Hello my bookish lovelies and welcome to Sunday on damppebbles. It’s day twenty-six of #R3COMM3ND3D2023 and I don’t know about you but my TBR is groaning under the weight of all the new books I’ve added thanks to #R3C23 since 1st November! What a bevy of beauties we’ve seen so far this month. As things stand today, seventy-one brilliant books have been recommended with four (FOUR!) all vying for the top spot with two votes each. They are None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, The Good Liars by Anita Frank, Killing Jericho by William Hussey and All of Us Are Broken by Fiona Cummins. With only five more days to go things are really hotting up at the top. I wonder if today’s guest will throw another contender into the mix with their three choices.

Joining me to chat about three favourite 2023 releases today is a brilliant ‘new to me’ blogger, it’s the fabulous Donna of Retirement Reflections. Donna’s fantastic blog is all about her life following retirement and all the wonderful things she has discovered since starting her new adventure. If you’re not already subscribed to Donna’s blog then you know what to do!

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 😉

Here are the three books Donna recommends…

Christmas at Mannus Ridge by Joanne Tracey
I am a huge fan of Joanne Tracey’s writing. I have been honoured to serve as a beta reader for several of her books. Christmas at Mannus Ridge is a perfect addition to this season’s holiday reading.
Donna’s Review of Christmas at Mannus Ridge

Philly Barker is on the Case by Joanne Tracey
Meticulously crafted characters who feel like old friends, the tantalizing recipes tucked away at the end, the skilful research, and the witty prose.
Donna’s Review of Philly Barker in on the Case

It’s in the Stars by Joanne Tracey
This book serves as a very satisfying conclusion to Joanne Tracey’s Melbourne Series. Joanne Tracey’s storytelling abilities shine through as she weaves together a compelling narrative of love, second chances, friendship, travel, good food, and how the stars can teach us more about ourselves.
Donna’s Review of It’s in the Stars

Thank you so much, Donna. I think in the seven years of #R3COMM3ND3D being a ‘thing’ I don’t think we’ve ever had three books by the same author selected. I’m pretty sure it’s a first!

About Donna:
Donna lived in Beijing, China for fourteen years. Leaving international life behind, she and her husband retired to Vancouver Island, Canada, in June 2015. To document this transition, Donna initiated Retirement Reflections. Her favorite part of blogging is the interaction with others.

Donna’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Retirement Reflections | Instagram @retirementreflections | LinkedIn |

Sadly submissions for #R3COMM3D3D2023 are now closed. Shortly after the last post I will be inviting you to attend the virtual after-show party, which should be lots of fun. We’ll get to gaze upon the marvellous and majestic beauty of 2023’s books and also crown 2023’s winner, if we have one (they’re all winners, right?). Until then stay tuned as we have lots more bookish gorgeousness heading your way.