February 2026’s Book Selection is The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the Revolution, by Jean C. O’Connor.

The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the Revolution is a historical fiction novel based on primary source research. It tells a true story of James Lovell, a teacher at the Boston Latin School during the years leading up to the first armed conflicts of the Revolutionary War. 

When James Lovell becomes a teacher at the Boston Latin School alongside his father, he realizes he will never agree with his father’s views about the growing British and American conflict. James desperately wants to help the American cause, but when he is arrested for spying, alone in a dark, cold cell of the Boston Stone Jail, his dreams seem a faint illusion.
 
​In icy March winds, pounded by the Americans’ cannon, General Howe evacuates British troops and Loyalists from Boston. James is forced into a ship bound for Halifax, while his father and family take passage for the British stronghold in the ship’s upper berth. In jail in Halifax, James can only write letters and pray for release, hoping General George Washington will hear his appeal.

The discussion will be led by Chris Averill, MT 250 Commission member. Jean O’Connor is a Helena, Montana native and a relative of James Lovell. She will join us for the discussion, and offer a brief presentation followed by conversation and Q&A.