May 2026 TBR: The Books We’re Most Excited To Read This Month
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May always feels a little unpredictable—in the best way. Some days are slow and quiet, others are completely packed, and somehow we’re already inching closer to summer without quite knowing how we got here.
This month, part of my reading is being gently (or not so gently) dictated by my Libby holds. I’ve officially hit that point where adding something new means letting something else go—and deciding which hold to cancel feels like its own kind of chaos. There’s always one more book I want to squeeze in.
So for me, May is a bit of a reset—finally making my way through the books I’ve been waiting on, while trying not to add five more in the process.
For both of us, though, this month’s list ended up being a mix of everything—some shared reads we’re excited to experience together, and some completely individual picks that just fit our personal reading moods right now.
No strict plans, no pressure—just a stack we’re genuinely excited about (with a few library due dates keeping at least one of us in check).
Here’s what we’re hoping to pick up this month.
Jump to: Katie’s May TBR | Emily’s May TBR
Katie’s May TBR
A Founding Mother — Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
I love a good historical fiction read, and I especially gravitate toward stories about strong, intelligent women.
This one focuses on Abigail Adams, which immediately sold me—but even more so because it comes from the same authors behind My Dear Hamilton and America’s First Daughter, both of which I’ve either read or had on my radar for a while.
It also feels like a meaningful pick with America’s 250th anniversary coming up, which makes the timing feel especially fitting.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
The Courting of Bristol Keats— Mary E. Pearson
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Why it’s on my TBR:
I honestly don’t remember exactly when I added this to my holds list or where I first came across it, but it’s been sitting there for a while now.
Over the past few years, I’ve started dipping more into fantasy, but fae and gods haven’t typically been my go-to. This one feels like a bit of a stretch for me genre-wise, which is part of the reason I finally decided to pick it up. I’m curious to see how it turns out.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
The Women of Wild Hill — Kirsten Miller
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This was an immediate add to my holds list after finishing Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books (see my full review here).
Magical realism and witches are very much my thing, so this one felt like a natural next step. It has that slightly mysterious, atmospheric vibe I tend to love, and I didn’t hesitate before adding it.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Yesteryear — Caro Claire Burke
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
I knew I wanted to read this one almost immediately after reading the back cover. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of earlier time periods and what life might have been like then, and this story felt like it would really tap into that curiosity
Even better—it’s a shared read for Emily and me this month, which makes it even more exciting. There’s just something extra fun about reading the same story at the same time and getting to compare thoughts as we go.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Keeper of Lost Children — Sadeqa Johnson
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This one went straight onto my Libby holds list as soon as I saw it available. I really enjoyed The House of Eve, and I’ve also heard amazing things about Yellow Wife, so picking up another Sadeqa Johnson novel felt like an easy yes.
Her storytelling always seems to blend emotional depth with historical detail in a really powerful way, and I’m expecting the same here.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Wait For Me — Amy Jo Burns
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Hardcover | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
I first saw this one featured on Read with Jenna, and that alone was enough to make me pause.
A multigenerational story set in a small-town, country setting is exactly the kind of atmosphere I tend to gravitate toward. There’s just something about that combination that always pulls me in.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
If you want to follow along with my reading this month,
you can find me on Goodreads here → Katie’s Goodreads Profile
Emily’s May TBR
Yesteryear — Caro Claire Burke
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This was my Book of the Month pick for April, and I’m really excited to finally be picking it up this month. It has that kind of premise that makes you want to know more, and I’ve been looking forward to getting into it ever since it arrived.
I’m also especially excited because Katie and I are reading this one together, which always makes a book feel a little more fun and interactive as we go.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Theo of Golden — Allen Levi
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
At this point, who hasn’t heard of this one? Katie read it back in January, and I’m just now finally getting to it. It’s been sitting on my list for a while, mostly because I kept hearing mixed things and wasn’t sure when I’d be in the right mood for it.
But it’s one of those books that keeps circling back into conversation, so I feel like now is the time to see what it’s all about for myself.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
A Good Animal— Sara Maurer
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Hardcover | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
Book of the Month picks are always an easy yes for me, and this one immediately caught my attention when I saw it in my box. It has such a warm, reflective kind of premise that feels like it will be a really grounding read.
I’m also really interested to see how it compares to Yesteryear.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
Alchemized — SenLinYu
Buy on Amazon→
Formats: Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
Why it’s on my TBR:
This is a carry-over from April. Last month ended up being a bit busier than expected, and I just didn’t make it to everything I had planned.
I’ve been putting this one off because, honestly, I’m a little intimidated—but the curiosity has officially won. I’ve heard so many people talk about this book, and I just need to know what the hype is about. Wish me luck… I have a feeling this is going to be a ride.
Status: Not Started
Rating: Coming Soon
If you want to follow along with my reads in real time,
you can find me here → Emily’s Goodreads Profile
Wrapping Up Our May TBR
May has a way of feeling both full and fast—like you’re constantly moving between plans, to-do lists, and those small in-between moments where you finally get to sit down.
That’s why this month’s reading list feels especially flexible for us. Some of these books will get devoured quickly, others will be picked up in stolen moments, and a few might linger a little longer than planned. And honestly, we’re fine with all of that.
There’s something nice about not trying to force a perfect reading month—just following what sounds good, what fits the moment, and what we actually reach for when we finally have the time.
We’re excited about this stack for different reasons, but mostly because it feels like a good mix of comfort reads, curiosity picks, and a few books we’ve been meaning to get to for a while.
As always, we’ll share what we finish, what we love, and what inevitably gets pushed into next month’s list.
What’s on your May TBR? Are you planning your reads ahead of time, or just seeing where the mood takes you?
Here’s to a month of good stories, busy days, and finding a few quiet pages wherever they show up.
Feeling like your reading list is getting a little out of control (same here)?
Grab our free Busy Mom’s Reading Tracker—a 12-page printable designed to help you plan your reads, keep track of what you’ve finished, and stay organized without adding pressure.
It’s perfect for managing things like Libby holds, monthly TBRs, and all those “I’ll get to it soon” books.
Download it here →
Looking for a thoughtful gift for a reader in your life (or yourself)?
Don’t miss our Mother’s Day Gift Guide for book lovers →
