Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Today’s topic is: Books on My Spring 2026 To-Read List –

  • Today’s TTT post is another fun TBR post. I’m still not sure how we’re already almost a quarter of the way through 2026, but you know what? I’m rolling with it, and looking forward to spring and some fun new books in these coming months!
(This post includes affiliate links. This means that if you click on one and end up buying something I might get a small commission. This doesn’t cost you any extra, and simply helps me out a bit.)

This one will be a mix of new releases and a few of the books that I had wanted to read last year, and just haven’t gotten to yet.

Shadow Light by Ivy Emerson –

I only ever wanted to stay in control.
Run my security firm.
Find the truth about the past I can’t forget.
I told myself feelings don’t belong in this job—
until she hired me.

I only ever wanted to help people.
Start over.
Prove I could stand on my own again.
I was in my brave-face, teach-myself-to-knit, can-do-anything season—
until he walked back into my life.

The shadows are closing in, dragging the past with them.
But the truth we uncover might be the one thing
that finally brings us into the light—
or tears us apart.

This one is from a new-to-me author. I asked for book recs earlier this year, and this was one that was recommended to me, but now that I’ve seen some teaser quotes and learned a little more about the book, I’m looking forward to it! I don’t actually own this one, but it is on KU, so…if I get a good deal, I may have to try to read a few of the others on my TBR that I don’t own, and I definitely want to prioritize this one if I end up getting KU for a short time.

Love in the Wild by Mandi Blake –

It’s all fun and games until the fake relationship puts their lives on the line.

Gage Howard’s last name is a legacy, and not a good one. The Howards and the Pattons have been rivals for half a century, but his sister’s actions have branded her a traitor. Now, his own loyalty is divided. Hadley Morgan has no clue how bloody the family feud between the Howards and the Pattons is when she volunteers to help her new roommate get information to Gage. A fake relationship with her roommate’s brother is a simple solution to stay below the radar.

Gage is guarded and stoic, while Hadley is full of hope. As they carefully navigate their arrangement, they find unexpected connection in the tragedies of their past.

Hadley is determined to show Gage a God of forgiveness as he is constantly reminded of his dark past. Alliances are drawn and betrayals can put a target on anyone’s back. Together, they’ll have to strive to keep the Howards and Pattons from destroying each other while fighting for the new love that could be the way to healing for both of them.

I have had this one on my TBR since…before it was released a few years ago. I have been excited for this story for a while now, as in from the time I first met Gage and Hadley, and to find out later that they were together in a book?! But… I think I hyped it up so much that I ended up shying away from it once I actually had the chance to read it. Life has just been… hectic, and it wasn’t the right time, but I’m really hoping that soon I will finally get to read this one!

Freedom’s Fire by Kathryn Douglas –

Leon Wagner, a determined Jewish man, finds himself trapped in the brutal reality of a Nazi concentration camp. With every ounce of his strength, he clings to the belief that he will be reunited with his beloved wife, Aadelheide, and their children. In a world where mercy is scarce, Leon’s unwavering faith becomes his lifeline. Through beatings, starvation, and the constant threat of death, Leon’s journey is a testament
to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith.

Riker Schind, an SS officer, struggles with his conscience as he uncovers the horrific truths behind the regime he serves. Haunted by his past and the role he plays in the suffering around him, Riker’s journey towards redemption is fraught with peril and soul-searching decisions. His encounters with prisoners, especially with Leon, challenge his beliefs and force him to confront the darkness within his own soul.
Amidst the backdrop of war-torn Europe, Freedom’s Fire weaves a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit. Katelyn Douglas, a passionate new voice in historical fiction, masterfully combines her love of the Gospel with the harrowing events of WWII. Known for her rich character development and compelling narratives, Katelyn writes stories that affirm the truth that no one is too far gone for God’s love.

This is another that has been on my TBR for a little while, but I didn’t own a copy until recently. It actually went out-of-print for a while, and I’m excited it’s back now. The author updated it, and there’s also a sequel now. I don’t own the sequel yet, but depending on whether I enjoy this one, it’s on my wishlist!

To Belong Together by Emily Conrad –

Fame and money have a way of complicating love.
Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most.

Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her.

At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together?

I read the first book in this series a while back, and while I loved Gannon’s story, I just never got back to these. I loved John from the start, so I really hope to read this one soon, too, but until recently, I have been super rushed and constantly busy, so now that things have slowed a bit, I’m looking forward to enjoying some of these that I’ve been wanting to read for some time.

Elusive Evil by JJ Samie Myles –

Sometimes evil is so close you can’t see it.

Former NZSAS corporal Nik “Nikyboy” Te Koha is on vacation with his Task Force SEAR buddies in Indonesia when a suicide bomber targets a church. Triage efforts quickly morph into a full-blown mission, bringing Nik’s old demons knocking.

Terror has haunted Rina Soto from childhood, killing her family and fueling her passion to join Delta 77, a counter-terrorism unit. Convinced the recent attack wasn’t a one-off, she sets out to hunt down the bombers with the help of an enigmatic Kiwi and his highly skilled team.

Opposites attract; fighting the same enemy unites. Nik and Rina put their lives on the line to prevent more carnage, but another threat looms much closer. Can Rina’s unwavering faith pierce Nik’s darkness?

Book three (Death Wish) is almost here, and yet I still haven’t read this one. What? Yeah, Nik’s story is one I’ve been really looking forward to, and loved him (and Leger) from reading book one (Crimson Sands), but then life sort of had other plans, and I missed the December release for this one… I’m also starting to feel like this is a recurring theme here.

It’s Always Been You by Rachel Chamberlayne –

He’s a former womanizer with a redeemed heart; she’s an old fling battling low self-esteem. After three years of silence, he’s back, and this time she’s wise enough to know he only wants her body, not her heart. Or does he?Evie

I’ve loved my brother’s best friend since before I could talk—and it ended up costing me both my virtue and my heart. When an unexpected health scare forces me to quit my job as a caregiver three years later, Brandon swoops in and makes me a job offer I can’t refuse.

He’s acting like a total saint these days, but I know the real Brandon beneath that deceptively charming, calculatedly clinical doctor’s smile. This is all just a game to him—he loves the chase. Unfortunately, the last time we played games, I fell in love, and he fell in lust.

Still, my cold, black heart might be dumb enough to want to play again—just to feel something.

Brandon

I knew everything would change when I gave my life to Christ. The only change I couldn’t have prepared for was losing the one person who was in my corner when it felt like the whole world had turned against me.

I might have let my Spitfire down, but I’ll never let her go—not until she stops running from me long enough to forgive me. But as her heart begins to soften toward me, that same ember of desire burning between us threatens to send our innocent friendship up in flames yet again.

Hiring her as my assistant will be either the best decision or the worst mistake I’ve ever made.

Author’s It’s Always Been You is a closed door, fade-to-black contemporary Christian romance that includes mature themes best suited for readers 18+.

Another eARC that I didn’t get to last year, and I feel so bad about this, so I’m excited to finally be able to read some of these recently. I almost started this one last night after finishing my previous book, but I know this is a more emotional read, and wasn’t sure if that was a good idea since I have a heavier action story that I’m also alpha-reading this week, so… Wise decisions, people, making wise decisions.

From Ice to Home by Ann J. David –

“I don’t think I’ll ever not be a small town girl,” she says. “I mean, look at me.”
I’ve been looking at her this entire time and I can’t not see her. From the small freckles across her nose to the perfect bow above her lips. “I am looking at you.”

Hannah I thought I had my life all figured out—graduate school, a dream job, and finally stepping out from the shadow of my small-town upbringing. But running into Lucas Walker, my high school sweetheart and now the star player for the NY Rangers, in the middle of Las Vegas turned my carefully laid plans upside down. One impulsive moment, one ocean of emotions, and now…we’re married.

Lucas Hockey has been my life for the past five years—a fast-paced, all-consuming escape that helped me forget the girl who shattered my heart. Or so I thought. Seeing Hannah again, in the most unexpected place, brought every feeling I buried rushing back. One night, one decision, and suddenly, we’re navigating a life I’d only dreamed of having with her.

From small-town South Carolina to the bright lights of New York City, Hannah and Lucas navigate the highs and lows of an unexpected marriage. Amidst rekindled feelings, viral headlines, and family complications—they must face what they mean to each other, and if love and faith can guide them through this second chance. Their story is one of heart, healing, and holding on to the hope of forever.

I also wanted to read this one, and have an eARC of the sequel… I do have ebook copies of both that I grabbed while they were on sale, too, but just haven’t slowed down enough to enjoy them quite yet.

Waves of Redemption by S.L. Kline –

Ysabella Fletcher fled England at sixteen when all she knew shattered to pieces. Seven years later, now a pirate known as The Fair Captain Ysa Marie, she finally has an opportunity to seek revenge on the man who ruined her life. But when a trap is sprung, she learns that her only chance of freedom lies in spying on a fellow pirate, a man who sells the vulnerable to brothels.

All Nyle Wingate has ever wanted to do is work on his plantation on St. Kitts. But everything flashes before his eyes when he finds himself in the sights of someone’s black heart. When the hour of vengeance that he waited for comes, can he overcome the desire for justice and show mercy?

Are they both worthy to be washed in the waves of redemption?

Ah, this one’s new! Well… new-to-me at least. It is newer, but has been out for a few years now. I bought both books in the duology directly from the author’s shop, and have loved following her on IG. I don’t often read pirate books anymore, but these stood out and really caught my attention. They deal with some heavier topics, too, but I’m excited to see how the author portrays them and the messages of hope and healing that she talks about on her IG in her stories.

Never Alone by Shanea Rinn –

Karl Stein’s childhood ended at nine years old when death claimed his mother, leaving him with an emotionally absent father, and a baby sister to raise. At eighteen years old Karl has had enough.

Abandoning family and country, Karl seeks his own life in the wide world, away from his father, and his father’s God. Only he doesn’t count on joining the British army to stay out of jail. Or Adolf Hitler’s blitzkrieg through Europe in May 1940 that shakes the world and causes him to question all his choices—especially the choice of leaving his sister.

Determined to fight the tyranny, save his family, and ease his nagging conscience, Karl joins the elite British 1st Para Battalion to bring peace back to the world, and hopefully, his guilty soul.

Aylen Stein holds the strings of her heart with a death grip. Trusting Pa with a few tendrils is safe enough—until the Germans occupy Holland, and Aylen fears more betrayal.

When the College of Utrecht offers a scholarship to the highest-grading student in her class, Aylen seizes the challenge, desperate to defeat her competitor, and secure a stable future for her family.

But when her competitor acts less like a rival than a collaborator, Aylen isn’t certain if his attention is romantic, or if his plans are more sinister. He is the son of a Nazi sympathizer after all.

And she is Jewish.

Can Karl redeem his past and still attain his life goals? Will Aylen learn to trust God with her heart, even if He allows it to break again?

This is the second WWII book on this list… I am well aware that I tend to gravitate toward heavier themes and messages of hope and light in the darkness, and well, this list is a good taste of some of the types of books I’ve been reaching for lately, haha. This is from a debut author that I’ve followed for just over a year now. I loved her novella in the Fall Through Time anthology, and have been eager to read this one too.

Prairie Gold by Deanna Koch –

Amid simpler days and changing winds, Edith Anne dreams of independence. She longs to make her own choices and escape the rules and expectations of her small town’s society, but when her world falls apart, she finds herself tied to Bad Heart in a way she couldn’t have ever imagined. Will she be able to overcome the fears that plague her past and future?

In the late 1930s, Ben is focused on establishing himself as a rancher in Alberta. His family has worked hard to make a home and a life here, and Ben intends to build a legacy, but his trajectory alters when Edith comes into his life. Will he be able to break through her walls and teach her that she is worthy of love? When World War II calls, will their uncertain relationship survive it?

Will they be able to overcome the scars of the past and let God’s eternal love become the center of their relationship?

This is another historical set around the WWII time period. I happened to find it when the author’s cover reveal post popped up on my page. Both Deanna and Shanea are Canadian authors, and both of these books are their debut, so I’m so excited to read these and look forward to supporting them and following them on their author journey. I love finding and supporting newer and lesser-known authors, especially indies, and am so excited to have met and followed along on the writing journey with several of the authors on this list now. It’s always such a blessing, and I’m confident that no matter what order I happen to read these in, I’m in for some amazing stories!

**BONUS** Audiobook – Wildflower on the Prairie by Tasha Hackett –

June. July. August.

Hannah has three months to catch a husband . . . she can do it, but it sure doesn’t leave time to dilly-dally.

***June 1, 1879
One more day.

If Hannah Benton can keep her posture straight and daydreams in check for one more day, she’ll be gloriously free. Eager to make a new life on her twin brother’s sheep farm in Okelbo, Nebraska, Hannah agrees to a trial period away from home. But she has no intention of ever returning to her mother’s suffocating restrictions. All she needs to make the move permanent is a husband, and she has three whole months to find a man and marry him.

Tobias Franklin maintains perfect control of his life, running Franklin Brickworks and courting a young lady he likes well enough. Between his charming sister and toddler son, he’s content. When a flying corset and a copy of Frankenstein redirects his path, his simple life takes a turn—right into the arms of spirited Hannah Claire Benton, a woman who makes him question how much control he ever really had in the first place.

After an accident lands Tobias in Hannah’s care, can God form a life-changing friendship out of their stubborn hearts?

About the mom, and drinker of coffee flavored creamer, Tasha Hackett spends too much time making lists and walking around her Nebraska prairie thinking about flowers and grasshoppers. Although she frequently types words, sews, cooks for six, and teaches bible class, her favorite thing is family. They give her the kind of love people write books about.

Did any of these grab your attention?
Have you read any of them?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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