Can you believe 2023 is already at an end?

In some ways it feels like we were just ringing in the year and in other ways it feels like 2023 has lasted A LONG TIME. Speaking personally, it feels already like a lifetime ago that I graduated with my Master’s degree (it actually happened in May) and has it really been that long ago since I published Infiltration?*

But there are some positives to it being the end of the year. The holidays (duh!), end of the year sales (#yesss), time off from work (about time), spending time with family & friends (always something to look forward to), and best books of the year lists! Yes, now is the time of the year where every book blogger, YouTuber, and self proclaimed book addict shares with the world their favorite books they read in the year and I’m hear to kick off mine.

If you’ve been following me for a while (and if you are new, welcome!) you will know I did this for the first time last year. It was before I had the website so they were all posted on Facebook (link: https://www.facebook.com/RachelRHeil) and I had a lot of fun sharing my selections with you. So, here we are again!

What is my criteria for a book to be in my top 10 books of the year? Here’s how I broke it down.

1. I have to have read the book between December 15, 2022 and December 15, 2023. Since I have to plan these lists a bit in advance, my book year dates run a little different than the calendar year.
2. Has to be a book I read for the first time in 2023. Any re-reads are not included.
3. Book does not have to be published in 2023, just have to be read this year.

In addition to the top 10, I have also selected three books as honorable mentions. Those mentions will kick off the list tomorrow followed by one book being announced everyday until the last day of 2023. Any bets on what my favorite book the year will be? Check in every day to see if your predication is right and make sure to share in the comments below your favorite reads!

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your love and support! This website and my books wouldn’t exist without you! I hope 2023 was good to you and that 2024 will be even better. Happy holidays!

*And if you are screaming yes to that last question, don’t worry. My next book will be traveling to the editor very soon! Make sure you are signed up for the newsletter to get an exclusive sneak peek!