Month: April 2026

Birthstone Book Covers, Memes

Birthstone Book Covers: April 2026

by wren @ wingsandfables6 Comments on Birthstone Book Covers: April 2026

Birthstone Book Covers is a monthly meme hosted by Leslie @ Books Are The New Black.

The rules are:

  • Mention the creator and link back to her so she can see your post!
  • Nominate people if you want
  • Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
  • HAVE FUN!

April’s birthstone is: Diamond. I went for white book covers and book covers that reminded me of diamond’s refraction quality. Here are my picks for this month:

1. Crush (Crave #2) by Tracy Wolff (4 stars)

2. Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard (1 star)

3. Big Little Lies (Big Little Lies #1) by Liane Moriarty (4 stars)

4. Broken Prince (The Royals #2) by Erin Watt (4 stars)

Fun fact: Erin Watt is the pen name for writer duo Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick.

5. Mask of Shadows (Mask of Shadows #1) by Linsey Miller (3 stars)

6. The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass (3 stars)

7. Trapped by Michael Northrop (1 star)

8. The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur (TBR)

9. Rule of Wolves (King of Scars #2) by Leigh Bardugo (TBR)

10. A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6) by Diane Gabaldon (TBR)

Happy birthday to all the April babies!

Goodreads | Storygraph

Memes, Top 10 Tuesday

Top 10 Tuesday: Gothic Fantasies

by wren @ wingsandfables13 Comments on Top 10 Tuesday: Gothic Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week’s topic is a Freebie, and I’ve chosen to feature Gothic Fantasies. Some of these are ones that I didn’t love, but I think other readers would.

1. The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi (4 stars)

2. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (5 stars)

3. Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid (5 stars)

4. Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid (4 stars)

5. Alchemised by Senlinyu (5 stars)

6. The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling (3 stars)

7. A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson (3 stars)

8. A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson (4 stars)

9. Horrid by Katrina Leno (3 stars)

10. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (4 stars)

Please let me know if you have any additional recommendations for Gothic Fantasies!

Goodreads | Storygraph

New Releases

12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on 12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026

1. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Publication: May 5th 2026 | Berkley

Subgenres/Tropes: Romcom | Friends to Lovers | Summer Read

Summary: Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Add to: Goodreads | Storygraph

2. Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn

Publication: May 5th 2026 | Bloom Books

Subgenres/Tropes: Romcom | Beach Read | He Falls First

Summary: He clicked “yes” on a dare. She bought a failing candy shop. Now they’re neighbors for the summer―and neither is ready for what comes next.

Renley Gossage has one shot to prove she’s more than Cape Meril’s favorite cautionary tale: restore her favorite candy shop before the town writes her off like they did her father. No help, no shortcuts, and definitely no rich men wielding engagement rings and making things messy.

Theo Williams never planned on ending up in Cape Meril. A drunken game of truth or dare turned into a botched online engagement, and now he’s across the ocean, escaping his father’s control with nothing but designer shoes, misplaced confidence, and a rental next door to Renley.

She’s practical, stubborn, and covered in paint. He’s posh, persistent, and willing to use a sander if it means earning her trust.

Between collapsing drywall, gossiping neighbors, and the chaotic schemes of Renley’s aunt, their forced proximity turns into something dangerously close to real.

But Renley’s future depends on standing on her own two feet, and Theo’s past isn’t done with him yet. By the time the candy shop doors open, they’ll have to decide if this is just a summer fling―or the happily ever after neither of them saw coming.

Add to: Goodreads | Storygraph

Continue reading “12 Anticipated Contemporary Romance New Releases of May 2026” →
Reviews

Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

“i guess all i can say is, nash fills a specific place in my life that nobody else can, and when he’s not around, a part of my life is lacking.”

melissa ferguson

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 17th 2026

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Genre: Adult Fiction | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Mystery

Page Count: 336

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there’s one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it’s her composure–her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It’s a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven–seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin–her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she’ll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it’s up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash–a dreamy Western author who’s just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip’s composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she’ll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Thoughts:

this book absolutely delivers its promise of clue-meets-emily-henry rom-com. with a colorful cast of 7 hugely popular authors who are experts in their respective fields, this whodunit was filled with hilarious moments as the FMC attempts to solve her boss’s murder. ferguson is a pro at creating quirky, distinct characters, and the slightly campy feel to the Magnificent Seven suited the vibe of this book so well. following the format of a classic mystery novel, this book pays homage to its predecessors in a charming plot that will have the reader giggling at the recognized subtleties. the backdrop of a bookish cruise delivered the perfect setting for a cozy mystery and will leave every reader pining for the reality (minus the murder). the romance was sweet, capturing the movement from friends to lovers effortlessly. and if you are more of an audiobook person, i highly recommend giving this book a listen as the narrator delivers its humor perfectly and captures each character’s distinct personality.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Memes, Top 10 Tuesday

Top 10 Tuesday: April Showers (Books with Spring Vibes)

by wren @ wingsandfables5 Comments on Top 10 Tuesday: April Showers (Books with Spring Vibes)

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week’s topic is April Showers (Interpreted however you’d like). Here is my list of books that take place in Spring or that have Spring vibes.

1. Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon (TBR)

2. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett (3 stars)

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (4 stars)

4. Emma by Jane Austen (5 stars)

5. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot (5 stars)

6. Forget Me Not by Julie Soto (TBR)

7. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (TBR)

8. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams (TBR)

9. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5 stars)

10. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (4 stars)

What are your favorite Spring vibe books?

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

Review: A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on Review: A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski

“do you expect us to be spending much time together, my lord?” she asked.

he offered her his arm. “the rest of our lives, i should think.”

chelsea bobulski

Series: London’s Most Eligible #1

Release Date: April 7th 2026

Publisher: Haven

Genre: Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Edwardian | Romance

Page Count: 304

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: She’s running from London’s marriage mart. He’s running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love—but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London’s high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named “the debutante of the season” back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she’s been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she’s convinced he only wants her fortune?

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Thoughts:

this is a sweet romance featuring charming characters with chemistry that jumps off the page. set in the Edwardian period (1901 – 1910), this book captures that small snippet of history that still held so many societal traditions before industry started to change the daily way of life. the FMC is a refreshing addition to historical romance, bringing not only her American spin for independence but also her unique interests in history and her passion project of preserving historical sites within her home city of New York. the LI’s plight of endeavoring to pull his hereditary estate out of debt and provide for his tenants who depend upon him while battling with grief of the death of his father brings a relatability of struggling with your circumstances that many readers can identify with. with an opening of enemies-to-lovers, the FMC and the LI have amazing banter that demonstrates their connection from the moment they meet. and as they both fulfill the terms of their deal, the way their feelings change towards each other is organic and endearing. this is a great addition to historical romance and the perfect pick for someone looking for a sweet romance over spice.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Memes, Top 10 Tuesday

Top 10 Tuesday: Book Titles That Describe Me/My Life

by wren @ wingsandfables5 Comments on Top 10 Tuesday: Book Titles That Describe Me/My Life

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week’s topic is Book Titles that Describe Me/My Life (Submitted by Susan @ blogginboutbooks.com)

1. Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian (5 stars)

I go by Wren on WordPress for the aesthetic, but my real name is Megan. This book was one of my favorites as a young teen and is a predecessor of My Life with the Walter Boys.

2. The Redhead Revealed by Alice Clayton

Surprise! I have red hair. It leans more on the auburn side rather than ginger, but it’s always the first thing someone comments on when they first meet me.

3. The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa

I’m an introvert. “Quiet” has been used to describe me many times throughout my life.

4. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (5 stars)

I work in an office setting. I’m constantly sending emails with attachments to clients.

5. Ready or Not by Meg Cabot

I had such a long hiatus from this blog because I got hired in my field of study in July 2021 after graduating with my Bachelor’s degree and got swept up in learning as much as I possibly could on the job. After completing my Master’s degree earlier this year, I’m on to studying for further certification in my field of work. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve loved every second of it.

6. The Reader by Traci Chee

Self-explanatory avid reader reminder. I have always loved reading, from when I first learned as a child. However, I’ve always kind of wished that I could have a fun story like many others of finding That Book as a teen that made them fall in love with reading.

7. Once Upon a Dream by Liz Braswell

Like most readers, I’m a huge dreamer.

8. Needles and Pearls by Gil McNeil

I’m a needlecrafter. My preference is cross-stitch, but I’ve dabbled in embroidery and quilting as well.

9. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

I love animals, especially dogs. We have had Basset Hounds throughout most of my life.

10. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover (5 stars)

I hope to one day be married.

This was harder than I thought it would be as my mind kept automatically going to characters that I identified with instead of book titles. Do we have any titles in common?

Goodreads | Storygraph