As a socially anxious homebody, I quietly love it when my calendar is wide open in the weeks ahead. But I’ll admit, it’s nice to fill it up with things to look forward to. That said, it’s become a habit of mine to add more than just activities, appointments, and article deadlines to my calendar—I love color coding upcoming album and book releases too. In the same vein, it’s that time of year (y’know, at the edge of winter being over, no holidays in sight, and long weekends still far off on the horizon) when I’m looking for feel-good things to indulge in.
Spring is approaching with summer in tow and I have so many book releases I can’t wait for—my TBR pile is looking on fearfully. Some of these new ones are going to sneak their way right to the top because I’m that excited for them.
If, like me, you’re looking to throw a couple more pre-orders in your Amazon cart, I’ve got you. Here are a handful of releases I’m counting down the days until. (Bonus: they’re all written by women. I couldn’t resist.)
Ice Cream For Breakfast by Laura Jane Williams
Release Date: April 20, 2017
I’ve been following Laura Jane Williams on Twitter for a while and her voice is so thoroughly delightful to read. She has a way with words and storytelling that few others do—it’s fragrant and lively, it’s honest and funny. I finally started her first memoir, Becoming, and I’m already super excited for her second, Ice Cream For Breakfast. This new memoir was inspired in part by her experiences as a part-time nanny. She explains on her website how the book came to life and how it’s meant to remind us that despite the seemingly endless bullshit in our lives, there is always some good. And sometimes you need the spirit of a child (or your inner child) to pull yourself back up again.
This Is Really Happening by Erin Chack
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Erin Chack is a senior writer at Buzzfeed, which leads me to believe that her debut collection of personal essays, This Is Really Happening, is going to be a funny, enjoyable read. Early reviews on Goodreads are raving about Chack’s ability to write poignantly, honestly, and humorously, showing many facets of her personality. With stories about soulmates and first kisses to the realities of anxiety and cancer, you don’t have to be a Millennial to get something out of this book. I think Chack’s voice is one that will stick with her readers forever.
All Over the Place by Geraldine DeRuiter
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Is it just me, or is our generation filled with people who are overworking themselves and are simultaneously dreaming of adventures across the globe? Maybe we’re simply a generation bitten by the travel bug. Geraldine DeRuiter’s All Over the Place is a memoir chronicling her travels after getting laid off. Speaking from my own experience, I know how much traveling can teach you things about yourself that you wouldn’t learn otherwise. So much can go wrong and even more can go right—I can’t wait to read this one, if only to live vicariously through DeRuiter… and maybe to encourage myself to embrace change and adventure.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
Release Date: May 2, 2017
I was beyond excited when I heard that Jenny Han would be back with a third novel in her To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series. The world Jenny Han created for the Covey family is welcoming, heartwarming, and easy to get sucked into. Not to mention, I adore the relationships she’s built around the sisters. After the second novel, P.S. I Still Love You, I think many of Han’s readers felt like there was more to come. Enter: Always and Forever, Lara Jean. Where will Lara and Peter end up? Will Josh and Margot reunite? Will Kitty prove herself even more clever? We’ll soon find out! Fun sidenote: if you preorder the book now, you can enter yourself to receive a fun little Lara Jean-themed gift.
And We’re Off by Dana Schwartz
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Dana Schwartz is another wildly talented writer I discovered through Twitter (have you heard of @GuyInYourMFA? Yeah, you can thank her for its existence). Her debut novel, And We’re Off, follows the story of a seventeen-year-old artist, Nora, who is gifted an all expenses paid trip to Europe by her grandfather. But there’s a catch—she has to create original artwork and send it back to him along the way. While this book is centered around a European adventure, I’m excited to see how the elements of family and romance abroad will tie in.
Public Relations by Katie Heaney & Arianna Rebolini
Release Date: May 9, 2017
I’m a total fangirl for my fellow Illinois Wesleyan alum, Katie Heaney’s writing (for real, check out her memoir and novel while you’re at it). When I found out she had another novel in the works—this one co-written with Arianna Rebolini—I was ecstatic. Public Relations tells the story of a young PR star who gets wrapped up in a fake romance she crafts between a handsome British pop star (hi, Harry Styles) and an Indie artist. There’s no doubt other fantasy-like feelings will ensue. Based off Heaney and Rebolini’s perfectly humorous, charming writing skills, I can already tell this is going to be a favorite of mine.
The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert
Release Date: May 16, 2017
While I’m unfamiliar with Amy E. Reichert’s previous work, something about The Simplicity of Cider called out to me as I was searching for feel-good books to gift my mom last Christmas—perhaps it’s that my go-to drink is cider? Or maybe it has something to do with a romance story set in a Midwestern apple orchard? Whatever it is, I’m looking forward to getting drunk (heh) on this story about a woman fighting to keep her family’s orchard running and the unexpected friendships and feelings that develop when a single father arrives to lend a hand. And maybe a heart?
Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
Release Date: June 6, 2017
It’s no secret that Literally, Darling’s Entertainment section loves Sarah Dessen. I keep up with her on Twitter and over the last couple of years, I can recall many mentions of her works in progress (as well as mentions of her fear and self doubt surrounding the process of writing her thirteenth novel). As soon as she announced her new novel would be released in 2017, we were buzzing. Once and For All follows Louna, a young woman who grew up in the wedding industry and has become cynical when it comes to happily ever after (can you blame her?). In true Dessen fashion, she meets a charming young guy who will challenge her cynical views. Given my own admittedly salty-about-love ways, there’s no doubt this new story will have me laughing, crying, and falling in love alongside her characters. No matter how old I get, I love a good Dessen romance.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Release Date: June 13, 2017
I fell in love with Taylor Jenkins Reid last summer as I was reading her novel, Maybe In Another Life. She’s got a serious knack for telling captivating, romantic stories that make you think and feel. Her new novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, already has me captivated by the title alone. Mixing a glamorous Old Hollywood star with an unknown reporter, Evelyn Hugo indulges in her life stories—from her career and friendships to her seven husbands and forbidden love. I have no doubts that Taylor Jenkins Reid will captivate her readers again with this twisting tale.
Are there any upcoming book releases you can’t wait for this spring or summer? Comment below or tweet us @litdarling!
Feature Image Credit: Brigitte Tohm via Unsplash
