A Great Reading Month // April 2025
Apologies this is so late, but I didn’t expect such a good reading month. meaning I now have a lot of books to review ????. But let’s dive right in…
April Wrap-Up
My goal for April was to get out of my reading slump… check! And to tackle books from my 25 for 2025 list… check! I read…
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Synopsis: “The perfect guy. The perfect date, but the worst possible timing. Samantha never expected Xavier Rush—a ridiculously good-looking vet with a heart-melting soft spot for animals—to be both charming and infuriating. After one unforgettable night, she knows a relationship is impossible… no matter how much she wishes otherwise. But some connections don’t fade with time. And maybe, just maybe, one perfect night doesn’t have to be the end of the story.”
Abby Jimenez has done it again. It was another book I devoured in a day and one of the easiest 5 Stars I’ve given.
I don’t know what it is about Abby Jimenez’s recipe for writing romance, but it just works every time. Her characters feel so real. Flawed, layered, and navigating all the complexities of starting something new when life is far from simple. She captures how messy it can be to open yourself up. Especially when everything in your world has been turned upside down. That leap of faith, of being vulnerable but admitting you want more is so beautifully written.
I especially loved how she wrote Xavier. He’s the definition of “if he could, he would,” and that kind of quiet, consistent care really hit home.
Small spoiler, but the storyline involving Samantha’s mother and her dementia struck a personal chord for me. Having watched my grandmother go through Alzheimer’s. It was handled with such care. Never sensationalised, but full of raw, honest emotion that felt deeply respectful and true to life.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Synopsis: “One heartbreak. One tiny bookshop. Infinite possibilities. When 25-year-old Takako’s life unravels, she retreats to her uncle’s second-hand bookshop in a quiet corner of Tokyo. Surrounded by stacks of well-loved books, she begins to heal in ways she never expected. As the seasons shift, both Takako and her eccentric Uncle Satoru discover that even the smallest places can hold life-changing stories—and that sometimes, the right book finds you just in time.”
It’s hard to put into words how to review this book. Translated fiction—what some call “healing fiction”—can do just that. Quietly reflect your own life or struggles in a way that feels both gentle and profound. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop was exactly that for me. A soothing, introspective story that made me care deeply about its characters. While offering a kind of emotional stillness I didn’t expect.
There’s something special in the way it celebrates books, reading, and the people who write and share stories. That quiet love for literature felt like a steady anchor as Takako worked through her own upheaval, and in a way, it grounded me too.
This book has made me want to read more from Satoshi Yagisawa—and more translated fiction in general. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone feeling a bit lost or going through an identity shift. It’s a gentle reminder that stories, even quiet ones, can help you find your way. 4.5 stars.
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Synopsis: “One cosy shop. One curious visitor. A season full of stories. Tucked away in Tokyo’s Jinbocho district, the Morisaki Bookshop is a haven of dusty shelves, beloved books, and quiet magic. Takako has found comfort in its daily rhythms—alongside her quirky uncle Satoru, her warm-hearted aunt Momoko, and the community of fellow book lovers who drift through. But as the bookshop opens its doors to autumn, a mysterious stranger and an unexpected shift begin to stir the pages of Takako’s life once again—reminding her that in a place built on stories, anything can happen.”
While I initially questioned whether this book needed a sequel. I soon found myself wanting to linger in the world I had experienced in the first book. However, it quickly became clear that, while this story offers a lighter version of the feeling the previous one gave. This is more focused on the characters, their journey, and providing closure. I truly appreciate this choice. Sometimes leaving readers with more questions can have a negative impact, rather than a creative or hopeful one.
Takako has really found her footing and is starting to thrive, and I loved watching her navigate her new normal. On the other hand, at the bookshop, her aunt and uncle are facing the unimaginable, and the emotions that come with that are so palpable. This book brought me to tears, and I particularly appreciated how between both books, they balanced these two perspectives: the reflective and the reality of life. 4.5 stars.
The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
Synopsis: “A hunted witch. A haunted soldier and a love that could burn it all down. Rune Winters has lost everything—and now the Republic wants her dead. Across the sea, former queen Cressida Roseblood plots her return, and Gideon Sharpe will do anything to stop it, even if it means tracking down the one witch who threatens it all. But Rune isn’t done running. And Gideon isn’t done breaking.”
I’m so in love with this series. After devouring the first book, I dove into the sequel with high hopes, and it absolutely delivered.
The character growth in such a short space of time was incredible. Rune and Gideon remained at the heart of it all, and I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic. The tension, the vulnerability and the way they communicate. Their back-and-forth had me smiling, swooning, and fully invested.
The direction the story took in terms of world-building and lore was spot-on. It expanded the magical universe just enough to be satisfying, without tipping into heavy, high-fantasy territory. That balance made it so easy to stay immersed. And though I’m gutted it’s only a duology, it truly felt like the perfect length to tell this kind of story.
Honestly, I’d love more set in this world—whether it’s a prequel, a character spin-off, or something years down the line. Kristen Perrin has officially earned her spot on my auto-buy list. Absolutely unforgettable. 5 Stars.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
Synopsis: “Renowned chef Archer never planned on relocating to a small town, but after taking over a pancake restaurant in Dream Harbor, he’s ready for a fresh start for both himself and his daughter, Olive. Iris, a woman who’s struggled to hold down a job, reluctantly agrees to become Olive’s nanny after a suggestion from the mayor. As Archer and Iris adjust to their new roles, they begin to wonder if they have more in common than they first realized, or if Olive is the one pulling the strings in a matchmaking plot of her own.”
Out of the 4 books, this one is competing for second favourite.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the single dad trope (even if it’s not for everyone), and this one really worked for me. What I especially appreciated was that the main characters were not part of the original friend group from book one. It opened up the town in a lovely way and made Dream Harbour feel less like a tight-knit clique. And more like a true, welcoming community.
Having the male lead as an outsider was such a smart move too. It let us see Dream Harbour through fresh eyes and really highlighted how charming and supportive the town is. It gave me all the Hallmark movie feels in the best way.
As for Archer and Iris? 100% “just bang their heads together already” energy. Their chemistry, tension, and emotional push-and-pull was so satisfying to read. I was rooting for them from the start.
The only downside for me was how quickly the biological mother, who passes away before the book begins, was forgotten. I know it wasn’t her story, but I would’ve liked to see more acknowledgement of her. Especially from the town people who knew her. It felt like a missed opportunity to add some emotional depth.
That said, this was another heartwarming addition to the series, and I’m really enjoying getting to know more of Dream Harbour. Can’t wait for the next one! 4 Stars.
Buried In A Good Book by Tamara Berry
Synopsis: “Bestselling thriller writer Tess Harrow is at her breaking point when she and her daughter retreat to her grandfather’s isolated cabin to recover from a recent divorce. However, peace is short-lived when an explosion shakes the cabin, revealing disturbing signs of foul play. Soon, Tess is thrust into a murder investigation, and strange sightings, including rumors of Bigfoot in the nearby woods, complicate things further. With the local sheriff looking eerily similar to her fictional detective, Tess must unravel the mysteries surrounding the cabin before more lives are lost.”
The first book in a witty, twisty mystery series I didn’t know I needed.
This was such a fun, sarcastic, and refreshingly different kind of murder mystery. Tess Harrow is the kind of protagonist I love. Sharp, stubborn, and not one to take “no” lightly. As a best-selling crime / thriller writer, thrown into a real-life crime scene, she brings the perfect blend of curiosity, know-it-all humour, and chaotic charm. Her dynamic with law enforcement (especially the sheriff who suspiciously resembles her fictional detective) created some brilliant back-and-forth banter that kept the pace lively.
I’m a sucker for crime books where the main character is also a writer. It adds an extra layer of wit, and this book used that device well. The plot itself stood out from typical mystery fare. With some genuinely unusual twists and “criminal activity” beyond just the central murder. It made things feel fresh and layered, rather than formulaic.
One of my favourite parts was Tess’s relationship with her daughter. It had all the classic teen-versus-parent moments, but also these lovely flips where the daughter clearly had the emotional maturity edge. It added heart and humour to the story, and I’m really looking forward to how their dynamic evolves throughout the series.
And yes, there was a little romantic sparkle with the sheriff. But thankfully Tess isn’t the helpless type to swoon and forget the body count. That subtle tension was just right for a book that knew when to be clever, when to be emotional, and when to be downright ridiculous (in the best way—hello, Bigfoot rumours?!).
A strong start to a series I’ll definitely be continuing! 4.5 Stars.
How To Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin
Synopsis: “It’s present day and Annie Adams is trying to settle into life in Castle Knoll when a local fortune teller, Peony Lane, warns her with a cryptic message. Soon after, Peony is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Annie is thrust into a web of dark secrets as she tries to clear her name. Meanwhile, in 1967, her daughter, Frances, investigates a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of a wealthy family. She teams up with Archie, a local who seems to know more than he’s letting on, and uncovers a tangled history of betrayal, lies, and murder that could threaten them all.”
Quintessentially British, clever, and absolutely addictive.
I love, love, love this series. It’s got that perfect blend of Christie-style mystery and ITV Sunday-night drama energy. This second instalment just cemented how special it is. Kristen Perrin took the story in such a refreshing direction. Rather than just combing through Frances’ scandal-filled files (which would’ve been so easy and tempting), we get a deeper look at Frances’ life. With her secrets, in relation to a cold case that always lingered beneath Castle Knoll’s surface.
If you haven’t read book one, here’s the setup: Frances, Annie’s great-aunt, was murdered and left behind a treasure trove of secrets, gossip, and information about the village’s residents. But this book takes things further. We’re pulled back to 1967, just two years after Frances receives a chilling fortune telling her she’ll be murdered. No who, where or when. Watching how quickly she finds herself entangled in a tragedy. Filled with lies, and betrayals made it impossible to put this book down.
Frances was fascinating, but this time around I found myself loving Annie even more. She’s growing into such a strong, curious, and determined character. As an aspiring writer in this story, sitting on so much material. Criminal activity, cold cases, and personal history. I’m desperate to know what story she’ll choose to tell.
This series is clever, atmospheric, and completely captivating. I need more books in Castle Knoll. I actually would like to be an honorary resident. Just need a clause in the contract I won’t be killed off. The secrets run deep, and I’m nowhere near ready to leave. 5 Stars.
Meet Me in Ivy Falls by Amy True
Synopsis: “Torran Wright’s life takes a turn for the worse after a viral accident shatters her career and hopes of landing her own HGTV-style show. To salvage her reputation, she decides to restore a beloved historic home in her small town, Ivy Falls. But when Beck Townsend, her high school ex-boyfriend, unexpectedly returns and bids on the same property, their past resurfaces. Despite their differences, they’re forced to team up to fix the house. As they work together, old sparks fly, and they must confront their shared history and the secrets that could ruin them both.”
This was my first book by Amy True, and I was genuinely impressed.
I went in expecting a sweet, HGTV-meets-small-town romance—and while I got that, what really stood out was the communication. The emotional growth in this story was just so natural and well done.
What I loved most was how realistically the characters’ feelings shifted as they learned more about each other and their past. So often, in real life, our emotions evolve with new information. And this book captured that beautifully. Whether it was Torran and Beck navigating old wounds and rebuilding trust. Or Torran starting to see her dad in a completely different light. As hidden truths came to the surface. Those shifts felt honest, earned, and human.
The second-chance trope worked perfectly here, and the setting of Ivy Falls gave it that warm, small-town charm. The house restoration was a fun backdrop, but it was the personal restoration that really carried the story for me.
If you enjoy character-driven romance with emotional realism and excellent pacing, this is a great one to pick up. I’ll definitely be reading more from Amy True! 4 Stars.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Synopsis: “Alice Scott, an optimistic writer hoping for a breakthrough, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hayden Anderson are both competing for the opportunity to write the biography of Margaret Ives, an elusive heiress with a scandalous past. Each has only pieces of Margaret’s story, and neither is willing to share their findings due to a strict NDA. As the tension between Alice and Hayden grows, so does their attraction to one another. With secrets, mysteries, and their careers on the line, they must decide how far they’re willing to go to uncover the truth—and whether they can trust each other in the process.”
A layered, emotional, and utterly satisfying read. I devoured it in a day.
Yes, yes, yes. This book had everything I love. The alternating timelines between present-day Alice and Hayden and the unfolding life story of Margaret Ives were done beautifully. I’ve always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of celebrity lives, and this one scratched that genealogy research itch in such a rewarding way.
Emily Henry has such a gift for writing relationships. Not just the romantic kind, but friendships, complicated work dynamics, and especially familial tension. Alice’s relationship with her mother absolutely broke me. It wasn’t an over-the-top, dramatic conflict. It was that quiet, aching kind of miscommunication. The one where grief can fill the space. The peacemaker child trying to keep harmony, with a parent who just doesn’t express emotion the same way. It made me cry more than once.
Now let’s talk about Alice and Hayden…swoon. Their chemistry was that kick-your-feet, butterflies-in-your-stomach, watch-a-rom-com-with-your-bestie kind of perfect. They’re both ambitious, smart, and so flawed in all the best ways. Watching their walls come down, little by little, was deeply satisfying. And what I loved even more? This didn’t follow Emily Henry’s usual romantic formula. It leaned more nuanced, more mature, and it felt earned rather than inevitable.
Then there’s Margaret and her love story with Cosmo, which genuinely moved me. Alice’s deep respect and care for Margaret’s wellbeing. Even while chasing the truth. Added such grace to the biography storyline. It wasn’t about scandal for scandal’s sake—it was about legacy, memory, and what gets left behind.
This felt like such a special book. Poignant, romantic, and layered with emotional truths. I want so much more in this tone in the next Emily Henry. 5 Stars.
They Always Come Back by Bailey Thomas
Synopsis: “After a tough breakup, Avery Kline relocates to Las Vegas with her best friend, ready for a fresh start. She’s drawn to Kyle Kingsley, the charming pool security guard at her new apartment complex, but he has a strict rule against dating residents. Avery, not easily deterred, decides to break down his defenses and win him over, believing that once he gets to know the real her, he’ll change his mind. But Kyle’s rule isn’t just a quirk—it’s a warning, and as Avery pushes forward, she learns that Kyle’s past may be more complicated than she ever imagined.”
Messy, addictive, and full of “girl, what are you doing?!” moments…
This book felt like being pulled into a chaotic, emotional group chat where someone is updating you on their friend’s wild relationship saga. And you can’t stop reading. The writing was super easy to sink into, like a conversation with a mate over coffee. Even when I didn’t agree with the choices being made, I needed to know what would happen next.
Avery? Oh, Avery. She stressed me out. But honestly, that felt real. She’s young, she’s been through heartbreak. And she’s trying to find herself again in a new city. That mix of stubborn hope and chaos felt painfully relatable. And her best friend, Paige, is an absolute legend. Funny, loyal, and the kind of hype-woman everyone deserves. She completely stole the show in the best way.
Now… Kyle. I’m still not sure how I feel. His “no dating residents” rule had mystery around it, but as the story unfolded, I found myself wanting more accountability and maturity from him. With Kyle, Bailey Thomas walked that line of showing toxic male behaviour. How women can fall for it. What the consequences of that can be. And then how they learn from that.
This book definitely leans toward a younger audience. There were a few slang terms that flew right over my head (yes, I did have to Google them!). But that added to the charm in a way. If you like contemporary romance with a messy core, loveable side characters, and that “I can fix him” energy (even when maybe you shouldn’t), this one’s for you. 4 Stars.
April’s Reading Stats
Putting all these books into TheStoryGraph app, I found…
I read 10 books!
A total of 3,080 pages!
I 100% read fiction books, and genre-wise, romance was the winner.
My average rating for the month was 4.55. And I gave 4 of them 5 stars.
It was a very good reading month for me.
As always, I read 100% of my books in prints. If you haven’t read my blog before. Last year I spoke about how I cannot ever be a E-Book reader.
April’s Book Haul
In April, through pre-orders and shopping, I acquired…
- Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
- The Hobbit & The Lord of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien (HarperCollins Special Edition Hardbacks)
- Little Red Death by A.K. Benedict
- James by Percival Everett
- Love Letters To A Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
- On Spine of Death by Tamara Berry
- Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage
- My Happy Marriage by Akumi Agitogi and Rito Kohsaka
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card by CLAMP
- Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama
- A Sign of Affection by suu Morishita
And I only spent £9.50 in the works. That’s £20.50 going in the savings pot, along with £30.00 from reading 25 in 2025 list books!
And that is a wrap up on one of the best reading months I have had, so far this year. I need to learn to review as I read…
What did you read in April? Did you do the 30 books in 30 days challenge?
Comment below or find me on Facebook, Twitter / X, Instagram, Bookstagram or Pinterest.
As always, thanks for reading…
