Best Reads of 2023: Organized by genre
Today is the last blog post of 2023. Shifting gears from last year’s final blog post, today, I’ll be sharing my favorite reads from the year. As of writing this article, I read 99 books since January 1, 2023. Explore below to see my 10 best reads of 2023 and my overall favorite book from the year!
Best Biblical Fiction: Adult
Not By Sight: A Novel of the Patriarchs by Elizabeth Jacobson is an amazing narrative following the biblical figure of Joseph. The book explore themes of purpose, forgiveness, and faith rooted in religious truth. Perfect for independent reading or used alongside a study of Genesis 37-50, Not By Sight is a must read! Read my full review here.
Best Christian Romance: Adult
According to Carley Love by Curtiss Ann Matlock is a standout for best romance, Christian and general, that I read in 2023. A poignant story of living, faith, & growth wrapped in a heartfelt romance rooted in forgiveness and second chances, it is a must read! Matlock is an author whose catalog I want to pull more from. Read my full review here.
Best Dystopian: Adult
The Wayward by Tabitha Caplinger is a dystopian tale set in a world where an alien race comes to earth, promising freedom and peace to the desperate human race. But more than that, it’s a love story. Not a dozen roses, plush teddy bears, and cheesy movie-esque love story, but an intricate tale of real, unconditional, redeemable, exposed love. It exposes love that fosters faith and a drive to find Goodness even in the midst of grief and pain, the love that ensures redemption and offers a soulful, true life of living — the love that can only come from God — is elegantly woven in this beautiful prose which is sure to move any heart. Read my full review here.
Best Fantasy: Adult
The Regal Pink by Jenny Knipfer is a wholesome story that follows a fairy on a mission to secure her wings, an orphan boy who has the power to grant wishes, and a king and queen without an heir, interwoven with powerful themes of love, hope, faith, and God’s greater plan for our lives. It is a must read for fans of Christian fantasy, clean fantasy romance, and fairy tale retellings. After reading, it will be clear why it secured a spot on this list of best reads of 2023! Read my full review here.
Best Young Adult Fantasy
Through the main character Nova’s story, readers are shown that no one must prove themselves worthy of love, we’ve all already been redeemed, and we are loved just as we are. Check out more on why Child of Prophecy is on my best reads of 2023 list here.
Best Young Adult Science Fiction
This upper YA science fiction romance has everything you need: well-developed characters, a circus in space, a fake engagement, a slow burn romance, political intrigue, high action twists, help where you least expect it, beautiful lessons on what love is and using power and talents to better the world, and muffins. If you enjoy science fiction and clean romance, add Suspended in the Stars to your TBR!
Best Middle Grade Contemporary
A heartbreakingly beautiful and realistic story delving into family, friendship, and mental health, Where the Watermelons Grow is my second favorite book from all of 2023. Contemporary narratives tend to fall short of speculative fiction for me, but this is absolutely wonderful. I cannot recommend it enough!
Best Middle Grade Fantasy
The balance of humor and big life issues paired with whimsical world-building of Season of Dragons by Nikki Mitchell makes one feel they have been transported to a world crafted by the minds of Roald Dahl and Hayao Miyazaki. Check out more on why Season of Dragons is on my best reads of 2023 list here.
Best Middle Grade Biblical Fiction
The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio is a wonderfully captivating middle grade novella that explores themes of faith, identity, and forgiveness woven within a coming of age story. Ultimately, this is a must read for historical fiction fans and those who enjoy finding greater truths within the stories they read. Check out my full review here.
Best Children’s Picture Book
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a book that I just read for the first time in 2023. It is a simple yet powerful picture book that will resonate with people decade after decade. Truly a classic and timeless book that everyone should read.
Best Book of 2023
Some elements that make this book spectacular, wonderful, and utterly magical: a multi-faceted narrative with a folkloric atmosphere, found family, positive relationships, the Bog, a Simply Enormous Dragon, a Glerk, a Luna, a crow, a Grandmama, a madwoman, paper birds, unconditional love—love that never divides but multiplies, and, most of all, hope; the kind that seeps out from the text, like moonlight for an unsuspecting witch trying to feed a baby, and satiates readers like me. Like you. Like us. Read my full review here to learn more about not only my favorite read of 2023 but my favorite book of all time.
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