Amanda Reads: Monthly Overview for April 2023

Your monthly tarot outlook and book release higlights for the month of April 2023

Hello, my friends, and a happy April to you! Here in Pennsylvania, the signs of spring are really starting to show. Plants are poking up around the house, and a cardinal has begun a dedicated love affair with our car’s mirrors.

April is also the month where we start seeing those “beach read” book releases from the publishing world, including the new Emily Henry! I love a good light read, so I’m always excited to see these kind of books come out.

In March, I felt strangely drawn to acquiring several new Tarot decks, something I hadn’t done in a long time. I adore my Starchild Tarot deck and it is still the one I use for my daily pulls. But, I love having a variety of decks to use for this newsletter and on those rare occasions when I get to read for other people.

This month, your overview reading comes from one of these new decks, the Skyrim Tarot. I could not resist this one as soon as I saw that a deck based on the Skyrim world existed, and here we are. I confess the suit cards themselves aren’t my favorites and I much prefer the face cards and major arcana in this deck, but alas, those didn’t want to talk to us this month. Nevertheless, let’s dive in to your Tarot reading and new book release overview for April 2023!

Week 1: April 2nd-April 8th

Card of the Week: IX of Arms

It’s likely that this month will start slow or even include a bit of a setback for you. Take time to evaluate where your energy is going and set boundaries if you feel you’re being drained too much in one area of your life.

New Release of the Week: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, out April 4th. I loved Sittenfeld’s Eligible, a modernized Pride & Prejudice retelling set in my beloved hometown of Cincinnati. When I heard she was writing a riff on the rom com as a genre, I knew I had to read it. This book follows a comedy writer who has given up on love, until someone enters her life and makes her question whether real life can ever be a little bit like a romantic comedy.

Moon Phase: Full Moon on April 6th

Week 2: April 9th-April 15th

Card of the Week: V of Voice

Remember those setbacks we might’ve encountered last week? Yeah, keep in mind that not all is lost here. In the ashes of what you might’ve expected or hoped for last week, there’s hope for the future. Did you learn a lesson last week, or perhaps realize that what you thought you wanted wouldn’t actually serve you? This is a good time to reflect on what’s come before you make future plans.

New Release of the Week: The Tarot Spreads Yearbook: 52 Tarot Spreads for Getting to Know Yourself by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi, out April 11th. One of the fun things about doing this newsletter is discovering new releases I hadn’t heard about. I love the idea of a yearbook of Tarot spreads, so this is definitely on my list of books to get ahold of.

Moon Phase: Last Quarter Moon on April 13th

Week 3: April 16th-April 22nd

Card of the Week: Ace of Arms

After a slow start to the month, you’re feeling ready to take on challenges again. This card marks the start of a new quest, be that a new project at work or a personal goal you’re feeling renewed to pursue. A good week to make plans and even put them into action.

New Release of the Week: Games & Rituals by Katherine Heiney, out April 18th. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Heiney’s work, so I jumped at the chance to snag an early copy of this latest short story collection from NetGalley. It comes out this month, so I better get reading! This collection features “glittering stories of love… in all its forms” which is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Heiney’s work.

Moon Phase: New Moon on April 20th

Week 4: April 23rd-April 29th

Card of the Week: IV of Spells

This card is about celebrating your accomplishments. Whatever you managed to start last week, you’re likely feeling good about what you’ve managed to get done. Definitely give yourself that pat on the back and perhaps a bit of a break, but don’t lose momentum!

New Release of the Week: Bear with Me Now by Katie Shepard. Apparently “romantic comedy featuring wilderness retreat” is a subgenre now, and I am here for it. I love this punny title, and the idea of people who connect in the wilderness trying to adapt their relationship to daily life.

Moon Phase: First Quarter Moon on April 27th

---

And so it is, our April outlook! I hope you’ve enjoyed this preview of the vibes and the new books that are coming our way this month. These big monthly posts are a labor of love, and I would so appreciate you hitting that subscribe button if you haven’t already. Or, maybe share with a friend who might enjoy a free dose of books and tarot every week!