Embark on a literary adventure through the realms of captivating fiction in 2023, where the pages unfold tales of time-traveling cafés, intriguing libraries, tragic love stories, and the complex tapestry of human experiences. Join me as we explore 12 novels, each offering a unique narrative and a spectrum of emotions.
Four of My Top-Rated Novels
“Hello Beautiful” takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, while “Lessons in Chemistry” navigates the life and workplace politics of a research chemist in the 1960s. (The series adaptation on Apple TV is beautifully done, but I suggest reading the book first.) Both novels are love stories, tragedies, and serendipitous explorations that captivate the heart.
“The Villa” weaves together timelines of rockstars, writers, and mystery in Italy, creating a thrilling narrative. “The Enchanted Hacienda” offers a captivating tale of magic and mystery, wrapped in flowers and romance. Both will keep you engaged and guessing.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series
Step into the enchanting Café Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo with “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” and “Tales from the Café” (also one of my favorites this year). These books go on an adventure in time travel, diving into real and difficult topics, particularly different types of loss. Despite the weighty themes, the series is a delightful and optimistic read.
While not part of the series, written by the same author, “What You Are Looking for is in the Library” brings the same charm and serendipity. Definitely worth the read.
Stories of Struggle and Strength
“Where the Wandering Ends” is a lovely work of historic fiction that (mostly) takes place on the island of Corfu during the unrest leading up to the Greek Civil War. It follows the sad and colorful stories of two young BFFs, where life takes them, and how honor and faith lead to healing.
“Moonrise Over New Jessup” is a lyrical, gorgeously-written work of historic fiction. It looks at life in the 1950s-1960s from a variety of angles. Ultimately, it left me contemplating these two questions: If someone is raised in chaos and then finds calm, what would she/he be willing to do to keep the calm? If someone is formed in calm and then discovers a world of chaos, what would she/he do to change the world? I enjoyed this a lot and would definitely recommend.
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” follows a young girl’s growth in poverty at the turn of the 20th century, capturing the highs, lows, joys, and heartbreaks of her journey.
“How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water” shares the life story of Cara, a Dominican immigrant, through career counseling sessions. Filled with twists and turns, this novel offers a compelling and fun method of storytelling.
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