October 2026 Book Releases
I am so excited about the October 2026 book releases. This month, there are so many great holiday books that Kirsten and I cannot wait to read.
This is usually the time where fantasy books are starting to wind down a bit from the Halloween rush. There are also some fantastic fiction and thriller books as well. You will notice that this month is short on historical ficiton. We usually will start to see more of these in the new year.
I include information about where you can order/pre-order, along with a brief synopsis of each book. Once Kirsten and/or I have read the book, we will add our thoughts as well.
Why do I make these lists of most anticipated books? When Kirsten and I highlight books we want to read, we hope if gives you some books to add to your TBR. When you request them early at your local library or preorder them from your local bookstore, you help generate buzz. The result? You are helping authors and sending the message that you support the book community!
If you want some in-depth reviews before the books are published, you can check out our Beyond the Bookends Book Club. We host a monthly Zoom meeting where we share our favorite upcoming books with you. We give you the scoop on what to read and what to skip!
The Most Anticipated October 2026 Book Releases
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Book Release
Every Story is a Love Story by Imbolo Mbue –Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book Release
Partita by Barbara Kingsolver –Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Book Release
ACOTAR #6 by Sarah J. Maas –Jump to Section
The Best Thriller Book Release
Mis Wolcott’s Ghost by Louise Penny –Jump to Section
The Best Romance Book Release
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson –Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book Release
An America Girl by Amanda FitzSimons –Jump to Section
The Best YA Book Release
The Pools by E. Lockhart –Jump to Section
The Best Holiday Book Release
Counting Down to You by Emily Stone –Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
October 2026 Fiction 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 Garrmus
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.
October 2026 Historical Fiction Book Releases
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!
October 2026 Fantasy/ Sci-fi Books
Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses 6)
Author: Sara J. Maas
Release Date: October 27, 2026
Genre: Romantasy
More info: ACOTAR book 6 of 7
Plot
This is book six of seven in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It is currently unnamed, and we are not sure what it will be about. 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.
Life Out of Order
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: The Time Traveler’s Wife #2
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. I cannot wait to read this pick from the October 2026 book releases.
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?
Thrillers and Mysteries for October 2026
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
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding
Plot
Penny is a tesnty-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. 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. When her health starts failing, she begins to think Godfrey may not be a normal cat. This book is filled with more than 80 pages of original artwork. Who knew that Jason was so multitalented? We are not surprised and cannot wait to read this pic from the October 2026 book releases.
Romance: October 2026 Book Releases
Bad Words
Author: Rioghnach RobinsonÂ
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: Romance
More info: Debut, Romance Books About Books
Plot
Parker’s debut novel was trashed by Slina Chan, making it the flop of the decade. When he publishes his sophmore novel, she is reviewing it once again. This time when she bashes it, it starts a literary feud unseen in the industry. When they start a private dialogue, outside the public sparring matches, they begin seeing a different side of each other.
What Happens at Nightfall
Author: Lauren Willig
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: Gothic Romance
More info: New Yrok Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Jess is seperated from a nighttime cemetary tour and finds a group of strange boys and an ancient key instead of the tour group. She also finds Gree-Wood arborist, Adam. Hee 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 cemeteries history, which includes a gilded age curse, a ghostly socialize, 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.
October 2026: Best Nonfiction Book Releases
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.
Best YA October 2026 Book Releases
The Pools
Author: E. Lockhart
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling authof 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.
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
Release Date: October 20
Genre: Holiday Romance
More info: Christmas Romance for 13+
Plot
A dating show leads to a real romance in this YA Christmas romance. Juliet agrees to help run a dating show. Garrick is fake royalty at his family’s fairtale theme park. When the two of them meet, sparks fly!
Holiday 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?
Plot
Katie is a Hollywood actress like she wlays 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 was everything she thought it would be. Will she get a second chance at love?
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?
More October 2026 Book Releases
Expert Tip
Looking through books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list of the most anticipated October 2026 book releases is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.
- If you do not want to look through all the descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
- If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most anticipated books from the October 2026 book releases?
This month has some fantastic Holiday books that we are excited to read. Eight Ways to Say I love you by Amanda Elliot and Counting Down to You by Emily Stone are must-reads. A few more must-reads include:
1. Every story is a love Story by Imbolo Mbue
2. Aprtita by Barbara Kingsolver
3. Bad Words by Rioghnach RobinsonÂ
4. Miss Wolcott’s Ghost by Louise Penny
Related Content
Epilogue
Which October 2026 book releases are you most looking forward to reading?
