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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 The Wish

Carol McKibben Why did I love this book?

I am a huge paranormal fan, so this broke the mold for me. It isn’t paranormal, but I love the characters in this book.

The way the characters and plot unfold is unpredictable. That’s what I strive for in my own writing. It is a deeply emotional book on so many levels, and it has a twist ending, which I always enjoy. The writing is beautiful, as in all of Sparks’ books.

By Nicholas Sparks,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The international #1 bestselling author of The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks is back with his most epic story yet.

What if the person you needed most, turned up when you least expected them?

Maggie hasn't told this story in years. More than two decades ago, she fell in love. She was sixteen and far from home, waiting to give her baby up for adoption. Bryce showed Maggie how to take photographs and he didn't judge her for the way her belly swelled under her jumper. They had the perfect first kiss. Theirs was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.

Now, as Maggie…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of 'Salem's Lot

Carol McKibben Why did I love this book?

Personally, for me, this is the most terrifying book I have ever read.

The first time I read it, I was scared to death. If a door would creak while I was reading it, I would jump. I felt the same way the second time. King’s descriptions, his character development, and the monsters he creates are so believable. He taps into childhood terrors, like being afraid of the dark.

I truly believe it is one of the best vampire novels ever written.

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked 'Salem's Lot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 BESTSELLER • Ben Mears has returned to Jerusalem’s Lot in hopes that exploring the history of the Marsten House, an old mansion long the subject of rumor and speculation, will help him cast out his personal devils and provide inspiration for his new book.

But when two young boys venture into the woods, and only one returns alive, Mears begins to realize that something sinister is at work.

In fact, his hometown is under siege from forces of darkness far beyond his imagination. And only he, with a small group of allies, can hope to contain the evil that…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Cackle

Carol McKibben Why did I love this book?

I love it because I cackled all the way through it. This book encourages its readers to embrace your inner witch! It is witty, scary, and filled with the paranormal that I love! I cheered as the heroine discovered her groove, so to speak

I love stories about insecure women who gain strength and evolve, probably because that happened to me. It’s just an all-around fun read that urges women to stand up and be themselves.

By Rachel Harrison,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Cackle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A darkly funny, frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be true, from the author of The Return.
 
All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation.…


Plus, check out my book…

Snow Blood: Season 1

By Carol McKibben,

Book cover of Snow Blood: Season 1

What is my book about?

Join the dark world of Brogio, the first vampire!

When Brogio must turn Snow, a beautiful white husky, in order to save the dog, a series of events are unleashed that reveal a sinister plot against the father of all vampires. As life and true death experiences bond the master vampire and his newly transformed vampire canine together, they unravel a conspiracy that, when resolved, may return Selene, the love of Brogio’s life, back to him and set him free from the lonely existence that has plagued him for thousands of years!