Must-Read Books
February 2026

Adult Fiction
Ruby Falls by Gin Phillips
Ruby Falls
by Gin Phillips
 
In 1928, after the discovery of Ruby Falls, Ada Smith secretly explores the underground wonder as the Great Depression threatens its survival. A publicity stunt sends a famed mystic and a small party into the caverns, shadowed unseen by Ada, until one of them is murdered. Trapped below ground with a killer and fading light, Ada must lead everyone out alive in this claustrophobic historical mystery
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
When in Rome
by Sarah Adams

Burned-out pop princess Amelia “Rae Rose” escapes fame for a quiet break in Rome, Kentucky seeking a real-life Roman Holiday. Grumpy small-town baker Noah Walker reluctantly offers her a place to stay, only to discover the lonely, genuine woman behind the celebrity image. As sparks fly, Amelia must choose between her glamorous tour life and the charming town and man stealing her heart.
Everything Lost Returns by Sarah Domet
Everything Lost Returns
by Sarah Dome
 
When actress Nona Dixon investigates a lawsuit accusing Earthshine Soap of harm, she uncovers a hidden history tied to owner Bertie Tuttle and a woman named Opal Doucet. In 1910, pregnant and on the run, Opal works as an Earthshine Girl, healing women while secretly aiding a factory labor strike.  Across generations, their intertwined stories reveal the cost of ambition, freedom, and the power to change history.
Godfall by Van Jensen
Godfall
by Van Jensen

When a supposed asteroid reveals itself as a colossal alien corpse outside Little Springs, Nebraska, the farm town becomes a chaotic government research hub. Sheriff David Blunt must navigate soldiers, scientists, and conspiracy theorists as bizarre murders erupt. As bodies pile up, he races to stop a killer tied to the Giant—while confronting a town, and worldview, transformed.
The Glowing Hours by Leila Siddiqui
The Glowing Hours
by Leila Siddiqui

In 1816, stranded in London, Indian maid Mehrunissa Begum takes a position with Mary and Percy Shelley and accompanies them to Lake Geneva. As Mary begins writing Frankenstein, eerie, ghostly events plague the villa and its infamous guests, including Lord Byron. Trapped amid storms and spiraling madness, Mehr uncovers dark forces shaping both the household—and a legendary novel.
The Society by Karen Winn
The Society
by Karen Winn

In Boston, whispers surround the Knox, a powerful secret society rumored to hide dark truths beneath its elite façade. After losing her fortune, socialite Vivian Lawrence seeks entry through a dangerous insider, but vanishes following a suspicious fall. Nurse Taylor Adams searches for answers from within the Knox itself, uncovering a world where secrets, not wealth are the ultimate currency.
The Flack by Brad Parks
The Flack
by Brad Parks

Curt Hinton leaves his failing newspaper job to join his best friend Angel at Balco—only to learn Angel was murdered in a staged carjacking his first day. As police and the FBI come up empty, Curt digs deeper, uncovering a web of suspects and deadly secrets surrounding his new employer.
Adult Nonfiction
The Forever Strong(tm) Playbook: A Six-Week, Science-Based Plan to Sharpen Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Get Healthy at Any Age by Gabrielle Lyon
The Forever Strong(tm) Playbook: A Six-Week, Science-Based Plan to Sharpen Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Get Healthy at Any Age
by Gabrielle Lyon
 
The Forever Strong(tm) Playbook is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to feel stronger, move better, and stay energized. With all new, innovative tactical strategies to further enhance muscle health, this guide provides a comprehensive six-week program to help you build muscle, optimize your nutrition, sleep better, and build lifelong habits with protocols customizable for everyone.
The Instant Kitchen Meal Prep Cookbook: Plan and Cook Ahead for Fast, Family-Friendly Meals Using Your Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer by Coco Morante
The Instant Kitchen Meal Prep Cookbook: Plan and Cook Ahead for Fast, Family-Friendly Meals Using Your Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer
by Coco Morante

From cookbook author Coco Morante, a weeknight meal prep guide using your pressure cooker and air fryer to save on time, cooking, and cleanup. Also included are 10 weeks of dinner meal plans, 20 bonus recipes, and inspiration for quick breakfasts and lunches.
American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology by Jon Meacham
American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology
by Jon Meacham
 
In American Struggle, Jon Meacham illuminates the nation's complicated past. This rich and diverse collection covers a wide spectrum of history, from 1619 to the twenty-first century, with primary-source documents that take us back to critical moments in which Americans fought over the meaning and the direction of the national experiment. 
Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler's Guide to the People, Places, and Events That Made the Movement by Deborah D. Douglas
Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler's Guide to the People, Places, and Events That Made the Movement
by Deborah D. Douglas

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail offers a vivid glimpse into the story of Black America's fight for freedom and equality. From eye-opening landmarks to celebrations of triumph over adversity, experience a tangible piece of history with the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
Youth Fiction
Rumpelstiltskin
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Carson Ellis

The traditional fairy tale about a magical trickster -- and the woman who outwits him -- gets a fresh take in this retelling. Quirky humor gives the text a contemporary edge, balanced by medieval-inspired illustrations in deep, rich hues. 
Eva Saves the Day: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #22) by Rebecca Elliott
Eva Saves the Day (Owl Diaries #22)
by Rebecca Elliott

It’s Be a Swooperhero Week at school, and Eva and her friends can’t wait to show off their superhero costumes at a special picnic. But the fun takes a turn when Eva and Lucy discover twenty-five mysterious, unprotected eggs. Determined to help, Eva rallies her classmates to keep the eggs safe until they hatch.
Decoy Saves Opening Day by Shohei Ohtani
Decoy Saves Opening Day
by Shohei Ohtani

From Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani comes a heartwarming tale inspired by his real-life dog, Decoy. Thrilled to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, Decoy can’t wait for the big moment—until he realizes he’s forgotten his lucky baseball at home. Can he race back in time to save the day? 
A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel by Norm Feuti
A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel
by Norm Feuti

Ethan just wants to fit in, but that’s tough when classmates tease his old phone and worn-out clothes—and his best friend would rather pull pranks than play their favorite card game. A new friendship offers hope for a fresh start, but challenges soon follow. Can Ethan find where he belongs without losing himself?
Chicka Chicka Peep Peep by Julien Chung
Chicka Chicka Peep Peep
by Julien Chung

One spring day, the letters of the alphabet find colorful eggs up a pretty pink tree, but when they fall and the eggs all break, new ones arrive with a bunny and a chickadee.
Unsettling Salad! by Aaron Reynolds
Unsettling Salad!
by Aaron Reynolds

Thadeus Badger and his best friend, Oliver Possum, love eating hamburgers, but in an attempt to be healthy, they make a deal to eat a whole salad, only to find themselves in a showdown with something far more sinister than vegetables.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Smyrna Public Library
100 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, Georgia 30080
770-431-2860

www.smyrna-library.com