Best Books of 2023! @LBroday @StaciTroilo @Virgilante @SueColetta1 @FionaTarr @DLFinnAuthor @bakeandwrite @m_morganauthor @CaroFrostWrites

The good citizens of San Antonio, Texas, ostracize and terrorize two sisters, for one reason and one reason only. Their father is the hangman. Only, the sisters aren’t alone. A group of orphans no one wants is left in their care. Where to go?
The strength these two young women show is remarkable.

This story is written in a unique way that I’ve never seen before, and I commend the author for her creativity. It consists of twelve vignettes – a story for each month of the year. If you love a good romance with characters that will linger with you after you reach the end of the book, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is a fast read, perfectly paced, and well written.

This book is a fast-paced page-turner. Morgan is smart, she is beautiful, and she’s gifted, not only in mixology but in people skills. Her job at the resort leads to life-changing events. But the serial killer, Rozwell, isn’t giving up. He blames her for his failures, and that must be fixed. From the beginning page to the climactic ending, I was hooked! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story with tons of suspense, tension, and a dash of romance. This might be Roberts’ best-to-date!

It’s no secret I am a huge fan of C.S. Boyack’s fiction writing. But this book tops the list for me. The story is told in first person through Mari’s point of view, so it is up close and personal. The progression of the story is steady, and it kept me engaged throughout. I rooted for Marisol White and wanted her to find what she sought. If you like to be entertained and are a fan of dystopian fiction, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it!

From the stunning cover to the last page of the story, Restless Mayhem drew me in for a fast-paced ride! This author merged ancient Native American ceremonies and traditions with modern times in such a profound way. There are so many things that stand out about each character in this story. If you love learning more about Native American traditions and beliefs while immersed in intense action, you will enjoy this book.

There are so many aspects of this beautiful book that are unique and creative. Not only are there heartfelt syllabic poems, but personal photographs and even videos that enhance the reading experience. The author’s keen insight into the plight of these South African animals is honest and expressive. This is a must-read book for everyone who has any empathy for the plight of the beautiful endangered animals or knows about the devastating effects of mental illness up close and personal.

A remote mining area in Australia with harsh conditions doesn’t seem like an ideal place for a young single woman to take a new job. But that’s exactly what Jenny Williams did. And not just any job, but a job in a male-dominated law enforcement office. Opal mining is fascinating, and the author did her homework on how it is done and the people who do it. They are a tough bunch. I will say the identity of the murderer surprised me, and I didn’t guess it until the very end. A great mystery in a great setting with compelling characters.

Such a good story! I hardly ever tackle a book that is over 500 pages, but I am so glad I did. It did not feel like 500 pages. The characters are real and raw, including the side characters. Naomi has an evil twin, Tina, who wreaks havoc in everyone’s lives. But when Naomi responds to a frantic text for help, she goes. What she doesn’t know is that it will change her life forever. How can she resist the grumpy, handsome hero, Knox? A great read for anyone who loves a hot, steamy story rife with impossible complications.

We’ve all known a Billy at some point in our life—A person who is a little slow, has no confidence, is pimply-faced, poor, and slightly touched in the head.
Drafted fresh out of high school, Billy’s forced to grow up fast and furious in the Vietnam jungle with a rifle in his hand. It left him with horrendous bouts of PTSD, but Billy can fly. Not physically, but through his mind, those journeys take him to fascinating places where he learns things and meets others he cannot possibly know in his human form. The author throws in some surprising twists. I loved this book from start to finish.

An exquisite collection of poems and stories that showcases the author’s connection to nature and her ability to translate that into expressive verse. The poetry sections are divided into seasons, with careful attention given to each.

There is also a bit of dark poetry scattered throughout the book and flash fiction stories that evoke emotion in me. You will enjoy this collection if you love beautiful prose, delightful insights, and a tribute to Mother Nature. I highly recommend it.

From my first introduction to the Wolves of Clan Sutherland with Magnar, each of their stories has intrigued and entertained me. I was sure I couldn’t enjoy Steinar’s story as much as Rorik and Magnar, but I did. The author distinguishes between each of these warriors, letting their individual stories emerge. Steinar’s story begins on the ocean. Though he is part wolf, he loves the sea and is known as the Pirate Wolf. Inga The Ruthless is the perfect match for this fierce warrior and if you are a fan of magical, paranormal, romantic fiction set in the 1200s, I highly recommend every book in this series. You will fall in love with the Wolves of the Clan Sutherland as I did.

I read this author’s debut novel, Shadows of Pecan Hollow, and I loved the story so much I became an instant fan. So, when I saw this new release, I had to read it and I was not disappointed. This author knows how to turn a phrase and puts the reader smack into the middle of the story. Nashville, Tennessee in the seventies, was the mecca, the launching pad for any aspiring country music artist, and Twyla Higgins has no idea that’s where she will end up when she hops a bus to Memphis when Elvis died. Each character in this book is deeply flawed and the author does a fabulous job with their journeys.