One detail that the covers of the new books coming in May have in common are shades of pink, blue, and green — perfect summer colors. You'll find your classic rom-com books, but there's also a little devious behavior and a touch of magic to look forward to. But, don't just take my word for it. Let your imagination get lost in our top 11 new books coming in May!
Emma Townsend and Finn Hughes are involved in a classic cat and mouse situationship that's turned incredibly sour. They went from inching their way towards several romantic turning points to deciding they actually don't like each other anymore. One can assume their hearts got tired of being shown that almost doesn't count.
However, they have to put on their adult undies to get through a wedding weekend where everyone's expected to be on their best behavior because of the joyous moment at hand. It sounds too good to be true and the pair quickly realizes it is when the bride-to-be vanishes.
Forced to race against an invisible winding clock, Emma and Finn embark on a momentous journey to figure out if this wedding can actually be saved. Somewhere along the lines, they begin to remember what it was like when their undeniable attraction towards each other led to much more. Maybe a weird wedding mystery is just the thing they needed to prove that it's time to make things official.
The Ministry of Time is a the modern time travel book you didn't know you needed to read until now. It shines a light on a young woman — aka the "bridge" — who's new job comes with a hefty salary and more responsibility than she considered. She's meant to help an expat called "1847," or Commander Graham Gore, adjust to living in a modern world when all he remembers is what it was like to live in the 1840s.
The more 1847 adjusts to life around him with other expats and this young woman whose so different than what he's used to, the more the bridge crosses the lines and allows herself to become immersed in his world beyond what her profession calls for.
This isn't without consequences and it's up to the bridge to decide what it really means to live in the future.
Ariel Cafferty was head over heels in love with a man she thought she knew until it feels like he ghosted her without an explanation. She thought she was beginning to move on, but a vague text from him (Drew) years later brings back emotions she's tried to forget.
Suddenly Ariel begins to piece together clues that something is seriously wrong. Not only that, she can't shake the feeling that the truth is still being kept from her. In order to possibly save her and her son's life, she'll have to work to understand what happened to Drew and how far the mystery surrounding his disappearance actually goes.
Alternate Endings is one of the new books releasing in May that I immediately connected to because I can relate to some aspects of Beatrice Leal's life. She's a working mother who's as dedicated to her son as she is to her job, but the only difference between us is that she's dealing with a tough divorce. To make it even more complicated, her boss also gets divorced and decides she wants to live in Ireland full-time.
This means she's requiring the team — including Bea — to be there twice a month and this throws a huge monkey wrench in the custody plans she and her ex-husband Lucas have half-heartedly agreed on. Still, Bea loves her job and reluctantly makes the first trip to Ireland where she meets the new CTO at her job — the sexy Jack Sander who ghosted her while they were in high school.
Despite the two decades that have passed since they've seen each other, there's no denying that the two still have electric energy that they acknowledge during one of their trips to Ireland. But as time passes, the lie they keep telling themselves gives way to something more and Bea finds that she may just have to change her approach to everything in life — especially when it comes to love.
Is it obvious that my favorite new books I've read involve some form of love? Besides this amazing cover that caught my eye, The Paradise Problem offers a completely new approach to being married that I've seen in a book.
Anna Green is impulsive and makes decisions solely so she survive from day to day. It's the main reason she married Liam "West" Weston when she needed a place to stay. It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience between two strangers. So when she doesn't bother looking at the "divorce" papers he had her sign and is surprised to find out they're still married when he visits her years later, Anna's more than flustered.
See, West is set to inherit a large fortune attached to his family's name and has to prove that he's been enjoying married life with his wife Anna. The problem is that they don't really know anything about each other and his family is demanding to see her.
With no other choice, West convinces Anna to keep up the married act and prays she'll be able to impress his family. However, he begins to realize that maybe he's had it wrong all along. Maybe he's supposed to fall in love with this feisty, art-loving, impulsive woman that's stealing his heart. Maybe he's supposed to protect hers.
The Peacock sisters aren't as close as they used to be and they have time and a lot of heartache to blame for that. Of course, there's always the roles they played in the fallout of their familial relationship.
Sylvie Peacock finds herself facing marriage again after being widowed and she thinks it might be time to move on. Cleo Peacock is the successful sister who can do no wrong and has the cushy lifestyle to prove it. So when her sister Sylvie falls for the charming Simon Rampling, her criminal defense intuition starts ringing. And Emma Peacock? Well, she's hiding secrets that's turned her into a woman who lets silence lead her. At the center of the sisters is their less than stellar mother who's domineering presence makes it clear these sisters have cowered in her presence for far too long.
One weekend will change everything for the Peacock family and nothing will be the same. — good or bad.
Marigold Claude is ever popular with the many men who want to court her, but she couldn't care less. Her freedom lies in the nature and she gladly revels in it. Things seem to get even better when her grandmother feels she's worthy to become a Honey Witch. But, she can never fall in love.
Deciding she's okay with this rule, she carries on merrily until she meets Lottie Burke, someone who doesn't think magic exists. Intending to prove Lottie wrong, Marigold starts doing things out that feel out of character for her. Soon, something must darker presents itself and Marigold finds that she may have to break multiple rules just to save what she cares about.
Lyla is experiencing one bad situation after the another. From research that's gone awry to a relationship that's gotten off track, she feels like she's almost at the end of her rope. Suddenly it seems like her prayers are answered when she and Nico are given a chance to be on the TV show One Perfect Couple to win a grand prize that could help them out financially.
They're pit against four other couples and being to sense that something is horribly wrong when disaster strikes the minute they set foot on the deserted island where they're meant to compete. One Perfect Couple becomes more than a reality show and involves whether people can actually survive or not.
Ganga went from being a carefree goddess of the river to a mortal after she failed to control the godlings near her. With no other choice, she decides to become a queen after marrying King Shantanu so she can prove that she's worth of being a goddess again. While she is granted freedom, she can't bring the son she bore in her human form with her.
Once Prince Devavrata gets older and decides he doesn't want to take his father's place, he finds himself on a journey that puts him lock and step with his mother Ganga.
What would you do if all of your dates from Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble ended up dead after you'd last seen them? Swiped helps Gwen Turner answer that very question when she's thrown into the wildest predicament of her life.
First thing's first — she's in a terrible rut and can't figure out how to put the pieces of her life back together again. She feels hopeless in the romantic department and has to contend with the fact that maybe leaving a great job to serve coffee might not have been the smartest decision.
So, she decides to download a dating app and goes on a series of dates that leave her more confused than ever. To make matters worse, they begin to turn up dead after she's been the last person to go on a date with them. This doesn't bode well with the police and she soon finds herself being carefully watched.
The more frequently things begin to happen, the more Gwen rushes to figure out who the date killer is. As she gets closer to finding out the truth, she'll find that she also has to contend with a dark secret that she thought no one else knew about.
Not to be confused with Dolly Parton's "Jolene," I Hope This Finds You Well's main character of the same name finds herself in a work bind when HR sentences her to "sensitivity training." Her crime? Being exposed for sharing her negative opinions about co-workers. Restricted from certain interactions, Jolene decides to do whatever it takes to get through her training period.
So when an IT plunder allows her to see what everyone else has been privately talking about, Jolene feels conflicted about whether to report them or not. She even discovers that potential layoffs are about to affect her job so she does everything she can to make sure her role is secured.
Soon she'll have to decide what's more important: her job or the truth.
Which of the best new books coming in May are you looking forward to reading? Be sure to check out our storefront for even more reading recs!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Lead images via Amazon
After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.
Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"
But this year won't be a normal year of filming for the show (although, because of COVID, what does "normal filming" even mean anymore?). Because of the 2024 Paris Olympics, all filming in the city will be shut down from June to September. Netflix's co-CEO just spilled on the release date (via The Hollywood Reporter) and great news — it's sooner than I expected! Alongside the new seasons of Squid Game and Outer Banks, we'll see Emily in Paris season 4 before the end of the year. I'm hoping for a fall release because Emily in Paris is the perfect escapist show for hibernation season, but season 2 and season 3 both premiered in December of their respective years so we could also see it just in time for the holidays!
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).
On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!
Image via Netflix
Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.
Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!
Image via Netflix
We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”
Image via Netflix
We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”
Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."
We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."
Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."
Image via Netflix
To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.
Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).
Lead image via Netflix.
This post has been updated.
My niece just got done telling me, "Aunt Haley, I can't believe you've only seen the movies! The Harry Potter books are SO much better!" Obviously, I know she's right — everyone tells me the books are better, but I just can't seem to find the time to dig into what feels like such a massive literary undertaking. And while that probably sounds dramatic, I know I'm not alone, which is why I'm so excited about the upcoming Harry Potter audiobooks!
Varietyreports that Audible and Pottermore Publishing are set to release all seven book recordings with a mighty cast of actors for each character. While the beloved books and the incredible stories within won't change, we can't wait to see — or er, hear — what new life these actors breathe into them. Here's everything we know about the updated Harry Potter audiobooks!
Image via Warner Brothers Pictures
None of the voice actors for the Harry Potteraudiobooks have been announced yet. All we know is that there are 100+ actors involved in this exciting production.
Image via Warner Brothers Pictures
According to Variety we'll get these new Harry Potter audiobooks in "late 2025." However, we won't get all seven audiobooks at once — each will come out sequentially.
Image via Audible
The original 1999 audiobooks, performed by Stephen Fry and Jim Dale are always a crowd favorite among Potterheads. Outside of the original books, Audible has other audiobooks available in the Harry Potter universe. They include:
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Header image via Warner Brothers Pictures
This orange feels like the epitome of a summer sunset. We can always count on Essie's vegan polish to deliver an opaque, satisfying wash of color, so this bottle will go a long way for your most colorful summer manis.
This summer nail color reminds us of crystal-clear pool water, so if you need that kind of energy in your life, go bold with a teal-blue.
It's giving "Lavender Haze," and we're obsessed. This shimmery shade is made from a gel formulation, so it goes on nice and smooth, and will last for a while. You could try layering it on top of another basic shade or style it on its own.
Barbie would be proud of this summer nail color, for sure. Namely titled 'Pink Lemonade,' this vibrant pink hue is a nice refreshment for your nails and to welcome the warmer months.
It's time for a fun and flirty summer. Start the season off right by decking out your nails in some playful nail art, like these tiny little rainbow fruits from PaintLab! Some small silver gems join the party for extra stunning shine.
This pale yellow polish pairs extremely well with a tan. You can snag it in a gel formula or a regular polish, depending on how you like your summer manicures!
First, there was latte makeup. Then, there were blueberry milk nails. This luxurious polish from Nailboo serves up a gorgeous wash of light blue with a slight purple tone for added visual interest.
Can't land on one summer nail color? Choose some tips like these that feature a few! You'll adore the practicality of the short almond shape, all while marveling at the colorful magic on your nails. Take only 5 minutes to apply these nails, then wear them for weeks!
Your next summer mani is gonna be lookin' as cute as a cucumber with just a few layers this light green shade. The gel formulation ensures you get solid wear for days or even weeks. Vacay, here we come!
Reflect the season's best blooms with these cutesy press-ons that have dotted daisies on them. The pink background just screams 'hot girl summer.' Putting these nail tips on is made easy with an included cuticle pusher, nail file, and tube of nail glue.
This easygoing lilac nail color delivers a super-shiny effect when you pair it with a nice clear top coat. Though pastels feel more spring-like, they're sure to look stunning even in the summer.
These eye-catching press-ons will help you paint the town red. Get out there and start testing the red nail theory for yourself. This nail kit comes complete with everything you need to stick the tips on, including a compact cuticle pusher, nail file, and nail glue. The best part is you can wear 'em over and over again.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
As the weather warms up and more and more people take to the streets and trails to pick up jogging or training for their next race, you might be wondering where to start your own running journey. As a lifelong runner, 4x marathoner, and former running store employee, I believe that finding the the best running shoes for you is the first step to falling in love with running.
There are a few things to look for when buying a running shoe. If you want the personalized experience, I recommend going to a run specialty store to get fitted and have your gait analyzed. However, here are some basic tips to help if you don’t want to do that.
Image via MarathonFoto.com
First, most people wear their running shoes too small. Almost everyone I have had to fit for running shoes for the first time has had to go a half to a full size up. Remember:
A good rule to follow is that you should have a finger tip’s length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This ensures your feet can swell properly, you won’t lose toenails, and you'll have less risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
Next, there are two types of running shoes: neutral and stability shoes.
Overpronation is when one’s arches and ankles collapse/roll inwards when standing on one leg, running, or walking. If you have low arches or flat feet, you will likely need a stability shoe as it will provide better arch support. Many people assume that if you have high arches you need a stability shoe with more arch support, but this is rarely the case. If you have a high arch and a neutral gait (no overpronation), you should let your feet and ankles do the work and not rely on a stability shoe. Luckily there are dozens of options for both types of feet, so let’s get into some of my favorites.
The Glycerin 21 is a popular, highly-cushioned running shoe from Brooks. The Glycerin has become a fan favorite for its soft feel and unmatched bounce. Plus, being in its 21st iteration, you can feel secure knowing that the Glycerin has served runners well for years.
The Asics GT 2000 version 12 is a lightweight and bouncy stability option from Asics. Many stability shoes feel heavy and clunky, but Asics has found a way to alleviate overpronation without sacrificing lightweight performance
If you’re looking to hit the trails for a run, getting a shoe with better traction and grip is the best option. Trail shoes have lugs on the outsole that help with stabilizing your feet on wet rocks and slick mud. The Brooks Cascadia is a no frills, do it all shoe that will make trail miles fly by in comfort.
Whether you're doing sprints on the treadmill or have a 5k goal race in mind, a lightweight running shoe may be the best option for you. The Hoka Mach 6 is a neutral running shoe that weighs less than most shoes on the market, making it perfect if you want to pick up the pace or feel less weighed down.
Although this is super subjective, I think On has some of the best looking running shoes out there. With a chunky midsole and a unique look, the On Cloudeclipse delivers on fashion and function. While this shoe may be categorized as neutral, there are stability elements, such as a plastic speedboard to add rigidity to the foam, making it a great shoe for people with all arch types.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via MarathonFoto.com
