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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,686 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 Wrong Family

CJ Vermote Why did I love this book?

I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. As an adult I struggled to raise my children and keep a roof over our heads. Homelessness is not always for the reason one assumes. 

How Juno wound up where she is in her struggles doesn’t make you want to disrespect her, but to understand her heart. I laughed, cried, and panic ripped through me as pages turned. The rich family in the story carry an air that is deceiving, but Juno sees it clearly. 
The twists and turns created the need to read veraciously. More than once my heart was racing or hurting in agony. As soon as I thought I had it figured out I was thrown for a loop. 

By Tarryn Fisher,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Never Never, co-written with Colleen Hoover!

From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Wives comes another twisted psychological thriller guaranteed to turn your world upside down—an instant bestseller!

Have you ever been wrong about someone?

Juno was wrong about Winnie Crouch.

Before moving in with the Crouch family, Juno thought Winnie and her husband, Nigel, had the perfect marriage, the perfect son—the perfect life. Only now that she’s living in their beautiful house, she sees the cracks in the crumbling facade are too deep to ignore.

Still, she…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Last Invitation

CJ Vermote Why did I love this book?

As a survivor of domestic violence, I know the strength it takes to keep yourself and your children safe, so I gobbled this book up. 

Though vigilante is not an acceptable means to an end, I understand the desire because our justice system has failed me time and time again. These women are bound together through strength to help each other, often the result of tragedy. When these women felt the need to take drastic measures as the only way to level out the playing field, lines are crossed. 

This book told the tale of how life has a domino effect – one that can hurt and tumble quickly. What goes on behind closed doors, or legal chambers is most often a mystery.


By Darby Kane,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Darby Kane, the author of the critically acclaimed and #1 International Bestseller Pretty Little Wife, has crafted another gripping and twisty suspense about an invitation to an exclusive club that comes with deadly consequences.

They meet the second Tuesday of every month and vote...and then someone dies.

Over the last few years, prominent people-a retired diplomat, beloved basketball coach, the CEO of an empire-have died in a series of fluke accidents and shocking suicides. There's no apparent connection, no signs of foul play. Behind it all is a powerful group of women, the Sophie Foundation, who meet over wine and…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of These Fleeting Shadows

CJ Vermote Why did I love this book?

This was a captivating read. Not at all what I expected.

I thought it would be paranormal, but it was that and so much more. At times my heart was beating wildly. I was drawn to the author’s spun tale. It was so different, exciting, and became a page turner I found riveting. 

I cannot believe the twists and turns. When a large inheritance is involved, it is surprising what shadows will be lurking around every corner. Who do you trust, who do you love, who will win?

I love paranormal but this was something completely different in a fierce way. The story had a purpose that kept me wondering page after page and wanting more. I look forward to reading more from Kate Alice Marshall.

By Kate Alice Marshall,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked These Fleeting Shadows as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

The Haunting of Hill House meets Knives Out in a bid for an inheritance that will leave Helen Vaughan either rich...or dead.

Helen Vaughan doesn't know why she and her mother left their ancestral home at Harrowstone Hall, called Harrow, or why they haven't spoken to their extended family since. So when her grandfather dies, she's shocked to learn that he has left everything—the house, the grounds, and the money—to her. The inheritance comes with one condition: she must stay on the grounds of Harrow for one full year, or she'll be left with nothing.

There is more at stake…


Plus, check out my book…

As If Yesterday

By CJ Vermote,

Book cover of As If Yesterday

What is my book about?

Often our mind will do what is necessary to protect us. Sometimes memories haunt us, other memories hidden from sight. 

Mi returns home, and before long finds herself standing on the steps of the house that haunts her dreams. The memories just outside her reach. Even as she makes positive changes in her life, including a new boyfriend, she finds her past has brought one man with it, one who will stop at nothing to unbury the truth. 

With more than one ex-boyfriend dead, the question remains, by whose hand did they die? Her struggle with lost moments has taught her to skim past the questions and look away from the truth of what she is, who she is...victim or monster.

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