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 The Last Exchange

Heather Day Gilbert Why did I love this book?

The Last Exchange has everything — memorable characters, a driving plotline, stunning twists, and—an extra delight for me as an author — writing that sometimes feels poetic without being pretentious.

This is the kind of storyline that makes you care. Real-world situations (like opioid addiction) are handled thoughtfully and portrayed realistically. Readers will find themselves invested in the compelling characters, rooting for their happy endings.

I've already recommended this book to a wide range of reader friends because I was so impressed with it. This was definitely a standout read of 2023 for me.

By Charles Martin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Here's the catch-even if I make it out of here alive, I need a reason to breathe again."

When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren't working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.

It didn't take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe Sues: The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Apples Never Fall

Heather Day Gilbert Why did I love this book?

Moriarty's writing makes me laugh in one paragraph and tear up in the next. One of her greatest writing strengths is her ability to place the reader in each character's head firmly.

This book has many poignant, quotable lines, and the plotline moves at a good pace, keeping the reader invested in the outcome, which is very satisfactory.

I'd consider this story a regular masterpiece, and I couldn't put it down. (Note-some strong language). I thought Nine Perfect Strangers was my favorite Moriarty book, but now I'm totally conflicted—a memorable read.

By Liane Moriarty,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Apples Never Fall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times Bestseller

From Liane Moriarty, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, comes Apples Never Fall, a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest.

The Delaney family love one another dearly―it’s just that sometimes they want to murder each other . . .

If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?

This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings.

The Delaneys are fixtures in…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of In Five Years

Heather Day Gilbert Why did I love this book?

Serle's unpredictable novels are made stronger by the pinch of magical realism she sprinkles throughout the plotting.

Her characters are deeply drawn so readers can feel their joys and griefs. In this book, she perfectly captures that inexplicable "something" about New York City. I relished In Five Years.

By Rebecca Serle,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked In Five Years as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'SMART, EMOTIONAL, INTRIGUING AND COMPELLING - I LOVED IT!' JILL MANSELL

'Full of twists and turns, this is a heart-breaking yet uplifting story about love and friendship, and is one of this year's must-reads' Heat magazine *****

Dannie Kohan has held true to her meticulously crafted 5-year plan since she understood the concept. On the day that she nails the most important interview of her career and gets engaged to the perfect man, she's well on her way to fulfilling her life goals.

But that night Dannie falls asleep and dreams of a night five years in the future where…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

No Filter

By Heather Day Gilbert,

Book cover of No Filter

What is my book about?

Fed up with her go-nowhere job, newly single Macy Hatfield moves back to her small hometown in West Virginia. She joins forces with her brother Bo in his crazy new venture, Barks & Beans Cafe, which caters to dog lovers and coffee drinkers alike.

When a golf instructor is murdered at the nearby spiritual center, Macy adopts his Great Dane. Just after Macy finds a mysterious message sewn under the dog's collar, her Dane is dognapped.

She launches into a relentless search for her newfound canine friend, but she digs up a cruel and confident killer along the way.