The Best New Books to Read This Spring 2026
Spring always makes me want to clean out a drawer, buy a plant I may or may not keep alive, and start a new stack of books.
It’s also the time of year when I realize I’ve spent a little too much time scrolling and not enough time reading. Maybe it’s the longer days, or maybe it’s the fantasy of sitting outside with a good book and no interruptions, which in my life is usually fiction in itself. Either way, a good story feels like a reset, and spring is the perfect time to pick one up.
If you’re looking for new books to read this spring 2026, this list includes a mix of book club picks, engaging novels, and a few page-turners that are already getting plenty of buzz.
New Books Releasing Spring 2026
Buckeye: A Read With Jenna Pick by Patrick Ryan
My daughter Vanessa has been on a real reading kick (she just returned from a holiday where she finished four novels!). I asked her to share some recommendations, and her first is Buckeye. It follows several interconnected families over decades, beginning during World War II and showing how the war shaped their relationships, decisions, and the lives that followed. It’s a large, emotionally layered family story with distinct characters and a lot of heart.
The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall (Releases March 17, 2026)
The Shock of the Light centers on a woman whose life changes suddenly after an unexpected event forces her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew. As she begins to move forward, she discovers new perspectives about resilience, relationships, and the possibility of starting over. It sounds like a thoughtful and emotional story about finding your footing again after life takes a turn.
American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Releases April 7, 2026)
American Fantasy begins when a group of strangers boards a luxury cruise, each carrying their own expectations about what the trip might bring. What starts as an escape quickly becomes more complicated as their lives intersect and long-buried questions about ambition, relationships, and the idea of the “perfect life” rise to the surface. Set against the backdrop of glamorous ports and the contained world of a cruise ship, the story explores what people are really searching for when they chase the dream of a different life.
Love by the Book by Jessica George (Releases April 7, 2026)
Any story that revolves around books already has my attention. Love by the Book follows Remy, a debut author struggling to write her second novel after her life begins to unravel. As her closest friendships shift and a complicated one night stand leaves her feeling more alone than ever, her creative inspiration disappears. At the same time, Simone, a kindergarten teacher with a carefully controlled life, suddenly finds herself cut off from the family she relied on most. When the two women unexpectedly meet in a bookstore, their unlikely connection slowly grows into a friendship that helps them confront their past, rebuild their confidence, and reconsider the futures they once imagined.
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth (Releases April 21, 2026)
Sally Hepworth has written several popular psychological novels, including The Good Sister and The Soulmate, so she’s no stranger to stories full of secrets and unexpected twists. Mad Mabel centers on an older woman who becomes tangled in a mystery when suspicious events begin unfolding in her quiet neighborhood. Mabel isn’t exactly the person anyone expects to start investigating what’s going on, which is what makes the story so entertaining.
The Calamity Club: A Novel by Kathryn Stockett (Releases May 5, 2026)
The Calamity Club is the long-awaited new novel from Kathryn Stockett, best known for the bestselling book The Help, which I really enjoyed. Set in the American South, the story follows a group of women whose lives intersect through friendship, family, and a series of unexpected events that shake up their small town. As secrets begin to surface and loyalties are tested, the women must decide how far they are willing to go to protect each other.
Newly Released
More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen
More Than Enough follows Polly Goodman, a high school English teacher whose closest support system is the tight-knit book club she shares with three longtime friends. When a joking gift of an ancestry test unexpectedly connects Polly to a stranger, she begins to question parts of her family history she had always assumed were certain. At the same time, changes within the group threaten the friendships that have anchored her life for years. It sounds like a thoughtful and heartfelt story about friendship, identity, and the surprising ways our lives can change.
Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis
This book, Judge Stone, caught my attention because it’s a collaboration between James Patterson and Viola Davis. The story follows a powerful judge whose carefully controlled life begins to unravel when a case in her courtroom starts bringing dangerous secrets to the surface. As the pressure builds, she has to navigate the complicated line between justice, loyalty, and protecting the life she’s built.
Kin by Tayari Jones
Kin explores the complicated ties that connect friends and family, and how one life-changing moment can ripple through many lives. As the story unfolds, long-buried secrets begin to surface, and relationships are tested in ways no one expected. It also seems like a great choice for a book club discussion.
You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate
You with the Sad Eyes is a deeply personal memoir where Christina Applegate shares stories from her life in Hollywood, along with the challenges she’s faced more recently with her health. She reflects on growing up in the spotlight, her career in television and film, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go the way you planned. From what I’ve seen, the book balances honesty, humor, and some very emotional moments.
No Place To Be Single by Felicia Kingsley
Set in the vineyards of Chianti, No Place to Be Single takes place in the quiet Italian town of Belvedere, where the return of an eligible bachelor quickly becomes the talk of the town. When Michael D’Arcy comes back after sixteen years to claim his grandfather’s estate, everyone is eager to meet him except Elisa Benetti, the vintner who remembers him as the carefree boy he once was. As the two reconnect, old memories and unexpected possibilities begin to surface in this charming story about second chances.
Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life by Rachel Hartigan
Lost takes a fresh look at the life and legacy of Amelia Earhart, one of the most fascinating figures in aviation history. The book explores the many theories surrounding her disappearance while also telling the story of the remarkable woman behind the mystery. Through new perspectives and historical insight, it examines the different narratives that have emerged about her final flight. It sounds like a compelling read for anyone curious about the enduring mystery and the extraordinary life that made Amelia Earhart a legend.
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! by Liza Minnelli
In Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, Liza Minnelli shares stories from her remarkable life in show business, reflecting on the people, performances, and experiences that shaped her career. Growing up in Hollywood as the daughter of Judy Garland and later becoming a star in her own right, Minnelli offers a personal look at the highs and challenges of life on stage and screen.
The Golden Boy by Patricia Flynn
After an unexpected end to his Hollywood career, Stafford Hopkins retreats with his wife to a quiet life in Maui. Everything changes when he receives a letter naming him guardian of four children he never knew existed, forcing him to return to the small town he left behind and confront secrets from his past. The Golden Boy is a thoughtful story about redemption, family, and second chances.
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out: Travel Books That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust and 14 Books on Healthy Aging and Self-Development Worth Reading.
What about you? I’d love to know what’s on your nightstand right now. I’m always looking for my next good read.
Loved Buckeye!
I didn’t receive this until today, Saturday. I love this wonderful list of books. I just finished reading The Guest by B.A. Paris. She writes interesting thrillers, my favorites.
Just finished Phillipa Gregory’s “Boleyn Traitor” about the court of Henry V111 so good !!! I could not put it down, and had to go in another room to read so I did not disturb my hubby. She is the best at place intrigue.
Just finished reading “Theo of Golden” by Allen Lewis and enjoyed it very much. May read it again.
I just finished THE CORESPONDENT and loved it!
Thank you for your recommendations. I loved Buckeye-I thought it was so good. Right now I am reading The Gales of November-the Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I enjoy reading nonfiction as well as fiction.
Currently reading:
Daniel Silva: The Cellist,
Robert Galbraith: Lethal White.
Both are parts of ongoing series. I love revisiting an author’s characters.
I’m listening to The Thursday Murder Club book 5, The Impossible Fortune on Audible. I want to get Applegates Memoir as well. She deals with MS with such courage and sense of humor. Thank you Jennifer for your new list.
Ah… Jennifer thanks for the glimpse into Munro’s Book Store in Victoria. Such a “sacred space” for book lovers. If someone isn’t a booklover when they enter, they likely will be by the time they leave.
I adore Munro’s bookstore! I could easily all day there.
Hi
I’m reading KIN right now. It is well written and gives a glimpse into the lives of Woman living during the Jim crow era. Sometimes haunting. The audio version really helps you hear the characters.
Wonderful!!
I read Buckeye and liked it. I have More Than Enough on my kindle. I appreciate having this list of books.
Thank you!
The best books I’ve read recently are Colin Toibin’s “Long Island”, Ann Packer’s “The Dive from Clausen’s Pier” and Allegra Goodman’s “Isola”. Virginia Evans’ book “The Correspondent” I will reread. It was excellent.
Thanks!
I just finished The Keeper of Lost Children and highly recommend it. It’s historical fiction based on post WW 2 Germany. A good read from a different perspective.
I had Buckeye and sent it back to the library. I could not get into it. I felt the storyline dragged and the characters were boring. Maybe I didn’t get far enough into the story, but there are so many great books I want to read I don’t waste my time on ones I can’t be excited about. I have You With the Sad Eyes on hold along with Judy Blume: A Life.
I enjoy your blog and more casual fashion lifestyle. I can identify with you more than several others out there. Thanks!
I’m happy you’re here Bonnie!
I’m always looking for new reads and enjoy seeing your reading recommendations! Two books I am currently recommending to friends are How To Read A Book by Monica Wood and Theo of Golden by Allen Levi…great stories!
In addition, I’m a faithful reader of your newsletter and your posts on shoes (for feet with issues) and your dressing room diaries are always interesting and helpful. Thanks for all the research you do for your readers!
Great book recommendations Jennifer! All are going on my list.
I highly recommend the book – Pioneer Doctor – The Story of a Woman’s Work by Mari Grana. It’s one of those books that gets your attention in the first chapter and then you can’t put it down. I’ll have to check it out the books your daughter recommended.
If you haven’t read Theo of Golden, I strongly suggest the audio version of this truly unforgettable book. The actor David Morse voices Theo so beautifully! One of my best audio experiences ever.
Thanks Judy. I’ll try it. I love listening while on the treadmill or folding laundry.
Thanks, Jennifer. I belong to a book club and we are currently looking for titles. I will bring your recommendations to our next book club meeting.
P.S. Have you read The Correspondent? It is my favorite book of 2025.
Not yet!
Jennifer this list of books looks great. You state in the write up on “The Book of Love” that it was written by Jasmine Guillory (whom I enjoy reading), however the author is Jessica George according to your picture and Google 🙂
Thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks Mary I fixed the typo.
What a wonderful list!!!
I recently read “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones (which I highly recommend) and will definitely add “Kin” to my “to read” list. I just picked up “Buckeye” from the local library and am excited to read that one. Currently, I’m reading Louise Penny’s “A Fatal Grace.” She is an author who has been recommended by several bloggers who I follow. This is the second in the Armand Gamache series.
Your book recommendations always make my book list grow! And as with clothes, it makes me go back to see what I’ve read, what I really still want to read and what needs to be eliminated. And yes to less scrolling as it becomes addictive and I realize how long I’ve been doing it! Hopefully the piles of snow here will continue to melt, I’m ready to see some green!