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?

My Top 3 November 2025 Reads

I read ten books in November, including a couple for Novellas in November. You can find my three favourite below with links to my full review or the book description on Goodreads.

Check out all the books I’ve read so far in 2025 here. If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.


The Matchbox Girl by Alice Jolly (Bloomsbury via NetGalley) – Set in WW2 Vienna, Adelheid tells the story of a dark period in European history from a singular perspective and in her own unique style

The Forgotten Daughter by Anirudh JoshiVishy, a solitary bookseller with a past he won’t speak of, embarks on a search for a missing girl in the rain-slicked streets of Mumbai

Seascraper by Benjamin Wood (Viking) – A poignant story about a young man”s hopes and dreams that oozes atmosphere

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