Today I’ve got a post for all my book-loving-friends! Last year I started the habit of reading each night before bed…. not only was it a good way to distance myself from my phone, but it reconnected me to my love of books!
Since I was an only child for 16 years, books were oftentimes my best friends. I love nothing more than getting lost in a story, and can’t tell you the number of times I’ve stayed up all night to finish one. Especially this time of year… is there anything cozier than climbing in to bed early with a good book?!
I read a lot of books last year, many of which I forgot the story just days after finishing (that’s mostly because I have a poor memory, not because they weren’t good books!), but a handful stuck with me… so I thought I’d share those favorite reads in case you’re looking to fill your library.
Books are obviously subjective, and no two people will have the same thoughts, feelings, and opinions about a story. But never-the-less, I loved each of these stories, and maybe you will, too!
The House Across the Lake // Book Lovers // One True Loves
The Five-Star Weekend // Bluebird // Beach Read
The Four Winds // Carrie Soto is Back // The Light in Hidden Places
Emily Henry made the list twice, with Book Lovers and Beach Read. I just love her witty dialogue and the banter between her extremely likable characters. Bluebird and The Light in Hidden Places are powerful WW2 historical fiction stories that had me fully engrossed and swelling with pride for strong female leads.
I knew I’d love Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds, but I was surprised by how much. Oftentimes while reading I’d be so transported, I forgot where I was!
I was expecting a lighthearted beach read with The Five-Star Weekend, but Elin Hilderbrand surprised me with a captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery!
Do I play tennis? Nope. Did I absolutely love every word of Carrie Soto is Back? Yes, yes I did! I followed it up with several more books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, each very different from the other, and One True Loves was another fave. (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo remains an all-time fave!)
And finally, The House Across the Lake was suspenseful and full of supernatural plot twists (not usually my cup of tea), but I still found myself completely sucked in!
Definitely a mixed bag of topics, from heavy to light, but I like to mix it up! I love the feel of a real book in my hands, but have been turning to my Kindle Paperwhite more often. It’s crazy lightweight, waterproof, and so easy to read in all light, especially on the beach or by the pool.
Up next on my nightstand is Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (named as Barnes & Noble’s best book of 2023) and The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post. And this is a book that has been intimidating me from my nightstand for the past year, but this is the year I tackle it!
Okay… your turn! Comment, share, discuss… what were your favorite reads last year? What are your thoughts on any of these books? What should I add to my list!?
Ms. Cassie! Wow. Wish I could read fiction, as it’s hard for me to follow, esp. w/too many characters to keep up with. Locations, etc. I used to be able to read 3 books a week, slowing down. It’s all non-fiction, science, travel for me, oh, and cookbooks! bios, auto-bios=fascinating!
Now what was my reading list again?? ; ) xo.
3 books a week is no small feat, Sandy!!! xo, C
Don’t let Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post intimidate you! It is so good and easy to read. I would love to read it all over again!
My wording in that paragraph was confusing… Marjorie Post doesn’t intimidate me, it’s the other book that’s linked that I’m nervous about!
Thanks for the book suggestions, I see a few I’d like to read. I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, it was my favorite of 2023!
Love love LOVE that book!
Just read Hello Stranger by Katherine Center. Surprised by how much I loved it!
Thank you for this suggestion! xo, C
Organization, fashion, and books- you’ve covered all of my favorite topics this month! I also enjoyed those Emily Henry books along with Elin Hilderbrand’s latest release. I loved reading “Every Summer After” and “Meet You in the Middle” if you are looking to add any Chick Lit to your reading list!
I’m always looking to add chick lit to my to-read list, ha! xo, C
My favorites from last year were The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. Also good were Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McCormick; Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Torzs, and The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore. I didn’t read any Taylor Jenkins Reid books in 2023 but I have enjoyed several in the past.
So many new books to add to my list!! xo, C
We have read so many of the same books and seem to like the same ones. Did you read Remarkably Bright Creatures? I think that was my favorite from 2023. I also read the Marjorie Post book. Don’t be intimidated. It’s fascinating.
I’ll add that to my list!! xo, C
This Marjorie Post book sounds intriguing now. I may have to indulge!
I think Hello Beautiful is an absolute MUST READ asap. My favorite book of 2023
I’ve seen this book everywhere… I’ll add it to the list! xo, C
Thanks for the suggestions. I am getting ready to retire and love to read. I love everything Elin Hilderbrand. She does such great work! Thanks Cassie for all you do!
I really love her too!! xo, C
I loved “The Secret Book of Flora Lea.” This is another WWII book about two sisters evacuated from London to the English countryside. The story starts when one of the sisters, as an adult finds a book that relates to her childhood. There are definitely twists and turns along the way that I did not anticipate.
Thank you for this suggestion!!! xo, C
Favorite Books of 2023
Hello Beautiful
American Beauty
Ends With Us
Starts With Us
The People We Keep (not 2023 but so good:)
Thank you for this list!!! xo, C
We need more details, I had no idea you were an only child for 16 years! What’s the story?
My dad remarried after my parents got divorced and then had my three half siblings! xo,C
I’ve read many of your top choice books and agree with you. The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post fell flat for me. I’d like to hear your opinion. To me, she dashed into marriage over and over again. Somehow as each marriage fell apart, she never examined herself and her motivations.
I haven’t started it yet but I’ll try to get it into a post once I’m done with it!
This is a great list! Thanks for sharing! Two additional WWII historical fiction books that I really enjoyed: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, and Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys.
Thank you for the suggestions!!! xoxo, C
I’m really into historical novels by Chantel Cleeton such as Next Year in Havana, The Last Train to Key West, etc. Love, love these books and easy to read.
Ooh thank you for the suggestions!! xo, C
All the Light We Cannot See. Historical Fiction, love it. I also enjoy reading a book, watching the series/movie. Even though, I always think, they left out a part, or added a part, yet I continue to watch.
Totally feel you on the adaptations!!
So nice to see you writing about something other than fashion!
Thank you for your opinion, Sharon! I usually have about one fashion post a week, but lots of travel, family, home, decor, etc. posts mixed in!
My favorites of 2023 were: The Radium Girls, The Boys in the Boat, The Women, and Authentically Izzy. I also read The Four Winds and The Light in Hidden Places and enjoyed both of those as well.
This is a great list, thank you Missy!! xo, C