My Top 3 February 2026 Reads

February was a slow reading month (only five books finished) because I was concentrating on rereading the books shortlisted for the Winston Graham Historical Prize ahead of the meeting with my fellow judges next week. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on Thursday 12th March at Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery.

You can find my three favourite February reads below with links to my full review or the book description on Goodreads.

Check out all the books I’ve read so far in 2026 here. If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.


The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall (The Borough Press) – A compelling and moving story about love, loss and a decades long search for answers

When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (Penguin) – An moving and thought-provoking story about the things that matter as you approach the end of your life

A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia (Picador) – An intimate slow-burn story of forbidden love (review to follow)

What were the best books you read last month? Have you read any of my picks?

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