Whether you’re hitting the slopes, lounging on the beach or enjoying a staycation at home this spring break season, here’s a look at some of the hottest releases for March and April. From romance to thrillers to historical fiction, these books are the best spring break books to read in 2020.

Please See Us by Caitlin Mullen

Young women are disappearing, and their bodies are turning up in a marsh in Atlantic City. An unlikely duo – a psychic and a casino spa worker – team up to solve these horrendous crimes. But as they get closer to the truth, they risk meeting the same fate as the other women who have gone missing. 

The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner

This mother-daughter story is inspired by the actual experiences of Jewish children during WWII. Forced to hide in their neighbor’s barn to evade the Nazis, Roza and her daughter Shira will do whatever it takes for a chance at survival. When their hiding spot is no longer safe, Roza has to make an unthinkable decision. Get your tissues ready when reading this one!

Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman

After watching their closest friends’ marriages end in divorce, Jessica and Mitch decide something must change if they wish to avoid the same outcome. Fifteen years together means it’s time to shake things up – and that means opening up their marriage to include other people. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go as planned. Grab your popcorn and enjoy the drama of Last Couple Standing.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

Where are my Grease fans?! This YA novel offers a modern-day take on a timeless classic. After a whirlwind summer vacation together, Ollie and Will assume they’ll never see each other again. However, they’re both shocked to see each other on the first day of school – for different reasons. Summer is long gone, but will they have a second chance at happiness?

The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel

After her daughter is murdered, Eve goes on a dangerous search for the truth. Raised in the Missouri Ozarks, Eve’s rough past leads her on a journey that may prove to have significant consequences. The Familiar Dark is a serious and sinister look at family relationships, proving that sometimes the darkest secrets are the ones that hit closest to home.

Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer

I’m convinced that everything Kelly Rimmer writes turns to gold, so I can’t wait to read her latest. After moving her elderly father into a care facility, Beth is tasked with cleaning out his house. A locked door reveals a room full of secrets… including her late mother’s diary. The diary paints a much different picture of her parent’s relationship than Beth could’ve ever imagined, shedding light on the truth about her mother’s death. This novel explores the relationship between parent and child, and the impact that becoming a mother can have on a person.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

It’s no secret that The Friend Zone was one of my favorite books last year. I’m happy to report that The Happy Ever After Playlist absolutely lives up to pressure that often faces a sequel, and is just as good as TFZ. This one has a completely different feel, following Sloane in the aftermath of her fiancé’s death. Just as emotional and exceptionally swoon-worthy, you won’t be able to stop grinning and gushing as you read this masterpiece.

Feels like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey

After devouring the Peachtree Bluff series (trust me, you need to read it), I became a devoted Kristy Woodson Harvey fan. This year, she’s back with a standalone novel, about an unlikely friendship between two strangers. Gray and Diana’s lives have been turned upside down, and by chance, they become roommates. First loves reappear, major life decisions are re-evaluated and both women end up in a place neither could’ve ever imagined. This gorgeous cover totally gives me spring break vibes!

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

Naomi and Nicholas are getting married in three months. On paper, they look perfect, yet they’re both miserable. However, they’ve made a deal: if one of them decides they want out, that person has to foot the entire wedding bill. Too stubborn to back down, both Naomi and Nicholas pull out all the stops – fighting dirty – in order to win this lover’s quarrel and get the other to concede. All’s fair in love and war, right?!

He Started It by Samantha Downing

If you’re hitting the road this spring break, this thriller is perfect for you! Upon the death of their grandfather, estranged siblings must come together for a road trip in order to claim their inheritance. Family secrets, lots of drama and murder make this a binge-worthy vacation read.

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