Our CCL Book Club 2026

CCL Book Club 2026 Reading for a Well-Rounded, Carefully Curated Life

Each year, our 2026 CCL Book Club is curated with intention, with choices selected by the group and me. It isn’t just about finishing books — it’s about how reading supports the life we’re designing.

In 2026, our selections reflect the rhythm of the year and the many layers of a well-rounded woman’s life: rest and renewal, beauty and creativity, home and heart, culture and curiosity, imagination and escape.

We read slowly. Thoughtfully. Seasonally.
And always with room for conversation, reflection, and gentle delight.

Below is our 2026 CCL Book Club lineup, month by month, with a short look at why each book belongs in this year’s rhythm. (Note: I used AI to help get descriptions of the books since I haven’t read all of them – yet. I can’t wait to hear your opinions.)

January — Rest, Reflection & Renewal

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

January invites us inward, and Wintering meets us there. This quietly powerful book reminds us that seasons of rest, retreat, and stillness aren’t failures — they are necessary chapters of growth.

A beautiful companion for winter journaling, reflective mornings, and honoring slower rhythms as the year begins

February — Creativity, Color & Visual Delight

Color Palettes for Artists, Graphic Designers, Interior Designers & Coloring Enthusiasts Vol. 1 by Sienna Colorstone
(Volume 1 or 2)

February is about awakening creativity. This book is less about reading cover-to-cover and more about lingering, noticing, and being inspired.

A tactile, visual reminder that color shapes how we feel in our homes, our wardrobes, and our creative work — perfectly aligned with the CCL love of intentional design.

March — Suspense & Page-Turning Escape

The Inmate by Frieda McFadden

March often calls for momentum — and this is our fast-paced read of the year. The Inmate delivers suspense, intrigue, and that delicious just one more chapter feeling.

A reminder that reading doesn’t always have to be deep or slow — sometimes, it can simply be fun.

April — Nature, Language & Reconnection

The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten

As spring unfolds, this book invites us back into a relationship with the natural world. Blending literature, art, and ecology, The Language of Trees encourages presence and reverence — noticing the quiet wisdom woven into landscapes around us.

A beautiful pairing with outdoor walks, spring journaling, and seasonal renewal.

May — Gardening, Beauty & Practical Creativity

The Container Garden Recipe Book by Lana Williams

May brings growth — both literal and symbolic. This practical yet inspiring guide offers approachable garden “recipes” for pots, window boxes, and small spaces.

Perfect for cultivating beauty right where you are, whether you garden expansively or on a tiny patio.

June — Women, Movement & History

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews

June invites movement and exploration. This thoughtful history traces the footsteps of women who walked — for freedom, reflection, creativity, and independence.

A lovely companion for summer walks and a reminder of how something as simple as walking can be an act of agency and self-connection.

July — Home, Faith & Flourishing

A Home in Bloom by Christie Purifoy

July is full and blooming — just like this book. A Home in Bloom blends home, faith, gardening, and hospitality into gentle reflections on cultivating spaces that nurture the soul.

A perfect mid-summer read for tending both home and heart.

August — Story, Magic & Escape

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

August often calls for a little magic. This novel celebrates books, hidden places, and the quiet wonder of stories — offering a dreamy escape before the pace of fall returns.

A cozy, imaginative read that honors the beauty of books themselves.

September — Home, Intention & Everyday Beauty

House + Love = Home by Jenny Mars

As routines return, House + Love = Home grounds us in intentional living. This book explores how warmth, hospitality, and thoughtful choices create spaces that truly support our lives.

A natural fit for fall nesting and seasonal home refreshes.

October — Classic Literature & Atmosphere

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

October invites moody skies and timeless stories. Wuthering Heights is a gothic classic — dramatic, atmospheric, and perfect for autumn evenings.

Reading classics together reminds us of literature’s lasting power across generations.

November — History, Heritage & Place

The Mother of Bourbon by Eric Goodman

November turns us toward roots and traditions. This rich historical read connects place, craft, and legacy — offering insight into bourbon history through the often-overlooked women behind it.

Perfect for reflective autumn evenings and a slower pace.

December — Tradition, Story & Christmas Quiet

A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf

We close the year gently. This slim, charming classic captures the quiet spirit of Christmas — generosity, story, and human kindness.

A beautiful reminder that the season’s magic is often found in the simplest moments.

Our 2026 Book Club Bookshelf

We’ve created a bookshelf of this year’s CCL Book Club selections through Bookshop.org — a way to explore the books while also supporting independent bookstores.

Bookshop partners with local shops across the country to help keep neighborhood bookstores thriving. You’re always welcome to borrow from the library, shop locally, or source your books in any way that fits your life — this shelf is simply here if it’s helpful.

Browse the 2026 CCL Book Club bookshelf

How We Read Together at CCL

Our CCL Book Club is designed for the CCL woman — curious, thoughtful, and well-rounded — someone who values reading as part of a full and intentionally lived life. 

It is designed as an open invitation — to read, reflect, and gather in conversation, whether you join us on Zoom or simply read along in your own rhythm.

Whether you’re reading every month or choosing a few favorites, these books are here to support a life that is thoughtful, curious, and carefully curated. If you’d like the book club lists from previous years, you can find them in blogs on our website, A Carefully Curated Life. We started our club and the lists in 2022.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. When you purchase through our Bookshop.org bookshelf, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you — while supporting independent bookstores.