Great Books To Read in 2023…
Are you ready for an exciting literary adventure in 2023? With so many titles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which books to add to your reading list. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of must-read books that are being released in the first half of the year.
From thrilling true crime to fascinating history, sweet romance to shocking mysteries, and highly anticipated debuts to novels by famous musicians, this list has it all. Keep in mind that publishing dates are still subject to change, so you might have to wait a little longer for some of these books. But trust us, it will be worth the wait.
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
In the midst of the looming threat of World War II, two young mothers, Elise and Juliette, strike a deep friendship in Paris. But when the Germans occupy the city, Elise is forced to make a difficult decision – entrust her daughter to Juliette’s care. Tragedy strikes when a bomb hits Juliette’s bookshop, destroying everything in its wake, including Juliette’s daughter. Elise returns after the war to search for her daughter and her friend, but Juliette is nowhere to be found.
The Paris Daughter is definitely one of the great books to read in 2023. It is a gripping historical novel by Kristin Harmel, explores the unbreakable bond between two mothers who must make unimaginable choices to protect their children during wartime. An exquisite tale of resilience, motherhood, and love, this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
If you’re in the mood for a fantastic fantasy, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi is a gothic fairy tale about a man who marries a mysterious woman who makes him promise never to pry into her past. But when they’re forced to return to her family estate, he can’t help but be curious. This is the adult debut of Chokshi, the bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves, the Aru Shah series, and more.
House of Cotton by Monica Brashers
One of the most highly anticipated debuts of the year is House of Cotton by Monica Brashers, a Black southern gothic novel that tells the story of a young woman named Magnolia Brown who meets a charming stranger named Cotton at a gas station. He offers her work at his family’s funeral home for good pay, but when she tries to leave, she finds it isn’t that simple.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
Another novel to look out for is Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, which is already set to be a series starring Jodie Comer. The story follows a lonely woman who works transcribing patient sessions for a sex therapist. When she becomes obsessed with one of the patients, it threatens to upend her whole life.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Take a journey through time and explore the lives of two young women in the 1950s, as they navigate their way through the challenges of love, ambition, and societal expectations. Meet Ruby Pearsall, a determined and intelligent teenager from Philadelphia, who dreams of breaking the cycle of poverty and becoming the first in her family to attend college. But when she falls in love with someone she shouldn’t, her world is turned upside down.
On the other hand, Eleanor Quarles is a woman with ambition and secrets, who arrives in Washington DC in search of a better life. When she meets the charming William Pride, they fall madly in love, but their different backgrounds threaten to tear them apart. Eleanor hopes that a baby will bring her closer to the life she’s always dreamed of, but fitting in with William’s wealthy Black family is no easy feat.
As Ruby and Eleanor’s lives intersect in unexpected ways, they face difficult decisions that will shape the course of their future. Travel back in time to a bygone era and experience the trials and triumphs of these two remarkable women.
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
Get ready to be immersed in a world of heartache, hope, and redemption with Mary Beth Keane’s highly anticipated fourth novel, The Half Moon. Following the success of her 2019 bestseller Ask Again, Yes, Keane returns to the familiar setting of Irish-American families in suburban New York, but this time with a more concentrated story that promises to be just as compelling.
Meet Malcolm Gephardt, a charming yet emotionally inept bar owner in his forties who is desperately trying to save both his struggling business and his marriage to an attorney wife who craves more than what he can provide. Keane’s prose is a masterful blend of gritty realism and heartwarming tenderness, reminiscent of beloved authors such as Anne Tyler, William Trevor, and Elizabeth Strout.
But what sets Keane apart is her ability to delve deeply into matters of the heart, exploring the complexities of human relationships with a breathtaking delicacy that will leave you spellbound. Whether you’re a fan of domestic dramas or simply love a good character-driven story, The Half Moon is a must-read book of 2023 that will linger in your heart and mind long after you turn the final page. So mark your calendars for May and get ready to be swept away by Mary Beth Keane’s latest literary masterpiece.
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann
If you’re a fan of true crime, you won’t want to miss The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. The bestselling author of The Lost City of Z and Killers of the Flower Moon returns with another fascinating work about the true story of His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, a vessel in the 18th century on a secret mission during war with Spain.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Are you ready for a juicy read that delves into the lives of the ultra-wealthy? Look no further than Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. This captivating debut follows three women in the esteemed Stockton family, each with their own complex relationships to the family’s vast fortune. But this isn’t just another tale of privilege and power.
Jackson’s clever and insightful writing infuses the story with heart and soul, making it the Succession for readers who crave more depth and nuance. It’s no wonder that this book has already caught the attention of TV producers – once you start reading, you won’t be able to look away from the drama unfolding on Pineapple Street.
In A Living Remedy: A Memoir by Nicole Chung
In A Living Remedy: A Memoir by Nicole Chung, the author takes a powerful look at the financial inequity and class differences that affect millions of families in America, told through the lens of the illness and loss of her parents. And in All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby, the electrifying tale of a Black man who runs for sheriff hoping to help his small hometown takes a dark turn when the killing of a Black man by his deputies leads to the discovery of a serial killer in the area.
My Stepmother’s Secret by Emma Robinson
When life falls apart, sometimes the only option is to return to where it all began. In Emma Robinson’s gripping novel, My Stepmother’s Secret, a mother and her two daughters find themselves homeless and at the mercy of the one person they never wanted to turn to – the woman who tore their family apart.
But as they navigate the difficult terrain of their shared home, long-buried secrets start to unravel, leaving them to wonder if their fragile bond will survive or shatter completely. This heart-wrenching story about the lengths a parent will go to protect their children will leave you breathless and wondering just how far you would go in their shoes. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes, and Kate Hewitt, My Stepmother’s Secret by Emma Robinson is a must-read for anyone who loves a good family drama.
If you are looking for a heartbreaking and unique story about the importance of family check out My Husband’s Daughter by Emma Robinson.
In conclusion, there are plenty of exciting and captivating books being released in the first half of 2023. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling true crime, fascinating history, sweet romance, shocking mysteries, or highly anticipated debuts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And with the publishing dates still subject to change, it’s best to keep an eye out for these amazing titles in case they come out a little later than expected.
So, grab your reading glasses and get ready to be transported into new worlds, meet interesting characters, and experience unforgettable stories. Check our Great Books To Read in 2023 list and choose your next read. Happy reading!