2023 has been filled with excellent books. It is tough to pick only five that have made a difference in my life or stood out as something special. There have been countless stories, ideas, quotes, and mood-reads this year, and I love sharing them with everyone I have connected to. So, that is the magic piece of 2023 – sharing. Here are the five books I am thankful for in 2023 that allowed me to share my love for reading.

1. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.
This book is my comfort read. I love it. I treasure it. The quotes take up a high percentage of space in my head. What is so special about this book is how Schwab can connect with the reader and share feelings that sometimes are difficult to name. It is dreamy and poetic, and I can never stop recommending it. Schwab was also the first author I followed on Instagram, pushing me to create my Bookstagram. It is lovely to follow and connect with the authors who have impacted my life.

2. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston was a new author for me this year. I found The Dead Romantics in my local bookstore and was captured by the book blurb. My primary go-to genre is fantasy, and I loved that Poston was able to connect the fantasy genre with a contemporary romantic comedy. This book has made the list because it has been my most gifted book of 2023. I read it and had to share it. It is magical, sweet, and a gift to the world. I HIGHLY recommend it. Poston published a second book this year, The Seven Year Slip, which is just as magical. Check her out – you will not regret it.

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing has obviously made its rounds across the internet, and it is absolutely worth the hype. I love this book for sharing because it has brought so many of my family and friends into our own ‘unofficial book club.’ It is continually enjoyable to talk about the story, its characters, and the theories with everyone reading it. It is an excellent introduction to romantasy, and the book will be a great talking point for years to come while the rest of the series is being published.

4. Stranger in a Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom’s novels hold a special place in my heart. They are always filled with life lessons and deep emotions; I reread them often. I was blessed this year with the opportunity to listen to Albom speak about Stranger in a Lifeboat, which was absolutely incredible. While much of his work is with a Christian mindset, I believe anyone would enjoy his novels. I love how honest and open Albom is about sharing his thoughts and emotions – it gets me every time. While I haven’t gifted this book to many people, he was sweet to sign a book for my mother, and it has been one of my favorite 2023 memories. I recommend Albom to many of my close friends.

5. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
When I think of what I am thankful for, I think about the friends that have become family – and when I think of found family, I think of T.J. Klune. The House by in Cerulean Sea was my first T.J. Klune novel, and while I adored his other novels, this one is still my favorite. It is sweet, humbling, and feels like home. You can’t help but love the characters, and I can imagine sitting around a family dinner with this. It is a good reminder of what makes a family and the impact that others can make on your life. It will continue to be one of my favorite comfort reads.

It has been an incredible year, full of beautiful books. I am so grateful that I have found a community of book lovers and have been able to share it with the people I am closest to. What books are you thankful for?