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Imagine: Remy from the classic Pixar film Ratatouille is fed up with the high-pressure life of a chef. He quits his job, opens up a worm-selling business on a Parisian street corner, and gets really into ketamine. This is the vibe of City of Rats. We follow Gouri, a Parisian rat, through a disastrous double date, a prison break, a meeting with the Rat Devil, an animal uprising, and, ultimately, the end of the world (sort of). It is a joyous, madcap, absolute TREASURE of a book, at once strange, sweeping, and deeply personal. I cannot express how much I loved this book.

City of Rats by Copi, (List Price: $15.95, New Directions, 9780811238373, March 2026)

Reviewed by Charlie, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Livonia Chow Mein is a slow burn that turns into a book full of drama that makes it impossible to put down. Grappling with intertwined story lines of belonging and togetherness, the Brownsville community finds ways to fight back against systemic racial disparities in its communities. It follows a myriad of people throughout the book as the histories that have once plagued the town are slowly discovered and brought to light. Livonia Chow Mein portrays immigrants in America grappling with the dreams that brought them here, only to discover that becoming their truest selves sometimes means letting go of old ideals and embracing an unexpected new path. It became impossible for me to believe I was just reading. The vivid imagery and clear, deliberate prose made me feel as if I was also working to change this town for the better.

Livonia Chow Mein by Abigail Savitch-Lew, (List Price: $29, Simon & Schuster, 9781668075234, April 2026)

Reviewed by Chloe, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. The longing, the YEARNING, so so so good. Reading about messy queer characters in a queer-normative world is so satisfying. I feel seen, I feel like it’s okay if I don’t have everything figured out because maybe that’s normal. Maybe we grow and find answers as we go. Mal, in particular, was my favorite character. I connected so much with the way he just wanted to be accepted for who he was. Truly, though, all of the characters weaseled their way into my heart, and I can’t wait to spend more time with them in future books. Alys! Alys, with her mushrooms, deserves only good things. Griff rounds out the main trio, and he was so fun to read, just a sweetheart who knows what he wants and takes exactly that as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The world-building is very contained in this story, with glimpses into the wider world that have me itching for more. We got a slice-of-life adventure that was the perfect way to introduce both the characters and the world. Tastes of more to come, peeks at higher stakes in the future. The romance is at the forefront here, but the larger conflicts going on in the background make this feel like just one quest that will lead to many more, and that is exactly what I want from this sort of fantasy book. I can’t wait for Our Rogue Fates to release so I can push it into the hands of every romantic fantasy reader I know. Fans of Dragon Age? Check this book out. Fans of wandering quests like The Hobbit? This is the book for you. Looking for more queer love stories in fantasy? Marsh has delivered a book just for us, and it feels like coming home.

Our Rogue Fates by Sarah Glenn Marsh, (List Price: $19.99, Alcove Press, 9798892424301, April 2026)

Reviewed by Katie, A Novel Romance LLC in Louisville, Kentucky

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An insider’s view of the culinary world tempered through a very personal lens. Attending the Culinary Arts Institute is a grueling experience, more so for students of color, and more so if you are trying to mend a broken heart. Filled with personal and culinary ups and downs, this is both a cautionary tale and a romantic journey. Not just for foodies.

Salt, Sweat & Steam by Brigid Washington, (List Price: $30, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250333377, April 2026)

Reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

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A powerful book that celebrates the development of the female body over 200 million years, tracing our ancestral mothers and their unique contributions to humanity. Fascinating, fun and full of facts that will leave you amazed in a multitude of ways.

Eve by Cat Bohannon, (List Price: $20, Knopf, 9780345806208, October 2023)

Reviewed by Maggie, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC

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This book really made me pause. It explores the deep connection Black people have to land, trees, and botanical knowledge, and how that connection is tied to both legacy and trauma. Nature has always been part of our survival and resilience, even when it was shaped by enslavement, displacement, and loss. When Trees Testify reminds us that trees and land have witnessed our history. Reconnecting with our botanical roots isn’t just about plants…it’s about healing, reclaiming what was taken, and working through the trauma we’re still carrying. Thoughtful, reflective, a bit heavy…but honestly necessary.

When Trees Testify by Beronda L. Montgomery, (List Price: $27.99, Henry Holt and Co., 9781250335166, January 2026)

Reviewed by Morgan, The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Georgia

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This book is so adorable. First, seeing Miles pack for his road trip was absolutely adorable, especially when he packs books instead of clothes… I feel seen! The story is just so sweet and sends a great message when it comes to giving. Highly recommended, especially for baby showers.

Miles Ahead by Minh Lê, (List Price: $18.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593569207, April 2026)

Reviewed by Erika Patoni, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA

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A gorgeous and moving meditation on childhood, mental illness, and finding your roots when you spent your childhood moving from place to place. The language is poetic and spare, the art is beautiful, and the story is a unique one, a perfect recommendation for any kid who has a parent with mental illness.

Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian, (List Price: $17.99, First Second, 9781250884220, April 2026)

Reviewed by Fisher Nash, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, KY

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Cora and Ada are excited to embark on a wonderful expedition of the nature surrounding them and make up playful words to describe their amazing experiences. Now it’s up to you, the reader, to see what amazing words you can create!

Wildspeak by Sangma Francis, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781464261299, April 2026)

Reviewed by Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, LA