Unboxing My Latest Book Haul
Book Mail: A Roundup of the Book Mail I Received Last Week
Late April feels like the moment in a romcom when everything starts to fall into place, and this week’s book mail arrived right on cue. My TBR pile has grown into a cheerful, slightly teetering stack, thanks to a charming book haul filled with new book releases that practically insist on being read in the sunshine. Each package came with thoughtful book recommendations, like little love notes from fellow readers who somehow know exactly what I’m in the mood for. And as I add them to the pile, I can’t help but think that a few of these just might become the best books of 2026—the kind you remember long after the last page, like a perfect spring day you wish you could live again.
Where to Buy These Books:
I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.
This Week’s Book Mail Includes:
A Definite Maybe by D. Marshall Craig – A newly married trauma surgeon is pulled into a dangerous hunt for a missing jewel tied to the Hope Diamond, where every clue brings him closer to a shadowy threat.
A Magical Passover by Danyael Halprin – When the Tooth Fairy and the prophet Elijah both arrive on Passover night, a magical (and mischievous) clash of traditions unfolds.
Relinquished by Gretchen Sisson – A powerful, deeply human examination of adoption that reveals the untold stories of mothers whose choices were never truly their own.
Heir of Twisted Lies by LJ Andrews – In a kingdom of secrets and betrayal, a woman with rare magic and the man who broke her heart must decide if love can survive a cursed fate.
Family Lies by Karen Rose – When a search for a birth mother turns deadly, a relentless investigator uncovers a web of secrets that someone will kill to protect.
Starside by Alex Aster – In a brutal competition between mortals and gods, a vengeance-driven challenger must survive deadly trials—and confront a past that could destroy everything.
Love is an Algorithm by Laura Brooke Robson – A romance put to the test when love meets AI, asking whether algorithms can truly understand the human heart.
Blood Trail by Matt Query and Harrison Query – A former poacher turned game warden hunts a violent cult in the wilderness—only to discover something far more sinister stalking him.
The Last Woman of Warsaw by Judy Batalion – Two women in 1930s Warsaw form an unlikely alliance as they search for a missing artist amid rising danger and unrest.
I'm on My Way to Kindergarten Summer Workbook – A fun-filled workbook packed with activities that help kids build essential skills and confidence before starting kindergarten.
The Octopus by Guojing – A wordless, magical journey of friendship and discovery unfolds when a little girl ventures into the underwater world of her octopus companion.
The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon – In a world of sentient machines, a Roomba named Scout embarks on a heartfelt quest to save the humans she’s come to love.
American Spirits by Anna Dorn – A rising music star’s retreat into the woods spirals into chaos, exposing the dark side of fame, obsession, and creative ambition.
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams – In a seemingly perfect town, a mysterious woman with a deadly secret forces a group of unlikely heroes to confront what it really means to be monstrous.
Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass – When a suburban mom becomes the target of a deadly attack, the cracks in her idyllic community reveal secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer by Bellamy Rose – A glamorous socialite must solve a murder at her own charity gala before her reputation—and future—goes up in flames.
Rules for Mothers by Julie Swendsen Young – A woman on the brink of losing herself in motherhood embarks on a bold journey to reclaim her identity and purpose.
Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J. A. Bear – The goddess of love tells her own story, revealing the truths, heartbreaks, and questions behind myth and immortality.
Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker – Two lives centuries apart collide in a haunting tale where a mysterious house hides a terrifying truth beneath its floorboards.
Shadow Strike by Brad Taylor – A high-stakes global thriller pits an elite operative against a deadly assassin in a race to stop a catastrophic attack.
Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan – An orphan inherits a crumbling estate and strikes a dangerous bargain with a faerie, risking everything to save her home—and herself.
Our Extraordinary Summer by Lori Wilde – Two estranged sisters reunite for one final summer that could heal their past—or shatter what remains of their bond.
Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens – A reluctant witch must embrace her dangerous power and face deadly forces to save her people and her future.
The Drop by S. R. Masters – Trapped 650 feet in the air on a stalled roller coaster, a group of friends must confront their past if they want to survive.
Kindergarten Phonics Games – A playful, activity-filled workbook designed to help young readers build phonics skills with confidence and fun.
Phonics Makes Readers Sight Words – A collection of engaging mini stories that help early readers master essential sight words through phonics-based learning.
The Taverna at the Edge of Night by H.Y. Hanna – A trip to a Greek island turns deadly when a woman uncovers secrets that threaten her life—and her closest friendship.
A Star-Cursed Heart by Annie Mare – Bound by a centuries-old curse, two enemies must decide if they can defy fate for the sake of love.
Dear Missing Friend by Susan McGuirk – Through letters spanning oceans and years, a young immigrant woman navigates love, ambition, and loss in a changing world.
The Final Target by Nora Roberts – A writer becomes the obsession of a dangerous man, forcing her to rebuild her life while staying one step ahead of his relentless pursuit.
The Redemption Center is Closed on Sundays by Andrea Hairston – A dog with interdimensional abilities teams up with misfits to solve a murder—and escape a killer who knows her secret.
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint – Aphrodite’s passionate and perilous love affair with Ares challenges her purpose and the very nature of divine power.
Good at Being Alive by Elizabeth O'Roark – A fake honeymoon for a reality show turns into something real as two opposites navigate grief, love, and second chances.
The Ghost City by Ryan Pote – A hidden Antarctic city holds the key to unimaginable power, sending a treasure hunter on a race against a billionaire with dangerous ambitions.
Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths – A scandal forces a rebellious debutante to host a summer of suitors—but it’s the one man from her past who may win her heart.
World News from Waverley High by Linda Kass – A coming-of-age story set against the turbulence of 1969, where one teen finds her voice amid a world in upheaval.
This is San Francisco by M. Sasek – A charming, illustrated tour captures the magic, landmarks, and spirit of San Francisco through a childlike lens.
This is Paris by M. Sasek – A whimsical journey through Paris brings its iconic sights, people, and charm vividly to life.
This is London by M. Sasek – A delightful illustrated exploration of London highlights its history, culture, and enduring charm.
This is New York by M. Sasek – A vibrant, nostalgic portrait of New York City showcases its energy, landmarks, and timeless appeal.
This is Who I Am by Rashmi Sirdeshpande – A heartfelt picture book celebrating identity, heritage, and the many layers that shape who we become.
