Notable Book Recommendations for 2026 from Authors Featured on TODAY

**Cozy Romance**: Ana Huang recommends a second chance romance about Ali, who inherits a pear orchard burdened by debt and a curse, leading her to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend Logan amidst bizarre occurrences.

**Book to Screen**: Huang highlights a new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic, focusing on the Dashwood sisters navigating poverty and love in late-18th century England. She encourages reading it before the film's release.

**Best Thriller**: Huang describes a thriller featuring a retired photographer who starts hearing the voices of women from her punk rock past, compelling her to confront buried memories and uncover old crimes.

**Hispanic Heritage Month**: Huang also praises a modern romantasy where Santiago embarks on an adventure in Peru to discover a lost tomb while handling family grief and ancient challenges.

**Young Adult Romantasy**: Victoria Aveyard suggests a YA story set in the Gilded Age, mixing reporting and romance, which is ideal for hungry teen readers.

**Political Romance**: Aveyard also points to Kate Stayman-London’s narrative of two political staffers navigating a decade of relationship challenges during elections, blending rivalry with romance.

**Mystery**: Aveyard recommends Lucy Foley’s continuation of Miss Marple's adventures, featuring a murder at a ski resort.

**John Green's Adult Debut**: Aveyard features John Green's novel about young actors grappling with fame, set against today’s societal backdrop.

**Romance in Grief**: Brooke Averick discusses a Tarah Wells novel where Bea and her friend Silas support each other through grief, potentially leading to romance.

**Post-Apocalyptic Thriller**: Averick emphasizes a story where a pilot seeks hope after a flu pandemic, responding to a mysterious radio transmission.

**Historical Mystery**: She also recommends a meta-thriller set on an island with connections to past disappearances.

**Quirky Comedy**: Averick suggests a tale of Mona, who becomes a super for her apartment building, filled with laughs and poignant moments.

**Millennial Rom-Com**: John Searles highlights a romantic comedy by Laura Marie Meyers, where a woman wakes up in a fictional game of MASH created in middle school, combining humor with nostalgia.

**Fantasy Adventure**: Searles discusses a young woman's journey in a world blending Chinese mythology with themes of identity and conflict.

**Dark Erotic Thriller**: He recommends a thriller focusing on a Hollywood producer facing her dark past following an unexpected reunion.

**Classic Adaptation**: Searles notes an adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey," starring Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, directed by Christopher Nolan.

**Witty Friendship Novel**: Isaac Fitzgerald promotes a heartwarming story following friendship and self-discovery amid life's challenges.

**Exploration of Historical Narratives**: He praises Craig Fehrman's detailed account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, bringing lesser-known figures and perspectives to light.

**Queer Retelling**: Fitzgerald mentions a retelling of the King Arthur myth through a queer lens.

**Celebrity Memoir**: He highlights Lena Dunham's memoir for its candid insights and quality writing.

**Romantic Drama**: Fitzgerald also suggests a beachside romance that captures the essence of summer escapism.

**Contemporary Fantasy**: Julia Quinn recommends B.K. Borison’s story about two meteorologists facing a storm, tying in humor with heartfelt moments.

**Historical Fiction**: Quinn discusses "Keeper of Lost Children," which sheds light on a true historical adoption initiative.

**Science Fiction**: She praises Andy Weir's work involving humor and science in a narrative about saving humanity.

**Unorthodox Mystery**: Quinn showcases a book exploring dark themes through the lens of girlhood and complicated family dynamics.

**Additional Recommendations**: Quinn also shares a list including works from authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and India Holton, set to release throughout the year.

**Thriller by Brad Thor**: He highlights a mystery involving a woman investigating her friend’s disappearance, alongside a steamy sports romance and psychological thrillers.