each other in a bookstore, they just might be what the other needs.

It was incredibly sad to see Remy struggle without her friends. She became lost in a way that was so realistic that I almost couldn’t bear to read her pain. Similarly, Simone was so closed up that my heart ached to see her find companionship. I was delighted when the two of them connected, and watching their friendship bloom was so satisfying. #gifted by St. Martins Press

Find this book in: Friendship Books

American Fantasy

Author: Emma Straub

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Most People’s Anticipated Books of 2026

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

The American fantasy is a cruise ship that has a four-day themed voyage. Five members of a 90s-era boy band will be on board with 3000 women who have loved them since childhood. Annie is turning 50 and newly divorced when she decides to go on the cruise. Suddenly, she remembers parts of herself she forgot a long time ago. When she finally meets one of the band members, she finds someone who needs a friend.

Told from multiple perspectives, this story was a riot! I was picturing myself on this cruise with my childhood favorites, NSYNC, and it was an enjoyable reading experience. I was impressed with the depth that Straub was able to tackle in a book that could have been pure fluff. From depression to rivalries to ponderings about aging, this book had substance and hysterical scenarios! #gifted by PRH Audio

Find this book in: Boat Books / Novels About Musicians

Midnight at the War

Author: Devi S. Laskar

Year: 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Inspired by journalists Christiane Amanpour and Sylvia Poggioli

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Rita Das is a foreign correspondent who is reassigned to the Middle East in the years immediately before and after 9/11. She is pregnant, but it is unclear whether the father is her husband or her lover. Rita is trying to deal with work conflicts along with the grief of losing her mother. She must learn to deal with the physical and emotional toll of being in a war-torn country, while figuring out her personal life back home.

War

This moving story was different from any novel I’ve ever read. It was hard to see Rita grapple with her personal life against the backdrop of an ongoing war in the Middle East. It had me thinking about all the war correspondents of the world who have to balance dual realities.

Rita was a complex character that I felt for, even though I didn’t agree with many of her decisions throughout the novel. My heart broke for her numerous times, but then, while reading this story, the US started bombing Iran, and it felt as if reality blurred with fiction. This was a heavy but important novel worth reading. Gifted by Mariner Books.

Find this book in: Novels About Grief

Go Gentle

Author: Maria Semple

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: April 2026 Oprah Book Club Pick
Bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Adora Hazzard is a divorcee who works as an in-house philosopher for an extremely wealthy family. She lives in the Ansonia, on the same floor as a group of women she affectionately calls her “coven”. When she meets a handsome stranger at the ballet one night, her world is turned upside down.

She is torn between her desire to be with him and the ethics that have driven her life for the past 15 years. Soon, she is over her head, and she does not know who she can trust when secrets from her past come back to haunt her.

Sexual assault, attempted suicide

The book is told in two timelines. One in the present, and then we jump to the past to learn about Adora and how she moved from a career in comedy to philosophy. The book deals with serious topics in a humorous way. The characters are well-rounded and hilarious. I absolutely loved this book. #gifted

Find this book in: Oprah Club List 2026 / The Best Oprah Books/ Best Beach Reads 2026 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books

upward bound

Author: Woody Brown

Year: March 31, 2026

Genre: Literary Fiction

More info: April 2026 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+

Upward Bound is an adult disabled daycare center in LA. From the director of the facility to staff and clients, an interwoven narrative is formed that tells the tale of broken dreams and the surprising realities of being among the Upward Bound community.

This short novel was a moving multi-narrator look at life inside an adult daycare center. The full cast audiobook brought the story to life as Walter (voiced by T.R. Knight) anchors the story of his time at Upward Bound, and other staff members or community members are given one chapter of insight.

Each story brought the center and its clients to life in a wonderfully rich way. Usually, I think books are too long, but I could have spent way more time with Walter and the gang. #Gifted by Penguin Audio

Find this book in: Summary of Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, Read with Jenna Book Club List 2026 / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

Last Night in Brooklyn

Author: Xochitl Gonzalez

Year: 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author of Olga Dies Dreaming, Most Anticipated Book of 2026

Spice Rating:💋

Age: 18+

In the spring of 2007, 26-year-old Alicia Canales Forten feels trapped by the life she’s supposed to want. After she moves to Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, she gets swept up in the scene that is full of parties and people like La Garza, a fashion designer, and her wealthy cousin. This novel is set right before a major election and financial crash. The story looks at the cost of chasing the American dream.

This story reminded me of a modern-day Great Gatsby with Alicia playing the part of Nick, the observer watching the story unfold, often caught between loyalty to two different people. Gonzalez does an excellent job showing the gentrification of Brooklyn as well. #gifted by MacMillan Audio

Find this book in: Fashion Novels / Classic Book Retellings

Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block

Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Mabel was looking forward to retirement with her husband when he announces he is leaving her for their private chef. In order to win back her husband, Mabel decides that she is going to learn to cook (that could be the only reason he would leave her for a chef, right?)

When she accidentally enrolls in culinary school in England rather than Paris, she unexpectedly finds friendship with her younger classmates, including Gemma. She starts to learn that there is more to her than being a trophy wife. She starts to question what she wants out of life, rather than what her husband wants.

This book is hilarious. Mebel made me laugh, and I loved how she came to understand herself. This was a refreshing book that is just what I needed. #gifted PRH audio

Find this book in: Books with Older Protagonists

The Castle of Stories

Author: Matt Cain

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Author of The Secret Life of Albert Antwistle

When Adam inherited a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany, he had visions of a romantic summer in Italy. He quit his job to renovate the castle in the hope of turning it into a rental. His partner of two years, Theo, plans to come with him. However, at the last minute, Theo’s ex-wife can no longer take the kids for the summer, so they are coming to Italy as well. This is far from the fairy tale that he imagined. But maybe it can become something more.

April 2026 Historical Fiction Book Releases

Yersteryear

Author: Caro Claire Burke

Year: April 2026

Genre: Fiction / Historical Fiction

More info: April 2026 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Natalie Heller Mills is a tradwife, but don’t say that to her. She has millions of followers on social media, showing her lifestyle of collecting eggs from the chickens (The Ladies) and preparing beautiful meals for her 6 children. She prides herself on living a faithful, antifeminist lifestyle.

So what if behind the scenes, she has multiple nannies, a producer, a ranch hand, and more staff to help her life appear effortless. Natalie is convinced the haters are jealous.

When Natalie wakes up one morning in 1855 with children who look like hers, but are not the same, and a husband who is Caleb, but not her Caleb, she thinks it might be a sick prank. Until the realities of living without electricity finally hit her.

Domestic Abuse, Detailed description of pregnancy and childbirth, Sexual assault, child abuse/neglect, and animal abuse.

I loved this book from the start to the finish. I could not put it down. The book is told in multiple timelines: The present, the past, and Natalie’s time in school leading up to her influencer days. Natalie is a totally unlikeable character, and yet, I rooted for her anyway. The story is complex and had me questioning our society, the pressures on women, and our obsession with tradwives. The book is very well-written. Thank you, PRH Audio, for my copy of this book.

Currently, an adaptation starring Anne Hathaway is in development.

Find this book in: GMA Book Club List 2026 / Best Time Travel Books / Best Beach Reads 2026/ Summary of Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke / Fictional Books About Influencers

The Last Woman of Warsaw

Author: Judy Batalion

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Debut Novel from New York Times Bestselling Author of Light of Days

Age Range: 18+

In Warsaw in 1938, Fanny and Zosia, two very different women, are brought together when Wanda Petrovsk goes missing. She is Fanny’s beloved professor and a member of Zosia’s movement to create a Jewish homeland. Is Fanny missing because she ran away or because of the rise in antisemitism?

Antisemitism

This story reminded me of Resistance Women in the way that is focused on the pre-war period of Poland. Fanny and Zosia were two Jewish women from different socio-economic backgrounds, with vastly different belief systems, and it was interesting to watch the trust develop between them. I enjoyed watching them try to save Wanda while simultaneously dealing with the growing antisemitism around them.

This story hit a little too close to home for me at the moment, so I found it difficult to read at times. I did appreciate that Judy wove her research from her nonfiction book Light of Days into her narrative as well. #gifted by Dutton

The Unforgettable Mailman

Author: April Howells

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Inspired by true events

Chicago, 1966: Harry Walton is 81 years old and works at the post office when they announce they are temporarily closing. Harry believes letters are a way to keep people connected, and takes it upon himself to deliver as many letters as he can. Harry is in a race against time and his own forgetfulness.

Mrs. Benedict Arnold

Author: Emma Parry

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range: 16+

This biographical fiction novel is a reimagining of the woman who almost ended the American Revolution. Peggy Shippen is a Philadelphia socialite in the 1770s. This is the story of her role in the most famous act of treason in history. Her relationship with General Benedict Arnold and Captain John André is retold in this must-read book for those excited for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

I didn’t know anything about Peggy Shippen before reading this novel, even though the events of her life unfolded in my hometown. I initially found her frivolous, but while I don’t agree with her choices, by the end of the story, I was able to understand her motivations.

There aren’t many historical fiction novels about women set in this time frame, and this novel had me yearning for more! #gifted by Zando

Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels

Mad Mabel

Author: Sally Hepworth

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery

More info: Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old woman who has worked very hard to conceal her past. No one ever suspects little girls or old ladies of doing anything criminal. When a new little girl moves into Elsie’s neighborhood, she works very hard to become Elsie’s friend. Little does she know that 50 years ago, Elsie was known as mad Mabel, and she hopes that the past will not repeat itself.

Child Abuse, Mental Illness

I’m used to Sally Hepworth writing chilling thrillers that keep me guessing, but this story was so much more than that. Instead of a thriller, I was treated to the history of a fascinating woman often associated with death in her past. As Mabel’s story unfolded, my heart went from guarded to wary to absolute tender love for Mabel.

The character arc for Mabel reminded me of that silly saying from the donkey in Shrek – in the best way. The layers of this woman! And I loved the growth of her neighbors and they learned more about her. This is one of my favorite stories of the year so far – especially with the narrator choice of an old and young Mabel in the audiobook. It really brought the story to life. #gifted by MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press.

Find this book in: Books with Older Protagonists / Best Beach Reads 2026

The Island Club

Author: Nicola Harrison

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

This is the story of the friendship between three women and the game that brought them together. Set on Balboa Island, Milly Kinkaid is trying to fix her marriage, Adele Lambert is a loaner trying to hide from her past, and Sylvia Johnson is risking everything for her new business: The Island Club.

Over the course of the summer, The Island Club’s tennis program will bring the three newly acquainted women together as they try to save the club that initially brought them together. While sharing that common goal, they are each struggling with something on a personal level – financial ruin, a failing marriage, and shame.

I couldn’t put this story down. Between the setting, the time period, and the ladies at the center of the plot, I was transfixed and quickly flipping pages. I loved each woman’s character development over the course of the novel, especially when they were bucking societal standards. It was equally parts thought-provoking and fun – the perfect historical fiction read for summer! #gifted by St. Martin’s Press.

Find this book in: Best Poolside Reads / Tennis Novels

April 2026 Fantasy/ Sci-fi Books

the book witch

Author: Meg Shaffer

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: USA Today Bestselling author of The Wishing Game

Rainy March is a book witch. She can move in and out of novels to fix any alterations that book burners might do to try and harm the book. All book witches have to abide by a strict code that does not allow them to eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world. They are also not supposed to bring fictional characters into the real world.

When Rainy’s grandfather disappears, and a priceless book is stolen, there is only one person she can trust to help her. The Duke of Chicago is a British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. The problem? She has been forbidden to see him anymore because they fell in love when she went into his books to save them from the burners. Now, the two of them will hop from book to book to follow the clues her grandfather left behind.

This book is an ode to books, and I loved every minute of it. It is funny and sweet with the perfect amount of romance and mystery. There are mentions of classic books from Nancy Drew to Fahrenheit 451 and Pride and Prejudice. Thank you to Ballantine for my copy of this book #gifted.

Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books

The Thorn Queen

Author: Sasha Peyton Smith

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Rose Bargain #2

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

I have been waiting for this book for a year. This is a fae romantasy that you will want to read if you are looking for a book like The Selection or Like A Court of Thorns and Roses. Ivy is now Queen of England, married to King Bram. He has unleashed fae into the human world, where they are wreaking havoc.

Ivy must find a way to save her sister, Lydia, banish her husband, and reunite with Emmet, her true love. But first, she needs to find Lydia and Emmet. As Ivy tried to outwit the Fae King, she finds herself in more danger than she thought possible. She is playing a dangerous game that she never intended to play.

This is a fantastic follow up the The Rose Bargain. I loved the story and the characters. I was surprised that this is a duology, and I love it even more because of it. The story is fast-paced and kept me on my toes.

West of Wicked

Author: Nikki St. Crowe

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: The Great and Terrible Land Book 1, Deluxe Edition

This upcoming fantasy is a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy Gail does not know where she came from because she was dropped on Aunty Em and Henry’s doorstep during a storm when she was five. When she is once again ripped from the farmhouse, she finds herself in Oz with her Toto. There, she sets off on the yellow brick road to find the wizard and a way home, but what she finds instead are Tinmen, Scarecrows, and secrets.

We Burned So Bright

Author: T. J. Klune

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Don and Rodney have had 40 years together filled with the highs and lows of life. But now that the world is ending (a black hole is coming for Earth), they have unfinished business they want to take care of before it’s too late.

They take their camper van and travel across the country to fulfill a promise made to someone a long time ago. On the way, they meet people who are all dealing with the end of the world in their own ways.

Mental illness, foster care system

I liked Don and Rodney. Their story is filled with joy and sadness as they look back on their lives together and the mistakes they made. It is a touching and emotional story. Thank you, Macmillan Audio #gifted

Find this book in: Books About Road Trips

Thrillers for April 2026

The Girls Trip

Author: Ally Condie

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: Bestselling author of The Unwedding, June 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Hope, Ash, and Caro have become good friends over the last two years after meeting in an online book club. They had never met in person when they decided to take a girls’ trip at the Sonnet Resort at Eden National Park. They all have their own reasons for wanting to get away, as well as secrets they are keeping. Then, one of them disappears.

We Would Never Tell

Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Genre: Thriller

Three women cannot seem to climb up the ladder of Hollywood. They are all but invisible at the Cannes film festival, twelve days of red carpets on the Riviera. When a multi-million dollar necklace goes missing, and a dead body is found, the three women are not as invisible as they thought.

Mysteries for April 2026

The Ending Writes Itself

Author: Evelyn Clarke

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Mystery

More info: Debut Mystery from Cat Clarke and V.E. Schwab

Six struggling writers are invited to spend the weekend on Arthur Fletch’s private Scottish island. Fletch is a bestselling author known for his books’ twists and shocking endings. When the six writers arrive, they are shocked to discover that Fletch is dead and his last book remains unfinished.

They are given 72 hours to complete the book. Whoever writes the ending worthy will be paid a huge sum of money and will be guaranteed a successful revival of their career. This is a locked room mystery that I cannot wait to read from the April 2026 book releases.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton

Author: Jennifer N. Brown

Release Date: April 14, 2026

Genre: Murder Mystery

More info: Dual Timeline

Alison Sage is a historian who made a groundbreaking discovery. She found a manuscript with the prophecies of a 16th-century non-named Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy, which condemned Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, led to Anne’s execution. Afterward, all copies of Barton’s prophecy were supposed to be destroyed.

Alison is now considered an academic elite and is invited to the Codex Cosortium in an English manor. The trip quickly turns into a disaster when there is a murder. Everyone seems to be a suspect as the stakes become higher. Alison needs to solve the mystery, but can she trust anyone?

This Weekend Doesnt End Well for Anyone

Author: Catherine Mack

Year: 2026

Genre: Mystery

More info: The Vacation Mysteries Book #3

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Eleanor Dash cannot catch a break because every time she goes on vacation, someone dies. She is hoping that her all-inclusive weekend trip to the Bahamas will be different since it’s not a vacation, but a work event in which she is speaking at a murder mystery conference for writers.

Yet, she arrives and finds a body on the floor of her hotel room. Surrounded by murder mystery writers who know the perfect way to plan a crime, Eleanor is determined to solve the mystery once again.

What can I say about this series that I haven’t already? Each can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading them in order. I adore taking these stories with me on vacation each year because they are funny and not scary like many mysteries. The narrator always breaks the fourth wall, and this particular one also teaches readers the basic framework of writing a mystery. Thanks to Macmillan Audio and St. Martins Press for my copies.

Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach

Lost Girls of Craven County

Author: Emily Matchar

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

The story begins in New Bern, North Carolina, in 1939. The world is just emerging from the Great Depression, and it is on the eve of a second World War. Millie is 25 years old and considered an old maid by her mother, who is trying to arrange a match for her. When Millie finds a hurt, mute woman behind pickle barrels at her family’s pickle factory, she brings her home to try and help her.

The woman is clearly starving, but where she comes from and who she is, remains a mystery. Slowly, the details of both these women come to light.

Abuse

Matchar does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life with some twists and turns. But she also creates the feeling of tension that Jewish communities all over the world were feeling in 1939. Without making it the main element of the story, there is an undercurrent of urgency as the world gets closer to war.

Find this book in: Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing

Romance: April 2026 Book Releases

into the blue

Author: Emma Brodie

Year: 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: April 2026 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

This is the first novel of Jenna Bush Hager’s imprint to be a book club pick – and it was chosen by Reese, not Jenna! This love story spans decades as two summer friends work as acting partners to make it into Hollywood or the SNL scene. Noah, scion of Hollywood royalty, and AJ’s friendship forms over their shared ambition until Noah disappears.

When, years later, AJ is cast to be on Noah’s space-themed TV series, they reconnect. But as their characters grow close, so do they until fiction blurs with reality.

Chronic Illness, Alcoholism

I loved this book – I didn’t want it to end, which is saying something because she’s a clonker! This book is so much more than a romance; it’s a book club-worthy novel that looks at first love, sexism in Hollywood, complicated family dynamics, legacy, and chronic illness. This is a true MUST-READ story worthy of everyone’s attention.

I can’t go into much detail without ruining the story, but AJ and Noah’s connection absolutely sizzled. I felt like they were friends of mine as I watched them grow up, grow close, drift apart, and come back together time and again. I’ll be thinking of this one for ages. #gifted by PRH Audio

Find this book in: The Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026 / Hollywood Novels / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Celebrity Romance Books

The Paris Match

Author: Kate Clayborn

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Layla Bailey is headed to Paris for her former sister-in-law’s wedding. she thought she had moved on from her “amicable” divorce from her high school sweetheart when she accidentally gives the bride cold feet. She doesn’t even know what she said!

Now, she needs to work with the best man, Griffin, to make sure the wedding takes place. As she learns more about Griffin’s past heartache, she starts to confront her own. She realizes that it is not always necessary to keep it all together and have her life perfectly planned. #gifted

Anxiety

This was a fun, slow-burn romance. And the setting is the perfect one for a new romance to kindle.

The Summer I Found You

Author: Jennifer O’Brien

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Debut novel from home design influencer

This is a Renovation Romance perfect for the upcoming beach read season. Dahlia has returned to North Fork, Long Island, after a terrible divorce. She plans to put the house on the market, but finds that it needs a lot of TLC. Her neighbor, Noah, is a reality TV star who is happy to help Dahlia. But when she discovers a letter from her aunt detailing a multigenerational mystery, Dahlia ends up unearthing a story that will change everything she knows about her family

April 2026: Best Nonfiction Book Releases

The New Perimenopause

Author: Mary Claire Haver, MD

Year: 2026

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: 1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Age Range: 18+

This is the book for all women who tell their doctors that they just do not feel like themselves, only to have the doctor say, “It’s normal.” It is a science-based book that gives explanations for what is going on, preventative medicine, questions, checklists, and research that will help you navigate the years of perimenopause.

As someone in the middle of this stage of life, I found the advice within the pages of this book to be vital. After reading, I felt equipped to ask the right questions to my doctors and I had actionable items to work on. If you are going through this confusing time of life, I highly recommend this book. It’s an absolute must-read that I’ve already begun telling my friends about. #Gifted by Rodale Books

Find this book in: Math and Science Nonfiction Books

Driven

Author: Susie Holff

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: Sunday Times bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

This is the book for anyone obsessed with F1. Historically, F1 has been dominated by male drivers, but Susie was fascinated by the sport. As Susie moved through the ranks, she was intent on making a place for herself and other women in this sport. She not only proved that women could be competitive, but she also moved on to become the director of the F1 academy.

I don’t know a lot about F1, but I found this book fascinating. I cannot believe the physical toll it takes to drive an F1 vehicle. I loved the way the book was written and that Susie narrated the audio version. She did a fantastic job. Thank you, Macmillan Audio #gifted

Best YA April 2026 Book Releases

The Escape Game

Author: Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: YA Mystery

More info: Bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Season four of The Escape Game ended when Alicia Angelos, a contestant, was found murdered on the set during the finale. Everyone believes her sister, Sierra, who was also a contestant on the show, was the killer. But there was never evidence to convict her.

Now, it is six months later, and season 5 is starting. The show shocks everyone when Sierra is a contestant again. This season, the game is trying to find Alicia’s killer. The teams all compete in escape rooms. Can Sierra’s team stay in long enough to get answers?

Murder

This book was fun from start to finish. I loved it. The escape rooms were so clever, and the cast of characters is fun and quirky. Each character has their own reason for being on the show, which adds depth to the story. #gifted by PRH Audio

Find this book in: YA Thriller Books / Best Beach Reads 2026

Flirting with Murder

Author: Amanda Sellet

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Genre: YA Cozy Mystery

Virginia Tillis is a high school junior whose visits to Florida are filled with murders of every sort. Her grandmother, Lainey, is part of a retired theater crew who roleplay murder mysteries.

When the condo owner dies, people come from everywhere to get something out of the will. Now, Virginia and Felix (the grandson of one of the condo’s residents) need to work together to figure out whodunit.

More April 2026 Book Releases

BTB Elements and icons 10

Looking through books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list of the most anticipated April 2026 book releases is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.

  • If you do not want to look through all the descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
  • If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most anticipated April 2026 book releases?

These are the Beyond the Bookends most anticipated April 2026 book releases:

Love by the Book by Jessica George
The Last Women of Warsaw by Judy Batalion
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
Girls Trip by Ally Condie
The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke
The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD

Epilogue

Which April 2026 book releases are you most looking forward to reading?

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