Four Books I’m Rolling Over Into 2026 // Bookmas Day 4
As we creep closer to a new reading year, there are a few books I’ve been desperate to pick up… and yet, I haven’t. Not because I’m not excited, but because I’m too excited. These are the books I’m convinced will be five-star reads for me, and somehow, that belief has made me hesitate. What if they don’t live up to the versions I’ve built in my head? What if I’m disappointed?
So instead of forcing them into the final weeks of 2025, I’m taking the pressure off and rolling these four anticipated reads into 2026. Where hopefully, they’ll be read!
God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Synopsis: “Fourteen years after the mysterious disappearance of the Van Laars’ young son, the family is thrust back into the spotlight when their teenage daughter vanishes in the same unforgiving wilderness. Rumours swirl, about the past, about the family, and about what really happened that first night. As whispers of coincidence or connection grow louder, long-buried tensions and unanswered questions rise to the surface, casting new shadows over an old tragedy.”
The premise of God of the Woods intrigues me every single time I think about it. A disappearance in the woods, a mystery that stretches across time, and the promise of a thriller that’s more character-led. I’ve seen so many reviews praising its atmospheric tension. And because I’m such a sucker for a good disappearance story, this feels tailor-made for my reading tastes. It’s one I don’t want to rush.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Synopsis: “Evangeline Fox has always believed in true love, until the man she adores prepares to marry someone else. Heartbroken and desperate, she makes a risky bargain with the enigmatic Prince of Hearts, agreeing to three mysterious kisses in exchange for his help. But Evangeline soon discovers that deals with immortals come with hidden costs. Drawn into a world of magic, danger, and shifting intentions, she must decide how far she’ll go to claim her own happily ever after.”
So many people who adore ACOTAR have raved about this series, and honestly, that alone has put it firmly on my radar. I haven’t read anything by Stephanie Garber yet. But I really want to start with this trilogy rather than Caraval. Especially since Caraval seems to get more mixed reactions. Once Upon a Broken Heart feels like the right entry point. Whimsical, romantic, and full of the magic-infused drama I tend to fall in love with. I’m excited to finally see what all the fuss is about.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Synopsis: “Henrietta Lacks was an ordinary woman whose cells, taken without her knowledge, became one of the most significant tools in modern medicine. Decades later, her family discovered the impact of those cells and the complex legacy they carried. Rebecca Skloot traces Henrietta’s story with compassion and clarity, exploring the intersection of science, ethics, and humanity. This powerful narrative reveals how one woman’s cells transformed medical research while raising vital questions about consent and ownership.”
I first read extracts of this years ago, and ever since the film came out in 2017, I’ve been meaning to re-read the full story properly. It’s such an important piece of narrative non-fiction. Moving, infuriating, and essential. As someone with a chronic illness who’s deeply interested in medical research. This book resonates with me on a different level. So much scientific progress sits on a dark foundation that most people never see. And Henrietta’s story deserves to be known and remembered.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Synopsis: “Jane Eyre, raised without love or kindness, grows into a determined and resilient young woman. When she becomes a governess at the mysterious Thornfield Hall, she finally begins to imagine a fuller, brighter life. But her growing attachment to the enigmatic Mr Rochester is soon tested by unsettling truths that challenge her values. A powerful story of courage, autonomy, and desire, Jane Eyre remains a timeless exploration of a woman fighting for her own freedom and self-respect.”
I adore this story, and a re-read has been on my list for ages. But I’ll be honest, the sheer size of the book has definitely intimidated me. That, and my absolute love for the film and TV adaptations, has made it easy to keep putting it off. But I really want to revisit the classics that captivated me at school. This time reading them for enjoyment rather than obligation. Jane Eyre feels like the perfect place to start.
So here they are…four books I’m rolling into the new year. Hopefully 2026 will finally be the year I give them the attention they deserve.
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As always, thanks for reading…
