Welcome to the February Book Club!
February is the perfect month for getting lost in a good book. It’s cold and miserable outside, which makes it the ideal excuse to curl up with a cup of something warm and a story that sparks your imagination. This month, we’ve gathered 10 fabulous reads: some old favorites, some exciting new discoveries, all chosen to delight, inspire, and whisk you away. From enchanting gardens to twisty thrillers, heartwarming debuts to clever spy capers, there’s something here for everyone. Settle in, turn the page, and let the magic begin.
1. The Infamous Gilberts, by Angela Tomaski
The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski was just released on January 20th, and even though I’m not quite finished yet, I’m completely hooked. It’s been described as “The Remains of the Day meets The Royal Tenenbaums—a darkly funny debut about a wealthy, eccentric family in decline and the secrets hidden within their crumbling country manor.” And really, I can’t improve on that. Spanning from World War II through to the early 2000s, it’s smart, entertaining, and full of a very British sense of humor! A debut novel, and an absolute treat.
2. The New Romantic Garden, by Jo Thompson
This is, without question, my favorite garden book. Jo Thompson is a British garden designer celebrated for creating gardens filled with atmosphere and romance. I knew it was the book for me the moment she mentioned that the fairies at the bottom of her garden have a habit of hiding her shears. Less a traditional “how-to” and more a dreamy wander through several beautifully planted gardens, it offers endless inspiration for those of us who want our own gardens to hold a quiet, unmistakable kind of magic.
3. Box 88 by Charles Cumming
Box 88 by Charles Cumming is a spy caper I couldn’t get enough of. I love a clever, twisty tale, and this one had me immediately hooked. With MI6, and the CIA, as central characters, and bouncing between London and the South of France, there’s plenty of intrigue. It’s fun, fast-paced, and hugely entertaining—a perfect escape from dreary February!
4. The Herbalist Kitchen by Brittany Wood Nickerson
This is a beautiful book that truly speaks my language, celebrating the magic of food as medicine in the home kitchen. Brittany thoughtfully explores everyday herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and cilantro, revealing the deep wisdom and healing power within each one. With 101 delicious, herb-packed recipes, this book is both practical and inspiring.
5. The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
I’m a huge fan of Marie Benedict, and this is serious Girl Power! A fabulous story of Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Baroness Emma Orczy, who join forces to solve a real-life murder—and prove they belong in a male-dominated literary world. Clever and daring, it’s a celebration of women, wit, and mystery.
6. Beyond Baking: Plant-Based Baking for a New Era, by Philip Khoury
I’ve just ordered this, and I can’t wait! I LOVE baking, especially when it’s too cold and wet to go outside—there’s nothing more cozy. And with recipes like Hazelnut and Toasted Vanilla Cookies or Peach and Hazelnut Crumb Cake, who could resist? This book goes deep, showing how to take vegan baking to the next level, with creativity and flair!
7. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Ok, this is indeed an oldie, but oh what a goldie. The Artist’s Way is a delightful guide to unlocking your creativity. Filled with gentle exercises, thoughtful prompts, and encouragement to make space for your own artistic magic, it’s the perfect companion for anyone wanting to reconnect with their imagination—and feel inspired along the way.
8. The Storm, by Rachel Hawkins
The Storm by Paula Hawkins was just released in January—and it’s already a national bestseller! It’s a real page-turner: a little salacious, a little sexy, and utterly perfect for curling up by the fire and getting completely lost in a story.
9. Strangers, by Belle Burden
This has been described by Graydon Carter as “A beautifully written instant classic. Strangers is gripping and heartbreaking and a must-read for every wife—and husband.” . Belle Burden, daughter of Babe Paley of the famed Park Avenue Swans, brings insight, wit, and elegance to this compelling debut novel.
10. Raising Hare, by Chloe Dalton
This beautiful book has been nominated for NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • FINALIST FOR THE 2025 WOMEN’S PRIZE •. When Chloe Dalton finds an injured hare, she decides to take it home and care for it. This is a true story of a remarkable relationship between a human and an animal
