Most Anticipated Books of 2023
Shelf Reflection’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023
By: Brittany Shields
“Pleasure is found first in anticipation, later in memory.” - Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
Every year my TBR list gets longer. It’s just my way of life now.
2023 is going to bring a lot of good books and I’m here to tell you about them!
I’ve done some research and compiled a list of all (not even close) the books I’m excited to read that will be released in 2023. Hopefully this list will give you some ideas of what to look forward to reading this year. I’ll keep updating this list with links to my book reviews as I get them read!
Since I often get advanced reader copies through NetGalley I’ll be able to review many of them before they are released to the public.
This year is a bit heavy on the suspense/thriller genre. I suppose those tend to be the more hyped books and ones I’m most drawn to.
What’s also difficult about the fantasy genre is that books tend to be part of long series and it’s harder to highly anticipate a book that’s midway through a series I’ve never read.
But I’m going to continue to look for upcoming releases of historical fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, YA, and Christian Living books and may add a few more to the list as things catch my eye.
You should also check out these other book lists and challenges as you prepare for another year of glorious books!
(BTW- Thanks for sharing this post to your social media!)
I’ve listed these in order of their release date:
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Goodreads Blurb: A deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set at an Italian villa with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
Two friends and writers spend a summer in an Italian villa where a murder took place decades ago. Emily digs more into the mystery and realizes there is more to the story than public history reveals.
I hadn’t read Rachel Hawkins before but I was intrigued to see what she was all about. Her book The Wife Upstairs was nominated for Best Mystery/Thriller in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards.
I received an ARC for this so I’ve already read it and my review is linked below!
The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
Genre: Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: The Rom Com Agenda is a story of two people finding love right when they least expect it… STEP 1: Find yourself… STEP 2: Win back the one who got away… STEP 3: Become a romantic hero… STEP 4: Fall in love?
I’m not a huge fan of romance, but if I do read it, I prefer the humorous kind. This is the light, fun, not twisty, good ole happy ending type of book just as it claims to be.
It is the classic: Girl witnesses Guy getting dumped. Guy becomes depressed and goes on a makeover mission to get his lover back. Girl becomes involved in the makeover process. There’s a cat, a fireplace, and a long wait for Guy to realize Girl is the love of his life. A moment of uncertainty to prove himself. And Boom. Guy and Girl are in love.
Spare by Prince Harry
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: January 10, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last.
I am not a huge royal family fan. I didn’t watch any of the weddings and when I went to London I didn’t bother waiting in line to see the crowned jewels.
But I’ve been watching The Crown and I’m a curious person. I haven’t really been following the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan but I’m usually interested in a marketed ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at a public (but private) figure.
**Updated with link to my full review**
Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: January 10, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: There are many misconceptions about what it means to be humble. Some think that being humble means hiding your talents and abilities or being weak and inauthentic. But the Bible paints a different picture—defining humility as a self-forgetfulness leading to joy and explaining that it is a life-giving virtue that frees you from the restricting needs of your ego.
This is probably reminiscent of Keller’s book The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness but I am a fan of Gavin Ortlund (Finding the Right Hills to Die on and Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t) and am looking forward to his perspective.
This one also has chapter discussion questions and may make for a good small group study.
Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes by Stephen A. Smith
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: January 17, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: America’s most popular sports media figure tells it like it is in this surprisingly personal book, not only dishing out his signature, uninhibited opinions but also revealing the challenges he overcame in childhood as well as at ESPN, and who he really is when the cameras are off.
I’m assuming most readers are not familiar with Stephen A. Smith. Mainly because based on my website’s demographics, I have a higher percentage of women viewing my site than men. And women don’t tend to spend much time watching ESPN.
I was introduced to Stephen A. Smith at work when my coworker would listen to First Take every day. He is quite the character and straight shooter is a good descriptor for him.
This may not be a widely anticipated book but I’m still curious to see what makes Stephen A. Smith Stephen A. Smith.
And if he doesn’t tell me to ‘Stay off the weeeeeeed’ I’m going to immediately deduct a star from my rating.
**Updated with a link to my full review**
God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood by Katie Faris
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: January 1, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Katie Faris knows well the challenges of parenting. As a mother of 5, she has experienced the trials of motherhood but also knows the comfort of our Savior, Jesus. Through 9 chapters, God Is Still Good offers a biblical context for suffering and hope, answers common questions, and addresses prevalent temptations and lies that mothers are likely to face.
I’ve read many books on motherhood. There is usually some overlap but because motherhood is so hard, I think it’s good for the soul to keep feeding it truth and encouragement from those who have gone before.
Plus she only has one more kid than me and maybe she will have some secrets for mothers of multiples!
**Updated with link to my full review**
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: February 2, 2023
Goodreads Summary: Nisha Cantor lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy, until her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off. Nisha is determined to hang onto her glamorous life. But in the meantime, she must scramble to cope--she doesn’t even have the shoes she was, until a moment ago, standing in. That’s because Sam Kemp – in the bleakest point of her life – has accidentally taken Nisha’s gym bag. But Sam hardly has time to worry about a lost gym bag--she’s struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. When she tries on Nisha’s six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes, the resulting jolt of confidence that makes her realize something must change—and that thing is herself.
I really enjoyed Me Before You and The Giver of Stars but did not like The Last Letter from Your Lover. I’m still trying to figure Moyes out so I’m looking forward to reading another one of her books!
The premise sounds a tad cheesy though so we shall see how she weaves this story.
These Infinite Threads (This Woven Kingdom #2) by Tahereh Mafi
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Alizeh is the heir to the Jinn throne and fulfills a long-foretold prophecy of a Jinn sovereign destined to free her people from the half-lives they’ve been forced to live under the rule of humans. Kamran is the heir to the human throne, and he’s being pressured to marry before he becomes king. When he falls in love with Alizeh and subsequently learns her true identity, he must question everything he’s been taught about Jinn and their future in his kingdom.
The first book in this series, This Woven Kingdom, was on my list of Most Anticipated Books of 2022 and as of this writing, I still haven’t read that one. So hopefully I like it because I’m adding this one to this year’s list!
I read some of Mafi’s YA series beginning with Shatter Me, so I am anxious to see what this new fantastical world holds.
**Updated with a link to my full review**
The Housemaid’s Secret (The Housemaid #2) by Freida McFadden
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Release Date: February 20, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: ‘“Don’t go in the guest bedroom.” A shadow falls on Douglas Garrick’s face as he touches the door with his fingertips. “My wife… she’s very ill.” As he continues showing me their incredible penthouse apartment, I have a terrible feeling about the woman behind closed doors. But I can’t risk losing this job—not if I want to keep my darkest secret safe…’
I am part of a Facebook group for people who love thrillers. Freida McFadden’s name is mentioned a lot and I have yet to read one of hers.
I will have to read The Housemaid before I get to this one, but I feel I must try this author and see if she is for me!
What Have We Done by Alex Finlay
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Goodreads Summary: A stay-at-home mom with a past. A has been rock star with a habit. A reality TV producer with a debt.
Three disparate lives.
One deadly secret.
To save their lives, the group will have to revisit the nightmares of their childhoods and confront their past—a past that holds the secret to why someone wants them dead.
I read Finlay’s book The Night Shift which was nominated for Best Mystery/Thriller last year on the Goodreads Choice Awards. My main beef with that one was the swearing, but I’m realizing it has less swearing than some other books I’ve read. I suppose it’s all relative.
But I’ve decided to read another one of his books because his plot was good and the suspense was there!
**Updated with link to my review**
The Half-Life of Love by Brianna Bourne
Genre: YA/Science Fiction
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Goodreads Summary: He’s known exactly when he’s going to die since he was eight years old and half-lifed, a small twinge that tells a person when they’ve lived half their life. From that moment, Flint’s done everything he can to make his death more bearable… But then he meets September Harrington, an utter explosion of brilliance and fun, and all his plans fly out the window… When their worlds collide, it feels like the start of an epic, once-in-a-lifetime love. Only Flint can’t bring himself to tell September he’s dying, and September’s keeping secrets too. The closer they get, the less time they have together and the more their secrets threaten to destroy everything.
I have not heard of this author. This appears to be her second book.
I’m not big into YA romances but with the countdown to death and addition of science it might give it a little more substance. We shall see!
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: An innocent father serving life for the murder of his own son receives evidence that his child may still be alive, and must break out of prison to find out the truth.
I have always loved Harlan Coben’s books. I was reading a lot of his books before I started reviewing but recently I’ve been reminded how good his books are.
He writes a good thriller and they’re usually pretty clean. Looking forward to picking up another Coben.
Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: A defense attorney is prepared to play. But is she a pawn in a master’s deadly match? A twisting novel of suspense… As Keera and her team follow the evidence, they uncover a complicated and deadly game that’s more than Keera bargained for. When shocking information turns the case upside down, Keera must decide between her duty to her client, her family’s legacy, and her own future.
Robert Dugoni is another one of my favorite authors! He has written several good series, but this appears to be a standalone novel which is probably better for me to not start yet another series…
I also haven’t read many legal thrillers lately so that will be a good change of pace for me as well.
*Updated with link to my full review*
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: There’s a cottage on a cliff. Gabe and Pippa’s dream home in a sleepy coastal town. But their perfect house hides something sinister. The tall cliffs have become a popular spot for people to end their lives. Night after night Gabe comes to their rescue, literally talking them off the ledge. Until he doesn’t. When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral...Did the victim jump? Was she pushed? And would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate...lie? As the perfect facade of their marriage begins to crack, the deepest and darkest secrets begin to unravel.
I really liked Hepworth’s books The Good Sister and The Younger Wife.
She tends to end her books with a bit of mystery so I’m excited to see what twists and unknowns she gives us this time!
**Updated with link to my review**
The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Wanting to bring more cheer into Arthur's gloomy life, Sloane creates an impromptu book club. Slowly, the lonely misfits of their sleepy town begin to find each other, and in their book club, find the joy of unlikely friendship. Because as it turns out, everyone has a special book in their heart—and a reason to get lost (and eventually found) within the pages.
I got an ARC of this one because it intrigued me. I usually enjoy a book about books! And this one sounds like it may involve a little self reflection which is always good too!
Broker of Lies by Steven James
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: When Travis Brock, a high-level Pentagon redactor with an eidetic memory, finds a clue to solving the tragic arson that took his wife from him, he risks everything to find the truth--and chances losing himself in the process. With a terror attack looming on the horizon and a pair of assassins on his tail, Brock drops off the grid and joins forces with a disavowed Homeland Security operative. Together they race to stop the attack before Brock is neutralized by the people he trusts the most.
Steven James is another one of my favorites! His books always have a lot of suspense and action while at the same time exploring moral dilemmas that are really interesting to think about. Can’t wait to read this one!
**Updated with link to my full review!**
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: A riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia--where the truth isn't what it seems… Proctor Bennett, of the Department of Social Contracts, has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding people through the retirement process--and, when necessary, enforcing it. But all is not well with Proctor. For one thing, he's been dreaming--which is supposed to be impossible in Prospera. For another, his monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast. And then comes the day he is summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry.
I know nothing about Justin Cronin as I’m still fairly new to the science fiction realm of books.
But I like to expand my book repertoire so when I had access to an ARC for this book I decided I’d give it a shot. The premise is intriguing!
**Updated with a link to my full review**
The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire. Life in the Philippines seems like paradise--until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: the Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as Japanese warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific Theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history… Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope.
Tosca Lee has written some great books! She does a lot of research in preparing for each book and it shows. WWII is a new setting for her so I’m interested to see how she tackles this book.
She is not new to co-writing. The Books of Mortals series she wrote with Ted Dekker is one of my favorite series.
Also, I think this will be my first WWII book that focuses on the Philippines.
**Updated with a link to my full review**
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Genre: YA/Mystery
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl”, an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives, and everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior Girl to her tribe… Using all of their skills and resources, the Misfits realize a heist is the only way to bring back the stolen artifacts and remains for good. But there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye as more women disappear and Pauline’s perfectionism takes a turn for the worse. As secrets and mysteries unfurl, Perry and the Misfits must fight to find a way to make things right – for the ancestors and for their community.
Boulley’s debut novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter was nominated for both Best Debut and won Best YA in the Goodreads Choice Awards last year.
This book has a different protagonist but still takes place in the same community. Just like her first book, I’m guessing this will be insightful and informative of tribal traditions and history but also suspenseful and character driven.
**Updated with link to my full review**
Do Not Be True to Yourself: Countercultural Advice for the Rest of Your Life by Kevin DeYoung
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Shortened Amazon Summary: In this collection of inspiring sermons and graduation speeches, Kevin DeYoung delivers a motivational, biblical call to young people: serve God faithfully―and if necessary, counter-culturally―in the next season of your life. Do Not Be True to Yourself includes practical advice for cultivating a Christ-centered worldview in every area of adult life, including relationships, work, church participation, and spiritual growth, making it a transformational resource for mentoring students.
Kevin DeYoung writes solid and practical books. I imagine this one is no different. It seems like it’s in the same vein as Surviving Religion 101 (which is a collection of ‘letters’ to a college student) or Live Your Truth (and other Lies) (which exposes the problems with the popular phrases like ‘be true to yourself’).
**Updated with a link to my full review**
A Killer’s Game (Daniela Vega #1) by Isabella Maldonado
Genre: Suspense/Crime Thriller
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: An FBI agent with a background in cryptography. A brilliant game maker bent on revenge. A deadly battle of wits and wills. An ingenious thriller…Locked in a subterranean labyrinth and held captive by an unseen host, Dani, Toro, and others must fight for their lives. Now Dani must stay undercover, unravel a bizarre conspiracy, and survive lethal puzzles. But will Toro be friend or foe? Because in this killer’s game, everything is real: the paranoia, the desperation, and the body count. And only one person can make it out alive.
I discovered Isabella Maldonado’s first book of her Nina Guerrera series called The Cipher and was hooked. Maldonado’s experience in law enforcement adds authenticity to her stories and she is talented in writing action and suspense.
I can’t wait to start her newest series!
**Updated with link to my full review**
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Paris, 1939: Young mothers Elise and Juliette become fast friends the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. Though there is a shadow of war creeping across Europe, neither woman suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change. When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life—her young daughter, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl. But nowhere is safe in war, not even a quiet little bookshop like Juliette’s Librairie des Rêves, and, when a bomb falls on their neighborhood, Juliette’s world is destroyed along with it.
I’ve read several of Harmel’s books and they’ve all been joys to read! WWII is her historical fiction niche but she always seems to capture a new facet of an oft-written about topic.
I have read several books set in Paris lately so I may have to wait a bit before I start my ARC of this one!
**Updated with link to my full review**
Social Justice Fallacies by Thomas Sowell
Genre: Non-Fiction
Release Date: June 6, 2023 **This changed to September 19, 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Not yet revealed.
There’s not much out about this book yet, even the cover has not been revealed.
However I’m including it on this list because it’s a popular and controversial topic that I’ve done a lot of reading on.
Most recently I read Thomas Sowell’s book Discrimination and Disparities which explores the Kendi’s claim ‘When I see disparities I see racism.’
Sowell is a super intelligent economist and political commentator and I’m definitely interested in what this book might contain.
I’ll try to update this when more information has been released.
The Housekeepers by Alex Hay
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: July 4. 2023
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Mrs King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she's made herself respectable, running the grandest house in Mayfair. The house glitters with treasures beyond anyone's wildest dreams. But dark secrets lurk in the shadows. When Mrs King is suddenly dismissed, she recruits an eclectic group of women from the fringes of society, each with their own score to settle, to launch the most audacious robbery London has ever seen… Because when a job needs doing right, Mrs King knows exactly how to clean up.
I’ve not heard of Alex Hay but Goodreads tells me this book is “the sensational historical blockbuster everyone will be talking about in 2023” so I figured I better see if I’m one of those people!
Plus I usually enjoy a good heist story, especially set in a different era.
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