October 2026 Book Releases

Every Story is a Love Story

Author: Imbolo Mbue

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author and Oprah Book Club author of Behold the Dreamers

Plot

Three years ago, Wolo’s pregnant wife died in a car accident just before finishing her Ph.D program. He has been trying to rebuild a life after the insurmountable grief when he receives a letter from Victoria, the woman who was driving the other car. Despite protests from his friends, family, and pastor, he reads the letter and agrees to meet with her. When he realizes how much the accident affected her life as well, he begins to wonder if there is a chance at healing if they do it together. This looks like a book Oprah might choose for her book club. It will be beautifully written and there will be much to discuss.

The Mother-in-Law Book Club

Author: Kate Hash

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Perfect for our list of Books About Book Clubs

Plot

Andi is a consultant who will be living in Durham for the next little while. She is soon to be divorced and gets into an argument on the plane about the impossible expectations of mothers-in-law. When the 70-something-year-old invites her to a book club, andi says yes. Soon, Andi is giving the book club suggestions on how to repair their relationships with their grown children.

Andi loves her job, her new friends in the book club, and the new romance she has with a college professor. But when her past comes through her front door, she has to decide what her future holds.

Peck & Peck

Author: Bonnie Garmus

Release Date: October 13, 2027

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry

Plot

Batter Grey has been hired by Peck & Peck, a poetry journal in NYC. He is an identical twin who lost his brother at birth. He understands duality and knows there is more than one side to every story. This October 2026 book release is the sophomore novel of Bonnie Garmus.

The Brightness

Author: Chad Harbach

Release Date: October 27, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: from the author of The Art of Fielding

Plot

This pick from the October 2026 book releases is a story about Pella and her best friend Irma as they navigate life in their 20s. Pella just graduated and is engaged when her plans begin to spiral, and she finds herself living in NYC. Irma is involved in a school prank that goes wrong. This threatens her future. The two women navigate love and loss together.

Fallow

Author: Sarah Anderson

Year: 2026

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Natalie has always known that she does not like to work. There is no job that she wants to do, so working in a call center passes the time and makes enough for her to live on. When she gets a toothache and needs more money to pay for a dental procedure, she goes to a blood bank to sell her plasma. There, she meets a nurse who leads her to The Company.

The Company is starting a program that requires multiple NDAs. She is hired to be the first in-house corporate surrogate. If she can deliver 7 babies in 10 years, she will be very generously compensated and the executive mothers will not have to endure the effects of pregnancy

Trigger Warnings

Detailed description of childbirth/ complications

Why Jackie loves it

I love the way this book plays up all the extremes and stereotypes for all generations and wraps it into a satire that I could not put down.

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Partita

Author: Barbara Kingsolver

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre:

More info: Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Demon Copperhead

Plot

This is a dual timeline story that follows Livia from her past as a music conservatory student to the present, in which she is married and living on the farm she grew up on. When she receives a phone call from an old lover from her conservatory days, it shakes up everything in her life. She has to decide if she is going to meet with the man from her past who broke her heart and altered the course of her life.

Samantha: The Next Chapter

Author: Fiona Davis

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author of Lions of Fifth Avenue

Plot

This October 2026 book release is about American Girl Samantha Parkington, who is 25 years old. She is a suffragette who is trying to get women to vote. When he childhood home, Mount Bedford, is stolen from her family in a scheme, she loses everything overnight. Now a shopgirl, she is looking for the clues to help her family get their legacy back, even if it means infiltrating a criminal family!

A Court of Splintered Harmony

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: October 27, 2026

Genre: Romantasy

More info: A Court of Thorns and Roses #6

Plot

Book six in the ACOTAR series is almost here, and at only 352 pages, it’s really a tease leading up to Book 7’s release in 2027. Koschei is awakening from his mountain lake and is posing a threat to Prythian, the Fae courts, and the human lands. The Night Court will stop at nothing to protect Prythian, but with the courts still recovering from the Hybern Wars, they are far from united.

Even the Night Court is fractured and reeling from recent truths. Can they heal their rift and keep Koschei at bay, or will Prythian fall into the hands of evil allies? If you want a reminder of the previous books in the series, A Court of Thorns and Roses Books in Order will remind you of the plot of each book before this release.

The Secrets of Everlight

Author: Julie Hall

Year: 2026

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Scattered Kingdoms #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

In this fantastic story, Rowan is a thief who has been asked to go undercover as a princess to uncover an assassination attempt on Prince Dryden of the Ember Kingdom. She’s taught to act like a lady, but at night she uses her well-honed skills to spy and steal in a race against time to save the prince. While she knew the Prince and the other contestants could never discover her secret, what she didn’t count on was catching feelings herself.

Why Kirsten loves it

This might just be my favorite fantasy book of the year. It had all the elements of The Selection that I love – ballgowns, royals, a dating competition, with magical elements and world building that reminded me of the first story in ACOTAR.

And that ending. Are you kidding me? I NEED the second book. Right. this. Minute. I hope book 2 comes out soon because I need more of Rowan, Dryden, and the gang! Thanks to Berkley for my copy.

Find this book in: Adult and YA Fae Books / Best Fantasy Books of 2026 / Books Like The Selection

Life Out of Order

Author: Audrey Niffenegger

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: The Time Traveler’s Wife #2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Alba DeTamble was born with the same Chrono-Displacement disorder as her father, Henry. She involuntarily travels through time, without control over where and when she will go. Alba is a talented violinist who tried to maintain a normal life. She has Zach, the one she can always count on, and Oliver, a fellow time traveler. Alba also has a stepsister named Isadora, who becomes important in Alba’s life, if only for the danger she may represent.

Jackie’s Thoughts

This book has an entirely different vibe than The Time Traveler’s Wife. It is much more of a dystopian novel than the charming love story of the first book. I love the way Alba is able to time travel back to the 30s, as well as into the future as well. The story jumped around a lot, with multiple Albas in many parts of the story. I found it took me out of the story when I was trying to figure out which was the Alba of the present and which Alba was chronodisplaced.

To Dream in Darkness

Author: Ann Liang

Release Date: October 27th, 2026

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Bestselling Author of A Song to Drown Rivers

Plot

Death God has always collected souls on time until he goes to collect Rujia, the god of healing. She is also a god that he is fated to kill with his own hands. When she offers him a chance to lift a curse placed on him in exchange for one more month, he cannot refuse the offer. Rujia is trying to figure out a way to escape Death, but her plan causes the collapse of the Celestial Palace and the disappearance of the crown prince. Now, Death and Rujia must travel together across the realms to find the prince and return him safely.

The Seventh Ribbon

Author: Gus Krieger

Release Date: October 27, 2026

Genre: Speculative Fiction

More info: Perfect for readers of In Five Years, Debut

Plot

Caroline is mourning the loss of her husband in her oceanfront cottage. When she discovers a typewriter in the attic, she begins writing her story as a “what if “. She is shocked when it comes true. Caroline begins rewriting her story in which her husband never dies in a hit and run accident. But every wish has a cost and how far is she willing to go?

Miss Wolcott’s Ghost

Author: Louise Penny

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Genre: Mystery

More info: Chief Inspector Gamache Book 21 or 21

Plot

I look forward to reading Louise Penny’s books as soon as they are released. She has become my favorite mystery writer. In this book, Gamache receives a phone call in the early morning saying, “There’s a body in Lost Nation”. Gamache does not know where Lost Nation is. And so begins the mystery that Gamache, Lacoste, Beauvoir, Reine Marie, and other villagers from Three Pines rush to solve before more bodies pile up. If you want to be reminded of the Characters from the previous Louise Penny book, you can check out my posts to remind you before release day.

Please Enjoy Your Stay

Author: Tara Goedjen

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: Perfect for our list of Thrillers and Mysteries Set in Hotels

Plot

Mia’s cousin was murdered during their stay in a Castle in the Austrian Alps. Mia was a witness and her testimony put the killer in jail. However, her aunt who was a controversial true crime author, was rumored by the media to be involved in the murder. Now, it is a decade later and the murder case is being appealed. Mia is desperate for answers so she returns to Austria where the castle has been redone to be a luxury hotel. She gets a job as a nanny at the hotel to get answers, but soon realizes she may have accused the wrong person.

Look What the Cat Dragged In

Author: Jason Rekulak

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Thriller Horror

More info: New York Times Bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Penny is a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist in Philadelphia who loves cats. She agrees to pet-sit Godfrey in her home. He seems to be an affectionate cat who follows Penny around the house and sleeps next to her at night.

But soon, strange things start happening. Penny is troubled with terrible nightmares; there was an insect invasion in her basement, and her cartoons are becoming dark – and she doesn’t remember drawing them. When her health starts failing, she begins to think Godfrey may not be a normal cat.

Trigger Warnings

Gore

Kirsten’s Thoughts

This started great. As usual, I was fully invested in Jason’s writing as well as the hunt for Popcorn the cat during a blizzard. But then things took a turn for the creepy and then the gory, and I realized this might not be the story for me. I persevered through the gore because I was so invested in Penny, Godfrey, and Popcorn, but I could have done without the eyeball popping and nasty cat food descriptions.

So if you are like me and love Jason’s writing but you have a weak stomach, pass. If graphic descriptions don’t bother you, dive into this thoroughly unique story. Gifted by MacMillan Audio.

Find this book in: Thriller Horror Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Nonfiction & Fiction Books About Cults

Bad Words

Author: Ríoghnach Robinson 

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Debut, October 2026 GMA Book Club Pick, January 2027 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Parker’s debut novel was supposed to be the book of the decade. He even earned a 7-figure advance. But when Selina Chen, a renowned book reviewer, trashed the book, it became the flop of the decade.

When he publishes his sophomore novel, Selina reviews it again. However, this time, when she bashes it, it starts a literary feud unseen in the industry. The debate begins between writers, reviewers, publishers and fans: What is fair game in a review and what is too personal?

When Parker and Selina start to chat privately, outside the public sparring matches, they begin to see a different side of each other.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the way this story developed. The conversation about what a review is, and what people should be writing in a review- love it or hate it. This novel is beautifully written by someone who clearly loves the power of the written word. I cannot wait to discuss this book with everyone.

Find this book in: Fiction Books about Writers / Novels About Publishing / Best Romance Books of 2026 / GMA Book Club List 2026

What Happens at Nightfall

Author: Lauren Willig

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Gothic Romance

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Plot

Jess is separated from a nighttime cemetery tour and finds a group of strange boys and an ancient key instead of the tour group. She also finds Gree-Wood arborist, Adam. He has been recently widowed, and his children have been acting strangely. It seems there is a haunting, and Jess knows more than she is saying. Jess and Adam uncover the cemetery’s history, which includes a Gilded Age curse, a ghostly socialite, and a demonic pack that goes back for generations. Jess will have to confront her connection with the past if she wants to live happily ever after.

An American Girl: How a Billion-Dollar Doll and Its Unlikely Founder Changed Girlhood Forever

Author: Amanda FitzSimons

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Nonfiction

More info:

Plot

This is the story of Pleasant Rowland, the founder of the American Girl indutry, a woman who changed girlhood for more than four decades. This book explores the creative process and the legacy of the creation. It touches on the debates over the historical accuracy and examines the brand’s relationship with race, class, and diversity.

The Pools

Author: E. Lockhart

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series

Plot

Lexie is the new girl who has an immediate connection with Chester, the town golden boy. She will not talk about her past life and he is hiding his own secrets. One winter morning, five people go for a swim in the pools. Their lives are changed forever.

It’s Only Dancing

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: October 2026 GMA Book Club YA Pick

Plot

Kitty’s summer plans include reading, working on her college application, and enjoying her final summer of childhood, until her family forces her to go to a family camp with them for a month. After stumbling upon a staff party, she meets Jordan, the hip-hop dance instructor who wants to get her back into dancing, after she quit ballet two years ago in this Dirty Dancing inspired story.

The Museum of Modern Love

Author: Mariko Turk

Year: 2026

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Miki has concocted a plan to reveal to her crush that she’s interested in him by taking him on an evening tour of the Met – following the same path of art that was in her grandparents’ origin story. But Miki’s plans go awry when she’s stuck touring her ex through the museum at night instead.

Why Kirsten loves it

This was such a fun listen with a cute romantic element as well. I enjoyed hearing about the art and the love story behind Miki’s plan. The Met is a favorite museum of mine, so it was fun to explore it through someone else’s eyes. Gifted by MacMillan Audio

Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books Set in Museums / Best YA Romance Books

Wondrous

Author: Heather Fawcett

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: YA Sequel to Alice in Wonderland

Plot

Timed with the 75th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, this is the story of teenage Alice taking another trip down the rabbit hole. Once down there, Alice meets another girl who claims she is the true Alice. When the Queen of Hearts captures them both, they realize there have been many Alices in Wonderland.

Wonderland has been invaded by dragons and whoever can stop them will be named “The Alice” while the reast will be exhiled, never to return. Alice sets out on a quest to become the one and meets a boy who has a connection to the jabberwocks. Will be be the true Alice or just a supporting character for someone else’s story?

Land of Ghosts

Author: EL James

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Genre: YA Romance

More info: Bestselling author of Fifty Shades of Grey

Plot

In this YA paranormal romance, the main character is living in London after losing her family. Life feels so heavy, until she meets a young man who is a ghost. Only she can see him and she begins to have feelings for him.

A Knight Before Christmas

Author: Cara Stout

Year: 2026

Genre: YA Holiday Romance

More info: Fairytale in Progress #2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

A dating show leads to real love in this YA Christmas romance. Juliet agrees to help her mom’s Christmas reality dating show for teens get up and running, but convincing Garrick to star in it. Garrick is fake royalty at his family’s fairytale theme park, and he’s agreed to participate in the dating show. But what happens when he falls for the girl working behind the scenes?

Why Kirsten loves it

Royals and Christmas? YES PLEASE! The royals in question may be fictional, but let a girl live, OK? This is such a cute YA Christmas romance, especially if you picture Disney World while reading. I haven’t read a YA holiday novel this fun in a few years! Thanks to HarperCollins for my review copy.

Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / Reality TV Novels / New Christmas Books / YA Royalty Books

Counting Down to You

Author: Emily Stone

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Christmas Romance

More info: Bestselling author of Always, in December

Plot

Ali is grieving the loss of her best friend this Christmas. The two had a tradition of exchanging advent calendars every December. This year, before Robyn died, she gave Alione last calendar. It starts with a seasonal job at a ski lodge. They always planned on visiting together. A challenge leads to her fake dating a man named Leo, who has also experienced loss.

Mistletoe All the Way

Author: Lauren Blakely

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Holiday Romance

More info: Bestselling Author

Plot

Noah Lennox avoids cheerful people, his hometown, and Christmas. When his grandfather announces he’s retiring and is handing down his sleigh ride Farm to Noa or his cousin Stephan, he has to go home to Feith for the Farm that means everything to him. The only problem is that the town isn’t exactly welcoming to him because of his Scrooge behavior. He needs the help of Eloise, a tourism bureau, hopeful. The two may be able to help each other.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder

Author: Ally Carter

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genre: Christmas Mystery

More info:Stenciled edged paperback!

Plot

Ella Chambers didn’t kill Liam Montgomery. He is missing, but alive. She just has to prove it. But someone wants Liam dead and he needs to figure out who. Can these two childhood rivals (the grandson of a billionaire and the housekeeper’s daughter) trust each other to catch a killer?

Back Where We Started

Author: Becca Freeman

Year: 2026

Genre: Holiday Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Katie is a Hollywood actress, like she always dreamed she would be. She doesn’t go home to Dutch Ridge, PA, unless she has to because everything reminds her of her ex, Drew. When a promise to her sister forces Katie home for Christmas, she runs into Drew. She begins to wonder if the Hollywood life were everything she thought it would be. Will she get a second chance at love?

Why Kirsten likes it

I liked the dual-timeline way this was told; it was nice to see Drew and Katie’s past alongside their present. I struggled with two things while reading though. First, the story is cute as a celebrity second-chance romance, but it felt like the Christmas part was a total afterthought – almost as if someone insisted she put it in for marketing reasons. Second, I did not like the choices Katie made at the end regarding the town that treated her poorly in the past. #gifted by Penguin Books.

Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books / New Christmas Books

Eight Ways to Say I Love You

Author: Amanda Elliot

Release Date: October 27, 2026

Genre: Hanukkah Romance

More info: USA Today bestselling author

Plot

I cannot wait to read this pick from the October 2026 book releases. This is a romance that follows Shira and Leo over eight years at Hanukkah. Their lives drift and come back together, but if the timing is right, they might be able to find love.

Christmas Trees and Weak Knees

Author: Katrina Emmel

Release Date: October 27, 2026

Genre: Holiday Romance

Plot

Music, and a Christmas tree farm come together in this holiday romance. Paisley is happy to work at her family’s Christmas tree farm. When Kash Murray shows up looking for inspiration after his band breaks up, sparks fly between them. Is love worth the risk of heartbreak?

Home for the Homicides

Author: Elle Cosimano and Hannah Morrissey

Year: October 13, 2026

Genre: Holiday Mystery

More info: Book 1 of The Holly and Mark Mystery Series

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Holly and Mark are both gunning for the same position in Major Crimes and are both on thin ice after making some mistakes. When they are paired together to solve a murder, it is their chance to redeem their reputations. They are headed to the small town of Christmas- yes, Christmas to solve a murder.

The town’s Jingle Bell Jubilee is in 12 days, and they need to solve the murder before then so the town festival can go on. However, after a drunken tryst at the holiday party, there is as much chance that they work together to solve the murder as there is of killing each other instead.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is a spicy, hilarious murder mystery perfect for the holidays. Holly and Mark made me laugh, and they could not be more different.

Find this book in: Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books