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 I, Saul

Rebekah Lyn Why did I love this book?

Two stories in one, woven together in a way that makes each more compelling.

Modern-day seminary professor Augustine Knox is no Indiana Jones, but he answers the call when a dear friend is in danger. Learning undiscovered writings of the Apostle Paul may be at stake, he puts all fear of danger aside.

Meanwhile, this fictional account of the life of Saul of Tarsus, his encounter with God on the road to Damascus that changed him into Paul the Apostle, and the years he spent in Arabia gives this hero of the faith a plausible backstory. I love the writings of Paul and have often wondered about him as a person, what drove him to persecute the new followers of Jesus, and why he remained unmarried at a time when that wasn’t common.

Each night as I read, I was transported to the ancient Middle East and modern-day Rome, feeling closer to this legend whom I have long admired.

By Jerry B Jenkins, James S. MacDonald,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I, Saul as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A MURDERER who would change the WORLD
 
From multi-million copy best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins comes a compelling international thriller that conveys you from present-day Texas to a dank Roman dungeon in A.D. 67, then down the dusty roads of ancient Israel, Asia, and back to Rome.

A young seminary professor, Augustine Knox, is drawn into a deadly race to save priceless parchments from antiquities thieves and discovers a two- thousand-year old connection with another who faced death for the sake of the truth. I, Saul consists of two riveting adventures in one, transporting you between the stories of Augustine Knox…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Murder in Tuscany

Rebekah Lyn Why did I love this book?

I love Italy and a cozy mystery set in Italy sounded like the perfect thing to kick off spring.

I listened to this book on my commute and there were times I was laughing so hard, I’m sure people on the highway thought I was crazy as they passed by. The main character, Dan Armstrong, is a retired policeman with a dream of writing. He thought the chance to attend a writer’s conference in the heart of Tuscany would be a great start to his retirement.

It didn’t take long, though, for Dan to realize the conference wasn’t what he expected and there wasn’t going to be a peaceful retirement. I still smile thinking about some of the twists and turns this story takes.

By T A Williams,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Murder in Tuscany as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A brand new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany...It's murder in paradise!

A remote retreat...

Nestled high in the Tuscan hills lies Villa Volpone, home to renowned crime writer Jonah Moore and his creative writing course. It's also the last place retired DCI Dan Armstrong expected to spend his retirement! Dan's no writer, but maybe this break will help him to think about the next chapter in his own life story?

A gruesome murder...

But only days into the course, Jonah Moore is found stabbed to death with his award-winning silver dagger! And Dan finds himself pulled out of…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Nowhere Else to Go But Dyea

Rebekah Lyn Why did I love this book?

I discovered this treasure in the Skaguay News Depot & Books while on a cruise this summer.

I wanted to support local artists in all our port calls, so when I came across this story written by a local author about an ex-con moving into a cabin outside Skagway, Alaska, I was intrigued. The main character, Henry Stillwater, works his way into the heart of the town and of the reader as he stumbles into situations that end up improving the lives of those around him.

I enjoyed the laid-back pace of this novel and the relationships that develop, reminding us that a little kindness can go a long way.

By Nita Nettleton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nowhere Else to Go But Dyea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Henry Stillwater was once a big shot in the world of finance, until he went to prison. Now he is out and has been given a ticket north to a new life on the edge of the wilderness in the tiny old gold rush settlement of Dyea (pronounced Di-eee) near Skagway, Alaska.

It doesn't take long for the residents to figure out who their new neighbor is, and what to make of him. Henry falls right in with a new gang of cronies and their peculiar loves and misdeeds, but it s not what you think, and he will have…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Summer Storms

By Rebekah Lyn,

Book cover of Summer Storms

What is my book about?

Thanks to the love and support of friends and a renewed commitment to her faith Elizabeth Reynolds has moved past the hurt and anger of her parents death.

Her job as concierge at Hotel Lago, a boutique hotel in downtown Orlando is challenging and fills her need to be successful but one thing is missing. She loves the historic homes in the downtown area but fears she will never be able to afford one.

When a once in a lifetime opportunity to renovate a broken down home comes along she snaps it up. Sparks and clashes with her handsome, but deeply troubled contractor, Jeffrey Robbins threaten to slow the renovation but they fade as Orlando becomes the target of three summer storms, hurricanes Charlie, Frances and Jeanne.

In the aftermath of the storms what be the fate of Lizzie’s home and heart?