I made a goal of 100 books for 2023 and made it to 95! (This has only been made possible because my kids are now grade school age). If you want to see what all I read here is my good reads account.

Someone Else’s Shoes- Jojo Moyes: I love Jojo Moyes and was so excited about this new one. It is different than some of her others but I really loved it. The characters were fun and I was really rooting for the whole story by the end.

The Perfumist of Paris – Alka Joshi: This whole series has been so good. I love that they are all connected but highlighting different characters each time. I would recommend all of them to anybody.

Only the Beautiful – Susan Meissner: Susan has consistently written books that I just love and they are almost always total tear jerkers. This story is so beautiful and sad and well done.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women – Lisa See. I’m pretty sure I have loved every book by lisa that I have read and this was so exception. Such compelling stories and writing.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers – Jesse Q Sutano: This might be my most recommended book of this year. I loved it so much! It was so funny and witty and the characters were all really entertaining. I’m hoping it gets made into a movie or series because the characters are just that good. Everyone needs to read this one.

The Drowning Woman – Robyn Harding: I don’t LOVE thrillers, but will throw one in every once in a while. This was super compelling and I didn’t guess it all along the way.

Ordinary Grace – William Kent Krueger. Another author that I have loved everything by. I have read 3 or 4 of his this year but I think this is my favorite so far. They are all a little sad but so poignant and powerful.

The Martian – Andy Weir: I never would have guessed that a sci fi book would be a favorite until I read his book Hail Mary last year. I decided to try another and loved this one too. I really wish they would make a young readers version because the science jerry rigging aspect of it was so interesting and I think would make an educational book for kids.

No Two Persons – Erica Bauermeister: I feel like this one has fallen under the radar and highly recommend it. It was such a beautiful story (many stories really) about the power of books and how one story can touch people in many different ways.

The Unmaking of June Farrow – Adrienne Young: I went into this one blind and I recommend everyone else does as well. So unexpected and compelling. I read it in 24 hours!

Kids Read Alouds/Audiobooks

The Vanderbeekers- Karina Yan Glaser: This is such a great series for kids. We listened to most of them during our summer roadtrips and both of my kids (7 and 10) enjoyed them a lot. There are several difficult topics covered that are handled really well for young kids.

Trapped/Vanished/Framed- James Ponti: This author has become a favorite for my son but this trilogy was another roadtrip series that both kids loved. It was so clever and fun.

A Place to Hang the Moon- Kate Albus: I have seen this book recommended many times and finally got around to listening to it. It was so sweet and good.