Aaaaand here we go again! What. A. Year. I think 2023 has been one of my favourites yet. The books I’ve read this year have been out of this world and it’s been one hell of a job picking out my top 10 (even though I say that every year!) If you don’t have any of these gems on your TBR lists yet, I urge them to add them to your 2024 reads!

Without further ado – the list!

10. Every Happy Family – Sarah Stovell

I don’t think I could love this book more if I tried. It was absolute perfection! Such a powerful story of family, drama, secrets and quite frankly, life’s ups and downs, sometimes in the most saddening and terrifying ways. Every Happy Family covers a lot of ground in its 366 pages, and I was hooked from the very start. Despite tackling the tough subjects of domestic abuse, drug abuse and postnatal depression, the author has done this in a respectable way and balanced these dark elements with light-hearted humour and positivity. Character development is some of the best I’ve seen and I’m confident their journeys will stay with me for a lifetime. An absolutely flawless read and an unforgettable ride. Read my full review here.

9. The Christmas Book Club – Sarah Morgan

Only recently read this one but it soon shot into my top 10! The Christmas Book Club is a beautifully festive and heartwarming story about life, friendships and taking risks. The book focuses on four different characters who are all facing hardships, and being a part of their journey of growth and lesson-learning was so exhilarating. The author has crafted a Christmas paradise that is the Maple Sugar Inn, somewhere so idyllic and picture-perfect that I’ve never wanted to jump inside a book more! And having a week away from day-to-day life to talk about books?! The dream. A super cosy and uplifting read, perfect for getting into the Christmassy mood. Read my full review here.

8. A Wish For Wilma – Audrey Davis

Is it really any surprise that Audrey is in this list?! A Wish For Wilma is the most satisfying end to a flawless, hilarious, feel-good trilogy. It’s the kind of book that you never want to end, but at the same time makes you crave the conclusion to see how your favourite characters will continue their lives! The book is filled to the brim with uplifting moments of joy, ridiculously clever humour and characters who will stick in your heart long after reading the last page. Wilma is just an adorable ray of sunshine with a rebellious, cheeky side which I absolutely loved, and her romance with Gus is certainly something you don’t see often (new authors, take note!) A beautiful, heartwarming and unforgettable final book. I’ll miss these characters dearly! Read my full review here.

7. My Love Life and the Apocalypse – Melissa Welliver

My Love Life and the Apocalypse is a clever, thought-provoking post-apocalyptic read, with a sweet, gentle romance between two very lovable characters. The world Melissa Welliver has created is one of the best I’ve ever read, even though reading about a dying world filled with bots was pretty scary. The description made everything come to life and feel so incredibly real, each chapter was so captivating and awe-inspiring. Everything just worked. Welliver weaves the fun and the adventurous side of her characters with the surprisingly dark side of a crumbling world, and it works even better than I could have ever imagined. Echo and Pandora felt like my own friends at this point and it was very difficult to close the book on that ending chapter! Perfect, perfect, perfect. Definitely recommend to everyone! Read my full review here.

6. Lily Bennett’s Bucket List – Katherine Dyson

Lily Bennett’s Bucket List is a beautifully uplifting story of growth, the importance of taking chances and of course, injecting a little bit more fun into your life! The story has such a unique plot, one that grabbed me from the start and kept me pleasantly surprised at every turn. I loved Lydia, the main character, and her friend-but-definitely-not-love-interest, Jake. How their relationship grew and changed over a few short months was written so delicately, but in a way that had you rooting for both of them consistently all the way through. Their chemistry was *chef’s kiss*! The steps Lydia takes to be someone she’s not helps her to realise what’s really important in life after her world came crashing down, her journey helping her to blossom into someone inspiring, someone who makes the most of every day, and most importantly, someone who is happy. Charming, delightful and thought-provoking. Absolutely loved it! Read my full review here.

5. Make Me Clean – Tina Baker

Make Me Clean was as excellent as I expected, probably even more so! Another tense and ingenious read, one that has kept me on edge, filled me with dread and fear, but also oodles of emotion too, some of it very unexpected. Tina’s way with words will not only keep you hooked and curious, but will entertain you and keep you smiling (if you can believe it!) Maria is an exceptional main character, her journey through life as rough and as terrifying as you could possibly imagine. But her experiences shape her into the person she’s become… good or bad? I’ll let you decide for yourself! I loved every single second of reading this. No one writes a dark thriller quite like Tina! See my full review here.

4. The Fifth Guest – Jenny Knight

The Fifth Guest is a work of art. How the author untangles the messy lives of five university house mates and crafts it into a contender for thriller of the year is just mind-blowing. The book is super addictive with a big focus on character development, the dual timelines combined with the slow-burn narrative perfectly builds suspense and always kept me curious. Even though academia crime thrillers are nothing new, the plot felt original with surprises around every corner. It’s dark, fascinating and utterly compelling. I loved every word! See my full review here.

3. Just Another Missing Person – Gillian McAllister

Just Another Missing Person is an incredibly strong follow up to Wrong Place Wrong Time. It’s filled with twisty goodness that only a McAllister novel can bring, a plot to completely lose yourself in as well as a handful of characters to obsess over. I completely fell in love with Julia; a mother, a hard-working detective who will do anything to protect those she cares about. The story had me constantly guessing, questioning everything and leaving me unsure of who I could trust. I couldn’t get enough! This author truly gets better and better with each book. Intense, unnerving and perfectly paced. I loved it – please pick it up! See my full review here.

2. The Woman Who Lied – Claire Douglas

The Woman Who Lied is a can’t-put-down crime/psychological thriller with one of the most intriguing storylines I’ve ever read, one where you’re always analysing characters and piecing together clues and evidence. It’s so easy to fall into the story as if you’re one of the characters or you have a front row seat in their minds, which is really down to Claire’s impressive writing style and her ability to captivate and build curiosity. Emilia is a stand out main character for so many reasons, her determination to find the truth and protect her family will stick with me for such a long time. Completely addictive with twists, red herrings and epic reveals at every turn. Please pick it up – you’ll LOVE it! See my full review here.

1. What She Left Behind – Emily Freud 👑

What She Left Behind is the definition of a perfect domestic thriller. It’s chilling to its core, incredibly dark and had me thinking about it constantly! This book takes toxic relationships to a whole new level, and even though it’s disturbing and horrifying, it’s also absolutely fascinating. A harrowing storyline of past vs present combined with flawlessly developed characters really bring this story to life, the emotions I felt throughout reading something that will stick with me for so long. For me, this book was the inspiration and motivation I needed to get stuck into my own writing again. Completely addictive, intense and skillfully plotted. The best of its kind! SO deserving of my top spot this year 🏆 See my full review here.

Other noteworthy authors!

As always, I couldn’t end the year without mentioning some other incredible authors whose books I’ve read this year!

• Maria Daversa
• Stacey Potter
• Rebecca L Marsh
• Adele Parks
• Valerie Anne Hudson
• G.W. Allison
• Michelle Waitzman
• Rachel Greenlaw
• Dianna Houx
• Dan Clark
• Helen C. Kelly
• Albert Jaskula
• Tessa Bailey

Here’s to 2024!

As I do every year, I want to thank every author and publisher who gifted me copies of their books. It’s always an honour to be able to do what I do! I can’t wait to read more books next year and to discover some amazing new authors. 2024 reads are looking sooo good!

I hope everyone has an amazing new year! ❤️