5 Best Apps of the Week: Bumble Will Now Find You Friends + More!

The weekend is upon us! It’s time to spend some quality time doing the things you love — and that’s including downloading new apps to your smartphone. Here are the best apps of the week, including an brand new Google app that will basically eliminate the need for your wallet. We also see a couple of popular app refreshes (including one from Justin Bieber himself) that are total game changers. Check out the whole list below.

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

While all dog owners tend to think their furry friends are the best boys or girls in the world, the numbers don't lie. New statistics released by the American Kennel Club, the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, revealed the most popular dog breeds in the United States for 2024, and spoiler alert: French Bulldogs stole the top spot again. Here were all the most popular dog breeds, according to the AKC.

Scroll to see the AKC's top 20 dog breeds for 2024!

What were the most popular dog breed for 2024?

Anna Shvets

This may come as a shock, but after reigning supreme for a whopping 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ousted by the Frenchie in 2022. Since then, this breed has remained the most popular dog in the U.S. for three years running. Their smaller stature, playful temperament, and adaptable nature are likely to thank for their rising numbers across the nation.

Garfield Besa

Labrador Retrievers are still hot on Frenchies' tails, though, ranking as the second most popular dog breed. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles followed in third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively. Overall, the rankings for the top five remained the same from 2023 to 2024.

Kim Dubois

However, the remaining spots within the top 10 did see some shifts. Beagles rose one spot from eighth place to seventh place, and Rottweilers also climbed up to eighth place; meanwhile, Bulldogs dropped to ninth place, and German Shorthaired Pointers stayed in tenth place.

Now, of the 201 breeds included in the list, several saw significant rises in popularity over the past year. Leading the charge is the Kerry Blue Terrier, a working dog that jumped an impressive 25 spots to number 135. The Bracco Italiano, which was only officially recognized by the AKC in 2022, followed suit, catapulting 20 spots ahead to number 132.

Ron Lach

Then, both the German Pinscher and the American Staffordshire Terrier also advanced 18 slots each. Other notable climbs include the Bedlington Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The former rose 15 places to number 134, and the latter jumped 14 places to number 69.

Interestingly, the Saluki dropped considerably in popularity during 2024, moving 21 spots down to number 141. The Black and Tan Coonhound and the Wirehaired Vizsla witnessed significant decreases, too, at 20 spots and 17 spots, respectively.

Cup of Couple

At the same time, some breeds held their ground and maintained their 2023 popularity positions. Shih Tzus stayed at number 20, and Pomeranians and Boston Terriers continued to clock in at numbers 22 and 23.

Finally, the list's bottom 20 is comprised of rarer breeds, which have the lowest registration numbers in the U.S. The least popular dog in 2024 was the English Foxhound, falling from number 199 to number 201 from 2023 to 2024.

The first and second runners-up to last place go to the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. The former is an Italian herding dog, and the latter is a French scent hound.

What are the top 20 dog breeds for 2024?

Valeria Boltneva

  1. French Bulldog
  2. Labrador Retriever
  3. Golden Retriever
  4. German Shepherd
  5. Poodle
  6. Dachshund
  7. Beagle
  8. Rottweiler
  9. Bulldog
  10. German Shorthaired Pointer
  11. Yorkshire Terrier
  12. Australian Shepherd
  13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  14. Cane Corso
  15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  16. Doberman Pinscher
  17. Boxer
  18. Miniature Schnauzer
  19. Bernese Mountain Dog
  20. Shih Tzu

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In an increasingly digital world, mobile apps change the way we access information, stay connected to friends and family, entertain ourselves, and even manage our mental health and anxiety. Behind every great app is an inspiring fleet of developers who have taken a spark of creativity and turned it into something totally new and useful.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating some of our favorite Black app creators who have been instrumental in revolutionizing their respective industries. These talented women have used their passion for coding and design to create apps that are both innovative and indispensable.

Aurelia Edwards, Founder of Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards has created the ultimate destination for beauty lovers through her app Nailstry. This exclusive marketplace is tailored to help those aspiring to perfect their press-on nails with unique designs from nail art designers across the country. It doesn't stop there; Aurelia also seeks out opportunities that give back and donates a portion of her sales towards programs like Black Girls Code.

Damilola Awofisayo, Founder of TecHacks

Damilola Awofisay is a young leader making waves in driving the tech industry forward. She is using her coding skills to create apps that address issues such as sign language learning and dyslexia support for students, actively cultivating a more inclusive future of digital innovation. Moreover, she's making STEM more accessible for young women through TecHacks, a nonprofit that brings women and nonbinary individuals together virtually in hackathons.

Dayo Akinrinade, Founder of Wisdom

Dayo Akinrinade is empowering people everywhere with Wisdom, an app that connects users to inspiring advice and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through the platform, users can learn from each other on topics ranging from business success to personal wellness in one inclusive setting. Through Wisdom, closed networks are replaced with limitless opportunities for knowledge sharing!

DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV

Deshuna Spencer translated her passion for storytelling and black culture into creating a platform that celebrated the intersection of the two. She launched kweliTV, a streaming app, features 550 titles from 450 global filmmakers. With almost 50,000 users, kweliTV has earned $800,000 in revenue, 60% of which goes directly back into the film community! This is innovation at its finest; disruption through creativity while still giving back to support others who share this same vision.

Janique Edwards, Co-Founder of EatOkra

Janique Edwards, along with her husband Anthony, are connecting foodies to Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences through their app EatOkra. Seamlessly streamlining the discovery process, EatOkra is bridging audiences with over 11,000 black-owned eateries across the country.

Kaya Thomas, Founder of We Read Too

Kaya Thomas is a true inspiration! Combining her passions of reading, coding, and writing, she founded We Read Too, an app that enables young people to explore hundreds of books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters who look like them. Through this innovative idea, Kaya is bringing equity and inclusion to the literary landscape for children across the globe.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder of Irth

Kimberly Seals Allers is an inspiring leader who was driven to make a difference. After her own negative hospital experience, she devoted herself to researching disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. This spurred the creation of Irth, an app designed specifically with these communities in mind so they can have equal access leading up to and beyond their child’s birth.

Simmone Taitt, Founder of Poppy Seed Health

Simmone Taitt is the visionary behind Poppy Seed Health, an incredible app that provides 24/7 on-demand access to midwives, doulas, and nurses for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Driven by her own pregnancy journey, Simmone recognized an opportunity in the tech startup scene to build a community for those embarking on one of life's most beautiful yet challenging journeys: parenthood. The culminating result? A warm digital refuge!

Tanya Van Court, Founder of Goalsetter

Tanya Van Court is the mastermind behind Goalsetter, a personal finance app that has empowered families to help their children realize their financial aspirations. Goalsetter is on an ambitious and compassionate mission. The goal they're setting? Striving for one million Black kids worldwide to open savings accounts!

These are just a few of the creators whose work is transforming industries, connecting communities, and promoting equity within our digital landscape. We hope that they serve as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs who have bright ideas and big dreams. Be sure to support these incredible Black app creators and the amazing work they’re doing!

Spring is here and it's brought the promise of more riveting new books with it! Bookish readers will love getting lost in our most-anticipated recommendations by authors Sarah Damoff, Allison Raskin, and more! We know how much you love rom-coms, but we've also included mystery, romantasy, and self-improvement titles to give you a range of TBR picks to choose from.

Scroll to find the best swoon-worthy rom-coms, nail-biting mysteries, and helpful self-improvement books debuting in April!

The Best Fiction Books Debuting In April 

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All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett (April 1, 2025)

Anna's perception of London was molded thanks to days spent reading books about it at the public library. She's always wanted to go there and finally gets her chance once she graduates from college. However, she's taken aback when she sees how "dull" it looks. Just when she's ready to accept that her life will never bear any excitement, Anna secures a job as a tutor for the Wilders daughter. All of a sudden, she finds herself partying and living a life of luxury in Saint-Tropez.

Somewhere along the way, she encounters two appealing men who ignite the fire of different parts of her. But, there's no telling how long Anna will be able to keep up with the new life she's been temporarily afforded.

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The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (April 8, 2025)

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were once the the greatest pop stars ever. Known to the public as The Griffin Sisters, their hits coupled with public appearances made them ultra popular. However, their personalities have always been different and it's part of what eventually drove them apart.
Between Zoe being a mom and Cassie living an obscured life, the only person who seems to have an idea of what happened to their careers is Zoe's daughter Cherry. But the only way the past can be healed is if everyone's willing to confront it and reconcile the lives they currently live.

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Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8, 2025)

Nikki's been caught in the middle of a strange feud between her mom and grandmother, so she's shocked when the latter wants her to visit. Before long, Nikki arrives in North Carolina and hopes to discover what happened to the women she loves. Instead, her grandmother begins to tell her about a forgotten kingdom that her great-great-great grandmother Luella was queen of. Adding to Nikki's astonishment is the revelation that her grandmother is telling the truth based on the artifacts the young woman finds hidden in the hills.
Sadly, there are people who are threatening to completely erase the Kingdom of Happy Land's history which leaves Nikki in charge of saving it.

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A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper (April 8, 2025)

Jessamine Bricker is a planner who knows how to make situations flow effortlessly. It's why she's successful at proposal plannings. However, she decides to help a former classmate named Diana and her boyfriend Trenton Tillard, IV to continue affording her office. She'd rather not, but she doesn't want to be pushed out of the space she's in. It's how Jessamine finds herself being a reluctant guest during Diana's pre-wedding trip.

Beginning with day one, one thing after the other goes wrong and it leaves Jessamine wondering why she agreed to help Diana and Trenton. But the scariest thing involves a murder that seeks to destroy everything and everyone...maybe even Jessamine.

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The Eightsby Joanna Miller (April 15, 2025)

In 1920, four young women are allowed to study at the prestigious and exclusive Oxford University. Their arrival is immediately balked at because women weren't traditionally allowed to attend before, but that doesn't completely deter Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto. For them, being on campus is fueled by individual desires that are revealed over time.
As their time on campus ebbs and flows, these young women will discover a tenacity they never knew they had. Not only that, but they'll also forge an incredible sisterhood that gets them through the toughest times of their lives.

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To Have and Have More by Sanibel (April 15, 2025)

Emery Hooper and Lilah Chang may be Asian students who attend Derrymore Academy, but that's where their similarities end. While the adopted Emery has perfectly assimilated into the culture around her, she finds Lilah to be a cringey representation of Asians. She's also unsure why Lilah is working so hard to be her friend.
But over time, Emery begins to see how much she's subject to covert racism despite being wealthy. It's what eventually unites her and Lilah because they begin to see how much some things can't save you from harmful rhetoric that's ingrained in society.

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The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (April 22, 2025)

Ryan and Lillian Bright may have built their marriage on love, but their secrets eventually tear them apart. It's something their daughter Georgette witnesses, causing her to back away from their once close-knit family. But even her plans are changed when Lillian's secret son appears. This forces Georgette to learn more about her family so she's able to see if love can save everyone.

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The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

Margaret Ryan starts off living a life that every woman dreams of in the 1960s. She has it all — the cushy husband, kids, and comfortable life — and it seems like she's content. However, a perceptive person would be able to pinpoint how unfulfilled she is. It's something she wasn't willing to admit until her new neighbor Charlotte Gustafson moved to Concordia.

Charlotte's mysterious and intriguing, prompting Margaret to start her own book clubwith two other women. Soon, she, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv begin meeting to dissect The Feminine Mystique. It's a classic book that begins making them question their suburban lives which opens them up to even more books that help them challenge the status quo.

Though they didn't anticipate this, these four women's friendship becomes a sturdy foundation during the most pivotal year of their lives.

The Best Romance Books Debuting In April 

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Save the Date by Allison Raskin (April 8, 2025)

Couples therapist Emma Moskowitz's life is left in shambles when the abrupt end of her engagement upends her wedding, career, and book plans. As far as her audience knows, she's skilled at matters of the heart so she feels like she's letting everyone down when she comes up short in the romance department.
Unwilling to give up her wedding date, Emma concocts an intriguing plan to find someone who's willing to marry her in the next 6 months. Call it desperate, but sharing her plans online garners a ton of attention that leaves her torn between a podcast produced named Will and the divorced Matt. But, you can't possibly find love that'll stand the test of time in such a short amount of time...right

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That's What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher (April 15, 2025)

Are you really best friends if your personalities don't differ a little bit? For Serena and Beth, it's amazing they've been able to find things in common because their outlooks aren't similar. Whereas Beth seems to be a walking shell of a person, Serena brazenly lives a full life. But some things just make sense and that sums up their friendship.
One day, Beth makes a shocking revelation that delights Serena because she's been waiting for her friend's sexual desires to be awakened. The latter gets to work helping Beth get comfortable with what she wants and it seems like things are headed in the right direction. But an old crush and a FWB situation confuses both women, leading them to wonder if their friendship will survive.

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Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson are two writers who've been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Nestled away on Little Crescent Island is someone who says they're the great Margaret Ives and she wants to give them a shot at writing her biography. The catch is that only one will win the coveted spot which pits Alice and Hayden against each other.

Both are convinced they have what it takes to win Margaret over, but they soon realize she's sharing different information with them. There's also the realization she's seemingly leaving parts of her story out. But the most tragic part of this little "experiment" is how much electric energy sizzles between them whenever they're around each other.

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Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (April 29, 2025)

Ofosua Addo thinks she's found the love of her life when she and Cole Drake kiss for the first time, but there's two problems. One, she's an heiress to a vast empire and two, she's supposed to marry someone else her mother approves of. Being a good daughter means forging ahead with her wedding, but it comes crashing down in flames.
On her path to self-love and discovery, Ofosua and Cole cross paths again. This time, they'll have to remember why they fell for each other and if their love can cancel out tradition's strict protocol.

Amazon

Seeing Redby Bailey Hannah (April 29, 2025)

Cassidy Bowman is so serious about being a "good girl" that she has boundaries in place for herself. From refusing to date anyone in Wells Ranch to avoiding flings with strangers, she's been able to adhere to her rules. But a steamy run-in with her ex Chase "Red" Thompson raises the stakes for both of them.

Despite an agreement that they'll only have one fun romp in the sack, an unexpected pregnancy forces them to contend with their choice. For different reasons, their reputations are on the line which forces them to come to terms with the reality of becoming parents. So, Cassidy and Chase decide to be platonic co-parents...except their magnetism keeps pulling them together.

The Best Horror, Mystery & Thriller Books Debuting In April 

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Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley (April 1, 2025)

Jimmy Baker used to be a famed hockey player, but his career ended when he made a drastic decision. Since then, he's been a Zamboni driver who doesn't make waves in Bitterfrost, Michigan. It's not the life he wanted, but he has no other choice but to atone for his mistake. His days are mostly eventful until he's suddenly accused of a double murder he doesn't remember committing.

With the odds stacked against him, Jimmy will have to figure out what happened and if he's as violent as everyone says he is.

Amazon

Follow Me by Elizabeth Rose Quinn (April 1, 2025)

Adrienne Shaw is positive something foul happened to her twin sister Chiara when the latter vanishes during an influencer trip. Never mind the fact Adrienne never understood her sister's obsession with building a social media presence. It doesn't mean something bad should've happened.

Fed up with everyone's lack of a motive, Adrienne decides to visit the same retreat her sister went to because she's sure she'll find answers to her many questions. For a few days, Adrienne finds herself surrounded by toxic positivity and eyes that tell a different story than smiles do.

Amazon

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh (April 8, 2025)

Claire and Aaron Litvak's worlds come to a halt when they learn their daughter Lindsey's been hurt in China. Not only is she in critical condition, but the unlucky parents begin realizing her life in Shangai might not have been as linear as they thought. The only person who may have an idea of what happened is Lindsey's adopted sister Grace, but can Claire and Aaron piece together the truth before it's too late?

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The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan (April 8, 2025)

The Merrick siblings are used to beautiful California summers because they know they're guaranteed to have fun with their parents. However, a secret picture taken of them begins circulating and it puts them in danger. Years later, the patriarch of the Merrick family is being honored when a nosy journalist finds them and begins poking around their past.
The siblings will have to decide if they're ready to deal with the truth or if they're going to continue burying things like they've always done.

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Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan (April 15, 2025)

The Evans women are solely responsible for making sure the dead are truly resting in Texas, but things don't always go as planned. For example, Lenore and her granddaughter Luna have to contend with two women in their family who aren't quite ready to go yet — Grace and Ducey. Rattled by this situation, Lenore and Luna team up with the new sheriff to stop victims' lives from being claimed. But they'll unearth even more secrets that are deadlier than the undead's decision to walk about.

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Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15, 2025)

Instead of using her intelligence to better the world, Ruth makes her money as a robber who targets banks. In a just a few years, she's managed to steal over $250 million thanks to her cyber smarts. But her clever plan is halted when she triggers an alarm that puts her in danger.
Now considered a high-level threat who could possibly help a government agency, Ruth tries to evade the agents on her trail who don't care how they capture her. It's clear their obsession with her borders other feelings, but Ruth isn't waiting to find out what they are.

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Coram House by Bailey Seybolt (April 15, 2025)

Young orphan Tommy's disappearance from Coram House in the late 1960s became an unsolved mystery that's haunted Lake Champlain ever since. It's the very case that's could restore true crime journalist Alex Kelley's career, so she jumps at the chance to lend her skills to a book about the orphanage Tommy once lived at. However, the stories surrounding him are complicated. Plus, Alex gets more than she bargained for when she stumbles across a dead woman's body floating in the lake.
She's convinced there's a connection between this and Tommy's case, but officer Russell Parker doesn't take her seriously. But he'll have to because more people are dying and Alex could be next.

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The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (April 29, 2025)

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is supposed to be figuring out why ships keep wrecking in Positano, but she's also curious about what her father saw the last time he dived into the beautiful water. As soon as she arrives in town, strange things begin occurring that she has no explanation for.
The more she digs into her investigation, the more she unearths the chance of something magical at work. Despite one woman's desire to save the people she loves, she could've possibly cursed the Amalfi Curse and it's up to Haven to stop it before everything's ruined.

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A Campus on Fire by Patrick O'Dowd (April 29, 2025)

Student journalist Tess Azar wants to know why someone was killed in the writing program she's been lucky to be admitted to. As she investigates, she learns that something amiss is going on and it may involve a cult. There's also a growing right-wing group of students that are threatening to create more hysteria.

The Best Fantasy & Romantasy Books Debuting In April

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The Never List by Jade Presley (April 8, 2025)

The kingdom of Lumathyst may be destroyed soon unless the four immortal god-princes can secure their mate. Unfortunately, none of the women who have come before them have been suitable and they're running out of time. The issue is that the woman they choose will need to become immortal like them, but the process is brutal and doesn't guarantee survival. But Rylee Gray may be their saving grace if they don't uncover what she's hiding.

Amazon

The Raven Scholarby Antonia Hodgson (April 15, 2025)

Orrun has been peaceful ever since Bersun the Brusque ruled over it, but it's time for someone else to ascend the throne. So, everyone who considers themselves worthy begins to compete for the #1 spot because they think they have what it takes. But an untimely murder leaves High Scholar Neema Kraa scrambling to discover the murderer. What she doesn't know is that there are forces who are more than willing to help her and keep her out of harm's way at all costs.

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Awakenedby A.E. Osworth (April 29, 2025)

Wilder awakes to the realization they're able to decipher all languages. Dealing with confusion, they find safe haven with other witches who have also "awakened" to their hidden abilities. There's:
  • Quibble, a portal traveler
  • Artemis, a caretaker and seer
  • Mary Margaret, a powerful telekinetic individual
As soon as Wilder gets comfortable, something evil in the form of AI threatens everything they and their coven's come to know. Before long, their group has to contend with how much is too much when it comes to magic and artificial intelligence.

The Best Parenting Books Debuting In April

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Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthoodby Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood (April 1, 2025)

Autors Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood have on thing in common: they're parents of children who have autism. This has united them in more ways than one, leading them to write Autism Out Loud with the goal of sharing their firsthand insights. Readers will learn about everything from the diagnosis process to what it looks like to raise a child who has autism.

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Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood by Erin Morrison (April 8, 2025)

Sometimes moms need a reminder they can have a few minutes to themselves which is why Erin Morrison's compiled Three Minutes for Mom. Each day will feature an opportunity to look at strengths and areas of growth, but readers will also discover boundless encouragement for one of the toughest jobs in the world.

The Best Self-Improvement Books & Inspirational Books Debuting In April 

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Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedomby Morgan DeBaun (April 1, 2025)

Blavity's founder Morgan DeBaun is here to share her success secrets with you. She built a powerful platform that aims to empower the Black community and knows that it helps to abide by certain principles that'll help propel you towards the career you want to have. Whether it's challenging certain rules or encouraging you to think outside of the box, readers will learn how to live the lives they want.
Be sure to visit Rewrite Your Rules for a robust look at how you can be living your best life!

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A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Dr. Morgan Cutlip (April 8, 2025)

This one's for all the couples who are still dealing with burnout. Dr. Morgan Cutlip knows there's no such thing as 50/50 in relationships, but that doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. In A Better Share, Dr. Cutlip explores things that affect partners like the mental and emotional load of everyday life. There's also great insight about how libidos are impact when people feel things aren't balanced or "fair." So, buckle up and get ready to transform your relationship.

Amazon

How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously by Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo (April 15, 2025)

Featured in our best podcasts article, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo are back with their first book How to Giggle. Instead of listening to them, readers will have a written account of how these two friends navigate life. From awkward moments to realizing men don't have to be the center of everything, you'll get a kick out of the joyous way they tackle real moments.

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Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Livesby Jessica Zucker, PhD (April 22, 2025)

After writing the groundbreaking I Had a Miscarriage,Jessica Zucker decided to take things a step further to expound on the many ways girls and women are taught to carry shame. Whether it's navigating body image, sexual harm, or menopause, certain topics are still considered taboo. But in Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives, Zucker's saying the quiet parts out loud.

Without missing a beat, she explains the many ways shame can show up in young girls and women's lives while also sharing helpful insight about how to explore a liberated life. It's empowering no matter what season of life you're in and one that I absolutely recommend!

The Best Cookbooks Debuting In April

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A Feast of Thorns and Rosesby Chelsea Cole (April 1, 2025)

Can't get enough of ACOTAR? Now you'll get a chance to cook meals inspired by the famous BookTok series! You'll find over 50 recipes that the creatures of Prythian eat (aside from carnivorous moments), that'll make you feel like you have a seat at one of the High Lord's table. Better yet, you'll become a pro at cooking meals that would make them pay you a visit!

Amazon

Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impressby Alix Traeger (April 22, 2025)

Alix Traeger doesn't expect you to be 5-star chef because life's too short for that. However, she does know you're interested in cooking meals that impress your family and friends. Inside of Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress are recipes that even the most hazard-prone cook will find easy to follow. From girl dinner-esque appetizers to evening meals, anyone can have fun with Alix's cookbook!

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This post has been updated.

Many fans believe that Mike White, the mastermind behind the dark comedy-drama The White Lotus, is a genius. He created the gripping TV series, which follows privileged guests as they visit a new luxurious resort location each season and wind up caught in shocking (or even deadly) antics as their picture-perfect lives begin to unravel.

Season 3 is currently underway, but while seven episodes have been released thus far, it remains to be seen what characters will perish by the finale. Plenty of viewers have taken to social media to share their own theories, but some fans are calling attention to possible "Easter eggs," or hidden secret references, that have been right under our noses the whole time.

We're talking about the different books that numerous characters, from Victoria Ratliff to Chelsea and even Laurie, have been reading in the show. Perhaps the plots of each title are telling clues about their fates.

Scroll to see which books The White Lotusseason 3 characters are reading — and what that could mean!

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Victoria Ratliff

We simply must begin with Victoria, played by Parker Posey, who couldn't have picked a more fitting book to read: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The 1922 novel tells the story of a privileged couple named Patch and Gloria who revel in their extravagant 1920s New York lifestyle. However, as their fortune begins to fade, they struggle to adapt, and Patch is led down a path of depression and alcoholism.

In Season 3 of The White Lotus, the Ratliffs start as a wealthy Durham, North Carolina, family, but then Timothy finds out that he's facing financial ruin and possible jail time, which begins to undo his character. The parallels are uncanny.

Amazon & HBO

Belinda

As one of the only two returning characters from Season 2, viewers have been on the edge of their seats watching Belinda grapple with the whole Greg/Gary situation. Still, you might not have noticed that her character was reading the self-help book Surrounded by Narcissists: Or, How to Stop Other People's Egos Ruining Your Life by Thomas Erikson.

You can probably gather from the title that it delves into what drives narcissists and how to deal with them. Given Season 3's themes of spirituality, as well as Belinda's moral struggle over what to do about Greg/Gary, some speculate that perhaps her reading choice is foreshadowing a final showdown where she takes control.

HBO & Amazon

Lochlan Ratliff

Compared to his arguably obnoxious brother, Saxon Ratliff, Lochlan Ratliff, played by Sam Nivola, is a more subdued character. Even so, he was actually seen reading Hunger by Knut Hamsun, which has been called one of the most unsettling novels ever written.

This book follows a young man who wanders the world and is subjected to the silent judgment of others. Still, he continues exposing himself to the outside world, and his own thoughts become a form of self-inflicted torment.

The link between Lochlan and Hunger seems pretty straightforward. He and the protagonist are both searching for their identity, and since Lochlan is part of such a chaotic and critical family, it's understandable why he's struggling.

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Laurie

Laurie, played by Carrie Coon, also picked up an extremely appropriate title: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub. It mirrors Laurie's getaway with Jaclyn and Kate, following three lifelong friends as they navigate a summer of change.

In the book, the children of friends Elizabeth, Andrew, and Zoe come of age and entangle themselves in new relationships, which causes long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions to surface.

If Modern Lovers is any indication of what's to come in The White Lotus, it's safe to say that Laurie, Jaclyn, and Kate's bond won't be repaired by the season's end.

HBO & Amazon

Chelsea

Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood, has actually been caught reading two different books this season, including Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron and The Essential Rumi by Jalal Al-Din Rumi.

Both books revolve around themes of spirituality, self-reflection, and inner peace. The former offers self-help advice based on traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings, while the latter is a collection of spiritual short stories.

The real question is, who is Chelsea seeking wisdom for? Is she on her own self-discovery journey, or is she trying to help her boyfriend, Rick? Only time will tell.

Amazon & HBO

Jaclyn Lemon

Last but not least, Jaclyn, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, was spotted reading My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand. In her memoir, Barbra reflects on the defining moments of her career and personal life.

This makes sense because Jaclyn is also an actress who's balancing a high-profile marriage to a fellow actor and confronting the realities of aging in the public eye. Still, it's unclear what My Name Is Barbra is hinting about Jaclyn's fate on The White Lotus, if anything.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.