We’re in the depths of winter, but spring is coming! And with a new season comes new books.
Earlier this month we hosted a live Spring Book Preview, on video, in which I shared forty-two titles hitting shelves between the dawn of the new year and the end of April. (We opted to call it “spring” book preview because that felt like the sunnier label.) I imagine forty-two titles sounds like a lot, but it takes ruthless culling to get the hundreds of titles that caught my eye for the season down to this more reasonable number!
Not counting Summer Reading Guide unboxings, we held our first seasonal book preview in 2019. Our inaugural event was held just after I returned from a visit to the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance fall trade show, where authors, publishers, and industry pros gathered to learn more about the coming seasons’ hot new releases. I was there promoting my third book Don’t Overthink It, which came out in March 2020, but of course I couldn’t be in a hotel full of publishers and booksellers without drinking in all the forthcoming titles attendees were collectively excited to read. Once I returned home, I HAD to report back!
Since then, our seasonal preview events have continued in this same spirit (even though these ballroom-filling in-person industry gatherings are, due in no small part to COVID-19, largely a thing of the past). I seek to share just-published or forthcoming releases I’ve already read and loved, those I can’t wait to get my hands on, and titles most anticipated by the publishing industry for the season. These special sessions are tons of fun, and give everyone a jump start on prioritizing their TBRs and getting those library holds and preorders in.
Today I’m sharing an abridged version of our recent live Spring Book Preview here on the blog, with nine hotly anticipated titles I’ve read and enjoyed coming out between now and late April, spread over a nice variety of genres and publication dates. (If you think it was hard to choose forty-two, it was REALLY hard to whittle it down to nine!) I hope you’ll find a book (or three, or six!) that sounds good to you here.
Another book I utterly adored, and my first Napolitano read. (I remain too terrified of plane crash stories to read Dear Edward.) The author describes her homage to Little Women as "the story of one young man, four sisters, the secrets that threaten to shatter their family, and a love powerful enough to heal it.” I fell completely in love with the Padavano family, and enjoyed seeing how the characters grew and evolved over the decades and generations. The Chicago setting was also a lot of fun. (I did so much googling for places and locations!) Readers, there are A LOT of difficult things in these pages: it might break your heart, but know that ultimately, it's a redemption story. Coming March 14. More info →
I adored Brendan's debut The Violin Conspiracy and was thrilled to learn we don't have to wait long for his sophomore musical thriller! This is a perfect follow-up that, like Violin, features a character-driven story with a light mystery element that makes readers want to know what happens next. I don't want to give too much away, but know that this story features a professor who uncovers a scandalous secret about the works of a great American composer, and is determined to track down the truth. Brendan's detailed and engaging writing about music and composition makes this one sing. (I couldn't help myself.) Coming April 18. More info →
I'm a longtime Amy Poeppel fan; we've even enjoyed chatting with her in MMD Book Club about reading and writing funny books! She excels at writing big-hearted multigenerational family fiction. Her latest, out January 31, focuses on an endearingly eccentric family that lives in a Greenwich Village brownstone and the titular neighborhood bar that operates in the basement. I googled and mapped my way through this book and so enjoyed zooming in for visuals on the book's very real locations. If you enjoyed Musical Chairs, this is very much in the same vein: delightfully chaotic with an absolutely soaring ending. More info →
I've fallen in love with Phoebe Robinson's imprint Tiny Reparations, and this new release, out February 14, perfectly illustrates why. This lyrical debut with a dash of magical realism asks big questions about family, grief, legacy, and connection. Zahra is a twenty-something college-prep coach who has always seen gypsy moths appear before her in the unlikeliest places. When she makes an unlikely connection and then receives bad news from home, she leaves NYC to embark on a fateful road trip back home to Atlanta to search for her missing brother, and discover the meaning of the magic that has followed her for her entire life. Hear me talk more about this book—including why I initially feared I'd picked it up at exactly the wrong time—on What Should I Read Next Episode #360: A high-stakes family reading competition.More info →
The publisher describes this debut from Alfred A. Knopf editor and Brooklyn Heights resident Jackson as The Nest meets Edith Wharton; the title comes from the very real Brooklyn street the central family lives on. This sharp comedy of manners, which was acquired in a deal rumored to be in the seven-figure range, takes us deep inside an old WASP-y family and their four-story Brooklyn limestone, showing how money impacts absolutely everything for its members—whether they were born into it or got there by marriage. Shrewd, dishy, and unapologetically focused on rich people problems, including the younger generations' conflicted attitude towards their inherited wealth, this is also a good pick for fans of Jean Hanff Korelitz's The Latecomer or Lynn Steger Strong's Flight. Coming March 7. More info →
I've learned so much from my multiple readings of Damour's books Untangled and Under Pressure, and am very much looking forward to this new one, out February 21. I look to Damour as a trusted expert on adolescent girls; in this new book she's writing about girls and boys for the first time. I have four kids in this age range and can't get my hands on this book fast enough: Damour excels at explaining what's developmentally normal, what's not, when to worry, and what to do about it. More info →
In this debut thriller-with-a-wink, a woman who wants to leave her tortured past behind schemes to find permanent security by marrying into one of the country's richest families. There are no likable characters here: the pleasure of this story is all in watching rich (and wanna-be rich) people behaving shamelessly, and wondering if they'll get the comeuppance they so richly deserve before story's end. While this story has echoes of Pineapple Street for its setting among the 1% in NYC and surrounds, it's also strongly reminiscent of The Push. I love the cheeky Valentine's Day release on this: this book is about many things, but true love is NOT one of them! More info →
Historical fiction fans, listen up! From the author of The Library of Legends, a new standalone novel featuring the Janie Chang trademarks of lyrical prose, fleshed-out characters, and little-known history. For this new release, out February 21, Chang drew her inspiration from the 140,000 Chinese workers recruited by the Allied powers to be non-combatant laborers during WWI. (Incidentally, this is also the inspiration for the story-within-a-story in R.F. Kuang's forthcoming book Yellowface. The story opens in 1918 France, as the war is coming to a close but other troubles for Chang's winning characters are just beginning. A warm tale of forbidden love, found family, and the often-dangerous drive to find freedom. More info →
Expect to see follow up to Makkai's Pulitzer finalist The Great Believers on my best of 2023 list (though I technically read it in 2022). I loved it for the narrative voice, which felt exactly right for this twisty and conflicted campus tale. At the story's opening, professional podcaster and erstwhile professor Bodie Kane is summoned back to her New Hampshire boarding school to teach a short course on podcasting for high school students. She tasks them with creating their own podcasts for the course, and—even though she knows she shouldn't—she pushes the students to create a true crime show investigating the long-ago murder of a Granby School student, who happened to be Bodie's roommate back then. Smart, timely, and unputdownable. I also recommend this on What Should I Read Next Episode #360: A high-stakes family reading competition. Coming February 21. More info →
What winter and spring titles look good to you? What forthcoming releases are on YOUR TBR? Please tell us all about them in comments!
I preordered The Emotional Lives of Teenagers as soon as I heard about it. The author’s previous book, Untangled, was one of my favorite reads last year. I love how Lisa Damour’s insight and how she gives practical tools for guiding tweens and teens. I have found her Instagram posts and podcast really useful as well.
Though I have never left a reply (on any site!), I felt compelled to do so after your Dear Edward confession. When asked what it’s about, after suggesting it to a friend, I’ve stopped mentioning the plane, as it is more about how a young boy goes on w/his new life after the loss of his parents. Living w/his childless aunt & uncle, a new friend, a new school, a new viewpoint.
How do I find the podcast that features a particular book? Our book club just read “Textbook Amy Rosenthall” and we all loved it. I know it was recommended by Anne on a podcast a year or two ago, but I don’t know how to find it. Can someone help me? Thank you!
I am really looking forward to reading The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. It’s been on my list! I have worked with teens for most of my life (not exactly a ton of time since I’m in my 30s…but still!) and I find them to be such a blessing. I had some incredible people pouring into me when I was a teenager, so I think that helps.
I recently read Dani Shapiro’s _SIGNAL FIRES_ and it was wonderful, surprising, tender. This is the first novel of hers that I’ve read, so I’ll be searching out her backlist as well as her memoirs.
I just sent my mother, Barbara, Garden of the Evening Mist, thinking that she would love the setting in Vietnam. What is House of Doors about? Happy Reading!
This looks like a great list. I came across this review of How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix which came out this month and am excited to add it to my To Be Read list.
I can’t wait for Adebayo Ayobami’s sophomore novel A Spell of Good Things, coming out 2/7. I discovered “Stay with Me” through WSIRN– it was one of my top books of 2022!
Some of my favorite authors have new books coming out soon and I can’t wait to read them!
Marie Benedict – The Mitford Affair
Kate Morton – Homecoming
Deanna Raybourn – the latest Veronica Speedwell
Jacqueline Winspear – The White Lady
I am really looking forward to Porcelain Moon from Anne’s list and Homecoming by Kate Morton. I’m also very excited about I’ll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman, which is a time travel and mystery novel which will be released in April, I think. The description sounds amazing!
Happy Reading!
My spring TBR includes The Late Mrs. Willoughby: A Novel by Claudia Gray. (realease date: May 16, 2023) I recently read the first in this series, The Murder of Mr. Wickham, and loved it! It was an enjoyable, light read. A murder mystery, with characters from Jane Austen’s novels.
Although I heard the Spring book preview I enjoyed this capsule repeat. I can’t wait to read Brendan Slocumb’s second book (I loved the Violin Conspiracy), Ann Napolitano’s second book (I lived Dear Edward), and “I Have Some Questions for You”. So many books. . .so little time.
Hey everyone! Barnes&Noble has a coupon for 25% off Pre-Order books. I just used it (code: PREORDER25) for a book on my spring wish list. Made me think of this post from yesterday! Hope this will help others to save!
I am excited about I Have Some Questions for You and Symphony of Secrets (thanks to the Spring Book Preview) and Martha Hall Kelly’s new release this April: The Golden Doves.
I am looking forward to next month’s release of The Trackers by Charles Frazier.
Hopefully, I will enjoy his new book as much as I have Cold Mountain and others.
We appreciate a good conversation in the comments section. Whether we’re talking about books or life, differing opinions can enrich a discussion when they’re offered for the purpose of greater connection and deeper understanding, which we whole-heartedly support. We have begun holding all comments for moderation and manually approving them (learn more). My team and I will not approve comments that are hurtful or intended to shame members of this community, particularly if they are left by first-time commenters. We have zero tolerance for hate speech or bigotry of any kind. Remember that there are real people on the other side of the screen. We’re grateful our community of readers is characterized by kindness, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. Thank you for helping us keep it that way.
Find your next read with:
100 Book recommendations for every mood
Plus weekly emails with book lists, reading life tips, and links to delight avid readers.
33 comments
I’m very excited about another Brendan Slocomb book!
There are exciting stories here that I haven’t heard about yet! Thank you!
I can see why you chose these as they all sound fantastic!
I preordered The Emotional Lives of Teenagers as soon as I heard about it. The author’s previous book, Untangled, was one of my favorite reads last year. I love how Lisa Damour’s insight and how she gives practical tools for guiding tweens and teens. I have found her Instagram posts and podcast really useful as well.
Lisa was just on the Good Inside podcast with Dr. Becky! If you haven’t listened yet, you should. It was a great convo!
I will be tracking down each of these. Thank you!
Though I have never left a reply (on any site!), I felt compelled to do so after your Dear Edward confession. When asked what it’s about, after suggesting it to a friend, I’ve stopped mentioning the plane, as it is more about how a young boy goes on w/his new life after the loss of his parents. Living w/his childless aunt & uncle, a new friend, a new school, a new viewpoint.
Deborah, I appreciate this framing of the story. Thank you!
I loved Dear Edward! So well written… highly recommend to all!
How do I find the podcast that features a particular book? Our book club just read “Textbook Amy Rosenthall” and we all loved it. I know it was recommended by Anne on a podcast a year or two ago, but I don’t know how to find it. Can someone help me? Thank you!
Hi Mary Ann – it was mentioned in episode 335 (I usually use the search box on the main MMD site and what I’m looking for will often pop up). 🙂
I am really looking forward to reading The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. It’s been on my list! I have worked with teens for most of my life (not exactly a ton of time since I’m in my 30s…but still!) and I find them to be such a blessing. I had some incredible people pouring into me when I was a teenager, so I think that helps.
I received an advance copy of Pineapple Street from NetGalley and am enjoying it so far!
I recently read Dani Shapiro’s _SIGNAL FIRES_ and it was wonderful, surprising, tender. This is the first novel of hers that I’ve read, so I’ll be searching out her backlist as well as her memoirs.
Her memoir Inheritance was amazing. I couldn’t put it down.
I absolutely can’t wait for “THE HOUSE OF DOORS” by Tan Twan Eng, author of Booker winner “Garden of the Evening Mist” and “The Gift of Rain.”
I just sent my mother, Barbara, Garden of the Evening Mist, thinking that she would love the setting in Vietnam. What is House of Doors about? Happy Reading!
This looks like a great list. I came across this review of How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix which came out this month and am excited to add it to my To Be Read list.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/books/review/how-to-sell-haunted-house-grady-hendrix.html
I can’t wait for Adebayo Ayobami’s sophomore novel A Spell of Good Things, coming out 2/7. I discovered “Stay with Me” through WSIRN– it was one of my top books of 2022!
I think you’ll find it worth the wait! (This title was included in our longer Spring Book Preview 🙂 )
Oh, now I REALLY can’t wait for my preorder to come into my local bookshop!!
Some of my favorite authors have new books coming out soon and I can’t wait to read them!
Marie Benedict – The Mitford Affair
Kate Morton – Homecoming
Deanna Raybourn – the latest Veronica Speedwell
Jacqueline Winspear – The White Lady
I am really looking forward to Porcelain Moon from Anne’s list and Homecoming by Kate Morton. I’m also very excited about I’ll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman, which is a time travel and mystery novel which will be released in April, I think. The description sounds amazing!
Happy Reading!
I loved The Sweet Spot and The Porcelain Moon! Excited about some of these others.
I am very excited that Kate Morton has a new release (Homecoming) in April. The Secret Keeper is on my all-time, top-ten favorite list.
My spring TBR includes The Late Mrs. Willoughby: A Novel by Claudia Gray. (realease date: May 16, 2023) I recently read the first in this series, The Murder of Mr. Wickham, and loved it! It was an enjoyable, light read. A murder mystery, with characters from Jane Austen’s novels.
I didn’t know about this one—thank you for sharing!
Although I heard the Spring book preview I enjoyed this capsule repeat. I can’t wait to read Brendan Slocumb’s second book (I loved the Violin Conspiracy), Ann Napolitano’s second book (I lived Dear Edward), and “I Have Some Questions for You”. So many books. . .so little time.
Oh I can’t wait to dig into these! More books added to my TBR is a happy day!
Hey everyone! Barnes&Noble has a coupon for 25% off Pre-Order books. I just used it (code: PREORDER25) for a book on my spring wish list. Made me think of this post from yesterday! Hope this will help others to save!
I am excited about I Have Some Questions for You and Symphony of Secrets (thanks to the Spring Book Preview) and Martha Hall Kelly’s new release this April: The Golden Doves.
Thanks to pre-publication ARCs, I can attest to Hello Beautiful and Symphony of Secrets. Both were great!
I am looking forward to next month’s release of The Trackers by Charles Frazier.
Hopefully, I will enjoy his new book as much as I have Cold Mountain and others.