Best Book Club Picks for 2026
Looking for the best book club picks for 2026? This is year 12 of picking the best books to read with your book club. Join us as we work our way through fun books that will help you relax and make more time for yourself in the coming year.
Would you like to read more FUN books in the new year than you have in ages?
This is the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers' 12th year of picking awesome book club books for women who love to read.
If reading used to be your passion but somewhere along the path of adulthood life got in the way, you're in the right place.
We are a group of 11,000+ amazing members who love to chat about books and we would love to have you join us.
How I Picked This Year's Books
For those of you who are long-time members of the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers, you know I pick fun, lighthearted reads.
The 2026 book list stays true to our #1 Rule: No Tearjerkers.
However, this year's book list features a reoccurring theme:
Women Can Do Hard Things.
I didn't set out to create such a list, but I noticed the pattern developing naturally with each title I added to the line-up.
The heroines of this year's books all face challenges, some bigger and scarier while others are more of the everyday challenge sort, but they all manage to thrive in the face of adversity. This is a message I think we could stand to take to heart.
Where the 2025 book club list was filled with lighthearted and joyful romance, this year takes a slightly more challenging turn. I hope it leaves you feeling empowered and strong enough to face whatever comes your way in the year ahead.
But don't worry, these are still the same sort of fun books you'll enjoy escaping reality with from time to time, too!
How Do I Join the Book Club?
Get all the details for how to join our totally FREE online book club right here.
In the meantime, when you sign up for my email newsletter, I will send you all the reminders you need for our book list all year long.
PLUS: My email subscribers are the very first to get every list of new books.
GET ON THE LIST HERE:
Grab Your Book Journal
Our super popular Official Book Club Journal is back for 2026!
Created with our book club members in mind, this 70-page downloadable journal is filled with printables for you to mix & match the perfect reading journal just for you.
A peek inside:
- There is a 2-page spread customized for every book in our 2026 lineup. Plenty of space for you to brainstorm questions to ask about the book and record your favorite moments.
- A monthly reading log to track your reading time and keep you motivated.
- Several daily reading journal pages for you to track your in-between books or even books you're reading with another book club.
- A Customized 2026 3x3 Reading Challenge Tracker
- An entire section of Top Favorites for you to make lists of your favorite books of all time in different categories.
- And so much more.
GET THE NEW 2026 BOOK CLUB JOURNAL HERE
New to our club?? If you'd like a copy of every book club journal from 2015 - 2025 in addition to the new 2026 journal, you might be interested in the Ultimate Bundle here!
2026 Book Club Book List
Get your bookmarks ready, fire up that Kindle, or charge your headphones, here are the awesome books we'll be reading in 2026:
Swept Away
Our January pick starts the new year off with a heart-pounding action romance that is a perfect reminder of what truly matters in life.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Women Fiction
Pages: 384
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my Swept Away book review here.
"I drowned happily in this book." - Jodi Picoult
"No one writes falling in love like Beth O'Leary." - Annabel Monaghan
"A one-of-a-kind story and an absolute treat" - Lindsey Kelk
First-Time Caller
Aiden Valentine is the guy you'll want to spend this February with, perfect for Sleepless in Seattle fans!
Genre: Workplace Romance, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 448
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my First-Time Caller book review here.
"Absolute magic lives inside these pages." - Sarah Adams
"B.K. at her very best, a reminder that it's her world and we're the lucky readers who get to live in it." - Jessica Joyce
"A perfect romance in every way." - Annabel Monaghan
The Favorites
Just coming off the 2026 Winter Olympics happening in February, our March pick will change how you look at Olympic figure skating forever!
Genre: Sports Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
Pages: 496
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
My Preferred Format: I would strongly encourage you to try the audiobook narration of this book. The story is told by a cast of narrators and they bring so much more energy, passion, and humor to the story. I literally laughed out loud many times while listening. It was the first audiobook I listened to on Everand.
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my The Favorites book review here.
"I already wish I could read it again for the first time." - People Magazine
"Unabashedly extra." - The Washington Post
"A drama of epic proportions." - Library Journal
The Amalfi Curse
Heading out on spring break or just need a mental escape to the turquoise waters of the Amalfi coast? You'll definitely want to grab our April book pick.
Genre: Action & Adventure Fantasy with Hints of Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my The Amalfi Curse book review here.
"A magical read!" - Emilia Hart
"This intoxicating story blends old-world magic and modern-day mystery with a delicious dash of amore." - People Magazine
The Neighbor Favor
Our May book club pick is not just a romance, it also features dramatic family connections between moms and their children and a strong group of sisters.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 416
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my The Neighbor Favor book here.
"A warm and welcoming new contemporary . . . the book breathes easily and pulls you right into its world." - The New York Times Book Review
"Warm, witty, and deeply romantic." - Rachel Lynn Solomon
"The type of charming, feel-good story that reminds me why I love romance." - Farrah Rochon
Happily Never After
Our June book club pick will make this year's wedding season a lot more entertaining, you might just find yourself holding your breath through the call for objections!
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Women Fiction
Pages: 384
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my Happily Never After book review here.
"A giggle-inducing romp that readers won't be able to object to." - Lana Ferguson
"Lynn Painter writes the romcom banter of my dreams!" - Sarah Adams
"A rom-com for the cynics." - Library Journal
Heir of Storms
Cool off with our July book club pick and enjoy some elemental magic featuring a Rain Singer born into a fire-wielding family.
Genre: Young Adult Epic Fantasy
Pages: 432
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my Heir of Storms book review here.
"A fierce heroine faces magical trials, courtly intrigue, and sizzling love triangles -- think The Hunger Games with more spells, more stakes, and way more swoon. A must-read!"
- Melissa de la Cruz
Parents Weekend
Our August book club pick is just right for anyone dropping a kid off at college this year. It definitely brought me comfort knowing: "It could always be worse!"
Genre: Psychological Thrillers, Suspense Thrillers
Pages: 336
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my Parents Weekend book review here.
"Finlay crafts a genuine page-turner with a cast of flawed and realistic human characters. Plan a weekend to devour this terrific thriller." - First Clue
"Smart, fast-paced and intense." - Mary Kubica
Atmosphere
Head back to school with our September book club pick and enjoy strong women in STEM. I'm thrilled to welcome Taylor Jenkins Reid back to our book club line-up after we enjoyed her Malibu Rising.
Genre: Family Saga Fiction, Literary Fiction
Pages: 480
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my Atmosphere book review here.
Warning: This book did make me cry BUT I do not believe it breaks my "No Tearjerkers Rule." It does not shamelessly take advantage of your emotions, it is just a very powerful story.
"Heartbreaking . . . uplifting. I loved it." - Kristin Hannah
"NASA? Space missions? The 80s? A collection of all the things I love." - Andy Weird
The Thirteenth Child
Our October book club pick is perfect for that spooky vibe without being scary or suspenseful.
Genre: Young Adult Fairy Tale & Folklore Adaptations, Young Adult Dark Fantasy
Pages: 512
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts and a list of content warnings for this pick in my The Thirteenth Child book review here.
"Sumptuous, gothic, ornate." - Melissa Albert
"Deeply Romantic." - Ava Reid
"Utterly Enchanting." - Kirsten Miller
When in Rome
What's better for a November book club pick than a cozy romance featuring a pie baker? How about one that also spins off an Audrey Hepburn movie classic??
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Women Fiction
Pages: 320
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my When In Rome book review here.
"Will leave you smiling until your face hurts." - Amy Lea
"This modern take on the Hepburn classic, Roman Holiday, is a quick, fun, slow-burn rom-com" -Abby Jimenez
"Sweet and satsifying as a slice of warm apple pie." -Chloe Liese
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
I mixed things up with our December book club pick this year and chose a holiday mystery instead of our usual Christmas romances but no worries, there's still definitely a sweet plot hiding under that suspense.
Genre: Holiday Fiction, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 384
Grab Your Copy: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
You can read my thoughts on this pick in my The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year book review here.
"If you watched Knives Out and thought it could have used a little more romance, this enemies-to-lovers romance should be right up your alley." - Paste Magazine
"Carter cleverly and comedically pokes fun at cliches that are sure to bring comfort and joy to readers familiar with the tropes of genre fiction." - Crime Reads
3x3 Reading Challenge
Looking to get even more out of this year's reading? You could take any one of our new books and use them for the start to a 3x3 reading challenge.
Want another fun way to motivate yourself to read more? Grab my free book bingo card!
Other Optional Picks
For the first decade of our book club, I always left December as a "reader's choice" month. I believe it is important to give you space to choose something just for yourself.
Even though I now pick a fun holiday book for December, you are always welcome to skip it and take advantage of choosing your own read or even play with our Christmas reading Bingo challenge!
But be sure to stop in and visit the Facebook group, we always celebrate together with our popular Pay it Forward Book Exchange, too.
If you don't want to read the December pick from my list, here are some alternative ideas to inspire you:
Books We've Read Other Years
Love this list? Want to dig in on our previous years' lists?
I can't wait to read some of these. Most are ones that have not been on my radar so I'm excited to explore them. I might end up skipping Atmosphere...still debating. I didn't care for Daisy Jones and the Six or Malibu Raising. I'm thinking Taylor Jenkins Reid just isn't my author. I just read The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year! I loved it so I might just decide I have to read it again next December!
Hmm, what did you not like about TJR's other books? Atmosphere is both totally different and similar at the same time. Maybe give it a chapter and see? So glad you like others on the list! Happy reading!