Wow. I can’t believe 2023 is over already. It seems just yesterday we were excited to start the new year with visions of all the new releases we were going to read dancing in our heads! To welcome in 2024, I thought I would share with you my top books of the year, in no particular order! 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, narrated by Michael Urie and Marin Ireland. This book was hands down one of my most favorite audiobooks ever. The narrators were amazing and the subject matter was moving. I need to read the physical copy, but I highly recommend the audiobook. 

The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World by Kyouka Izumi and Oumiya. This 5 volume, completed manga series endeared itself to me quite rapidly to the point that I had purchased all of it within 3 months. I loved the fact that our chosen one just basically wants to be left alone with her books. Can relate.

The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart. This second-chance holiday romance is sweet, spicy, and a little bit dramatic. I read it as a Kindle Unlimited pick this holiday season and grabbed up a physical copy as soon as I finished reading it. That does not happen with KU books…ever. 

The Measure by Nikki Erlick. This book was so good I read it twice this year. Once on my own and once for a book club. And it looks like another one of my book clubs may be picking it for their January selection. I’m debating reading it a third time in a 12-month period. That might be overkill. But yes, So good.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez, narrated by Kyla Garcia and Zachary Webber. This book (the second in the Part of Your World series) is sold in the romance department, and it is a romance don’t get me wrong, but it’s a drama too. I cried. And that’s bad because I driving to my hometown!! Wiping tears from your face as you are driving down the interstate is never a good idea. No idea that was going to happen, so naturally I highly recommend it. 

The Wiilmot Sisters books by Chloe Liese. I borrowed Two Wrongs Make a Right from the library and then turned around and purchased a copy of this Shakespeare retelling right away. I also may have pre-ordered the sequel that same day. Spoiler alert, I also loved Better Hate Than Never. 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi was a brilliant work. It shows how one place can tie us together, and what we think we know is not always the truth of the matter. It was both heartwarming and heartwrenching. I read it on Kindle Unlimited (it is no longer available on there I’m afraid) and bought the physical copy right away. There is an entire series set in this coffee shop, and I will be returning there soon! 

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo. This is part of a series of novellas about a cleric named Chih. Chih collects stories for their order to preserve history. I’ve only read the first two but they are enchanting. The author does a wonderful job of creating a colorful world in such a short story. If you need a quick read to get ahead of your reading goals, pick this series!! 

What were your favorite books of the year? I hope you had several!