Discounted for February 2026: Captivating Literary Books You Don’t Want to Miss!

It’s winter in Constantinople, the year is 525, and the Emperor Justin is gravely ill. The woman he intends to marry, Former actress Theodora, must then step into his place and guide the imperial court. 

Heads turn, though, when following the murder of a wealthy philanthropist in broad daylight, Theodara appoints an unknown enslaved person named John to crack the case. 

Told “with humor and pathos,” this historical mystery touches all classes of people, and no stone will be left unturned (Booklist, starred review).

Katherine, Kate, Shaw has the perfect life: a dazzling literary career and loving friends—that is, until she loses her job and financial ruin strikes. So she decides to go freelance, and her first assignment centers on her favorite author, Jane Austen. 

In the worst of times, is a wealthy man what women need most? Across Palm Beach, St Moritz, and London, surrounded by the elite, she meets men who put even Mr. Darcy to shame. But will she be able to find her own Mr. right among all these faces?

Although Katherine “Kit” Kilmaster’s siblings are happy to live within the confines of London society, she longs to march to the beat of her own drum. But when she becomes involved in scandalous situations with young women, Kit will face the consequences of her free-spirited ways.

Forced to reenter village life, she is subjected to the rumor mill. There, she must learn to heed her family’s advice, that is, if she can escape ruin. And savour may finally come in the form of a husband and children, if her past stays hidden.

A wonderful memento to cherish year-round, Dickens scholar James R. Kincaid compiled a collection of the British author's most prized stories, letters, and sketches. 

Each month is introduced by a seasonal quote, and ultimately displays Charles Dickens far-reaching genius and talents across any and every genre. 

Bordering the extravagant townhouses on Albion Place is Britannia Mews, a place where servants and coachmen reside. Although there is no place for Adelaide Culver, a young girl of high class, she is utterly fascinated.

Years later, Adelaide falls in love with a poor artist and moves into the mews; her family is shocked. There, she experiences unprecedented violence and must learn to carve out a place for herself in a world that is not her own. 

In the words of the New York Times, “Adelaide, is an extraordinarily distinct creation, determined and definite in her passions, her actions and her ambitions.”

As a maid for rich families, muslim Najwa, with her hijab and quiet demeanor, remains largely unnoticed in London. Twenty years ago, she never imagined this would be her life when she was in college and living with her upper-class, Westernized Sudanese family. 

But after a coup, she and her family were forced to flee and sought refuge in London, where she shortly became an orphan. Soon, though, she comes to find safety and solace within the Muslim community, especially with her employer's younger brother, Tamer. 

Together, they bond over faith, and soon, a shared love, in “a beautiful, daring, challenging novel” (The Guardian).

Following the Trojan War, Helen of Troy reunites with Menelaus, and the pair journeys to Sparta together. See the classic myth from a new point of view: Helen's, as she considers her relationship with the two men, as well as marriage and love in general. 

Originally a bestseller upon publication during the women’s suffrage movement, this “humorous, wise, and beautiful book” is an inventive, welcome review of what has become a notorious story in Western literature (New York Times).

In modern Zimbabwe, Abednego and Agnes Mlambo’s son has gone missing. They turn to Zamani, their mysterious lodger, for help. 

As Zamani works to piece back together a grief-stricken community, he also finds his way into their hearts. 

With Abednego dealing with alcohol issues, and Agnes turning towards a lover, it will be up to Zamani to bring the young boy home.