April showers bring May flowers, and amazing book mail! I received my April Novel Editions box almost a month ago, and I’m still not over it.

I’ve constantly looked forward to receiving these packages ever since I signed up for this Toronto-based, monthly subscription box. Not only does it include a newly-released novel, it also includes three other amazing items related to each month’s featured story!

April’s theme was “Sweet Spring” and all of the items immediately reminded me of a beautiful spring day.

The novel, A Piece of This World by Christina Baker Kline, was inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s painting, Christina’s World. The story brings the woman in the painting — Christina — to life. Fact and fiction are woven together to create a story that explores family, art, and the creative abilities of imagination.

I haven’t read this book yet (I know!) because I’ve decided to save it for my vacation later this month, when I will be binge-reading on a beach for a week. However, I think the idea behind this novel is incredible. As someone who has studied history and spent a lot of time in museums, I’m always enthralled by depictions of people in paintings. I often ask myself, “Who were they?” and “Why were they so important that they’ve been immortalized on a canvas?” I’d be lying if I said I never came up with creative backstories for people I’ve seen in paintings. A Piece of This World has basically taken one of my favourite art gallery games to the next level. I cannot wait to read it later this month!

The other three items included in this box were: lavender room & linen spray from PachaMamaBodyCare, which smells amazing, a 2 ounce jar of honey from LuLuIsland Honey, which tastes delicious, and three plant markers (thyme, rosemary, and sage). I’ll be using these babies in my herb garden soon enough!

The April box was perfectly curated, just like all of the previous Novel Edition boxes I’ve received. I’ve said it before and I know I will say it again: if you love exploring new books, get yourself a subscription! I’m usually hesitant to try out new genres, but the novels I’ve received have all been fantastic.

This month’s theme is “Leading Ladies” and will feature a historical fiction novel. The first round of boxes is being sent out on May 3, so make sure to order soon!

If anyone is interested in purchasing a subscription to Novel Editions, please feel free to put “Referred by Elizabeth DiCesare” in the “note to sender” section when purchasing.