Historical Fiction
February 2026

Recent Releases
The Bookbinder's Secret
by A.D. Bell

In this "stellar debut" (Publishers Weekly), apprentice bookbinder Lily Delaney works at her widowed father's failing bookshop in 1901 Oxford, England. After a customer gives her a burned book, she finds a cryptic 50-year-old love letter hidden in the binding that speaks of murder. Drawn into the mystery, Lily looks for other books by the obscure author, discovering she's not the only one after them. Read-alike: Jess Armstrong's Ruby Vaughn mysteries, starting with The Curse of Penryth Hall.
Sharpe's Storm
by Bernard Cornwell

Amid brutal winter conditions in 1813 France, Major Richard Sharpe is ordered to keep Rear Admiral Sir Joel Chase safe, as Chase has plans that may finally defeat Napoleon. But Sharpe's task is made difficult by Chase's extreme confidence and thirst for battle. This is the latest in the long-running Sharpe series, which started in the 1980s and spawned the popular TV series starring Sean Bean. For fans of: thrilling adventures that beautifully blend history and fiction.
Daughter of Genoa
by Kat Devereaux

Alone and with her home destroyed, Anna is helped by Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest who is part of a secret group helping Jewish people escape World War II-era Italy. A talented forger, Anna, who's Jewish, makes fake documents and meets the group's leader, whom she falls for. This is "one of the best works of World War II historical fiction published in recent years," raves Library Journal. For fans of: Joseph O'Connor's My Father's House.
Canticle
by Janet Rich Edwards

Set in medieval Bruges, this atmospheric debut follows devout teenager Aleys as she runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage and joins a group of secular women supporting the church. Her time there isn't without incident, however, as corrupt religious officials abound and others are suspicious of her ability to read books and her supernatural healing talent. For fans of: Bright I Burn by Molly Aitken; Matrix by Lauren Groff.
The List of Suspicious Things
by Jennie Godfrey

In 1979, 12-year-old Miv lives with her lonely father, her opinionated Aunty Jean, and her mother, who had a breakdown and no longer speaks. With the (real-life) Yorkshire Ripper terrorizing the area, curious Miv investigates with her loyal best friend. Though steeped in crime, this isn't as much a traditional mystery as an atmospheric coming-of-age tale. Great for book clubs, it explores friendship, community, prejudice, and loss. Read-alike: Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney.
Call Me Ishmaelle
by Xiaolu Guo

After her family dies, young Ishmaelle dresses as a cabin boy, leaving Kent, England, to travel the world. In the 1860s, she joins a whaling ship led by the obsessive Captain Seneca, a Black free man haunted by the past. Amidst the violence of whaling, she finds friends and discovers a strange bond between herself and the white whale who claimed Seneca's leg. This compelling take on American classic Moby Dick by a Chinese British writer is "a rich addition to Melvilliana" (Kirkus Reviews).
Rules of the Heart
by Janice Hadlow

At 33, Lady Harriet Bessborough is unhappily married and the mother of four. So when she's pursued by a charming younger man, she begins an affair. This isn't unusual in her circle, but she must follow the rules: don't embarrass your husband, be discrete, and don't fall in love. The affair lasts for years, but Harriet doesn't follow the last rule, resulting in heartbreak. For fans of: well-researched historical novels starring real people; leisurely paced, emotional tales of love.
With Love from Harlem
by ReShonda Tate

In 1943 Harlem, beloved jazz pianist Hazel Scott is at the top of her game, performing in front of Langston Hughes and others, when she meets married pastor and councilman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., leading to an exhilarating and tumultuous relationship that changes the course of her life. For fans of: well-researched biographical novels starring Black artists; Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray.
Library Events
Studio Night: Book Bedazzling
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30pm
Luther
Add some sparkle to your shelf! Follow the latest #BookTok trend and bedazzle your own book — or select a free one from our stash to decorate. We’ll provide rhinestones, decals, and everything else you need to give your story a glow-up. A drop-in craft experience just for teens and adults — these aren’t your little sibling’s crafts! Check out the full Studio Night series: Alcohol Ink Coasters was in January and Beaded Plants arrives March 31!
Create a Zen Garden For Heart Health
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00pm
Midwest City
Take a moment to relax, create, and care for your heart! In this peaceful workshop, you’ll design your own miniature Zen garden using sand, stones, and natural elements. As you rake patterns and arrange your garden, you’ll learn how mindfulness and stress reduction support heart health. This hands-on activity encourages calm, focus, and relaxation. Helping to lower stress levels and promote emotional well-being.
Vinyl Record and Art Night
Thursday, February 26, 6:30pm
Belle Isle
Join us an evening of Vinyl Record Listening & Art! Bring in your own vinyl records to spin while creating some art! Art Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring in your own project to work on if desired.
Forensic Entomology With Dr. Heather Ketchum
Saturday, March 7, 2:00pm
Downtown
Learn how insect activity can help scientists determine time of death and assist investigators with both criminal and civil cases. Dr. Heather Ketchum is a Professor with the OU School of Biological Sciences and Director of the OU Biological Station with a Ph.D. in Entomology, i.e. the study of insects and other arthropods. This program is geared toward adults but anyone with an interest in forensic entomology is welcome to attend. This presentation is part of our insect series celebrating the Small Wonders photography exhibit located in the atrium of the Downtown Library. Small Wonders features ultra-high-definition photography of insects, revealing every hair, dimple and anatomical structure. Guests are encouraged to explore the exhibit before and after the program. This program will take place in the atrium on the first floor. Street parking is free downtown on the weekends.
Women In Space: Lunar Sooners Stargazing Party
Tuesday, March 17, 6:00pm
Northwest
Set a course for the cosmos and explore the universe from your library! Each day, young space explorers will learn about a different trailblazing woman who has made history in astronomy, engineering, and space travel. The Lunar Sooners will be here Tuesday evening with their telescopes to help us get a close up view of the night sky. If the night sky is cloudy, join us inside to make marshmallow star constellations. *Please register for each day of this series.
Lawyers in the Library
Saturday, March 21, 10:00am
Downtown
Lawyers in the Library is a free legal advice clinic presented by attorneys from the Oklahoma City Bar Association. Consultations are offered on a first come, first served basis. Registration is recommended but not required. Walk-ins welcome! There is no guarantee an attorney will be able to speak with you, and the volunteer attorney WILL NOT be your attorney in any legal matter.
Library Resources
ChiltonLibrary
ChiltonLibrary provides access to repair, maintenance and service information on the most popular cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the road today, as well as, many new vehicles. This continuously updated resource provides step-by-step repair procedures, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes, photos, illustrations, diagrams, and multimedia (videos and animations) to simplify even the most complicated tasks.
Legal Forms Library
Access federal and Oklahoma-specific legal forms for business, personal, official, real estate, litigation, and general needs. Oklahoma legal forms are provided by participating attorneys, form companies or were specifically adapted for Oklahoma.
Newspapers.com
Dating from the early 1700s into the 2000s, Newspapers.com Library Edition contains full runs and portions of runs of well-known, regional and state titles to small local newspapers in the United States and other countries. This is a great resource for genealogists looking for information on their family history.
988 Mental Health Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress. It has suicide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Oklahoma Driving Practice Tests
Take practice tests for obtaining a driving permit, a motorcycle license or a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Oklahoma, get access the official driver's manual for each license, and search an FAQ with answers to over 100 questions about an Oklahoma driver's license.
Contact your librarian for more great books!