The Best Books I Read in 2023

Books Lovers by Emily Henry

I read three Emily Henry books this year, two of which made this list. Her writing is witty and smart. I loved the plot of this book – two literary industry insiders fall in love through unexpected circumstances. It’s got that dislike developing into love that I really like in my romance novels.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I love novels with strong female protagonists, and this novel that takes place in the 1960s features a female scientist who is navigating a male dominated field. This was one of my absolute favorite novels of the year. I also watched the series that was released on AppleTV and enjoyed that as well.

Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields

If you’re a parent (or soon-to-be parent) I highly recommend this book about mindful, gentle parenting. It gave me perspective and strategies to manage those difficult emotions and situations. I checked it out from the library first then ended up purchasing a copy for home to review periodically.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is a writing duo that has written several bestsellers over the past few years. I read this one over winter break (in under a week if I remember correctly.) It is a little bit spicy, full of romance, witty writing, and well written characters. If you can, read The Soulmate Equation by the same authors first as it contains a little backstory. This isn’t essential though.

All The Broken Places by John Boyne

If you like historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this book. It takes place in two time periods following the life of Gretel Fernsby, the daughter of a Nazi concentration camp commandant. The characters in this novel are complex and well developed, and the storyline is engaging.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

I fondly remember reading this romance novel on the hardwood floor in our rental home after just having moved to Seattle and not yet having any furniture to sit on. A couple breaks up after a challenging period in their relationship only to be reunited again when their friend group meets up in Maine for their annual trip. It’s really adorable and fun to read.

Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

I gained tons of insight from this book about longevity. The author gives research backed advice on not only living longer, but aging gracefully. It was a bit morbid at times, and I think his recommendations taken in total are unrealistic for the average person; however, I took away several things that I’m planning to implement in my own life. Beware, the vocabulary is very sciencey, and the book is quite long.

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand is my go-to author when I need a light but engaging read. Many of her book are set in the beautiful beach town of Nantucket which I can get into! The story goes that a rich businessman purchases and remodels the storied (and haunted!) Hotel Nantucket. We follow the employees of the hotel as they attempt to achieve an unprecedented review from a famous hotel critic. I really enjoyed this one!

Love & Saffron by Kim Fay

This lesser known novel was recommended on BookTok, and I’m glad I noted it to read. It is a short, cozy read – perfect for winter. The book is primarily letters between two pen pals, one who lives on an island outside Seattle and another in L.A. The two women form a deep friendship through their love of food, and their letters to each other alter the course of their lives.

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

If you’re a fan of the classic American novel, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book. It follows the journey of a young man and his little brother as they leave their home in Nebraska in search of a better life.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I’ve read several of Lucy Foley’s books, and I love her suspenseful murder mysteries set in wild, foreboding places. This one takes place on a remote island off the coast of Ireland during a wedding. You’ll be trying to guess whodunnit from the beginning.