Read Between the Lines: Escape with the Turn of a Page

2023 Top Ten Spring Break Reads

with Emily Evans

Hello March! Spring Break, we are ready for you! I know I am thankful March is here and I am looking forward to more sunshine, warmer and longer days, and maybe a change of scenery. I have a pile of books getting bigger by the day and am excited for a short respite to read.

As you prepare your spring “To Be Read” list, here are some favorites that I have recently read and encourage you to pack in your carry-on or load on your Kindle for your spring break adventures or staycation at home.

I am a loyal Colleen Hoover fan – have read all of her books – and she treated her readers to a long-anticipated and emotional sequel to It Ends With Us. In her most recent intense story, It Starts With Us picks up right where the epilogue left off. We learn more about Atlas who has captured our hearts, and follow Lily as she navigates a jealous ex-husband, a toddler and the hope of a second chance at true love. At the end of January, Colleen Hoover announced a film adaptation of It Ends With Us will star Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and her readers, aka CoHorts, are overwhelmed with anticipation of its release.

In the memoir category, I’m Glad My Mom Died, is a fast read that I could not put down. Jennette McCurdy tells her coming of age story and rise as a child star on iCarly, completely directed by her overbearing mother. It is simultaneously hilarious and extremely sad, but inspiring as she takes control of her own life and recovery to become an independent adult.

If thrillers are your genre, two of my recent favorites are The Perfect Marriage and The Overnight Guest, both by authors I had never before read but now are on my list of favorites. The Perfect Marriage is a suspenseful, mystery-thriller. “His mistress is dead. His wife is his only hope.” Sarah Morgan is a successful attorney who is representing her husband, Adam, charged with murdering his mistress. I was not expecting all the twists and turns, and author Jeneva Rose crafted a five star thriller. I immediately passed the book around to friends and they all texted me as they read with their guesses as to the murderer’s identity. Similarly, The Overnight Guest is intense! A true crime writer is in an isolated farmhouse to write her new book and she receives an unexpected guest during a deadly snowstorm. This one had my heart racing and I had to plow through the final seventy-five pages into the wee hours of the night because I absolutely had to know what happened!

If you are looking for some great romance books for this spring break, I highly recommend reading anything by the following trending authors whose books are truly addicting: Tessa Bailey, ElinHilderbrand, Christina Lauren, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Lucy Score and Mia Sheridan. Taylor Jenkins Reid has produced back to back successes in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, Malibu Rising and Carrie Soto is Back. All are equally unforgettable stories that will stick with you, and Daisy Jones & The Six is debuting on Amazon Prime as a miniseries this month. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is one of my most favorite books and one which I wish I could go back and read for the first time. My reader friends all share my sentiment! Archer’s Voice is another intensely emotional story that has quickly climbed the Bestseller List and will break your heart while bringing you hope and joy.

There is no shortage of talented authors right now producing amazing books in all genres. The rise of Bookstagram and Booktok have enabled readers to share recommendations, discuss fan theories and connect with authors. They have a significant influence on what readers buy and read and stores are highlighting and promoting these authors. I hope you enjoy reading this spring and try a new author or genre. Follow me on Instagram @letsreadtherainbow as my friends and I read through my home library and share many more recommendations!