Books of The Month February 2021

Books of The Month February 2021

February is the shortest month of the year, but that didn't stop our readers from working their way through many great books. Some read as many books as possible in their favorite genre, while others tried to broaden their horizons by exploring as many genres as possible. No matter what your reading preferences are you are sure to find some gems in our books of the month for February 2021 as chosen by our readers.

Best Romance

The Disappearance of Lady Edith

by Christina McKnight

The Disappearance of Lady Edith by Christina McKnight

The Disappearance of Lady Edith by Christina McKnight is the first novel in her series, The Undaunted Debutantes. It is the tale of Lady Edith Pelton and Triston Neville, Viscount Torrington. Edith's life changed when her best friend died after being pushed down a flight of stairs by a nefarious lord. Since then Edith has dedicated her life to not only keeping an eye on the man she thinks is responsible but also other gentlemen of honor who are actually scoundrels. Triston, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to avoid embroiling himself in another scandal while making sure that his sisters make the most of their debut. However, when the mysterious Lady Edith crosses his path only to disappear without a trace he sets out to save her and prove his love in the process.

Best Action & Adventure

Heartbreak

by John Righten

Heartbreak by John Righten

Heartbreak by John Righten is the first novel in The Lenka Trilogy, starring a smart, young, Irish teacher named Lenka Brett. It is set in the nineties as the world learns about the horrifying plight of children in Romanian orphanages. Lenka steps up to deliver aid and Captain Simon Syrianus, an English naval officer, volunteers to be her co-driver. The two join the "Rogues" a convoy of humanitarian aid drivers as they head into areas where official charities cannot enter. Lenka's parents were former Rogues, so she has no qualms about taking on the harrowing mission. In the process, Lenka falls in love but has a shocking surprise in store when the Rogues become the targets of mercenaries.

Best Mystery & Thriller

Fireplay

by Steve P. Vincent

Fireplay by Steve P. Vincent

Fireplay by Steve P. Vincent is the story of a journalist named Jack Emery who has seen it all. During his career, he has covered everything from firefights to the opening of new schools. However, while embedded for the New York Standard with the 8th Marine Regiment in the heart of Afghanistan his convoy is attacked by a lone zealot. It's an event that puts Jack on the trail of a sensational new story, but in the process, he puts his own life in danger. What Jack discovers could shake the world to its core, but those involved will stop at nothing to prevent Jack from publishing his story.

Best Children's Book

Telescope Jim Illustrated Edition

by J. S. Lome

Telescope Jim Illustrated Edition by J. S. Lome

Telescope Jim by J. S. Lome is a beautifully illustrated children's novel featuring pirates. Not only is the story very funny, but it is packed with mystery and surprises too. In addition the pirates the story is also filled with fantasy and magic elements and, of course, a treasure hunt. Sixteen-year-old "Miles" ends up involved with the buccaneer, Longfellow Jim, which results in an adventure that involves stealing treasure. Telescope Jim is the first novel in The Mutiny Papers series and offers a great story for both young and old.

Best Young Adult

Speechless

by Madeline Freeman

Speechless by Madeline Freeman

Speechless by Madeline Freeman is the first novel in her Unfortunate Souls series. The protagonist, Aria, lives in the flooded ruins of Los Angeles where she scavenges for long-forgotten treasures. However, Aria can also live on the surface where she has to hide the fact that she can breathe underwater or risk getting shipped off to a detention facility. To take a break from reality Aria is hooked on a show called The Colonists where she can see her longtime crush, Enrique via the live streams. Then, when an opportunity to join the Colonists arises, Aria finally gets an opportunity to experience adventure and maybe even romance herself. However, things change when her secret is revealed and the real danger begins.

Best Fantasy

Lost

by Ron Vitale

Lost by Ron Vitale

Cinderella is a timeless classic and for readers who couldn't get enough of her fairytale, Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries by Ron Vitale is essential reading. Lost is the first book in the series and features Cinderella embarking on a journey of self-discovery after marrying the prince. It is set in the late 1700s as Napoleon is rising to power and Cinderella is in search of her long-lost Fairy Godmother. Her goal is to solve the mystery behind her mother's death, but her world is turned upside down when the Fey Lord, the Silver Fox, and the witch Renée all take an interest in her.

Best Historical Fiction

Accusing Elizabeth

by Jennifer Joy

Accusing Elizabeth by Jennifer Joy

Accusing Elizabeth by Jennifer Joy is a Pride & Prejudice variation and the first book in the Mysteries and Matrimony series. In this sweet Regency mystery, Elizabeth Bennet experiences an atrocious proposal as well as the constant condescension of her hosts' haughty patroness when visiting Rosings Park. Matters only get worse when a lady's diamond earrings go missing. Fitzwilliam Darcy regrets extending his visits at Rosings too when his offer of marriage is irrevocably refused by the only woman he's ever desired. He reluctantly extends his stay again only to get caught up in the drama of his cousin's jewelry box getting robbed.

Best Horror

Interwoven

by T. Atkins

Interwoven by T. Atkins

Interwoven is a young adult supernatural suspense thriller by T. Atkins. This first book in the series of the same name introduces readers to Taylor Watson, a teenager in the senior year of high school. She has to deal with all the usual stuff like tests, band practice, friends, and an overbearing mother as well as being pressured into joining the softball team. There's just not enough time in the day for everything, so when Taylor discovers a book of spells on the school bus she sees no harm in trying out that promises more time. Much to her surprise, the spell ends up working, but then people around her suddenly start going missing, which leads her to believe it might have something to do with what she has done.

Best Literary Fiction

Grace, Grits and Ghosts

by Susan Gabriel

Grace, Grits and Ghosts by Susan Gabriel

Grace: Grits and Ghosts by Susan Gabriel is a collection of Southern short stories featuring characters that are quirky, poignant, and deep. There's a lot of variety to be found in the eight stories from this collection too. While the stories are all rooted in the southern landscape, the characters range from a wealthy Savannah matriarch and agoraphobic woman to a band of seventy-year-olds who find healing in a mountain stream.

Best Science Fiction

Qualify

by Vera Nazarian

Qualify by Vera Nazarian

Qualify by Vera Nazarian is book one of The Atlantis Grail series. The story is set in 2047 as an extinction-level asteroid is hurtling toward Earth. However, all hope for humanity is not lost as the descendants of ancient Atlantis return from the stars in their silver ships to offer help. Unfortunately, only a small percent of Earth's population can be taken back to the colony planet Atlantis and the qualifications are very rigorous. The odds are not looking good for Gwen Lark, but she is determined to not only qualify but do well enough to get all her wildest wishes granted too.

Best Paranormal

Magically Bound

by Rachel Medhurst

Magically Bound by Rachel Medhurst

Devon Jinx is the half warlock, half-witch protagonist of Rachel Medhurtst's urban fantasy novel, Magically Bound. Jinx has a new job as an investigator at the Hunted Witch Agency. While she has the opportunity to inherit the leadership of the warlocks, it would mean leaving behind her life of witchery to become a warlock. The alternative is to lose her warlock magic forever. Matters are further complicated by someone determined to destroy the warlock coven. Fortunately for Jinx help is available from a handsome witch named Gerard Freshwater who also sets out to convince her that being a witch is the best and only option.

Best Non-Fiction

Eltz Castle

by Dimitar Angelov

https://deals.manybooks.net/ebooks/eltz-castle

Eltz Castle by Dimitar Angelov is a great book for anyone fascinated with the world's most amazing castles and their secrets. This book deals with Eltz Castle in Germany and covers everything from the history of the castle to the reasons why it was constructed in that particular area. Along with detailed descriptions of the castle, the book also delves into the genealogy of the Eltz family, which makes for interesting reading. Overall, it's a great read whether you plan on visiting the castle itself or are just curious about its history.

Glen Dawson - A Satirical Wake-up Call
FEATURED AUTHOR - After graduating from Duke University, Glen Dawson owned and operated a flexible packaging manufacturing plant for 23 years. Then, he sold the factory and went back to school to get his Master's degree in biostatistics from Boston University. When he moved to North Carolina, he opened an after-school learning academy for advanced math students in grades 2 through 12. After growing the academy from 30 to 430 students, he sold it to Art of Problem Solving. Since retiring from Art of Problem… Read more