• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • By Genre
      • Coming-of-Age
      • Contemporary Fiction
      • Historical Fiction
      • Literary Fiction
      • Mystery-Suspense
      • Nonfiction
      • Other
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • Debuts
    • Multi-Book Posts
    • Audiobooks
  • Musings
  • More
  • Contact
  • About
    • About
    • Book Grades
    • Privacy Policy
    • Review Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

March 16, 2023

Spring Preview 2023

This post may include Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Novel Visits Spring Preview 2023

So far, my reading this year has been a bit of a roller coaster. Early in January I read a few books I loved, but then I hit a patch that made me feel I was about to head into a slump. You know that feeling? Then, my February reading really took off with so many books I loved, including several from my Winter Preview. Now it’s time to see if the spring crop of books can keep that streak going. I considered SO MANY for this Spring Preview 2023 and I hope the 20 I settled on will give us all hours and hours of reading pleasure. As an added bonus, while putting this all together I realized that this list includes 11 debuts, hopefully bringing with them much to look forward to in the coming years.

Late March Releases

American Mermaid by Julie LangbeinAmerican Mermaid by Julia Langbein (debut)
Publisher: Doubleday Books (3/21)
Length: 336 pages

The Draw
– That title alone makes me want to read this book!
– Writer adapting her book into screenplay hitting roadblocks.
– Strong female characters.

Commitment by Mona SimpsonCommitment by Mona Simpson
Publisher: Knopf (3/21)
Length: 416 pages

The Draw
– Single mom’s deep depression after leaving eldest at college.
– Three children, each with problems of their own.
– Deep dive into what happens when a parent becomes ill.

Wandering Souls by Cecile PinWandering Souls by Cecile Pin (debut)
Publisher: Henry Hold and Co. (3/21)
Length: 240 pages

The Draw
– Vietnamese refugee experiences.
– Three siblings trying to make a life in England.
– Beautifully told from different perspectives.

April Releases

Before We Were Innocent by Ella BermanBefore We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
Publisher: Berkley (4/4)
Length: 384 pages

The Draw
– I really enjoyed her debut The Comeback.
– Three teenage friends in Greece, only two come home.
– Ten years later, a similar event upends their lives.

Camp Zero by Michelle Min SterlingCamp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling (debut)
Publisher: Atria (4/4)
Length: 304 pages

The Draw
– One of my new favorite micro-genres: Climate Fiction.
– All not what it seems at a remote Canadian camp.
– Explores the intersection of gender, class, and migration.

Carmen and Grace by Melissa Coss AquinoCarmen and Grace by Melissa Coss Aquino
Publisher: William Morrow (4/4)
Length: 400 pages

The Draw
– Coming-of-age story about two cousins largely neglected.
– Exposed to world of drug-trade, only one wants out.
– “…intimate story about the bonds of female friendship, ambition, and found family.”

This Bird Has Flown by Susanna HoffsThis Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs (debut)
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (4/4)
Length: 368 pages

The Draw
– Debut author is co-founder of The Bangles.
– One hit wonder singing Karaoke tracks 10 years later.
– Funny, sexy romance!

Old Flame by Molly PrentissOld Flame by Molly Prentiss
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Books (4/11)
Length: 320 pages

The Draw
– I was a big fan of her debut, Tuesday Nights in 1980.
– A young woman’s life upended on all fronts.
– An unplanned pregnancy forces tough decisions.

Small Joys by Elvin James MensahSmall Joys by Elvin James Mensah (debut)
Publisher: Ballantine Books (4/11)
Length: 320 pages

The Draw
– Young man finding happiness to be a futile pursuit.
– Complicated friendship with new roommate changes his world.
– Large friend group trying to grasp complexities of life.

The Weight by Jeff BoydThe Weight by Jeff Boyd (debut)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (4/11)
Length: 336 pages

The Draw
– COA story of a young Black musician living in Portland.
– Life influenced by a legacy of strong Christian upbringing.
– “..exploration of faith, racial identity, love, & friendship—woven of acid humor, disarming vulnerability, and unforgettable poignance.”

If We're Being Honest by Cat ShookIf We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook (debut)
Publisher: Ballantine Books (4/18)
Length: 368 pages

The Draw
– Cousins gather after their grandfather’s death
– Best friend’s eulogy leaves everyone reeling.
– Sounds like a fun family story.

Juno Loves Legs by Karl GearyJuno Loves Legs by Karl Geary
Publisher: Catapult (4/18)
Length: 304 pages

The Draw
– The publisher’s blurb gives me Normal People vibes.
– 1980’s Dublin setting.
– Two complicated characters who together feel invincible.

May Releases

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahChain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (debut)
Publisher: Pantheon Books (5/2)
Length: 384 pages

The Draw
– Female gladiators fighting in a private prison system.
– Reward of success? Freedom!
– The Hunger Games feel to it, but on steroids.

The Daydreams by Laura HankinThe Daydreams by Laura Hankin
Publisher: Berkley (5/2)
Length: 368 pages

The Draw
– Reunion of a popular teen show 13 years after flame out.
– Four stars have gone their on ways; only one still in acting.
– The reunion special threatens long held secrets.

The Half Moon by Mary Beth KeaneThe Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
Publisher: Scribner (5/2)
Length: 3o4 pages

The Draw
– Really liked her last book, Ask Again, Yes.
– Entire story takes place over one week.
– A couple both at a crossroads in life.

Late Bloomers by Deepa VaradarajanLate Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan (debut)
Publisher: Random House Trades (5/2)
Length: 368 pages

The Draw
– Indian American parents split up 36 years into arranged marriage
– Navigating new relationships later in life.
– Secrets being held by the entire family.

Lucky Girl by Irene Muchemi-NditituLucky Girl by Irene Muchemi-Ndititu (debut)
Publisher: The Dial Press (5/2)
Length: 336 pages

The Draw
– Young woman has led a protected life in Nairobi until assaulted.
– Flees to NYC for college in the 1990’s.
– Eyes and heart are opened to so much she didn’t know.

Yellowface by R.F. KuangYellowface by R.F. Kuang
Publisher: William Morrow (5/16)
Length: 336 pages

The Draw
– I didn’t love Babel, but want to try Kuang again.
– A young writer steals a dead colleague’s manuscript.
– “..takes on questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation..”

Social Engagement by Avery Carpenter ForreySocial Engagement by Avery Carpenter Forrey (debut)
Publisher: Mariner Books (5/23)
Length: 336 pages

The Draw
– A 7-hour marriage that’s already imploded.
– Wife takes to social media history to find where it went wrong.
– True selves vs. screen selves!

The Celebrants by Steven RowleyThe Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (5/30)
Length: 320 pages

The Draw
– Tight group of college friends have “living” funerals.
– Latest reunion holds a secret that will upend their friendship.
– Rowley is a tried and true favorite author.

Which books are you most excited about this spring?

PIN THIS POST ⇓

Novel Visits Spring Preview 2023

Filed Under: Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, More, Multi-Book Posts Tagged With: 2023 Books, Book Preview, Book Recommendations, Spring 2023 Books, Upcoming Books, Upcoming Releases




Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lesley says

    March 17, 2023 at 8:53 am

    I’m excited about The Half Moon for the same reason as you. I loved Ask Again, Yes. I also enjoy a story that takes place over a single day or two.

    The Celebrants is another I’m looking forward to. The Guncle was a favorite (on audio) last year, so I’ll probably go with audio for this one. I still want to read Lily and the Octopus!

    Reply
  2. susan says

    March 22, 2023 at 6:22 pm

    These look good! I have a copy of Susanna Hoffs novel which I’m hoping is fun. Just starting it now. You also have me interested in American Mermaid now. I will look to see if you like it. Happy spring!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

"Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere."
—Mary Schmich
"A book is a dream you hold in your hand."
—Neil Gaiman
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
susie-about
Welcome to Novel Visits! I’m Susie and reading is my passion. Join me for new novel reviews, musing on all things books, and much more.

SIGN UP FOR NOVEL VISITS UPDATES!




© 2023 • NOVEL VISITS • PRIVACY POLICY