Spring Cleaning My Bookshelf: Backlist Books I’m Reading Now

Every year, I eagerly add dozens of books to my reading list—only to watch many of them slip through the cracks. Some have even been sitting on my Libby wish list for years! Determined to finally make a dent in my backlist, I’ve started assigning these long-overlooked titles to specific seasons. All of the books featured here were published in 2024 or earlier, and each one has earned its place in Spring Cleaning My Bookshelf: Backlist Books I’m Reading Now. This is the fourth post in my four-part spring reading series, spotlighting the books that have captured my attention this season. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books.

Click on any book cover to add it to your Goodreads shelf—and maybe dust off a few of your own forgotten gems too.

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh:

Isadora Bentley is a rule-following, introverted university researcher who’s convinced happiness isn’t in the cards for her. She keeps to herself, avoids social interaction, and is determined to live a quiet, romance-free life. But on her thirtieth birthday, a spontaneous purchase of a magazine titled Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy sparks a secret research project: proving the article wrong. As she reluctantly tests each happiness “tip”—from smiling at strangers to indulging in chocolate—Isadora finds her well-ordered world slowly unraveling in the best possible way. Along the journey, she unexpectedly opens up to new friendships, surprising experiences, and maybe even love, realizing that happiness might not be so far-fetched after all.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

After the worst day of her life, Clementine forms a plan to protect her heart: work hard, find someone decent to love, and always chase the moon—her aunt’s advice to keep going. Her life seems to be going according to plan, except for the love part, as she keeps people at a distance, unsure if her heart can handle it. Then, she discovers a man in her late aunt’s apartment—kind-eyed, Southern, and with a love for lemon pies. The twist? He’s from the past, seven years ago, while she lives in the future. The apartment is a strange pocket of time, and Clementine knows that if she lets herself fall for him, it could ruin everything. After all, love isn’t about time—it’s about timing.

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin:

Seventeen-year-old Lenni Petterssen knows her time is limited—she’s living on the Terminal ward—but she’s determined to make every moment count. When she meets 83-year-old Margot, a spirited fellow patient with a talent for art and a lifetime of stories, an unexpected and life-affirming friendship begins. Together, they embark on a project to share the tales that shaped their combined one hundred years, uncovering stories of love, loss, resilience, and joy. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a tender, funny, and deeply moving celebration of life, friendship, and the power of human connection—even at the end.

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So there you have it! Spring Cleaning My Bookshelf: Backlist Books I’m Reading Now ! Did I help you find a book or two to add to your reading list? Let me know in the comments!

As always, I hope that you have a wonderful day.

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