If you’re wondering what to read in 2026, you’re in the right place. Over Christmas and my birthday, I was gifted some amazing books that are now sitting on my TBR pile, and I honestly couldn’t be more excited to dive in.
This year’s reading list is a mix of cozy small-town romance, feel-good fiction, emotional contemporary reads, and a few books that push me outside my comfort zone. If you love cozy vibes, heartfelt stories, and discovering new authors, this 2026 reading list might give you plenty of inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cozy Reads & Small-Town Romance
The Pumpkin Spice Café – Laurie Gilmore
I actually started The Pumpkin Spice Café on January 1st, and it already feels like the perfect way to kick off my 2026 reading year. I absolutely love cozy books, and since Gilmore Girls is one of my all-time favorite TV shows, the Dream Harbor series instantly gave me those comforting, small-town vibes.
This story follows a woman starting fresh by running a charming café, surrounded by warmth, community, and a slow-burn romance. It’s the kind of book you want to read with a hot drink and a blanket.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store – Laurie Gilmore
Set in the same Dream Harbor world, this book combines two of my favorite things: bookstores and baked goods. I’m expecting cozy romance, small-town charm, and lots of heartwarming moments. If you love gentle love stories and comforting settings, this one sounds like a dream.
The Christmas Tree Farm – Laurie Gilmore
I can’t wait to read this festive cozy romance. With a wintery setting, holiday traditions, and small-town romance, it feels like the perfect seasonal read, even if I end up reading it outside of Christmas.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House – Laurie Gilmore
Another Dream Harbor cozy read that promises comfort food, close-knit community, and romance woven into everyday life. This is exactly the kind of low-stress, feel-good book I love adding to my reading list.
The Gingerbread Bakery – Laurie Gilmore
A bakery-centered romance with warm, nostalgic vibes? Yes, please. I’m expecting plenty of cozy moments, sweet connections, and small-town charm in this one—and I already know it’ll be a comforting read.
Romance & Popular 2026 Reads
Heartless – Elsie Silver
This is the second book in the Chestnut Springs series, and I’m excited to continue the story. Heartless is a grumpy-sunshine romance with emotional depth, strong chemistry, and a guarded hero who slowly opens up. Small-town romance with tension and heart? Sign me up.
Icebreaker – Hannah Grace
Icebreaker has been everywhere, and I’m finally adding it to my 2026 reading list. As the first book in the Maple Hills series, it blends sports romance, humor, and emotional moments in a college hockey setting. I’m really excited to see what all the hype is about.
Vicious – L.J. Shen
This will be my first time reading anything by L.J. Shen, and I’m curious to step into something darker and more intense. Vicious explores obsession, revenge, and complicated relationships, making it a big contrast to my cozy reads—and I’m here for it.
Thought-Provoking & Literary Fiction
What You Are Looking for Is in the Library – Michiko Aoyama
I’ve wanted to read something by Michiko Aoyama for a long time, and I can’t wait to finally dive in. This book is about how libraries—and books—can guide people through moments of uncertainty and self-discovery. It sounds gentle, reflective, and deeply comforting.
The Five Wounds – Kirstin Valdez Quade
This is probably the most emotionally heavy book on my 2026 TBR. The Five Wounds explores family, faith, responsibility, and forgiveness through powerful storytelling. I’m expecting a moving, thought-provoking read that stays with you long after the final page.
Final Thoughts: My 2026 Reading Goals
This TBR list feels like the perfect balance of cozy comfort reads, romance, popular booktok favorites, and deeper literary fiction. I love that my 2026 reading plans include both familiar, comforting authors and completely new voices.
If you’re looking for what to read in 2026, I hope this list gives you some inspiration to build your own reading list, whether you’re craving cozy small-town vibes or something more emotional and thought-provoking.
📚 Want to Read These Books Too?
You can find all of the books mentioned above on Amazon.
👉 Click the links above to check prices, read reviews, and add them to your own TBR.
.png)
Thanks for all the great suggestions!
ReplyDelete