I exceeded my Goodreads reading challenge this year and choosing the best books of the year is so hard. I’m doing it a little different this year by choosing the best book of each month, then an overall best of the year. Opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Click on the book cover to purchase.
JANUARY:
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.
FEBRUARY:
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.
MARCH:
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!
APRIL:
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!
MAY:
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.
JUNE:
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.
JULY:
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.
AUGUST:
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.
SEPTEMBER:
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.
OCTOBER:
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.
NOVEMBER:
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.
DECEMBER:
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.
BEST OVERALL OF THE YEAR:
Another tough decision, but I had to include the epic Throne of Glass Series. It consists of eight books and is one of the most complex and compelling series I’ve ever read. It can stand toe-to-toe with Game of Thrones. The way the author weaves together the large cast of characters is uncanny. Sarah J. Maas began writing this series when she was seventeen. The final book consists of a mind-boggling 977 pages. Yet, this series is the best overall reading entertainment for 2023.
I suggest that you start with The Assassin’s Blade, if you are interested.
Lethal. Loyal. Legendary.
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I like how you listed one for every month, Jan. I may also borrow this idea. Great year of reading!
Thanks, Teri. Yes, it was a fantastic year of reading!
I love this favorite by month method. I may borrow this. And I love seeing a mix of indie and trad authors.
Thank you so much for including one of mine among this amazing list. Laci and Del was an experiment, and not everyone “got” what I was going for. I’m delighted you liked the compilation.
My best to all the authors.
Laci and Del was written in such a different way and I loved it. I’m so glad you stopped by. Yes. I love reading Indie authors, but I also love some traditional ones as well. I learn so much from both. Have a great day! Hugs!
Wow there are some enticing reads here Jan. I’m going to check out a few. I have passed on some great reads because they are over 400 pages so you are braver than I. 🙂 xx
Thank you for stopping by, Debby. I think if I had known how big each of the books were before I started, I might have reconsidered, but once I was in it, I was hooked. 🙂 I’m glad you saw some books that interest you!
Lol, I always check how many pages before purchasing. But I’m glad you ended up enjoying. I think my quirk with pages is, I’ve read quite a few longgggg books and found most of them could have been edited again with too many filler words or overly descript. But the main thing is, I invested time twice last year on thick books only to come to terrible endings, no ending, or left with no conclusion. I don’t have 400 page time to waste. 🙂
I’ve thought about doing a best of, but I wouldn’t be able to decide. Doing it by month is a great idea! I’ve read a bunch of your favorites and was intrigued by the others. And I’ve never read Maas. Maybe it’s time to start. Have a great year of reading, my friend. <3
The Sarah J. Maas series is a huge time investment, but the epic story is so worth it. I’m glad you found some books that you haven’t read, Diana. Thank you for stopping by!!
I know that commitment is why I haven’t tried Maas. But… her work gets so much praise. I really need to try it. Is the series complete?
Yes. This series is complete with 8 books.
Oh boy. I could probably read it in about 6 weeks. Tempting!
I learned so much from reading this saga. She must have had lots of detailed notes in order to keep up with such a vast amount of characters. And she never dropped a thread. Just a phenomenal series.
🙂
Great selections, Jan. I’ve read several of the books and loved each of them. Congratulations to the writers! ?
Thank you, Gwen!
Great selections, Jan. I’ve read five of these books and thought they were all fantastic. I’m sure the others are just as exceptional. It is so hard picking favorites at the end of a year, but it looks like you’ve chosen winners all around. Congrats to all the authors!
You’re right, Mae. It is hard picking only a handful of books from so many. But these all stood out to me. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!
Great choices, Jan. Congratulations to all the authors.
Thank you, John!
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What fun! This is like your Pulitzer Prize choices. I’ve read several of these authors but none of these books. I’ve finally made a small dent in my Kindle, so do I dare???
Lol, Pete. I totally understand your dilemma. To buy or not to buy. Awww, go ahead. One more won’t hurt. 🙂 I’m happy you stopped by and glad you saw something that intrigues you.
Thank you for including Deep in the Forest, Jan! It’s an honor to be with such amazing reads! The ones I have read I completely agree…amazing! I have some new books to add to my reading list, too. Congrats to all who made your list, and it’s a good idea to break it into months.
I had to include Deep In The Forest, Denise. Such a wonderful book of poetry and flash fiction! Glad you found some books to add to your reading list. Thank you for stopping by!
Wow, Sister! To include me with such a stellar bunch of writers is such a huge compliment. I’m definitely adding some of these to my Kindle. You read some great books through the year! Thank you so much for liking Maura’s story. She became very real to me so this makes me very happy. I know you wouldn’t have included it unless you found it worthy. Love you bunches! 🙂
You are right, sister. I wouldn’t have included it if it wasn’t a great story. Maura, her sister and the orphans touched me deeply, not to mention the handsome heroes. 🙂 Glad you found some books to add to your Kindle. Thank you for stopping by!
Wowza! I’m honored to be included with these talented writers, Jan! Thank you! xo There have been others who have mentioned the Throne of Glass Series to me, too. I’ll have to check out the first book.
I had to include Steinar here, Mary, because I loved it so much! And yes. The Throne of Glass series is outstanding. Luckily, my daughter had purchased the entire set, so I didn’t have to buy them. They are a little pricey. Thank you for stopping by!
What a fabulous reading year, Jan! I’m adding several of these to my TBR. And thank you for including me in such esteemed company. <3
You are most welcome, Sue! I’m starting back at the first of your series and look forward to all the antics of Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee. I’m thrilled you found some books to add to your TBR. Thank you for visiting!
Congratulations to all the authors! What an amazing list, Jan!
I had a great year of reading, Kymber. Thank you for stopping by!
Wow! Thanks for including my tale with these wonderful authors. So glad you enjoyed my swamp tale.
My pleasure, Craig. I loved Mari’s story. Thank you for stopping by!
You had a terrific reading year, Jan! I’ve read a few of these and enjoyed them, and the others look good, too!
I had a wonderful year of reading, Priscilla, and it was not easy to pick just twelve to share. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! What a wonderful list. Congratulations to these talented scribes. :)
Definitely a good year of reading, Annette! Thanks for stopping by!
A brilliant selection Jan, some I have read and several authors new to me.. thanks for sharing your recommendations.. ♥
My pleasure, Sally! Glad you found someone new to explore. Thank you for stopping by and sharing!