It’s not always easy to find something to read, and that’s not because there’s nothing new. There is sometimes just too much to pick, and you’re not sure where to start. While Goodreads certainly has some great options when it comes to specific genres, you may want to open your mind to other types of stories.
Even if you don’t, going through the Goodreads selection means that you end up picking something that so many others choose. You want to find the lesser-highlighted books, and we’ve got six great selections releasing in April 2026 across the genres.
‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk’ by Patrick Ness
Known for his Chaos Walking series and other science fiction books, Patrick Ness is back with a new series of novels, although it’s actually a continuation of the Chaos Walking set of stories. Piper at the Gates of Dusk is the first in his New World series, bringing a story that is set 20 years after a monstrous war that almost tore the New World apart.
Viola and Todd’s sons, Ben and Max, only new peace until now. A sudden sickness has infected all the young people, and of course, everyone wants to know where it came from. Was it the Spackel? Maybe it’s that mysterious object in the sky? As children start to disappear one-by-one, Ben and Max decide to search for answers through their own processes.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk will be released on April 1, 2026. It’s perfect for those who love sci-fi, and don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous series. This is a great jumping off point, but you’ll definitely want to read the Chaos Walking books afterward.
Penguin Random House
‘Go Gentle’ by Maria Semple
Back with her fourth novel, Maria Semple brings a touching and hilarious story about a woman who seems to have it all figured out. Adora Hazzard may be a divorcee, but she is content with her life on the Upper West Side of New York City. She has her job, her daughter, and a “coven” of like-minded single women.
Only, there is a secret that she has kept from everyone. This secret threatens to get out, as a charming secret walks into her life. Adora suddenly realizes that she may be missing something after all, but is she willing to risk it all for whatever this is? Is it even all worth it?
Go Gentle will be released on April 14, 2026. It’s perfect for those looking for a bit of romance, while also looking out for something that sparks positivity and creativity. It’s focused on life, and sometimes, that’s what we need.
HarperCollins
‘The Hotel Guest’ by Rosemary Hennigan
A young woman, Kit, is heading back to Abbaye de Saint Maurice in the French Alps decades after a previous visit. Her first visit was for a summer job, which was supposed to be a new start, but soon, a mysterious group of guests threatened everything, including her darkest secret.
So, she fled, and now she’s back. She couldn’t help but return, where she learns that her former flame is writing a memoir to expose the mysterious group’s secret. Could Kit decide that the group that threatened everything is worth protecting, or will she choose the man she is interested in?
The Hotel Guest by Rosemary Hennigan will be released on April 28, 2026. This is something for those who like a little drama and mystery, while also looking for something a little more psychological in nature.
Harper Collins Publishers
‘Purple State’by Dana Perino
Have you ever questioned if love can cross the political spectrum? Can we cross party lines and have a successful relationship, or is this something fundamental to who we are? Purple State by Dana Perino questions that, as 25-year-old New York PR professional Dot searches for something new in a small town.
She gets the cozy cafes and the lack of hustle in her day, and she’s even up for the challenge to flip the Wisconsin area blue. However, what she doesn’t expect is to fall for a hockey-loving local, Danny, who is everything that New York men are not. And now she needs to question if there’s a way to make things work.
Purple State is coming out on April 21, 2026. If you’re looking for a romance that has all the questions you’ve been thinking about yourself, this is the novel for you.
Penguin Random House
‘Mrs. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block’ by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Do you need a comedy in your life? How about something that is a little like Legally Blonde but set in the culinary world? Mrs. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a must, following the titular character, who is a doting Chinese Indonesian trophy wife. When she finds out that her husband, Henk, is leaving her for a must-young private chef, she decides to enrol in culinary school.
Of course, the hilarity begins just by Mebel enrolling in a program in a rainy, tiny English countryside town rather than Paris. As she does start to make friends, she realizes that this venture is no longer about revenge after all. It’s all about finding herself and doing something that she loves.
Mrs. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block is coming out on April 28, 2026. It’s a must for those who need a story about a woman starting again in her 60s, and in a genuine and hilarious way.
Penguin Random House
‘The Tempest Blade’ by Danielle L. Jensen
The highly anticipated final story in The Bridge Kingdom books is finally on its way! Danielle L. Jensen sees love and war collide, as the perilous battle to save Ithicana takes place. Ahnna is now a fugitive on the run, but that doesn’t mean she is turning her back on her homeland.
Meanwhile, James wants justice and revenge. He’s ready to find his father’s killer, but as he continues on the trail to find Ahnna, he starts to question everything that he knows. Can he see past the initial rage to understand motives and actions? Could he start to question everything that he thinks he knows? Everyone needs to choose a side, but will love win out?
You’ll get to find out when The Tempest Blade is released on April 14, 2026. It’s perfect for fantasy fans.
