Most Anticipated Books of May / April's Book of the Month.

Well April passed in a blink of an eye and I didn't read half the books I wanted too. Thank goodness books don't have a sell by date! So what goodies do the publishers have in store for you in April? Here are the five I have either read or hope to be reading this month and I think you might like them too. 

1) The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood

One of two books this month, that everyone has been talking about constantly. Harriet was one of my debuts to watch out for this year. She has gone from strength to strength since then. I can't wait to read this book!

Summary

Last summer, Gottie's life fell apart. Her beloved grandfather Grey died and Jason left her - the boy to whom she lost her virginity (and her heart) - and he wouldn't even hold her hand at the funeral! This summer, still reeling from twin heartbreaks, Gottie is lost and alone and burying herself in equations. Until, after five years absence, Thomas comes home: former boy next door. Former best friend. Former everything. And as life turns upside down again she starts to experience strange blips in time - back to last summer, back to what she should have seen then . . .

During one long, hazy summer, Gottie navigates grief, world-stopping kisses and rips in the space-time continuum, as she tries to reconcile her first heartbreak with her last.

2) Lying About Last Summer by Sue Wallman

OK. I'm allowed to be a bit biased here, because yes, I do know Sue. But everyone who has read this book so far, has loved it. I've read previous things that Sue has written so I know how amazing she is. 

Summary

The story centres around a girl called Skye, who is sent to a camp for troubled teenagers after her sister dies in an accident. However, once she is at the camp she starts receiving text messages from someone pretending to be her dead sister.

3) Mystery and Mayhem Anthology

This is the second book that everyone has been talking about for ages. This stunning set of twelves short mysteries by some of the U.K's best authors will soon be gracing our shelves. 

Summary

Twelve mysteries.

Twelve authors.

One challenge: can YOU solve the crimes before the heroes of the stories?

These are twelve brand-new short stories from twelve of the best children's crime writers writing today.

These creepy, hilarious, brain-boggling, heart-pounding mysteries feature daring, brilliant young detectives, and this anthology is a must for fans of crime fiction and detection, especially the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries, The Roman Mysteries and The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow.

4) Swan Boy by Nikki Sheehan

Now I've already this and loved it, so I'm positive that you will too. An unusual and unique storyline with a touch of magical realism. 

Summary

When Johnny moves house and starts a new school he has to deal with a bully who can't leave him alone. But help comes from an unexpected and surprising source and Johnny's growing power soon puts him in a very special place.

A chance encounter with a swan sparks a series of events that result in Johnny playing the lead in a school ballet. His teacher wants him to live the role, and when feathers start sprouting on his chest, Johnny begins to understand his true potential. But will he be strong or brave enough to beat his bullies, take care of his brother, support his mother and find a place for himself among all the chaos that is prevailing in his life.

5) The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I love a good book full of magic and this sounds like just my kind of book. The reviews so far have been brilliant, so I look forward to reading it soon. 

Summary

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped.

When her closest friend disappears into the island’s Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer’s daughter, she’s equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island’s forgotten heart.

But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself. 

*****

So they are the five books I think will be most popular this month and are ones I've enjoyed or look forward to reading over the next few weeks.

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April's Book of the Month

OMG! This book is EPIC! I loved seeing New York back in the 1700's. I loved how feisty Ella was during a time when it wasn't seen as acceptable. I loved the relationship between Nicholas and Ella!!! It was just beautiful. I have a full review coming up next week.