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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.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Jennifer J. Lacelle Why did I love this book?

The story is driven by a fervent desire to share the lead character’s story with the audience. The character development and surprises along the way made the story continuously evolving.

There’s just enough spark of romance to keep the love-seekers piqued! It’s based on old mythology but unravels the mystery like new. 

By Sue Lynn Tan,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Daughter of the Moon Goddess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The bestselling debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess.

A young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm, setting her on a dangerous path where those she loves are not the only ones at risk...

*THE INSTANT TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*

THERE ARE MANY LEGENDS ABOUT MY MOTHER...

Raised far away on the moon, Xingyin was unaware she was being hidden from the Celestial Emperor - who exiled her mother for stealing the elixir of immortality. But when her magic flares and reveals her, Xingyin is…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Weight of Blood

Jennifer J. Lacelle Why did I love this book?

At first, it was a little confusing because there were time jumps between the present and the past. But once I figured it out, the ride was as smooth as peanut butter.

You’d never really expect a story about a girl trying to figure out who her mother was to be so utterly enticing, dramatic, dreadful, painful, and uniquely surprising. 

By Laura McHugh,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Weight of Blood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'It is a long time since I have read a debut as impressive as Laura McHugh's The Weight of Blood. It is a chilling portrait of a small town in the Ozarks where violent men are protected and young women vanish.' Joan Smith, The Sunday Times

People still whisper about Lucy Dane's mother who vanished years ago from the town of Henbane, deep in the Ozark mountains.

When one of Lucy's friends is found murdered, Lucy feels haunted by the two lost women: by the mother she never knew, and the friend she couldn't protect.

But her search for answers,…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Why Him? Why Her?: Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type

Jennifer J. Lacelle Why did I love this book?

This is a non-fiction read and is written by one of the leading “love experts” in North America. Helen Fisher helped create the tests that numerous dating websites have used to pair people up.

It might not be fiction, but it’s a powerfully deep dive into who you are as a person and why you choose the person you choose as a partner. 

By Helen Fisher,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Why Him? Why Her? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Are you looking for The One? Well, according to Dr Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and relationship expert, you don't have to look any further for the way to find that special someone than your very own brain chemistry.
Based on Dr Fisher's groundbreaking personality type study, in which she analyzed the personalities of more than 28,000 people, Why Him? Why Her? provides a formula for long-term love that is based on cutting-edge discoveries in evolutionary neurology. Once you've identified yourself as one of the personality types (explorer, builder, negotiator, or director) Dr Fisher provides a detailed plan of how to…


Plus, check out my book…

Calling Down the Goddess

By Jennifer J. Lacelle,

Book cover of Calling Down the Goddess

What is my book about?

Elizabeth Sterlin grew up in a tiny town in southern Ontario and is estranged from most of her family. The summer before she turns sixteen, her grandmother offers her a summer away at the family’s villa in New Brunswick. She agrees but quickly realizes her family isn’t exactly what one would call… normal. 

They’re ritualistic serial killers using dark magic to live forever. She discovers that witches, deities, and mythical creatures all exist. The cherry on top is that she’s a reincarnation of the tri-fold Goddess, Hecate.