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Equal parts tender and hot. like being wrapped in a warm midwestern hug and everyone’s cheeks are wet with tears. Love, love, loved!

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell, (List Price: $32, William Morrow, 9780063380264, April 2026)

Reviewed by Shelby, Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, LA

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Beautiful, beautiful, absolutely beautiful. This absolutely broke me and yet stitched me back together all the same. Aciman does an amazing job capturing the love and fascination we have with other humans when we are young and awestruck. It is an absolutely brilliant coming-of-age novel about sexual identity, deep-rooted connections, and everything in between. It’s frustrating, it’s delightful, it’s utterly absorbing, and I need everyone to read this as well; to know how much it means to me.

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, (List Price: $18, Picador, 9781250169440, October 2017)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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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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A heartfelt look at a difficult subject, this book explores end-of-life care in a positive and honest way. Stories of personal experiences and lists of resources are masterfully woven together to confront the reality of death in a manner that should be more common than it is. Callahan doesn’t offer strict solutions or pretend to have all the answers; instead, she provides important insight and empowers the reader to find what will work for them when the time comes. The value of this conversation is not to be overlooked, and this book is a great addition for those both new to and already familiar with death acceptance.

A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End by Jane K. Callahan, (List Price: $21.99, Chicago Review Press, 9781556528262, April 2026)

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

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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 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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Who doesn’t love a good story featuring UNDERWEAR? This book will make you laugh out loud, and it will be the perfect gift for that kid in your life who starts giggling at the sound of certain words… like underwear! A laugh-out-loud book, perfect for Halloween but also a book that can be enjoyed all year round.

The Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665955584, May 2026)

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

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This delightful book is also a door–to story, imagination, possibility, inspiration, and a bit of magic in the everyday! This one is perfect for adventurous readers to visit classrooms, warm homes, whales underwater, and more, but readers will also feel rewarded knowing they were curious enough to have opened this book in the first place.

A Door Is to Open by Kyo Maclear, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9781774887448, April 2026)

Reviewed by Julie, Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg, SC