Books Added to My Shelves in April 2026

This is my monthly roundup of books that I added to my shelves in April 2026. Some of the books came directly from authors or publishers; others were purchased or given to me as gifts. You’ll find books from all kinds of genres, including adult and children’s books. I’ll even share a few updates from our family’s life over the last month.

Family and Life Update

We started the month celebrating Easter at our son’s church, where he led the choir and provided amazing music during the service.

We also celebrated Patrick turning 26 by seeing the comedian Tim Hawkins and having a delicious Cold Stone Ice Cream Cake afterwards.

My mom and I took our annual trip to the Twin Cities and met up with my aunt and cousin. We had a fun week of shopping, walking through gardens, and puzzling. This photo was taken at the Normandale Japanese Garden, which we visited for the first time. We were just a few days too early to see the blooming Cherry Blossoms.

My cousin also had a Meet the Artist table at the Coburns Grocery Store in Plymouth, where customers could buy her Minnesota puzzles and then have them signed. Check out her puzzles, HERE. It was so fun to see her interacting with customers and to see her puzzles on the shelves!

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I finished 4 books in April, including historical fiction, a suspense novel, a Christian devotional, and a novel of fiction. My current reads include MAD MABEL for review, LITTLE PIECES OF HOPE for my 2026 challenge, reading the books I received as gifts, THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER for book club, and I’m listening to HEART LIFE MUSIC.

This month’s book stack includes several Christian titles that surprisingly all landed on my shelves in one month, a new romance, and some new and upcoming children’s titles that, also unplanned, are heavy in STEM/STEAM.

If you have missed any of my recent book reviews, you can see them all by clicking HERE.  Or you can stay up to date with my monthly Quick Lit Roundup.

Clicking the photos of each book will take you to a link to purchase. If you choose to purchase through any of the links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.

Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction

PURPLE STATE
By: Dana Perino
Published: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Harper
Fiction
Format: Hardcover purchase

I’m a fan of Perino’s nonfiction writing and thought I’d check out her first foray into romance.

Dorothy “Dot” Clark, a buttoned-up PR professional from New York City feels stuck in her career and her love life. At twenty-five, she expected more from her choices. Seizing a chance to follow her passion, she’s sent to Cedar Falls, Wisconsin, a swing district in a swing state that could decide the next presidential election. Joined by her two best friends, Mary and Harper—both excited to escape the city for reasons of their own—Dot quickly discovers that small-town Midwestern life is far outside her urban comfort zone.

Nestled along the banks of the picturesque Cedar Creek, the charming town of Cedar Falls is everything the girls have been missing. The close-knit community takes pride in its cozy cafes, locally brewed beer, family farms, and, of course, the beloved Reader Falls Bookshop. There, Dot meets the mysterious Danny Dawson, a big-hearted, truck-driving guy who follows hockey, not headlines—a man so unlike anyone she’s ever dated that she finds herself falling fast. Mary and Harper, both tired of dating finance bros and influencer wannabes, soon also discover that guys outside New York might just be hotter, smarter, and more grounded than they’d imagined, even if they vote the other way.

But with the campaign heating up, how can Dot find time for Danny when she has a job to do, and what’s the point when she’s going back to New York City after the election? Can love really cross party lines, or will Dot filibuster her own feelings? And who says that two people from opposite sides of the aisle can’t eventually walk down one together?

Dana Perino makes her fiction debut with this witty and delightful romantic comedy—a small-town romance and touching story of self-discovery that asks if choosing love is the best decision after all.

MADE FOR MORE
365 Devotions for the Woman Who Refuses to Settle
By: Julie Lefebure
Published: April 14, 2026
Christian Devotional
Format: eBook for Review and Hardcover Purchase

I have already shared about this devotional written by my sister-in-law, HERE. I received an early eBook and then purchased her Made for More Gift Box with a hardcover copy, a notebook and pen, a bookmark, stickers, and tea. I highly recommend her devotional, and Julie even has a few of her Gift Boxes left, HERE.

Do you ever feel like you’re just getting through the day instead of truly living?

You love God, but somewhere between the responsibilities, distractions, and everyday pressures, life can begin to feel more exhausting than abundant.

Yet, Jesus promised a full and abundant life.

Made for More is a 365-day devotional designed to help you reconnect with the life God created you to live—one grounded in truth, peace, purpose, and a deeper relationship with Him.

Through short, meaningful daily readings, this devotional will help you:

• anchor your identity in Christ
• replace discouraging thoughts with life-giving truth
• release pressure, perfectionism, and comparison
• develop healthier rhythms that restore your soul
• experience deeper joy, peace, and purpose in everyday life

Each entry includes Scripture, an encouraging devotional reflection, a Speak Life declaration, and thoughtful reflection prompts to help you apply what you’re reading.

Some days you’ll read.
Some days you’ll reflect.
Some days you’ll simply rest.

Because living fully with God isn’t about doing more. It’s about walking closely with the One Who created you.

You weren’t made to just get through life.
You were made for more.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR MORNINGS
Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time
By: Jennifer Dukes Lee
Published: April 7, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Christian Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover Purchase

I’ve been a follower of Jennifer Dukes Lee for years and have read several of her books. She is an Iowan and someone whose words I respect. I am looking forward to reading this one during my summer mornings.

Despite your best intentions, mornings can be stressful and chaotic before your feet even hit the floor. Your thoughts spiral and hope feels just out of reach. You long to wake up with joy and energy, believing that God’s mercies really are new every morning, but you aren’t sure how.

With her signature wit and wisdom, Jennifer Dukes Lee helps you reframe your mornings so you can experience God’s best from the moment you wake up. Drawing on every morning described in the Bible (yep, she’s studied every single one!), she helps you discover your morning archetype, examine your rhythms, develop a fresh morning mindset, create a personalized morning ritual, and adopt habits that lead to flourishing.

You’ll also find special advice and encouragement for every life stage–whether you’re a working mom, stay-at-home mom, college student, empty nester, widow, or somewhere in between. With reflective questions and practical advice, this is your invitation to create a morning routine that fits your real life so you can experience God’s mercies new every morning.

PRAY WITH JESUS
A Prayer Book for Women
A Year of Daily Scriptures and Prayers for Everyday Faith
By: Alexis Kanode
Published: Z Faith/Penguin Random House
Christian Devotional
Format: Hardcover for Review

I didn’t expect to have several Christian books to share this month. This daily prayer devotional shares a Bible verse and a prayer for every day of the year. It isn’t dated, so you can start it at any time. Each day is only half a page, so you can read it in a few minutes or spend more time reflecting and praying as you need.

God is always willing to meet us—in the raw, messy, and honest moments. When we aren’t sure how or don’t have the words to pray, Pray with Jesus shares heartfelt offerings as a reminder that Jesus came in human form, experienced life with us, and gave believers a constant line of communication to the Lord. Women of faith can find comfort and grace in these daily prayers and Bible Scriptures.

THRIVE WITH JESUS: A BIBLE WORKBOOK
Lessons in Scripture to Deepen Your Faith
By: Brittany Smigielski
Published: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Z Faith/Penguin Random House
Christian Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback for Review

This Bible study workbook aims to help you expand your faith through focused themes, scripture, connection, and prayer. With ten themes and four lessons in each theme, you could work through this over the course of a year, or as little as forty days, such as for a Lenten study.

Believers can know with clarity the depth and fullness of Jesus’s love for them through 40 rich lessons in this Bible workbook for adults. Designed to explore who Jesus is, this Bible study workbook highlights his life on earth through setting the scene, examining Scripture readings of his teachings, and unpacking firsthand experiences from his disciples and friends—prompting readers to reflect on and notice where God is closely moving in our lives.

Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction

CHARTS FOR BABIES
By: Michelle Rial
Published: April 7, 2026
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book for Review

Little charts for big hearts! Through boldly illustrated timelines, pie charts, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams, young readers will learn about colors, opposites, shapes, feelings, and much more in this unconventional STEM picture book with the sweetest ending ever.

Michelle Rial’s colorful, graphic style and infectious rhyming text make this a real off-the-charts read-aloud.

I LOVE THE FRESNO CHAFFEE ZOO
By: Frances Rutan Hoy Pringle
Illustrated by: Sally Garland
Published: March 31, 2026
Publisher: Sweetgrass Books
Fiction
Format: Board Book for Review

Inspired by a trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, this book celebrates the joy of a trip to the zoo. Sally Garland also illustrated THIS BOOK.

I Love the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a joyful read-aloud story that celebrates the excitement of a day at the zoo. Written in playful rhyme, this charming children’s book invites young readers to discover animals, sounds, and surprises around every corner.

Designed with early learners in mind, the story incorporates important pre-literacy elements that help build confidence and language skills through repetition, rhythm, and visual cues.

MANNY MATCHES THE WEATHER
Steamworks
By: Jenny Lacika
Illustrated by: Antonieta Muñoz Estrada
Published: May 5, 2026
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Fiction
Format: Board Book for Review

Part of STEAMWORKS, a series of fiction board books for ages 0-3 that relate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to kids’ everyday lives. Manny explores temperature and weather in this new board book.

Manny has style! But sometimes, Manny’s style does not match the weather. Can Manny learn to observe both the temperature and the weather to build outfits with fashion and function in mind?

Perfect for parents and caregivers of independent toddlers exploring the world of dressing themselves.

Extend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about temperature and weather and fun STEAM activities.

STEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.

MOON CHEF
Steamworks
By: Delia Ruiz
Illustrated by: Nomar Perez
Published: May 5, 2026
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Fiction
Format: Board Book for Review

Part of STEAMWORKS, a series of fiction board books for ages 0-3 that relate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to kids’ everyday lives. Gaby explores the lunar phases in this new board book.

Hello, Moon! Follow along as Gaby fills her plate (and belly!) with foods that match the shape of the moon she sees in the sky. From a crescent plantain to a gibbous guava, the food shapes wax and wane as the month goes on, just like lunar phases.

Extend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about lunar phases and fun STEAM activities.

STEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.

SOUNDS OF TRASH
Steamworks
By: Tina Athaide
Illustrated by: Neha Rawat
Published: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book for Review

Part of STEAMWORKS, a series of fiction picture books for ages 4-7 that relate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to kids’ everyday lives. Pran and his friends explore sound and the engineering design process in this upcoming picture book.

When Pran and his friends learn that the neighborhood block party is moved to the park where it won’t have music, they are determined to find a way for it to be part of the celebration. After some trial and error, and more than a few prototypes made from recyclables, they are ready to engineer their way to a jazzy, bhangra-filled day!

Extend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about sound and the engineering design process and fun STEAM activities.

STEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.

APPLES FOR ALL
A Story about Grafting
By: Mary Peterson
Published: April 28, 2026
Publisher: Feeding Minds Press
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book for Review

Bobbi’s family can’t agree on which type of apple tree to grow. There are so many varieties to choose from. Then Bobbi discovers grafting. Can the family come together and grow apples for all?

This children’s picture book, written and illustrated in the fun and colorful style of Mary Peterson, introduces young readers to the fascinating world of apples, apple trees, and the science of tree grafting.

Perfect for curious kids who love nature, gardening, and learning where food comes from, this STEM-aligned story makes a great classroom resource or gift for budding gardeners, scientists, and apple lovers! Filled with engaging facts about apples, tree grafting, and the heartwarming theme of compromise, APPLES FOR ALL! is not just a delightful read that will resonate with young readers, but also a valuable educational resource. Informational backmatter includes fun apple facts, an apple variety guide, and an applesauce recipe!

A DOCTOR AT HEART
The Story of Groundbreaking Scientist and Teacher Vivien Thomas
By: Joan Schoettler
Illustrated by: Steffi Walthall
Published: May 12, 2026
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Non-Fiction/Biography
Format: Hardcover Picture Book for Review

An inspiring picture-book biography of Vivien Thomas, a pioneer of pediatric heart surgery.

Vivien Thomas always loved solving problems and figuring out how things worked. In high school, inspired by his family physician, he decided he would become a doctor. Despite losing his college savings during the 1930 bank panic, Vivien stayed dedicated to making his dream a reality, a trait that would serve him all his life.

Vivien secured a lab assistant position at Vanderbilt University and later moved to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he and his mentor developed a groundbreaking procedure to cure blue baby syndrome, which led to them performing the first open-heart surgery on a child.

With the power of his passion, perseverance, and dedication to learning (and without any formal college education), Vivien saved thousands of lives.

Which books are you adding to your reading list?

Click HERE to see all the posts featuring new books on my shelves.

So many books, so little time!