I didn’t get as much reading done in April as I wanted to. It was a busy month personally with a lot of family visits to celebrate Jackson’s birthday this month. And a busy work month as we’re prepping for a big conference later this month. But it might’ve also been part of what I was reading. I didn’t read much this month that really stood out to me. Here’s everything I read in April 2023. I’d love to hear what you’re reading in the comments.

EVERYTHING I READ IN APRIL 2023

Loved

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn 4/5 stars

Format: Physical book

Four women have been gifted a cruise to celebrate their retirement from The Museum, a network of assassins. But when they spot a fellow assassin on board, they realize that they’re targets.

In another life, I would be in the CIA. Not exactly the same as assassins, but any story surrounding spies and taking out the bad guys is right up my alley. Killers of a Certain Age did not disappoint. I enjoyed the present story as well as the flashbacks to various assignments they had working for The Museum. This had the mystery and suspense, but also had moments that were laugh out loud funny. I loved every moment of this and will take any recommendations you have for similar books.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley 4/5 stars

Format: eBook

After the death of their friend Alec, Naomi, Marielle, Craig, and the Jordans make a pact that they’ll have funerals for each other while they’re still alive to know how much they’re loved. Nothing left unsaid.

Steven Rowley writes about relationships so well. After reading The Guncle last year, I knew I had to get my hands on this one too and it did not disappoint. The characters are written so well, and despite having 5 main characters, all of them were so well developed and had equal screen time. Initially, I was unsure about the way the story was organized. I still wish there had been shorter chapters to break up each section, but by the end I was sold on the way that it had been done otherwise. The Celebrants is an emotional rollercoaster, but so perfectly heartwarming.

Liked

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth 3.5/5 stars

Format: eBook

Gabe and Pippa have the perfect life from the outside. A perfect marriage, two beautiful daughters, and their dream house on a cliff in a coastal town. But that cliff also happens to be a popular suicide spot. Gabe has a knack for talking people off the edge until one shows up that he couldn’t save. When Pippa finds out that Gabe knew the victim, she starts to wonder if it was really an accident.

Sally Hepworth has a way of writing mysteries from multiple viewpoints that make them hard to put down. Everyone has a secret, and the suspense will keep you flipping pages until you know what those secrets are. While the secrets were compelling, I didn’t particularly enjoy any of the characters. There are twists and turns throughout the story so if you like a good mystery full of surprises, this one will definitely be for you.

Okay

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz 3/5 stars

Format: Physical book and audio

In 1817 Edinburgh, Hazel Sinnet is a lady of high society who desperately wants to be a surgeon. In her quest to study medicine, she ends up getting to know Jack. Jack is a resurrection man digging up freshly buried bodies to sell to teaching hospitals. When Jack tells Hazel about the resurrection men who have been going missing, the two work together to try to figure out what’s happening to them.

I went back and forth between the physical book and listening to this one. The story was pretty slow paced so using the audio helped me speed things up and get through the book quicker. I never felt all that attached to Jack or Hazel, which made it hard for me to get into the story. I did enjoy the perspective of Hazel wanting to pave the way for future female physicians, but I don’t think I’ll be reading the second in the duology.

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin 3/5 stars

Format: Audio

Gretchen Rubin breaks down personality types and habits through the four tendencies. She talks about why developing a habit isn’t one-size-fits-all and different strategies work better for different personalities.

While I liked the breakdown of a different approach for different people, I wish there had been more tangible advice on the best approach to develop a new habit for each type.