Tuesday, February 17, 2026

This month’s best new popular fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Popular Fiction
 
.
 
Book cover for So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder
Over 20 years, six longtime friends reunite at five life-changing parties
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "A triumph. I will never forget these characters" (Elin Hilderbrand)
  • One of 2026's most anticipated novels, according to Time, Town & Country, Bustle, and more!
  • Jenny Jackson raves, "You will laugh on every page, except for when you find yourself moved to tears"
  • From the author of The People We Hate at the Wedding, which was adapted into a film starring Allison Janney and Kristen Bell
Learn more...
Media mentions for So Old, So Young by Grant GinderMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, Time Magazine, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Town & Country, Bustle, Good Housekeeping, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Electric Literature
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
At the Boston Public Library, a hidden door leads to a realm where stories come alive
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Briar Club
  • After Alix accidentally discovers the Astral Library, she adventures through the worlds of beloved books — but danger follows close behind
  • "If you've ever wished to tumble straight into your favorite novel, here's your chance… This is bound to be one of the biggest books of the year" (Sarah Penner)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Astral Library by Kate QuinnMEDIA MENTIONS:Time Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Good People by Patmeena Sabit
Take it from Ann Patchett: 'I'll be recommending this book to everyone'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Wealthy, hardworking, and happy, the Sharaf family seems to be the perfect embodiment of the American dream — but a shocking tragedy brings everything into question
  • "At once heartbreaking and hypnotic, Sabit's is a novel that demands to be devoured" (Booklist starred review)
  • This thought-provoking family drama is perfect for fans of Little Fires Everywhere
Learn more...
Media mentions for Good People by Patmeena SabitMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, Time Magazine, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Town & Country, Vulture, Parade, The Guardian, The Times, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman
A Reese's Book Club alum delivers a sweeping portrait of an American family
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Reeling from the death of their sister, Sylvia and Helen Rubinstein don't speak for 10 years after a misunderstanding over apple cake
  • This novel-in-stories from the author of Isola is "deliciously readable" (The New York Times Book Review)
  • "Allegra Goodman's new novel is her crowning glory (so far)" (The Boston Globe)
Learn more...
Media mentions for This Is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanMEDIA MENTIONS:The New Yorker, TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Town & Country, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, pick up this 'beautiful novel' (Booklist)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Tasked with getting rock band the Future Saints to produce a new album, music exec Theo finds himself on a collision course with Hannah, the group's fierce, destructive lead singer
  • This USA Today bestseller "will pull out your heart and leave you begging for more" (New York Times bestselling author Katy Hays)
  • "Hannah and Theo are irresistible characters… This one leaves a mark" (Publishers Weekly starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Future Saints by Ashley WinsteadMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, People, Harper's Bazaar, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for One & Only by Maurene Goo
This sparkling Read with Jenna pick is 'a wildly good time' (Rebecca Serle)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "Meet my new favorite book… The premise is fantastic, the plot kept me guessing, and the last chapter literally gave me shivers" (Katherine Center)
  • Across centuries and continents, the women in Cassia's family have matched couples with a 100% success rate. But an impromptu fling may have Cassia pulled between fate and chance…
  • Highly anticipated by Oprah Daily, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, and more!
Learn more...
Media mentions for One & Only by Maurene GooMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Book Club/Read with Jenna, Book of the Month, Oprah Daily, People, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
'You've never met a character quite like Waldo' (Harper's Bazaar)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of I'm Glad My Mom Died "proves her memoir was anything but a one-hit wonder" (USA Today)
  • Waldo may not understand it, but she's full of desire for her frumpy, married writing teacher, Mr. Korgy. And she won't stop until she gets what she wants…
  • Glowing reviews from Ann Patchett, Gillian Flynn, and Tom Perotta
Learn more...
Media mentions for Half His Age by Jennette McCurdyMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, New York Magazine, USA Today, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Bustle, Elle, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Times, Rolling Stone, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris
The sole survivor of a bus accident, Leigh finds unexpected sanctuary at an Alabama flower farm
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "I don't remember when I've loved a book this much. It is a masterpiece" (Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script)
  • After the bus transporting her to prison careens off the road — killing everyone else on board — Leigh stumbles upon a farm. There, she discovers healing, but her past is never far behind her…
  • "Book clubs and readers who love stories of found family and women triumphing over hardship won't want to miss this one" (Booklist starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton HarrisMEDIA MENTIONS:Parade, Essence, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Laws of Love and Logic by Debra Curtis
Clare Leslie Hall crowns this 'magnificent' debut 'the best thing I've read in years'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Still grieving the death of her mother, Lily finds herself unexpectedly torn between her steadfast husband and her magnetic first love
  • Highly recommended by J. Courtney Sullivan, Shelby Van Pelt, and Mary Beth Keane, who says, "I especially love a story that, when I finish, leaves me with a feeling of hope"
  • Explores themes of sisterhood, forgiveness, and redemption
Learn more...
Media mentions for Laws of Love and Logic by Debra CurtisMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, People, Elle, Good Housekeeping, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Can a time machine help a married couple rediscover their spark?
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "If you read just one book this year, read this one" (New York Times bestselling author Sophie Cousens)
  • As Adam and Jules get swept up in visiting moments from their pasts, they must find their way back to their perfectly imperfect real life — and to each other
  • "A lovely, emotional look at the importance of everyday joys and appreciating what's in front of you" (Kirkus Reviews)
Learn more...
Media mentions for You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn ReesMEDIA MENTIONS:People, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Shark House by Sara Ackerman
Travel to the shores of Hawaii in this atmospheric tale
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Marine biologist Minnow has never healed from witnessing a tragedy involving her father and a white shark. Now, as she investigates a string of shark attacks, she must reckon with the buried truths of her past
  • "This is a perfect read for those who enjoy stories with a strong woman lead and novels focused on nature" (Library Journal)
  • From a USA Today bestselling author who counts Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin among her fans
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Shark House by Sara AckermanMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Parade, Library Journal
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Jills by Karen Parkman
Virginia's best friend and teammate is missing — but how well did she really know Jeanine?
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • NFL cheerleader Virginia's desperate quest to find Jeanine leads her into a world of danger and long-hidden secrets
  • "The best novel about cheerleaders since Megan Abbott's Dare Me" (Publishers Weekly starred review)
  • Featuring unforgettable characters and a propulsive mystery, The Jills will keep you turning pages well into the night
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Jills by Karen ParkmanMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers