Spring is in the air, along with the scent of flowers, fresh romance and new starts in small towns.
My favourite way to embrace the seasons is to change up my reading - whether it's making a little bingo card of Spring reads to pick from over the next few months, or just chatting with others about their favourite Spring reads. It won't be the same for everyone, but my criteria for a "Spring read" is one with romance in it that either is set in the spring or involves a lot of fresh flowers, one which feels like Spring in that it's about fresh starts and reinvention, anything that gives off cozy cottagecore vibes or if it's set in a small town surrounded by sweet characters. The main thing is I want some romance. I want to get lost in those Spring fling feels, read about people whose lives are taking a turn for the better because they've found someone who buys them flowers.
Look, it's a loose guideline, but it works for me! And hopefully you'll find a couple of reads for the season for you too! We've got some romance - contemporary and historical, as well as a little romantasy and cozy fantasy as well. Honestly, this list is making me SO excited for the new season, sayonara to the depths of darkness in Winter and my reading list of trauma, I'm ready for brighter books!
My Spring Romance Highlights
Firstly, we can't go past Dream Harbour for seasonal small town romance done perfectly. With the perfect combo of sweetness and spice, Laurie Gilmore is my seasonal read go to year round, and The Daisy Chain Flower Shop is ideal for spring. Daisy is a florist who is dealing with a supposed curse on her flower shop after marriages keep ending in divorce. Elliot is a newcomer who has been avoiding the flower shop at all costs, but reluctantly finds himself needing to buy some spring blooms. It's fake dating, a romantic mystery, and a small town setting that feels like Spring in book form. you're welcome.
I love Ashley Poston and her romance novels that come with the perfect sprinkle of magical realsim. Technically set over Summer, I still argue that The Someday Garden is a perfect spring read in that it's basically The Secret Garden but for adults, Having said that I think The Seven Year Slip would also be perfect for a seasonal read, maybe even better, in that it's about new starts, self-discovery, and finding a sense of light after a tough time (hello, anyone else been struggling this winter?!). Clementine finds a strange man standing in her kitchen one day, and he may be the most charming, crooked smiling, male character I've come across - enjoy.
A couple of books I haven't read myself yet but am keen to try out this spring include A Pack for Spring by Emilia Emerson. Emerson is another author who seems to excel at seasonal romance with her Starlight Grove, why choose series. A Pack for Spring is about a quarter life crisis, an adorable florist, a disastrous camping trip, and a woman about to turn 29 looking for a softer, more self-sufficient life. I also need to read In the Weeds by B. K. Borison - I love her books and haven't tried this Lovelight series yet! The perfect addition to my spring TBR, this is the classic story of a city girl escaping to the countryside to get away from her hectic life. She finds a local grumpy farmer, there's a spark, I need no further details to hand over my hard-earned money.
We have a wonderful new pair of hands helping out in the bookshop every now and again and you'll hear more about Fran soon I'm sure but as an expert reader of romance, here's one of her favourite picks that would be perfect for Spring as well!
Fran's Pick: The Spellshop
A cozy, magical read!
The Spellshop is a book I dived right into like I do with a steaming mug of hot chocolate! I have got to commend Sarah Beth Durst on her world building and character creation. She created such a vivid setting filled with greenery, light and love. This book felt so special as it explored the themes of belonging, friendship and loyalty. Kiela, the main character, teaches us that even in the hardest times, coming home brings comfort and also new experiences that can shape our lives for the better. With her friend Caz, a sentient spider plant they forge a new path, create new friendships and show us no matter how big or small you are, you have a family, and a place to call your own.
Going on a date this Spring? Here's some seasonal ideas to create that cute bookish moment.
- Visit a botanical gardens - wander hand by hand through the plants while you get to know each other. If you're in Aotearoa The Domain, The Botanical Gardens in Auckland, and the Hamilton Gardens are all amazing picks for this.
- Go to a bookshop for a browse - I'll be honest, this is a date for any season, but why not go along and to make it even better surprise each other by needing to secretly choose a book for the other person. Even better if this is the first date and you're working on limited information. CUTE.
- Drink a strawberry matcha at a cute cafe - needs little explanation, it's basically a strawberry milkshake that pretends to be healthy and looks cute in Spring.
- Visit a farmer's market - buy some fresh produce, stroll through the stalls, and end the morning by buying some fresh flowers (if your date hasn't already done so!).
- Go for a mini Spring road trip - pack the car with snacks and a wonderful playlist and then open those windows and enjoy the fresh air as you head out of the city to explore somewhere new.
Whether spring brings romance in real life, or in book form, we hope you all start the new season with a sense of hope for the new starts spring has on offer, a good book to read, and surrounded by fresh flowers (buy yourself some!).
Lizzy makes sure the Book Hero bookstore is an integral part of our local Hobsonville community, welcoming readers of all ages with a genuine kindness and love of books. The Fantastic Mr Fox ignited her passion for books as a child, and now she’s read thousands of books and loves matching the right book to the right reader - both in our bookstore and online. When she’s not recommending her next favourite read, she’s enjoying life’s small joys and adding to a home library so large her husband Edd is constructing a massive bookshelf to try and keep up.