There’s something about April that just feels like a fresh start. Longer days, a little more sunshine, and the perfect excuse to add just one more book to your TBR (or five…we won’t judge).

This month’s lineup has us very excited here at Once Upon a Book Club. From magical worlds and twisty mysteries to swoon-worthy romances and unforgettable literary fiction, April is packed with stories we can’t wait to dive into.

And the best part? Some of these titles have already made their way into our book boxes, which makes them feel even more special to share with you.

So, whether you’re planning your next cozy weekend read or building your spring reading list, here’s what we’re looking forward to this month!

 

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer

Release Date: April 7th, 2026

If you’ve ever wished you could step inside your favorite book…this one might feel a little too real (in the best way).

Rainy March is a third-generation book witch, sworn to protect fictional worlds from anything that might disrupt them. Armed with her magical umbrella and feline companion, she jumps between stories, fixing problems and keeping everything exactly as it should be.

But there are rules. Strict ones. And one of them? Absolutely no falling in love with fictional characters. So of course, there’s a forbidden connection.

When Rainy’s grandfather disappears, and a priceless book is stolen, she’s forced to break the rules and team up with the one person she’s not supposed to see…the Duke of Chicago. Their journey takes them through beloved classics like Alice in Wonderland and The Great Gatsby, uncovering secrets that go far beyond any single story.

Featured in our Literary Magic Box!

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

This one feels raw, honest, and just a little bit messy, in the way real life often is.

Cherry’s life is unraveling in a very public way. Her husband, Tom, is off in Hollywood turning his semi-autobiographical work into a phenomenon, including a character based on her that she never asked for.

While he builds a new life, Cherry is left behind, trying to figure out who she is without him. Then one night changes everything. A familiar face from her past, someone who knew her before all of this, reappears, offering a second chance at something real.

It’s emotional, complicated, and deeply human. A story about love, identity, and what it really means to start over.

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

Release Date: April 7th, 2026

Reality TV…but make it deadly.

Six months after a contestant was murdered on set, a new season of The Escape Game begins, and this time, the stakes are even higher.

Among the contestants is Sierra, whose sister was the victim and whom everyone believes got away with the crime. But Sierra isn’t there to win. She’s there for answers.

As clues start to surface and the truth begins to unravel, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a game anymore. It’s a race to uncover a killer before it’s too late.

Twisty, fast-paced, and full of secrets, this one feels like it was made for binge-reading!

Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

Release Date: April 28th, 2026

Astrid has always known how her story ends: with a duel to the death. As the last Nachstern witch, she’s bound by an ancient covenant to fight for the Heart, the source of all magic.

Her opponent? A powerful dragon rider prince.

Meanwhile, Skylar is navigating her own dangerous path, searching for her missing friend and getting pulled deeper into a world of royals, secrets, and power.

As their stories collide, both women are forced to confront impossible choices, inner battles, and the people they love most.

High stakes, powerful magic, and a story that refuses to play it safe. This one will stay with you. 

Featured in our Cursed Covenant Box. Pre-order yours now!

Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

Dark, atmospheric, and just a little unsettling, this story unfolds across two timelines: one in 2026, one in 1877, and both centered around a mysterious house hidden among sword ferns.

Lee is on the run, searching for answers after a violent, unexplained act. Sen is living in fear, trapped in a home shadowed by war and something far more sinister. Their stories are connected in ways neither of them fully understands. And something beneath the house is waiting to be uncovered.

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

Release Date: April 21st, 2026

It starts with a job listing. Three days. Good pay. Simple enough, right?

For Macy Mullins, it’s an opportunity she can’t turn down. But the moment she arrives, it becomes clear that something isn’t right.

What was supposed to be a short-term job quickly turns into something far more dangerous. Something that could threaten far more than just her.

Creepy, intense, and impossible to ignore, this is the kind of story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

 

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

Release Date: April 7th, 2026

Epic, emotional, and full of high-stakes fantasy!

The highly anticipated sequel to Shield of Sparrows is here! Calandra’s world is falling apart, and she’s been torn away from everything she knows, including the man she loves. As she faces monsters, danger, and impossible expectations, she’s forced to step into a role she never wanted.

Queen. Spy. Sacrifice. But what if she chooses her own path instead? What if embracing her power changes everything?

I Could Give You the Moon by Ann Liang

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

This one blends romance, secrets, and just a hint of something unexpected. Chanel has built a perfect life—well, at least on the surface. Ares prefers to stay hidden.

But when their lives collide, they realize they might be the only ones who can help each other. After sharing a vision of the future, they strike a deal, each hoping to get what they want.

But as the lines between truth and performance begin to blur, real feelings start to surface. And suddenly, everything becomes more complicated.

We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune

Release Date: April 28th, 2026

Heartbreaking, beautiful, and deeply reflective.

Don and Rodney have spent forty years building a life together. One full of love, challenges, and everything in between. Now, with the world literally coming to an end, they set out on one final journey across the country.

Along the way, they encounter people facing the end in different ways, some in denial, some embracing it, and others simply trying to make the most of the time they have left. It’s a story about love, legacy, and what it means to truly live.

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

Release Date: April 7th, 2026

Paris, weddings, and unresolved feelings? Yes please!

Layla thought she had moved on from her divorce until she found herself back in Paris for her former sister-in-law’s wedding. Things get complicated quickly, especially when she crosses paths with Griffin, the determined best man who needs her help to keep the wedding on track.

As they work together, old emotions resurface, and new ones begin to take shape.

Romantic, emotional, and full of tension, this one is made for readers who love a story that keeps pulling you back in.

Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

Small town, big secrets, and something much darker beneath the surface.

Cold Harbor has always had its share of problems, but nothing like this. A mysterious woman emerges, captivating the town with her beauty and hiding a terrifying secret.

As tensions rise, it falls to unlikely heroes—a young girl and a determined housekeeper—to uncover the truth and save the town.

It’s eerie, thought-provoking, and full of unexpected twists.

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke 

Release Date: April 7th, 2026

Six authors. One island. Seventy-two hours.

When a world-famous author dies before finishing his final novel, six writers are invited to complete it, competing for a life-changing prize.

But as they begin writing, it becomes clear that something isn’t right. Because in a house full of storytellers, someone has turned fiction into reality.

And finishing the story might come at a deadly cost.

Ready to Fill Your April TBR?

April is bringing everything! Magic, mystery, romance, and a few stories that are guaranteed to keep you up way past your bedtime (no regrets).

Whether you’re here for the fantasy, the thrillers, or the emotional reads that stay with you long after the final page, there’s something on this list calling your name.

And if you love the idea of experiencing stories in a whole new way…well, you already know where to find us. 😉📦✨And speaking of new ways to experience stories, have you checked out our new bookish experience, OUABC Lite?