spring reading guide
books for every spring mood + what's on my TBR
spring is a beautiful reminder that life goes on and that growth happens in the smallest of places. new buds peeking off of branches and warm cups of green tea. long, sun drenched evenings and an extra chapter (or two) before bed. realizing that the world is starting to feel alive and colorful again.
as the weather warms up and i feel myself finally coming out of my winter shell, i’ve started thinking about seasonal reads, activities, vibes, etc. i compiled some recommendations for every spring mood as well as what’s on my TBR as we settle into a new season and want to get lost in a story.
huge shoutout and thank you to bestie katie for being my impromptu graphic designer and helping me with the book banners <3
these books feel tender and hopeful; they invite reflection, connection, and growth and encourage fresh starts and new beginnings.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman — a witty but socially inept middle-aged woman navigates loss and loneliness in her perfectly ordered world, but a chance encounter with a coworker offers her a new perspective and takes her on a journey of healing, friendship, and confronting her past.
Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler — a twenty-something American woman living in London has a bright, full life, but when she falls for a charming but emotionally inconsistent man, it results in a tumultuous relationship that explores themes of grief, mental health, and self-discovery.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano — a Little Women inspired family saga about four inseparable sisters and a man who enters their lives, causing a disastrous rift in their relationships. New circumstances force them to rethink what they thought they knew about love, loyalty, identity, and each other.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman — the life changing bond between four teenage best friends transcends time as twenty-five years in the future, their relationship impacts a young woman who is intent on understanding a famous painting that leads back to them. A moving story that explores trauma, art, and the power of friendship.
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo — a sweeping multi-generational saga that follows four daughters of a seemingly perfect family and the unexpected ways that love and loss exist together. Told through multiple perspectives, this story examines marriage, sibling rivalry, and relationship dynamics with humor and authenticity.
honorable mentions:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
these books feel warm and joyful; they ask you to sit in the sun a while longer, consider the beauty all around you, allow love to bloom.
Funny Story by Emily Henry — a laid back bartender and a quiet, people-pleasing librarian have more in common than they think when they become roommates after their significant others break up with them for each other. Full of humor, second chances, and found family, together they discover new paths in life.
Beg, Borrow, Or Steal by Sarah Adams — two feuding elementary school teachers in a small town can never agree on anything but circumstances force them to work together and confront their undeniable connection, along with overcoming their own personal and familial hardships along the way.
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone — full of heartfelt dialogue, emotional depth, and a sweet slow burn romance, this story follows a young woman through the good, the bad, the ugly, and love in all its forms when she ends up unexpectedly pregnant.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center — a woman who dreams of becoming a successful screenwriter is hired to help a famous but difficult author write a romcom. His cynicism leads them on a path of personal growth and overcoming their pasts while she tries to prove him wrong about love.
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell — with a mixture of nostalgia, compassion, and the messy reality of adulthood, former teenage best friends reconnect after fourteen years and begin to untangle their past and the love story they left behind with the possibility of rekindling something new.
honorable mentions:
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore
these books feel charming and whimsical; they challenge you to stay up a little later, take the long way home, experience something new and exciting.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer — a reclusive author invites four people, including a down-on-her-luck teacher’s aide, to his private island to participate in a competition for his new book with a potentially life changing prize. A heartwarming and adventurous novel about overcoming adversity, chasing your dreams, and the power of books.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt — known for its unique narrative voice, emotional depth, and themes of grief, redemption, and connection, this story follows the unlikely bond between a highly intelligent octopus and a grieving widow as they unravel her mysterious past.
Half A Soul by Olivia Atwater — a witty and whimsical take on regency fantasy about a young woman who was cursed with losing half her soul, leaving her incapable of feeling emotions. When she meets the enigmatic court magician, dangerous hijinks ensue while she navigates society and finding a cure for her condition.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston — a literature professor finds herself trapped inside her favorite fictional series where she believes she must help the town find its ‘happily ever after’, while at the same time growing closer to the grumpy bookstore owner who seems intent on stopping her. A playful commentary on romance tropes and the relationship between readers and fiction.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross — a young adult fantasy romance about two rival journalists competing for a position at the local paper, leading to a romance that unfolds through magical, anonymous letters. Soon they’re pulled into a larger conflict while navigating family expectations, first love, and a changing world.
honorable mentions:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (sorry i had to, and yes this is a spring book i won’t accept any arguments)
some of the books on my spring TBR!
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett — set on a cherry orchard in northern michigan with a youthful romance, mother/daughter relationship dynamics, and themes of love, family, and memory make this the perfect recipe for a springtime read for me.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi — sign me up for anything with an old man protagonist! said to be a heartwarming and sentimental novel about generosity, human goodness and connection, and finding holiness in the everyday. i can’t wait to cry like a baby (complimentary).
Dandelion is Dead by Rosie Storey — with themes of grief, sisterhood (my absolute favorite), identity, and hope after tragedy, this story follows a woman who impulsively goes on a date pretending to be her late sister after finding a message from a charming man in her dating app.
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett — a sixty-three year old recent widow and lottery winner embarks on a road trip to find his long lost love when his estranged daughter, orphaned grandchildren, and a cat named Pancakes join him and it becomes a chaotic journey of family dysfunction and unexpected connection.
Kin by Tayari Jones — praised for being witty, insightful, and emotionally rich, this historical fiction follows the lifelong friendship of two motherless girls as their shared loss tests their bond and pushes them to navigate different life choices and societal pressures.
honorable mentions because i can’t help myself:
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
No Matter What by Cara Bastone
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
thank you for reading! let me know what you’re looking forward to this spring and what’s on your TBR.
until next time,
zara <3
EVERYONE SHUT UP MY SHOW IS ON
this is so cute I love it!!!