Countdown to 2024...Favorite Books of 2023

It's hard to believe 2023 is coming to a close. There were so many fantastic books I read. Narrowing it down to just my top 5 favorites proved impossible, so I absolutely had to add a 6th book last minute. 

These books made my list because of the unique characters, compelling plots with endings that stay with you long after you've closed the book. You'll want to re-read these books to catch things you may have missed the first time reading. 

In no particular order here are my top 6 books of 2023. Did any of these books make it on your favorites list? Any books I'm leaving out? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

                                                               You can read my review here.

                                                            You can read my review here. 

                                                         You can read my review here. 

                                                     You can read my review here. 

                                                    You can read my review here. 

Time always flies when I am reading, but this year especially, it felt like time flew in general. I am looking forward to all the new books and authors I will discover in 2024 and I cannot wait to continue this reading adventure with you. Thank you for being here with me and celebrating books. 

Happy New Year! 

Emilee

Five in Five: Author Edition

As an aivd reader, I frequently get asked about my favorite authors and books. So, for those of you who might have limited free time due to life's demands, I've put together a list of my current top five favorite Christian fiction authors. But let's take it a step further—I'll also share my absolute top five favorite books by each of these authors. So, you'll have some fantastic recommendations to dive into, even if you're short on time!

If you're new to my blog, this will give you a bird's eye view if you will of the tone and style of books I gravitate towards as a reader.

The author landing at the top of my list is Karen Witemeyer. She is known for her heart-melting Historical Westerns with feisty heroines and swoon-worthy cowboys.  Her books check all my boxes, are always on my "to keep" shelf and continually re-read.  

Short-Straw Bride

More Than Words Can Say  

More Than Meets the Eye 

 Heart on the Line 

 Full Steam Ahead 

Author Sarah Sundin is next on the list.  She is known for her phenomenal WWII historical romances. She's a consistently rock-solid author and one of the few authors I will pre-order her books.

 A Distant Melody

Through the Deep Waters

With Every Letter

When Twilight Breaks 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris 

Author Denise Hunter lands at #3 on the list. She is known for her small-town sweet romances with depth. If you want relatable characters and to be transported to a new place, these stories are for you!

 Sweetbriar Cottage

Married till Monday

 The Goodbye Bride

Harvest Moon

On Magnolia Lane

 

Jody Hedlund nabs the 4th spot on my list. She is a multi-genre author and almost any genre she writes in she has the ability to captivate her reader and take you on whatever adventure she chooses. 

Stay with Me 

 A Loyal Heart 

An Uncertain Choice

 Never Forget

Forever Safe 

Contemporary author Becky Wade rounds out my list with the last spot. She is known for swoon-worthy romances mixed with mystery. So if you love a book that's just not all about the romance and keeps you thinking than I highly recommned picking-up one of her books. 

 True to You

Falling for You 

Sweet on You 

Let it Be Me

Turn to Me 

This wraps up my 5 in 5. What do you think? Any of your favorites make the list?  Any books I should  have include, but didn't?  Let me know your thoughts and happy reading! 

Reading is adventure,

Emilee 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a Sweet Romance

 

Sarah Monzon is a new-to-me author and her newest release All's Fair in Love and Christmas has been infiltrating my social media newsfeeds that I had to read it and I'm so glad I did.

Mackenzie Graham is a talented graphic designer whose socially awkward tendencies keep her in the background and not front and center. Her boss informs her that she'll be competing against co-worker Jeremy Fletcher for a promotion to be announced at the Christmas office party. This pushed Mackenzie way outside of her comfort zone.  One character trait of Mackenzie's I appreciated was how she genuinely listened to her co-workers memories of childhood Christmases and tried to re-create these memories. This quality endeared Mackenzie to me. 

Single guardian to his twin nephew and niece, Jeremy Fletcher has ambitions for his family and wants to win the promotion. What he doesn't expect is to be intrigued and distracted by his rival co-worker Mackenzie. 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had a depth to characters and storyline I wasn't expecting, but pleasantly surprised to find. Both Mackenzie and Jeremy had legitimate reasons for wanting the promotion. 

The author's use of pop culture references was so funny and engaging. Very well done and inspired me in my own writing. Being an avid movie and TV buff her references were right up my lane of humor. It made me want to read more books by this author.

Cozy up with All's Fair in Love and Christmas. It's the perfect holiday read that'll melt your heart and get you excited about the holiday season. 

Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with the magic of great books!