Monday, January 09, 2023

Top Ten Tuesday: My Top Ten Books Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2023

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana at The Artsy Reader Girl.


This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is my Top Ten Books Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2023. There are so many to choose from! These are among the most tempting to me right now. 


City Under One Roof 
by Iris Yamashita
Release Date: January 10, 2023
A stranded detective tries to solve a murder in a tiny Alaskan town where everyone lives in a single high-rise building, in this gripping debut by an Academy Award–nominated screenwriter.

When a local teenager discovers a severed hand and foot washed up on the shore of the small town of Point Mettier, Alaska, Cara Kennedy is on the case. A detective from Anchorage, she has her own motives for investigating the possible murder in this isolated place, which can be accessed only by a tunnel.

After a blizzard causes the tunnel to close indefinitely, Cara is stuck among the odd and suspicious residents of the town—all 205 of whom live in the same high-rise building and are as icy as the weather. Cara teams up with Point Mettier police officer Joe Barkowski, but before long the investigation is upended by fearsome gang members from a nearby native village.

Haunted by her past, Cara soon discovers that everyone in this town has something to hide. Will she be able to unravel their secrets before she unravels? 
[Goodreads Summary]

The Book Spy
 by Alan Hlad
Release Date: January 24, 2023
Based on the true story of the heroic librarian spies of WWII who hunted down crucial intelligence throughout Europe, this thrilling espionage tale from the internationally bestselling author of The Long Flight Home is perfect for fans intrigue-packed historical fiction by authors such as Kate Quinn, Marie Benedict, and Pam Jenoff.
1942: With the war’s outcome hanging in the balance, every sliver of intelligence can be critical. Though far from the battlefields, cities like Lisbon, Portugal’s neutral capital, become lynchpins in a different kind of warfare, as President Roosevelt sends an unlikely new taskforce on a unique mission. They are librarians and microfilm specialists trained in espionage, working with a special branch of the Office of Strategic Services. By acquiring and scouring Axis newspapers, books, technical manuals, and periodicals, the librarians can gather information about troop location, weaponry, and military plans.

Maria Alves, a microfilm expert working at the New York Public Library, is dispatched to Lisbon, where she meticulously photographs publications and sends the film to London to be analyzed. Working in tandem with Tiago Soares, a brave and honorable bookstore owner on a precarious mission of his own—providing Jewish refugees with forged passports and visas—Maria acquires vital information, including a directory of arms factories in Germany.

But as she and Tiago grow closer, any future together is jeopardized when Maria’s superiors ask her to pose as a double agent, feeding misinformation to Lars Steiger, a wealthy Swiss banker and Nazi sympathizer who launders Hitler’s gold. Gaining Lars’ trust will bring Maria into the very heart of the Fuhrer’s inner circle. And it will provide her with a chance to help steer the course of war, if she is willing to take risks as great as the possible rewards . . . 
[Goodreads Summary]

Not Your Ex's Hexes
 by April Asher
Release Date: February 7, 2023
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.

After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it’s not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she’s finally found her path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did.

Working—and sleeping—together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had...and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart—but his humanity. [Goodreads Summary]

Black Candle Women 
by Diane Marie Brown
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Generations of Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, Willow—have lived together in their quaint two-story bungalow in California for years. They keep to themselves, never venture far from home, and their collection of tinctures and spells is an unspoken bond between them.

But when seventeen-year-old Nickie Montrose brings home a boy for the first time, their quiet lives are thrown into disarray. For the other women have been withholding a secret from Nickie that will end her relationship before it’s even begun: the decades-old family curse that any person they fall in love with dies.

For each member of the household, revealing this truth to Nickie also means reckoning with their own past choices and mistakes. And as new questions about long-held family beliefs emerge, the women are set on a collision course dating back to a voodoo shop in 1950s New Orleans’s French Quarter—where a hidden story in a mysterious book may just hold the answers they seek in life and in love… [Goodreads Summary]

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
 by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Release Date: March 14, 2023
A lonely shopkeeper takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way in this captivating mystery by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

Vera Wong is a lonely little old lady--ah, lady of a certain age--who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Francisco's Chinatown. Despite living alone, Vera is not needy, oh no. She likes nothing more than sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to.

Then one morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a curious thing--a dead man in the middle of her tea shop. In his outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera doesn't know what comes over her, but after calling the cops like any good citizen would, she sort of . . . swipes the flash drive from the body and tucks it safely into the pocket of her apron. Why? Because Vera is sure she would do a better job than the police possibly could, because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands. Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her shop and figure out which one among them is the killer.

What Vera does not expect is to form friendships with her customers and start to care for each and every one of them. As a protective mother hen, will she end up having to give one of her newfound chicks to the police? [Goodreads Summary]

The London Séance Society
 by Sarah Penner
Release Date: March 21, 2023
From the author of the sensational bestseller The Lost Apothecary comes a spellbinding tale about truth, illusion and the grave risks women will take to avenge the ones they love.

May mercy be upon the man who finds himself the enemy of a vengeful medium…

1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike.

Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister’s death, but to do so, she must embrace the unknown and overcome her own logic-driven bias against the occult. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London’s exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves… 
[Goodreads Summary]

Rubicon by J.S. Dewes
Release Date: March 28, 2022 

Sergeant Adrienne Valero wants to die. She can't.
After enduring a traumatic resurrection for the ninety-sixth time, Valero is reassigned to a special forces unit and outfitted with a cutting-edge virtual intelligence aid. They could turn the tide in the war against intelligent machines dedicated to the assimilation, or destruction, of humanity.

When her VI suddenly achieves sentience, Valero is drawn into the machinations of an enigmatic major who’s hell-bent on ending the war—by any means necessary.
[Goodreads Summary]



Happy Place
 by Emily Henry
Release Date: April 25, 2023
A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.

They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best? 
[Goodreads Summary]

Scarlet
 by Genevieve Cogman
Release Date: May 9, 2023 
A thrilling reinvention of the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel with the addition of magic and even more mayhem.

In Revolutionary France, the aristocrats are vampires – and they face the guillotine. However, the Scarlet Pimpernel, a disguised British noble, is determined to rescue them. These predators are being offered sanctuary by their aristocratic British kin, but at great cost to London’s ordinary people. Then an English maid discovers the only power that could stop them. Assuming she survives.

Scarlet is the first book in the trilogy, set during the turbulent French Revolution, and featuring all of Genevieve Cogman’s trademark wit and fast-paced plotting. It’s perfect for fans of The Invisible Library series, Kim Newman and Gail Carriger.[Goodreads Summary]

Lady Tan's Circle of Women
by Lisa See
Release Date: June 6, 2023
The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China—perfect for fans of See’s classic Snowflower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.

According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient.

From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus, they tell themselves: from adversity beauty can bloom.

But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, pluck instruments, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.

How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts?
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today. [Goodreads Summary]

Tell me what your most anticipated book releases are the first half of this year!


© 2023, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

60 comments:

  1. Lisa See has a new book coming? I really enjoy her writing and topics.
    My TTT Choices

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    1. Anne - I came across mention of it on her Facebook Page. I have enjoyed of the books by her I have read. Thank you for visiting!

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  2. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women looks interesting.

    My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-most-anticipated-books-releasing-in-the-first-half-of-2023/

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    1. Lydia - I have enjoyed everything by Lisa See I have read and look forward to reading her upcoming book when it comes out. Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. Vera Wong and Scarlet are on my list too this week. I hadn't heard of Black Candle Women before but it sounds interesting.

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    1. Ellie - I really liked the Auntie books by the author and am excited about her Vera Wong book. And Cogman is a favorite because of her Invisible Library series. I look forward to trying something else by her. I came across mention of Black Candle Women last month and knew I would have to read it. Thank you for visiting!

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  4. I'm seeing Henry's Happy Place on a lot of lists today. I hope you find some new favorites with these! :)

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    1. Tanya - It does seem to be a popular one. :-) I still haven't read any of her other books, but someday! Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. Henry's book is quite the popular one today! Not surprising though :) I feel like I should really get a move on and finally read one of the books of hers that I own, lol. Black Candle Women looks good! Might have to add ti to my TBR. I hope you enjoy these books!

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    1. Dini - I have a couple of her books on my TBR too and haven't read them. They always sound so good though--so hopefully this year I can dive into one or two. I hope you and I both get a chance to read Black Candle Women and enjoy it! Thank you for visiting!

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  6. Almost ALL of these books sound like ones I also need to read! My poor TBR is groaning this week from all the new releases I've added to it. Ha ha.

    Happy TTT!

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    1. Susan - Same here! So many great sounding books I now need to read. LOL Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. This looks like a fun TBR! I hope you love them.

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    1. Carrie - I'm looking forward to The Book Spy. Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. I really enjoyed City Under One Roof and it has stayed with me. I also want to read the Emily Henry book.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. Anne - I have seen a few reviews of City Under One Roof pop up in the last couple weeks. It makes me even more eager to read it. Thank you for visiting!

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  10. The Book Spy looks interesting! I hope you enjoy these when you do get a chance to read them!

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  11. I think I need to add The Book Spy to my TBR! I hope you enjoy all of these when you get the opportunity to read them.

    Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
    https://readbakecreate.com/early-2023-most-anticipated-canadian-releases/

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  12. Vera Wong sounds like a wonderful book! Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!

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    1. Poinsettia - I expect much chuckling. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  13. Oh, nice list. I have Happy Place on my list too. I have ARCs for Not Your Ex's Hex and The London Seance Society. Great list, Wendy

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    1. Wendy - I hope we both enjoy them! They all sound so good. Thank you for visiting!

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  14. City Under One Roof looks really good, as does The London Seance Society. And I put Happy Place on my TTT list this week, too. :D

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    1. Lark - Great minds! I hope we both enjoy Happy Place. Thank you for stopping by!

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  15. Rubicon sounds interesting and that cover had me taking a second look.

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    1. Mary - Same here. I hope it will be good! Thank you for visiting!

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  16. Ooh, so many awesome books! I'm really excited for City Under One Roof, Rubicon, Scarlet, and Lady Tan's Circle of Women! I hadn't heard of Scarlet before now, so that one makes me really excited to find out about. :)

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    1. Jordan - I hope you get a chance to read them too! Thank you for stopping by!

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  17. Love your list. The London Seance Society also made my list. Not Your Ex's Hexes almost appeared on my list as well. Hope you enjoy these.

    https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2023/01/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-most.html

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    1. Cheryl - I hope we enjoy both when we read them! Thank you for visiting!

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  18. Great list, cant wait for Happy Place and Not Your Ex's Hexes sounds amazing

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    1. Vero - I hope we both enjoy Happy Place! Thank you for stopping by!

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  19. The London Seance Society sounds like it's going to be a good one.

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    1. Lauren - I liked her Lost Apothecary book so am excited about this new one. Thank you for stopping by!

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  20. The Book Spy was on my list this week too!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/01/10/top-ten-tuesday-402/

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    1. Jo - I'm really looking forward to that one! Thank you for visiting!

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  21. What a wonderful variety of books ! I’m especially looking forward to Happy Place! I hope that you enjoy them all.

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    1. Jodie - I hope Happy Place will live up to it's title. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  22. Great list of books. A few of those are going on my wishlist.

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  23. I'm so excited about Vera Wong and The London Seance Society. City Under One Roof and The Book Spy also needed to be added to my TBR. I hope you enjoy all of these!

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    1. Katherine - I hope you enjoy them if you read them too! Thank you for visiting!

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  24. I forgot to put it on my list, but I'm also excited for the new Sarah Penner. I just finally read The Lost Apothecary last month and thought it was wonderful!

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    1. Suzanne - I really enjoyed The Lost Apothecary too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  25. Lots of great books here! I am reading The Book Spy now and like it. I am also looking forward to Vera Wong and Happy Place.

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    1. Carole - I am glad you are enjoying The Book Spy! Thank you for visiting!

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  26. Love your list! I have Lisa See's book on my radar as well and having seen the Book Spy on a few lists this week, am adding it to my TBR.

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    1. Vidya - Lisa See is one of my favorite authors and that's probably the book I am looking forward to the most. I hope we both get a chance to read it and The Book Spy! Thank you for stopping by!

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  27. We're waiting for a few of the same books Wendy! lol I'm glad to see Lisa See on your list too. Not Your Ex's Hexes by April Asher looks like a fun one. Happy reading!

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    1. Naida - We have a lot of good reading ahead of us! Thank you for visiting!

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  28. Of course Emily Henry is going on my list and I have to get my hands on The Book Spy. I mean that cover, right?! But so excited that Lisa See has a new book coming out and it sounds really good!

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    1. Iliana - It's a great cover. :-) I hope we get to read all of these and enjoy them! Thank you for stopping by!

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  29. That's a great variety of books you've there, Wendy! I'm definitely looking forward to Lisa See's new book.

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