At Once Upon a Book Club, we live and breathe books—no surprise there! But even outside of our gorgeously wrapped, gift-filled boxes, our team is constantly flipping pages, diving into thrilling mysteries, swooning over new romances, and chasing down dragons (sometimes literally). We thought it would be fun to give you a little peek into our current reads—because we all know that book people love to talk about the books we’re loving right now.

From Regency satire to reimagined murder mysteries, fantastical romances to hauntingly clever ghost stories, here’s what the OUABC team is currently curled up with (spoiler: it’s a fantastic mix!).

 

Logan: The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig 

“It's a historical fiction that has three timelines (1899, 1950s, and 2019) and three very different perspectives. It's so captivating, and I'm having a hard time putting it down!”

If you’re a fan of atmospheric historical fiction and multigenerational secrets, this one’s for you. Spanning three timelines—1899, 1958, and 2019—this novel unravels the mysteries hidden within Sprague Hall, a once-grand Newport mansion. As a reality TV crew moves in to film Mansion Makeover, the past refuses to stay buried, especially when a reclusive heiress imposes strange conditions. With glamorous parties, forbidden love, and dark family secrets, this is historical fiction at its most captivating.

 

Tiffany: The Wayfarer Redemption by Sara Douglass

“I'm really enjoying this one because of its deep, intricate world-building and compelling characters. The story blends classic fantasy elements—like powerful magic, ancient prophecies, and complex political intrigue—with strong personal struggles and emotional depth. Plus, the way Douglass weaves in multiple perspectives and intertwining plotlines keeps the story engaging and unpredictable.”

This epic fantasy dives into a world shaped by ancient prophecies, deep magic, and political intrigue. As strange, terrifying creatures emerge in the North, Axis—an elite warrior and royal outcast—must confront truths about his past and face a gathering storm. With complex characters, intertwining plotlines, and rich world-building, this is a sweeping saga that fantasy lovers will devour.

Teri: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

“It's got Sherlock Holmes and Watson vibes in a dark fantasy world where people can be "augmented" with special abilities. What starts out as a mysterious death case turns into a possible mass murderer trying to weaken the defenses of the city that keep giant monsters out.”

Picture Sherlock Holmes in a dark, magical empire where crime scenes may include spontaneously growing trees and people augmented with eerie abilities. Enter Ana Dolabra, a brilliant and peculiar detective, and her new assistant, Din, whose magically enhanced memory makes him the perfect observer. As they unravel a conspiracy that threatens the Empire, this mystery-fantasy mashup delivers razor-sharp dialogue, compelling clues, and unforgettable characters.

Sydney: Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

“I just started this one, and I already know I'm going to love it. Teri told me to read this one ASAP, and I can definitely see why! The writing style pulls you in immediately, and I can't wait to see where these characters go. The story is richly atmospheric, and I don't want to put it down.”

Reincarnation curses, supernatural enemies, and a ticking clock—what more could you want? Evelyn remembers all her past lives, and in each one, she’s been killed by the same soul. But this life? It’s different. Her sister needs her, and Evelyn’s not ready to die (again). With a rich atmosphere and high emotional stakes, this one has mystery, magic, and a love story that transcends time—literally.

Nicole: Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes

“I love it so far! It's funny and quirky, and it's fun to see the pre-planning and scheming side of all the murder mysteries committed from the lens of someone going to school to learn how to commit a murder without getting caught by a secret society.”

Welcome to the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts—a secret school where students learn to commit the perfect murder (ethically, of course). This clever and satirical thriller takes you deep into a world where murder is just another elective, and graduation means getting away with it. Smart, funny, and deliciously dark, this one is for fans of twisty tales with a wicked sense of humor.

Tristan: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

“I love that in part, this story is a book about books. The conversations about novels in this story are so interesting and entertaining! This is my first time reading this Austen novel, and it easily became my favorite of her works!”

Gothic satire meets literary self-awareness in Jane Austen’s debut novel. Catherine Morland, our young and imaginative heroine, loves books—especially gothic novels—and finds herself swept up in her own dramatic story while vacationing in Bath and visiting a very mysterious abbey. This novel pokes fun at literary tropes while offering a charming coming-of-age tale filled with wit, wisdom, and romance.

Ryan: The Mercenary and the Mortician by Alexandra St. Pierre

“This is an MM dark romance. Ryan is a Mortician that can see ghosts, and Cal is a trained killer who is haunted by all his victims. Even though this is technically a dark romance, this was a very funny and entertaining book. (I definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings before reading!)”

This MM dark romance is as hilarious as it is haunting—literally. Ryan, a mortician who can see ghosts, meets Cal, a mercenary haunted by all his victims. Their meet-cute? A botched assassination attempt. As they team up to rid Cal of his ghost problem, sparks fly, secrets are revealed, and unlikely love blooms amidst all the chaos. Add in dark humor, paranormal flair, and plenty of chemistry, and you’ve got a fast-paced, unique read you won’t forget.

Conclusion

From time-traveling curses to magical murder mysteries, our current reads are as eclectic and imaginative as our book boxes. We may each have our own genres and favorite storytelling styles, but one thing we all agree on? There’s no such thing as too many books.

So, whether you’re into cozy classics or dark fantasy, there’s a little something on this list to inspire your next read. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite book hiding in one of our current reads. And, of course, if you want the full Once Upon a Book Club experience — surprise gifts and all — you know where to find us!

Happy reading, book lovers! 💛📚✨

Check out our blog on April’s new releases! Yes, we know that TBR pile is growing by the day!