With spring finally here, it is the perfect time to go outside and get into a good book. I love reading during the spring, and have an exciting list of books I hope to get to during the season. But, I would be bereft if I didn’t give some recommendations as well. 

“Morbidly Yours” by Ivy Fairbanks: 

I just recently read “Morbidly Yours,” and it was a pleasant surprise. I’ve had this novel sitting on my shelf for far too long, and I finally got around to it. 

The story follows Lark and Callum. Lark lost her husband a couple years ago and has moved to Ireland to pursue a new job as an animator and cartoon creator. She moves in next to Callum, a grumpy mortician who is fighting to keep his family undertaking business in his hands. The two form an unlikely friendship that slowly begins to turn into something more. 

Although a large part of this novel is a romantic comedy, there were some deeper themes throughout as well. Conversations of grief, guilt, relationships and gender equality were all prominently displayed within the writing and done well. 

I fell in love with our characters and their romance, but I loved their friendship even more. I read this novel in a day, something I haven’t done in a long time. The vibes are perfect for spring and this book absolutely deserves more recognition. 

“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins: 

I know a new Hunger Games novel isn’t the most spring sounding novel; however, I think it should be read sooner than later. 

Haymitch Abernathy, mentor to Katniss and Peeta in their games, has his own story to tell. I can’t say much about the novel due to spoilers for the original story, but it is one of the most impactful novels I have ever read, and I believe everyone should read it. 

The reason I enjoyed this so much is because of the questions and discussions made about our society. AI, politics and social structures are just the tip of the iceberg of things Collins discusses in this Hunger Games installment. 

“Better than the Movies” by Lynn Painter: 

Although “Better than the Movies” isn’t my favorite of Painter’s works, I think that it is absolutely perfect for springtime. 

Liz and Wes have been next door neighbors for their entire lives. However, they don’t get along. But when Liz needs Wes to help her get someone’s attention, they form a friendship that surprises them both. Along the way, that friendship begins to blossom into something more. 

“Better than the Movies” is a wonderful romcom, but it offers more than just jokes and romance. Liz has lost her mother and is handling her grief, while forming bonds with her dad and stepmom. She is also working through her senior year of high school and figuring out what she wants to do with her life afterwards. 

I read “Better than the Movies” two years ago during the spring. Although it didn’t become a favorite novel, the vibes were perfect for this time of year. Any novel Lynn Painter writes, I will be reading.