Reading With Rochelle Weinstein: April

April 2, 2022 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

Hello Readers and Friends,

Spring has sprung, and I’m excited to share this month’s fabulous books.

Some authors will tell you they can’t read while they’re writing, but I was a reader before I was a writer, and it’s impossible to give up something that gives me this much joy. While I’m 80K words into the new manuscript (yay!), I still make time for books, supporting my author friends, and finding that special story that hits all the right notes. And because my TBR is ever-growing, I take advantage of different book formats by reading physical books before bed and listening to audiobooks while I walk or drive. Sometimes I even squeeze in an ebook or two.

This month did not disappoint. Check out my latest reads, some books on my TBR, and the ARCs I’m excited to dive into.

Lucky by Marissa Stapley, Softcover

If you enjoyed Daisy Jones & The Six, this one has a similar tone. Fast-paced and relatively short, the Reese Pick follows grifter Lucky Armstrong on the cusp of starting a new life with her boyfriend Cary when things go awry. Alone in the world, Lucky must reconcile with her father, find the mother who abandoned her as a child, and make peace with the man she thought she loved—all while holding a winning lottery ticket in her hand. Only, to cash it in, she risks going to jail. A redemptive story with a layered protagonist. Lucky will win most readers over. I know she won me over.

The Only Woman In The Room by Marie Benedict, Softcover

The fabulous Camille Di Maio gifted me this lovely book, and it did not disappoint. A stunning beauty married to an Austrian arms dealer flees to Hollywood becoming Hedy Lamarr. But Lamarr is way more than she seems. A gifted scientist, she forges a path toward a groundbreaking invention that transforms modern communication. An insightful read about a remarkable, powerful woman.

Crazy To Leave You by Marilyn Simon Rothstein, NetGalley ebook

Rothstein does it again with her signature wit and humor, and who doesn’t need a good laugh right about now? When weight-conscious Lauren Leo gets jilted at the altar, her sisters and mother provide unsolicited and unwelcome advice. Finding comfort in her advertising career, Lauren embarks on a journey through self-acceptance and second chances. Rothstein will have you cheering Lauren on in this relatable, heartfelt read. Releases May 24, 2022. Pre-order now.

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, Audible

Marissa and Matthew Bishop have hit a snag in their marriage. Marissa admits to adultery, and the young couple land in Avery Bishop’s office for marital counseling. What happens next is a propulsive read chock full of secrets and surprises that will have you turning pages fast.

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin, Hardcover

If I could give this novel more than five stars, I would. I loved everything about this book. The writing, the characters, the emotion—just the right amount–and how I’m sitting here left wanting for more. This beautiful coming-of-age tale centers on April Sawicki, a young musician abandoned by both of her parents. As she floats in and out of small towns, she meets people who inspire her music while teaching her life’s greatest lessons. Larkin is a masterful storyteller who tackles family—and the friends who become our family—brilliantly.

Bookends by Zibby Owens, Paperback ARC

Everyone in the book world knows and loves Zibby Owens. Her social media feeds brim with honesty and vulnerability, but who is the person behind the Zibby brand? In her upcoming tell-all, Zibby uses her authentic voice, along with a deep passion for the books that raised her, to capture a life of both privilege and heartache. If there’s one takeaway, it’s Zibby’s resiliency and courage. Whether literature or love, family or friendship, she follows her heart and gives it her all. Releases July 1, 2022. Pre-order now.

The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Loigman, NetGalley ebook

I’ve read all of Loigman’s books, but I was particularly drawn to her latest because of the gorgeous cover. And this is the case where the inside is even more beautiful than the outside. I devoured this generational story of matchmaking and the powerful lessons of love and family. Loigman exquisitely writes with heart and history, two women bravely charting their own course–with the help of a little magic. Fantastic, insightful read. Releases September 20, 2022. Pre-order now.

What formats do you like to read? Are you able to read more than one book at a time? Share in your comments, and let me know if you’ve read any of these fantastic books or plan to add to your TBR.

Happy April,

Rochelle

Rochelle B. Weinstein is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of six women’s fiction novels. Rochelle spent her early years, always with a book in hand, raised by the likes of Sidney Sheldon and Judy Blume. A former entertainment industry executive, she splits her time between sunny South Florida and the mountains of North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Rochelle can be found hiking, reading, and searching for the world’s best nachos. She is currently working on her seventh novel. Please visit her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or subscribe to her newsletter at www.rochelleweinstein.com.