Books to Read in April / A Spring Reading List

Hello and happy Friday! Today, I'm sharing some brilliant books to read in April, from April's Comfort Book Club choice, to cosy romances and brilliant nature-inspired non-fiction reads. Do any of these books appeal to you? Do you have any seasonal reads in your April TBR pile? Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
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BOOK CLUB: I host the Comfort Book Club with my Mum, and every month we pick a comforting read and discuss it on the last Friday of the month. Everyone is very welcome to read along with us. Learn more about the Comfort Book Club (and see upcoming reads) here: mirandasnotebo...
#TheComfortBookClub
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BOOK LINKS FOR BOOKS IN PRINT:
(Affiliate links used for Blackwells)
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim: blackwells.co....
Illyrian Spring by Ann Bridge: blackwells.co....
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: blackwells.co....
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: blackwells.co....
Smoky-House by Elizabeth Goudge: blackwells.co....
Spring: A Folio Anthology: www.foliosocie...
Life in the Garden by Penelope Lively: blackwells.co....
In the Garden essay collection: blackwells.co....
Green Shades, compiled by Elizabeth Jane Howard: blackwells.co....
The Art of Mindful Birdwatching by Claire Thompson: blackwells.co....
Four Hedges by Claire Leighton: blackwells.co....
Beatrix Potter by Linda Lear: blackwells.co....
Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life by Marta McDowell: blackwells.co....
See more of my spring reading recommendations here: • Brilliant Books to Rea...

[@lynn9935]

Miranda, you look so pretty today! A perfect dress to accompany your Spring selections. I am really enjoying The Enchanted April. I also have always loved Beatrix Potter. Your videos are the perfect way to end the WEEK! Have a lovely Easter and the best to your mom as well. Many thanks for all the effort you put into your channel.

[@staroliva6502]

Dear Miranda, how lovely is this dress you are wearing. Your background it’s so charming. I have order quite a few books from Blackwells. Iam looking forward to receive Penelope Lively, Life in the Garden. Through the Garden Gate seems enchanting for Spring. Love all the Beatrix Potter books, I used to read them to my adult kids now. Wishing you and Donna a very Happy 🐣 Easter week!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This is like Spring Reading for our TBRs. Also, the aesthetics of this video are brilliant as always 👏🏽

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much!

[@jasonlow8029]

Hello Miranda, it is a cool crisp autumn day 🍂 here in NZ so your video has brought me such lovely spring cheer! I made note of all your choices: thank you. I'm reading von Armin's 'Elizabeth and her German Garden' at the moment, after finishing 'Enchanted April'. Wishing you a restful Easter holiday. Best wishes, Jason

[@nancyfritz1827]

Miranda, The combination of your lovely dress, the flowers, vases, colorful books and little bunnies in the background made this a delightfully "Springish" video. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the wildflower laden Tyrolean countryside in "The School at the Chalet" and found myself reading those passages over and over again. "Illyrian Spring" will need to be my next order from Blackwells. The cover art on your copy is beautiful. Wishing you and Donna many Easter blessings!!🐑🐣🐇🌷

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Nancy! So glad you enjoyed the spring descriptions in The School at the Chalet 💕

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Vintage Modern Classics has some very cool covers. 👏🏽

[@chrisstern2276]

This is the first time I'm posting a comment even though I've been watching your channel for about a year. This is such a lovely channel -- refreshing, restorative, and visually beautiful. Thank you for introducing me to the work of Elly Griffiths - her Ruth Galloway series has become a favorite. I also recently enjoyed Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, another recommendation of yours. Thank you for the amazing work you do. (And thank you to Donna too!)

[@mitzireadsandwrites]

Oh what a lovely spring dress! I couldn't wait to click over and watch because I'm so ready for spring everything! I love The Enchanted April and I look forward to revisiting it as I prepare for the Comfort Book Club. I totally agree with Elizabeth von Arnim about dogs so I am going to pick up that, too. 😂 All of these selections sound wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@marybeth8788]

Thank you for the lovely spring recommendations. I really look forward to your videos. In April I plan to read "The Wind in the Willows", "Rabbit Hill", "Old Herbacious", and many of Beatrix Potter Stories. I'm also reading "Flower Fairies of the Spring" each evening. A very happy easter next weekend to you and your sweet mum.

[@kamicastillo1451]

I always am so delighted with your seasonal recommendations. I have read the best books from your list. Spring is exciting with all the birds, Blooms and books! I have entered the giveaway, thank you for the opportunity. I agree that Beatrix Potter is definitely a Spring reminder. Looking forward to your trip as you take us along. Happy Easter Weekend to you and Donna. Wishing you the best.

[@karicreates7668]

You are a delight. Your work has brought some welcome cheer this morning. Thank you ❤

[@marinarees3828]

I am so glad I found your channel. The books you recommend is just what I've been seeking. Thank you.

[@DianeC1975]

I always appreciate the way you set up your backdrops. So beautifully artful. I get so excited when you bring up titles that I have already but haven't read yet. Love your dress. Thank you Miranda for sharing. 🌷🤗📚😘 Have a blessed Easter. 🐰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Diane! Happy Easter to you too 💕

[@julieg9847]

I recently purchased Botanical Shakespeare an illustated compendium of all the flowers, fruits, herbs, trees, seeds, and grasses cited the world's greatest playwrite. A very long title but such very beautiful illustrations with a bit of poetry. Great to dip in and out of.

[@debkuppusamy7912]

Miranda my shelves and Kindle are burgeoning with your recommendations. Thank you so very much for your thoughtful seasonal suggestions.

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks very much 😊📚🌷

[@jessie4954]

Miranda - your shows are always such a treat and I love your recommendations. I Capture the Castle is my go to book when I need to escape. I have not read any Ann Bridge so will try Illyrian Spring book so will try that. Thank you for another wonderful video.

[@LaurieInTexas]

I finished The Enchanted April yesterday and I enjoyed it very much. I seem to love books written in the 1920s, so I'll definitely take a look at some of your other recommendations.

[@tnattt5445]

I discovered enchanted April this month it's a beautiful book xx I love your dress and background it's Stunning 🌿🌸🌿🌸🌿

[@chbronte582]

I don't know how to tell you anymore.. I love your videos, everything so in tune with spring, the tulips, the decoration of the bookshelf, your beautiful dress, thanks for so many good recommendations always, the seasonal ones, about nature, and gardening, I especially like. Thank you for your fantastic giveaway, have a nice weekend xxx

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your lovely words! 💕

[@lindylouwho550]

Once again, another beautiful video - the aesthetic is so delightful. You have introduced me to so many new authors who have given me such reading pleasure. Many thanks. 🌷🌷🌷

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!

[@itssammierose]

Honestly… my reading would be so boring without your recommendation. My husband is in the military and we are in North Dakota (USA) and its almost May and its snowing. With more snow storms coming. I still put out my lovely spring table linens and reading like its spring. Thank you so much for continuing to make these videos and all the work you do! And your dress is just lovely!

[@blonde761]

What a wonderful list of books for spring reading! Where I live in the US (Washington, DC) we’ve had days and days of rain but it looks like today may be our first beautiful spring day! 🌷 I remember seeing the movie Enchanted April many years ago and loving it and will be buying and reading the book. Love your dress today Miranda, it’s gorgeous on you! 🌸 🌺 💐

[@amybucelewicz4718]

I've just started reading The Enchanted April based on your recommendation and I'm enjoying it so much. I just ordered All the Dogs of My Life because I'm a huge dog lover. Thanks for all of your wonderful videos. They are such a treat!

[@christinalinklater7742]

Have a lovely break! I am pleased to know that you are taking a well-earned rest.

[@kitchentablecrafting7111]

We are going to London this weekend and are at the V&A this Sunday to see the Beatrix Potter exhibition. I can't wait. Lovely pile of books too.

[@MirandaMills]

Lovely! Enjoy! 🌷

[@jessie4954]

Thank you Miranda - I loved Illyrian Bridge !

[@pamelapoet9]

The Dodie Smith cover so wonderfully encapsulates the spirit of the novel. I have just begun and am "enchanted" with this month's comfort book selection. I may not be able to curl up on the sofa with an elephant, but I can look forward to the return of wisteria. Wishing you and Donna a lovely Easter weekend! 🐰 🐑

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you, Pamela! So glad you’re loving The Enchanted April 💕 xxx

[@LindyS1830]

Miranda, I just finished The Enchanted April today. Then I watched the movie. Both so good and perfect for springtime. Love you and Donna so very much. You are a breath of fresh air in this dark and often sad world. Thank you for your book suggestions. Really enjoy them.

[@sophiepaluch]

Such inspiring spring reads (to match your wonderful spring background!) The Enchanted April & Illyrian Spring are two of my absolute favourite books and perfect for this time of year 🌸 I also love ‘Elizabeth and her German Garden’ by Elizabeth Von Armin for a garden reading theme x

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

What a wonderful video! Not only for the splendid content (great selection of books!) but also for your lovely dress, and the pretty combination of wall paintings, flowers, stationery...I loved everything!!!!

[@IsabellaMassardo]

Thank you so much for your book recommendations. My to-read list is getting longer and longer!

[@ruthb9403]

Lovely suggestions as always. Four Seasons is one of my favourites. I love Penelope Lively - I think I remember her criticising The Secret Garden here😦, but I enjoyed it nevertheless - I must reread it. I too intend to visit the V&A for the Beatrix Potter exhibition; I’ve just read Matthew Denison’s biography. As a garden, Potter and EJH fan, I will check out the books by Margaret Lane and EJH, thank you! Your reading about dogs was hilarious - my granny to a tee - I wish I’d known about that to read it to her!

[@joannadumitrascu2683]

Thank you for the recommendations. I ordered two just now from Blackwells. I look forward to the Comfort Club!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them. Thank you!

[@bonnieschofield2947]

30 years ago I picked up a copy of Four Hedges, cut out the illustrations, framed many of them, and have never read a word!! Oh dear...

[@diamondslashranch]

Thank you so much for more great reading suggestions. I’ve ordered four of them immediately and put the rest on my ever growing recommended list. I always love the books you suggest and look forward to every video!

[@GloriaZThompson]

I have I Capture the Castle on my TBR for this month, and I'm so excited to pick it up. Thanks for recommending the audiobook!

[@teresaparkins1255]

Hello Miranda, I hope you have had a wonderful Easter. Thank you for the recommendations and I think I will try the audible I Capture The Castle as I really like Jenny Agutter. I went to the Beatrix Potter exhibition with my son, Toby (he's mid thirties - it sounds like I mean a small child!) and we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I did write in more detail on my Instagram post but, for me, the highlights were the textile connections and the wonderfully detailed and beautiful pen and ink studies - look out for the sandals from Pickle Herring Street, an archaeological study. I would highly recommend getting hold of the book accompanying the exhibition beforehand if you can to inform your visit. Teresa 📚

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Teresa! That’s great advice to get the book first.

[@tuppenceandbobneedlearts]

Love the recommendations. Have just placed an order for The Enchanted April so shall look forward to reading that. Cheers from Canada.

[@sandyokey7728]

I loved I Capture The Castle and I definitely need to re read this. This has been another delightful video, thank you Miranda💕

[@idabustamante7081]

tfs your "Spring" 📚 reads have an awesome weekend 😎 ahead take care ❤️🙋‍♀️🦋🌈🌻🌺🌹

[@bluumz-n-veg]

Another great video with some wonderful recommendations, as always! Is that a Poole pottery vase behind you? It's gorgeous and so are the tulips in it!

[@Emmie4497]

I so enjoyed the first Chalet School book and must try and pick up the second one from somewhere if I can. I bought Pink Sugar a while back when you recommended it in one of your older videos so thank you for reminding me to actually pick it up! That is an absolutely gorgeous dress by the way, almost a continuation of your beautiful wallpaper!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed The School at the Chalet. Hope you have fun reading Pink Sugar! 🌸

[@y.d-v3075]

Thank you so much for your inspiring performance and content! Everything looks so fresh and lovely!! I hope, you will enjoy your days off and have enough time to read! For me, spring is mainly garden time, that is why I love some of your recommendations! Greetings from Germany!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Illyrian Spring’ feels like the precursor to ‘Where’d you go, Bernadette?’. Both have an element of a coming-of-age story for a mother.

[@MirandaMills]

It’s very different from Bernadette, although I enjoyed that book too!

[@gracetaylor7351]

Love Beatrix potter I have the garden one!! But have alot of different books about her, gardens and the Lake District .❤️

[@bookprincess612]

Such a lovely book choice and pleasure to listen. 📚📚📚

[@suenicholls5446]

💕😀xx thanks SO much Miranda. Some lovely choices. I have been able to reserve a few from my library. Can’t wait to start them as I am struggling with illness at the moment. Lots of love to you and your mum. I am reading the dark circle by Linda Grant at the moment and really enjoying it. Have a good Easter.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much. Wishing you all the best and hope you feel better soon 💕🌷

[@lenkasarkhelova]

So timely Miranda I have just finished the book All my mothers pondering what to read next. Happy to see you again with your books choice 😁🌹

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you!

[@sheilaadams638]

Wonderful video, Miranda. These recommendations are so timely as I just finished The Enchanted April.

[@MirandaMills]

Oh super! Thank you 😊

[@maggiesierko8459]

Hi Miranda, I love your channel and our book choices are very similar. Therefore, I hope that you won't mind me suggesting a book that I think you would enjoy. It's Bird cottage by Eva Meijer. Very gentle, yet powerful tale of a woman and her relationship with nature that's difficult to put down. Sending best wishes.

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Miranda!🌷Don’t you find Katie Scott’s artwork on Penelope Lively’s book gorgeous? Life in the Garden is a great little book, very enjoyable for literature and garden lovers alike. I’ve ordered Green Shades and am intrigued by The Art of Mindful Birdwatching. Happy Easter to you and Donna! 🌺🌸🌼

[@lisac1619]

Happy Easter to you and Donna 🐇💐 I hope you enjoy your time off. I read Pachinko a few years ago, will have to look out for the TV series. I have the Vintage edition of I Capture the Castle, must get round to reading it soon.

[@elizabethbrink3761]

I love this list! I feel so inspired to enjoy my spring time reads now. The Misses Mallett especially caught my attention because I just finished Miss Mole, my first E.H. Young, and I loved it. The Beatrix Potter gardening book also sounds especially good. I hope you have a blessed Easter, Miranda!

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much- really glad you enjoyed it! Xxx

[@BookTalksWithMrsThomas]

Yea spring! So ready for the sunshine!

[@yanaposts8924]

Can't wait to get my hands on The Enchanted April! Do you make a conscious decision to watch less tv in order to read more or do you not like tv that much in general?

[@angelaraguso9480]

I love Beatrix Potter’s biography by Margaret Lane. I only have a plain paperback edition but it was a joy to read, so inspiring. It is in my bedside table ever since I have read it first. Speaking about children book, my favourite for this season is Make way for ducklings by Robert McCloskey 🦆

[@MirandaMills]

I love Make Way for Ducklings too! One I’ve previously recommended for Easter. Enjoy your weekend 💕

[@angelaraguso9480]

We inherited the original copy that my husband had as a kid and read it to all of our three children over and over again. A sweet story and a perfect one for who, like me, has a soft for ducks. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine today in Yorkshire.

[@jobailey145]

Enchanted April is always a favourite; however thank you so much for reminding me about Illyrian Spring. I had forgotten about that so guess where I am heading next? I’ve just ordered Jasmine Farm by E Von A expecting it to be as good as all her other tales. Xx

[@claracoulson625]

Pachinko is fantastic. I read it last year. 🙂

[@kenandlaurelbaldwin9439]

Happy Easter! Lovely post and dress!

[@ingertsvard6731]

Lovely book recommendations, thank u. Me too have V&A museum Beatrice Potter exhibition on my London checklist😊.

[@MirandaMills]

Can’t wait to go!

[@juliavasquez82]

Hi Miranda. I wish your mum and you a very Happy Easter.Cheers!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you 💕

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I hope you have a great time watching the ‘Pachinko’ Adaptation.

[@allycanuck]

Hi Miranda, have you decided on the book club reads for the next couple of months? I order most of my books from the UK so I need time to get them here to Canada. Another great video, so thanks so much! Looking forward to your next one!

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, they were announced in the February book club video.

[@allycanuck]

@@MirandaMills Thanks, I haven't watched that yet because I'm behind on my reading. I checked your website. I hope the Easter Bunny treats you well! Happy Easter!

[@TorreWenaus]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much!

[@Karen-ve6ds]

Have an enjoyable Easter break Miranda and Donna.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you 😊

[@abigailhortencia5901]

Great video and books thanks Miranda👌🏾

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@furiosaningveryserious7104]

You look so lovely. That dress suits you so well. 🌺

[@bellathereader1328]

Hi Amanda, maybe I'm just not seeing it, but I checked out mirandasbookcase but did not see where to enter the book give away contest...

[@MirandaMills]

You’re just not seeing it! It’s the most recent post: instagram.com/p/CcGOESRrkoi/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@lindylouwho550]

I have just bought Latchkey Ladies by Marjorie Grant. Have you read it? 🔑🔑🔑🗝🗝🗝

[@MirandaMills]

No, but it’s on my TBR!