Winter is the ideal season for getting lost in a good book. With chilly weather enveloping us, our homes become cozy retreats. As spring approaches, outdoor activities like picnics and hikes can easily take precedence over our reading habits. The months of January through March are perfect for tackling our winter reading goals—my top priority being the most anticipated books of 2023.
Reading is a significant intention for the year ahead, and I’m not alone in this pursuit. Many others are also keen to embrace reading as a daily ritual. To inspire us all, I’ve gathered a fantastic selection of new titles set to be released soon.
This year’s literary offerings include mysteries, thrillers, memoirs, insightful non-fiction, and historical tales. Clearly, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2023. So, let’s get ready to build our reading lists!
Image above by Belathée Photography.
15 Must-Read Books Releasing in 2023
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The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
This year, I'm diving into my true crime obsession through literature. I picked up The House in the Pines yesterday and can’t put it down. The story follows Maya, whose best friend Aubrey dies under mysterious circumstances during high school. Years later, a YouTube video rekindles Maya's trauma, prompting her to confront her past and seek answers.
Released January 3
Shop NowThe Villa by Rachel Hawkins
The Villa combines a decades-long friendship, a getaway in Italy, and a villa steeped in mystery. Best friends Emily and Chess vacation at Villa Aestas in Orvieto, where Emily uncovers a tale of excess, intrigue, and murder that she’s determined to resolve before it claims another victim.
Released January 3
Shop NowAll the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
Isabelle's life shatters when her son disappears from his crib in the night. Despite the case going cold, her relentless quest for the truth leaves her sleepless for a year. Partnering with a true crime podcaster, she begins questioning her own memories, unsure of who to trust.
Available January 10
Shop Now“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon
Aubrey Gordon, co-host of the insightful podcast Maintenance Phase, challenges pervasive anti-fat myths in her new book. Her powerful voice sheds light on fat justice, making this a critical read for everyone.
Available January 10
“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People
Shop NowSpare by Prince Harry
One of the most awaited releases, this memoir by Prince Harry offers an intimate glimpse into his life, including the trauma of losing his mother. For years, we've speculated what the boys felt during that moment, and now Harry shares his story.
Available January 10
Shop NowLocust Lane by Stephen Amidon
Fans of Little Fires Everywhere will want to mark their calendars for this gripping tale. In a wealthy New England town, a murder rocks the community, and the three teens present at the scene become suspects. The parents' motives complicate the investigation, forcing them to protect their children.
Available January 17
Shop NowLove, Pamela by Pamela Anderson
Contrary to popular belief, Pamela Anderson's story is more complex than tabloids portray. This memoir reveals her journey from a small-town girl to a global icon, detailing the sacrifices and self-discovery along the way.
Available January 31
Shop NowThe Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Alex, an aspiring novelist, receives an invitation to an exclusive writing retreat, only to discover her former friend is also attending. As they compete to complete a novel by month's end, strange occurrences unfold in the supposedly haunted mansion.
Available February 21
Shop NowI Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Highly praised by numerous outlets, Bodie Kane is a film professor whose past—marked by tragedy and a boarding school experience—returns when she is invited back to teach. Drawn into the unsolved murder of her roommate, Bodie discovers she may hold vital information.
Available February 21
Shop NowBeyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash
In this poignant love story set during WWII, Millie and Reginald send their daughter Beatrix to America to escape the war. As she adjusts to her new life, returning to London after the war proves challenging. Can she reconcile her past with her future?
Available on March 21
Shop NowThe Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley
Tanner, a 21-year-old without a plan, becomes the caregiver for Louise, an elderly woman who may have secrets of her own. Their unexpected journey turns wild when Louise's past catches up with them, proving that unlikely friendships can blossom in the most surprising ways.
Available on March 28
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
Shop NowIf We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook
A gripping debut that I couldn’t put down. The narrative kicks off with a surprising twist, setting the stage for a fast-paced journey filled with relatable characters. If you enjoy Emma Straub's compelling storytelling, this book is a must-read.
Available on March 28
Shop NowHappy Place by Emily Henry
The beloved author returns with Happy Place, where a couple pretends to be together during a vacation after breaking up. Can they maintain the facade during their idyllic week in Maine?
Available April 25
Shop NowMeet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
If you loved Every Summer After, this enchanting summer read is for you. Fern and Will share a unique connection over 24 hours, but when they agree to meet a year later, everything changes when Will doesn’t show. Years later, when he returns, trust becomes a major issue for Fern.
Available May 2
Shop NowNothing Special by Nicole Flattery
When Sally Rooney praises a book as “bold and agonizingly funny,” you know you need to read it. Nothing Special follows seventeen-year-old Mae as she navigates life with her alcoholic mother and toxic boyfriend, and seizes an opportunity to work for Andy Warhol, sparking a journey filled with humor and personal growth.
Available July 11
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