THE BOOKS RELEASING IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2026 THAT ARE EXCITING!
It’s a new year (!!) which means we are talking about the new books coming to store shelves in 2026. Or the books that have us excited or we anticipate releasing in the first half of this 2026 year. I’m not sure how many I’ll find since my goal is always to find the books that I’m surer than not I’ll like, but I look forward to seeing what I find.
LIST | THINGS TO WATCH LIKE ‘PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION’
THE BOOKS RELEASING IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2026 THAT ARE EXCITING! #TopTenList #TopTen #BookList #Reader #NewBooks #Booksof2026 Share on XMostly contemporaries will likely make up this list, but hopefully I’ll find a few other genre titles, too.
2026 BOOK RELEASES I’M EXCITED ABOUT
sorted by author, from a – z
A DEAL with a DEBUTANTE, CHELSEA BOBULSKI april
Don’t know much about this one apart from it being from a new imprint and that it has a darling cover art, too! I also suspect, this is a book releasing in part (at least where marketing is concerned) thanks to the hype of a certain show. Goodreads
THE SHIPPERS, KATHERINE CENTER may
I have liked what books I’ve read by Katherine and though I own titles I haven’t read by her, anytime something new from her drops, I instantly put it on lists like this. Goodreads
MOST ELIGIBLE, ISABELLE ENGEL january
Don’t know anything about this author or the book apart from the synopsis. But it mentions Miss Congeniality so obviously I am IN! Goodreads
WITHOUT a CLUE, MELISSA FERGUSON february
Have I read any of Melissa’s books? Nope. But this one looks a little different and as if it’d be such good fun. Goodreads
LOVE ME TOMORROW, EMIKO JEAN february
I had this one on my winter TBR and am reading it (while drafting this list). It’s charming and lovely and definitely one I’m glad to read. Goodreads
OPERATION SCARLET, RACHEL MCMILLAN february
A title that sounds exciting and heroic, this one is set during WWII in Paris! Goodreads
FIRST and FOREVER, LYNN PAINTER may
This one seems like it would be a fun and entertaining contemporary that lends itself to being lighthearted. Goodreads
FLIRTING with MURDER, AMANDA SELLET april
This one looks cute! It’s about a girl who loves a good murder mystery and uses her love of this to solve a very real case. Goodreads
ROOM to BREATHE, KASIE WEST out now
This one is out now, yes, but I’m still including it. Just because. It still does have a 2026 release date so it does fit. Goodreads
STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED, KASIE WEST april
The second of her adult releases, I’ll include this one since I do enjoy her books. Goodreads
What 2026 book releases are YOU most excited about? Would you read any of these? Have you? Is there an author you’re really eager to read? Comment all of your thoughts below.
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Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl January 13: Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2026
I think many of us have The Shippers on our list. Hope you get to read and enjoy all these.
Doesn’t it look so fun! I love all the colorfulness of its design. :)
The last Melissa Ferguson book I read left me feeling disappointed, so I’m not sure I’m ready to read Without a Clue. I hope you enjoy all of these when the mood strikes.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/my-most-anticipated-canadian-2026-releases-january-june/
I know that feeling Pam. I’ve read books by authors that left me feeling like that too. Without a Clue seems like it MAY be a little different so I’m curious to see if it’s finally the one that prompts me to read it. ;)
I had forgotten the new Katherine Center book was coming out, that will definitely be going on my WTR
Thanks for sharing your #TTT
It’s so colorful and fun looking! :)
New books by Center and West is definitely exciting news! I hope you enjoy all of these.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Right!? I’m curious about both! :)
World War II is an interesting setting.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Definitely. :)
Thanks for putting Operation Scarlet on my radar. It sounds great!
I think so too! Sounds so intriguing. :)
Flirting With Murder sounds like it could be a fun read. Thank you for stopping by earlier.
I think so too! Love a cozy mystery. :)
Without A Clue looks so good!
If you’d like to visit, here’s my TTT: https://thebooklorefairyreads.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/top-ten-tuesday-the-most-anticipated-books-releasing-in-the-first-half-of-2026/
I agree! That one does look super fun. :)
I’m a bit behind on Katherine Center AND Kasie West books, but I still want to read their new releases too! :)
Same here (so behind on reading their new releases!) Lindsey – but I’m still curious and exited. :)
I’ve got Chelsea’s book on my list today too :)
Fun! Hope we both enjoy it. :)
Love Me Tomorrow sounds so cute. I must add it to my TBR. Thanks for introducing me.
I agree! It does sound SO good – and I’m enjoying it quite a lot so far. :)
I love that so many of us have Katherine Center on our lists, she’s the GOAT in romance for me right now! I also love Kasie West’s books and really need to get back to them! Happy TTT!
Right? Her books just have that eye-catching look that helps them standout. :)
thanks for putting together
Thanks for visiting. :)
Looks like some great books. I hope you enjoy the ones you do get the time/opportunity to read :) Have a great rest of your week!
Thanks! You too Cindy – hope your week was great. :)
Operation Scarlet sounds like an epic read!
I think it does too. :)
I’ve been meaning to pick up another Kasie West book and both of these look great!
Fun! Hope you enjoy if you read them. :)