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 Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love

Tracy Crump Why did I love this book?

After hearing Katherine Wolf speak at a women’s conference, I had to get her book.

She and her husband, Jay, were pursuing their dreams and had just had their first child when Katherine suffered a massive brain stem stroke.

Against all odds, she survives and spends two years relearning basic functions to be able to eat, talk, and walk. Katherine’s strength and determination and Jay’s total devotion to her (to the point of giving up his aspirations to become a lawyer) inspired me.

The book is so well written, and the couple’s insights into God’s plan for their lives reveal their unswerving devotion to Him. The fact that I lost two friends to the same brain malformation Katherine had also drew me to the message of faith in this book. 

By Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When all seems lost, where can you find hope?

Katherine and Jay Wolf married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams--she as a model and he as a lawyer--they planted their lives in the city and their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just six months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.

On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of A Home for Min Soo: Putting Together the Pieces of My Life

Tracy Crump Why did I love this book?

I can’t say enough good things about this one. I was laughing one minute and crying the next, but the laughter definitely outweighed the tears.

Min Soo is orphaned as an infant in Korea, but thanks to a foster mother’s prayers and perseverance, he is adopted by Brian and Sarah Hampshire in America. Diagnosed with a genetic disease, autism, and an earth-shattering illness, Min faces life with the wit and wisdom of a sage and the refreshing faith of a child.

I love the insights this developmentally disabled young man has on life, love, and Jesus and the courage with which he faces the future.

My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of If I Were You

Tracy Crump Why did I love this book?

This was my summer vacation fiction read and my first from Lynn Austin. It definitely won’t be the last.

Widowed war bride Audrey Clarkson arrives in America with her young son to seek help from her husband’s parents only to find her best friend, Eve Dawson, has been impersonating her for the last four years. The story weaves back and forth between the horrific WWII years in London and the post-war present to show the complicated relationship between best friends from two different classes.

Austin artfully shows love, loss, and jealousy that leads to life-altering decisions. 

By Lynn Austin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“A stunning historical saga of hardship and desire in wartime. . . . Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough [in this] . . . unique take on the traditional World War 2 tale.” ―Library Journal

From bestselling and eight-time Christy Award–winning author Lynn Austin comes a remarkable novel of sisterhood, self-discovery, and romance set against the backdrop of WW2.

1950. In the wake of the war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness

By Tracy Crump,

Book cover of Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness

What is my book about?

Through my work as an intensive care nurse, I witnessed lifesaving miracles when everyone involved had given up—everyone except God.

I cared for patients, family, and friends experiencing major health crises and offered encouragement no matter the situation, knowing we don't always experience healing in this life.

Crafted with examples of God's miraculous power and saving grace, Health, Healing, and Wholeness blends Scripture-rich meditations with biblical principles that highlight God's mercy in times of medical need. Whether you are experiencing a health crisis, walking alongside someone who is, or caring for a loved one, these thirty devotions will bring comfort and peace. Prepare to embark on a journey to wholeness.

Book cover of Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love
Book cover of A Home for Min Soo: Putting Together the Pieces of My Life
Book cover of If I Were You

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