11 Best Books of 2023 For You to Read

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Another of Lisa See’s books that I loved from cover to cover. It’s heartwarming and satisfying to read about the beautiful bonds of the women who support each other. But it’s also sad and incomprehensible to read about horrific customs like footbinding. Lisa See completely transports you to this era and shows you what it’s like to be a mother, daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, and friend. She shows you the harshness of some relationships and the beauty of others. In addition, she excels at demonstrating the life of women in an elite family.

I enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend it. Read more . . .

1. All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

This is the story of Isabelle, a mother living through the unimaginable – her young son is missing, taken out of his crib in the middle of the night. And what a journey she takes. All The Dangerous Things is full of everything that makes a good thriller.

It’s atmospheric, has lots of tension, and a constant sense of dread and danger. You don’t know who to trust. Isabelle sleepwalks, so can she even trust herself? Read more . . .

2. Happy Place by Emily Henry

There were many touching moments and some steamy sexy moments. But, the easy banter and dialog between the characters and their vulnerabilities as they faced everyday struggles is what remains with me long after finishing the book. Emily Henry nails the chemistry not just between Harriett and Wyn but also between the group of friends. Read more . . .

3. The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

Once again, Frieda McFadden captures the reader’s attention with this sequel to “The Housemaid.” She hits all the right notes with engaging characters, an intriguing plot, and unbelievable plot twists. This is a must-read!

Millie is back and, of course, planning more revenge. I loved her in the first story; believe me, she did not miss a step. Read more . . .

4. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful is a family drama that follows the four Padavano sisters and Willam, who becomes part of the family. I found it easy to identify with many of the issues they faced as a family and individually. This is a moving story that takes some unexpected turns. The sisters are all strong and value the bond between them, but then life gets complicated and messy, and doubts creep in. Read more . . .

5. Maame by Jessica George

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming coming-of-age story! I listened to this book on audio, and the narration was excellent. There was a lot of positive buzz surrounding this book. I’m happy it lived up to the hype. The protagonist is 25-year-old Maddie, who lives at home in her parents’ house and cares for her father, who has Parkinson’s. Her mother lives in Ghana, running a family business, and her brother relies on Maddie to Read more . . .

6. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

I’m a big fan of Jo Jo Moyes and am always excited about her new books. Getting into the story takes a little time, but once it grabs you, that’s it- you don’t want to stop reading. I love stories about women facing and overcoming challenges. And I loved that this story showed the difficulties of dealing with ageism – especially for women. It shows how becoming invisible erodes your confidence and that being acknowledged exponentially boosts it. Read more . . .

7. The Only One Left by Riley Sager

The Only One Left” by Riley Sager is a thrilling and suspenseful page-turner that kept me turning pages until the very end. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting, Sager delivers a story that leaves you guessing at every turn. The story explores themes of trust, survival, and identity, delving into the complex motivations of the main character, which adds another layer of complexity to the story. Read more . . .

8. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

This is a great story that takes the reader on an emotional journey. Carley Fortune skillfully deals with grief and mental health issues and creates a fabulous adult love story in the process. Ferna and Will meet, spend an unforgettable day and night together, and agree to meet one year later at Fern’s family resort. Will never shows. Fast forward ten years – and these two end up meeting again. I loved how Carley Fortune weaves both timelines together, showing us that one spectacular day they spent together and their present-day relationship. Both have changed, so the question that lingers is, will it work a second time? Read more . . .

9. Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

I liked this book. Partly because Greek mythology fascinates me. The gods are always misbehaving; they don’t act their age – they’re fickle, vindictive, and childish – but they are highly entertaining. However, in this retelling, Natalie Haynes challenged my perception of Medusa. She’s not the monster you may think she is but a victim – cursed (for something she had no control over) with the power to turn people to stone if she looks at them. This means she is forced into a life of solitude. Read more . . .

10. Clytemnestra by Constanza Casati

I love reading about Greek mythology – loved “Circe“, “A Thousand Ships“, and “The Song of Achilles“. So I was excited to read Clytemnestra and am thrilled to say it didn’t disappoint; it is everything I was hoping for.

Clytemnestra is fascinating to learn and read about. She is complicated, at times scheming, but intensely revengeful. Yet, she is also a mother who loves her children deeply and a protective sister. As Queen and in her husband’s absence, she ruled ruthlessly but fairly, at least by “Ancient Greek” standards. Living in a time when females were almost powerless, she fought for respect and used hers wisely; she was courageous, but Read more . . .