Reading Log: April 2025

April Reading Wrap-Up 📚

April started with a DNF but ended on a much higher note! I read 16 books—well, technically 15 and three-quarters—not counting the children’s books I read to my boys. The month brought a mix of general fiction, romance, nonfiction, thrillers, and two fantasy novels, offering plenty of laughs, love, heartbreak, emotion, and a few bone-chilling twists.

Out of the 16 books, five earned five-star ratings, including one Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).

⭐ ARC Highlight:

Gandolfini by Jason Bailey
This was an absolute standout. If you're a fan of The Sopranos (fun fact: our dog Meadow is named after Tony Soprano’s daughter) or interested in actors’ behind-the-scenes lives, this book is a must-read. Jason Bailey offers an intimate portrait of James Gandolfini—his beginnings, internal battles, deep commitment to method acting, and his relationships. I listened to the audiobook, which was incredibly engaging from start to finish.

➡️ Check out my full review in this dedicated post!

⭐ Other Five-Star Reads:

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
A hilariously awkward tale about a failed bank robbery turned accidental hostage situation. The quirky characters and their interactions with police had me laughing out loud, while the backstories brought unexpected depth. A thought-provoking read with Backman’s signature emotional touch.

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
This was the palate cleanser I needed—light, engaging, and available on Audible. It's a love story about two people whose lives repeatedly intersect. Vulnerability, longing, and heartbreak are central themes.

Trigger Warning: War violence, PTSD, death

Educated by Tara Westover
A powerful memoir of growing up in a radical, isolated household with limited access to education, and Tara’s journey toward autonomy, academia, and healing.

Trigger Warning: Abuse (graphic), mental illness

Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
Book one in a fantasy series following Lor, a prisoner-turned-competitor in a deadly royal contest. Think Sarah J. Maas vibes with court intrigue, resilience, and a slow-burn romance. Available on Kindle Unlimited!

🌟 Four-Star Reads

Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
Told from alternating perspectives, this second-chance romance explores love lost and rekindled. Well-written and heartfelt, though some twists were predictable.

Rebel Witch (Crimson Moth #2) by Kristin Ciccarelli
The duology concludes with action, magic, and romance as Rue and Gideon face off against Cressida Roseblood. A solid finish to the series.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
A gentle mystery with emotional depth. A woman in mourning meets a strange child who claims to be from another planet. Unique and heartwarming.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
A quick and cozy small-town romance. Some spice, a city girl taking over a coffee shop, and a charming farmer next door.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
A short story about a girl and boy trapped in their apartment building after the stairs are demolished. Quirky and creative.

Trigger Warning: Stalking, abuse, violence

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
An influencer invites four friends from different life stages to a weekend in Nantucket. Fun and escapist, though it made me feel a little too young to fully relate.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
I had high hopes, but this didn’t hit quite the same as her other books. Two writers competing to write a reclusive woman’s biography. Good, but not her best.

Pines (Wayward Pines #1) by Blake Crouch
An intriguing, eerie thriller. A secret service agent wakes up in a strange town after an accident. Very Pleasantville meets Black Mirror. I’ve already started book two!

⭐ 3- and 2-Star Reads

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 3⭐
Written in interview format, this fictional band’s story had Almost Famous energy. Loved the audiobook format but the story fell flat for me.

Dear Virginia, Wait for Me by Marcia Cutler – 3⭐ (ARC)
A woman starts a new job in Manhattan and navigates family, relationships, and inner dialogue with Virginia Woolf. Didn’t connect with the main character or the narration.

❌ DNF:

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter – 2⭐
I got about 60–65% in before I had to stop. Graphic, disturbing, and emotionally exhausting. While it explored trauma and familial darkness, it was too intense for me to finish.

Trigger Warnings: Murder, sexual assault, torture, abuse, domestic violence, grief

What did you read in April?

Have you read any of the above? What were your favorites (or least favorites)? Let me know in the comments—and stay tuned for upcoming blog posts on the ARCs I received! and for May's Reading Log. Also, some new artwork posts will be shared soon!