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!

Claiming the Cowgirl is a sweet Christmastime Novella

 

Author Jody Hedlund wraps up her Colorado Cowgirl series with her novella Claiming the Cowgirl part of the Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology

Readers meet Serena Taylor towards in the end of Captivated by the Cowgirl when she’s hired to help Felicity run the Courtney Boardinghouse. She is a widow with a young son and she’s on the run from her former father-in-law who is determined to prove she’s an unfit parent. Her solution: to marry again and give her son a father.

Eligible bachelor Weston Oakley is in no hurry to give his heart away having been burned by love before. Suggesting a marriage of convenience will benefit them both. Serena will gain a father for her son, and he gets his meddlesome family off his back who were convinced he’d never find someone to marry. It’s a win-win. However, both Serena and Weston get more than they bargained for.

Ms. Hedlund crafted such a sweet and heart-melting romance in Claiming the Cowgirl. You find yourself rooting for both Weston and Serena. I admired Serena's selfless attitude when Weston told her she could buy whatever she wanted she thought of others before herself. In turn, I like that Weston sees and appreciates this quality in Serena. 

Both Weston and Serena model generosity and putting others needs about theirs. These qualities had you rooting for them as a couple. I liked that Serena doesn't see Weston's wealth as she can have anything she wants. Instead she's thinking about how to bless the people in his employ. This quality made her someone to admire.  

At the risk of sounding cliché the romance is what kept me in the story. Neither Weston or Serena had truly experienced love and you find yourself rooting for this kind-hearted couple to realize they are in love with each other. 

Claiming the Cowgirl delights readers with this tender romance and perfectly wraps up Ms. Hedlund's Colorado Cowgirls series with a bow. 

~~Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

To Spark a Match is a Fiery and Fun Read

Once again historical author Jen Turano brings her hallmark humor and sarcasm to the Gilded Age in her gorgeous new book To Spark a Match. (This might be my favorite book cover by this author only because of Adelaide's exquisite emerald green dress.)  

Miss Adelaide Duveen has spent five unsuccessful seasons on the marriage market and has resigned herself to the belief that she’s destined to remain a spinster…forever. Not one to remain down at this dismal eventuality, she consoles herself at least she’ll be able to devote more time to her hobbies: books and her menagerie of cats. 

When Adelaide unintentionally interrupts former undercover agent Gidden Abbott involved in covert activity at a dinner party, she is drawn into Gideon’s world of danger and intrigue closely resembling the spy novels she reads.

Her well-timed diversion to save Gideon’s investigation causes society to threaten to banish her. Guilt-ridden Gideon enlists the help of a friend to re-frame how the elite view Adelaide. It was a sort of My Fair Lady meets the Gilded Age. Refining her and not changing her so much that she was unrecognizable, but polishing her manners, clothing, and the way she presents herself. Capitalizing on her hobbies (reading and collecting cats) to make her appear to be fascinating to the upper class.

Through this process of change, Adelaide has many wardrobe mishaps that had me laughing out loud and in my opinion were some of the funniest parts of the book. Her wardrobe blunders made her a more relatable heroine and it makes you fall in love with her character even more! 

From the moment Adelaide and Gideon meet their chemistry and teasing exchange leap off the page leaving you wanting more and wondering when the next Gideon/Adelaide verbal sparring match will be. I like that their relationship started off as friendship and naturally progressed to romance. 

Will the spark of love ignite between Gideon and Adelaide before it’s too late or be quenched by danger?

At the risk of sounding cliché or like a broken record, what draws me into Ms. Turano’s books is her sharp banter not only between the hero and heroine, but all the characters.  The world she creates with her clever use of quick-witted, engaging dialogue makes you want to dive in headfirst and inhabit her world hoping some of their wit will rub off on you.

To Spark a Match is like A Match in the Making with the humor that readers have come to expect from Ms. Turano, but what sets it apart is the mystery element. This aspect to the story added seriousness and substance which I think it needed.

Grab a cozy blanket, your favorite drink and treat yourself to the perfect riotous fall read with To Spark a Match. 

~~To Spark a Match was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

My True Love Gave to Me: A Delightful Christmastime Short Story

 

It's always a joy and a treat to help promote one of my all-time favorite authors! If you've read my blog for some time, you are likely familiar with my unbiased admiration for this wonderful writer. Christy award winning author Karen Witemeyer gifts her readers with a delightful short story set in Bethlehem, Texas. 

My True Love Gave to Me is released just in time for the holiday season is a slice of bliss. The story begins as the air turns crisp and the holiday lights glitter. Once again demonstrating her mastery of her craft, Karen Witemeyer has given us a festive treat that will overflow with love and optimism.

The well-known "12 Days of Christmas" carol is given a unique spin by Karen Witemeyer in  My True Love Gave to Me, as only she can. The story centers around Simeon Shephard and Anna King who are genuinely in love and have been courting for two years. Anna's father David refuses to grant his blessing of marriage to the couple. When a wealthy rival suitor enters the picture seeming to garner David King's respect and approval Simeon realizes time is running out. He only has 12 days to prove to her father he can provide for Anna and ultimately be the best man for his daughter.

In an attempt to win Anna's heart, Simeon enlists the help of his family and the people of Bethlehem through warmth, comedy, and a hint of festive enchantment. The outcome is a tale that is both delightful and unforgettable, making it the ideal treat to enjoy during this happy holiday season.  

Will he succeed in this race against the clock? You'll find yourself fervently rooting for Simeon's triumph in this heartwarming tale of love and determination.

Allow My True Love Gave to Me to take you to the heart of Bethlehem, Texas, where love, faith, and perseverance come together to produce a story that will stick with you long after the Christmas season has passed. Cheers to the holidays and good reading!

~~My True Love Gave to Me was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

He Should Have Told the Bees: One of my favorite stories of 2023...So Far

After reading author Amanda Cox's stellar debut novel The Edge of Reason last summer, I was ecstatic and excited to have the opportunity to read and review her latest book, He Should Have Told the Bees.

The beautiful cover combined with the unique title instantly pulled me in and did not disappoint.

Beckett "Beck" Walsh's world is shattered with with the untimely passing of her father beekeeper, George Walsh, and owner of Walsh Farms. Through the reading of his will, she discovers her father made her a co-owner with Callie Peterson. Who is this person? How is she connected to her father?  With this news, her solace and safety net of Walsh Farms changes. 

Callie Peterson has no idea who George Walsh is or why she was named in his will. She dreams of opening a storefront for her soap, candle and bath business. She initially sees being co-owner of Walsh Farms as the answer to all her financial problems until she meets Beckett. 

For Beckett, living and working on the farm is an oasis and as natural as breathing. When it comes to chores and bee keeping she is skilled and competent. However, there might be more reasons than meet the eye for why this is. 

Having an acholic mother has taught Callie Peterson not to dependent on others. As an adult she has tried to maintain a boundary with her mother. Callie soon realizes her mother holds the key to unlocking part of the mystery of her connection to George Walsh. Will she discover what this is before it's too late?  

Together Beckett and Callie find themselves uncovering the maze of family secrets. I think the author dealt with this in a realistic way. It's not easy having the only live you've ever know be ripped out from you and adding the extra layer of uncertainty and mystery made He Should Have Told the Bees one of the most compelling reads of 2023...so far. 

I'd classify this author's books as women's fiction and the way Ms. Cox writes...she hooks you with complex believable characters, a compelling plot and raw emotion. Every books I've read by this author I've cried. If you're ok with breaking out the Kleenex when you read this book you need to add it to your TBR pile. 

Slight spoiler alert!! Stop reading if you don't like to know spoilers before reading: 

I liked that  Ms. Cox hints at romances for both Beckett and Callie proving that even broken people can find love. Found myself rooting equally for both romances. I realize the main story is between Beck and Callie, but I would have liked a little more romance.

If you love beautifully crafted stories of courage, compassion, and connection then He Should Have Told the Bees is not to be missed. 

~~He Should Have Told the Bees was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~