Originally published on 12/31/25

Hello, fellow book lovers! As we kick off a new year filled with inspiring new hopes, resolutions and reading goals, Woman’s World editors are also very excited about all the new books releasing in 2026—and we’re thrilled to report it’s looking like a fantastic year for reading. With so many captivating new titles arriving from beloved authors like Emma Straub, Ann Patchett, Maria Semple, Sadeqa Johnson and more, your TBR (to-be-read) list will be overflowing with must-reads!

Here, we narrowed down 15 of our most anticipated books coming out in 2026. Whether you’re craving scorching romance, bookish fantasy, a big-hearted modern family saga or rich historical fiction, there’s something for every type of reading preference. 

Keep scrolling to discover (and pre-order!) these forthcoming new-release books. Happy reading and Happy New Year!

‘Keeper of Lost Children’ by Sadeqa Johnson

Sadeqa Johnson, author of Yellow Wife and The House of Eve, is known for her sweeping historical fiction stories that navigate issues of race, identity and resilience. And she’s at it again in this hopeful, heartfelt, dual-timeline story featuring 3 interconnected characters. Ethel Gathers is a Black American woman living in Germany after WWII struggling with infertility when she stumbles across an orphanage housing mixed-race children. Determined to help them, she and her husband adopt several of the children and Ethel finds homes for many more. As her story unfolds, we meet Ozzie, a Black American soldier stationed in Germany in 1948 who falls in love with a German woman, and American teenager Sophia Clark, who, in 1965, wins a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, where she uncovers her true identity. (Out February 10, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “Wow! What a beautiful, remarkable and heart wrenching story. Told in multiple POVs, and timelines this book will keep you gripped to its pages as the story unfolds. So many different and impactful topics were touched and so many significant pieces of history retold. I fell in love with the characters, was touched by their stories and forever impacted by what transpired in this book.”

‘The Things We Never Say’ by Elizabeth Strout 

Discovering Elizabeth Strout novels is like uncovering a treasure trove of compassionate, life-changing stories filled with lovable characters. From her 2009 Pulitzer Prize–winning bestseller Olive Kitteridge to 2024’s Tell Me Everything, every novel offers a poignant meditation on life, loneliness and love in all forms. Her upcoming book, The Things We Never Say, centers on Artie Dam, who is living a double life. The history teacher, married for three decades, spends weekends on the sparkling Massachusetts bay. But he’s also quietly plagued by feelings of isolation and loneliness. Then, one day he learns life has been keeping a secret from him and this truth threatens to upend his world. (Out May 5, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “I have always loved Elizabeth Strout’s writing for the way she captures the human condition with such clarity and compassion. Her books are consistently thought-provoking and remarkably perceptive about what it means to be human. This one was especially beautiful. It felt as though she had been quietly observing all of us over the past several years, taking notes and then shaping those insights into the story. It is timely, deeply emotional and profoundly relatable.” 

‘American Fantasy’ by Emma Straub

  

The newest book from the bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow tells the story of Annie, a newly divorced empty nester who grudgingly agrees to join her sister on a four-day cruise featuring performances and meet-and-greets with a 90s boy band and filled with adoring fans. When her sister backs out, Annie heads to sea alone—and is shocked to find herself loving every minute of the trip, complete with endless cocktails, dance parties and meetings with the members of the band she obsessed over as a teen. As she connects with one band member and rediscovers her love of music and her sense of fun, she realizes that stepping out of her comfort zone can lead to surprising new adventures.  (out April 7, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “An excellent mix of music, nostalgia, getting old, and finding out that getting old doesn’t mean that life can’t change. And change for the better. A very strong story, and one that went to places I didn’t expect. Both humorous and very heartwarming.”

‘When I Kill You’ by B.A. Paris

Paris became an auto-read author for many with her deeply disturbing but unputdownable debut, Behind Closed Doors. And in her newest thriller, she’s back with more unsettling, creepy moments. Nell Masters thinks she’s being followed and she’s pretty sure she knows who it is. Years earlier, when Nell was known as Elle, she witnessed a kidnapping—and the victim was later murdered. Nell became obsessed with finding the kidnapper, and it ended very badly. But no one in her new life, including her new boyfriend, Alex, has any idea about Nell’s past. Now, as she tries to stay safe and determine who she can trust, she’s looking over her shoulder at every moment. (Out February 17, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “It was a blast. Quick paced, fantastic writing, alternating timelines. It was everything that makes a B.A. Paris book entirely bingeable. I stayed up into the wee morning light to finish this, unable to break away from the page. It was that good. I even had a few laughs at the end of every alternating chapter from the killer’s POV.”

‘Single Girls’ by John Searles

New York Times bestselling author John Searles is known for his gripping suspense novels, but now the former editor at Cosmopolitan has written a buzzy fictionalization of the magazine’s legendary former editor-in-chief, Helen Gurley Brown. Single Girls tells the story of Helen’s rough start at the iconic magazine in 1965, when she’s given three issues to save the floundering magazine. Determined to succeed, she assembles a team of fun, fearless single women who put their all into their work—while making plenty of time for romance, revenge and scandal. (Out July 7, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “This is such a fun and unique novel and as a woman, I lavished in its pages…There is so much girl power in this book and the themes and takeaways are timeless and relevant especially in today’s world. This book reminds us why women are amazing and really do rule the world.”

‘The One Day You Were My Husband’ by Rosie Walsh

Romance? Check! Mystery? Check! Suspense? Check! Rosie Walsh, author of the bestselling Ghosted, is back with another page turner. Carrie and Johan fall in love and marry on the beach in Thailand after 5 months of dating. But the night of the wedding, Johan is arrested and taken to prison. Once jailed, he refuses to tell Carrie what’s going on. Twelve years later, she’s happily remarried with 6-year-old twins, when she learns that Johan is out of prison, and she risks everything to figure out what really happened to the man she once thought was the love of her life. (Out May 19, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “What starts as a story tinged with a little love triangle, guilt, yearning, and ghosts-of-the-past intrigue quickly transforms into something far more layered. By the time I reached the final quarter—when the pacing skyrockets and a major twist practically slapped me across the face—I realized this wasn’t merely a heartbroken love story at all. It’s an intelligent, mind-bending thriller fused with a gripping character study, packed with jaw-dropping shocks and action-charged sequences. I whole-heartedly loved every moment.” 

‘The Future Saints’ by Ashley Winstead 

In this love story, reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones and the Six, Hannah, lead singer of the flailing band the Future Saints, is grieving the death of the band’s manager. When her new songs about the loss go viral just as the band gets a new manager, Theo, no one is ready for the success. As Hannah grows closer to Theo and tensions rise among her and her bandmates, Theo and Hannah make choices that change their lives forever. 

What early readers are saying: “This was an absorbing, gut-punching read that captures the drama of rock ‘n’ roll and leaves a lasting impression. I can honestly recommend this one for fans of character-driven fiction, especially if you enjoy stories of sisterhood and fame.”

‘The Midnight Train’ by Matt Haig 

From the bestselling author of The Midnight Library comes another thought-provoking tale about regret and second chances. Wilbur’s best days were spent with the love of his life Maggie, but once that all goes away he searches for a way to change. Then he dies and finds himself on the Midnight Train, a magical object that gives riders the chance to re-live the moments that meant the most to them. A must-read novel perfect for fans of time travel stories—and those who like to explore life’s “what ifs.” (Out May 26, 2026) 

What early readers are saying: “As a reader, I was so engaged with Wilbur’s life journey that I read it in one sitting on Christmas Eve. For me, it was the perfect piece to entice reflection about the year that was coming to a close, as well as the totality of my years.”

‘Score’ by Kennedy Ryan

If you’re looking for a sizzling second-chance love story to obsess over in 2026, we present  Score by Kennedy Ryan. Ryan’s a cherished author in Romancelandia for her swoon-worthy and sensual love stories—and this one follows suit. Verity Hill has never fully gotten over her first love, Wright “Monk” Bellamy. Now, more than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk find themselves working on a once-in-a-lifetime biopic together…only to discover that both of them still feel a spark. Can they overcome their past once and for all?  (Out May 19, 2026) 

What early readers are saying: “A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from “a fantastic storyteller and superb writer.”

‘Start At The End’ by Emma Grey 

From the bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You comes an emotional sliding-doors love story about two soulmates forced to start over before their story has truly begun. Audrey and Fraser fall into a romance that feels unbreakable—until a single, tragic moment changes everything. Haunted by grief and guilt, they wonder how close they came to a different life. Would everything have unraveled if they’d made one small choice differently? This powerful novel explores love, loss and hope—and asks if it’s ever possible to begin again. (Out April 7, 2026) 

What early readers are saying: “Emma Grey creates another epic soulmate story with Start at the End! If you have not picked up this romance author yet, you absolutely need to. Her work always adds depth and complexity to the romance. You are able to connect with the characters and their relationship on levels that most romance novels don’t offer.” 

‘Go Gentle’ by Maria Semple  

From the bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette comes another thought-provoking tale about following your own path. Stoic philosopher and divorcée Adora Hazzard lives a content life in New York City, but when she meets a handsome stranger and gets pulled into a series of black-market art deals, her world tilts on its axis. Now, Adora must find a way to deal with her own past and unprecedented future—both of which are intersecting now more than ever. (Out April 14, 2026) 

What early readers are saying: “This book is chaotic, with bizarre structure and pacing. It seems to break all the rules of contemporary fiction writing—and yet I loved it. The main character Adora refuses to be categorized, much like the genre. Plenty of twists, time jumps and character building at random.” 

‘This Is Not About Us’ by Allegra Goodman 

Allegra Goodman’s bestseller, Isola, was a beloved 2025 novel—and a Reese’s Book Club Pick—and her forthcoming book is a big-hearted portrait of a modern American family. When their sister passes away, Sylvia and Helen Rubinstein find themselves in a decade-long stint of silence brought on by a misunderstanding about…apple cake. To make matters worse, their kids are dealing with their own issues, from bat mitzvahs to career setbacks and divorce. Can the two sisters ever reunite? A story about growing up and growing older and the complicated dynamic of sisterhood. (Out February 10, 2026) 

What early readers are saying: “Some stories quietly sneak up on you, and this was one of them. This was my first book by Allegra Goodman, and I really enjoyed it. It’s a heartfelt story about family, growing up and growing old—told with warmth and insight. This timeless story follows two sisters whose small misunderstanding over an apple cake turns into years of silence, affecting their whole family. It’s a warm, witty story about family, forgiveness and how tiny conflicts can leave lasting marks.” 

‘Our Perfect Storm’ by Carley Fortune

It’s no secret that we love Carley Fortune’s achingly romantic books here at Woman’s World. In fact, we featured an early excerpt of her previous release, One Golden Summer, which was one of our favorite reads of 2025! Her forthcoming novel, Our Perfect Storm, tells the story of estranged childhood best friends Frankie and George. And now that Frankie’s getting married, she’s not quite sure where they stand—or if George will show up to be her best man. Then, Frankie’s fiancé dumps her before the wedding. When George suggests she still go on her honeymoon to decompress—with him—a week of healing, bonding and unearthing old secrets begins. (Out May 5, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “Carley Fortune really knows how to write romance that just sweeps you away. This one had all the emotions, the chemistry and the kind of characters you can’t help but root for. The writing felt effortless and pulled me right into the story, and there were so many moments that made me grin like crazy. It’s one of those books that makes you feel everything all at once—sweet, funny, heartfelt and a little bit swoony in the best way. Totally the kind of story you want to curl up with and get lost in.”

‘Whistler’ by Ann Patchett 

Acclaimed author Ann Patchett is beloved for her life-affirming, beautifully written novels like Tom Lake and The Dutch House—and her forthcoming novel, Whistler, is another can’t-miss read. The story follows Daphne Fuller, who runs into her former stepfather, Eddie Triplett, while walking around the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Eddie was married to her mother for about a year when Daphne was 9. But Daphne, now 53, hasn’t seen Eddie in decades—not since a fateful night rerouted the course of their lives. As they reconnect, they learn that their bond has defied time. A tender, soulful story about how love endures—and how the simplest of moments can define our entire lives. (Out June 2, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “I devoured this. The father-daughter story isn’t like mine in most ways, but was exactly like mine in the ways I didn’t know I needed it to be. This book is so special to me for so many reasons. For now, what I think you should know is that this book is nice and lovely in the ways Tom Lake was nice and lovely. And this book healed me in small ways I won’t ever forget.”

‘The Astral Library’ by Kate Quinn

New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn ventures into the realm of fantasy with this richly imagined time-travel story about the ultimate reader’s dream: literally stepping inside a book. For Alexandria “Alix” Watson, books have always been safer than people. And when she stumbles into the magical Astral Library hidden within the Boston Public Library, she meets its sharp-witted guardian. But before long, a shadowy enemy threatens the library and all it protects. Racing through the literary worlds of Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes and The Great Gatsby, Alix must uncover who the real target is—herself, the librarian or the library itself. (Out February 17, 2026)

What early readers are saying: “I have read almost all of Kate Quinn’s historical fiction novels and loved them! When I heard that she was writing a fantasy novel I was all in—with her imagination I knew I was in for a treat. The plot moves quickly and the writing is bold, imaginative and truly fantastic. This book is perfect for bibliophiles and lovers of all things book related!”

Written with atty Bontekoe and Melissa D’Agnese

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/15-books-everyone-will-be-talking-about-in-2026-wow-what-a-beautiful-heart-wrenching-story