She Thought She Was Safe - Terri Parlato

 She Thought She Was Safe  - Terri  Parlato

Pub. Date: feb.  24, 2026

She read

Reunited with her father, a successful author whom she never knew, and invited to stay at his secluded lakeside home, Emma’s visit turns into a nightmare as someone is murdered, long held mysteries unfold, and she finds her life in danger.

With an atmospheric setting, the tension and suspense build as the story progresses. There are unexpected twists and turns that will have readers holding their breath until the final resolution.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

****

More Than Enough - Anna Quindlen

 More Than Enough - Anna Quidlen

Pub.  Date: Feb. 24, 2026

She read

Polly, in her second marriage, is struggling with infertility issues. Her relationship with her mother is strained, and her father resides in a memory care facility. Despite these challenges, she finds solace in her supportive husband and in-laws, her brother, and her close-knit book club friends who have been meeting for years without ever having read any of the selected books. When they give her a DNA kit as a joke, the results are unexpected and send her on a search to find out who she really is. 

Anna Quindlen’s writing is a delight, showcasing her skill as an author who effortlessly captivates readers. This contemporary novel weaves a tapestry of sadness, humor, poignancy, and uplifting moments. Just like life with its various interwoven storylines, there is something here to which every reader can relate. 

Spoiler alert: My only hesitation is that after some bumps in the road, Polly does seem to lived a charmed life. If only life were like that! But maybe, in times such as these, we need stories that offer a sense of hope and comfort.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouseBooks for the DRC.

****

This is Not About Us - Allegra Goodman

 This is Not About Us - Allegra Goodman

Pub. Date feb. 10, 2026

She read

This multigenerational novel weaves together a tapestry of interconnected stories about a Jewish-American family, capturing their love and dysfunction. Beautifully written, it delves into feuds, conflicts, spousal, parental, and sibling relationships, highlighting the importance of maintaining family connections. The narrative spans two years in the mid-2000s, offering a humorous and poignant glimpse into the family’s dynamics and their enduring legacy. A helpful family tree is provided at the beginning of the book, providing readers with a visual guide to the family’s lineage.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @RandomHouseBooks for the DRC.

****

The Floating Venice Bookshop - Annabel French

 The Floating Venice Bookshop - Annabel French

Pub. Date: Feb. 12, 2026

She  read

Beth is devastated when her job at a museum in Venice is eliminated due to budget restraints. Determined not to return to England, she impulsively buys a disorganized, dark barge that has been transformed into a bookstore. As she renovates the place, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, found family and romance.

This is the second in the “floating” romance series and it will continue to captivate readers with its sweet and enchanting narrative.The book is filled with colorful characters and charming settings, and Venice itself becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the city.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

****

The Replacement - Matt Brolly

 The Replacement - Matt Brolly

Pub. Date: Feb. 10, 2026

She read

This is the second installment in the DS Liam Kelshaw series. While I did read the first book, I believe this could be enjoyed as a standalone novel, although there are numerous references to the previous story. Liam is a divorced former Marine suffering from PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service.

A maimed body encased in a hessian bag washes up on the Cornish Coast and Matt and his team are on a race to discover the culprit and stop any more killings. Could it be, as someone suggests, related to an ancient legend of giving sacrifice to Bucca Dhu, a water spirit with the power to generate storms? 

Brolly weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Set during the unforgiving winter in Cornwall, the atmosphere is palpable. His vivid descriptions of the snow and cold evoke a strong desire for a blanket! Liam is an interesting character, and I particularly like the working dynamic between him and his boss, Maya. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer for the DRC. 

****

The Doctor - Daniel Hurst

 The Doctor - Daniel Hurst

Pub. Date: January 23, 2026

She read

I admit it, I couldn’t resist returning for one more installment of the lives of Drew and Fern Devlin, the doctor and his wife.  This is the fifth in the series but is actually a prequel that delves into the backstory of how Fern became The Doctor’s Wife.

As is typical in a Hurst novel, there are diabolical twists and pathological narcissism. As with the prior stories, it’s an engrossing, fast paced read that I couldn’t put down. I like the continued author’s style of alternating chapter perspectives from the two main characters, allowing a glimpse into their inner thoughts and motivations. 

You may dislike some (or all!) of the characters and think some things a bit over the top,  but you will enjoy this psychological thriller.  It is an entertaining, escapist read; what I like to call a “popcorn thriller.”

Thanks to @Netgalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

Wolf Hour - Jo Nesbo

 Wolf Hour - Jo Nesbo

Pub. Date: Feb. 3, 2025

She read

Jo Nesbø, noted Norwegian author and master of Nordic noir, takes readers on a journey in his latest book. The setting shifts from Norway to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where in 2016 a gun dealer is assassinated. After a second shooting, veteran detective Bob Oz, dealing with anger issues stemming from the death of his daughter and breakdown of his marriage, is relentless in his pursuit of the perpetrator. In 2022, a Norwegian journalist with connections to one of the key players visits that city to research the case for a book he is writing.

The plot unfolds with intrigue, employing multiple perspectives and spanning the two timelines. The colorful characters are well-developed with exploration into themes of grief, trauma, and motivations. The narrative also offers a glimpse into the evolution of the city of Minneapolis. As the story builds, the mystery deepens, making it a fast, engrossing read and a welcome addition to Nesbø’s body of work. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

****