The first three months of the year are always full of good books. Perfect for cozying up on a couch in front of a fire or when you’re snowed in, check out my most anticipated releases!
As always, I haven’t read these anticipated books (unless indicated). I’ve gotten many of these as advanced review copies (ARCs) through NetGalley, so be sure to check back often for my reviews or follow me on Instagram or Goodreads to hear what I thought about these books.
Books are listed in order of release date. Note that release dates may change.
All links are Amazon affiliate links. If you’d like to support independent bookstores and creators, check out my Bookshop.org affiliate link.
Historical Fiction
Favorite Authors
Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6th)
I loved McClain’s novel, The Paris Wife, and can’t wait to return to Paris with her in this dual-timeline novel spanning centuries. From the 17th century to the horrors of WWII occupation, I know it will be a compelling and emotional story.
The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz (January 20th)
I already read this anticipated book by one of my favorite novelists and fell in love with the characters! Set in 1777 just before the American Revolution battle of Saratoga, I learned so much about the war and its effects on the civilian populations in New Jersey and New York. Plus the romance is so heart-warming even amidst the danger. Read my review here.
Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin (February 3rd)
I loved Sundin’s book last year (Midnight on the Scottish Shore) and know this novel will be just as informative and inspiring. I love how she mixes WWII history with faith elements to leave you hopeful.
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (February 10th)
Sadeqa is a master storyteller, and I know her latest about the children left behind by African-American GIs in Germany will be emotional. She’s a local author to me so I hope to attend one of her launch parties! Read my review here.
Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce (February 24th)
I’ve loved Bryce’s books in the past, so I know I will be captivated by this story set in 1930s Jamaica. Plus it has a dance element which is always a favorite for me!
Island of Ghosts and Dreams by Christopher Cosmos (March 3rd)
One of my favorite books of 2024 was Cosmos’ Once We Were Here, a searing look at Greece during WWII. His latest also takes place during WWII-era Greece and is set on the occupied island of Crete. I cannot wait to read it as I fell in love with the history of Crete while we vacationed there. Its history is unlike any from WWII.
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw (March 3rd)
I’ve loved Haw’s books about strong and intelligent women who blaze a path forward. This one about an astronomer looks especially mesmerizing.
It Girl by Allison Pataki (March 10th)
I love Pataki’s historical biographical novels, so I know I will enjoy her latest about the early 20th century first celebrity, Evelyn Talbot.
New-to-me Authors
The Star Society by Gabriella Saab (January 6th)
I have been meaning to read Saab’s historical fiction for awhile, so I jumped on a chance to read her latest about two sisters reckoning with the choices they made during WWII and afterwards. It was a thrilling read with twists and turns and so much historical information about The Netherlands and Hollywood in the 1940s. Read my review here.
With Love from Harlem by ReShonda Tate (January 27th)
This novel about Hazel Scott and her life amidst the jazz clubs and halls of Congress in the mid-20th century sounds amazing!
The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom (March 17th)
I am a sucker for anything set in Greece during WWII, so this novel about the discovery of lost letters from the time period on the island of Folegandros looks right up my alley!
The Moonlight Runner by Karen Robards (March 24th)
You don’t read many novels set during Ireland’s War of Independence, so this book really stood out to me.
The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow by Leah Weiss (March 24th)
I have been meaning to read Weiss’ lyrical books for a while now, so I am planning to read her latest before she visits my local indie!
Under Two Flags by Janis Robinson Daly (March 26th)
Janis posts such a fun project every March on Instagram with her Women’s History Month of 31 titles of books about historical women. Her book about a woman caught between Germany and the US in WWI looks so good!
Historical Mysteries
Eleanor and the South Beach Murders (An Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery) by Ellen Yardley (February 24th)
I discovered this fun new series when researching Eleanor Roosevelt. Can’t wait to see how Eleanor solves another murder!
Middle Grade
Alice with a Why (January 6th)
Pair this with the original classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, for a whimsical look at what happens after Alice returns from the magical land in early 20th century London.
The Road From Nowhere by Avi (January 6th)
Perfect for boys, this adventure novel takes place in the silver caves of 19th century Colorado. Avi is one of my favorite historical fiction novelists for children.
Magnitude by Jennifer A. Nielsen (March 3rd)
Another favorite middle grade novelist, Nielsen’s latest is about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
History Nonfiction
Poems by First Ladies: The First-Ever Anthology by Michael Croland (January 13th)
I am loving my current read of this compilation of poems written by our first ladies. You can really see their spirit and heart in their own words.
Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen by Alice Loxton (January 27th)
I love following Alice on Instagram, and her latest book where she walked in the steps of the funeral route of Eleanor of Castile looks to be a fascinating blend of history and travel.
We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America by Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower (February 24th)
I am always up for learning more about the hidden women in history, so I am excited about this book from a journalist and first lady historian.
America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick by Bob Crawford (March 10th)
I follow Bob as part of his band, The Avett Brothers, so I was very excited to learn of his interest in one of my favorite subjects, the Adams family. His look at John Quincy will be especially fascinating for me as a huge fan of Louisa Catherine Adams (JQA’s wife).
Contemporary Fiction
Magical/Time Travel
The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman (January 6th)
Moorman is another author I’ve been meaning to read for awhile, so I can’t wait to dig into her latest on a magical library where your favorite book hero comes to life (can I get one of these please!?!).
Every Lifetime After by Jennifer Ross (Jenny Ashcroft) (January 13th on Kindle)
This book doesn’t come out in print until the fall, but you can order on Kindle now. Written by one of my new favorite authors under a different name, this time slip novel has a Hollywood actress traveling in time to be her character in a WWII-era British film.
You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees (February 10th )
As an eighties kid, time traveling through an old mixtape sounds perfect! And I love that it features a more mature marriage. Read my review here.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (February 17th)
Another magical library tale, this one where you can slip into the worlds of your favorite books, is written by one of the queens of historical fiction. I can’t wait for it!
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10th)
This book may be my most anticipated – what would you do if you could go back and redo one choice from your life? I love Serle’s books and know it will be emotional and heartfelt.
Emotional Novels
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (February 3rd)
Bring your tissues to this book where a woman’s late husband sends her a book a month in the year after he dies.
Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg (March 17th)
A letter written by an elderly woman to the younger woman inheriting her things, this looks like it will be heartfelt and poignant.
Romance
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson (February 17th)
Ferguson wrote one of my favorite romances of all time (Meet Me In the Margins), so I will always read her latest! This romance mixed with a who-done-it on a boat looks so cute!
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (March 24th)
Jimenez is the queen of romance plus where she writes characters with real-world issues and complex personalities. I have loved all of her books!
Such a big list! 2026 is shaping up to be a great reading year!
Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads to learn more about what I’m reading throughout the year!
