While January isn't the most joyous of months, there is still cause for celebration. There's a whole new year on the horizon filled with brand new books for us to discover.

Start the year the right way - with a great book and a great cause. When you shop with us, you do both: treat yourself to a new read this January and help make a school’s new year a little brighter.

LoveReading's January Genre Picks of the Month

From smart and provocative historical fantasy to out of this world romance, our genre picks offer key highlights from across the genres. Scroll through to find out more about these top fiction picks. 

Our Sci-Fi / Fantasy Pick of the Month

Godstorm by Solitaire Townsend - "This smart and provocative historical fantasy blends the power of the Roman Empire with climate change as a former gladiator sets out to rescue her abducted charge."

Our Literary Pick of the Month

Good Girl by Aria Aber - "An electric debut novel about the daughter of Afghan refugees and her year of nightclubs, bad romance, and self-discovery"

Our Crime / Thriller Pick of the Month

Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney - "An irresistible debut novel about obsession and celebrity fandom."

Our Romance Pick of the Month

Love at First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe - "Brought together by a UFO, this romcom delivers out-of-this-world enjoyment."

LoveReading's January 2026 Fiction Books of the Month

Our duo of fiction books deliver a gorgeously intricate epic fantasy novel where readers can dive into a world of gods, dragons and deep magic as well as a rip-roaringly enthralling slice of historical fiction taking readers back to the Roman Empire with a serving of magical realism.

Shop today and we'll donate 25% to a school of your choice, at no extra cost to you. 

A God of Countless Guises by Bradley P. Beaulieu - "A gorgeously intricate and exciting epic fantasy novel set in a world of gods, dragons, and deep magic."

The Ark and the Empire by Michael Livingston - "A rip-roaringly exciting and enthralling slice of historical fiction, set after the assassination of Julius Caesar, that also serves a vivid slash of magical realism."

LoveReading's January 2026 Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Whether you're looking for support for living your best life in your later years, or focusing on living in tune with each season, our Non-Fiction Books of the Month have suggestions for you. These books are encouraging, supportive and practical as they guide you to a healthier and happier life.

Visit the book pages to find out more including our full review.  

Sex, Drugs & Walking Sticks by Miriam Stoppard - "An encouraging, inspiring, and practical alphabetical guide to living your best physical and emotional life as you age."

Wisdom in the Seasons by Alicky Gravell - "A warm, welcoming practical and supportive guide to living in tune with the seasons in order to live a more healthy and happy life."

LoveReading's January 2026 Debuts of the Month

Our Debut double act offers classic characters reinvented in a YA thriller and a beautifully intimate relationships tale exploring themes of culture, immigration, and identity.

Treat yourself today and maybe discover your next favourite author. UK schools directly benefit too, it's a win-win. 

Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet - "This gripping YA debut reinvents Little Women as a contemporary murder mystery thriller that keeps readers guessing to the very end."

Belgrave Road by Manish Chauhan - "A beautifully intimate and rather special relationship tale sitting within wider themes of culture, immigration, and identity."

LoveReading's January 2026 Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month

Starting off the new year with a host of new book recommendations, Liz Robinson's picks of the month are filled with fabulous and thrilling books that will keep you hooked. Wheter you're looking for atmospheric fiction or thought-provoking and moving non-fiction, there's something here for you.

Browse Liz's recommendations or add to your basket at the bottom of the page. Every purchase has a purpose, providing much needed funding for books to schools across the UK. 

The Edge of Darkness by Vaseem Khan - "This fabulously atmospheric and fiendish historical locked-room crime novel flings you to India in 1951 as Persis Wadia investigates the murder of a prominent politician."

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao - "Devastating in its heartrending power, beautiful in its time and place, and intimate in its intricately grown characters, this is a wonderfully potent and compelling fantasy novel."

Custody by Lara Feigel - "Seven stories detailing child custody cases across nearly two hundred years, proves how desperately tragic these cases can be in this powerful, thought-provoking, and moving book."

Godfall by Van Jensen - "This thrilling blend of crime and science fiction set in earth’s near future explodes into being and keeps ratcheting the tension through to the mind-blowing end."

The Living and the Dead by Christoffer Carlsson - "As it twists its intricate way across twenty years, this award-winning Swedish murder mystery hits with huge emotional impact."

LoveReading's January 2026 Star Books

It's January, the start of a new year and so the start of our Star Books 2026 list. And what a strong start it is! With mystery, history and non-fiction titles, explore this month's picks as well as our previous selections on our Star Books page and let us know if you love them as much as we do.