THE 23 BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2023! 📚 ❤️

I'm sharing the 23 best books I read in 2023, from contemporary fiction to backlisted treasures, non-fiction, vintage finds and children's books.
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BOOK LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
Homecoming by Kate Morton: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Mrs Porter Calling by A J Pearce: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Wintercombe by Pamela Belle: tiny.cc/znb8wz
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Stories for Winter: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Out of the Window by Madeline Linford: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Coronation by Paul Gallico: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
The Wheel Spins by Ethel Lina White: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
A World Within a School by Lucy Kinloch: www.greyladiesbooks.co.uk/pag...
The Prince, the Showgirl and Me by Colin Clark: foxedquarterly.com/shop/colin...
The Game of Hearts by Felicity Day: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Eternal Boy by Matthew Dennison: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Ways of Life by Laura Freeman: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Rural Life by Clare Leighton: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Another Year of Wonder by Clemency Burton-Hill: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Greensleeves by Beryl Netherclift
Thunderclap by Laura Cumming: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
The Grey Family by Noel Streatfeild
The Wind Boy by Ethel Cook Eliot
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
*Please note: affiliate links are used for Blackwells (blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/hom.... If you order a book from Blackwells using one of my affiliate links, I may make a small commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to yourself. I like to support Blackwells by linking to their website, as I’m a big fan of their flagship Oxford bookshop, and they offer reasonable overseas shipping. You in turn support my work by shopping through my affiliate link. Thank you!

[@MirandaMills]

Happy Sunday! What were some of your standout reads from 2023? Do let me know ⬇

[@maryflaherty7096]

I liked Crow Mary. Forgot Author as I gave it as a Christmas gift. Now, am reading Bono by Helen Brown. About a Cat! She lives in UK. I read a lot.

[@aekorfker]

One of my favorites was Green for danger by Christianna brand & Rembrandt in the wind, a fascinating nonfiction book that starts with the heartbreaking history of the famous painting of Rembrandt that was stolen from a museum (and been lost since) combined with thoughts about beauty and faith. I love how Thunderclap inspired you! It’s on my wishlist for sure

[@linnstensson3808]

Hi! You and Donna inspired me very much to read Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton for the first time and I loved it! Thank you so much for the Comfort book club and all your content, it's exactly what I've been searching for on KZbin, you're a big contrast to the performative and quite superficial quality of many KZbin channels.

[@christinalinklater7742]

Just six hours until I can curl up at home with noodles and this video! A cozy bookish evening is the best reward at the end of a long week.

[@nepenthe1446]

if you like books set in boarding schools I highly recommend "To Serve Them All My Days" by R.F. Delderfied. It's set in the inter-war years and features a young Welsh teacher who was deeply affected by the Great War. It is a wonderful book I think you'll really enjoy.

[@user-bv3rc6du8x]

Such a brilliant selection thank you Miranda 😊 my favourite books in 2023 were ‘Found in a Bookshop’ by Stephanie Butland, Mrs Porter Calling, ‘The Collected Regrets of Clover’ by Mikki Brammer and ‘The Invisible Womens’ Club’ by Helen Paris. 📚💕

[@eliasmokbel1638]

As a Lebanese myself, I read lots of books that deal with the traditions of the old lebanese village. And my top 1 read for this year is written by Anis Freiha (Title- translated: The Lebanese Village). And another best book of the year was an encyclopedia (2 volumes) about the famous dutch painter Rembrandt, written by Emile Michel (a French art critic) which was marvelous. Happy new year 2024 Miranda and Dona. Thk you.

[@karencamer7723]

I didn’t realise how many stand out books there were in 2024 so here are mine Weyward by Emilia Hart( there is another book with the same name) Rooms of their own British Dandies Yellowface The Golden Mole 73 Dove Street Vita and the birds Secrets of Hartwood Hall High Wages Girl on the 88 bus Museum of Innocence Days of the Morisaki bookshop House of Doors To bed with grand music Uncle Paul A thatched Roof Coronation One afternoon Ex wife Sweet bean paste Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow Meredith alone Once upon a tome Weekends with Matt I’m sure you would enjoy most of these books❤

[@niceademers4574]

My favorite read in 2023 was Kristen Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. Has anyone else read it? 14th Century Norway, a headstrong girl who lives with the choices she makes. The CHOICES! Very powerful story.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes! In fact I studied this book in highschool

[@suzy8109]

This is the video I was waiting for all year. Ready with my cup of tea and can't wait to watch. Happy New Year, Miranda. I hope you and Donna have a wonderful year ahead. xx

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! ❤️

[@Catherine-2008]

Yay, tea is steeping, scone is warming up and then I am ready to watch and enjoy!

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! That sounds fab!

[@Daria-4215]

It was a hard Sunday for me and I am so glad to make a cup of tea and to watch your new video. Thank you, Miranda! I wish a nice week for you and Donna.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

MirandaMillsify Wrapped 2023. We love to see it!

[@naomihickman5098]

What a fabulous video, and, as always after watching your videos, I’ve added more books to my wish list! Homecoming and Mrs Porter Calling were also favourites of mine, along with India Knight’s Darling, Alice Winn’s In Memoriam and Appointment With Venus.

[@1Thedairy]

Storm Isha is howling and whistling around the house but the fire is lit and I’m really enjoying listening to your favourite book recommendations from 2023. I absolutely loved Wintercombe as I knew the house and the villages she based her story on having lived in Bath. Must read the follow up but there are several more I’d like to add to the list after listening to this.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes the wind is raging here! Hope you’re keeping cosy. So glad you liked Wintercombe too!

[@jode378]

Great list!! Thank you 🩷

[@insearchofwonder]

Wow, so many to add to my TBR! You had a great year of reading!

[@nancyfritz1827]

I totally agree with your thoughts about "Homecoming" and "Mrs. Porter Calling" which were two of my favorite reads in 2023. I flew through Homecoming" (beautifully written and plotted) and loved being part of Emmy Lake's world again. Looking forward to this Sunday's book club and am eager to hear and read everyone's thoughts on "Dear Miss Bird". Enjoy your week!

[@yolandasilverio1205]

Could not wait to see this video.

[@cassandra3399]

Thank you so much 😊

[@maryfilippou6667]

Just fantastic your Likes. At least twreve I must Search! Glad Thunderclap is now at hand.

[@phoebecaulfield4062]

Happy new year, Miranda, Donna, and every who watches you! I wish everyone a truly wonderful 2024. My favourite read from last year was "Autumn Quartet" by Barbara Pym. I am now reading all her novels - what a treat.

[@MirandaMills]

Oh fab! I love Barbara Pym!

[@lizzieh5284]

Thank you Miranda. I love your reviews. I too love historical novels set in lovely old houses.😊

[@gigi2fun]

Oh what a fabulous video!! Thank you for the book recommendations! I sooo adore books!! Thank you and of course subscribed AND ordered the books for the book club!!

[@sandraatkinson3409]

Hello Miranda . Thanks for your new video for 2024 . I was wondering if you have read anything by the author Susanna Kearsley ? She is a Canadian author and her books are like a timeslip story . I highly recommend you give her books a try if you haven't already. Thanks and take care .

[@m.c.3541]

Thank you ever so much Miranda.

[@andreiamottamaia]

Loved your recommendations! Thank you!

[@mollieanne]

Gorgeous covers on some of these. Wow.

[@gilltaber2187]

I have just finished Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher and oh what a great recommendation ❤ I fell in love with all the characters, the beautiful descriptions of the locale and lost myself in the gentle, fulfilling story. I giggled and shed a few happy tears and would say it is a must read. I now need to search my shelves for something new and different, such fun 😊

[@suebrown436]

So nice to see you talking about these books again. 😊

[@christinalinklater7742]

Thank you, Miranda! I've ordered Homecoming and Thunderclap -- they look like just the long, engrossing reads for February.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely support, Christina! I really appreciate it, and I hope you enjoy those two books ❤️

[@kathryng6198]

Thank you Miranda for each of your recommendations. Uncle Paul was indeed a compelling read. I immediately lent it out to many friends who all agreed! My book to be read and wish list grows with each video of yours that I watch 😊

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed Uncle Paul too! It is the kind of book you want to share and discuss!

[@dianesellepedrosa1876]

Loved Homecoming. I stays on my mind.

[@dianesellepedrosa1876]

At the moment I am reading Gaudy Night. A few Miss Read’s and numerous Agatha Christie’s kept me busy in 2023. Also contemporary (translated)Norwegian authors. Thank you.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

I had a fabulous 2023 reading year, thanks in part to some of your recommendations. “The Christmas Chronicles” by Nigel Slater was a standout for me. Another top read was the beautifully-written “Spring Rain: A Life Lived in Gardens” (2023) by Marc Hamer, a retired English gardener living in Wales. (Not sure if you've read this one?) In the words of Hamer, "Spring Rain is about the joy of your own back garden. It is a story about the joy of small things, the world in a grain of sand, a universe in a small garden, with love for all the insects and slugs and flowers and weeds and seeds and roots and boundaries and shade and weather that the garden contains." Nature writing at its best. I wish you another great year of reading in 2024, Miranda.

[@MirandaMills]

Sounds wonderful! 📖🌱

[@maries3000]

Hello Miranda, there are so many great recommendations from your video and I have added them to my already very long list of books to read. The books that I enjoyed in 2023 included The Other Bennett Sister, Midnight in Everwood, The Whalebone Theatre and Lucy Worsley’s biographies of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen. Wishing you and Donna a beautiful week. x

[@GloriaZThompson]

I read A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting this year and it made it on my favorites list as well.

[@asan1050]

Hello Miranda Mills , Thank you for posting.

[@allsorts4041]

Miranda thank you so much for your recommendations. As I watch your videos, I search the Toronto public library’s audiobook collection! And borrow where availability permits ❤️

[@lynbaines2756]

Thunderclap and the Clare Leighton book were among my favourites last year as well. I also enjoyed the Colin Clark memoir but, like you, was horrified at the casual sexism Marilyn suffered. I read a lot of great non-fiction last year. My favourites were Politics on the Edge by Rory Stewart, Story of a Life by Konstantin Paustovsky, Pax by Tom Holland and Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard.

[@NeetuSingh-eo4iu]

Wish you a very happy New Year and happy reading. Hope you and your family have a wonderful year ❤️

[@janisedavis7686]

Thank you for introducing me to A Year of Wonder!

[@Crystal-t6g]

Amanda, Love your videos, your breath of fresh air. 💫⛄️☃️🧣🧤🧦👢🌳

[@lorenevaughn9358]

Thank you Miranda, Love your Channel.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!

[@QuirkyGirl10]

Thank you for sharing your top reads of 2023. I always find something interesting in your picks. Mrs Porter Calling is on my TBR list. A Month in the Country and the Grey Family sound like my kind of books😊

[@julianowskachapter]

Thank you for this chat, Miranda. Lovely as always, really appreciated ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment and support! I appreciate it all so much! Have a great week ❤️📚

[@elizabethdabor2359]

You are amazing! I admire you so much, all the reading you do! I am improving and enjoying it so much, thank you for the encouragement! Big hello to your Mom!!!🇨🇦🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@loiswells3564]

I am reading Wintercombe following your recommendation in your Autumn reads Miranda and I am loving it! Thank you

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad! 😊

[@lomazowr1]

Lovely video,had my pen & paper ready for all your wonderful suggestions .Wishing you&Donna a wonderful week.📚🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! You too!

[@ingaurban404]

Dear Miranda, thank you so much for this interesting and lovely video! Again I had to put some of your recommendations on my wishlist. I love this so much! So much inspiration!!! Thank you and have a wonderful week❤

[@MirandaMills]

Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed these recommendations, Inga!

[@hannahbest2274]

I’ve been looking for the Pamela Belle books and finally the little charity bookshop in our village said they had Winterborne and the other 3 in the series, so looking forward to those, they are the paperback versions and v small writing😂. Thanks for a lovely video

[@maryflaherty7096]

Thank you, so much Amanda. I read Greensleeves many years ago. many have mentioned, Yellowface.

[@micheleelvin-bc8sw]

Thank you Miranda for sharing your 2023 best reads. I've read one or two but you've reminded me of a few others that I'd like to try.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks Michele!

[@greensnowfall7476]

Thank you for a lovely review of 2023 favorites, Miranda!I loved Bloomsbury Girls - have you read it? Two other favorites are both Persephone editions: Fidelity and Someone at a Distance.

[@kamicastillo1451]

Eternal Boy sounds amazing! Happy Sunday 😊

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! It was an excellent read.

[@irhonda31]

This was a great review of your year of reading, and reminded me of a few that I want to pick up from your recommendations. 😊 📚

[@MirandaMills]

Yay, thank you!

[@WaterBearReads]

Hi Miranda! Lovely video! You have such a fantastic way of describing and explaining the character of a book that I admire! 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' made my top reads list this year as well! I ended up purchasing 'A Year of Wonder' for my Father-in-law for Christmas this year - thank you so much for the recommendation! I cant wait to read The Wind Boy. I just finished Dear. Mrs. Bird and what a great book! Can't wait to pick up 'Yours Cheerfully'! Happy Sunday!❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! So glad you enjoyed some of these too! xxx

[@vickycroft9146]

Superb video yet again miranda. I always look forward to them every Sunday and yet again I am loving hearing your recommendations some of which I definitely want to add to my ever growing reading pile. I also want to thank you for opening my eye to authors I had previously not heard of and am now searching for the books wherever I can find them particularly miss read and the British library crime classics ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m so pleased to have introduced you to some new favourite authors 📚😊

[@kimswhims8435]

My favourites for 2023 Birnam Wood, Yellowface and Babel: An Arcane History, The Bandit Queens, Black Butterflies, The House of Doors and The Gift of Rain, Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, Pearl, Fifteen Wild Decembers

[@lyndsaymackenzie2757]

Oh golly , my tbr list has just expanded ! I can’t wait to read some of these Miranda , thank you so much for your time and genuine infectious enthusiasm for books . ❤

[@MirandaMills]

You're so welcome! Thank you ❤️

[@virginiatowsey7381]

Hi Miranda, oh dear as usual our tastes are the same. I will want to read most of your recommendations. You really do make all the books you like so inviting🥰

[@edmundkarcher8754]

Thanks for introducing me to the Pushkin press. They have several Japanese novelas coming out this year and some back listed books I will be purchasing. Enjoy your videos. Thanks for the good work. Ken from Denver Colorado

[@charlottefinch4283]

I think someone needs another bookcase! 😆 Brilliant recommendations again thanks Miranda! More birthday/Christmas presents sorted! I read and loved all four of Pamela Belle’s Wintercombe series on Kindle in 2023 so thank you for that and have just collected all of Alison Uttleys essays, what a treat and all thanks to you lovely lady, wishing you and Donna a lovely week xx

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed the Wintercombe series & these recommendations xxx

[@Emmie4497]

I love these yearly wrap up videos and couldn't wait for yours! Have enjoyed watching you share some of these reads over the previous year - still need to get to so many of them though 😐Happy New Year to you and Donna! ☺

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! And to you!

[@maryfilippou6667]

JB Priestley's Coronation novel I finally found some years back, 2nd hand well-preserved hardback in my bookshop, of the previous coronation. It revolves on a young woman helping her employer assemble the tops in Coronation fetes. A full- bodied enjoyable read as things go awry and how it Must be ironed out to high expectations .

[@redshop2003]

Hello Miranda from Ontario, Canada! Love your videos and book recommendations. They always makes me so excited to run to the library and/or book store for these books. Love your channel and look forward to all your videos.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!

[@siobahn2011]

Thank you Miranda for such lovely book recommendations as always! I have already bought some of these books when you first talked about them during 2023, but I would definitely try to get another ones which really appeal to me! Thank you for opening a new world of books to me ! ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely support and kind words! So kind of you, and I really appreciate both ❤️

[@christinegoodnough8018]

Really enjoyed your year's collection. I recently discovered Molly Clavering myself and have very much enjoyed the three books I've read: Susan Settles Diwn, Near Neighbours, Mrs Lorimer's Quiet Summer. Looking forward to more of your recommendations and reviews. Christine from Saskatoon, Canada.

[@pennygreenfield8418]

What a wonderful collection of books. I love Kate Morton and have this book waiting to be read. There's so much i now want to read so many of your recommendations. Thank you Miranda 😊

[@MirandaMills]

It’s a great read, Penny! Hope you enjoy it too!

[@ginamarie1920]

My 2023 bookish highlights include: In Altre Parole by Jhumpa Lahiri, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, A Helping Hand, What You Are Looking For is in the Library, and Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series.

[@jennifermielo-shook3174]

Per usual after your recommendations, my TBR pile grows ever taller! One of my favorite reads of 2023 came in the form of a Christmas present so it came in just under the wire. I live in Maine and love the work of a local artist named Blue Butterfield. Her first book was just published called ‘Maine, a Love Story’. I knew I would love the art work but I was so touched by her story of growing up and making a life for herself under difficult circumstances. She also shares some of the inspiration for her art work which I always find so interesting. ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Jennifer! I so appreciate it. That sounds like a charming book ❤️😊

[@rebeccawright1171]

Thanks! I enjoyed your review of 2023. There were many titles that I will look forward to reading in the new year as I received several of them for Christmas. Your reviews of books are so helpful in navigating the vast number of books available. I am looking forward to 2024 and another wonderful year of reading. Thanks again, Miranda and my best to Donna.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your amazing support and kind words, Rebecca! I appreciate both very much. I’m glad you find my reviews helpful, and I hope you have a wonderful year of reading ahead too 📚❤️

[@carolsutton8565]

Thanks! I also love Kate Morton! Homecoming was great! Hope you and your mom have a wonderful week.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely support, Carol! It’s much appreciated! So glad you enjoyed Homecoming too ❤️

[@moweaquas]

So many if my standout reads were your recommendations. From Wind in the Willows to the Emmy Lake chronicles, I had so much to enjoy. One book that I didn’t like, however, was Yellowface. It’s one of the few books that I didn’t even finish. It seemed too obvious where things were going that I skipped ahead and confirmed the impressions I already had. But I love knowing that for other people there was something to be gained from reading it. Can’t wait for this month’s book discussion!

[@deborahracette9755]

I love books about art, especially Dutch art, so I'm excited to add Thunderclap to my TBR. Thank you for another round of great books!

[@MirandaMills]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@inlaterdays]

I so love your book videos. I read and enjoyed the first two Wintercombe books and have the third one borrowed from Kindle Unlimited. I also read A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting and now I really want to read A Lady's Guide to Scandal! Thank you for your recommendations.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed Wintercombe etc too! xxx

[@Penny-ws4mz]

What a wonderful reading year you've had. One of my favourite reads in 2023 is This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing, a memoir by Jacqueline Winspear. It was interesting to see where Winspear must have picked up inspiration for her novels.

[@creativetempojournals]

Some of my favorites from last year are the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith and the Thrush Green series by Miss Read. Also love My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. Wintercombe looks like a good one...thanks for the recommendations!

[@StellaElan]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support, Stella! I really appreciate it ❤️

[@tashmart43]

What a wonderful list of books. Thank you Miranda😊 📚 my absolute favorite books of 2023 were My family and other animals by Durrell, Birdsong by Faulks and Watership Down by R. Adams

[@librarylady868]

Love your channel❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely support! 🩷

[@thelimeysretreat4976]

I loved “The Girl Who Came Home” by Hazel Gaynor which I read whilst on holiday last year. In fact I highly recommend all her books x

[@carolinesimmill4962]

Thank you Miranda what an enjoyable video! My favourite reads for last year were Jane Austen's 'Emma' and 'Persuasion'. There are two books I read that have stayed with me, 'Mrs Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf and 'Out of the Window' by Madeleine Linford. ' Mrs Dalloway for her beautiful writing and how she constructs her descriptive writing. And 'Out of the Window' for how it surprised me, in the way it ended. I find myself often thinking about this book and it's impact. Thank you so much for your book suggestions.

[@thomasceneri867]

Hi Miranda! I think that I may have mentioned this before, but I read and loved Wintercombe and also liked very much Yellowface. 😊

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@vanessap893]

Dear Miranda, I also enjoyed reading Yellowface, although at the same time I was glad to finish it, being in June's mind was quite scary somehow. Standout reads of 2023 for me have been Q's Legacy by Helene Hanff and the last two books of the Strike series by Robert Galbraith, which have the ability to make 100 pages feel like 5, for how well they are written 🙂 Looking forward to next Sunday's CBC discussion! Have a nice week, greetings to Donna as well 🤗

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

Thank you Miranda I have just finished my first #thecosybookclub read and when I had finished I was wondering what was next for Em. Luckily you have answered that here 😀 Because of you I have read more books in January that I could have imagined I was capable of. You have really ignited a great reading practice for me. Catching up on all your content is a great pleasurable past time too.🌺

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad! The second book in the Emmie Lake series is ‘Yours Cheerfully’ - enjoy! 😊📖

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

@@MirandaMills thank you 🙏

[@christyw2954]

I have to say my favorite books last year were written for children, the Vanderbeeker series by Karina Yan Glaser. I’m glad you mentioned Daughter of the Moon Goddess because it has been sitting in my TBR pile for months and I think I’ll dig it out and read it next. Thank you as always!

[@MirandaMills]

The Vanderbeeker books are wonderful ❤️

[@pamelaruben3118]

Thanks so much Miranda! I suspect that we are "kindred reading spirits!" I appreciate your book suggestions--they often lead to book buying and new favorites. One favorite from last year that you recommended was The Fortnight in September. I also loved The Silent Companions and Summer Pudding among others.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed those books, Pamela! Thank you for your kind words ❤️📚

[@maryfagan6982]

I too loved ‘Wintercombe’ and ‘ Homecoming’.Some of my other highlights in 2023 were ‘ My Dearest Mouse ‘ The Wind in the Willows’ Letters’, ‘The Covenant of Water’, ‘Secrets of a Devon Wood’, ‘The Whalebone Theatre’ , ‘O Caledonia’ , ‘Foster’ , ‘The Walled Garden’ , ‘Hello Beautiful ‘ and ‘The Moon Gate’.

[@MirandaMills]

What a great reading year!

[@bridgetvollmer6337]

One of my favorites was also Homecoming. I love Kate Morton.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, she’s such a terrific writer! ❤️

[@Homeward_Pilgrim]

Hi Amanda. Thank you for sharing your recommendations. I just bought Clemency Hill-Burton's Year of Wonder, the first one, and am really impressed by it already. The short historical vignettes around the daily selections are fascinating. I really liked Eleanor Parker's Winters in the World, early in the year. I also liked Miss Palfrey at the Claremont, which I think you had recommended, at one point. Miss Plum and Miss Penny was a poignant read, another thanks to you. I finally read the first two of the James Herriot series, which I've always thought would be a bore, but found them extremely enjoyable, and great bedtime reading. Another thank you! I plowed through A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith, and found it packed quite an emotional punch. It's a real historical artifact, and I'm glad I read it, but it was heavy. Wishing you warmth, good health, and good spirits in the cold weather.

[@MirandaMills]

All brilliant books! 📚❤️

[@natalied3279]

Thank you for your recommendations Miranda. Fifteen Wild Decembers by Karen Powell. A historical fiction book of 2023 based on the lives of the Bronte Sister growing up in particular Emily Bronte. I would recommend if you are a fan of the Bronte sisters.

[@MirandaMills]

I have looked at that one in bookshops a few times!

[@user-uy6sq4jy2p]

Thank you, Miranda for this wonderful selection of your favourites. Thunderclap was also in my top 5; fabulous book. My top fiction pics include R C Sherriff’s Fortnight in September, After the Party by Cressida Connolly and In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden. Oh, and The Blue Castle by L M Montgomery for which I have you to thank! Xx

[@MirandaMills]

Oh lovely book choices ❤️📚

[@sharonwindram6833]

Thank you for posting this vlog Miranda, so enjoyable 😊 I have just ordered Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin & Dear Mrs Bird by A J Pearce as audiobooks which i thoroughly enjoy. I can listen to them whilst doing jobs around the house & in the garden & also you can listen to about 5 minutes' worth of audio before deciding whether to get them or not. I have also just ordered from Slightly Foxed, The Prince, the showgirl and me by Colin Clark. I am so looking forward to reading this as i am a big Marilyn Monroe fan. Much love to yourself and your dear mum Donna, Sharon Windram in Kirby Muxloe Leicester xx

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, audiobooks are are great!

[@marjoleint3592]

Thank you Miranda, I’m always looking forward to your video’s! Whenever you will visit Amsterdam. Please visit the Rijksmuseum again with the beautiful Cuyperslibrary and the mysterious dollshouse that is featured in Jessie Burton’s book The miniaturist. After that you can visit a glorious canalhouse with all the beautiful rooms intact like it was century’s ago in House Willet-Holthuysen. You have to visit Rembrandt’s house too. It looks as he still lives there, all the rooms are so beautifully decorated. And maybe you can visit the quiet Begijnhof with the little church and the American bookstore nearby :) And for delicious cakes visit Pluk Amsterdam (Reestraat 19). I live 30 minutes from Amsterdam ❤️ Have a good week Miranda!!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you for the great Amsterdam tips! You too! ❤️

[@virginiaanderson8875]

Excited for my first Comfort Book Club on the 28th and enjoying Mrs Bird- can you tell me what time in UK you begin? I can judge then how much earlier I will be in. The USA (East Coast). Thanks - great program on your 2023 reads!! 😊

[@MirandaMills]

It’s not a live video. It’s prerecorded & uploaded at the same time as my regular videos (4pm Sunday UK time). Glad you’re enjoying the book!

[@myriammourani3145]

Thank you for yet another wonderful video! I just received "Yours Cheerfully" by AJ Pearce and will be reading that shortly, and THEN I'll get to "Mrs. Porter Calling." As far as my 2023 standout reads, I really liked "The Secret Society of Irregular Witches," "Halloween Party," "Uncle Paul," "The Long Shadow," "A Fortnight in September" and "The Vanderbeekers of 141st St." I loved "Winter Solstice," but that would be in 2024...🙂I would love it if you listed some books with a time travel (time slip?) plot. Those always seem fascinating, but I don't know of any. Thank you again!

[@MirandaMills]

Oh super; I really loved ‘Yours Cheerfully’ - I found the time period detail so fascinating in that one. Enjoy! And I love all your standout reads 📚❤️

[@NadineTouzet]

I loved to hear you talk again about some of the books you had recommended in 2023. According to Goodreads 2023 was my productive year so far. I’d like to check Year of Wonder, do you think the audiobook version would be a good idea? Have a great week and year! ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks Nadine! I haven't tried the audiobook of A Year of Wonder, so I'm not sure what it would be like, but if you don't mind listening day by day then it might be fun!

[@janegrace8743]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support! I really appreciate it ❤️

[@maryfilippou6667]

Apology, the J.B. Priestley, delightful novel is Festival, from 1951. A man whose wife has just left him as he's anticipating plans for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth Ii which he insists must be the Best for his villagers and the country!

[@idabustamante7081]

always look forward to your "best" read 📖 books 📚 tfs have a wonderful day/evening take care ♥️🙋‍♀️🪻🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! You too!

[@sues7227]

I really like Kate Morton's writing, and enjoyed Homecoming, although it waffled a bit. I do sometimes think authors write too much to just make the book big. I live in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, where the main part of the book was set and found the incorrect details about places, really annoying. Although fiction, it surprised me that the facts about locations were often incorrect. It was interesting to read a book set where you live though.

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

I recently read a biography of Lawrence Olivier and though generally a paean of the illustrious actor's career, it did admit that he wasn't a nice man to be around. So I often wonder if Olivier's scathing critique of Marilyn isn't just him being his typical mean self.

[@MirandaMills]

He definitely doesn’t come over in a favourable light in Colin Clark’s book! Like I said, you really do feel sorry for MM.