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Line up your 2026 Book Releases TBR List!
You know I love to plan. And one of my favorite ways to plan—figuring out my TBR list for the year. What am I MOST excited to read? Check out Part I of my Most Anticipated 2026 Book Releases below!
I’ve curated this list to include the January, February, and March releases that I’m most excited about. Whether you are looking for deep archival research or a lighter “palate cleanser,” these 2026 Book Releases have something for every history lover. Enjoy and tell me what you’re adding to your list in the comments!
January 2026 Book Releases: New York Icons & Pirate Queens
The Architect of New York by Javier Moro (January 6)
I am always a sucker for a New York City icon story! Since I spend so much time researching the grit of old Manhattan for my own books, this one is at the very top of my list of 2026 Book Releases.
Much like the stories I love to uncover, this one follows Rafael Guastavino, the Spanish immigrant whose architectural genius defined the Gilded Age. From the Grand Central arches to the hidden treasures of the NYC subway, this is a moving father-son story filled with deeply researched real-life characters.
Fire, Sword, and Sea by Vanessa Riley (January 13)
Vanessa Riley is such a master of “overlooked history.” This latest epic follows Jacquotte Delahaye, a real-life biracial woman who disguised herself as a man to become a pirate queen. It’s a story of survival and identity that I know I will devour.
The Midnight Carousel by Fiza Saeed McLynn (January)
I’m adding this as a “palate cleanser” because I love a bit of whimsical mystery! Set in 1920s Chicago, it shimmers with the charm of an early-century carnival. If you’re a fan of atmospheric, early 20th-century settings, this is a must-add to your 2026 Book Releases list.
February 2026 Book Releases: Grit, Grace, and Dance
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (February 10)
I absolutely loved The House of Eve, so I couldn’t wait to add Sadeqa Johnson’s newest to my list. In 1950s occupied Germany, an American officer’s wife discovers a hidden world of mixed-race children in local orphanages. It’s a powerful example of the “archive-to-novel” storytelling I admire.
Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce (February)
I try to read anything Denny S. Bryce writes, but this one is particularly close to my heart. As many of you know, long before I was an author, I was a ballet dancer myself. While my days in pointe shoes are behind me, I still have such a deep appreciation for the grit and discipline of the dance world.
This novel is inspired by the legendary Katherine Dunham—a classically trained ballet dancer and anthropologist—and her 1935 research trip to Jamaica. I can’t wait to see how Denny captures the movement and soul of Dunham’s journey.
March 2026 Book Releases: Scholar Picks & Reimagined Villains
Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24)
I LOVE Marie Benedict! She is a huge inspiration for my “Scholar Talks” because she picks such fascinating, real-life women to highlight. This novel follows Lady Evelyn Herbert, the woman who helped unearth King Tut’s tomb, and the legacy she has to fight to claim as her own.
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw (March)
If you love stories of women in science fighting to be taken seriously, this is for you. It’s the story of Caroline Herschel, a groundbreaking astronomer in the Regency era. It’s a beautiful look at science, sisterhood, and breaking the rules.
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March)
Ready for a fun reimagining? I love when authors take a “villain” and show us their side of the story. This is a feminist reimagining of Cinderella’s “evil” stepmother, showing her as a nuanced woman navigating the social pressures of her time. It’s clever, addictive, and a top pick for my 2026 Book Releases!
Which 2026 Book Releases are you adding to your TBR?
Check back soon for Part II of Most Anticipated 2026 Book Releases! In the meantime, visit the Amaryllis Co. Shop for custom designs perfect for every book-loving history nerd!
Like this Booklist? Check out my other Booklists here!
Find more ways to spoil your inner bookworm!
Check out the Amaryllis Co. Shop, fully stocked with custom designs perfect for every book loving Amaryllis Girl! From shirts, mugs, wine glasses, and more, I have curated a shop with all of my favorites! SHOP HERE! You can also find my collection of bookish merchandise on Etsy.
