I’m Elizabeth Felt Author Of Wilde Wagers
Elizabeth Felt
Author Teacher Wacky Historical Honest Chameleon
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…

A Brazen Curiosity

By Lynn Messina,

Book cover of A Brazen Curiosity

Elizabeth Felt Why did I love this book?

I love this book because it is so clever, so funny, and makes me feel happy. I’m always game for a smart Regency romance, and I love a good mystery, so that is how I found this ebook.

The protagonist, Beatryce Hyde-Claire is shy and witty and self-effacing. The love-interest is handsome and didactic and totally puzzled by Beatryce.

The mystery is good, but the repartee between the two, along with the funny side characters make this a wonderful romance-mystery-comedy. The fact that it is first in a series, made my year!

A Brazen Curiosity

By Lynn Messina,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked A Brazen Curiosity as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Nothing ruins a lovely house party like bloody murder.

At the decrepit old age of six-and-twenty, Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare has virtually no hope of landing a husband. An orphan living off her relatives' charity, her job is to sit with her needlework and to keep her thoughts to herself.

When Bea receives an invitation to an elegant country party, she intends to do just that. Not even the presence of the aggravatingly handsome Duke of Kesgrave could lead this young lady to scandal. True, she might wish to pour her bowl of turtle soup on his aristocratic head - however,…

Explore
Topics
Genres

My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Sisters at the Edge of the World

By Ailish Sinclair,

Book cover of Sisters at the Edge of the World

Elizabeth Felt Why did I love this book?

I enjoy historical fiction and reading about people who are completely different from me. This novel takes place in first-century Scotland, a country I love and a time period I know little about.

The characters are fascinating; one sister probably has Asperger’s and has never spoken. The other sister has always watched out for her. When the first sister meets a Roman and begins speaking, both of their lives, as well as the lives of their tribe, change forever.

I loved the characters, and I loved the ancient magical spiritualism that the tribes believed. It’s a great story.

Sisters at the Edge of the World

By Ailish Sinclair,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sisters at the Edge of the World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land.

What she does next constitutes a huge betrayal of her people, threatening her closest relationships and even her way of life itself.

As the conflict between the Caledonian tribes and the Roman Sons of Mars intensifies, can she use her high status in the community to lessen the coming death toll or even prevent outright war?

Set in 1st century Northern Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors,…

Explore
Topics
Genres

My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Poison for Breakfast

By Lemony Snicket,

Book cover of Poison for Breakfast

Elizabeth Felt Why did I love this book?

I’m a huge fan of Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and this is written, again, by the fictional Snicket. It was wonderful to experience once again that incredible Snicket voice. He has a way of writing that is unique and amazing.

This is both a mystery to figure out how the author was poisoned and a treatise on philosophy, teaching readers about, well, everything!

That is part of the fun with Snicket. While not talking down to readers, he introduces big words and concepts, explains them, and is hilarious.

Poison for Breakfast

By Lemony Snicket,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Poison for Breakfast as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the years since this publishing house was founded, we have worked with an array of wondrous authors who have brought illuminating clarity to our bewildering world. Now, instead, we bring you Lemony Snicket.

Over the course of his long and suspicious career, Mr. Snicket has investigated many things, including villainy, treachery, conspiracy, ennui, and various suspicious fires. In this book, he is investigating his own death.

Poison for Breakfast is a different sort of book than others we have published, and from others you may have read. It is different from other books Mr. Snicket has written. It could…

Explore
Topics
Genres

Plus, check out my book…

Wilde Wagers

By Elizabeth Caulfield Felt,

Book cover of Wilde Wagers

What is my book about?

Wagering is all the rage in late Victorian England. Oscar Wilde bets that actress Olivia Snow can fool some country bumpkins into believing she is Genevieve Lamb, the belle of the recent Season.

The weekend will prove a challenge for the old-fashioned actress and Genevieve’s handsome and old-fashioned brother, Philip because the manor is filled with crazy characters, as well as one murderous criminal. While Olivia pretends to be Genevieve, Genevieve wagers on her own performance–as Olivia Snow. She and Oscar Wilde go out, a decision that will have both wishing they’d stayed in and played cribbage.

These charades take unexpected turns in a wild weekend of kidnapping, cucumber sandwiches, bee stings, and love. This romance-mystery-comedy will keep you guessing–and craving teacake.