Author Hardworking Dedicated Horse owner/lover Wordsmith Joy-filled
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,608 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 Catch a Fallen Star

Carmen Peone Why did I love this book?

I did not want to finish this book! The characters made me laugh and cry, and the slow-burn clean romance between Boone and Ruby tugged at my heartstrings.

I wanted to know more about Boone’s country music career, and see Ruby and her lively teenage daughter, Violet, walk into their mother-daughter relationship (I won’t say more so I don’t spoil anything). I wanted more. Plain and simple. The ranch and horse scenes kept me engaged. I can only hope there is a sequel.

The characters deal with tough issues we all may have experienced at one time or another in our families and have come out singing. Character advice stood sound, as did all the horse scenes. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.

By Amy Vastine,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Catch a Fallen Star as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

He’s got to save his career— and himself

Hitting rock bottom has landed country star Boone Williams in the middle of his worst nightmare: a recording studio on a horse therapy farm hours away from Nashville. He has no interest in dealing with his problems or writing a new album. And he’s definitely not interested in the gorgeous, feisty mom of one of Helping Hooves’s young clients. She doesn’t even know who he is! But his record label is one tabloid story from cutting him loose, and Boone can’t seem to turn around without bumping into Ruby and her daughter,…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of In Her Sights

Carmen Peone Why did I love this book?

The author’s writing voice and style captured my attention right off the bat.

Tessa James and Jackson Spivey came alive for me in In Her Sights and remained with me for months after. That’s the kind of book I enjoy reading. The book title and Western sharpshooting female theme drew me in right away, and the pace and excitement of a bad boy and a classy and spunky lady kept me turning pages.

The author’s inclusion of Annie Oakley was a bonus. I’m a huge fan of her marksmanship.

Most of all, I liked the character's transformations and their happily ever after. This is a sweet romance with plenty of grit and grace.

By Karen Witemeyer,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Rescuing Her Ranch

Carmen Peone Why did I love this book?

Rescuing Her Ranch is one of those books in which I felt heroine Macy Stone’s frustration and anger over the threat of losing her ranch to her longtime friend’s uncle.

The poor woman just lost her job and comes home to a huge fight on her hands. To make matters worse, Cole Crawford, said longtime friend, begins to work for his uncle. All while she’s taking care of Cole’s precious daughter. Not good. Cole quickly shoots from friend to enemy. Yet the ending is very, very satisfying.

This book made me cry and laugh and cheer for Macy and Cole. 

By Lisa Jordan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A fight for her future…

Might not be the one she thinks.

Returning home after losing her job, Macey Stone agrees to care for the daughter of old friend Cole Crawford. Then she discovers that Cole’s uncle’s company wants to bulldoze her family’s land. Seeing the devoted dad with his child soon has her falling for the enemy. But can she choose between saving Stone River Ranch…and helping the man who’s stolen her heart?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Stone River Ranch

Book 1: Rescuing Her Ranch


Plus, check out my book…

Broken Bondage

By Carmen Peone,

Book cover of Broken Bondage

What is my book about?

Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse.

When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.