Trending Now: This entertainment story covers the latest buzz, reactions, and updates surrounding Trending Now: Reese Witherspoon’s February Book Club Pick Will Blow Your Mind – Fans React..
Reese Witherspoon is “thrilled” to announce her February book club pick. A psychological suspense novel, Reese’s Book Club February pick is being called a “bewitching debut” by Publishers Weekly. No wonder Witherspoon is singing the book’s praises and is sure readers will, too.
Witherspoon took to social media Tuesday to announce her February pick, writing:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Philippa Malicka’s debut novel In Her Defense to Reese’s Book Club. Prepare to dive into a page-turning psychological thriller about identity, family, and obsession. Visit our link in bio to grab a copy and read along with us.”
About In Her Defense
In Her Defense, Malicka’s debut, is scheduled for release on February 3, 2026. The book’s publisher, Simon & Schuster, describes it as “a psychological suspense novel centered on a high-profile celebrity libel trial. Beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow accuses her daughter’s therapist, Jean Guest, of brainwashing her daughter Mary for personal gain. The case captures national attention, but the real key to the truth lies with Augusta ‘Gus’ Bird, Anna’s former employee and a seemingly insignificant bystander with a hidden past. As the trial unfolds and the tangled web of relationships and deceit is revealed, Gus must decide whether to tell the truth she knows. The narrative shifts between present courtroom scenes and past events, including time in Rome and connections that bind the characters together.”
Early readers were quick to second Reese’s endorsement of the book. One wrote, “This book is so good.” Another added, “Great choice.”
About Philippa Malicka
Born in Essex and now residing in London, Philippa Malicka’s nonfiction writing has appeared in The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, and Grazia. In Her Defense is her first novel and has been longlisted for the Bridport First Novel Award.
Related: Jenna Bush Hager’s Latest Book Club Pick Has a Love Triangle She Can’t Stop Talking About
Celebrity and Critical Praise
In addition to Witherspoon, In Her Defense has already scored high praise from authors and critics. Publishers Weekly calls it a book with a “crackling story.” New York Times bestselling author Megan Miranda says she was “completely hooked from the first page to the very last.”
Authors Liv Constantine, Julia Heaberlin, Abigail Dean, Sophie Stave, and JP Delaney are celebrating the book’s story, calling it “riveting,” “seductive,” and “beautifully written.”
We’re excited to dive into In Her Defense. What about you?
Related: Oprah’s Book Club Names This Pulitzer Prize–Winning Author’s New Book the No. 1 Title She ‘Can’t Wait to Read in 2026’
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.