Each year I participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge, where I set the number of books I want to read for the year and track my progress. Other than adding books to my “Want to Read” shelf and tracking the books I do read to reach my goal, that’s really all I use Goodreads for. It serves its purpose, and honestly, I’m loving the lack of drama over there right now, and it’s because I keep to myself. That’s a topic for another day, though. Below are the books I read in January 2026, along with a few thoughts I had about each of them. Grab yourself the good ones… you won’t be disappointed.
My January Reads:
Dead Man's Bluff by Brooklyn Kerr. I rated this book 5 stars. This was book 7 of 8 in a series I'd spent 2025 engrossed in. A little bit biker, a little bit gang, and some steamy romance. Each book in the series focuses on one couple set in the overall storyline drama.
Great writing, thrilling story. Totally worth the read.
Dead Man' s Reckoning by Brooklyn Kerr. I rated this book 4 stars. This was book 8 of 8 and the final book in the series. While it was an excellent read, I think the build up didn't send me over the edge like I had hoped.
That's not to say it's not worth reading, just the opposite. I'm honored to have read this series, I can't imagine the time, energy, and dedication it takes to write one like it.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I rated this book 3 stars. This book, for me, was one that easily frustrated me because I couldn't put a pin on why it wasn't a 5 star read.
The kicker for me was this huge build up, only to be left with a bit of a cliff hanger. The reader was given big clumps of bread crumbs, only to be deprived of the rest of the loaf at the end. It interested me enough though to want to try the next book in the series, but not right away.
The Last-Father Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate. I rated this short story two stars. I know that may not be fair to the author, but I felt like I fell into this giant plot hole.
I may go back and give it three stars because I know that I should understand that it's probably how short stories work, but this had me scratching my head and wishing there was more. It has promise and I hope the author considers writing a full story. Because I'd read it.
Four Hearts by Brandi Easterling Collins. I rated this book 5 stars. I was honored to beta read Four Hearts when it was in the earlier stages, and I decided to purchase a kindle copy to read after it's December release. This novel takes you back to 1999 just before the Y2K craziness.
If you're old enough to remember that, then buckle up because this YA novel will have you cuddling with your beanie babies, sipping on a Capri Sun, and listening to a little bit of Brittany Spears.
This story was a great reflection of how youth navigated that time period, all while falling in love with childhood sweethearts and battling a blizzard. One of my top reads for January.
The House on Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble. I rated this book 3 stars. This book was okay and not difficult to read. It had one of my favorite settings, an piece of land surrounded by water, a female protagonist with a super unique job, and a little mystery and romance.
But, it was a little longer than I felt it needed to be, and the shock value for a mystery just wasn't there. We all have different preferences though, so give it a shot if you find it more your style.
The Fragile Hour by Rosalind Laker. I gave this book 3 stars. I didn't rate it mid-range because of content, but the ending wasn't what I wanted. I chose this book because I really like reading historical fiction set during the WWII time period.
This book in particular was set in the fight between the Germans and Norway. As my husband's family is from Norway, I was immediately drawn to it. I also really loved reading about a woman who didn't mind getting her hands dirty when it came to the resistance. While I won't be rereading this one, it was still a good read.
Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber. I gave this book 5 stars. This book was the second book I've read about the Titanic disaster of 1914. This book followed three sisters during their time on that fateful journey. It was well written, easy to follow, and as tragic as the story is, I felt like I was on the ship myself.
I didn't originally connect the era of the Women's Suffrage with the story of the Titanic and what those women were feeling during such a monumental journey, but now I can see the significance of it.
My heart is still breaking from this read, but I love a good historical fiction that can move you. Honestly, I will be buying the hard copy of this book for my collection. Such a strong recommended read.
Cracks Beneath The Surface: A Titanic Novel by Laura McCrum. I rated this book 2 stars. I'm not sure if I read a bad copy, or a rough draft, but this book was not well put together. I could see the direction the author wanted to go, but it didn't settle well with me. I started it out struggling to get into it, and then I really wanted to be done. I tend to finish most books, even if I don't like them, but this one was difficult. I'm hoping I just got a bad copy.
This was my third Titanic read, and the other two set the bar high. Sadly, this one fell short. That said, I want to give this author another try, and I plan to read her second book in this series focusing on Mr. Murdoch, one of the sailors aboard the ship, and in the Titanic movie his character shot himself, though I don't think that's been proven.
This book was my lowest rated, but I think reviews are subjective and this doesn't reflect on this author or any of her other stories.
Final Thoughts:
I read a total of 9 books between January 1st-January 31st, 2026. Let's see what February brings. I've linked all the books I listed above. Happy Reading if you choose to give any a try. Read one or two on the list? Tell me in the comments which one was your favorite and why!
Comments ()