Top Library Recommended Titles for February

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 February titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
The Writing Retreat: A Novel by Julia Bartz (Atria/Emily Bestler, $27, 9781982199456). "Alex and her ex-best friend, Wren, along with three other women are picked for a writing retreat with infamous author Roza Vallo. They must finish writing their books in a month's time, and the best one will be published. Roza is a mercurial taskmaster, becoming stranger while the awe the women have for her turns to fear. This is an unusual horror story with many twists and turns." --Judy Gaynes Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, Eastham, Mass.

The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill (Tor, $19.99, 9781250850973). "An artist and her children live on a small farm. The teen daughter manages not only her mom's business but also the household and care of her little brother. It is a life she can handle until mom brings home a crane and declares him her husband. A unique fairy tale with a feminist message: don't trust a crane to make you complete. For readers who enjoyed Juniper & Thorn." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon (‎Bloomsbury, $35, 9781635577921). "Fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree will be thrilled to revisit the intricately detailed world Shannon has created. In this standalone prequel, the stories of four women are spun out as the Dreadmount erupts and civilizations crumble. The large cast of characters is deftly handled, and readers will enjoy the fascinating mythology." --Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle, N.Y.

For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding (Kensington, $16.95, ‎ 9781496739513). "Aspiring screenwriter Nina writes e-mails for other people, including Hollywood darling Ari Fox. Nina is enamored of Ari but a bad breakup made her vow never to date again. This rom-com with a queer actress and plus size woman offers great representation of realistic body positivity. Readers will root for the characters in this funny, smart, and heartwarming book!" --Andrea Tucci, Glencoe Public Library, Glencoe, Ill.

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (Simon & Schuster, $27.99, 9781982197360). "Johnson's latest historical features dialogue that snaps and settings that perfectly evoke 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Readers will be captivated by this story of two young women who struggle to overcome racism and misogyny to have a family and a meaningful future." --Jodi Prather, Bartholomew City Public Library, Columbus, Ind.

I Have Some Questions for You: A Novel by Rebecca Makkai (Viking, $28, 9780593490143). "Engaging story of a boarding school murder being solved 20 years later by true-crime podcast enthusiasts. Or is it a story of memories and how you interact with them, depending on your stage in life and your biases, or one about how as a teen you simultaneously know everything and nothing? Or is it all three? For fans of Jean Hanff Korelitz." --Lorri Steinbacher, Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, N.J.

It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison (Mira, $27.99, 9780778311768). "J.T. Ellison has written a beautiful story from start to finish. Olivia and Park struggle with infertility. A woman is found dead, and DNA shows the murderer is related to Park. Not only is this a well-done mystery of whodunit, it is also a drama of what happens as a couple deals with loss. Another great book from an incredible author. For fans of All the Dangerous Things." --Andrea Galvin, Mount Pulaski Public Library, Mount Pulaski, Ill.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi (Morrow, $30, 9780063206502). "A husband cannot resist prying into his wife's past when he visits her childhood home. This gorgeously written gothic fairy tale about forbidden knowledge and dangerous love is perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia or V.E. Schwab." --Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign Ill.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest (Berkley, $16.99, 9780593546437). "Lily Greene needs a date for her sister's wedding but doesn't want her family's 'help' to find one. She ends up asking her hot neighbor Nick for help instead, but complications ensue when she realizes he's N.R. Strickland--the fantasy author who ghosted her. The lead characters who see the best in each  other and help each other grow make for a satisfying second-chance romance. For fans of The Love Wager." --Midge Loery, Mark Twain Library, Redding, Conn.

Take the Lead: A Dance Off Novel by Alexis Daria (St. Martin's Griffin, $17.99, 9781250817969). "Gina Morales, a professional on a dance competition show, is determined to win this season. However, instead of the Olympian she wanted as a partner, she is paired with survivalist Stone Nielson. Worse, her producer is pushing for a showmance! This is a fun and flirty romance with a wonderful cast of characters. Perfect for fans of Dancing with the Stars!" -- Tristan Draper, Dekalb Public Library, Dekalb, Ill.

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