The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Remarkably Bright Creatures

Barbara Hinske Why did I love this book?

This book is a  highly original tale that includes my new favorite point-of-view character, Marcellus — a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus reminds me of one of my other favorite fictional characters: Ove.

The main character in Van Pelt’s novel is a recent widow who is coping with her new normal and forging a path forward. Written with compassion and deep insight, this uplifting novel is charming and hopeful. The narrator in the audio version is brilliant. 

By Shelby Van Pelt,

Why should I read it?

25 authors picked Remarkably Bright Creatures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK 'Full of heart and humour . . . I loved it.' Ruth Hogan 'Will stay with you for a long time.' Anstey Harris 'I defy you to put it down once you've started' Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Killer Music

Barbara Hinske Why did I love this book?

I love a good mystery, and this first in the series from Tammy L. Grace is a favorite of mine. Full of twists and turns, with suspects around every corner, it also has characters who pulled me in and made me care about them.

The main character is a lawyer-turned-private detective named Coop, who has a humorous snark about him. Coop’s loyal golden retriever is always by his side. His Aunt Camille provides a roof over his head on her huge estate and keeps him well-fed with all her southern cooking.

The food descriptions will have your mouth watering. The quirky supporting cast of characters gets involved in Coop’s cases (whether he wants them to or not), and together, they solve what seems to be an unsolvable murder.

This is a fast-paced mystery that kept me guessing until the end and made me want to continue the series.

By Tammy L. Grace,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Killer Music as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A murdered music mogul. A high-and-mighty widow. To take down a killer, he’ll shake Nashville to its knees.

***Gold Medal Mystery Winner in the Global eBook Awards***

When private detective Cooper “Coop” Harrington meets record label mogul Grayson Taylor at a swank gathering of country music artists and politicians he never imagines he’ll be investigating his brutal murder less than twenty-four hours later.

The suspects are plentiful. More than a handful of people could have wanted him dead. Retained by Taylor’s widow, Coop works alongside his best friend and Chief of Detectives, Ben Mason. The investigation leads Coop and Ben…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Hart’s Ridge

Barbara Hinske Why did I love this book?

This book has a blend of intense family drama, suspense, and a mystery to solve that kept me turning pages long after bedtime. 

A small child walks into a country store, and no one knows who she is. Yikes! Due to her own childhood scars through the foster care system, the female deputy has an emotional connection to solving this case and reuniting the girl with her mother. 

All the feels and a mystery, too? Yes, please

By Kay Bratt,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hart’s Ridge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

★ If Robyn Carr and Melinda Leigh had a book-baby, Hart’s Ridge would be it. Join Kay Bratt in this small town mystery series with cases to solve, and a small-town deputy determined to do it.

When five-year-old Molly walks into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and barely speaking, one sheriff’s deputy is determined to reunite her with her missing mother.

Nestled gently in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hart’s Ridge is a small and yet undiscovered quaint town. That is until you dig a little deeper and learn that no matter how perfect things look, every…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Guiding Emily

By Barbara Hinske,

Book cover of Guiding Emily

What is my book about?

Sometimes, the perfect partner has four pawsEmily Main had it all: a high-powered career with a leading technology giant and a handsome fiancé bounding up the corporate ladder. Their island wedding and honeymoon were idyllic—until a tragic accident caused her retinas to detach. 

Her well-ordered life is shattered as all treatments are unsuccessful, and she slips into blindness. How will those around her cope with her tragedy? Can she rebuild her life in this most unwelcome new normal? Meanwhile, a black lab puppy named Garth fulfills his destiny to become the most esteemed of all creatures: a guide dog. 

Guiding Emily is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and courage as Garth and Emily make their way to each other.

My book recommendation list