Can you believe it’s already February? Do you have your February reading list ready to go for those cold, snowy days when nobody wants to leave the house? Fret not, we have book recommendations that are full of intrigue, mystery, gossip and great minds that will keep you entertained all month long!

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

Historical Fiction | NYT Best Seller

The Only Woman in the Room is the story of Austrian born Hedy Lamarr, a Hollywood screen star in 1930s and 1940s, who was recently recognized for outstanding contributions to science. This well-written glimpse into Lamarr’s fascinating life will leave the reader looking for more.

Readers Recommend:
The Beautiful Invention by Margaret Porter
Beautiful: Life of Hedy Lamarr by Stephen Michael Shearer
Spread Spectrum: Hedy Lamar and the Mobile Phone

 

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age by Mary Pipher

Non-Fiction (January 2019)

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age offers research showing most older women are deeply happy and finding joy in this later stage of life. Stories from women of a variety of backgrounds and circumstances provide optimistic models finding that happiness is a choice and a skill set that you can develop as you live your life.

Reader’s Recommend:
I’m Too Young to be 70 by Judith Viorst
Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher
Books for Living by Will Schwalbe

Unquiet: Ingmar Bergman by Linn Ullman

Memoir (January 2019)

Unquiet is based on the upbringing of a child of two great artists; Swedish filmmaker, Ingmar Bergman and actress, screenwriter and director, Liv Ullman. Written in a beautiful and creative style, the child learns to understand something about love and about parents.

Reader’s Recommend:
Cold Song by Linn Ullman
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Lost Children Archive by Valerie Luiselli

 

 

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Fiction (January 2019)

Once Upon a River is an old fashioned folktale layered with magic, mystery and elements of the supernatural. This is a great read for lovers of epic novels, readers who like magical realism, and for those who like rich character driven novels. Full of twists and turns like the River Thames.

Reader’s Recommend:
Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Elsey Come Home by Susan Conley

Fiction (January 2019)

Elsey Come Home is a story about a woman struggling to balance a career as a painter, motherhood, expat in Beijing, individual, marriage and a drinking problem. Elegantly written about life’s complexities, and a woman at the crossroads. A thought-provoking read.

Reader’s Recommend:
Paris was the Place by Susan Conley
Foremost Good Fortune by Susan Conley
Stop Here, This is the Place by Susan Conley

 

Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts

Biography (November 2018)

Walking with Destiny is the life story of the great Sir Winston, using new sources including King George VI diaries, minutes from the War Room Cabinet and private papers of his children. This book is a brilliant piece of storytelling, written by a popular journalist. Extremely enjoyable!

Reader’s Recommend:
My Early Life by Winston Churchill
In Search of Churchill by Martin Gilbert
Masters and Commanders by Andrew Roberts

 

Watching You by Lisa Jewell

Mystery (December 2018)

Watching You is a clever, suspenseful, psychological thriller about an up-scale neighborhood filled with watchers and those being watched, some are in fact driven by dark motives. Expert misdirection keeps the reader guessing in this twisty British mystery.

Reader’s Recommend:
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendericks
The Neighbor by Fiona Cummins