Marilyn Brant's 3 favorite reads in 2023

• 2023
• 2024

I loved the insight into father-daughter relationships that the author brought to this story! I’d read a couple of books by Emma Straub’s father (horror and suspense writer Peter Straub) when I was younger, so I was fascinated to read her work as well.

I could tell she tried to honor her dad with this deeply thoughtful novel. The time-travel element of the plot appealed to me greatly, but the reflections the author gave her main character—particularly with regard to having a clear-eyed view of one’s past and living life in the present without regret—were especially meaningful to me. I found myself thinking about this story for months after reading it, and I’ve recommended it to many friends and family.

This story was just so charming, funny, and full of romantic sweetness.

It’s a true book lover’s novel, and the interplay between the hero and heroine—both of whom work in the publishing industry—was filled with bookish references that were an utter delight for me as a longtime romance reader and writer. I found it to be a perfect beach read (or cozy winter read...), and the author’s writing style was so breezy and light, I couldn’t help but grin throughout.

My jaw actually hurt from smiling so much! Plus, witty dialogue wins me over every time, and this story has a lot of it. I’ve already added more of Emily Henry’s books to my must-read list.

When I was a kid, I devoured mysteries, particularly ones that involved figuring out the answers to complicated puzzles, like The Westing Game.

This clever YA series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, which starts with the novel The Inheritance Games, is a smart and contemporary set of adventures in a similar vein...and, oh, it’s such a page turner! I quite literally could not stop reading and was so glad there were books 2, 3, and 4 to look forward to afterward, with more in the series on the way.

The characters were intriguing, the situations they found themselves in were unusual, and the plot was full of exciting twists that I couldn’t easily predict. A fun read for all ages!