Books to read by the end of 2026: 3 must-add Books for Your TBR

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Today, July 1st, marks the first day of the seventh month of the year. The end of June means that we are officially halfway through 2026!

As always, I love reading new books and growing my TBR pile. 2026 has been a fantastic year for my bookish endeavors, and I have read so many incredible books so far. And with five months still to go, I am set out to have an amazing year of stories!

Summer is busy for everyone. It always seems like it will be a slow few months- kids are out of school, and everyone is slowing down. However, as much as a lazy summer sounds amazing, it never happens. The days are crazy and filled with fun (and sometimes stress!) but it’s always great to wind down in the evening with a well-written book.

In today’s post, I have three book recommendations that I am encouraging you to add to your TBR pile. Each of these novels I have randomly picked up for the first time sometime in 2026 and loved it. Don’t worry- I have something for everyone!

Adult fiction- Like Dandelion Dust

I absolutely love the author, Karen Kingsbury. Her writing is so raw and open, and her storytelling is beautiful and magical in a way only she can do.

Like Dandelion Dust is a story that will never leave your mind and stay with you forever. The story of a family being torn apart when their adopted son is being taken away is one that will break your heart and stitch it back together again over and over. The writing is rich and emotional, and the story- you will not want to miss it.

Triggers- Scenes/descriptions of abuse, loss, family tragedy

YA fiction- Wishtress

For teens who are perhaps looking for a different kind of story- different vibes and a more mysterious mood, this pick is perfect.

Wishtress by Nadine Brandes had been on my list for a long time, yet somehow, I never got around to reading it. It is jampacked full of action and a thrilling story written for a YA audience about a girl who was born with the seemingly incredible ability of turning her tears into wishes. Yet nothing comes without a price, and she soon finds herself under an inescapable curse: The next tear she sheds will be her end.

I read this book in one sitting, and when I say I could not put it down, I really couldn’t! The plot moves quickly and keeps you hooked from the beginning.

However, this book was definitely much darker than I had anticipated. Therefore, I can agree that the YA rating is accurate- I would not give this book to a preteen or young teen due to its mature themes and plot. But for an older teen, I believe that this would be a remarkably unforgettable read.

Triggers- Mentions of prostitution, loss, grief, illness, abuse.

A family-friendly novella- His to Hold

This book is the lightest (content wise and also literally!) and sweetest book I have read in 2026. Romance is a popular genre among most ages, and His to Hold perfectly satisfied that craving for a sweet, clean romance.

Caleb and Willow, the most unlikely couple, are thrust into a situation where they are forced to familiarize themselves with the other. Needless to say, they are both starstruck and true love begins to bloom!

I actually did an entire post featuring this book, and I highly recommend you check it out!

His to Hold: A Heartfelt Review of a Sweet Romance

All three of these stories are ones you will fall in love with! Dive into your summer/fall reading and don’t look back!