Waterstone’s Ballymena kicks off 2026 with new Top 10 bestsellers and packed events programme

Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its first Top 10 bestselling books of 2026, revealing a strong start to the year with literary fiction, psychological thrillers, poetry, health titles and biography all proving popular with local readers.

The list highlights an appetite for thought-provoking storytelling alongside practical wellbeing reads, as customers return to bookshops following the festive season.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

1. Nesting — Roisín O’Donnell

A powerful and intimate debut novel exploring motherhood, belonging and survival, centred on a woman seeking refuge and a new beginning.

2. The Housemaid — Freida McFadden

A gripping psychological thriller packed with twists, secrets and simmering tension, continuing to attract fans of fast-paced suspense.

3. When The Cranes Fly South — Lisa Rizden

A lyrical and emotionally rich novel reflecting on memory, loss and human connection, set against a hauntingly evocative backdrop.

4. The Safekeep — Yael Van Der Wouden

A tense and atmospheric literary thriller exploring inheritance, secrets and power dynamics within a family home.

5. Joy Chose You — Donna Ashworth

A deeply reflective poetry collection offering comfort, resilience and hope, resonating strongly with readers seeking inspiration for the year ahead.

6. Protein in 15 — Joe Wicks

A practical, high-protein cookbook designed for busy lifestyles, featuring quick and nutritious meals that can be prepared in just 15 minutes.

7. The Widow — John Grisham

A compelling legal thriller from the master storyteller, blending courtroom drama with moral dilemmas and personal consequence.

8. Eddie Jordan: Full Throttle — Keith O’Loughlin

An energetic biography charting the extraordinary life and career of the Formula One icon, offering insight into motorsport, business and personality.

9. Buckeye — Patrick Ryan

A striking literary novel exploring family, masculinity and rural life, told with emotional depth and sharp social observation.

10. Katabasis — R.F. Kuang

A bold and intellectually ambitious fantasy novel drawing on myth, history and power, from the acclaimed author of Babel.

New releases in-store

Several notable new titles have arrived on shelves this week, spanning health, wellbeing and creativity.

• This Is Vital Information — Dr Karan Rajan

One of the internet’s most popular medics and author of the bestselling This Book May Save Your Life Dr Karan Rajan returns with invaluable answers to all those questions patients are too embarrassed to ask.

• The Art Cure — Daisy Fancourt

From stress reduction to helping our brains to stay resilient against dementia, this inspirational and revelatory book from a professor of psychobiology explores the countless and immense effects that engaging with the arts has on our mental health and happiness.

• The Anti-Inflammatory 30-Day Reset — Sophie Richards

Alongside empowering information about how to address inflammation and hormonal imbalances with food and lifestyle, this inspiring book from the women’s health practitioner is filled with delicious recipes from spice carrot cake overnight oats to spicy salmon with coconut-lime drizzle.

Upcoming events at Waterstone’s Ballymena

• Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club – Thursday 15 January

The next Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club will discuss The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett.

Readers are invited to come along for snacks and a chat — everyone is welcome.

• Romance Book Club – Friday 16 January

The Romance Book Club will meet to discuss Brimstone by Callie Hart.

This is an 18+ event, with snacks provided and plenty of discussion on all things romance.

• Children’s Storytime – Saturday 17 January, 12pm

Families are invited to join the weekly storytime session, featuring The Dreamies by Iona Campbell, along with colouring activities.

The event is suitable for toddlers up to age six, with everyone welcome.

Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to serve as a key cultural hub for readers of all ages, combining bestselling titles, thoughtful events and a welcoming community atmosphere as 2026 gets underway.