Originally published on 1/17/26

These days, it seems like every book that hits the bestseller lists is being turned into a movie or TV show—from Carola Lovering’s Tell Me Lies to May Cobb’s The Hunting Wives. It’s safe to say Hollywood has taken notice, with studios and streaming services offering up countless book-to-screen adaptations. Major actors are joining in to bring beloved characters to life, with Elle Fanning starring in The Nightingale, Jennifer Aniston in I’m Glad My Mom Died and Jennifer Garner in The Five-Star Weekend—all coming to screens later this year.

Readers can’t get enough of the trend either—we adore seeing the characters we fell in love with on the page show up on the big screen. And this year, we’ve got a lot to look forward to, with several highly anticipated book-to-screen adaptations headed our way. From heartwarming romances to spine-tingling thrillers, here are 11 adaptations you won’t want to miss this winter.

‘Tell Me Lies’ by Carola Lovering 

Toxic relationships, complex friendships and an early 2000’s backdrop combine in this 2018 novel. During her freshman year of college, Lucy Albright meets the school’s resident bad boy, Stephen DeMarco. They quickly fall into a toxic, all-consuming relationship that worries their friends and family. To make matters worse, Stephen’s harboring a secret that could threaten to blow up Lucy’s life. 

When and where to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 of Tell Me Lies—starring Grace Van Patten and Jackson White as Lucy and Stephen—are available to stream on Hulu. Season 3 will air every Tuesday until the finale on February 17. 

‘People We Meet on Vacation’ by Emily Henry

Romantic comedy lovers will love this swoonworthy story written by bestselling author Emily Henry. Poppy and Alex were the best of friends in college. They took a trip every year—until the one night when everything changed. Now, two years later, Poppy is more determined than ever to get Alex back in her life, so she sets up yet another vacation that could make or break their friendship for good. What follows is a battle of love, loyalty and believing in oneself. 

When and where to watch: The newly released movie starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex is available to stream on Netflix. 

‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë

The classic 1847 love story Wuthering Heights follows Catherine Earnshaw as she falls in love with Heathcliff, an infant adopted by her father. Their love is forbidden, and after being bullied by Catherine’s other brother, Hindley, Heathcliff leaves to try and become more polished. Years later he turns to not only re-earn Catherine’s love, but to get revenge on the people who have wronged him. This novel is perfect for fans of doomed romance and intense family dramas. 

When and where to watch: The newest Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff hits theaters Friday, February 13. 

‘Reminders of Him’ by Colleen Hoover 

This 2022 novel written by bestselling author Colleen Hoover is a classic second-chance story. After spending five years in prison, Kenna Rowan wants to know her daughter. But the people Kenna hurt with her unthinkable crime—including her late boyfriend’s family—can’t forgive and won’t let her get close. The only person willing to try is Ledger Ward, a former professional football player and the best friend of Kenna’s former love. Can they put their past aside and find hope for the future?  Only time will tell. 

When and where to watch: The movie adaptation starring Maika Monroe as Kenna and Tyriq Withers as Ledger hits theaters Friday, March 13. 

‘Finding her Edge’ by Jennifer Iacopelli

Sports romance fans will swoon over this 2023 young adult novel. Adriana Russo has one goal in life: to win the Junior World Championship ice skating competition. But when her family’s skating rink faces financial ruin, her plan goes up in flames. Enter Brayden, her new partner, whom she begins fake dating. Now, Adriana must figure out how to protect her reputation—and her heart. An easy-to-read love story filled with heartwarming moments and a must-read-to-believe ending. 

When and where to watch: The Netflix series starring Madelyn Keys as Adriana debuts on Thursday, January 22. 

‘Bridgerton: An Offer from a Gentleman’ by Julia Quinn 

This Cinderella retelling follows Sophie Beckett, a mysterious woman who captures Benedict Bridgerton’s heart at a masquerade ball. But the second eldest Bridgerton has no idea who the beautiful woman is. Determined, he sets out to find her and win her heart. A fun story filled with Julia Quinn’s signature charm and storytelling. 

When and where to watch: Bridgerton Season 4 will debut on Netflix on January 29. Luke Thompson will reprise the role of Benedict and Yerin Ha will bring the beloved Sophie to life. 

‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir 

From the bestselling author of The Martian comes another unforgettable out-of-this-world story. Ryland Grace is on a life-or death mission that could determine the fate of planet Earth. The only problem? He’s been asleep for a very long time and woke up millions of miles from home and has no idea who he is. Can he piece together who he is and what happened to him before it’s too late? A brilliant novel sci-fi lovers adore. 

When and where to watch: Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, hits theaters Friday, March 20. 

Season 8 of ‘Outlander’ by Diana Gabaldon 

Set on the Scottish Highlands, this New York Times bestselling series follows Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse who’s excited to return home and go on a second honeymoon with her husband. While there, she suddenly finds herself transported back to 1743 as a Sassenach—an “outlander”—only able to trust the handsome warrior Jamie Fraser. A dazzling love story perfect for fans of time travel and love triangles. 

When and where to watch: Outlander Season 8 debuts on Starz on Friday, March 6. It stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire and Sam Heughan as Jamie. 

Season 2 of ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ by Laura Dave

This page-turning mystery features an unforgettable family dynamic: Before Owen Michaels disappears, he leaves his wife, Hannah Hall, one final message: Protect her. Hannah instantly  knows she’s talking about Bailey, his daughter and her stepdaughter, who hates her. But when Hannah realizes just how many secrets Owen has been hiding, she and Bailey find themselves turning to each other to put  the pieces together. What follows is a shocking twist no one will see coming. 

When and where to watch: Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me, starring Jennifer Garner as Hannah, debuts on AppleTV on Friday, February 20. 

‘Postmortem’ by Patricia Cornwell 

Book 1 in the Kay Scarpetta series follows Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta after she is pulled into a high stakes case that seems to bend forensics with psychological warfare. Using groundbreaking forensic science, Scarpetta works to track down a serial killer. But she soon realizes that the killer is watching her every move—and that she may become the next target. A gripping, page-turning must-read for mystery lovers.

When and where to watch: Season 1 of Scarpetta debuts on Amazon Prime on Wednesday, March 11. Nicole Kidman plays  Scarpetta. 

‘Percy Jackson and The Olympians: Sea of Monsters’ by Rick Riordan 

In the second book of Rick Riordan’s beloved Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase embark on a deadly quest to the Sea of Monsters to get the Golden Fleece and save their best friend, Grover Underwood. Along the way, Percy faces troubles he’s never seen before, including a long-lost brother he didn’t know existed and the return of his enemy, Luke Castellan. Can he make it out alive? A fun tale perfect for fantasy readers of all ages. 

When and where to watch: Percy Jackson and The Olympians Season 2 is available to stream on Disney+. Walker Scobell stars as Percy Jackson and Leah Sava Jeffries stars as Annabeth Chase. 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/best-book-to-screen-adaptations-to-watch-in-winter