Winter reading season is officially calling, and Flatiron Books is answering with a lineup that feels equal parts cozy, compelling, and conversation starting.
From buzzy adult fiction debuts and immersive mysteries to cookbooks that nourish both body and spirit, Winter 2026 is shaping up to be one of those seasons where your nightstand is never empty.
Whether you’re craving layered family drama, pop-culture nostalgia, or a fresh reset for the new year, these upcoming titles deliver on all fronts.
FICTION: Families, Fame, and Secrets That Refuse to Stay Buried
One of the most talked-about releases of the season is "Meet the Newmans" (January 6), the long-awaited adult fiction debut from Jennifer Niven.
Known and loved for "All the Bright Places," Niven shifts her style here, stepping into 1960s America with a novel that explores the glossy illusion of a picture-perfect TV family, and the complicated truths simmering just beneath the surface.
Told through the alternating perspectives of the four Newman family members, this story balances humor and heartbreak as cultural change, personal ambition, and buried secrets begin to crack the family’s carefully curated image. It’s nostalgic without being sentimental, and deeply human in all the ways that matter.
For readers who love insider stories and pop-culture power plays, "If I Ruled the World" (January 27) by Amy Dubois Barrett is a must. Set against the electric backdrop of the late 1990s hip-hop scene and glossy magazine offices, this debut novel offers an unapologetic look at ambition, friendship, and the cost of success.
Barrett, who knows this world well, creates a driven heroine navigating career highs, emotional risks, and a fast-moving industry where loyalty is everything and nothing is guaranteed. Think sharp dialogue, cultural nostalgia, and a story that feels both fun and fiercely relevant.
And then there’s Jane Harper. If you’re already a fan, you know what’s coming, and if you’re not, "Last One Out" (April 14) is the perfect place to start.
Set in a nearly abandoned Australian town clinging to its past, Harper’s latest mystery is steeped in atmosphere and quiet tension. When a young man disappears while documenting the town’s history, his absence fractures what little community remains.
Years later, his mother’s return reignites unanswered questions and long-suppressed truths. Harper once again proves she’s a master of place-based suspense, crafting a mystery that’s as much about grief and belonging as it is about solving a crime.
NONFICTION: Food, Healing, and a Fresh Start
Winter also brings a nourishing nonfiction slate that’s perfect for readers thinking about balance, health, and joy.
Jamie Oliver returns with "Eat Yourself Healthy" (January 13), a cookbook that reframes healthy eating as something abundant and celebratory rather than restrictive. Packed with over 100 recipes, practical nutrition tips, and a two-week meal plan, this book feels like a supportive reset rather than a rulebook.
Oliver’s message is clear: food should energize you, satisfy you, and fit into real life.
In "One Plate at a Time" (March 31), Demi Lovato invites readers into a gentler relationship with food and cooking.
This deeply personal cookbook blends accessible recipes with reflections on healing, self-care, and rediscovering joy in the kitchen. With personal photos, pantry tips, and an emphasis on progress over perfection, it’s a comforting companion for anyone who’s ever struggled with food or simply wants cooking to feel more human.
Rounding out the season is "How Not to Die: Revised and Updated" (December 8) by Dr. Michael Greger. This refreshed edition incorporates the latest science on nutrition, longevity, and disease prevention, offering practical guidance grounded in research.
It’s empowering, informative, and especially timely as readers look toward the new year with intention.
Whether you’re escaping into fiction or rethinking how you care for yourself, this season’s list proves there’s no one right way to read, just the joy of finding the next book that fits exactly where you are, and these are some great picks to consider.
Happy Reading!
