9 New Authors I Enjoyed in 2023
Looking back at all the books I read last year, there are quite a few new authors that I enjoyed and hope to read more from this year. Specially, there are nine authors I was happy to stumble upon. Two of these are debut authors, and the rest are new to me. Either way, their stories made me feel, think, and/or laugh so I can’t wait to continue reading more from them this year.
In no specific order, these are the new authors I enjoyed in 2023:

The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Goodreads Choice Awards – Nominee for Best Science Fiction (2022)and Nominee for Best Debut Novel (2022)
Publish date: June 28, 2022
This speculative fiction novel poses an interesting question: what if we could all know the length of life we’ll have? I found the concept of this story unique and interesting, and look forward to more from this author.
*See my book review here.

This is Us by Helen McGann
Publish date: September 14, 2022
This is a poignant and hopeful story about friendship, marriage, and new beginnings. I enjoyed this memorable story, and the writing style.
*See my book review here.

The Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
Publish date: June 6, 2023
This was a touching story about friendship, marriage, and new beginnings. I loved being transported to Italy by the descriptive writing style.
*See my book review here.

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friesland
Publish date: May 18, 2021
I enjoyed this is heartwarming story centered around family, friendship, and new beginnings. Based on the author’s writing style and humor, I’m expecting to enjoy her other stories.
*See my book review here.

Five Winters by Kitty Johnson
Publish date: January 1, 2023
This was such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. I felt I really got to know the characters, and their difficult situations.
*See my book review here.

She’s Up to No Good by Sara Goodman Confino
Publish date: August 1, 2022
This was such a fun story about family, love, and new beginnings.
*See my book review here.
I discovered this author early in 2023, and read all three of her books within the year. The witty characters, heartfelt situations, and family dynamics are what I enjoy about her stories.
Other books I enjoyed by this author:

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Goodreads Choice Award: Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2023)
Publish date: March 14, 2023
This was such a fun story! It’s filled with charming characters and hilarious dialogue. I loved getting to know Vera Wong’s bold determination and unsolicited advice.
*See my book review here.

One Christmas Eve by Shari Low
Publish date: August 29, 2023
This was such a touching and heartwarming story. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and their situations. Based on her writing style and clever use of multiple timelines, I’m expecting to enjoy more of her stories.
*See my book review here.

The Takedown by Carlie Walker
Publish date: October 3, 2023
This was such an action-packed and entertaining story. I enjoyed the snarky characters and witty banter, and can’t wait to read more from this author.
*See my book review here.
Do you enjoy books by these authors too? Which of their books are your favorites?
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I always get so excited when I discover a new (to me) author that resonates with me. Especially if they already have a lengthy backlist. 🙂 So glad you discovered some new ones in 2023!
Lucy
Thank you! I agree it’s even better when there’s a backlist. I can’t wait to get to some of the books in Sutanto’s backlist 😊.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Both Carlie Walker and Jesse Q Sutanto were new-to-me authors that I enjoyed as well!
Lucy
Glad you gave those authors a try and enjoyed them too. Can’t wait to read more from both of them.
hena
I have a few of Sara Goodman Confino books on my TBR list.. hope to get to one of them soon.
Lucy
Yay! For The Love of Friends was a fun story, but I recommend them all 😁.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I read Jessie Q. Sutanto for the first time last year too! I had a great time with Vera Wong. I will have to check out some of these other books.
Lucy
Glad you gave this author a try last year too! Vera Wong was a great intro into this author’s writing.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I love Vera Wong too and Jesse Q Sutanto was a new-to-me author too. I’ll need to check out the others!
Lucy
Planning to read more of her books too. Considering giving the “Aunties” series a try soon.
Samantha Kozbial
I think I started reading Patrick a year or two ago. Love her books so much! Carlie Walker has written MG and YA under a different name. Very good books as well. I discovered The Measure last year. That book blew my mind. I have adored Sutanto since her first Aunties book. So much fun! I just read Five Winters *cue the tears* It was good. I will definitely read more from Johnson. Great list!
Lucy
I love that we both enjoyed so many of the same authors. Thanks for mentioning you’ve enjoyed the MG and YA books by Carlie Walker. Planning to give them a try 😊.