As we welcome and embrace the new year of 2026, we additionally welcome and embrace the new book releases of this year! From rising new talents who are debuting their very first novel, to the established and esteemed novelists who have been in the business for decades, 2026 welcomes new and fresh stories from all talents!
First, we take a look at the novel, The First Time I Saw Him. Following the big success of the original novel, The Last Thing He Told Me, this sequel, The First Time I Saw Him, follows the continuation of Hannah’s story, picking up where they left off after the disappearance of her new husband, Owen. Suddenly reappearing in Hannah’s life and the life of her stepdaughter, Bailey, five years later, Owen thrusts Hannah and Bailey right back into chaos and mayhem from his past. Now on the run yet again from dangerous criminals, Hannah, Bailey, and Owen are forced to fight for their lives while the prospects for a second chance at love suddenly arise. From the mind of Laura Dave, follow the beloved characters as they balance the hot pursuit, the fight for safety, and the prospects for love in the new book, The First Time I Saw Him, released on Jan. 6, 2026.
Next up, we take a look at Half His Age. From the breakout author, Jennette McCurdy, who previously wrote, I Am Glad My Mom Died, comes a new and original story that details the admiration and obsession that drives a young teenage girl into romantically pursuing her creative writing teacher. According to Goodreads, the novel is a “sad, funny, thrilling novel about sex, consumerism, class, and desire,” that provokes thoughtful discussions about love, rage, and pure desire. Debuting as McCurdy’s first work of fiction, the new novel, Half His Age, is sure to be on the radar of many in 2026, releasing only on Jan 20, 2026.
