2026 SPRING RECAP: Definitely, Maybe, Pass
Disclaimer: I read books based on preferences which take into account my faith and personal convictions. Please check any of my recommendations against your own convictions and read responsibly.
Happy spring, reader friends! Let me start by saying I hope your spring reading was better than mine. I can't quite put my finger on why, but my reading life has been on a bit of a downward slope lately. Since my winter recap, I've officially lowered my reading goal from 100 books to 75 because, quite frankly, the math just wasn't mathing. I'm hoping the summer season will breathe some fresh life back into my reading habits.
That said, while I haven't been reading the same volume of books as usual, the books I did pick up delivered some serious standouts. In fact, choosing a Diamond Pick this season was surprisingly difficult. I ended up with five 5-star reads, which feels incredibly satisfying. On the flip side, I also had a few DNFs that are definitely going to be considered hot takes.
I leaned heavily into memoirs this spring thanks to several new releases from some of my favorite celebrities, and I also had the chance to read an advance reader copy of a thriller releasing this August. Let's just say... it was an absolute knockout!
But enough small talk—let's dive into my Spring Definitely, Maybe, Pass recap!
MY SPRING READING STATS
“DEFINITELY”
4.25 ⭐️ THIS STORY MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE: by Tiffany Crum
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: LIGHT | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
A great crime mystery! This one is fast-paced, packed with a memorable cast of characters, and strikes the perfect balance between revealing clues and holding back just enough to keep you guessing. The podcast-host element adds a fresh twist and brings an extra layer of intrigue to the investigation. I especially loved that despite being a thriller, the story takes the time to develop each character’s backstory, making the mystery feel even more dynamic and engaging. This is the kind of book you can easily devour in a single day—which is exactly what I did. Once you start, you won’t want to put it down!
4.5 ⭐️ ROOKIE: by Joshua Bassett
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
This was genuinely beautiful. I say “genuinely” because I expected it to lean more heavily into poetry, based on the marketing snippets, but it turned out to be a thoughtful blend of memoir and poetic storytelling. Joshua shares the story of his life in a way that feels both intimate and reflective, using concise chapters to weave together different seasons of his life and the lessons each one has taught him. Because he’s so young, it might be easy to question what this book could offer—but his lived experiences, paired with his depth of wisdom and introspection, make this a surprisingly impactful read. There’s something here for everyone. As he writes, “An artist’s job is to feel deeply so others can process their own emotions through the art. The artist paves the road for the audience to stroll down.” And that’s exactly what he does in this book. Whether or not you’re already a fan or familiar with his work, this is absolutely worth reading or listening to!
4.5 ⭐️ THIS IS ME: by Hayden Panettiere
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
I was so excited to pick this one up because, at one point in my younger years as a coach’s daughter, I always compared myself to the little girl from Remember the Titans—and let’s not forget Tiger Cruise! Needless to say, I was eager to learn more about Hayden’s story, and this memoir did not disappoint. Hayden’s narration completely captivated me. She is a natural storyteller, and hearing her tell her own story added so much depth and emotion to the experience. There were also so many parts of her life and career that I had never known about, which made the memoir even more fascinating. From the very beginning, her authenticity shines through. I especially appreciated the honesty, vulnerability, and accountability she brought to discussing her struggles with addiction and the journey toward healing. Overall, this memoir hits every emotional note. It’s heartbreaking, inspiring, funny, entertaining, and deeply human all at once. I highly recommend it—especially in audiobook format, where Hayden’s storytelling truly brings the book to life.
5 ⭐️ PHASES: by Brandy
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
Amazing memoir! My knowledge of Brandy going into this was fairly surface-level, so I loved how much I learned about both her life and career. The prose in this memoir is exceptional—easily some of the best I’ve read in the genre. Her writing is descriptive, thoughtful, and filled with beautiful metaphors that bring her experiences to life. The audiobook is equally impressive. Brandy’s narration is warm, soothing, and incredibly engaging, making the story feel even more personal. I especially enjoyed learning about her upbringing, her rise in the entertainment industry, and her time on Moesha. Hearing how her success impacted her personally and eventually contributed to burnout was both relatable and heartbreaking. What stood out most was her ability to share difficult experiences with honesty and depth while remaining gracious, tactful, and true to herself. This is a thoughtful, well-written memoir that offers a compelling look behind the scenes of an iconic career.
5 ⭐️ THE PERFECTIONIST’S GUIDE TO LOSING CONTROL: by Katherine Morgan Schafler
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: NONE
By far the best nonfiction book I’ve read in quite some time. Honestly, I have no notes! This is an incredibly powerful read for anyone who struggles with perfectionism in any form. What I loved most is that the author doesn’t simply tell you to stop being a perfectionist, as so many resources do. Instead, she teaches you how to harness the strengths of perfectionism and use them in healthy, productive ways. At the same time, she offers practical tools for letting go of control, worrying less, and living more freely—which really resonated with me as someone prone to anticipatory anxiety. I especially appreciated the different types of perfectionism she introduces. And as someone who loves a good personality quiz, I found it fascinating to identify my type and then learn specific strategies tailored to it. The entire book felt incredibly identifiable and left me feeling genuinely seen. If you're an evolving perfectionist or self-proclaimed control freak, this is absolutely a must-read!
5 ⭐️ NO MORE BORING BIBLE STUDY: by Faith Womack
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: NONE
An absolute must-read for Christians who want to expand their understanding of God’s Word! One of the most inspiring aspects of this book is how Womack took a traumatic experience with her father and used it as motivation to deeply study Scripture and ultimately help others do the same. The book does an incredible job of emphasizing the importance of biblical context, thoughtful application, and meaningful reflection—something that feels especially vital in today’s culture where Scripture is often taken out of context. I found it both convicting and encouraging, reminding me to slow down and seek to understand who God is through His Word, rather than simply looking for what it means for my current circumstances. Womack presents these concepts in a way that is approachable, practical, and deeply reassuring. By the end, I felt inspired not just to read more Scripture, but to truly study it, treasure it, and engage with it more intentionally rather than treating it as another item on my daily to-do list.
5 ⭐️ PROMISE ME NEVER: by Liv Constantine
❤️🔥 SPICE: MODERATE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: MILD | ❕CONENT WARNING: MODERATE
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Another banger thriller from Liv Constantine! The plot is expertly constructed—the first half has you thinking, “wait… this is too obvious,” and then immediately questioning, “it can’t be that obvious… right?” You know a twist is coming, but because everything feels so in-your-face, you can’t quite pinpoint it. I even found myself starting to feel a little disappointed, thinking it might really be that predictable. But I kept turning the pages, and wow, did it pay off. The twist will absolutely have you reeling, but what really stood out were the themes—especially those tied to the publishing industry. They’re bold, timely, and sure to spark conversation. I loved that Constantine wasn’t afraid to go there, particularly given how relevant these topics feel right now. The layered meaning behind the title is also so well done, and I genuinely appreciated that the central relationship ended up being about something much deeper than what you’re initially led to believe (keeping that vague for spoiler reasons!). The only downside for me was the inclusion of some sexual elements. They weren’t overwhelming, but I personally could have done without them. That said, my favorite thrillers are ones that are twisty and dark while still carrying emotional and psychological depth, and this one absolutely delivers. I’m so excited to see the conversations this book sparks, and I can’t recommend it enough. Go pick it up when it releases this August!
“MAYBE”
4.25 ⭐️ DEVOUT: by David Archuletta
❤️🔥 SPICE: MILD | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MODERATE
I’m giving this one a soft maybe. I ultimately enjoyed this memoir, but I think your experience with it will depend on what you're looking for. It's an emotionally complex and deeply personal look at David's childhood, his rise to fame, and the pressures that came with life in the spotlight. A significant portion of the book focuses on his upbringing in the LDS Church, providing detailed insight into his experiences within the faith and the impact it had on his life. The memoir is filled with both heartbreaking and hopeful moments, and I appreciated how honest and unfiltered he was in sharing his journey. His decision to leave the LDS church and pursue a different lifestyle is explored with vulnerability and conviction, making for a raw and authentic reading experience. Throughout it all, David remains true to himself and his voice, which is what makes this story so compelling, and in my opinion, potentially worth a read.
4 ⭐️ EVIDENCE OF THE AFFAIR: by Taylor Jenkins Reid
❤️🔥 SPICE: LIGHT | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
This one lands as a mild maybe. I picked this up partly to add another book to my reading goal and partly because I've generally enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing. While the subject matter wasn't necessarily my favorite, I did appreciate how thoughtfully Reid explored the emotions, insecurities, and inner thoughts of the deceived spouses. The back-and-forth letter format added a unique layer to the story and kept me engaged throughout. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition between the two corresponding relationships and the way they unfolded alongside one another. That said, the final reveal wasn't for me and slightly dampened my overall enjoyment of the story. This definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy nuanced subject matter, strong character work, and compelling storytelling, it's worth considering.
3.75 ⭐️ THE SECRET LIVES OF MURDERERS’ WIVES: by Elizabeth Arnott
❤️🔥 SPICE: MILD | 🔪 VIOLENCE: MODERATE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MODERATE
Another mild maybe. Overall, I enjoyed this thriller, though it took a while to get going. I made it about 30% in before setting it aside for over a week because the opening felt a bit slow and underwhelming. Thankfully, the story picks up significantly as it progresses and becomes much more engaging. One of the book's greatest strengths is its unique setting in the 1960s, which adds so much atmosphere, color, and personality to both the characters and the story itself. While my first suspect guess ended up being correct, the author did a great job of planting doubt and redirecting suspicion toward other characters along the way. The suspense was strong enough to keep me invested, and the cast was filled with lively, dynamic, morally gray characters who were enjoyable to follow. Beyond the mystery, the book tackles several nuanced topics—including gender roles, police brutality, regret, and shame—which gave it more depth than your typical cut-and-dry thriller. That added layer of social commentary made it a much more fascinating read overall.
3.25 ⭐️ I CHOOSE ME: by Jennie Garth
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: LIGHT
Another memoir fnding it’s way in to the soft maybe category for me. It reads much more like inspirational guidance than a traditional memoir, and whether that works for you will largely depend on what you're hoping to get from it. The narration is quite slow-paced—I listened at 2x speed—but her voice is warm, personable, and engaging, making it feel like you're sitting down for coffee with a friend. Personally, I would have loved a deeper dive into her personal life and experiences rather than such a strong emphasis on the self-help elements. That said, personal growth is clearly at the heart of her story, so the approach feels authentic to her journey. The book is also told non-chronologically, which occasionally made it difficult to follow. Overall, this is an honest and reflective look at her personal growth journey and the lessons she's carried into her life today. If you enjoy inspirational, growth-focused reads, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book. Either way, you will definitely find plenty of wisdom here.
2.75 ⭐️ JUST FRIENDS: by Haley Pham
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: NONE
This one is tough. As someone who watched a ton of Haley Pham’s book content when I first got back into reading, I was highly anticipating this read. Unfortunately, it ended up being a bit of a letdown. I really struggled through the first 20% because the writing style just didn’t work for me. There were so many over-the-top similes and descriptive phrases that felt unnatural and, at times, like the book was trying a little too hard to be something it wasn’t. Instead of pulling me into the story, the writing often pulled me out of it. The characters were likable enough, but they never felt particularly dynamic or fully developed. Despite being marketed as an adult romance, it truly read much more like a YA romance to me. Miscommunication drives much of the plot, and the third-act conflict felt more frustrating than emotionally impactful. Truthfully, I considered DNFing this multiple times. But once I adjusted my expectations and settled into the writing style, it became an okay read. It’s a sweet, closed-door romance, and readers looking for something light and wholesome may enjoy it. However, if you're someone who pays close attention to prose, character development, and the craft of storytelling, this one may be a frustrating read. While this wasn't a favorite of mine, I do hope Haley continues to write and grow in her craft. There's potential here, and I would still give a future book of hers a chance!
“PASS”
2.5 ⭐️ EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE GUY: by Katherine Center
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: LIGHT
This was a short story I picked up because I love Katherine Center's books and needed something quick to help pull me out of a reading slump while adding another book to my yearly total. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. The characters felt fairly flat, and the story moved so quickly that I never had enough time to become invested in either the plot or the relationship. While I understand that's often the challenge with short stories, I still found myself wanting more depth and development. The relationship dynamics felt a bit confusing, and the FMC's inner dialogue often came across as more irritating than endearing, making it difficult to connect with her. The ending and resolution to the central conflict also felt rushed, which left the overall story feeling unsatisfying. There was definitely potential here—the premise and characters could have been compelling with a little more room to breathe. Even an extra 50 pages could have made a significant difference. There are plenty of stronger and more engaging short romances I'd recommend before this one.
2.5 ⭐️ CULTISH: by Amanda Montell
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
This book offers a fascinating look at how language shapes loyalty, reasoning, and the development of fanaticism. It raises thought-provoking questions about why people are drawn to certain groups and ideologies, and many of its insights are not discussed enough in mainstream conversations. My main critique is that the book felt somewhat one-sided and spent more time exploring cults and group dynamics than the language itself. I was hoping for a deeper, more balanced examination of how language influences belief and behavior. Even so, the central premise is compelling and makes for an interesting read, but overall I’d still pass on this one.
DNF THE NIGHT WE MET: by Abby Jimenez
❤️🔥 SPICE: N/A | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: LIGHT
I’m sad to report that this ended up being a DNF for me at the 22% mark. Abby Jimenez is usually one of my go-to romance authors, so this was a major disappointment. Unfortunately, I struggled with the characters from the start. They felt insufferable at times, lacked chemistry, and the dialogue often came across as awkward rather than charming or emotionally compelling. What surprised me most was the writing style. It felt noticeably different from Abby’s previous books—more disjointed and choppy, making it difficult to fully sink into the story. When I read romance, I want to get lost in the relationship, the emotions, and the dialogue, but I constantly found myself being pulled out of the narrative. Honestly, it felt like I was reading a completely different author. That said, I could have overlooked some of those issues if the plot had truly hooked me. Unfortunately, the central storyline didn't work for me either. Emotional cheating is simply not a trope or conflict I enjoy investing in, especially in a romance. Between the characters, the writing, and the plot, this one just wasn't for me—which is a real bummer considering how much I've enjoyed Jimenez's work in the past.
DNF BEFORE I LET GO: by Kennedy Ryan
❤️🔥 SPICE: EXTREME | 🔪 VIOLENCE: NONE | ❕CONENT WARNING: MODERATE
Prepare for a hot take. There was so much I genuinely loved about this story, which makes it all the more disappointing that it ultimately didn't work for me. Emotionally, this had all the makings of a "definitely" recommendation. The writing is beautiful, the characters feel raw and authentic, and their journeys are filled with vulnerability, heartbreak, and truth. The story tackles themes like divorce, grief, depression, parenting, and second chances with a level of emotional depth that is hard not to appreciate. I also loved the portrayal of Black culture throughout the novel—from the dialogue and family dynamics to the setting and character perspectives. Everything felt rich, intentional, and deeply rooted in the characters' lived experiences. I especially appreciate flawed characters in romance because, let's be honest, we're all flawed when it comes to relationships, and this book captures that reality well. Unfortunately, the second half shifted heavily toward the physical side of the relationship, and for me, it became too much. The emphasis on sex and spice pulled me completely out of the story, to the point that I was skipping sections and ultimately DNF'd around 85%. I understand the role that desire plays in a second-chance romance, but it felt overdone and overshadowed many of the emotional elements that had made the story so compelling in the first place. It's frustrating because there is so much here that I admired and enjoyed. This was a highly anticipated read for me, and while I understand why so many readers love it, I could not get pass the spice. Sadly, it ends up in the pass category for me.
“MY DIAMOND PICK”
💎 THE DISSECTION OF A MURDER : by Jo Murray
❤️🔥 SPICE: NONE | 🔪 VIOLENCE: MILD | ❕CONENT WARNING: MILD
My top read of spring and, dare I say, the best thriller I’ve read so far this year! Everything about this book works—the premise, the pacing, the characters, and the mystery. The author masterfully builds tension without giving too much away, keeping you guessing while strategically placing twists at just the right moments. And yes, there are multiple twists—and every single one delivers. I also loved the glimpse into the English justice system, which added an extra layer of intrigue and made the setting feel just as compelling as the mystery itself. The ending was absolutely brilliant. Normally, I prefer thrillers that neatly tie up every loose end, but the slightly open-ended nature of this one felt deliciously satisfying and perfectly suited to the story. I already know I'll be watching the Apple TV+ adaptation the moment it drops—though I sincerely hope they do the book justice! Until then, do yourself a favor and read this one first. Thriller lovers, this is an absolute must-read!
