There is just something about ending the night by reading a good book. It is one of my favorite ways to wind down at the end of a long day.
I am a physical book reader. I don’t do Kindle. I am not into audiobooks, unless it is an autobiography. I just love a good paperback. I like to hold a book, smell a book. You know the smell I am talking about it. The smell of paper and ink. There is nothing like it.
Is that strange? Maybe so, but that is just who I am. I have been a “reader” most of my life. I love to lose myself in a good fiction book for a little while. I enjoy reading in my down time, before bed, and while on vacation. Books are a simple joy in my life.
One of my favorite days of the month is my book club night. If you are into books, and aren’t in a book club, I highly suggest you join one, or start one of your own. They are so much fun and a great way to discover new authors.
I have discovered so many amazing new authors and stories this year and today, I want to share with you some of my favorites.
Top 10 Books I Read This Year in 2023
10. From The Embers by Ali Martinez
I love this book, From the Embers, it was recommended to me by a friend from my local book club, and wow, did this one pack quite the punch! This is the first book I have read from author, Ali Martinez, but it definitely won’t be the last. I love her writing style and I couldn’t put this book down. The story was both beautiful and heartbreaking, and one that I will still be thinking of for quite a while.
9. The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
This book, The Soulmate, was another recommendation from a friend and I am so glad I read this book. I picked it up at my local library and read it so quickly. I have enjoyed every Sally Hepworth book that I have read and this one is no exception. This is a novel about marriage, secrets, and deception. I was intrigued up until the very end. This is a must-read for sure.
8. The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Push by Ashley Audrain is poignant and full of emotion. This book explores the effects of generation trauma, and touches on some difficult subjects. It is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading it. If you enjoy psychological thrillers you should give this one a read.
7. The Family Secret by Kiersten Modglin
The book, The Family Secret, by Kiersten Modglin is a domestic thriller with a mind blowing twist. Modglin is known for her twists and this one does not disappoint in the slightest. This book had me hooked from the start and I read it in a day. This is one of my favorite books by Modglin.
I was so excited because this Kiersten Modglin was kind enough to do a virtual Zoom meeting with our book club last month, and chatted with us for about 45 minutes. She is such a delight and it was so neat getting to hear her creative process. If you have not read any of there books and enjoy domestic thrillers with unexpected twists, I encourage you to give her books a read.
6. The Doctor’s Wife
This is the first book I have read by author, Daniel Hurst. The book, The Doctor’s Wife, is the first book in a three part series. I actually received this book and the second book, The Doctor’s Widow, as a Dirty Santa gift this Christmas, and I read both books right away. This is a quick read, and one that once you start, you won’t want to put down. I enjoyed this one, and the second in the series very much, and I look forward to reading the last book in the series soon.
5. The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
Two tragic attacks 15 years apart. A lone survivor from each. Is there a connection? The Night Shift is a fact-paced crime thriller by Alex Finlay is intense and addictive. This book has multiple points of view. It is fast-paced and has a great storyline. I couldn’t put it down!
4. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
This memoir by Britney Spears, is an interesting look into the singers life as a child pop-star and her life both in and out of the spotlight. The Woman in Me is filled with bombshell revelations. I really enjoyed this book. I actually listened to the audiobook version of this book. It is wonderfully narrated by actress, Michele Williams. If you are a millennial, or just interested in the pop stars life, this is a must-read memoir.
3. Every Summer After by Carly Fortune
This debut novel by Carly Fortune is one of the best summer romance novels that I have read in a while. Every Summer After is a second chance love story, filled with emotion and beauty. I was hooked all the way through. I can’t wait to read Fortune’s newest novel, as if it is anything like Every Summer After, it is sure to be a gem.
2. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book, One True Loves, is a beautiful love story about a woman unexpectedly forced to choose between her two great loves. I enjoyed this book. This is a compelling, and at times emotional, love story. I enjoyed this one so much!
1. The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart
This book, The Midwife of Auschwitz, is number one on my list of my top favorite books for this year. This is a heartbreaking and gripping historical novel that will have you grabbing for the tissues. This is historical fiction at its best. Inspired by true events, this book had me devouring it from the start. I could not put it down. The Midwife of Auschwitz is a five star page-turner!
I hope you enjoyed my top 10 book list for 2023!
There are so many more that I could have included in this list. I read such a great selection of books from so many talented authors this year. Do you have any favorite books that you read this year?
