What I Read in April 2024

I just want to hug these books!

April Book Reviews

April was another great month for romance releases! I read several romances that earned 5⭐ in my mind.

My top recommendations from this month (in order by date read):

1. Funny Story by Emily Henry

2. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

3. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

4. Bride by Ali Hazelwood (reread)

Keep scrolling for my full reviews! Just a heads up, if you’re reading this in your email inbox, you can click on "view entire message" to read any of the text that may be truncated due to the length of this newsletter.

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Funny Story by Emily Henry

Genre: Romance
Pages: 400
Format Read: Audiobook

Synopsis: Daphne’s fiance Peter breaks up with her for his childhood best friend, Petra. Petra’s ex Miles is the only one who can understand what Daphne’s going through. Without any other friends and stranded in a town that’s never really been her own, Daphne ends up rooming with Miles until she can land on her feet. The two start posting photos of their summer adventures together on social media but it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

Thoughts: Funny story... everyone rushes to update their ranking of Emily Henry's novels so I feel like I have to start this review off with this book might be better than Beach Read in my mind. Emily Henry's novels are formulaic, but that's the part that makes them fun for me to read. I know she's going to break my heart and put it back together every time. That's what makes them comforting and cozy in my mind. I loved Daphne and Miles' happily ever after and I think Miles is one of my new favorite book boyfriends. Thanks to Julia Whelan's narration, I felt their love and struggles so deeply. I caught myself holding my breath during moments of conflict. More than a beautifully written meet-cute, this story gets honest about messy relationships- whether that's between friends or family or lovers. All of the book and foodie references brought a smile to my face and I just loved that we got a Michigan setting again. I think anyone who has grown up living in or visiting the Great Lakes will be able to picture themselves in this book. A must-read romance for Spring!

Thank you to the publisher and Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.

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The Women by Kristin Hannah

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 480
Format Read: Audiobook (Library borrow)

Synopsis: Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

Thoughts: A really good writer can transport you to a different time and place and put you in another person’s shoes. Kristin Hannah excels in that type of vivid storytelling which is why I felt so deeply for Frances and this unique story of the women who served in the Vietnam War. When Frankie leaves her sheltered upbringing in Coronado, California for a position as a war zone nurse in Vietnam she finds love, friendship, and joy despite the pain and terror that threaten to destroy everything she’s known. This book was emotionally very tough for me to get through given the current state of the world. A lot of the feelings Frankie faces when she gets back home are things that have also been on my mind lately. Being immersed in this story about a divided America filled with angry protesters who are quick to brush off soldiers challenged my perspective and made me want to continue learning. I felt more drawn to the first part of the book but a lot of the heavier topics are explored in the second half. I’ve seen several reviews that were disappointed by the ending but I think it was the perfect way to wrap up a series of lows in Frankie’s life.

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The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Genre: Romance
Pages: 336
Format Read: Kindle

Synopsis: Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter but she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates it’s a break too big to pass up. Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. The only problem is Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone—much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible he doesn’t even care about its success. Emma chooses to stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter—even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it.

Thoughts: This was the first book I’ve read by Katherine Center and it won’t be my last! I usually run away from books with a Hollywood setting but I learned so much about screenwriting and rom-coms through this one that I'm glad I went for it. Emma and Charlie are the perfect grumpy sunshine pairing. Their banter had me pining but at the same time, I wanted to cry for both of them going through so many painful struggles in life! I think I needed a romance that showed me there can be glimmers in life even if there’s a lot of really heavy, unfortunate stuff to deal with too. This story is full of heart and I fell hard for their slow-burn romance. Stylistically, I enjoyed Center’s interjections into the story. It felt very casual and helped the reader get to know Emma like you’re just reminiscing with an old friend. This will be one of my top romances for 2024. A must-read this Summer!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Rom-Commers.

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Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

Genre: Romance
Pages: 336
Format Read: Physical Copy

Synopsis: Newly divorced, almost-empty-nester Celeste is finally seeking adventure and putting herself first, clichés be damned. So when a friend asks her to “partner” with his buddy John for an event, Celeste throws herself into the role of his temporary girlfriend. But quiet cinnamon roll John isn’t looking for love, just birds—he needs a partner for Tucson’s biggest bird-watching contest if he’s ever going to launch his own guiding business. By the time they untangle their crossed signals, they’ve become teammates…and thanks to his meddling friends, a fake couple.

Thoughts: Birding with Benefits follows Celeste, a new divorcee in her 40s, and John, fresh off a breakup and recently unemployed as they pair up as birding partners for a contest that could change both of their lives. This was the perfect grumpy x sunshine/fake dating romance. If you’re interested in birdwatching, I know that you’ll love this. Even if birding isn’t your hobby, this sweet romance will have you hooked. There’s quite a bit of depth to both main characters as they navigate improving themselves for the better in middle age. I loved that both characters were more mature and related to some of Celeste’s parenting struggles. There are quite a few spicy chapters that were fun to read but could be easy to skip over if that’s not your cup of tea. Birding with Benefits was an excellent debut and I hope to read more from Sarah T. Dubb!

I won this book in a Giveaway from Goodreads and the Publisher.

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How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Genre: Romance
Pages: 384
Format Read: Audiobook

Synopsis: Helen Zhang hasn’t seen Grant Shepard once in the thirteen years since the tragic accident that bound their lives together forever. When secrets come to light, they must reckon with the fact that theirs was never meant to be any kind of love story. And yet… the key to making peace with their past—and themselves—might just lie in holding on to each other in the present.

Thoughts: When I read the first chapters of How to End a Love Story I immediately questioned how Yulin Kuang was going to turn this tragedy into a romance with characters I’d be rooting for but she did just that. The forbidden love between Helen and Grant is complicated, messy, and raw. Their story is not lighthearted (i.e. this is not a rom-com), but rather full of angst, passion, and longing. In some ways, the melodramatic storyline reminded me of Anna K although How to End a Love Story is NOT a YA romance. There are lots of open-door scenes between the two MCs scattered throughout. The characters had a good amount of depth to them and I enjoyed reading about their families and work, even if it was a bit of a stretch that two people from the same high school ended up being Hollywood writers. For a debut novel, I was surprised at how deeply the writing made me feel. There were so many times I found myself holding my breath or clenching my teeth. I’m looking forward to reading whatever Kuang decides to write next.

Best read while listening to Star-Crossed by Kacey Musgraves.

Thank you to the publisher and Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.

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The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa

Genre: Romance
Pages: 304
Format Read: Kindle

Synopsis: Life, rewound…Nearly twenty years ago, Sam Leto left her small hometown of Tybee Island, Georgia, to pursue her dreams of becoming a pilot. While she’d prefer to keep flying away from her painful childhood memories, her beloved grandmother Pearl decides it’s time to sell the family home. Reluctantly, Sam is summoned back to pack up the house. The 2000s nostalgia from Sam’s old bedroom hits Fall Out Boy posters, drawers of roll-on body glitter and even her favorite CD player with a mixtape from her best friend, Damon Rocha. Damon was always a safe place and Sam often wonders what if her teenage self admitted her feelings for him back then…Mysteriously, the CD player still works all these years later. And somehow it has the power to show Sam an alternate version of her life. Song by song, Sam receives flashbacks from her past—senior prom, graduation, leaving home. But the memories aren’t as she remembers them; they show what could have been. Suddenly, Sam knows exactly what would have happened if she’d taken a chance with Damon—and she can’t help feeling she made a terrible mistake leaving Tybee all those years ago.

Thoughts: This was a very niche romance but as a millennial elder emo fulfilling all her high school dreams by going to see Death Cab for Cutie this weekend, I can confirm that this was a fun ride. I’m slowly picking my jaw up off the floor from how serendipitous that opening scene was for me. If you love rom-coms, indie music, and time travel, this is the perfect summer read! Although predictable and over the top with twee references at times, it’s been a while since I have flown through a romance as quickly as The Backtrack. The writing is approachable and the playlist and early 00s references transported me back to a very special time of my life. I also appreciated the complexities of Sam and Damon’s family drama and friend dynamics. They’re likable main characters that will have you rooting for them while also asking “what if” when it comes to your past!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Backtrack.

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Wedding Issues by Elle Evans

Genre: Women’s Lit
Pages: 352
Format Read: Audiobook

Synopsis: Olivia “Liv” Fitzgerald’s life is on ambition autopilot. The soon-to-be-lawyer has her life plan set and can talk anyone into anything. Well, almost anything. When her scheming aunt throws her cousin, Kali, into a competition for Southern Charm’s cover alongside Liv’s best friend, Leighton, all hell breaks loose. From engagement parties to rehearsal dinners, listeners will root for Liv as she balances her schemes, dreams, and double maid-of-honor duties.

Thoughts: Olivia is trying to land her BFF Leighton on the cover of the June wedding issue of Southern Charm wedding. The only problem is that her vindictive Aunt Charlotte forces her to make sure her cousin Kali lands the cover if she wants her coveted post-law school job. This was really fun! Parts of it reminded me of It Had to Be You and Four Aunties and a Wedding. If you’re a fan of Southern Charm (the TV show, not the magazine featured in this book), Real Housewives of Atlanta, or the movie Bride Wars, I think you’ll have a good time with this lighthearted and humorous family drama. It captures the hysterics of wedding planning perfectly!

Thank you to the publisher and Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Genre: Romance
Pages: 416
Format Read: Audiobook (Library borrow)

I originally read the physical copy of this book back in February when it came out. I’ve been thinking about it ever since and wanted to listen to the audiobook. The narration of the first third was a little dull but when the spice picked up, my interest in the performance piqued! My original review is below!

Synopsis: Misery Lark, daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, is forced into an arranged marriage with an Alpha Were to maintain peace between the two species. She faces challenges with the ruthless Were Alpha, Lowe Moreland. Misery has personal motives for the alliance, willing to do anything to reclaim what matters to her, even if it means a solitary life among the Weres.

My Thoughts: Is 2024 the year of the resurgence of mainstream paranormal romance? I devoured this book. Ali Hazelwood ate and left no crumbs in her first paranormal romance. This was a slow burn but boy did it bring the heat! It was so much more than a romance, though. It’s very plot-driven but light on world-building—there was plenty of werewolf/vampire politics, family drama, found family elements, and a bit of mystery. I’m finding myself drawn to fated mates, enemies to lovers stories. I was immediately drawn into this story and every twist and turn kept me wanting to read more of Misery and Lowe’s story. I read the physical copy in just a couple of days which never happens! I don’t know what Ali put in this book but it was intoxicating and all-consuming. I hope there’s a 2nd book in the universe.

The Rereading Project Update

If you’re a new subscriber to Overbooked Mama, you might find yourself asking “What the heck is the rereading project?”. In January, I challenged myself to reread 12 books from my childhood that made a significant impact on my life as a reader. You can see my full list in the post linked below!

The Rereading Project

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The Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia and the Bad Joke: A Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin

Genre: Children’s Graphic Novel
Pages: 184
Format Read: Physical Copy

Synopsis: Claudia isn't worried when she hears her newest baby-sitting charge, Betsy Sobak, is a big practical joker. After all, how much harm can one little girl do? Plenty. Claudia breaks her leg as a result of one of Betsy's jokes. Now Claudia is feeling like baby-sitting might be too dangerous and she's talking about quitting the club. Kristy thinks Betsy needs to be taught a lesson, and that the baby-sitters are just the ones to do it. Watch out, Betsy Sobak. The joke war is on!

My thoughts: This was my least favorite of The BSC graphic novels so far. I found all the practical jokes to be annoying and I don’t think my daughter was particularly interested in this story either. It could be a good read-aloud for April Fools Day or a kid who loves pranks. I’m a fairly serious person with a very dry sense of humor so I recognize that I wasn’t the target audience for this particular book and that’s okay!

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Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 324
Format Read: Physical Copy

Summary: The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway almost as long. Ender's two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. While Peter is too uncontrollably violent, Valentine lacks the capability for violence altogether. Neither was found suitable for the military's purpose. But they are driven by their jealousy of Ender, and by their inbred drive for power. Hiding their youth and identities behind the anonymity of the computer networks, these two begin working together to shape the destiny of Earth if their 6-year-old brother fails.

My thoughts: I loved this book as much as I did the first time around. All of the action and details started coming back to me as I read. It’s hard to put into words what this book means to me but thinking back on how I must have felt reading it as a child, it’s one of the few books for intelligent children that sees them as capable and fully human, regardless of the size of their physical bodies. This book is emotionally complex and Orson Scott Card does a great job of laying out multiple points of view and forcing the reader to empathize with the characters who have to deal with the consequences of decisions that have no ethical justification. This book is for all the kids who felt lonely because they were made to feel different.

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Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Genre: Children’s Classic
Pages: 184
Format Read: Physical Copy

Summary: Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

My thoughts: Charlotte’s Web was the first chapter book I read in elementary school which was my main motivation for including it in my rereading project. Similar to Ender’s Game, all of the details started coming back to me as I read. When I finished I realized how many books I read as a child centered around unlikely friendships and death. The book sets you up to think it is going to focus on the friendship between Fern and Wilbur but by the end you realize that Charlotte is the character teaching all of the great life lessons.

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Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Roller Skates: A Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin

Genre: Children’s Graphic Novel
Pages: 144
Format Read: Kindle (Library borrow)

Synopsis: It's going to be a great weekend! Karen has new roller skates and is a very good skater. She's looking forward to trying some new tricks. But, oh no! Karen falls down and has to go to the hospital. Her wrist is broken! Karen is determined to get everyone she knows -- plus someone famous -- to sign her cast. It isn't going to be easy, but she won't give up until the job is done.

My thoughts: This was the first BSC Little Sister graphic novel I’ve read to my daughter and I think it was better suited for her age (Kindergarten). The story focuses on how Karen exaggerates the story of her skating accident to try to impress her friends. My daughter quickly caught on to Karen’s pattern of embellishing her story and I was impressed that she retained the original details and could correct Karen as the story went on! Weirdly, this graphic novel could be a resource for kids who have broken a bone to teach them what happens in the hospital. Overall, I think I enjoy the original novels more than the graphic novels but this has been a fun format to explore and I think they’re perfect for elementary school girls.

What’s up next in May:

• Dear Mr. Henshaw is my May re-reading project pick. I might also read Good Omens this month since it was published the year I was born.

• I need to put a dent in some eARCs I have on my NetGalley shelf (especially since I keep requesting more). Next up is The Pairing by Casey McQuiston.

• I pre-ordered Carley Fortune’s new book This Summer Will Be Different during the B&N sale and can’t wait to be transported to PEI!

• My library hold for Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (book #4 in the series) came in on audiobook so I have a couple of weeks to listen.

You can keep up with my reading journey in real time on Goodreads or The Storygraph!

Tell me, what was your favorite book this month?

Happy reading,

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