These are my most anticipated 2026 book releases, including a few from my favorite go-to authors, including Steven Rowley, Talia Hibbert, Kate Quinn, Katherine Center, and Abby Jimenez. Discover new authors and their books, too!
I don’t like being late to the party – but it happens – so I am already queueing up my list of must-read 2026 new book releases. I’d love to know what books you are looking forward to in the comments. 💜 Christine
Top 2026 Book Releases I Can’t Wait To Read
I could have picked 50+ new books being published this year that I want to read, but these are just a few that sound amazing. Please note that dates are subject to change. I’m also acquiring advanced reader copies for many of these titles to review for you.
The Poet Empress by Shen Tao
Expected Release: January 20, 2026
Genre: Fantasy & Historical Fiction
Summary
Set against a rich historical backdrop, The Poet Empress tells the epic story of a woman navigating power and survival in an angsty political climate. She lives in a world full of hardships and people who silence her. Through poetry and ingenuity, this novel explores how words can be both a refuge and a rebellion.
Why I’m Excited
As the publisher’s summary states, “In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.” The palace is on the edge of a civil war.
Given the current political climate in the U.S., this romantasy sounds highly relevant and inspiring. Plus, you know I love kick-butt women in historical fiction and celebrate the power of words. I grabbed a copy of The Poet Empress on Kindle Unlimited.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, strong feminist narratives, and character-driven stories. Get ready for a theme here…
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
Expected Release: February 10, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary
This novel centers on the lives of mixed-race children of German women and Black American soldiers lost to history, and the women determined to protect them. Through hardship and heartbreak, Keeper of Lost Children explores motherhood and resilience across the lives of three people in the 1950s and ’60s, post-WWII. Check the trigger warnings.
Why I’m Excited
From the author of Yellow Wife and The House of Eve, Keeper of Lost Children promises to shed light on another, lesser-known impact of WWII. I’ve seen many online reviewers noting this will be one of the “best books of 2026,” and I know Sadeqa Johnson produces rich, historically driven stories.
Perfect For
Readers who seek out WWII historical fiction, books about racism, and strong female leads.
Bad Asians by Lillian Li
Expected Release: February 17, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Summary
Bad Asians takes a sharp, funny look at identity, culture, and friendship through the lens of four friends and their Asian American experiences while coming of age.
Why I’m Excited
As a millennial affected by the 2008 recession and growing up during the rise of the internet and social media apps, this story already feels nostalgic, for better and worse. Plus, you know I’m always here for smart/biting friendship fiction that balances humor with social commentary. Bad Asians has received advanced high praise on both The StoryGraph and Goodreads.
Perfect For
Readers and Millennials who covet witty contemporary fiction, diverse voices, and stories with characters trying to make their way in the world.
Kin by Tayari Jones
Expected Release: February 24, 2026
Genre: Literary Fiction
Summary
Kin explores complex family bonds, examining how love, loyalty, and obligation can bring people together but also push them apart. A story about what it means to be a woman in the American South, discover community, friendship, and the people who step in to take care of those abandoned. Check the trigger warnings.
Why I’m Excited
From the author of An American Marriage, this novel sounds excellent for our Uncorked Reading Challenge theme, “found family.” It promises emotional depth, history, and social justice.
Perfect For
Fans of emotionally rich literary fiction, book club reads, and stories centered on family dynamics.
Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Expected Release: March 31, 2026
Genre: Literary Fiction
Summary
In Ruins, an archeologist pursues a lost empire and answers to how humanity started, while discovering who she wants to be.
Why I’m Excited
I have yet to hear hype about this intriguing novel, and I am always in the mood for a book filled with haunting, atmospheric landscapes. I did not read The Light Pirate, but I’m interested in getting to know this award-winning author.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoy introspective literary fiction with science fiction/apocalyptic vibes, slow burns, and a strong setting.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Expected Release: April 7, 2026
Genre: Literary Fiction
Summary
Yesteryear follows a tradwife influencer who suddenly wakes up in the real world that she idealized for her followers.
Why I’m Excited
I love time travel books, and Yesteryear promises social and political commentary, especially about tradwives, social media influencers, privilege, religion, and classism. Like The Poet Empress, this novel is extremely timely with bite. Plus, I can’t help but enjoy reading about detestable characters.
Perfect For
Readers who like satire, political fiction, and cultural commentary.
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Expected Release: May 5, 2026
Genre: Women’s Historical Fiction
Summary
Set during the Great Depression in Oxford, Mississippi, The Calamity Club follows a group of women navigating hardship, friendship, and survival during uncertain times.
Why I’m Excited
2026 is the year of fierce women’s fiction and friendship stories. From the author of The Help, this novel promises grit and heart.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, stories of resilience, and strong female-centered narratives.
Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh
Expected Release: June 8, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Summary
Brighter than Before is a story about starting over, rediscovering yourself, and finding hope after life doesn’t go as planned, including a divorce. With heart and humor, Claire explores what it means to choose joy and find community.
Why I’m Excited
I have an advanced reader copy of Brighter than Before, drawn in by the older protagonist (mid-40s) and the universal question: “What do I really want?” This 2026 book release sounds perfect for those “stuck” and harder moments when life takes us by surprise. New hobbies, journaling, dating life?! Count me in.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoy uplifting contemporary fiction, personal growth stories, and emotional yet hopeful reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Most Anticipated 2026 Book Releases From My Favoite Go-To Authors
These are just a few of the newest books releasing in 2026 by my all-time favorite authors.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
Expected Release: February 17, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary
Alix escapes her hard life by diving into her favorite fantasy novels. Stumbling through a hidden door, she must help the Librarian save the Astral Library – as well as quite possibly save herself.
Why I’m Excited
A book set at the Boston Public Library, featuring a librarian!? Yes, please! I devoured The Rose Code, and I am still behind in reading The Briar Club. Quinn never disappoints with her strong storytelling and spectacular leading ladies. Add in mystery and magic, and I am there.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoyed The Lost Apothecary and The Midnight Library (two of my favorites), and those looking for historical women’s fiction blended with magical realism and fantasy.
I received an advanced reader copy from William Morrow. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Expected Release: March 24, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Summary
Who knew that a simple ride could change the course of your romantic life? When Chris’s best friend drives Larissa home instead of him, she ends up his girlfriend as Chris devastatingly watches from the sidelines.
Why I’m Excited
While I enjoy Abby Jimenez’s Part of Your World series a tad more than Say You’ll Remember Me (The Night We Met will be the second in this series), I already know I’m going to feel and cheer for Chris. This seems like the perfect summer/beach read that’s more than just fluff.
Perfect For
Readers who love emotional, swoony romance and strong chemistry.
Take Me With You By Steven Rowley
Expected Release: May 19, 2026
Genre: LGBTQ+ Contemporary Fiction
Summary
With an age gap and 30 years of marriage behind them, college professor Jesse watches as his husband Norman follows a beam of light into the sky, leaving him behind. Jesse must navigate this new reality.
Why I’m Excited
I just started my advanced reader copy of Rowley’s 2026 book release, Take Me With You. I adored The Guncle and The Celebrants, cementing Rowley as one of my go-to authors for all of the feels paired with belly laughs and misty eyes. Rowley hits what is at our core as humans, transforming even the mundane into something meaningful and powerful.
Perfect For
Readers who enjoy magical realism and emotional contemporary fiction from a gem author.
I received an advanced reader copy from Putnam Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Expected Release: May 19, 2026
Genre: Rom-Com
Summary
It’s “Project Conquest” for Jojo’s sister’s cruise ship destination wedding, and she has her sights set on a newly divorced wedding guest. She recruits former heartbreaker, Cooper, to help, but we all know how this story tends to go…
Why I’m Excited
I always know what to expect from Katherine Center, and I am here for it. Flirting, banter, chemistry – count me in. I most enjoyed Center’s The Love Haters, What You Wish For, and The Bodyguard. Plus, you know I seek out destination wedding novels.
Perfect For
Fans of feel-good romance fiction, character-focused stories, and hopeful reads.
More New Books I Can’t Wait To Read In 2026
- Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (Expected February 17, 2026)
- And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison (Expected February 24, 2026)
- The Name Game by Beth O’Leary (Expected April 7, 2026)
- Whistler by Ann Patchett (Expected June 2, 2026)
- The Last Thorn by Talia Hibbert (Expected July 1, 2026)
- Heartstopper Volume 6 (Expected July 7, 2026)
- The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren (Expected July 14, 2026)
Before You Go: Be Sure To Join Our Reading Challenge
Many of these new books are perfect for our 2026 Uncorked Reading Challenge. Join any time!