Lets Talk… Anticipated Reads 2026 // Bookmas Day 3
Last year, I had 7 anticipated reads, but for 2026 I have 6. Like last year, all these books are from my black friday pre-order list. You can read that in my Reading Plans for 2026 blog post.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Synopsis: “Larissa’s life shifts on a single choice, accepting a lift home after a concert. Months later, she’s happily settling into a relationship with Chris: the man who shares her love of quirky books, bread debates, and their chaotic rescue Yorkie. Everything feels easy for the first time in ages… except there’s one problem. Chris wasn’t the guy who drove her home that night, he’s her boyfriend’s best friend. Torn between loyalty and the growing ache of unspoken feelings, Chris wants nothing more than Larissa’s happiness. But stepping forward risks breaking someone else’s heart, and staying silent may just break his own.”
I adore an Abby Jimenez book, and this one sounds like it’s going to be messy in all the emotional ways she does best. The synopsis has completely hooked me, especially because I’m a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope, so naturally I’m curious to see whether boyfriend’s best friend hits the same way. I’m crossing my fingers for no cheating (amicable vibes only, please!), but knowing Abby, the emotional intensity is going to be off the charts. I’m fully prepared for all the yearning, all the tension, and every single heart-squeezing moment she’s about to throw at us.
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
Synopsis: “Radio host Jackson Clark likes structure, schedules, and staying firmly behind the mic. Field reporter Delilah Stewart thrives on chaos, adventure, and diving head-first into breaking news. After years of butting heads, they’re reluctantly paired to cover a historic snowstorm, forced into close quarters and even closer collaboration. Hoping to prove herself, Delilah proposes a trade: Jackson helps her deliver a standout story, and she’ll help him loosen up and rediscover a little joy. What begins as begrudging teamwork turns into an unexpectedly warm friendship… and maybe something deeper, if they’re brave enough to weather it.”
With the first book in this series being a solid 5 stars for me, and honestly, most of B.K. Borison’s books hitting that mark too, this is truly one of my most anticipated reads. The premise alone has me excited. We’re finally getting Jackson’s story, and I cannot wait. I’m really hoping we get little glimpses of Lucie and Aiden again, along with that signature tongue-in-cheek banter this world does so well. And I’m looking forward to meet Delilah properly. I have a feeling she’s going to bring a whole new dynamic to the series, and I am ready for it.
The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis: “Sixteen year old Calisa expects a charming summer getaway when she arrives at her great-aunt Zee’s bed-and-breakfast, only to find a crumbling inn and an aunt determined to keep everyone at arm’s length. Wanting to prove she can help, Calisa throws herself into repairs, teaming up with the groundskeeper’s kind (and surprisingly handsome) son. But as she settles in, strange occurrences begin to stack up, and the inn’s quirky residents seem to be hiding more than they let on. When Calisa finally uncovers the inn’s magical secret, she realises some doors lead to places you can’t return from… and adventure is only just beginning.”
I haven’t read The Enchanted Greenhouse yet, but Sarah Beth Durst has already announced two books coming in 2026, and this one gave me instant heart eyes the moment I saw the cover. Then I read the synopsis… a bed and breakfast, magic, and a handsome guy? Coupled with Sarah Beth Durst’s writing? You can absolutely count me in. It has all the cosy, whimsical elements I adore, and I just know it’s going to sweep me away.
How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin
When amateur sleuth Annie Adams travels to London to visit her mother, Laura, she expects a quiet trip, not to stumble upon a murder. The victim is Fliss, a young artist Laura had recently taken under her wing, and the circumstances of her death are disturbingly familiar. The case mirrors a decades-old killing recorded in Annie’s great-aunt Frances’ journals, down to its most chilling detail. As anonymous threats begin targeting Laura, Annie realises the past is repeating itself, and her mother may be next. To protect her family, she must untangle old secrets before a ruthless killer strikes again.
I’ve really been enjoying this series. I would very much like to be a Castle Knoll character, but preferably without the dying part, please. Just when you think Aunt Frances’s years of sleuthing would finally start solving more mysteries than causing chaos… another murder appears and another killer needs unmasking.
I adore these stories. They give me full on British murder series vibes. Cosy, clever, a little chaotic and I love how Kristen sets the scene with each chapter. It’s exactly the kind of mystery you sink into with a cup of tea and have absolutely no intention of stopping at just one chapter.
Disenchanted by Lucy Jane Wood
Sage Hemlock wants nothing to do with her magic. After past hurts, she’s convinced her powers only bring trouble, so she focuses on running the local museum, burying herself in books, and avoiding the coven at all costs. But when an old enchanted book triggers a curse, Sage’s quiet life erupts into chaos, fairy tales begin manifesting in the real world, complete with towering beanstalks and a colleague who suddenly resembles a charming prince. With magic spiralling out of control and the coven closing in, Sage must unlock the book’s secrets and decide whether embracing her power might be the key to saving her town, and herself.
Why is this an anticipated read for 2026? Honestly, how could I not be? This story sounds like everything I adore, magic woven into everyday life, a heroine with real heart, and a world that feels as enchanting as a fairytale brought to life. I can’t wait to dive into the world Lucy has built here, full of warmth, wonder, emotion, and that sparkling, whimsical feel that makes her books so special.
I love Lucy’s writing, and meeting her a few months ago on her Uncharmed t,book our just made me adore her even more. Both of her releases have been easy 5 star reads for me, and they’re on my “must-annotate” list this year, which means a re-read I’m already counting down to. I’m bursting with excitement, genuinely. It’s hard to put it into words without squealing at the keyboard.
Picnics and Promises at Strawberry Fields by Victoria Walters
After leaving her fiancé at the altar, Daisy Connor escapes to her cousin Willow’s idyllic Birch Tree Farm, the last place she truly felt like herself. She isn’t the only one seeking refuge; Blake Daniels has arrived with a broken heart of his own, hoping the quiet countryside will help him regroup. As strawberry season kicks off and the farm prepares for an influx of visitors, the pair find themselves thrown together, especially when their uninvited exes come looking for answers. A spur of the moment fake-dating plan seems harmless enough… until real feelings begin to blossom among the fields.
I am excited for Picnics and Promises at Strawberry Fields because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. It had such community you instantly want to be part of. This new premise has me completely hooked, and I can’t wait to see how the lovely Birch Tree Farm crew take Daisy under their wing after her heartbreak. Daisy’s journey already sounds deliciously messy in the best way, and honestly… who doesn’t love a fake-dating trope, especially set against sun-soaked fields and strawberry season? It feels like the perfect cosy romance escape.
And those are my 7 anticipated reads for 2026! What is on your anticipated reads list? Any books here you’d like to buddy read?
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As always, thanks for reading…
