Every month I like to pause and highlight a couple of authors whose work has been on my radar — sometimes longtime favorites, sometimes writers I’m just beginning to explore. February’s spotlight brings together two authors who write very different kinds of stories but share one thing in common: they create worlds readers want to spend time in.
This month’s pair includes a contemporary romance writer known for charming small towns and heartfelt relationships, and a mystery author whose clever storytelling and unforgettable characters have made his books beloved by readers around the world.
Lucy Score
Contemporary Romance
Lucy Score is one of those authors whose name seems to appear everywhere in the romance world — particularly among readers who love warm, small-town settings, strong chemistry between characters, and stories that balance humor with heart. With indie publishing roots and a devoted readership, her books have developed a reputation for being immersive, emotional, and often delightfully funny.
Although I haven’t read any of her books yet, she’s been on my reading list for quite a while. Her stories seem to offer exactly the kind of romance I enjoy settling into: engaging characters, community-centered settings, and relationships that grow in believable and satisfying ways.
A couple of her titles that have caught my attention include:
- Things We Never Got Over — Often recommended as a starting point, this novel introduces readers to the fictional town of Knockemout and promises a blend of humor, heart, and slow-burn romance.
- Things We Hide from the Light — Another popular installment in the same series, praised for its emotional depth and strong character development.
Lucy Score’s books seem perfect for readers who enjoy romances that feel both comforting and lively — stories that invite you into a town and make you want to stay awhile.
Richard Osman
Cozy Mystery
On the mystery side, February’s spotlight goes to Richard Osman, whose Thursday Murder Club series has become a standout in the cozy mystery world. His books combine clever puzzles with humor, warmth, and a wonderfully memorable cast of characters.
I’ve already had the pleasure of reading The Thursday Murder Club, the first book in the series, and it’s easy to see why it has resonated with so many readers. Set in a retirement village where a group of residents meets weekly to discuss unsolved crimes, the story blends traditional mystery elements with wit and surprising emotional depth.
A couple of books from the series worth highlighting include:
- The Thursday Murder Club — The book that introduces the residents of Coopers Chase and the amateur detectives who can’t resist getting involved in a real murder investigation.
- The Man Who Died Twice — The follow-up novel, which continues the adventures of the club while raising the stakes with a more complex and dangerous mystery.
Osman’s writing manages to be both clever and comforting. His characters feel real, the humor never overshadows the mystery, and the stories carry an undercurrent of warmth that makes them particularly enjoyable to read.
Looking Ahead
February’s spotlight pairs two authors whose work reflects the kinds of stories I often find myself drawn to: heartfelt romance and thoughtful mysteries. One is an author I’m excited to finally explore for the first time, while the other has already proven to be a delightful discovery.
As the year continues, I’m looking forward to reading more from both Lucy Score and Richard Osman — and seeing where their stories take me next.
Leave a Reply