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What I Read February 2026
13
items A varied month of reading that moved between literary fiction, psychological thrillers, historical biography, and thoughtful works on caregiving and communication. Several books explored family and legacy across generations, while others delivered su...
Sections
7
Literary Fiction and Reflective Stories
Thrillers and Suspense
Mysteries with a Sense of Place
Historical and Biographical Stories
Classics Reimagined
Personal Growth, Faith, and Caregiving
Literary Fiction and Reflective Stories
Stories driven more by character, atmosphere, and human experience than by plot. These books explore identity, family, memory, and the quiet moments that shape a life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was beautifully written and quietly mesmerizing with language that lingers long after the final page. The novel is far more about atmosphere and reflection than plot serving as a lyrical chronicle of twenty four hours in orbit. While th...
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
I really liked this sweeping multigenerational story that follows a Korean family living in Japan and the sacrifices they make to survive and belong. Often heartbreaking yet deeply human the novel portrays perseverance and resilience in the face of d...
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An enjoyable and quick read that feels both witty and charming. Emma’s voice is sharp observant and quietly endearing and I found myself smiling often at her reflections. I look forward to continuing with the subsequent journals and spending...
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1
Thrillers and Suspense
Twisty, suspenseful reads that keep the pages turning and the reader guessing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love a good psychological thriller and this one absolutely delivered. The shifting perspectives kept me guessing and the tension builds in all the right ways. Just when I thought I had it figured out the twist proved me wrong. A gripping a...
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The first part of this book felt slow and at times a little boring, but the story eventually picked up and became much more engaging. Once the tension builds the twists start to unfold and the pace improves. Another entertaining and twisty psy...
The Housemaid's Secret
The first part of this book felt slow and at times a little boring, but the story eventually picked up and became much more engaging. Once the tension builds the twists start to unfold and the pace improves. Another entertaining and twisty psychologi...
The Housemaid's Secret
Mysteries with a Sense of Place
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another thoroughly enjoyable outing with Bruno. This installment delivers the familiar pleasures of the series including measured pacing thoughtful investigation and a deep sense of place while tackling a case that unfolds with quiet intelli...
The Children Return by Martin Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another great mystery in the Bruno series. As always Martin Walker weaves together an engaging investigation with the rich pleasures of French food, wine, and village life in the Dordogne. A satisfying blend of crime, culture, and atmosphere...
The Patriarch by Martin Walker
Historical and Biographical Stories
Books that bring history to life through fascinating people and the eras they helped shape.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What a fascinating and formidable woman Pamela Harriman was. Sonia Purnell brings her vividly to life, tracing her evolution from socialite to influential political force and skilled diplomat. The scope of the relationships she cultivated is...
Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue by Sonia Purnell
Classics Reimagined
Modern interpretations of beloved literary works that explore familiar characters in new ways.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A modern retelling of Little Women with a murder mystery twist, this was an interesting and creative reimagining of a beloved classic. I enjoyed seeing familiar characters through a contemporary lens and appreciated the suspense woven into the...
Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet
Personal Growth, Faith, and Caregiving
Thoughtful books focused on compassion, communication, and serving others well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this as part of my Stephen Ministry training and found it full of practical wisdom and grounded guidance. The book offers thoughtful advice on how to care for others with compassion presence and healthy boundaries while also attending...
Christian Caregiving—A Way of Life (2nd Ed)
Humor, Heart, and Family
Stories that balance humor with emotional depth, often exploring family relationships and the ways people navigate loss and love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 I enjoyed this book for its blend of humor and heart as it navigates grief, family, and unexpected responsibility. There were genuinely funny moments alongside tender ones and the emotional arc felt sincere. At times the sayings and quips...
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed this book for its blend of humor and heart as it navigates grief, family, and unexpected responsibility. There were genuinely funny moments alongside tender ones and the emotional arc felt sincere. At times the sayings and quips felt...
The Guncle by Steven Rowley