Ah, spring. The time of year when the world wakes up again after winter. Everything is in bloom and the sky is twice as blue and the grass is twice as green. There’s flowers everywhere. Spring is the perfect time to curl up with some cozy, whimsical books that can whisk your imagination away to a spring-filled land full of flowers and sunshine. If you’ve been looking for some book recommendations for spring, you’ve come to the right place.
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In today’s post I’m sharing some of my favorite books to read during spring time. While some of them are actually set during spring, some of them remind me of spring. This list includes everything from Regency romances to YA mysteries to fairytale retellings to steamy fantasy to timeless classics. There’s practically something for every reader.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
It’s just now spring without the Spring Court. While my personal favorite in the ACOTAR series is the second book – A Court of Mist and Fury – there wouldn’t be a series without the first book – A Court of Thorns and Roses. The first book follows Feyre Archeron, a human girl from humble means who hunts in the forest to feed her family. On one of her hunting trips she kills a wolf but is shocked to learn that the wolf was actually a fae in disguise. When the High Lord of the Spring Court shows up at her door, Feyre agrees to return with him to live in his court in order to save her family. But she soon discovers that everything is not as it seems in the land of Prythian and maybe there are worse dangers that lurk beyond the Spring Court.
This next book is actually a retelling of Mulan and is absolutely perfect to read in the spring. Mulan is not like most girls in this Chinese empire. She’d much rather wield a sword than a sewing needle. When the emperor issues a call for each family to send a male to war, Mulan answers the call in an attempt to spare her aging father. Surprisingly, Mulan discovers a friend and a soul mate in the commander of her division, Prince Jian. If you’re looking for a sweet love story filled with longing and action, this is the story for you.
If you’re a Bridgerton or Jane Austen fan, this next book recommendation is for you. The Season by Sarah MacLean has everything a period drama/romance should: ball gowns, boys, murder, and treason. The story follows 17 year old Lady Alexandra as she embarks on her first season in London with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi. Alex’s mother has plans to marry Alex off to the most eligible suitor, but the season comes to a screeching halt when a murder takes place. Now it’s up to Alex and friends to solve the case . . . and maybe steal a heart or two along the way.
There are certain books that I find myself coming back to every spring. Jane Austen’s Emma is definitely one of those books. Centered around Emma Woodhouse, the story follows Emma as she attempts to play matchmaker with a new neighbor, Miss Harriet Smith, in town. Described as “handsome, clever, and rich,” Emma is nobody’s fool. She knows what she wants – at least for other people – and she knows how to get it. But if that’s true why is she having such a difficult time keeping the critical Mr. Knightley out of her thoughts . . . and out of her heart?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
This next book is a literary classic for good reason. It has everything you want in a romance – a strong female lead, a mysterious and misunderstood male counterpart, and tension between them. Elizabeth Bennett has never been one for marriage. She’s much too strong-willed and smart for that. But her world is never the same after she comes face-to-face with the ill-tempered Mr. Darcy. Surprising to no one, the two of them clash time and again. Will they ever be able to let go of their pride and prejudice? Or will it keep them apart in the end?
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
For my last Jane Austen book recommendation I knew I had to include Sense & Sensibility. The story follows the three Dashwood sisters as they are forced to leave their family estate with their widowed mother and move to Barton Cottage, a modest home located on the property of a distant relative named Sir John Middleton. While there, two of the sisters, Marianne and Elinor experience love and heartbreak. This book has actually been adapted into a number of films and TV series, but personally, I think nothing can hold a candle to Jane Austen’s writing. It’s so witty and relatable.
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but with this one – I made an exception. This book is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice and follows 17 year old Lizzie Bennet, an aspiring lawyer who gets a chance to prove herself by solving a murder that rocks the high society of London. Convinced that the wrong person has been accused and arrested for the crime, Lizzie sets out to find the real culprit. Will she be able to solve the case or will an annoying heir to a prestigious law firm named Darcy stand in her way?
The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables by Catherine Reid
This next book I’d like to recommend is ideal if you live in a place where there is still snow in the spring. This nonfiction book dives deep into the landscapes of Prince Edward Island that inspired Anne of Green Gables author L.M. Montgomery. Filled with stunning photography of the flora and fauna of the island, this book is perfect to read and browse through on a bright, spring day. It really helps bring Anne Cuthbert’s story to life.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
If you like Victorian period pieces, pirates, and plots with plenty of twists and turns, this next book is the one you’ve been looking for. It follows Cecelia Bassingwaite, a member of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, as she’s forced to team up with a sometimes assassin named Ned to save her overbearing aunt from her greatest foe, Captain Morvath. While the Captain and Ned have plans to rid the city of the Wisteria Society, Cecilia has plans of her own to outsmart them all and save the women who raised her. Out of all of the books on this list, this one is truly unlike any I’ve ever read before. It will entertain you as well as make you smile.
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
This next book is perfect for YA fans. It follows a girl named Evie Thomas who doesn’t believe in love anymore, especially now that she’s discovered she has this strange ability to look at a couple kiss and have a vision of how their love story will go . . . and ultimately, end. As Evie tries to make sense of this new power, she begins attending dance lessons at the La Brea Dance Studio where she meets a boy named X. Unlike Evie, X isn’t afraid of trying new things and talks her into being his dance partner in an upcoming ballroom dance competition. As Evie and X grow closer, suddenly Evie realizes that maybe she’s been viewing love all wrong. But will love be worth the risk? You’ll just have to read it and find out.
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
Out of all of the books on this list, this one is ideal for all the Regency romance lovers out there. It’s about a lowly seamstress named Niamh Ó Conchobhair, who gets the chance to design the wardrobe and wedding attire for the Prince of Avaland. Although she comes from humble beginnings, Niamh has magic in her veins and has the power to enchant her garments with things such as joy, memories, and even the wearer’s feelings. Everyone in the Avaland court is impressed with Niamh’s gift – everyone but Prince Kit, who finds Niamh and his future wife insufferable. But as Niamh and Kit grow closer, their newfound relationship is put to the test when a mysterious gossip columnist threatens to expose them if they do not reveal the kingdom’s secrets. This book was romantic and unique and totally gave me Bridgerton vibes.
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What books are you reading this spring? Do you have recommendations? Let me know in the comments.
Verse of the Day: For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. – Romans 6: 5-6
