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And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison

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And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
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BK does it again in this follow-up to First Time Caller – a funny, tender story of two meteorologists with very different styles who find themselves reporting on a big winter storm together. The way Borison draws them towards each other is my favorite part, like it is in all of her books – a real, messy, thoughtful unfurling. And Now, Back to You is a beautiful love story where two people really SEE each other, and are able to step into their best light because they shine it on one another first. If you have a detailed power ranking of 90s Meg Ryan romcom roles, if you love a strong forearm, Swedish Fish, and passive-aggressive Post-It Notes – this one is for you.

And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593953143, February 2026)

Reviewed by Jess, Kiss and Tale Romance Bookshop in Atlanta, Georgia

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Brawler by Lauren Groff

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Brawler by Lauren Groff
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JFC. If we can’t add a new subgenre JUST for Lauren Groff’s signature style — lushly grim and invigoratingly desolate — maybe I’d best acknowledge the teeny new chamber in my book lovin’ heart that Matrix, The Vaster Wilds and now Brawler have come to inhabit. I didn’t think I could handle bleak, but in her capable hands? “Under the Wave” is the best short story I’ve ever read. Within two paragraphs of beginning “The Wind” (and hence the collection), I was *there* and terrified. I haven’t even read the last two stories yet. Stay tuned.

Brawler by Lauren Groff, (List Price: $29, Riverhead Books, 9780593418420, February 2026)

Reviewed by Kat, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

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Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

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Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman
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A chilling, darkly humorous, sci-fi thriller with a sharp real-world edge had me turning the pages nonstop. On the newly colonized planet New Sonora, farmer Oliver is fighting to protect his family’s land and legacy. When a mech war machine attacks his property, he learns the truth: back on Earth, a powerful corporation has turned colonist eviction into a televised game, allowing wealthy players to design and remotely pilot deadly mechs for sport. With his fearless sister Lulu, clever farm robots, and a growing resistance, Oliver fights back against invaders who paid top dollar to hunt them; smart, tense, and uncomfortably relevant. I highly recommend!

Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman, (List Price: $32, Ace, 9780593820308, February 2026)

Reviewed by Sandra, Hills and Hamlets Bookshop in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia

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Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack

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Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack
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Murder Bimbo gave me just what I needed – a messy, unreliable narrator, a political-ish point of view that’s long on wit and style, and a Rashomon-style form that propelled the plot through to its final resting place (maybe?). Everyone is comparing it to Gone Girl, but I think it’s more One Battle After Another if Perfidia was in charge. Hell yea, brother.

Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack, (List Price: $28.99, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster, 9781668214619, February 2026)

Reviewed by Rachel, Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg, Florida

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Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

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Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
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I’m honestly still processing. I went in knowing nothing about this part of history, and Sadeqa just… opened my eyes. This story will sit with you long after you’re done and even send you down a rabbit hole to further research this time in history. And let me just say that having multiple points of view usually have me picking a fave. Not this time. Each character had such emotional journeys that I found myself fully invested in all three. You have Ethel, longing for motherhood while her husband serves in Germany. A bright-eyed Ozzie from South Philly trying to find direction through military service. And lastly Sophia, a teenager pushing past her mother’s fears to chase opportunity at a prestigious school struggling to fit in. This is how you write historical fiction. I’m thankful for the well thought storyline, character development and history lesson.

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson, (List Price: $30, 37 Ink, 9781668069912, February 2026)

Reviewed by Morgan, The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Georgia

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The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin

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The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin
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With a heartbreaking but beautiful love story, and a unique magic system, you’ll want to jump right through the pages to Reverie and into the world of Starmakers. The perfect blend of fantasy, will-they-won’t-they romance, and comedy, this book will make you laugh and cry. If you love grumpy/sunshine (literally) mixed with magic… this is for you!

The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin, (List Price: $19.99, Sourcebooks Fire, 9781728256184, February 2026)

Reviewed by Mallory Clark, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

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Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett

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Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett
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I so enjoyed this retelling by Mac Barnett of a story I often forget is rather complex. But here he adds his particular wit which pairs so well with Ellis’ illustrations that transport you into another world.

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $19.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673852, February 2026)

Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker

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The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker
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There are so many ways to be brave. In a Nazi occupied village full of secrets and fear, Lucas discovers his own way to be a hero. I loved this exciting story of how to be a friend in time when fighting for freedom comes with a high cost.

The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250392817, February 2026)

Reviewed by Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean

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Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean
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After seeing her parents’ marriage dissolve into sadness and divorce, Emma doubts that love can last. At the annual Tanabata Festival, her grandfather urges her to make a wish. Her wish is this: I wish for proof. Show me that love is real. That love can last. And then, she gets a note from the future. “To be honest, I loved you from the beginning,” and that is how it starts. Is this the proof she has hoped for? and will it change her life? I love this coming-of-age novel of life and love, and figuring it all out. Through laughter, loss, doubt and wonder- you will feel it all!

Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean, (List Price: $19.99, Sarah Barley Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974370, February 2026)

Reviewed by Amy Dance, The Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, Alabama

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Eyes, Knees, Boundaries, Please! by Krupa Playforth

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Eyes, Knees, Boundaries, Please! by Krupa Playforth
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Great non-fiction book for kids that discusses body parts (including private body parts) with their trusted grown-ups in their lives. The author of this book is a pediatrician and understands the struggles some parents may have in being open with this type of information with their young children. Although I agree that this information is important to know at an early age so that children can remain safe when they are not with trusted grown-ups. I love the idea of this book, and I hope that more people read it for themselves and to their children.

Eyes, Knees, Boundaries, Please! by Krupa Playforth, (List Price: $12.99, Callisto Kids, 9798886507355, January 2026)

Reviewed by Kait Boyd, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

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Bored by Felicita Sala

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Bored by Felicita Sala
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Rita is really, really bored. When her many boredom-fighting tactics don’t work (eating, stretching, jumping up and down in front of a mirror, etc.), she gets lost in her boundless imagination! I love a book about boredom with no mention of technology, and the illustrations are dramatic and amazing! Great for kids ages 4 to 8 who struggle with boredom and need a creative boost. It’s also hilarious and Rita is very relatable, rendered perfectly in various states of despair.

Bored by Felicita Sala, (List Price: $18.99, Neal Porter Books, 9780823461141, January 2026)

Reviewed by Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

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