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 Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel

Caroline Abbott Why did I love this book?

Because of my past trauma as a domestic violence survivor, I love books where the characters change and become better versions of themselves.

In this book, each character went from being either: isolated, selfish, or anxious—to becoming: part of a community, a person who cares about others, or a person who sees their own value and worth. Watching strangers who are only focusing on themselves become a community that loves and cares for each other was very healing for me.

By Clare Pooley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project: Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did?

“A hilarious and sweet creation about a group of individuals who form a family with love at its core.” —USA Today

Every day Iona, a larger-than-life magazine advice columnist, travels the ten stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station by train, accompanied by her dog, Lulu. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by nickname: Impossibly-Pretty-Bookworm and Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Of course, they never speak. Seasoned commuters never do.…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France

Caroline Abbott Why did I love this book?

I loved this book because I love Paris. I took ballet from the time I was 7, and always loved the sound of the French language (the language used to name ballet steps). I studied French from middle school through college. The first time I went to Paris, I was thrilled that the French loved to speak to me in their native language.

In this true memoir, the character falls in love with the French language and moves heaven and earth to fulfill his goal of opening an American breakfast diner in Paris. It was quite the struggle for him, but eventually, he saw his dream come to fruition. It was wonderful for me to watch him succeed through his passion and hard work.

By Craig Carlson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Now a New York Times Bestseller
Paris was practically perfect...
Craig Carlson was the last person anyone would expect to open an American diner in Paris. He came from humble beginnings in a working-class town in Connecticut, had never worked in a restaurant, and didn't know anything about starting a brand-new business. But from his first visit to Paris, Craig knew he had found the city of his dreams, although one thing was still missing-the good ol' American breakfast he loved so much.
Pancakes in Paris is the story of Craig tackling the impossible-from raising the money to fund his…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The All You Can Dream Buffet: A Novel

Caroline Abbott Why did I love this book?

I loved this book because it is about 3 strong women who overcome their fears and pain to make beautiful lives for themselves.

I have also done this. I left an abusive, life-sucking marriage after 20 years, became a domestic violence advocate, wrote books about emotional abuse to help others, then decided to become a counselor – which necessitated getting a master’s degree. Now I counsel other DV survivors and watching them make beauty from ashes in their lives is the most thrilling adventure I can imagine.

In this book, one woman leaves a life-sucking marriage, another heals from the premature death of her husband, and a third finds family where she had none. What a great story of redemption. 

By Barbara O'Neal,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The All You Can Dream Buffet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Susan Wiggs—Barbara O’Neal’s new novel of food, friendship, and the freedom to grow your dreams brings together four very different women longing to savor the true taste of happiness.
 
Popular blogger and foodie queen Lavender Wills reigns over Lavender Honey Farms, a serene slice of organic heaven nestled in Oregon wine country. Lavender is determined to keep her legacy from falling into the profit-driven hands of uncaring relatives, and she wants an heir to sustain her life’s work after she’s gone. So she invites her three closest online friends—fellow food bloggers, women of…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

A Journey Through Emotional Abuse: From Bondage to Freedom

By Caroline Abbott,

Book cover of A Journey Through Emotional Abuse: From Bondage to Freedom

What is my book about?

Caroline found herself in an abusive marriage. She wondered, “How did this happen? Could his behavior be my fault, as my husband tries to make me believe? If I leave him, will God be mad at me?” Walk with Caroline as she struggles with what to do. You will see her confusion turn to strength as she realizes she IS being abused, and it is not her fault. Watch her turn to her church for help – but receives no help. She finally decides to seek a lawyer, ends up getting a restraining order against him, and has him kicked out of her house. In the end, she turns her life from ashes to beauty.

Book cover of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel
Book cover of Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France
Book cover of The All You Can Dream Buffet: A Novel

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