Author Spiritual Positive Trauma Survivor Holistic Therapist Healer
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Empathica

Bryony Best Why did I love this book?

I devoured this book because it resonated with many of my spiritual beliefs.

The MC is an evolved being who is the daughter of a goddess, she is reincarnated many times. I loved the higher power and the evolved beings, alongside human evolution as the MC lived through the ages. I am a Spiritualist and I truly believe that we are here on this earth plane to learn and grow.

This book offered a unique perspective on life, and the human psyche. This book left me asking questions about my own life, a deep and meaningful read indeed. 

By Ruth Watson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Living amongst the Gods and Goddesses of the Universe, Gaia 'Mother Earth' falls in love with a human man. For love Gaia takes a piece of her heart turning herself human so she can live a short mortal life and be with the man she loves.Through their love they create a new evolved human, her name is Laryssa.Others are born, created so that their child will never feel alone, and through these evolved creations, eternal love is born - two souls from one light - Empaths.Those of us who know what this is will understand, those who do not, need…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Droplets of God: The Life and Philosophy of Mavis Pittilla

Bryony Best Why did I love this book?

This book reminded me of a Doris Stokes book, which as a teen were my favourite books to read.

The story is an autobiography of a celebrity Psychic Medium: Mavit Pittilla. The story is engrossing to me as I am a Spiritualist, I loved learning how she started off her life as an ordinary human being, only to have the gift of clairvoyance thrust upon her. I loved reading how she developed and helped so many other people in the UK, by giving demonstrations, readings, and finally becoming a teacher to others.   

By Suzanne Giesemann,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“Make them go away!” This was the immediate reaction of young Mavis Pittilla when people from the spirit world began appearing unexpectedly in her home. One of these “spirit people” delivered a message that would ultimately save her life. Still, she wanted nothing to do with these visitors and sought help from her local Spiritualist church. There she learned to embrace these new experiences, opening her to a lifetime of service that has spanned continents. World-renowned and universally respected and beloved as a medium and teacher for over fifty years, Mavis Pittilla remains modest and humble. The story of her…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of What's The Worst That Can Happen?

Bryony Best Why did I love this book?

This book is an autobiography from a Scottish gentleman who has survived many years of trauma.

The reason I loved this book is because not only did it tell a story of a resilient human but he also shares his positive mindset and ethos towards life. I am a very positive person, I have overcome many traumas and life experiences, it is refreshing to read a story of another happy, healthy survivor of trauma.

The book is not sad, or depressing as the author does not seek pity or empathy. Alongside this inspirational story he is also a well-established psychic medium, who juggled his spiritual journey alongside his personal issues and abuse. A truly inspirational and interesting book.

By James McDonald,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's The Worst That Can Happen? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 2006, I was told by a spirit guide that I would write a book. Yes, I see spirits. "That sounds good but what story had I to tell? Tell the story of how you came from the slums of Glasgow, pushed away your gifts of 'sixth sense' and rediscovered them as an adult." Okay, from the slums of Glasgow to discovering that you're a psychic in your late forties sounds good but the part in between might sound uninteresting. "Think about it," I was told, "You will soon be given the opportunity to write." My life was to follow…


Plus, check out my book…

A Healing Journey

By Bryony Best,

Book cover of A Healing Journey

What is my book about?

Bryony Best has faced and overcome more life challenges than any human being should ever have to on this earth plane. In this spiritual and honest book learn and discover how Bryony has fought and battled her way to heal her mind, body, and spirit.

Bryony has been swept off of her feet by trauma, mental illness, addictions, and attempts by others to take her life.
How has Bryony overcome these challenges and not only survived but succeeded where most others have failed?
Each chapter focuses on a specific medical alignment, sharing Bryony’s unique approach to cope with long-term medical conditions, alongside how to heal from emotional and traumatic experiences. Humans have a great power within them, and by accessing our higher thinking we can work energetically in harmony with the universe.