Most Anticipated Books of 2026
Shelf Reflection’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026
By: Brittany Shields
“Pleasure is found first in anticipation, later in memory.” - Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
It’s the time of year where you get to look to the next year for all kinds of things, including…. BOOKS!
I should probably stop doing these lists because I’m obviously not done reading through the previous year’s list since I always have a bajillion unread books staring me in the face every day. But where’s the fun in that?
As usual, I have done the research for you and compiled a list of books that I am looking forward to next year! It’s the longest list I’ve done yet so I changed the formatting a little and didn’t provide as much detail about each one. As I read, I’ll link my reviews that will provide those.
There are a lot of lists put out about this, so I do look at those, but I like to think my list is a bit broader than the mainstream go-tos. I don’t read only book club books or whatever Reese Witherspoon and Jimmy Fallon tell me to. I’ve found some lesser known authors that I really like so you’ll see some of that.
Of course there will be some big names and there are more thrillers than other genres because I enjoy those the most. But I’ve pulled books in from pretty much all genres except horror. I also don’t read much romance, but I did find some rom-coms that look good.
Most of these authors I for sure stand behind, but to broaden the horizons a little there are also a few new-to-me authors and a couple debut books that intrigued me.
A few other notes:
The second half of the year of new books isn’t always publicized very much so I might have to add more for the end of 2026 once I become aware of them
I came across a few conflicting publishing dates on these so I could have a few wrong or they may be subject to change.
The science fiction and fantasy genres are little tricky for me to gauge what I want to put on my list. I try to avoid devils, witches, intense romance, and LGBTQ stories so it’s pretty hard to determine what new books I want to promote. A lot of new release books in these genres are part of series that I haven’t read yet and I’m not sure if I can realistically start so I try to find standalones if I can, or books from series I’ve already started. If you can vouch for a really good fantasy or science fiction standalone or series feel free to let me know about it.
You should also check out these other book lists and challenges as you prepare for another year of glorious books!
Shelf Reflection’s 2025: Year in Review- soon to come!
Thanks for sharing in my love of reading! I’m looking forward to another year of reading and reviewing and helping others find their next read! I hope you’ll join me :)
If you don’t already, follow me on Goodreads, Storygraph, or Facebook to get my latest reviews and recommendations. There is also a Facebook Group for the Reading Challenge where you can share with others what you’ve selected for the prompts and how you liked it. I’m trying to build a community around it and would love to have you there.
January Releases
Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Joshua: Every Good Promise Fulfilled by Jen Wilkin
I love Jen Wilkin’s books and studies- they are theologically rich, easy to understand, and help you learn how to study the Bible. This is a 10 week study about how God fulfills his promises.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: January 6, 2026
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
I really enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me (and watched the film adaptation) and so I’m excited to read this sequel that starts up five years after the first book. Will Hannah and Owen finally have the chance to be together again?!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: January 13, 2026
The Briars by Sarah Crouch
Goodreads says of this wilderness/murder themed thriller- “Urgent and emotionally complex, The Briars is a captivating literary thriller that marries an exploration of human nature with a plot as thorny and twisted as the brambles for which it is named.”
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
This is a debut book so I don’t have any knowledge about this author. I’m not always a fan of family dysfunction but I was curious where the author was going to land by the end of it. Goodreads says it’s a “novel of quick-witted observation and surprising tenderness… a family saga for the twenty-first century, all held together with crazy glue.”
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Science
Release Date: January 13, 2026
99 Ways to Die (and How to Avoid Them) by Ashely Alker, MD
When I was younger I watched a show about various terrible ways to die (why??) and so I was intrigued by this “darkly funny” guide to avoiding terrible deaths. Considering my imagination this book could be super helpful and assuring or a dangerous mind trap. There’s only one way to find out— plus she’s a doctor, so….
Genre: Non-Fiction
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Post Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality by Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer
I really liked Shenvi’s book— Critical Dilemma— and so when I saw this I really wanted to read it. The Goodreads blurb says this book will offer a “level-headed approach to engaging [woke ideas] with logic, grace, and truth.” I know ‘woke’ is a buzzword for many, but I’m interested to see what practical guidance they have for real world, everyday engagement with people who disagree on these things.
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Release Date: January 20, 2026
A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James
A couple years ago I read her book The Book of Cold Cases and actually enjoyed it. I’m not usually into supernatural type of thrillers but I found it to be the right amount of spooky. I’m hoping for that same level with this one. Goodreads says: “Siblings return to the house they fled eighteen years before, called back by the ghost of their long-missing brother and his haunting request to come home.”
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Science
Release Date: January 20, 2026
The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao
I really enjoyed SSY’s book Water Moon this past year. I found it to be both dark and whimsical. It looks like this one has a similar vibe with a magical train that comes to lost souls. From the creative and whimsical train car settings to the darkness and danger, this one is sure to be an escape.
Genre: Thriller/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: January 20, 2026
The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano
This is a debut book about a woman with “a high-powered Wall Street career" that is in danger of losing it all when a friend reveals a secret that may connect the crumbling of her personal life to the investment world. It’s a “high stakes women’s domestic suspense with workplace secrets” for people who enjoy Laura Dave. I’m ready for it!
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Magical Realism
Release Date: January 20, 2026
The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus
The historical fiction/magical realism combination for this debut novel set in 1800 is very intriguing to me. “In this enchanting, adventurous novel, a band of seafaring smugglers land on the Cornish coast, where a young widow with a mysterious past becomes entangled in their schemes.” The early reviews are raving about it so it seems promising.
Genre: Legal Thriller
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni
I’ve already read the first two books in the Keera Duggan series and have enjoyed the courtroom drama and strategy, and suspense. If you like legal thrillers, definitely give this series a shot. Keera and her dad are a lawyer team and in this particular book Goodreads says “To save a client accused of murder, defense attorney Keera Duggan must fight a complex web of corruption in a riveting novel of suspense.”
Genre: Christian Living/ Apologetics
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Beauty Speaks: Christianity’s Forgotten Apologetic by Bryan Baise
This feels similar to Gavin Ortlund’s book Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t because he also talks about beauty. In Baise’s book he “explains a brief theology of beauty, explores how beauty discloses its presence, and highlights potential roadblocks to recognizing beauty in our world today―technology, a lack of play, and an inability to see the relationship between beauty and morality.” I am not familiar with this author but am interested to see where he goes with this topic.
February Releases
Genre: Fiction/ Romance
Release Date: February 3, 2026
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
This one is giving P.S. I Love You vibes. Tilly’s fiance died five months ago, but this year on her birthday she received 12 books from a local bookshop from him— one for each month “to help her turn the page on her first year without him.” This one is probably going to make me cry…
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
So I’ve only read one Mary Kubica book and it was The Good Girl and I only gave it two stars because I was underwhelmed. It’s been 5 years, I’m willing to give her another shot; I know a lot of people like her books. Goodreads says of this book: “Two families vacationing at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime and mysterious disappearance in this twisty, unputdownable thriller”
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Fantasy
Release Date: February 17, 2026
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
The other Kate Quinn books I’ve read were straight up historical fiction so it will be interesting to see how she handles the fantasy/magical realism of this one. This one feels similar to Meg Shaffer’s new book (April) so we’ll see how they compare. The Astral Library is a hidden library where people can escape into books and faraway lands. It appears the conflict of this book is within the pages of this library.
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Saved to Sin No More: How Union with Christ Empowers a Life of Holiness by Brad Wetherell
I’ve read a couple books by Brad Wetherell’s wife, Kristen. What captured my attention with this book is the question I’ve wondered regarding fighting sin. We have the Holy Spirit to fight against sin but how much victory over sin can we expect to see in this life? I believe this book touches on that. Fighting against the same sin can be exhausting so hopefully this book offers relief and confidence in that battle.
March Releases
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: March 3, 2026
You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate
My first encounter with Christina Applegate (that I’m aware of) was on the show Up All Night that she did with Will Arnett that I thought was really funny. I didn’t know about her MS diagnosis (2024) so I’m curious to hear her story. Goodreads says it’s a “raw and darkly funny memoir that illuminates the life of a childhood star, turned iconic comedic actress, turned tenacious example of how to find the beauty in our messy lives.”
Genre: Romance
Release Date: March 3, 2026
Just Friends by Haley Pham
My family followed Ryan Trahan’s Airbnb adventures this past summer with his wife and this debut book is written by his wife, Haley, who, I understand, has a popular Booktok account (I’m not on there). I don’t gravitate towards romance but now that I hung out with them all summer via YouTube, I had to check it out! Goodreads says: “Told in dual timelines that unravel the magic and pain of first love, it’s a moving, romantic story about second chances, the weight of dreams, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home.”
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Release Date: March 3, 2026
The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg
I have enjoyed Charlie Holmberg’s fantasy books because she is very creative with her magic and world-building. This is a second book in a series that I haven’t read yet so I’ll have to read the other book first. In this book: “Nym must escape the clutches of her captors and find her way back to Renn even as forbidden love, magic, and secrets collide with the weight of the crown and the war between kingdoms.”
Genre: Thriller/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: March 10, 2026
The Liar’s Treasure by Connie Mann
I very much enjoyed the first book— The Crown Conspiracy— and thought it read like a movie with non-stop action, art forgery, heists, treasure hunts, chase scenes, corruption, etc. I’m very excited to see what the band of characters is up to in this next installment about a mysterious diary and another high-stakes treasure hunt.
Genre: Thriller/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: March 10, 2026
This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
This is another debut novel. Critics call it “a heart-pounding thriller and a heart-melting romance”. It’s a story about a couple of podcasters who discuss near-death survival stories when one of them disappears and the other one, now a prime suspect, must find out what happened. Early reviews are pretty positive on this one!
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
I read the other three books in this series and quite enjoyed the ‘Golden Age’ type mystery schtick. The narrator is funny and clever and the writing voice has been consistent across books.
We’ve already had a book about his family being murderers, a locked train situation, and a Christmas advent themed murder and now we have a bank heist hostage situation!
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Gothic
Release Date: March 17, 2026
Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee
I enjoyed Stacey Lee’s book Kill Her Twice— which was a murder mystery set in LA in the 30s that mixed mystery, Chinese culture, family dynamics, and an Old Time Hollywood setting. I was interested in reading more of her books and saw this one coming out.
Heiress of Nowhere looks to be a completely different type of setting with new themes. I’m not sure what to expect but looking forward to checking it out!
Genre: Theology
Release Date: March 31, 2026
The Hope of the Resurrection: How Jesus’s Defeat of Death Changes Everything by Patrick Schreiner
I have heard that people aren’t really asking if Christianity is true anymore, they’re asking: is it good?
Ortlund covers this in his fantastic book Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t. Patrick Schreiner (NT scholar) dials this question down to the resurrection in this book— explaining the history, apologetics, theology, and ethics of the resurrection and showing how Jesus’ resurrection is true, good, and beautiful today.
If you’ve been wondering how Christianity is good or good for you, this is for you.
April Releases
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Gothic/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: April 7, 2026
The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jamie Jo Wright
My first Jamie Jo Wright book was Night Falls on Predicament Avenue and I knew it wouldn’t be my last. Wright’s niche is a mix of historical fiction with supernatural hauntings or mysteries. In this gorgeously covered book, the setting is 1900s and present day revolving around a mansion with 99 doors and a rumored 100th that’s a dangerous portal.
Genre: Fantasy/ Romance
Release Date: April 7, 2026
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
I still have The Wishing Game on my list to read so I technically haven’t read anything by this author yet, but I just think I’m going to really like it.
The plot of this one: “Rainy March is a proud third-generation book witch, sworn to defend works of fiction from all foes real and imaginary. With her magical umbrella she jumps into and out of novels to fix malicious alterations and rogue heroes.” Of course she falls in love with one of the fictional book characters who she then needs to help her solve her grandfather’s disappearance.
Early reviews call this one imaginative and heartfelt!
Genre: Fantasy/ Thriller
Release Date: April 7, 2026
The Verdant Cage by Jess Lourey
I’ve read two of Lourey’s Steinbeck and Reed thrillers and really liked them. They were suspenseful, a little creepy, and more layered than I expected.
The Verdant Cage is a different genre with a different audience and I’m excited to see what she does with it. It’s marketed for fans of The Maze Runner (which I really liked) and I can see why: “For as long as Rose can remember, the towering stone Wall surrounding Noah’s Valley has protected her people. No one leaves. No one fights. And no one questions why.” Until her mother is murdered and her twin brother is condemned. And she realizes “the wall isn’t just keeping something out. It’s keeping something in.”
Genre: YA/ Mystery
Release Date: April 7, 2026
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss
I really enjoyed Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles and when I saw she had a new book coming out, I had to see what it was all about.
“Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set. Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms.”
Turns out the new season is all about finding the killer. Considering my love of escape rooms and mysteries, I have to read this one.
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: April 7, 2026
The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke
This is an interesting book because it’s considered a debut but the pen name is actually V.E. Schwab (Invisible Life of Addie LaRue) and Cat Clarke (whom I do not know).
I wasn’t as impressed by Addie LaRue as I was expecting to be (review linked above) but I’m a sucker for a locked room mystery and interested in the publishing industry so I figured I better give this one a shot!
“Six authors. One private island. Seventy-two hours to write the ending that will change their lives… Starting is often the hardest part. But getting to the end could be murder.”
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: April 9, 2026
Hope Rises by David Baldacci
This is the sequel to Nash Falls, a new series by the great David Baldacci. I had an ARC of Nash Falls but hadn’t gotten to it yet. I think I’m just assuming it’s going to be awesome because I’ve liked pretty much any Baldacci book.
Hope Rises does not have a unique plot— man with nothing to lose and lethal skills seeks revenge— but it’s a plot I’m usually entertained by.
And of course… things aren’t always what they seem…
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: April 21, 2026
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
I’ve enjoyed several of Sally Hepworth’s books and she’s become somewhat of an auto-read for me.
I’m not entirely sure what to expect because the summary doesn’t give a whole lot, but I think everyone loves a sneaky and unsuspecting old lady (at least in a novel):
“Few would suspect that Elsie has a past she's worked exceedingly hard at concealing—because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.”
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: April 26, 2026
The Language of Liars by S.L. Huang
It’s always hard for me to determine what science fiction to try. I tend to be surprised with what I find and like more than I think I will.
This one stuck out to me because it’s about “linguistics and consequences.” I’ve read other books on the power of language and it looks like this book explores how language and understanding others shapes culture and life in a variety of ways.
In The Language of Liars the MC is a spy, infiltrating the enemy (a Star Eater) and learning their language.
“To understand is to become. It never occurs to him that the mere act of understanding can destroy.”
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: April 28, 2026
The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch
I’ve read two of Jessica Patch’s books and they were bussin’. (No, I don’t say that word in my normal life…)
From what I’ve read of Patch, she’s not afraid to write books that deal with evil but she always brings light to the darkness and offers redemption in some way. They are very suspenseful with twists and surprises.
The Girl Upstairs might have a more supernatural vibe than the others I’ve read with a house of horrors set in Maine, but looks like there will still be a mystery to unravel.
Very excited for this one!
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: April 28, 2026
To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times by Alan Noble
Alan Noble wrote a really good book called On Getting Out of Bed that talks about depression and ‘the burden of living’ in a very transparent, honest, but hope-filled way. I would guess he’d bring the same things to this book.
This is a not a ten step plan to fix all your woes but offers hope and help in living faithful in a world that sends us contradicting messages on how to live a meaningful life.
“If you've ever longed for something solid in a world that just wants to sell you more temporary stuff, To Live Well is a good place to begin.”
May Releases
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
I am not a fan of all the f-words that tend to spread through the Gillian McAllister’s books I’ve read, but when I can get past them, I do really enjoy her thrillers. She combines suspense with relatable emotions/fears of being a mother and wife.
In Caller Unknown Simone and her daughter visit Texas to spend time together but while there her daughter disappears and she gets a ransom call. But they don’t want money, they want Simone to do something unthinkable.
A book with a moral dilemma that asks the question- what would you do for your child?
Genre: Rom-Com
Release Date: May 5, 2026
A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham
Basham’s rom-com Some Like It Scot was more first foray into Basham’s books. There was a lot to like about it and when I’m in the mood for a sweet, funny romance, her newest will be a book I’ll pick up.
Instead of Scotland, A Brewed Awakening is set in a mountain town in North Carolina. It’s an enemies to lovers, tea shop vs pub owner situation. I believe you’ll find charming romance, witty banter, and hints of faith or deeper themes that run through it.
Note: this is clean romance, so if you’re looking for smut, this won’t be it.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: May 5, 2026
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Kathryn Stockett hit it big with her novel The Help. She is now coming out with her second book- The Calamity Club.
It’s set in 1933 in Oxford, Mississippi sandwiched between Prohibition and the Depression. A sisterhood of women with a plan to take back control of their lives.
“It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer— an epic testament to resilience, friendship, and the fierce, funny women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings.”
Considering how well her first novel did, I’m guessing she’s feeling a lot of pressure with this one, but it sounds like another winner.
Genre: Nonfiction/ Psychology
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better by David Epstein
David Epstein (unfortunate last name… no relation) is a journalist known for his book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. He has written a new book subtitled: How constraints make us better.
I don’t know anything about David Epstein but this book has Malcolm Gladwell vibes. Who knew that “limits are the key to stimulating creativity, innovation, and collaboration”? I actually am intrigued by this line of thought because I’ve noticed how paralyzing infinite choice can be.
I think this book is going to have a lot of takeaways!
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Release Date: May 12, 2026
You Can Tell Me by Melinda Leigh
Melinda Leigh has written like over 40 books so I’m probably the only one that’s never read one of hers but here I am, considering her work for the first time! Somehow her books just haven’t crossed my path.
I saw this one coming out; it’s the first in a series about a character— Olivia Cruz— who is a true crime writer and podcaster. Sounds a little similar to This Story Could Save Your Life (above) in that one of the podcasters goes missing and the other one must find out what secrets they were hiding without being the next target.
For fans of Leigh, it sounds like Olivia was the victim in a different series she wrote and is now getting her own spinoff.
If I’m in the mood for an action-packed crime procedural, I’ll be picking this one up!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: May 12, 2026
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
I’ve a few books by Alex Finlay and there is sometimes some content I’m not a fan of, but he does write a thrilling tale.
I don’t know why this book isn’t releasing on May 1 because the whole plot revolves around that day— the May Day Killer— and the two teens bonded by the trauma from the same night they revisit every year.
Goodreads says- “The Anniversary is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt—and heartrending—novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in.”
Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian/Romance
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth
Veronica Roth wrote the Divergent series (which I thoroughly enjoyed… DAUNTLESS!.. just kidding I’m probably erudite or candor… anyways…) and is now out with a new book that looks like it might be a series.
Elegy is a soldier happily defending her country until she is told of a prophecy where she will clash with a general and only one will survive. She’s also told who she’s going to fall in love with (obvs) so this one is bound to have romance and danger and fighting and heroism and all the things!
One early reviewer said it was like eating chocolate cake so there’s that…
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Romance/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle
This is a new to me author that I’m excited to try. I haven’t read anything set in Rome since Francine River’s Voice in the Wind trilogy (which was fantastic btw) and I’m anxious to head back to that time period.
Goodreads says- “a young woman imprisoned in a Roman gladiator school becomes a legendary warrior. But when not even her fame is enough, she must fight to save herself and those she loves.”
It weaves together themes of sacrifice, courage, surrender, and faith.
Genre: Rom-Com
Release Date: May 19, 2026
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Katherine Center is apparently a fast-rising rom-com author so I have to try one out. This is her latest!
The setting? A destination wedding on a cruise ship (obviously not marrying a tall man).
Jojo is solving her love problems at her sister’s wedding by making her childhood friend her wingman (he’s male btw) to woo this other guy she’s obsessed with which obviously means this is a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance. Probably no surprises in this one, but you will get:
“the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.” Aw!
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters
This is also a new to me author (most romance-related authors are) so I’m not sure what to expect, but I usually need something besides just romance and this looks like it’s got it: Espionage!
Cybil’s working undercover collecting intel from her boss’s criminal network when what should appear out of nowhere?…. a financial advisor! (that’s my type) who helps people launder money (not my type). Also her first crush.
Secrets, secrets, secrets, anndd out pops love! Supposedly.
“Cybil and Ben must face ruthless criminals, hidden agendas, and the ghosts of their past. Trust is a luxury they can't afford--but love? That just might be their undoing.”
Genre: Fantasy/Magical Realism
Release Date: May 26, 2026
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
Similar to Samantha Sotto Yambao’s The Elsewhere Express (above) we have a magical train that travels to the past and allows people to “re-live moments that meant most” and remember the better versions of themselves.
Haig’s book The Midnight Library was a contemplative fiction novel with It’s a Wonderful Life vibes and I assume this train is going to go in a similar thoughtful- what is life- trajectory.
“For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice. Before he gave it all away.
He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything . . .”
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Give Them Their Flowers by Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer has had many acting roles including on films like The Help, Ma, Hidden Figures, and The Shack and has won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe (among other accolades).
This memoir, titled after a quote from her mother “is a love letter to female friendship. It is a call to follow your personal passions, create community, and persevere.” As she shares her story of becoming an actress and the female friendships along the way, she makes it clear how she has been part of a community where women support women.
As long as this isn’t a man-hating book, I’m looking forward to see how her friendships have been the foundation of her life, even in the public eye.
June Releases
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 2, 2026
A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys
We’ve got another Prohibition era novel. (If you love those, you should also check out A Killing on the Hill from 2025).
A Fortune of Sand is set in Detroit and is about the youngest daughter of a wealthy and powerful automotive magnate. Artsy and impulsive, she secretly applies to and attends an elite art program. But it’s not what she expected and the restrictions put on her is making her question what is true.
“inspired by actual, long-buried historical events, A Fortune of Sand is a haunting mosaic of glamour and grift—a novel about those who vanish, and those who demand to be seen.”
Ruta’s book I Must Betray You was such a compelling work that I knew I wanted to read her again!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Exit Wound by Isabella Maldonado
Maldonado has become an auto-read author for me. Exit Wound is the fourth book in the Veranda Cruz series which I actually haven’t read. I’ve read her Nina Guerrera series and her Daniela Vega series. I might have to go back and check out the Cruz series next.
Veranda Cruz is a detective in Phoenix so these are police procedural thrillers.
Maldonado was a graduate of the FBI academy in Quantico and the first Latina to reach captain status in her police department so she writes her novels from her own personal experience and expertise which is pretty cool.
We don’t have much info on Exit Wound yet but it’s a series to check out!
July Releases
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Romance/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: July 7, 2026
A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell
This is a new-to-me-author. I was drawn to this book by the title and then the description.
Set in the Victorian era, “Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters.”
Her expertise is needed on a case where they are getting information from an inventor where she crosses paths with Charles Noble , an event planner connected to the inventor, and sparks fly (naturally).
Goodreads says this is Little Women meets Inspector Gadget. And that is a very interesting combination I didn’t know I needed to read about until now!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel
Kristin Harmel has written some of my favorite historical fiction books so obviously I’m excited to read her latest— Meet Me in Paris.
This is a novel “about several intertwined stories of love, loss, courage, and redemption set over the course of one magical week in Paris.”
Goodreads says it’s Love Actually meets The Notebook.
It’s interesting that all nine characters are Americans but in Paris. I like the diversity in ages and relationships and am looking forward to see the ways they all connect.
I’m not entirely sure if this is historical fiction, though, because it seems like it takes place in the last decade.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: July 16, 2026
Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena
I have yet to read a Shari Lapena book. I’ve had An Unwanted Guest on my TBR but haven’t gotten to it. But she appears to be a popular thriller author.
Getting Away with Murder is called a “twisty and playfully addictive thriller” and takes place in New York. It’s a different spin on dysfunctional as the couple— Jill and Ted— can no longer afford their luxurious lifestyle and must ‘make’ a wealthy relative meet their demise so they can inherit and solve all their money problems…. “As long as they trust each other. And as long as there are no surprises . . .”
Interested to see how the reader is supposed to view these characters, their dilemma, and their solution.
August Releases
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: August 4, 2026
The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen
I’ve really been enjoying Sarah Pekkanen’s solo authored books!
In The Women in White, “a young divorcee accepts a caretaker job for an elderly widow and is drawn into a decades-old mystery of four college girls who vanished after volunteering for parapsychology experiments.”… also the mystery is elevated because a copycat serial killer has resurrected the experiments.
I’m not just picking this book because one of the characters shares a name with my grandma. I’m intrigued that this was “inspired by the real-life research once conducted at Duke University’s Parapsychology Lab’ and because Pekkanen writes a good, clean, twisty thriller.
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: August 11, 2026
A Thousand Little Goodbyes by Lucy Gilmore
I really loved Lucy Gilmore’s book The Lonely Hearts Book Club and found it to be the good kind of sentimental with a bit of humor and I liked the message about life and friendship.
A Thousand Little Goodbyes appears to be sentimental as well and will probably make you cry. But the good kind. Because it’s the cross-country road trip adventure between two friends, one who will not be here much longer and, in love, is teaching her friend how to live life without her. In a bunch of little ways.
“When it's finally time to say goodbye…do it with your whole heart, and leave behind a love big enough to last a lifetime.”
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: August 18, 2026
In the Killer’s Sight by Mike Omer
I couldn’t find like any information on this book yet and I don’t even know what series is part of, but I am adding it to this list because I have really loved Mike Omer’s books. I’ve read his Abby Mullen series and his standalone Please Tell Me. I still need to read the Zoe Bentley series. This could be part of those or maybe it’s a new series. I will update this as soon as I see more about it!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: August 25, 2026
The Shadow Friends by Tess Gerritsen
Tess Gerritsen is probably best known for her Rizzoli & Isles series which became a TV show as well.
Her newest series is The Martini Club— I’ve read the first book, The Spy Coast, and somehow missed the second one. But here we are at book 3, and once I finish 2, I will be sure to grab this one!
I think it’s the characters that make this one fun— it’s a group of retired spies. But retired does not mean useless. They are a group with five lifetimes’ worth of experience and tricks of the trade that— in The Shadow Friends— they use to investigate a murder and travel to Amsterdam to track one of them who abruptly goes missing.
September Releases
Genre: YA/ Fantasy
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Sunderworld, Volw 2: The Unfortunate Responsibilities of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs
I actually know nothing about this series but I really loved Ransom Rigg’s Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. I saw this one coming out and I decided I will have to check out book one and then get to this one. Considering the creativity and world building of the Peregrine series, I was excited to see what else he came up with.
Book 1 (The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry) introduces our MC- 17-year-old Leopold who discovers Sunderworld. It gives me Stranger Things vibes but in LA and (hopefully) not demonic. Leopold is trying to save Sunderworld in the first book. You’re left on a cliffhanger and then book two is full of more magic and suspense (Goodreads tells me). Should be a wild ride!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: September 8, 2026
The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon
I read Lawhon’s book The Frozen River this year and really enjoyed it! Seems like Ariel Lawhon does a good job with finding unique historical people or events and writing a story around them.
The Pirate Queen is inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley, “an infamous Irish sea captain and folk heroine who risked everything to protect her people against the powerful Elizabethan regime.”
In the 16th century, Grace earned her title of Pirate Queen of Ireland.
Who doesn’t love a good pirate book? Especially when it’s historically inspired!
This one should be interesting.
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Heart of Thieves by Jessica S. Olson
Jessica S. Olson has written some very compelling fantasy books that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I read book one of this series— Den of Liars— this year. Olson has such a creative imagination when it comes to using magic.
This is a series about two cursed brothers with special abilities and the girl that stands between them. The first book blew apart her world a little bit so Heart of Thieves will show us how she is going to respond and take her life back into her own hands.
The romance in this book is somewhat a love triangle a little bit, but more about forbidden and painful love. Not too spicy in book one, but we’ll see what happens in this one.
Genre: Thriller/ Police Procedural
Release Date: September 15, 2026
One Split Second by Robert Dugoni
This is the next installment of the Tracy Crosswhite series which I’ve loved!
I couldn’t find any information on this book yet, but I will for sure be reading it!
Tracy Crosswhite is a great character— she’s a sharpshooter and a detective in the state of Washington. At this point she’s been on cold cases but she is far from just doing a desk job.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: September ?, 2026
Severed by Elle Marr
I enjoyed Elle Marr’s books The Alone Time and The Family Bones. Her books are a little dark and freaky but very compelling.
She just came out with The Lies She Wears and it when that book came out she said to expect another one sometime in 2026.
I will update this when I get more info but as of yet there is no book title or cover to announce. But you can read The Lies She Wears while you wait.
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