Can you believe it’s already April? That means another exciting publishing season is upon us! To celebrate the new seasons, we’ve gathered all the April releases from She Writes Press. From inspiring memoirs to suspenseful thrillers, we’ve got you covered. Which ones are on your list?

If you love historical fiction, you should read:

Beyond the Ghetto Gates by Michelle Cameron

Taking place during Napoleon Bonaparte’s Italian campaign, two women must navigate clashing cultures to find hope in an era of uncertainty. Mirelle, a young Jewish maiden, must choose if she will go through with her arranged marriage to a wealthy, Jewish Merchant or run away with her true love, a Catholic Soldier. While Francesca, a devote Catholic, must decide if she will stay with her murderous husband or face the dangers of leaving him.

The Pelton Papers by Mari Coates

Agnes Pelton finds early success in the 1913 New York art scene. But along with fame and fortune, comes scandal. The Pelton family’s dark secret, her obscure childhood and passion for another woman begin to haunt her and draw her away from what she loves most. To escape the burden of fame, Agnes escapes to a quiet life to create some of her most famous modernist paintings and change the art world forever.

Mountain of Full Moons by Irene Kessler

Thirteen-year-old Elisha is banished from her tribe after telling other women to speak up against men. She is forced to take a dangerous journey through the desert, barely surviving until she comes upon Abraham and Sarah. They welcome her in their home and embrace her beautiful voice, encouraging her to sing across the land. As her song gains recognition and Elisha embraces her new life, she may just lose it all again when she sings about equality for women.

If you’re interested in women’s fiction, you should read:

Four Faces of Femininity by Barbara McNally

Examining the four kinds of women throughout history, warrior, lover, mother and sage, this uplifting and inspiring book explores the ways women have impacted the world. Telling the stories of modern leaders and warriors of the past, it aims to help women of all generations find fulfillment in their lives. A great book for mothers and daughters alike.

Queen of the Owls by Barbara Linn Probst

Elizabeth is an artist and teacher who admires the art of Georgia O’Keeffe. When she meets Richard, a fellow art lover and photographer, he teaches her that the best way to understand art is through experience. Elizabeth recreates the famous O’Keeffe nudes only to have them put on display at an art show, without her consent. Elizabeth must now face the aftermath it has caused in her work and marriage and how it led to her becoming a feminist icon.

Lost in Oaxaca by Jessica Winters Mireles

After a devastating accident leaves Camille Childs injured and her dreams of being a pianist over, she begins her new journey as a music teacher. Living vicariously through star-student, Gracielahas earned her way into the LA Philharmonic. But when Graciela goes missing in Oaxaca, Mexico, right before the competition, Camille goes after her. A series of unforeseen incidents leaves Camille without her belongings and lost in a foreign country. She must now turn to unlikely strangers to navigate the land and find her student in time.

If you’re looking for some inspiring memoirs, you should check out:

I’m Still Here by Martina Reaves

Martina has lived a fearless life. She moved to San Francisco at 20 and married a hipster streetcar driver. Years later, Martina comes out and meets her life-partner Tanya where they begin their new journey together. When Martina is diagnosed in 2008 with tongue cancer, her life changes forever. This powerful memoir documents her journey and aftermath of this terminal diagnosis as Martina continues to live fearlessly to help others live and love.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy: A Family Memoir of a Transgender Journey by Jo Ivester

This powerful memoir braids multiple points of view together as the Ivester family shares the story of Jeremy and his transition. Discussing his siblings who struggled to understand his new identity to his parents who fought against discrimination, this a story of acceptance and familial love.

Quest for Eternal Sunshine: A Holocaust Survivor’s Journey from Darkness to Light by Mendek Rubin and Myra Goodman

A father-daughter collaboration tells the story of Mendek Rubin, an inventor and survivor of the Holocaust. After spending three years in a concentration camp, Mendek escapes to a new life in America. With no money or professional background, Mendek relies on his own merit to leave a lasting impact on the packaged-salad industries. Along the way, he develops self-healing and transformative techniques to guide others on their quest for hope.

If you’re in need of some self-love stories, you should read:

Love, Life, and Lucille: Lessons Learned from a Centenarian by Judy Gaman

Judy Gaman has always lived a fast-paced life. She built herself a successful career, but never took the time to appreciate what she had. That is until she meets lively Lucille Flemmings, newly 100 and embodying the old Hollywood spirit. Together they help each other live their life to the fullest and appreciate their short moments. But when unforeseen circumstances arrive, will Judy remember the most important lesson of them all?

A Delightful Little Book on Aging by Stephanie Raffelock

Peter Pan may believe in “never growing up” but Stephanie Raffelock believes in “never stop growing.” A collection of insightful, inspiring and entertaining essays, she shares the joys about growing old and appreciating every moment. Don’t let those aching joints slow you down, each day is a gift because you’re one day wiser.

If you’re waiting for a chilling thriller, you should read:

Salvation Station by Kathryn Schleich

Captain Linda Turner is haunted by the murders of two young children and their pastor’s father. Years after the crime has been committed, Mrs. Hansen and the killer are yet to be found. As time passes, Linda cannot seem to forget the event or the eerie circumstances. When she suddenly finds a new lead, she realizes it could change everything. But is she prepared to unearth the secrets of the Hansen murders?

(This article is sponsored by She Writes Press)

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