Best Feel-Good Fiction Books of 2026

"Happy Place" by Emily Henry is a contemporary women's fiction book about a couple who broke up but pretend to still be together during their annual vacation with their best friends. Harriet and Wyn's weeklong stay in a Maine cottage is their last together in the place they've come to cherish, and they don't want to ruin it for their friends. However, the more they pretend, the more they realize they still have feelings for each other. This slow-burn romance is a heartwarming ode to chosen families and the complexities of relationships. Overall, "Happy Place" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a heartwarming small town romance that will leave readers feeling good. The story follows Knox, a solitary barber who helps a runaway bride, Naomi, who is stranded in Knockemout, Virginia with an unexpected niece to take care of. Naomi's presence disrupts Knox's peaceful life, but he can't help but assist her as she navigates her new life in the town. As the danger unfolds, Knox and Naomi's relationship deepens, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Score's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-read for fans of small-town romance.

Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series, 2) by Lucy Score is a heartwarming and funny love story. The novel follows Nash Morgan, the good Morgan brother, as he recovers from being shot, and his neighbor Lina, who has secrets of her own. The connection between them is electric, but Lina's past and fear of commitment threaten their relationship. Score's signature charm shines through in this small-town romance, as she weaves together humor and heartfelt moments. Overall, Things We Hide from the Light is a delightful read that fans of the genre won't want to miss.

Romantic Comedy (Reese's Book Club): A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld is a charming and witty story that explores the complexities of modern romance. The protagonist, Sally Milz, is a comedy writer who has given up on love. However, when she meets pop star Noah Brewster, she begins to question her assumptions. The novel is a delightful exploration of the conventions of romantic comedy and the realities of real-life love. Sittenfeld's ability to bring complex female characters to life on the page is on full display in this book. Overall, Romantic Comedy is a smart, sophisticated, and fun read that is sure to leave readers smiling.

Beach Read by Emily Henry is a charming romance novel that follows the story of two writers with different genres who challenge each other to write something out of their comfort zone in the span of three months. The book is a delightful read that will make readers experience a wide range of emotions. It has received critical acclaim, being featured in numerous publications as one of the best summer reads of 2020. Overall, Beach Read is a unique and heartwarming book that will make readers believe in love and the possibility of finding it in unexpected places.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a delightful and insightful novel that instantly became a New York Times bestseller. The story follows Nora, a cutthroat literary agent who agrees to go on a sisters’ trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina with her beloved little sister Libby. Instead of a peaceful vacation, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie, a bookish and brooding editor from the city. As they are thrown together again and again, they discover things that might unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves. The novel is a comedic meditation on love, family, and going your own way, subverting romance tropes and archetypes. Highly recommended for contemporary women fiction fans.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry is a heartwarming story of two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who take a trip down memory lane during their last chance to fall in love. The witty and natural banter between the main characters is a testament to the author's skill in writing dialogue. The book is a perfect summer read, with its sparkling romance, humor, and emotional depth. It is no wonder that People We Meet on Vacation has been named one of the Most Anticipated Books of 2021 by various publications. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.

Queen Charlotte: Before the Bridgertons is a powerful and romantic novel that tells the love story of Queen Charlotte and King George III. This book is based on the original series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, created by Shondaland for Netflix. The book is authored by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn and television pioneer Shonda Rhimes. The novel explores the societal shift that was sparked by the love between Queen Charlotte and King George III. It is an intriguing read that will keep you engaged from the beginning to the end.

Practice Makes Perfect: A Novel is a delightful contemporary romance novel that tells a story of Annie, a small-town girl who runs a flower shop in Rome, Kentucky, and her quest to find a perfect match. With the help of Will, a sexy and tattooed bodyguard, Annie learns to become more flirtatious and fun while discovering more layers to Will's usual stoic attitude. The chemistry between the two characters is undeniable, and the banter is unmatched. This whimsical and swoony novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

It Happened One Summer: A Novel is a spicy and unforgettable rom-com duology from the #1 New York Times bestseller and tik tok favorite Tessa Bailey. The story revolves around Piper Bellinger, a Hollywood "It Girl" who is exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town after she is cut off from her wealthy family. There, she meets Brendan, a surly and sexy local who thinks she doesn't belong. As Piper reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, she starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. This book is an entertaining read with a unique storyline that will keep readers hooked.