Here’s Everything I’m Reading in April 2026 and the Books I Think You Should Add to Your List Too

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April always feels like the month where my reading finally settles into something that actually feels like me again. 

I’m no longer forcing ambitious picks just to keep up, and I’m a lot more honest about what I’m in the mood for – whether that’s something slow, emotional, or just easy to fall into after a long day. 

If you’ve seen my spring reading list or my most anticipated books of 2026, you already know the kind of books I’ve been leaning toward lately. 

This list is a mix of all that, plus a few mood reads I didn’t plan but couldn’t resist.

The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood

I’ve seen how Claire Heywood handled women in Daughters of Sparta, so going into this kind of epic historical fiction about queen Dido already has me excited. 

This novel follows Elissa as she loses her place in her own kingdom and has to rebuild everything from scratch. 

Watching her grow from a sheltered princess into a strong leader gives that powerful female main character energy I love in historical retellings. 

There’s also love, hard choices, and a big journey to a new land, which makes this one of those emotional, character-driven historical fiction books that stays with you. 

And the whole choosing between love and power situation? I already know that’s going to hurt a little.

Beasts of the Sea by Iida Turpeinen

This one hasn’t been on my radar for long, but the idea behind it is so different in the best way. 

It follows the story of a real extinct sea animal across different time periods, which gives that quiet, reflective kind of historical fiction novel about nature and human impact. 

The way it moves from the 1700s to the 1900s feels like one of those slow, thoughtful books that gently builds meaning over time.

It also touches on how humans changed the world without even fully understanding it, which makes it deeper than it first looks. 

Definitely one of those unique literary historical fiction books for readers who want something calm but meaningful.

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

I’ve read Jennifer Niven before, so I already know she knows how to write messy, real people. 

This novel dives into a perfect TV family that’s actually falling apart behind the scenes, which is such an interesting setup. 

Set in the 1960s, it mixes family drama with fame and secrets, and I love that it shows both the public and private sides of their lives. 

It gives that emotional family drama book vibe with a bit of humor too. 

Watching each character deal with their own hidden struggles makes this one of those layered character-driven novels about family and identity that I always end up thinking about after.

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It Girl by Allison Pataki

I haven’t read this author yet, but I’ve seen her books everywhere, so adding this to my April reading list feels right. 

This novel follows Evelyn, who rises from a simple life to become one of the first big celebrities in America. 

It has that glamorous historical fiction about fame and ambition energy, but it also shows the darker side of being in the spotlight. 

There’s romance, power, and even a scandal that turns everything upside down. 

I love when historical fiction focuses on women building their own path, especially in a world that tries to control them, so this one already feels like a strong, dramatic read.

The Lost Heiress by Elizabeth Klehfoth

The setting alone pulled me in – a big cliffside mansion with secrets hidden everywhere? Yes please. 

This novel moves between past and present, slowly uncovering what happened to a missing heiress, which gives that haunting historical mystery novel feel. 

I like that it follows different women, each with their own story and secrets, because it makes everything more layered. 

It’s the kind of book where you’re piecing things together bit by bit. 

Also, the mix of family drama, hidden truths, and a slightly dark atmosphere makes this one of those slow-burn mystery books that’s perfect for quiet reading days.

When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen

Anything about Marilyn Monroe always pulls me in, but this one focuses on her friendship with photographer Eve Arnold, which feels fresh. 

It shows her before everything became overwhelming, when she was still building her image and trying to take control of her story.

I like that it highlights female friendship and ambition, not just fame. 

This kind of historical fiction about real women in Hollywood feels both soft and strong at the same time. 

It’s one of those character-focused novels that quietly shows how much two people can change each other’s lives.

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Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart

This one looks intense, but in a way that matters. 

It follows women who were punished just for existing outside strict rules, which makes it one of those powerful historical fiction books about women’s rights and control. 

The story of Ruth and the others fighting back gives it strength, even in such a hard setting. 

I don’t read a lot of books like this back-to-back, but I always appreciate them because they tell stories that need to be known. 

It’s giving emotional, thought-provoking historical fiction that stays heavy in your mind for a while.

Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

This one is quieter and more personal compared to the others on this list. 

It follows a mother and daughter dealing with choices, love, and the long effects of one moment. 

I like that it shows both timelines, because it gives a full picture of how things unfold over time.

It has that reflective family drama novel about relationships and growing up energy. 

Also, the focus on motherhood and identity makes it one of those thoughtful contemporary fiction books that you take your time with. 

Definitely one for when I want something calm but still emotional.

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw

Books about real women in history always draw me in, and this one follows Caroline Herschel, which already makes it interesting. 

Watching her step out of her brother’s shadow and find her own place in science gives that inspiring historical fiction about women in STEM vibe. 

I like that it focuses on her growth and confidence over time. 

It’s one of those slower, meaningful novels about finding your purpose and believing in yourself. 

Also, anything with stars and space always adds a soft, dreamy touch that makes reading even more enjoyable.

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Where the Girls Were by Kate Schatz

This novel has such a strong coming-of-age energy, especially with its 1960s setting. 

Following a young girl whose life changes so quickly and seeing how she deals with it makes this one of those emotional historical fiction books about young women finding their voice. 

I like that it focuses on community too, not just struggle, because that adds a bit of hope. 

The mix of personal growth and social issues makes it feel both real and important. 

It’s definitely the kind of book that stays with you, especially when you’re thinking about identity and choice.

That’s everything I’m hoping to read this month – realistically, I might not get through all of them, but that’s part of the fun. 

Let me know what you’re reading in April or which of these you’d pick first. 

And if you’re still figuring out your next read, check out my other lists for more ideas that might fit your mood a little better.

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