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15 brilliant books to read in February

Snuggle down on the sofa with a cosy blanket and settle in with these brilliant reads, recommended by Good Housekeeping Books Editor Joanne Finney
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1

Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell

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The latest novel from bestselling author Jill Mansell is her most emotional yet. At the heart of Three Amazing Things About You is Hallie, who has cystic fibrosis and is madly in love with her doctor - the one man who’s completely off-limits. Will she get what she wants before time runs out for her? Mansell slowly reveals the connections between the different stories, creating a powerful and poignant ending.

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2

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

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The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins is destined to be Spring’s must-read book. On her commute, Rachel sees something in one of the houses she passes that puts her at the centre of a police investigation. Is it just bad luck or is she more than an innocent bystander? 

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3

The Possibilities by Kaui Hart Hemmings

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Her first novel The Descendants was turned into a film starring George Clooney. Now Kaui Hart Hemmings has written The Possibilities, the touching story of a single mum struggling after losing her son in an accident. Touching and terrifically well written.

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4

Honeyville by Daisy Waugh

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Sunday Times columnist Daisy Waugh returns with another helping of immensely readable historical fiction. In Honeyville, a chance encounter between two women from opposite sides of the tracks kick-starts a life-changing friendship.

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5

The Crooked House by Christobel Kent

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The Crooked House by Christobel Kent demands to be devoured in one sitting. When Alison's father kills her mum and three siblings, she does everything to pretend it never happened. But 13 years on, she returns to the village where the murders took place, and finally begins to question the events of that night. 

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6

Mobile Library by David Whitehouse

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Book lovers will be charmed by Mobile Library by David Whitehouse. It's a funny coming-of-age tale about a young boy who escapes his difficult home life when he befriends the woman who runs the local book mobile. 

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7

Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye

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Summertime by Vanessa Lafaye is part love story, part eye-opening insight into a tumultuous time in American history - the years after the First World War, when veterans tried to rebuild their lives and racial tensions ran high. 

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8

My History by Antonia Fraser

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Antonia Fraser, the historical biographer and widow of playwright Harold Pinter, takes us on a fascinating journey through her formative years in My History

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9

Work And Love by Tuula Karjalainen

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The life of Tove Jansson, creator of much-loved children's book series the Moomins, is celebrated in a big, beautiful biography called Work And Love by Tuula Karjalainen. It's as colourful and vivid as her life was.

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10

Margot At War by Anne de Courcy

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A love triangle that nearly brought down the British government is at the heart of Margot At War by Anne de Courcy. Margot Asquith, whose husband was Prime Minister from 1908 to 1916, is the star of this riveting biography about war, love, marriage and secret goings-on at 10 Downing Street. 

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11

The Girl In The Photograph by Kate Riordan

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When disgraced Alice is sent off to a remote mansion after falling pregnant, she becomes obsessed by a woman who once lived there. The Girl In The Photograph by Kate Riordan is a sweeping saga of secrets and ghosts.

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12

Mind Of Winter by Laura Kasischke

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Enjoy being frightened silly? You’ll love the chilling psychological drama spun by Laura Kasischke in Mind Of Winter.  

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13

An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

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An Untamed State, about a woman held captive by a gang of men, isn’t an easy read but it’s a powerful one. The writing is mesmerising and we expect big things from its author Roxane Gay. 

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14

Waiting For Doggo by Mark Mills

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The hero of Waiting For Doggo by Mark Mills is a little white mutt rescued from Battersea Dogs Home who helps turn his new owner's life around. Prepare to fall in love!

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15

Curtain Call by Anthony Quinn

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London’s theatreland in the 1930s is the setting for Anthony Quinn’s literary murder mystery, Curtain Call. Quirky and charming.

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