By: Brianna Powers
Who says reading has to be a chore? As the school year winds down, it’s time to swap out those dusty textbooks for some leisurely reads. A little disclaimer: these recommendations are straight from my bookshelf, where thrillers, horrors, and feel-good romances are my go-to. So, if you’re looking for anything nonfiction or sci-fi, this might not be your go-to guide. Whether you’re tanning on a beach along the East Coast or public transportation through city streets, I’ve got you covered with my handpicked selection of spring reads. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Frieda McFadden, a New York City native turned Boston resident who’s not just an author but also a practicing physician! Her thrillers are captivating, filled with so many twists that I find myself flipping to the last chapters first. With that said, you can expect to see several of her novels making it onto my top ten list.
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The Guest List by Lucy Foley would make a fantastic addition to your spring reading list if you enjoy thrilling mysteries with a touch of suspense. This novel brings together the stories of various characters gathered for a glamorous wedding on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. As the celebrations unfold, secrets from the past emerge, tensions rise, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly ominous. Foley builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. If you’re in the mood for a page-turner that will keep you guessing, The Guest List is a must-read this spring! I found myself skipping through pages just to see what would happen next!
- Ward D by Frieda McFadden
Ward D by Frieda McFadden is a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of the human mind. Set in a psychiatric ward where secrets and dark motives lurk behind every interaction, McFadden’s novel follows Alicia Reese, a soon-to-be doctor completing her residency, as she navigates the challenges of treating patients with troubled pasts and confronting her demons. The atmosphere of suspense is palpable as the story unfolds, revealing twisted truths and unexpected revelations. McFadden’s writing style is immersive, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. “Ward D” keeps you guessing until the final pages, with its intricate plot twists and well-developed characters adding layers of depth to the narrative.
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I’m sure by now you have all heard of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. It is a captivating romance novel that has gained immense popularity, especially with the rise of “BookTok.” Hoover’s storytelling abilities shine in this emotional rollercoaster of a story, which has also been adapted into a movie, adding to its allure. The novel follows the journey of Lily Bloom as she navigates love, heartache, and difficult choices. The author’s ability to describe complex emotions and relationships adds depth to the narrative. While acknowledging Colleen Hoover’s talent as an author, it’s worth noting that some readers may find her books to be churned out quickly, leading to occasional moments of cheesiness in the storyline. However, It Ends With Us stands out as a moving and thought-provoking tale that explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. If you’re in the mood for a romance that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you contemplating long after the final page, It Ends With Us is a must-add to your spring reading list.
- Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune is a romance novel that captures the essence of love, friendship, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lake, Fortune’s storytelling takes readers to a world filled with love and heartwarming moments. The novel centers around the lives of two protagonists, whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to a journey of self-discovery and romance. Fortune’s writing style is extremely engaging, painting vivid scenes that bring readers to the beauty of the lakeside setting and the emotions of the characters. While some romance novels may suffer from predictable plotlines, Meet Me at the Lake offers a refreshing take with its genuine and relatable characters, heartfelt interactions, and tenderness. It’s a perfect choice for readers seeking a feel-good story, if you’re looking for a charming romance that will leave you smiling, Meet Me at the Lake is a wonderful addition to your spring reading list.
- The Inmate by Frieda McFadden
The Inmate by Frieda McFadden is a gripping thriller that delves into the darker realms of crime and justice. McFadden’s narrative navigates the complexities of the criminal justice system and the human psyche, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story. The novel follows the journey of an inmate whose past is wrapped in mystery and whose present is full of with danger. McFadden keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that keep the adrenaline pumping. McFadden’s writing style is sharp and immersive, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner. The Inmate is not just a typical thriller; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of morality, redemption, and the thin line between innocence and guilt. If you’re a fan of gripping thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, The Inmate is a must-read for your spring book list. It’s a compelling and intense ride that will leave you eager for more from Frieda McFadden.
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is a heartwarming romance novel that captures the essence of love, friendship, and the beauty of second chances. Set against the backdrop of summer days, Fortune’s storytelling evokes a sense of nostalgia that resonates with readers. The novel follows the lives of characters whose paths cross during the summer, leading to unexpected connections, deepening relationships, and moments of self-discovery. Fortune’s writing style paints vivid scenes of sun-kissed beaches, breezy afternoons, and the joy of new beginnings. Fortune explores the complexities of love and the importance of seizing opportunities for happiness, making this novel a perfect choice for readers seeking a feel-good story with depth and heart. If you’re looking for a charming romance that celebrates the magic of summer and the power of love, Every Summer After is a perfect addition to your spring reading list.
- Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Same Time Next Summer is a charming romance novel that captures the essence of love, friendship, and the enduring power of connection. Set against the backdrop of idyllic summer days, Monaghan’s storytelling transports readers to a world where memories are made and hearts are touched. The novel follows the lives of characters whose paths intersect during the summers, creating bonds that withstand the test of time and distance. Monaghan’s writing style is engaging and heartfelt, weaving together moments of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotions that resonate with readers. While some romance novels may follow predictable paths, Same Time Next Summer offers a refreshing take with its authentic characters, relatable experiences, and themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Monaghan explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of cherishing moments of connection, making this novel a perfect choice for readers seeking a feel-good story with depth and substance. If you’re looking for a heartwarming romance that celebrates the magic of summer and the enduring bonds of love, Same Time Next Summer is a wonderful addition to your spring reading list. It’s a story that will leave you smiling and believing in the beauty of love’s timeless journey.
- The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden is a captivating thriller that plunges readers into a world of suspense, secrets, and intrigue. McFadden’s narrative unfolds with gripping intensity as the story follows the life of a housemaid entangled in a web of mystery and danger. As the protagonist, Millie Calloway navigates through the complexities of her role and uncovers dark secrets lurking within the walls of the house, McFadden keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that defy expectations. The atmosphere of tension and suspense is palpable, making The Housemaid a thrilling page-turner from start to finish. Following the excitement of The Housemaid, I highly recommend The Housemaid’s Secret by Frieda McFadden. This sequel goes deeper into the mysteries unveiled in the first book, unraveling new layers of suspense and intrigue. McFadden’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plotlines shines through once again, ensuring that readers are kept enthralled with every twist and revelation. If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, The Housemaid and its sequel The Housemaid’s Secret are must-reads for your spring book list. Get ready for an immersive journey into a world of secrets, betrayal, and unexpected revelations.
- Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score is a captivating romance novel that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The novel follows the journey of two individuals, Lucian and Sloan, who are confronted with the remnants of their past, including missed opportunities, broken relationships, and untold secrets. Score’s writing style is engaging and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into the characters’ struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of letting go and embracing new beginnings. While some romance novels may focus solely on the romantic aspect, Things We Left Behind explores personal growth, healing, and the power of forgiveness. Score portrays the complexities of relationships and the importance of confronting the past to move forward. If you’re looking for a romance that goes beyond surface-level emotions and delves into deeper themes of self-discovery and redemption, Things We Left Behind is a great choice. Plus, this book with two other books so if you like it there’s plenty more!
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity is a change of pace from Colleen Hoover’s usual romance stories, it is a thriller that brings readers into a world of dark secrets, twisted motivations, and psychological suspense. The story delves into the complexities of truth, lies, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The novel follows the protagonist, Lowen Ashleigh, as she explores the life of a successful author, Verity Crawford, who is unable to continue writing due to an accident. As Lowen uncovers Verity’s unfinished manuscripts, she discovers shocking revelations that challenge her perception of truth and morality. Hoover’s writing style in this novel is compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists. Verity explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the power of storytelling.
The EastCoaster 
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