2026 Word of the Year & Beauty and the Beast Book Bingo

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Fellow princesses, princes and other self-ordained royalty, I'm thrilled for the new year!  It's my favorite time of year - that feeling of new beginnings and new thoughts for the year is exciting!


Word of the Year

Every year I chose a theme word as an exercise to focus my intention and check-in throughout the year.

In 2025 my word was WONDER.  2025 was a heady year of change and blessings.  More than I deserve and more than I expected.  We changed jobs, moved cities, moved homes, lost our fur kid, reconnected with friends, traveled to new destinations and overall, the year was wonderous (with the exception of losing our girl, though we knew it was coming.  Can you ever be ready for that?).  My intention was to appreciate the wonder each day - with new eyes, fresh appreciation to the Creator of the universe, and overall rather, be in awe.  It's been great.  I'm in awe and endeavor to stay in awe.

Word of the Year Beauty and the Beast Retellings; two pictures - one an ancient stone wall, the other the roman baths at Bath, England, beige background, the word Wonder in cursive

For 2026, I've settled on ENJOY.  I started with BOLD, with the desire to be bolder with my passion projects.  This is one of them.  I blog for funsies, but I would also like to see if I can extend my reach.  I think that will mean figuring out my why and all that - but at the heart of it, it's something I enjoy and would like to learn how to better share it with others to also enjoy.  My goal is not a thriving business - I have a day job I love.  So, I'm manifesting the intention to post consistently and begin engaging on social media in earnest and have some fun with it.  


2026 Beauty and the Beast Reading Intentions  

I've shared before about being a mood reader.  It's hard for me to set a specific TBR (to be read) list for the year.  I go where the book tides take me and fit a Beauty and the Beast chaser in between.

But I would like to cover new ground in my choices, so AI suggested a bingo card approach.  A bingo card.  Sure.  

But let's roll with it.  Here's what I like about it - it sets intention to read a variety of Beauty and the Beast retellings, without being a list.  It's structure yet with creativity, and the circles are plot twists, so it's not bossy on which genre to read.  BOLD but ENJOYable - I like it.

Would you like to play Beauty and the Beast Book Bingo with me?  Let's check in periodically with a post and comments.  I already have ideas on Beauty and the Beast retelling recs for you to make the most of this card.

Beauty and the Beast Book Bingo Card

Save the image or click to download a pdf.  Cheers!


Beauty and the Beast Retellings on My TBR List

And just for good measure, here is a genre-mix of Beauty and the Beast retellings to add to your TBR ("to be read" list).  They are on mine, too.

Beauty and the Beast Retellings
Beauty and the Beast vibes for your TBR list!

Echo North - Joanna Ruth Meyer

This young adult retelling looks like a rich tale with deep meaning.  A magical library, enchantment to solve and a talking wolf.  I'm in!


Beauty and the Beast Stories Around the World: 3 Beloved Tales (Multicultural Fairy Tales) - Cari Meister

I'm collecting children's Beauty and the Beast books this year to enjoy and learn about the illustrations.  This is one on my list. 


Making Faces - Amy Harmon 

A modern take on Beauty and the Beast, and a story of loss and overcoming that received rave reviews.


Ravished - Amanda Quick 

A Regency period romance is always a treat.  I'm looking forward to this romance between the Beast of Blackthorne Hall and a bossy Beauty.


Hunchback of Notre Dame - Victor Hugo

Is Quasimodo a Beast?  It's at least in line with themes of beauty found within and a longing for our more savage natures.  I try to tackle a classic every year, maybe this is the year I learn more about Esmerelda and her Quasimodo.


Beauty and the Billionaire - Jessica Clare 

Scarred real-estate tycoon pursues feisty writer.  It's a plot I can quickly get behind.


I hope you'll join me in discovering a new Beauty and the Beast tale or two this year.  Any others on your TBR list?

What about intentions?  What intentions are you setting for the year?  


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