What’s on Our January TBR (A Cozy Mix of New, Old, and Unexpected)

January really starts our hibernation period — as close as we get, anyway. Life on the farm slows down, sports schedules ease (but never fully stop), and the days feel a little quieter. It’s the time of year when we reach for cozy blankets, settle into a good book, and keep a hot cup of coffee or tea close by.

This month’s TBR is a true mix. There are brand-new releases, a few advanced reader copies, at least one title with an upcoming screen adaptation, and others that have been around for years but recently caught our eye at the thrift store. Altogether, it’s a blend of the new, the noteworthy, and the well-loved — and we think there’s something here for every kind of reader.

Here’s what’s on our January reading list—and why each one caught our attention.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

Jump to: Katie’s January TBR | Emily’s January TBR

Katie’s January TBR

If you want to follow along with my reading this month,
you can find me on Goodreads here → Katie’s Goodreads Profile

Emily’s January TBR

If you want to follow along with my reads in real time,
you can find me here →Emily’s Goodreads Profile

Katie’s January Reading Wrap-Up

Here’s how my January reading actually turned out:

Oona Out of Order — Margarita Montimore

⭐ 4.0/5

This was such a unique and emotional read. Each year, Oona wakes up at a different age in her life, completely out of order, which made me think so much about how our experiences shape who we are. I kept imagining how hard it would be to live without knowing what came before.

I do wish we had learned a little more about what caused her life to unfold this way, but even so, the story was engaging and full of feeling. There were some great surprises along the way, and it made me feel everything—happy, sad, and hopeful.

A thoughtful, different kind of story that really stayed with me.

Theo of Golden — Allen Levi

⭐ 4.3/5

I picked this one up after hearing a lot of buzz, and while I did enjoy it, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. It’s a very character-driven story about kindness, connection, and the small ways people impact each other. Theo is such a gem, and several of the side characters really stood out.

The pacing is on the slower, more reflective side, so it wasn’t something I flew through, but I’m still glad I read it. A sweet, thoughtful read—even if it wasn’t a new all-time favorite.

Three Bags Full — Leonie Swann

⭐ 3.5/5

I picked this up after seeing the trailer for The Sheep Detectives, and as a sheep lover, I couldn’t resist. The sheep themselves—especially Miss Maple and Othello—were easily my favorite part, and once the mystery picked up, I had a lot of fun trying to piece it together.

It was a slow start, but overall, this was a charming and unique cozy mystery with a fun premise.

👉 Read my full review here → [Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann: Full Review]

Fable — Adrienne Young (Audiobook)

⭐ 4.5/5 | Surprise Read

I usually struggle to review audiobooks because I’m often multitasking, but Fable completely pulled me in. I felt like I was right there on the sea with her.

Fable’s story begins with tragedy and follows her fight to survive in a dangerous world of thieves, secrets, and shifting loyalties. She’s clever, tough, and fiercely independent, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time.

Emma Lysy’s narration is phenomenal and added so much emotion and depth to the story. If you love sea adventures, high stakes, and strong female leads, this is a must-listen.

The Unwritten Rules of Magic — Harper Ross

⭐ 4/5

What if you could rewrite parts of your life — but every change came with consequences?

This emotional debut follows Emerson, a single mom who discovers her late father’s vintage typewriter can alter moments in life. As she’s tempted to “fix” her mistakes and protect the people she loves, she quickly learns that magic doesn’t come without a cost.

While I expected more magical realism, I did enjoy how deeply this focused on grief, loss, and complicated family relationships. It was thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly powerful.

A meaningful, engaging read that definitely made me stop and think.

Eleanor & Grey — Brittainy C. Cherry

⭐ 4/5

A childhood friendship. Years of distance. And a love shaped by loss.

Eleanor & Grey follows two best friends who become each other’s safe place in high school—until life pulls them apart. When they unexpectedly reunite years later, Grey is no longer the boy Eleanor remembers. He’s guarded, distant, and overwhelmed by grief… but is their connection is still there?

This story had me crying one minute and smiling through tears the next. The characters are beautifully written, the emotions feel real, and even while tackling heavy themes, it never feels overwhelming.

A heartfelt, unforgettable romance and the perfect introduction to Brittainy C. Cherry’s writing.

Wrapping Up Our January TBR

We’ll be updating this post throughout the month with reading progress, thoughts on each book, and any unexpected reads.

January always has a way of surprising us.

If you’re resetting your reading rhythm this year, you might enjoy our low-pressure reading goals post.

You may also like the Finding Time to Read When You Just Don’t Have Time series and our free Busy Moms Reading Tracker.

They were created to help reading fit into real life.

We’d love to know what’s on your January TBR.

Share your picks in the comments so we can add a few to our own stacks.

Here’s to slow winter days, warm mugs of coffee or tea, and books that keep us company through the slower season.