Rena Reads: April Book Recap

This month, I found myself being much more intentional about the books I’m choosing, especially the ones I’m sharing with my kids. With a Storybook Saturday reading series in the works at Rooted Wildflower (I’m so excited about this behind the scenes!), children’s books have really taken center stage for me lately.

That said, I still love a good adult read and sharing honest thoughts - like we’re just sitting down together talking books.

So here’s what April looked like on my bookshelf:

Fantasy

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

The sixth book in the Throne of Glass series and it absolutely delivers.

This series continues to pull me in with its rich characters and constant tension. Aelin is one of my favorite main characters because she’s not just strong and fierce = she’s incredibly strategic. She’s always two steps ahead, and yet still deeply empathetic.

I genuinely enjoy following her journey, and I already know I’ll be a little sad when I finish the series. Highly recommend starting from the beginning if you haven’t yet!

Historical / True Crime

The Man No One Believed: The Untold Story of the Georgia Church Murders by Joshua Sharpe

This book centers around the 1985 murder of a husband and wife and dives deep into the racial tensions of the South during that time and beyond. It’s incredibly well-researched, and what stood out most to me is how human it feels. The author has ties to the area, which adds depth and authenticity. The witnesses and suspects are written in such a detailed way that you almost forget they’re real people = not just characters in a story. If you like true crime that reads more like a narrative than a report, this is a strong pick.

Children’s Classic

The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White

E.B. White has such a gift for turning animals into meaningful, complex characters.

This month, I chose this as a bedtime read-aloud for my younger two = and it was such a win. It’s the first chapter book we’ve read together where they were fully engaged without needing pictures, which felt like a little milestone. It’s a sweet story filled with lessons on kindness, growth, and coming-of-age moments. And for me, it was really special to revisit a book I remember being read to me as a child.

Side note: My older son and I are still making our way through Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban = we’ll likely finish it in May!

Quick Kids Pick

Farts Are Like Feelings by Christopher Willard & Tara Wosiski

This one made me laugh = and the kids loved it.

It uses humor (yes, farts) to explain emotions in a way that’s simple and relatable. It’s a great reminder that we all experience feelings, and sometimes the best way to talk about them is through something kids already find funny. And let’s be honest = anything that keeps their attention and gets a giggle is a win.

Psychological Thriller

My Husband's Wife: A Novel by Alice Feeney

A quick, engaging read with twists that kept me guessing.

Psychological thrillers are always such a fun escape for me = I love trying to piece everything together as I go. And when an author pulls off a surprise I didn’t see coming? Even better. This one definitely delivered on that, and I’ll be adding more of Alice Feeney’s books to my list.

If you’ve read any of these—or have something I should add to my May list, I’d love to hear! 💛