Best Fiction Books to Read This Spring

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

You’ll instantly love Lakshmi, the courageous henna artist and heroine of the book. Her imperfection is what makes her exceptional. If you’re a fan of fiction with rich character development and a battle of ethics, you’ll want to grab The Henna Artist for your reading list this spring.

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi

Catch up with Lakshmi in the sequel to The Henna Artist. This time you’ll meet an audacious female lead that’ll make you remember why you loved Alka Joshi’s writing the first time around. Her ability to humanize the characters makes The Secret Keeper a page-turner. I highly recommend the Audible version because the narrators bring every chapter to life!

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia

Enjoy traveling from past to present as a woman sets out to understand her family history. This book highlights the universal truth of how our actions affect those around us. Of Women and Salt isn’t for the faint of heart but will touch your heart and go down as one of the most memorable books you’ll read in 2022.

The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia 

Do acts of kindness have the power to change someone’s life? The Murmur of Bees is a testament to the transformational nature of love. You won’t be able to put this book down and won’t be surprised that it’s so highly rated among critics.

Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell 

I walked away from Utopia Avenue changed forever. The book follows a group of band members through their 1960s careers and shines the spotlight on their internal struggles. Self-discovery and inner healing isn’t an easy journey, but the power of community lightens the load. If you’re a fan of novels based in the UK as well as the 1960s music scene, you’ll love Utopia Avenue.

The Maid by Nita Prose

Are you craving a suspenseful page-turner? Follow Molly as she adjusts to life on her own and mistakenly discovers a mystery. You’ll appreciate all of the quirks that make up Molly, her cleverness, and the incredibly moving journey she takes you on.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

If you love the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, you’ll want to add The Paris Apartment to your reading list ASAP. Can the lead character Jess trust anyone? Get to know every neighbor and the skeletons in their closet. 

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton 

I fully trust Reese Witherspoon with my reading list. Next Year in Havana made her Hello Sunshine Book Club recommendation! Go back to Havana in 1958 with Marisol as she discovers more about her family heritage.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Move this novel to the top of your spring reading list, because I’m dying for you to meet Cussy Mary Carter. This book takes place in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1930s when rural communities were merely scraping by. What can a traveling librarian do to help? You’ll see!

The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar

This is a tear-jerker for sure, but it’s so good. I read the book and listened to the Audible version! Both versions of The Map of Salt and Stars are absolutely stunning! Go on a journey with a Syrian mother and her three daughters as they learn to mourn, fight for their family, and stand by each other through unimaginable adversity.

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

What does it mean to rediscover yourself? The Keeper of Lost Things packages the complex answer between its covers. You’ll be moved by Anthony’s quest to let go, heal, and re-remember. This book highlights the complexities of grief and the magic of closure.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

Full disclosure: this one has difficult subject matter and isn’t for those who are looking for a lighthearted read. However, if you appreciate taking a deep dive into themes like love, trust, and reconciliation, you’ll be moved by All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin 

April struggles to keep those who love her within reach. The story unravels through April’s songwriting. This book really helped me examine my struggle with self-sabotage and how to make efforts to heal. Add The People We Keep to your spring reading list on Goodreads!

Are you on a budget? Here are some of my favorite ways to get great reads for free!

• Get some friends together for appetizers and a book swap!
• Check your local thrift store or a reseller app for gently used books.
• Find the audiobook version on your local library’s website or app.

If you’re looking for a fun way to track your reading, you’ll love Goodreads! Leave reviews, build a reading challenge, and check out curated lists from readers worldwide. I scroll through Goodreads more than Instagram. 

I hope you make sweet memories this spring and you’re reminded in the months ahead of that one book that leaves a mark on your soul.