Books of the Month - April 2026

Books of the Month

April 2026

This month we are featuring powerful true stories, historical fiction, contemporary novels, romance, mystery and thriller books, so there really is something for everyone.

Based on the international bestselling memoir by William Kamkwamba, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is now a bold and uplifting new musical that brings his extraordinary true story to life on stage. Step into the world of World War One historical fiction, explore complex friendships and second chances, and dive into gripping page-turning thrillers filled with secrets, danger and suspense.

Refresh your home and garden this spring with two new guides. Beginner-friendly tips, stunning photography, and seasonal advice to create a vibrant garden and approachable, budget-friendly DIY projects, from upcycling to décor, to transform your home with confidence.

You can win all the books featured this month as well as tickets to see the musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind @sohoplace, London.

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. What makes this story so powerful is that it’s true. Set in drought-stricken Malawi, 13-year-old William watches his village struggle as crops fail and hope runs dry. While many doubt him, including his family and friends, William is inspired by a few library books and scraps of old machinery. Determined to make a difference, he sets out to build a windmill that could generate electricity and pump water for his people. Piece by piece, his invention begins to take shape, a testament to imagination, grit, and courage. William’s journey shows how knowledge, creativity, and resilience can overcome enormous challenges. A heartfelt and motivating read that celebrates human ingenuity and reminds us that even one determined person can change the future. Published by HarperTrue, £9.99 Paperback. Order here

The Library of War and Peace by Louise Morrish. After surviving the sinking of the Lusitania during World War One, Josie Everley is left grieving the loss of the man she loved. Alone and struggling, she takes a job as a library assistant at Endell Street, a military hospital run entirely by women. Within the hospital walls, books become a source of comfort for wounded soldiers recovering from both physical and emotional trauma. As Josie dedicates herself to the library, she meets Theo, a soldier deeply affected by the horrors of war. Among the quiet shelves and shared stories, the two slowly begin to heal. While the war continues outside, the hospital becomes a place of resilience, friendship and hope. Josie must find the strength to rebuild her life while supporting those around her. Through loss, courage and the healing power of words, she discovers that even in the darkest times, love and hope can still grow. Published by Penguin. 2nd April 2026. £9.99. Paperback. Pre-order here

That Time Everything Was on Fire by Kerry Downes. Sam and Daisy have been best friends since their university days. Daisy was once wild and carefree, obsessed with music and adventure, while Sam preferred city life, shopping trips and nights out in Liverpool. Despite their differences, their friendship always felt unbreakable. Years later, they sit together at Sam’s wedding, unaware that their lives are about to change in ways neither of them expects. As adulthood unfolds, their priorities begin to pull them in different directions. Sam becomes consumed with the desire to start a family, while Daisy struggles with temptation and impulsive choices. Small mistakes and misunderstandings gradually grow into deeper wounds, creating distance between them. As the strain increases, their once effortless friendship begins to fracture. Both women must face difficult truths about themselves and their choices. The question remains whether they can repair the bond they once relied on or whether their friendship will finally burn beyond repair. Published by HQ 23rd April 2026, £9.99 Paperback. Pre-order here

Meet Me at Apple Blossom Lane by Anita Faulkner Alyssa appears to have a perfect life as a successful online love coach, inspiring thousands of followers with advice about relationships. In reality, her world is falling apart. In one disastrous night she is dumped, loses her home and risks destroying the career she has built. Desperate to save her reputation, Alyssa agrees to test a new matchmaking app, even though it challenges everything she believes about love. The job takes her back to her small hometown and forces her to work with Devan Shaw, her first love and the man who once broke her heart. Returning to Apple Blossom Lane brings memories she tried to forget, along with the warmth of the town’s quirky community. As old feelings resurface, Alyssa tries to prove she has moved on and built a better life without Devan. But between lingering chemistry, unexpected second chances and the charm of home, Alyssa must decide whether she is ready to risk her heart again. Published by HQ Digital. 23rd April 2026. £9.99. Paperback. Pre-order here

What Really Happened to Me? by Ellie Barker. Grace Leven appears to have everything: a prestigious career, a powerful title and a polished public image admired by many. Yet behind the success, her life is quietly falling apart. Her marriage has ended, her closest friend has disappeared, and a damaging piece of footage threatens to destroy the career she spent decades building. Overwhelmed and desperate to escape the pressure, Grace suddenly runs away with no plan and no belongings. She ends up in a quiet place where no one recognises her. At first she tells herself the escape is temporary, just time to breathe and regain control. But the silence forces her to confront everything she has tried to ignore – the guilt, the anxiety and the growing sense that the life she built no longer fits. There she meets Harvey, a calm and thoughtful man who notices the cracks in her carefully constructed world. Through him, Grace begins to question what truly matters and whether starting over might be possible. Published by Vinci Books, 23rd April 2026. £9.99 Paperback. Pre-order here

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke. When world-famous author Arthur Fletch dies, he leaves behind the most anticipated unfinished novel in publishing history. The missing ending could be worth millions. Six struggling writers receive mysterious invitations to Fletch’s remote private island in Scotland. They are offered an extraordinary opportunity: whoever can complete the novel with a worthy ending will receive a huge book deal and a prize of two million dollars. The catch is that they have just seventy-two hours to write it. As the writers arrive, questions begin to surface. Why were these particular people chosen? Who organised the competition? And what secrets does the island hold? Rivalry quickly grows as the contestants compete for fame and fortune. With tension rising and suspicion everywhere, the writers realise that the challenge is about far more than finishing a story. On this isolated island, ambition, jealousy and hidden motives could make the final chapter far more dangerous than anyone expected. Published by HQ 9th April 2026. £16.99. Hardback. Pre-order here

Everyone In This Bank Is A Thief by Benjamin Stevenson. Ernest Cunningham is used to solving murders, but he never expected to find himself trapped in the middle of a bank robbery. When armed criminals storm a bank, the doors are chained shut, leaving everyone inside as hostages. Among them are the bank manager, a security guard, a priest, a film producer, a teenage gamer and several others. No one can enter or leave. Then the situation becomes even stranger when someone inside the bank is murdered. With the building sealed, every hostage immediately becomes a suspect. Ernest begins piecing together clues, quickly discovering that the robbery is far more complicated than it first appeared. Several people may have planned to steal from the bank that day. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Ernest must uncover the truth before another crime occurs. Because in a room full of suspects, anyone could be lying, and the real prize may be far more valuable than money. Published by Michael Joseph, 16th April 2026. £18.99. Hardback. Pre-order here

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister. Simone plans a road trip across America with her teenage daughter Lucy, hoping to spend meaningful time together before Lucy leaves for university. What should be a memorable bonding experience quickly turns into a nightmare. On their first night in a remote cabin in the Texan desert, Simone wakes to discover Lucy has vanished. In her daughter’s place is a mobile phone. When it rings, a stranger gives Simone chilling instructions: do not call the police, follow their directions and prepare to make a deal. Desperate to save her daughter, Simone sets off alone, willing to break the law or sacrifice everything if it means bringing Lucy home safely. As she travels deeper into a dangerous situation, she realises the kidnappers seem to know more about her than they should. Every decision carries terrifying consequences. But Simone begins to suspect that the kidnappers may be manipulating her in ways she never imagined. And escaping their plan might be far more difficult than simply following orders. Published by Michael Joseph, 9th April 2026. £16.99. Hardback. Pre-order here

How Does Your Garden Grow? by Milli Proust. An approachable guide to cultivating a beautiful and vibrant garden. Milli, a seasoned flower grower, shares practical advice for beginners, from planning and designing your space to choosing planting combinations and varieties that provide year-round interest. Filled with personal stories and stunning photography from her own garden, she demystifies the growing process, offering tips on propagation, seasonal tasks, and playful ways to experiment with colour and texture. Over a decade, she transformed from a gardening novice into a renowned expert, learning through trial, experimentation, and building both new and existing beds. This book compiles her knowledge and insights to inspire new gardeners to create a flourishing outdoor sanctuary. A must-have for anyone looking to grow a garden full of beauty, joy, and confidence. Published by Quadrille, 5th March 2026. £22. Hardback. Order here

Nailed It! by Laura Deller. A step-by-step guide for anyone dreaming of a beautifully decorated home but unsure where to start. Laura, of @houseprojectuk, teaches essential DIY skills for projects big and small, helping you tackle tasks with confidence and style. Learn to hang frames perfectly, choose kid-friendly paint, build no-fuss shelves, and create simple décor pieces like a no-sew bench cushion. Her budget-friendly projects cover upcycling, flat-pack hacks, panelling, and essential skills such as sanding, caulking, filling holes, and wallpapering around tricky spots. Laura simplifies tools with a ‘capsule collection’ approach and provides a Toolbox guide for each project, plus time estimates so you can plan efficiently. With clear instructions and helpful illustrations, to empower you to transform your home, avoid DIY disasters, and enjoy a space that reflects your personal style. Published by Pavilion, 26th March 2026. £20. Hardback. Order here

Head over to our Competition page to win all 10 books

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