It’s the weeeeeeekennnnnnnnnnd! Hello and happy Saturday, dear book pals. I hope you have some bookish plans in store for the next two days. As the weather is getting a little colder, I plan to curl up with my latest read, a lovely cup of tea and a chocolate hobnob. What are you up to this weekend?

It’s day four of #R3COMM3ND3D2023 and what a spectacular start we’ve had to this year’s proceedings. And it’s only just the beginning. We have so many brilliant book recommendations to share still so make sure you stick around. Joining me to shout about three of her most-loved 2023 books today is a favourite reviewer of mine because, and I’ve said this before, her reviews are a thing of beauty. They’re so well-written, thoughtfully considered and intricately thorough that I am in complete awe of today’s guest. It’s the fabulous Emily of A Quintillion Words. If you don’t already follow Emily’s blog then do give her a follow. You won’t regret it.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2023? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors, book bloggers, reviewers and bookstagrammers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2023. To make things interesting there are a couple of teeny, tiny rules; 1) the book must have FIRST been published in 2023 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. See, it wasn’t too painful. I just like to keep you lovely people on your toes 😉

Without further ado, let’s find out which three books Emily recommends…

The Woman Who Lied by Claire Douglas
Without a doubt, The Woman Who Lied is going to be one of my top reads of the year. It’s a can’t-put-down crime/psychological thriller with one of the most intriguing storylines I’ve ever read, one where you’re always analysing characters and piecing together clues and evidence. It’s so easy to fall into the story as if you’re one of the characters or you have a front row seat in their minds, which is really down to Claire’s impressive writing style and her ability to captivate and build curiosity. Emilia is a stand out main character for so many reasons, her determination to find the truth and protect her family will stick with me for such a long time. Completely addictive with twists, red herrings and epic reveals at every turn.
Emily’s Review of The Woman Who Lied

A Wish For Wilma by Audrey Davis
A Wish For Wilma is the most satisfying end to a flawless, hilarious, feel-good trilogy. It’s the kind of book that you never want to end, but at the same time makes you crave the conclusion to see how your favourite characters will continue their lives! The book is filled to the brim with uplifting moments of joy, ridiculously clever humour and characters who will stick in your heart long after reading the last page. Wilma is just an adorable ray of sunshine with a rebellious, cheeky side which I absolutely loved, and her romance with Gus is certainly something you don’t see often (new authors, take note!) A beautiful, heartwarming and unforgettable final book. I’ll miss these characters dearly!
Emily’s Review of A Wish for Wilma

Make Me Clean by Tina Baker
Make Me Clean was as excellent as I expected, probably even more so! Another tense and ingenious read, one that has kept me on edge, filled me with dread and fear, but also oodles of emotion too, some of it very unexpected. Tina’s way with words will not only keep you hooked and curious, but will entertain you and keep you smiling (if you can believe it!) Maria is an exceptional main character, her journey through life as rough and as terrifying as you could possibly imagine. But her experiences shape her into the person she’s become… good or bad? I’ll let you decide for yourself! I loved every single second of reading this. No one writes a dark thriller quite like Tina! Bring on the next 🥳
Emily’s Review of Make Me Clean

Thanks so much for your wonderful recommendations, Emily. I’ve also read Make Me Clean and can heartily recommend it (along with the author’s wonderful social media feeds!).

About Emily:
Emily is a book reviewer who buys way too many books and then gets overwhelmed with her TBR list (THE cycle. If you know, you know…) When she’s not reading, she *tries* to find the time to write herself, but is often distracted by her energetic Golden Retriever or by playing video games!

Emily’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| A Quintillion Words | X (formerly Twitter) @QuintillionEm | Instagram @aquintillionwords |

#R3COMM3ND3D will only run for the month of November this year so places are very limited. If you would like to take part in #R3C this year (and I would LOVE you to!) then please get your three choices in ASAP. If I’m unable to fill all 30 dates then any posts scheduled for the end of November will be brought forward and I will close the series early (but I don’t want to do that, it sounds miserable! 😂). Here are two different versions of the form if you fancy taking part.

If you’re a book blogger, bookstagrammer, reviewer or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/d6HbMLZJjEtUSm8FA)