Normally, I do book recommendations in my newsletter every quarter, but I haven’t done that this year, so I’m taking a break from my series on identity and purpose to do a book rec feature. Don’t worry, I’ll get back to that post on purpose next month, I promise.

As many of my long-time readers know, audiobooks are my go-to. So, many of these were “listens” rather than “reads.” I have done a bit more actual reading in 2023, however, due to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and have found I miss seeing the words on the page. Especially when character and/or place names are unusual or have odd spellings.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my top 10 books out of 56 read/listened to for January through June of 2023 listed in order of reading – not necessarily order of preference.

The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Genre: Women’s Fiction – Split Time (though very unique in its rendering) Suitable for mature teens & up due to some adult situations. Nothing graphic. Currently in KU to read and listen.

For Writers: This is a study on creating broken characters. Each one is shattered in different ways and required alternate methods of healing.

For Readers: If you’re interested in Russian history or WWII history, you’ll love this story. If PTSD-type stories or stories involving strong characters with iron wills determined to survive are your thing – this is for you.

This novel is the answer to the question, what happens to the children of someone required to shut off her emotions and memories in order to survive and move forward who is unable to connect with her own children because of these past necessities? What is their psychological reaction to being raised in these circumstances? So well written and unforgettable.

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

Genre: Contemporary Fiction with Time Travel, Suitable for mature teens and up. A bit of language.

For Writers: A study in genre-bending. Part sci-fi, part women’s fiction, part literary. Unique premises, good use of Vietnam, 9-11, and time travel.

For Readers: This story has all the feels – tear-jerking, heartbreaking, beautiful, loving, compassionate, hopeful, satisfying.

When a widow faces a killer birth-defect in her unborn daughter, she’ll do anything, even travel through time, to give her a chance to survive.

Bearcat by S. E. Warren

Genre: Decopunk (futuristic, 1920s flapper/mafia theme) I would call this period fantasy. Currently in KU along with book #2. Suitable for very mature teens and up with some adult situations and a bit of language.

For Writers: How to use fantasy to deliver a historic experience using an often romanticised time period while still maintaining the futuristic nature of your world. The sacrificial ending is worth studying as well.

For Readers: In a future society obsessed with the 1920s, Everett and Charlie struggle to be free of the mob bosses who dominate the world with fear and blackmail or murder. If you enjoy rags-to-riches, underdog stories, this will keep you up at night. Both hero and heroine are capable, tough, determined and filled with secrets, haunting pasts, and barely-maintained hope that the future can be better than the past. A compelling story that you will consider after the final page has turned from a debut author.

Iron Will (The Shifting Tides bk 4) by James Maxwell

Genre: Epic Fantasy – suitable for teens and up. Currently available in KU to read and listen.

For Writers: How to end a series. This is book 4 and it includes quite interesting and different situations and twists from the first 3 books. The characters are familiar and stay true.

For Readers: If you’re into sailing or political/battle intrigue, you’ll enjoy this story. Dragons and strategy play a part in the final outcome. There is also romance and friendships both familial and not. Available in KU to read and listen.

I enjoyed how everyone united against the red dragons and learned to give up their pride and self-serving ways. Typical Maxwell, but exceptionally pleasing.

Remember Not by Barbara Ellin Fox

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Available in KU) Suitable for teens and up. Some depictions of human trafficking and cruelty. Non graphic.

For Writers: This is a go-to author for writing horses well. She has many resources available to help you do the same.

For Readers: A well-written tale start-to-finish with accurate show jumping and horse training details. Animal lovers, those who want to see justice upheld for the downtrodden, those who believe in second chances, anyone with a love of family – both found and natural – you will all want to read this book!

Single mother Rylie’s dreams hinge on the success of her rescued horse and her horse training business. When a rich Texan hires her to ride his prize mare, there’s more than money at stake. When her horse is attacked, can she trust her boss to keep everyone safe or will she lose everything, including her heart?

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

For Writers: The storytelling is superb. How each clue comes together to form a picture in the end is outstanding. (I know I’m late to this game, but classics never get old!)

For Readers: If you haven’t read or listened to this, you should. It’s a glimpse behind the veil of spiritual warfare and will make you look at everyday events differently.

Demons plot to take over a small town and are opposed by prayer-warrior humans and warrior angels.

Broken Veil (Harbinger bk 5) by Jeff Wheeler

Genre: Epic Fantasy (Currently available in KU to read and listen.) Suitable for teens and up.

For Writers: A study in how to end a series and how to create a series arc.

For Readers: This is an outstanding story filled with depth and surprises. The Easter eggs are numerous if you’ve read other series and many characters return.

Cettie and Sera travel vastly different paths with one goal – to save their world from destruction. As each makes choices, they are on a collision course, but will they save or destroy each other? And what will that mean for all those they love?

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Genre: Split-time Fantasy. Suitable for teens and up.

For Writers: This plot is entwined around two women, centuries apart, whose lives are interwoven in a prophecy about 2 queens – the Sun Queen and the Blood Queen. One will save the world. The other will destroy it. The reveals are well-timed and tug the story onward. There is romance and tragedy, but the mix is done so as to give the reader a breather between them.

For Readers: The story compels you forward with enticing details and difficult choices. The view of angels is interesting as well.

Betsy: Miss Grumps Don’t Fall for Mr. Sunshines by Sarah Monzon

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy. Suitable for teens and up. Currently available in KU. (along with the other 4 books in the standalone series)

For Writers: Want to learn to write sarcasm and irony? This book will help.

For Readers: Filled with musical metaphors and sweet, caring, compassionate characters, you’ll be uplifted by this story as you laugh until you snort and fall over. I loved this story! If you’re a musician or musician wannabe, or ever dreamed of traveling with a band, this is a must read.

She only has one rule she lives by. Do not, under any circumstances, fall in love with a musician.

A few things everyone should know about Betsy Vargas.

1. She is trilingual, fluent in Spanish, English, and sarcasm.
2. She has the voice of an angel but she would rather cut off her right hand than sing in front of other people. And the reason has nothing to do with stage fright.

In This Moment (Timeless bk 2) by Gabrielle Meyer

Genre: Historical Time-crossing Romance. Suitable for teens and up.

For Writers: This story has 3 threads, so if you’re interested in writing split time, this will show you how. (For a discussion with the author on how she plotted the novel, listen to the interview with Rebecca and Rebecca on Spotify or watch on YouTube.)

For Readers: If you’d like to listen to or watch a review of this novel, Rebecca and Rebecca have one. Spotify or YouTube.

Maggie lives in 3 different timelines: 1861, 1941, 2001, spending each day in each time leading 3 separate yet connected lives. Eventually, she must choose one in which to live out the rest of her days. How is she to do that when she loves each one?

Well, there you have it, my top 10 for the first half of the year. There were many other books that I could have mentioned as wonderful reads as well, including the non-fiction title by Tony Evans, The Names of God, and Susan May Warren’s new series, The Minnesota Marshalls. If you click on the book covers, they’ll lead you to the book on Amazon. If you prefer other retailers, by all means purchase your books there. Many are also available through library services such as Hoopla or Libby.

I hope you enjoyed this detour in the blog series. We’ll get back to it in August. My humble appreciation goes to all who’ve read this far. Thank you all so much! Without you, I couldn’t do what I love. If you’d like to receive monthly updates and the chance to win free books, sign up for my newsletter. Blessings to all.