5 Books To Look Out For in February

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah falls into the Historical Fiction and General Fiction genres.  It is set in Texas in 1934 in the midst of the Great Depression, at a time when farmers were challenged with drought and the resulting financial stress.  It is during this time that Elsa Martinelli and her neighbours are required to make a difficult choice – to fight for the land they love, or head west to California in search of a better life. 

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, this one may be for you.  

Publishes February 2, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press.  464 pages.

This Close to Okay by Leesa Cross-Smith is a Contemporary Fiction novel.  Set in Kentucky, Tallie Clark is a recently divorced therapist who spots a man near the edge of a bridge on her way home from work.  She convinces the man to join her for coffee, and to come home with her.  Over the course of a weekend, Tallie makes it her priority to provide a safe space for the man. She doesn’t disclose to him that she is a therapist.  What she doesn’t realize is that he also has secrets and that he isn’t the only one that requires healing.  The story is told between the alternating points of view of Tallie and the man (Emmett).  

This books sounds like a great choice for those who appreciate Contemporary Fiction.

Publishes February 2, 2021 by Grand Central Publishing. 320 pages.

When Harry Met Minnie by Martha Teichner is in the Nonfiction and Autobiography/Memoirs genre.  It’s an impossible-to-explain story of coincidence which changed everything when the author has a chance encounter with an old acquaintance.  Martha’s friend knew someone who was dying of cancer who was desperate to find a home for her beloved dog Harry. She explained that Harry was the same breed, a bull terrier, as Martha’s own dog Minnie.  The question was asked if Martha would consider providing Harry with a new home?  When Martha meets Harry’s owner Carol, a deep and meaningful relationship develops between the two women as they learn about one another.  

I think this would be a great book for those that love dogs and/or appreciate a touching memoir.

Publishes Feb 2, 2021 by Celadon Books.  256 pages.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles fits into the Historical Fiction genre.  The book is set in two time periods: Paris, in 1939 and Montana, in 1983.  Odile Souchet has her dream job at the American Library in Paris.  When the war breaks out and the Nazis march into Paris, she joins the Resistance along with her fellow librarians.  At the end of the war, she experiences an unspeakable betrayal.  In 1983, Lily is a lonely teenager who befriends her elderly next door neighbour.  She realizes she shares her love of language and much more with her elderly friend.  What she doesn’t know is that a dark secret connects the two.

This book sounds like it would be a great read for those that appreciate Historical Fiction and stories of how interpersonal relationships define us.

Publishes February 9, 2021 by Atria Books.  368 pages.

Base on an actual BBC radio show, The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan falls into the Fiction/Historical Fiction genres.  It’s the story of four women competing for a spot hosting a wartime cooking show called The Kitchen Front -and also a chance to better their lives. The show’s focus is to help housewives make the most of the food rationing brought on by interrupted supply chains caused by the war. The four women are highly competitive and sometimes bend the rules.  The publisher notes “…will the contest that aims to bring the community together serve only to break it apart?”

If you like a stories about women set in a historical context, this one may be what you’re looking for.

Publishes February 23, 2021 by Ballantine Books.  416 pages.

So there you have it – 5 Books to Look Out For in February.  Will you be adding any of these books to your To Be Read shelf?  Let me know in the comments!

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