The Best Debut Novels of 2023 to Not Miss

We would also like to congratulate Thao Thai on being selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club July 2023 pick!

Banyan Moon is a character-driven novel with evocative gothic themes that will transport any reader to its stunning landscape.

This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh.

As Minh's granddaughter, Ann faces a crossroads in her seemingly perfect life, she returns home to Florida to help her estranged mother clean out the estate.

When they begin cleaning out the rundown manor, they unravel some long-buried secrets in the Banyan House.

Through Minh's perspective, readers are given a cinematic snapshot into the everyday life of people surrounded by the harrowing hardships of the Vietnam War that builds a deeper connection to her character, even though she is gone.

Most importantly, the story reminds us that there is still beauty and normalcy in the strange ways we can adapt to adversities.

Learn more in today’s Book Gang interview as we discuss what was most important to capture when telling the story of the Vietnam War and the generations that followed.

If you love a captivating audiobook experience, this novel offers a multi-cast narration that enhanced my reading experience. It's the kind of book you can finish in one afternoon.

On the show, Thao described this as "an engrossing story about a determined matrilineal line that blends beauty and darkness for the reader."

In 2019, Kate escaped her abusive partner in London and found solace in Weyward Cottage, bequeathed by a distant relative.

Surrounded by nature's embrace, Kate unravels the cottage's secrets from the witch-hunting days of the 16th century to the rich discovery of her great aunt's hidden legacy.

This well-researched historical fiction debut follows Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, classmates at an all-boys boarding school.

When the boys are sent off to war, they navigate a consuming and confusing infatuation for each other.

With harrowing depictions in the trenches, we are given an insider snapshot of the lasting impact of war on these boys long after they leave and how they navigate homosexuality in 1914 during World War I.

The story is told beautifully through switching viewpoints, newspaper articles, and moving letters from the trenches.

It would make it an impactful pick for book clubs and LGBTQ History Month for discussion.

Related- The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month

If East of Eden was your favorite classic, take advantage of this 2023 debut! 

Seventeen-year-old Victoria is the sole female in a household of men on her family's thriving peach farm in the 1940s.

When Victoria finds herself in a chance encounter with Wilson Moon, a Native American drifter, she feels an immediate attraction to him.

Despite their bond, they soon face the harsh realities of racism in their close-knit community, an insurmountable challenge when her abusive brother becomes involved.

As their circumstances unfold, she is compelled to make a life-altering decision, impacting the life of another family who unexpectedly becomes a part of her story. To say more would rob you of the experience on uncovering those secrets.

Read offers well-developed landscape details that showcase her background in environmental studies.

O'Donoghue's Adult Fiction debut is just as strong as her YA books.

Inseparable friends Rachel and James are navigating life amidst the recession of 2008.

The two are so deeply intertwined that when Rachel falls for her married professor, Dr. Byrne, she and James hatch a plan to seduce him through their roles at a local bookshop.

Rachel can't wait to act on her feelings for the professor.

But, when she wanders into the back of the bookshop, she discovers her best friend entangled with her crush, beginning many years of heartbreaking secrets.

Rachel’s adult viewpoint works incredibly well as a storytelling device, where she can see her immaturity, vulnerability, and manipulation.

Is the world fixated on her, or is it just because she only thinks about herself all the time?

More importantly, I appreciated how sexual identity can look so different through the decades, as explored through these two men's stories.

Thao described this story as being told through "a beautiful communal voice that taps into the majesty of the community of Hawaii and how tight-knit it is."

In Hilo, Hawaii, young Hi’i comes of age among the mysteries of her family. She doesn’t look like many in her community with her white skin and European features.

Yet, she feels deeply tied to the kingdom of Hawaii, primarily through the dance of hula, a sacred practice that tells the stories of the past.

In her quest to win the Miss Aloha Hula competition, she struggles to find her voice as she navigates her ambitions and her family's secrets.

The book's prose is transporting, capturing all the nuance of the voices, the beauty of the landscape, and the layered tensions between all generations.

Not every debut needs to be emotional or heavy.

Rachel Koller Croft's addictive debut has already been optioned for a TV adaptation. It's a 5-star thriller that you can finish in one delicious gulp.

Bea's mother is a skilled con artist, and she's trained her well. Not only does Bea know how to catch the eye of any man, she can take his wallet in the process.

Now, Bea is ready to unlock her master con, leave behind her peppered past, and marry into old-money domesticity.

But when she sets her sights on the wealthy blue-blooded Collin Case, she finds herself locked in a dangerous game with his childhood best friend, Gale, who doesn't find Bea as enchanting.

The razor-sharp witty banter offers intricate twists and exploration of societal layers.

Croft notably knows how to write ensemble scenes, a tricky terrain for any writer, where every character shines.

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Meg Shaffer's cozy fantasy earns a well-deserved spot on our list of best debuts with its heartwarming blend of magical realism and Willy Wonka-style adventure.

Lucy Hart is a teacher's aide navigating financial struggles and trying to save money through an Etsy shop.

This business has not been lucrative enough for her to recover from her financial woes, and she needs a windfall.

When her favorite childhood author offers a once-in-a-lifetime contest that could help her finally adopt a child, she heads to Clock Island to win a never-released copy of his book.

Drawing inspiration from Episode 470 of This American Life, "Just South of the Unicorns," where Andy's real-life adventure echoes through the pages, the author dedicates this book to children who, in their darkest moments, discover a glimmer of hope within the world of books.

Don't miss these other 22 enthralling books set on islands.

Related- Meg Shaffer Author Interview

Jenny Jackson's standout debut immerses readers in the luxurious world of the ultra-rich.

Inspired by a New York Times article called "The Rich Kids Who Want to Tear Down Capitalism," Jackson weaves a captivating story about the Stockton siblings and their spouses as they navigate their privileged lives in their opulent family home on Pineapple Street.

This journey effectively documents the lives of three women from the Stockton family: Darley, who gave up her career and inheritance for motherhood; Sasha, who feels like an outsider in her new family; and Georgiana, who falls in love with someone she can't have.

As they each begin to recognize how wealth entraps or furthers their initiatives, they question how money and morals come into play. I love the contrast of new and old money in this story.

With its engaging narrative, satirical humor, and memorable characters, Pineapple Street will have you craving more WASP-y fictional shenanigans with these characters.

With her background in the publishing industry, Jackson's assured sparkling prose shines,

My co-host, Larry, brought this 5-star debut novel to our exclusive Patreon podcast, FULLY BOOKED show, where we review the buzziest and best books each month.

Maddie, a devoted daughter, is shouldering the responsibility of caring for her father with Parkinson's while juggling financial burdens and her mother's constant demands.

Despite her decision to embrace new experiences and break free from these familial constraints, Maddie finds herself trapped in unhappiness and struggles at her job.

But she soon learns the significance of belonging as she explores dating, new career aspirations, and ways to navigate her unconventional family.

This debut novel was also selected as a Read With Jenna book club pick this year.

Don’t miss our Celebrity Book Deep Dive podcast episode as we discuss Jenna’s book club and our top recommendations from 3 of the most popular book clubs.

Adele Griffin's debut in women's fiction is a remarkable exploration of surrogacy, interweaving the lives of two women from vastly different worlds.

Nora is known for her fashionable eye and loves curating vintage fashion finds for her clients. Despite her rewarding job, she is battling a hidden struggle with financial debt and infertility.

When a Manhattan socialite, Evelyn Elliot, enters the shop, she's given an insider view of the mysterious world of Manhattan's elite as she assists with special events for Evelyn.

Evelyn is equally charismatic and chaotic, but nothing could be more unpredictable than her sudden offer to be Nora's surrogate.

While this topic could feel too heavy for the reader, Griffin takes a light and caring touch to a complex portrayal of modern motherhood.

Listen to my Adele Griffin author interview on the Book Gang podcast, where we discuss her surrogacy story that inspired some threads of this gentle novel. I know you will be moved by this conversation.

Related- The Best Page Turners About Motherhood

Cesca Major's debut time travel novel is the first time loop story that I've loved in a long time.

]Emma is trapped in an endless Groundhog Day loop, reliving the same Monday as she tries to save her husband from certain death and preserve her family and work life.

It’s hard to describe why this novel impacted me so profoundly, but I believe it is tied to the stunning love story sequence Major crafts for the reader.

We follow the long and tired years of midlife marriage, from the newness of that first date to the often sagging middle years of parental demands. It's a real and relatable love story that you hope to see happily resolved.

But why it landed on this is list is that she also culminates a surprising plot twist that leaves readers gasping at the end.

Cesca joined me from London to discuss what it takes to write a great time travel book, and it was such a joy to share space with her.

Following the taping of her episode, it was announced that this was a Reese's Book Club pick and Hello, Sunshine acquired the movie rights to the novel to adapt it for Apple+

Related- Best Time Travel Books and Best Time Travel TV Shows & Movies

This charming family drama novel takes readers into the lives of a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto with unique POVS from each character in a family nail salon.

When a family’s beloved no-frills nail salon is threatened by the arrival of a high-end chain salon, the Trans will stop at nothing to protect their family legacy.

As their business faces gentrification and microaggressions daily, readers are forced to examine some of their own interactions.

I know you will be rooting for the Trans and their success. This novel will make you think about your personal experiences at nail salons in a whole new light.

This sweeping multigenerational saga deserves a spellbinding miniseries.

The news of eighty-one-year-old Kitty Karr Tate's passing dominates the world's headlines. She had an illustrious career as an Academy Award-winning actress, writer, television star, and philanthropist.

Yet, amidst the accolades, many speculate on the intriguing details of her past and the unsual inheritance her death offers.

Kitty leaves her entire fortune—approximately six million dollars—to the Black daughters of her former sitcom co-star.

As these young women find themselves in the limelight, they grapple with the mystery of their unexpected inheritance and why they were chosen when they were already born into immense wealth.

Debut novelist Crystal Smith Paul joined the podcast to discuss her writing process and the best historical fiction books for summer. You can read excerpts from our interview on the site.

Following our recorded interview, Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? chosen as the May Book of the Month and the May Reese's Book Club selection!

The memoirist of Wild Game weaves a mesmerizing family saga of a fractured family on the brink of a milestone birthday celebration.

In this fiction debut, Adam is a brilliant oceanographer who feels threatened as he nears his seventieth birthday. Adam is struggling to face both his own mortality and relevance in his career.

More than anything, he wants to make a final scientific breakthrough to help him not seem obsolete.

When he decides to stop his medication, he believes he has unlocked his genius. But we can see how this devastating personal decision ripples throughout his family as they navigate Adam's emotions.

What unfolds on the page is a family drama filled with big secrets and a large cast of characters that don't overwhelm the reader. Brodeur's Cape Cod settings and story feel reminiscent of her memoir in all the best ways.

I would not have believed you if you had told me I would have been stepping into a world of fierce dragon riders at a War College.

Violet Sorrengail is a twenty-year-old dragon rider who faces unique challenges due to her size and a debilitating condition that afflicts her bones and ligaments,

These same hurdles offer her intuitiveness that other riders wouldn't have as she navigates workarounds where her body fails her.

As the war outside escalates and the kingdom's defenses crumble, Violet discovers she is developing deep feelings for Xaden Riorson, the formidable wing leader of the Riders Quadrant.

With graduation or death the only certain outcomes, it's a high-stakes romantasy book that offers a wonderful escape.

While many readers will continue the series, I felt completely satisfied with the story after reading the first book.

The second book in The Empyrean series, Iron Flame, is on store shelves now.

This novel was my favorite debut of 2023.

Wren and Lewis face a challenging situation when Lewis is diagnosed with a genetic mutation that will turn him into a shark.

Habeck explores the complexities of marriage through a fantastical genetic mutation where humans can become animals. '

As Wren and Lewis navigate the devastating diagnosis, Lewis will evolve into a great white shark; we realize the journey is just beginning for these two.

Through heartbreaking, hopeful, and sometimes humorous moments, Habeck grounds her story with the struggles of couples facing life-altering health challenges that deeply resonated with me.

The story takes the reader on a richly imagined adventure as Lewis finds his place in the shark world with an unlikely sidekick kick, and Wren goes deeper into her past to find herself through her grief.

Related- Best Fiction Books of 2023