The Book Witch

 

The Book Witch is a standalone bookish mystery fantasy by Meg Shaffer. Due out 7th April 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, large print paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Although inevitable comparisons will be made between this book and Jasper Fforde's excellent Thursday Next series, this one's not at all derivative and they both are warmly cozy love letters to the lifelong love of reading and the perennial desire to disappear between the pages of the books we come back to over and over. 

It's got a YA vibe, but it's perfectly enjoyable for all ages (some content might be distressing or confusing for younger readers). Although not stated explicitly, clearly the author has an ongoing infatuation with the inimitable pulps of the 1940s-70s...  The Duke in this book is more than a light tip of the hat to John Creasey's prodigious output and The Toff and The Baron (books which -still- turn up quite often in second hand bookstores and resale shops). 

Four and a half stars. It's unusual and somewhat campy in places, but still a worthwhile read and a delightfully engaging escape.  It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, or a buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Traveling Dictionary

 

 

The Traveling Dictionary is a cute humorous dictionary for traveling enthusiasts by Ella Morton. Due out 14th April 2026 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

For travel enthusiasts, general dictionary nerds, and the folks who love them. Arranged alphabetically, the entries are exactly as advertized on the cover, from Adventure travel to Zombie. Words are accompanied by cute, tongue-in-cheek line drawings (see cover art).

The writing is clear and engaging, the author has a good sense of humor and ties the realities of adventuring together in an entertaining fashion. 

Four stars. This is a short pocket guide, full of fun, and very good at its stated purpose. Worthwhile for spending a couple hours browsing in the library or cafe, and definitely a good choice for gifting to an globetrotting friend/acquaintance.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

 

Weaving Wild Baskets: Techniques and Projects Using Foraged Leaves, Grasses, Vines, and Bark

 

Weaving Wild Baskets is a tutorial and technique guide for weaving baskets utilizing found/foraged materials by Katie Grove. Due out 21st April 2026 from from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. 

Storey are well kn0wn for the quality of their DIY and crafts publications. This is a worthy entry into that lineup. It's a fine primer with step by step instructions and copious tutorial photographs which are clear and illustrative. The author has an upbeat and casual writing style which is easy to follow. 

The introductory chapter includes a survey of styles, materials, terms, and tools with good clear photos of each. The next chapters progress through plant ID, techniques and weaving, processing materials, basket shapes and styles, and decorative features to incorporate.  The second section of the book includes photo tutorials for 10 projects which are all beautiful and functional as well as decorative. 

Each tutorial includes an introduction with finished measurements and special features in a header. Tools and supplies are listed bullet style in a sidebar (measurements are given in imperial (American) standard units). The step by step instructions are numbered sequentially. The book includes an index and abbreviated source links mostly slanted toward readers in North America, though a simple internet search will turn up tool suppliers everywhere. 

Five stars. Well written, accessible for beginning to advanced basketweavers, useful, and appealing. It would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library, crafters and studio/makers groups. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Camping Dictionary

 

The Camping Dictionary is a cute humorous dictionary for camping and outdoors enthusiasts by Heather Balogh Rochfort. Due out 14th April 2026 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 176 pages (print version) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

For outdoors enthusiasts, general dictionary nerds, and the folks who love them. Arranged alphabetically, the entries are exactly as advertized on the cover, from Adventure to Zipper. Words are accompanied by cute, tongue-in-cheek line drawings (see cover art).

The writing is clear and engaging, the author has a good sense of humor and ties the realities of outdoor adventuring together in an entertaining fashion. 

Four stars. This is a comprehensive guide, full of fun, and very good at its stated purpose. Worthwhile for spending a couple hours browsing in the library or cafe, and definitely a good choice for gifting to an outdoorsy friend/acquaintance.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Havenwood

 

Havenwood is a sweetly illustrated story for young readers by L.L.H. Harms, illustrated by Aaron Zonka. Released 2nd April 2026, it's 46 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

This is such a kind and supportive tale for youngsters dealing with unwanted change in their lives. The text is accessible, written in simple direct language, suitable for young readers. The illustrations are nicely rendered and support the story well. 

It's a short book, but does a good job comforting the boy whose sister is moving away to continue her education. It's an interesting choice that he's called "the boy" in the text, possibly making it easier for readers to set themselves in the story. 

Four stars. It would be a good choice for school or home library acquisition, or for gifting to a young friend who is maybe struggling with change. Potentially also appropriate for professional healthcare settings.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

Fearless Firsts: Geniuses Who Changed How We Live

 

Geniuses Who Changed How We Live is a young readers collection of short biographies of luminaries in STEM who advanced our understanding of paleontology, exploration, nutrition, and medicine. Due out 7th April 2026 from Sourcebooks, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

These accessible short bios, written in age-appropriate text and accompanied by their biographical details, include birth and death dates, their field of expertise and innovation, along with relevant highlights of their research and how it was received at the time and later. Authors James Buckley Jr and Ellen Labrecque do a great job of finding subjects from well known and less familiar historical figures. 

The illustrations by Steffi Walthall are simple but full of color and energy and perfectly recognizable as the people they're meant to represent. 

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a curious young friend. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.    

Little Shoes

 

Little Shoes is a sensitively told and touching picture story book by David A. Robertson about the residential schools many of the First Nations children were forced to attend. Released 29th July 2025 by Tundra Books, it's 48 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This a beautifully illustrated book about a difficult subject (the residential schools). It's specifically written and illustrated for young readers (~3-7 year olds), and does a very good job of retelling factual events in age appropriate language and pictures. The pictures, by Maya McKibben, are colorful and full of detail and suit the solemnity of the subject matter well. 

Five stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home library, or for gifting. It would also be a great pick for storytime or reading circles and classroom discussion. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

 

 

What's for Dinner?

 

What's for Dinner? is a cute picture book with simple text for beginning readers, written and illustrated by Larysa Maliush. Released 17th March 2026 by NorthSouth Books, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover format. 

Although written in entirely age appropriate words and pictures, this little book is deeper than it first appears. Even preschoolers aren't too young for a little but powerful lesson on situational ethics and how to figure out how to do the right thing in a given situation. 

The illustrations are cute and simple, but full of small details inviting readers to spend some time looking. 

Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for home library, or for gifting. It would also be a great pick for storytime or reading circles.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

 

Printing from the Garden: Create Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Prints with Flowers and Leaves

 

Printing from the Garden is a tutorial and inspiration guide to utilizing plants and botanicals for contact transfer printing on fiber (fabric/paper) written by Alison Kelly. Released 3rd March 2026 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 192 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

The aesthetic is rustically beautiful with nature inspired florals and foliage prints. The inspiration is organic and the author takes the reader through the step-by-step process in the first half of the book.  The mordanting and transfer process do use some hefty chemicals and processes, so caution should be exercised with regard to safety and ventilation/storage. 

The second section of the book includes a selection of plants to use crafting the fabrics. Each entry contains the common name, botanical (Latin) names, and photographs of the plants in various growth stages. The printing notes, in color highlighted text boxes, give specific tips about how to use the material and what parts to use. 

The appendices include further specific techniques and details for expanding the versatility of the technique. 

Four and a half stars. Many beautiful textiles along with photos showing clothing and decorative projects using the finished fabric. (No project tutorials for finished clothing or items are given in the book; just inspiration).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

Stand By Your Pan 100 Easy and Affordable Comfort Food Recipes So Good They'll Hurt People's Feelin’s (A Cookbook to Help You Enjoy Delicious Nostalgia with Some Modern Sass)

 

Stand By Your Pan is a cookbook full of nostalgic comfort food recipes and southern camp, curated by Hannah Dasher. Released 10th March 2026 by HarperCollins on their Harper Celebrate imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

For those of us who grew up in Appalachia, this food is in our DNA. There is something so deeply satisfying and tasty about the cuisine which is also tied up with family reunions, hospitality, multi-generational cooking and comfort.  The author has a very casual voice (sassy in a good way) and style of writing, but behind the folksy tone, she's competent and effictive. These are *good* recipes, some from her own family's repertoire and for fans of southern cooking, there's a lot to like here.

The book includes a good general pantry, ingredients, and equipment lists and an introduction with basic tips for preparation, entertaining, and other necessities. The recipes are arranged in chapters thematically: appetizers, soups & breads, salads & dressings, mains, sides, sauces, and desserts. Recipes include a description, yields and prep time. Ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar with measurements in imperial (American) units. Ingredients will be readily available in most well stocked grocery stores in North America. Nutritional information is not included. Alternative preparations and cooking tips are included in highlighted text bars in the recipes. Most of the recipes (but not all) are budget conscious and substitution friendly. 

The photography throughout the book is abundant, in color, and clear with a distinctly retro-vibe. Serving suggestions are attractive and appetizing. There's a lot of kitsch (those orange and harvest green tupperware serving bowls everyone's meemaw had in their pantries). Very 70s-80s southern American vibe - remember that harvest gold crockpot full of Swedish meatballs from holidays past? You will.  

Four stars. This would make a good selection for library acquisition, expat southerners hankering for food that feeds their souls, and home cooks looking for new cuisine to explore, as well as for fans of the author. It is unclear from a quick comparison if some of the recipes in this collection are also previously available from the author's TikTok content.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris - Book 1 ( book 10 - Hugo Marsten)

 

The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris is the first book in a new series by Mark Pryor, but the 10th outing featuring former FBI agent Hugo Marston. Released 26th March 2026 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

It's less of a procedural thriller and definitely doesn't have a cozy vibe (despite the Paris bookshop and a former "spook" turning in his badge and gun for the virtuous life of a bookseller). Hugo's not even unpacked and open for business before his former boss/handler calls on him to investigate and liase with an important wealthy American executive in an odd situation with his employer, an French chocolatier with international influence. 

There's a lot of side distraction, between off-and-on blackmail and hidden secrets in the lives of the characters who work for the chocolate manufacturer as well as the physical location (a large chateau which has had a storied past as a convent and an orphanage in the past amongst other iterations). 

For readers coming into this new series without prior familiarity with the characters in the earlier books, the interrelationships can be somewhat confusing, although with some patience, things do resolve themselves (mostly). It's a large cast of characters with murky motivations.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 22 minutes and is read by Todd McLaren. He does manage to distinguish the large cast of characters with a -wide- range of accents and ages/genders. Some of his interpretations are, honestly, quirky, but his competence with shifting accents at speed in dialogue is unquestionably skilled. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read. 

Three stars. Denouement and resolution are ... surprising and odd. It's not about a bookshop or about Paris, not really.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Creative Container Garden: Grow a Vibrant, Year-Round Mix of Flowers, Food, Herbs, and More

 

The Creative Container Garden is a beginner friendly tutorial and inspirational guide to gardening in containers written by Anders Røyneberg. Originally published in 2024 in Norwegian, this English language translation is due out 7th April 2026 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint. It's 284 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an appealing and accessible guide to growing plants and taking some steps toward our environment and satisfaction with safe, accessible gardening, improving our physical and mental health. It's written in simple straightforward language with solid concrete steps on how to get started and how to progress.

The author shows how it's possible to start with even a tiny urban balcony or windowsill. Following chapters show the importance of planning, sourcing tools and supplies for the best outcomes, growing, troubleshooting, and specific varieties for success growing decorative and edible flowers and herbs (including some plants which are usually more tender, like figs!). 

Specific tips and advice are set apart in the text in color highlighted text boxes. Charts are easy to read and understand. The book is enhanced by clear color photographs as well as appealing plant groupings for inspiration.

There are a number of tutorial projects which are accessible to all readers. The book doesn't include links or references. Although many of the species and plant selections are shown in their Scandinavian surroundings, most of the content is perfectly relevant for the temperate areas of North America. 

Four stars. This is a very useful, appealing, and well laid out book which has value both for new gardeners as well as more experienced readers. It is seamlessly translated and definitely doesn't read like a work in translation. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Murder in a Cornish Teashop - Maddie Penrose #1

 

Murder in a Cornish Teashop is a warmly engaging teashop cozy, first in a series, by Fliss Chester. Released 11th March 2026, it's 310 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

All the parts cozy lovers enjoy are present: quirky villagers, no-nonsense grandma who owns and runs the local tea-shop in rural Cornwall, local murder mystery, young(ish) female protagonist amateur sleuth, handsome local law enforcement officer, and even farm cats and baked goods. The action driven plot moves at a pretty fair pace, and the mystery is well constructed, if convoluted in true cozy genre fashion. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by Harrie Dobby. She has a well modulated warm lightly breathy voice with a London accent, but also does a good job with the disparate regional accents across a range of ages and genders. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

The second book in the series is due out in late 2nd quarter 2026 from the same publisher. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or a light buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.   

Wolf Worm

 

Wolf Worm is a standalone horror fantasy southern gothic tale by T. Kingfisher. Released 24th March 2026 by Macmillan on their Tor Nightfire imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

Exquisitely well crafted; the author is very strong in both descriptive prose and characterization. There's a creepy atmospheric southern gothic vibe replete with awful doomsday misogynistic fundamentalist religious fanatic, irascible (also misogynistic) mad scientist, plucky resourceful orphan artist-in-residence helping the scientist illustrate his research (parasitic insects), a disappearance/mystery, along with lots of isolated suspicious backwoods locals closing ranks. 

The forces of awfulness arrayed against protagonist Sonia include outright creepy humans and a host of truly squicky insectoid parasites as well as other human and non-human monsters. The author has obviously taken Stephen King's advice to heart: "But if I find that I cannot terrify, I will try to horrify, and if I find that I cannot horrify, I'll go for the gross-out. I'm not proud.". 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 14 minutes and is capably read by Mary Robinette Kowal. She does a massive range of voices, and some relatively rapid fire dialogue over a range of accents and genders without missing a beat. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

This read is emphatically not for readers who are sensitive or triggered by body horror, graphic descriptions, and high "squick-factor".  Additional content warnings for animal abuse, torture, and imprisonment.

Four stars. It would be a good choice (with warnings) for public library acquisition, fans of horror, or possibly a buddy read. This is one which will be difficult to discuss in a group setting without major spoilers. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

Love Sucks - Tails from the Alpha Art Gallery #2

 

Love Sucks is the second book in a sarcastic rompy paranormal romance thriller/mystery series by Cynthia St. Aubin. Originally published in 2020, this reformat and re-release from Macmillan on their Tor imprint is 304 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU. 

The author has a good grasp of "Bridget Jones" type situational girl-y comedy, and the elements of paranormal romance (exotic locations, wealthy lifestyle, mysterious but very attractive boss, art gallery with exceedingly quirky patrons and stable of artists) are all present. There's a "chosen one" element and although trope-y, it's a very popular genre for a reason. MC Hanna has learned way more than she really wanted to about her own background and not enough about the supernatural creatures proximity to her boss brings her into dangerous contact with. 

There's some graphic content, both paranormal violence (body horror + physical violence), and sexual content. Nothing extreme for the subgenre, and it's not really egregious, but it is there. The action driven plot moves very quickly and it manages to surprise a giggle/snort occasionally (along with some eye-rolls for over the top silliness and camp). 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 39 minutes and is read by series narrator Stella Hunter. She has a well modulated, husky alto, neutral American accent in this read and does a good job of the different character voices over a range of ages, accents, and genders (and species). 

Four stars, with five books extant and a sixth due out in first quarter 2027, it would make a nice binge or buddy read, as well as a good candidate for public library acquisition. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Bone Raiders - The Rakada #1

 

The Bone Raiders is the first book in a full throttle chaos driven epic fantasy by Jackson Ford. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Hachette on their Orbit imprint, it's 480 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

Sarcastic, sapphic friendly, found family, female MCs, giant fire breathing land lizards, and lots and lots of fighting. It's action driven and often quite frenetically paced. It's set in a kind of fantasy steppes with horse riders, yurt dwelling nomadic groups and a fantasy-adjacent Genghis Khan overlord antagonist (with his huge standing army). 

The characters manage to be distinct and well delineated and readers won't have trouble keeping them separated. It is quite violent and the language is rough (R-rated).  Plus the ground dragons are pretty darned cool.

Four stars. For readers of doorstop epic campaign fantasy in the same general category as Joe Abercrombie, R.F. Kuang, and Glen Cook. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, binge/buddy read, or possibly for SF/F bookclub discussion. Book 2 in the series due out in 2nd quarter 2026 from the same publisher. 

 Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Ancient Nubian Art: A History

 

Ancient Nubian Art is a layman accessible monograph on ancient Nubian art and culture collated and written by Dr. Rita E. Freed. Released 3rd March 2026 by Getty Publications, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This volume would make a good selection for students of ancient art, history, anthropology, arts, and ancient language and culture. It is written in an everyday, layman accessible way which everyone can understand. 

It's beautifully illustrated throughout in color. The plates are accompanied by short explanatory captions. 

Five stars, this is a lovely introduction to a civilization which has always seemed like a footnote in her neighbor Egypt's dynastic lineage and deserves to stand on its own merits.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Bookshop Below

 

The Bookshop Below is a bookish dark academia urban fantasy standalone by Georgia Summers. Released 18th Nov 2025 by Hachette on their Redhook imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. Paperback format due out in 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher.

This is a dark urban fantasy featuring appealing, well rendered characters and remarkably little world building. The action and settings descriptions do a fair job of drawing the reader along, and the interplay/conflict between the two main characters is believable and flows naturally. 

The actual *reasons* for the story (the river, Lady Fate, the bookshop systems, the magic) are never well defined which leaves the reader disconnected in some fundamental ways from the plot. It's a good story, however, well told, and worth a look for fans of the genre - especially readers of Erin Morgenstern and A.D. Bell. 

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, fantasy book club discussion, or a buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.  

Compost after Reading

 

Compost after Reading is a lighthearted but competent tutorial on soil improvement and composting by Cassandrea Marketos. Released 17th March 2026 by Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 208 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

Well written and engaging, the author encourages absolutely everyone (yes, even non-gardeners) to engage meaningfully with the waste we all produce and have a more conscious relationship with what we do with the stuff we throw away. 

The book is whimsically illustrated throughout by Sludge Thunder (!! <3) in graytone sketches. There's an appealingly trippy hippy vibe, but a lot of useful philosophical information between the covers. "Manifesto" is an apt descriptor, used on the cover, and the writing reminded me a lot of the earnest political productions from the 60s-70s. There was a sweetly nostalgic Abbie Hoffman spirit with a little whiff of Hunter S. Thompson.

Four and a half stars. We're drowning in our own waste. This would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, home library, gardening groups, etc. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness

 

Gather is a well written monograph on food security, equity, and culture by Dr. Ashanté M. Reese as part of the Norton Short series. Due out 14th April 2026 from W.W. Norton, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

Although written in layman accessible simple prose, the author is an academic and the book is well grounded structurally, with copious chapter notes and annotations (which are worth the price of the admission in and of themselves). The writing flows very well, and under the friendly, clear descriptions, lovingly told, is the clearly delineated disparity in justice and access which has been a reality in much of the USA for hundreds of years. Black communities have grown and thrived out of necessity, but there's also a great deal of fellow feeling, mutual aid, community, and generosity threaded through everyday existence. 

Food insecurity, food deserts, and mutual aid are taken from the daily headlines but they've been an often stark reality for ages in rural/poor areas of America. Dr. Reese does a good job of describing the realities, but also offering some hope and warmth. 

Five stars. A good read, and an important one, especially given the stark political climate in the USA at the moment. Timely. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, book club selection, buddy read, or personal library. 

 Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.