The Best Debut Novels of 2023 to Not Miss

Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, Banyan Moon is a character-driven novel with evocative gothic themes that will transport the reader elsewhere.

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. As the two begin this daunting process, they unravel their long-buried secrets in Minh's old manor, the Banyan House.

The house and its belongings are just as intriguing as the story. But, more importantly, readers are given a cinematic snapshot into the everyday life of people surrounded by the harrowing hardships of war but reminded that there is still vivid beauty and normalcy in the strange ways we adapt to adversities.

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

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

Thao brought this book to our show because of its stark magical elements. If you love a captivating audiobook experience, this offers a multi-cast narration that enhanced my reading experience.

Weyward defies categorization, blending the occult, fantasy, and domestic thriller elements. At the same time, at its core, it tells the empowering tale of three generations of women who must navigate male-dominated worlds and discover their inner strength.

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 discovering her great aunt's hidden legacy.

Readers have three unique viewpoints on how women have been misunderstood and mistreated over the centuries. Whether we are sitting with a woman standing trial for murder due to her natural healing powers to the ways that men take advantage of women but ultimately leave unscathed, we have to examine if the women in this cottage are cursed or were never given a voice in the first place.

On the show, Thao described this as an engrossing story about a determined matrilineal line that creates beauty and darkness, sustaining deep tenderness in times of great violence.

She also stated that Hart knows how to use white space well in her storytelling. Even though there are gaps in the story, it comes not as a frustrating omission but as an invitation to the reader to come in and join the story herself. I echo her sentiments, as I finished this in a single day!

Set in 1914 during World War I, this well-researched historical fiction debut follows Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, classmates at an all-boys boarding school, as they navigate their personal struggles and a consuming infatuation.

With vivid, gory depictions of the trenches embedded within a poignant exploration, we are given an insider snapshot of the lasting impact of war on soldiers. It is told effectively by switching viewpoints, snapshots of newspaper articles, and moving letters from the trenches.

What Winn does so well is showcasing the blurry lines of sexuality and boyhood, particularly in settings like war and boarding school, where men know each other intimately and must sort out if these feelings are rooted in their unusual settings or if they may mean something bigger like their identity as a whole.

It is also a time where homosexuality is against the law, making it an impactful pick for Pride Month.

In 1940s Iola, Colorado, seventeen-year-old Victoria struggles to navigate life on a peach farm amidst her brother's abusive behavior. When she connects with Wilson Moon, a Native American drifter, they face added challenges of racism in their community.

As their circumstances unfold, Victoria is compelled to make a life-altering decision, impacting herself and the life of another family who unexpectedly becomes intertwined with her story.

This historical fiction novel effortlessly became my favorite book of the year, with captivating tales of familial sacrifice, weaving in well-developed landscape details that showcase the author's background in environmental studies'. Don't be surprised if you see this in our book club stack for next year!

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.

Secrets, deceit, and compromise threaten their friendship and a marriage, leading to consequences that alter Rachel's young adult life in this emotionally complex, character-driven tale of love and coming-of-age.

As I shared in today’s podcast, 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 saga, or is it just because she only thinks about herself all the time?

More importantly, I appreciated how sexual identity looks differently through different decades. For James, coming out is optional for his generation. So why does he need to make any proclamation? For Dr. Byrnes, he didn't know his world could look any different.

Thao described this story as told through, "a beautiful communal voice that taps into the majesty of the community of Hawaii and how tight-knit it is. It also showcases how so many people are involved in each other's business but in this loving, wildly caring way. "

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 grapples with her personal ambition, her mother’s buried secrets, and the possible erasure of a community she loves.

Thao shared that it also showcases how indigenous Hawaiians work through the complexities of the erasure of a community they love and what it means to have ownership over a land that has been taken from you.

She described the book's prose as transporting, capturing all the nuance of the voices and the beauty of the landscape and the layered tensions between all the generations. Readers will discover a hidden but never forgotten story of Hawaii.

Not every debut needs to be emotional or heavy. In Rachel Koller Croft's electrifying and addictive debut, readers are taken on a thrilling ride. With her background as a screenwriter for major industry players, Croft's engaging storytelling talent shines through every page.

The protagonist, Bea, a calculating con artist taught by her mother, takes readers on a wild journey as she navigates small-scale swindling, complicated relationships, and a dangerous game of deception.

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.

We will be discussing this book more on our "Lady Con Artist Queens," show with Wendy Heard (author of You Can Trust Me) on an upcoming Book Gang podcast episode.

It’s no secret that this novel melted my cold Grinch heart and quickly became one of my favorites of the year. 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.

Following the journey of Lucy Hart, a devoted reader and teacher's aide, as she navigates financial struggles 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-be-released copy of his book.

Listen to my exclusive Meg Shaffer interview as we discuss the best island books for your summer book stacks and hear more about her long road to publishing.

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

With her background in the publishing industry, Jackson's assured sparkling prose shines as she explores the lives of the Stockton siblings and their spouses in their opulent family home on Pineapple Street.

The perspectives of Darley and Sasha, outsiders in this world of privilege, provide insightful and witty observations, while Georgiana's forbidden love adds a layer of complexity.

With its engaging narrative, satirical humor, and memorable characters, Pineapple Street is a captivating character study that will leave readers entertained and craving more WASP-y fictional shenanigans with these characters. Most of all, I appreciated gaining perspective into the contrast between old and new money.

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 of the month for you. If you aren’t part of that community, you get a printable 35-page reading guide and a book review podcast EVERY 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 her constraints, Maddie finds herself trapped in unhappiness and facing familiar struggles at her job.

As she delves into dating, career aspirations, and navigating an unconventional family, Maddie confronts tragedy and learns the significance of love, friendship, and finding one's sense of belonging. With wit and heart, this novel tackles themes such as familial duty, racism, and the pursuit of happiness, creating a poignant and captivating debut.

This debut 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 contrasting worlds.

Nora, a vintage fashion curator burdened by debt and infertility, is drawn into the glamorous realm of Manhattan's elite when she becomes the personal assistant to socialite Evelyn Elliot.

As Evelyn discovers her struggles to conceive, she proposes an unconventional arrangement to be her surrogate. As their relationship. becomes increasingly complex, Nora finds herself navigating unfamiliar territory.

Cleverly, Griffin adds in Evelyn’s unnecessary rise to fame as she uses her #compassionatesurrogacy as ammunition to grow an Instagram following.

While this topic could feel too heavy for the reader, Griffin takes a light and caring touch to a complex portrayal of modern motherhood; this expertly crafted novel is a compelling choice for fans of women's fiction and promises to be a strong contender for book clubs seeking thought-provoking narratives.

You can hear Adele on the Book Gang podcast later this summer as we discuss how she wanted to portray her personal struggles with infertility and the birth of her children through surrogacy in this story. We also are offering a spoiler-filled exclusive conversation in our Patreon community. We had to talk through her surprising plot twists!

Cesca Major's debut time travel novel is a gripping and emotionally resonant exploration of life's preciousness and the significance of our choices, especially as wives and mothers.

In this compelling time loop story, 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. She also culminates in 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 Hello, Sunshine acquired the movie rights to the novel to adapt it for Apple+.

If you love time travel as much as me, don't miss my book list of the best time travel books I've read over the years. It might have been my most ambitious book list to date.

This charming novel offers a heartwarming journey into the lives of a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto. When a family’s beloved no-frills nail salon is threatened by the arrival of a high-end chain salon and soaring rent prices, the Trans will stop at nothing to protect their legacy. 

Join Debbie, Phil, Jessica, Dustin, and Thuy as they navigate the complexities of family, community, and the fight against gentrification. 

This poignant and urgent fable beautifully explores immigrant experiences, resilience, and the power of standing up for what matters most. With relatably flawed characters, the narrative tackles issues such as gentrification and microaggressions faced by immigrant-owned businesses, delivering a powerful and thought-provoking reading experience. 

I know you will be rooting for the Trans and their success as much as me. It’s why I had to bring this one to today’s show.

If you love a story of second chances filled with quirky characters, this captivating debut is for you. 

Meet Prudence, a woman in her 50s experiencing a significant shift in her life, with her children off to college. A former child piano prodigy and creator of ad jingles, she now resides with her husband in a neighborhood governed by a somewhat absurd H.O.A.

Alongside her is Alexei Petrov, a young virtuoso grappling with the pressures of perfection and searching for a life beyond his music. Alexi's life as a prodigy is controlled by the Russian state and his family. 

As the two find themselves competing on a dueling pianos TV show, they discover that this is an opportunity to prove themselves and a chance to rewrite their own destinies. 

This quirky debut is a true gem that will leave you inspired and recommended for fans of Lessons in Chemistry.

Prepare to be enthralled by one of the year's most captivating debut novels—a sweeping multigenerational saga that deserves its own spellbinding miniseries.

The news of eighty-one-year-old Kitty Karr Tate's passing dominates headlines, spotlighting her illustrious career as an Academy Award-winning actress, writer, television star, and philanthropist. Yet, amidst the accolades, rumors swirl about the enigmatic aspects of her life.

In a final twist of intrigue, Kitty leaves her entire fortune—approximately six million dollars—to the Black daughters of her former sitcom co-star, igniting a flurry of speculation.

As these young women find themselves thrust into the limelight, they grapple with the mystery of their unexpected inheritance, questioning why they received such a substantial legacy 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!

Transporting us to the serene landscape of Cape Cod, the memoirist of Wild Game weaves a mesmerizing tale of a fractured family on the brink of a milestone—their patriarch's seventieth birthday celebration. This is Brodeur's Fiction Debut.

Central to the story is Adam, the brilliant yet troubled oceanographer, who grapples with mortality and relevance as he nears his milestone birthday. In his quest for a final scientific breakthrough, Adam confronts his inner demons, delving into his untreated bipolar depression and the manic episodes that, he believes, hold the key to unlocking his genius.

Surrounding Adam are his two children—Ken, a driven businessman with political aspirations, and Abby, a gifted artist navigating the challenges of commitment and dependence on her brother. Their intricate dynamics and personal struggles add layers of complexity to the narrative. Joined by Jenny, Abby's best friend and Ken's wife, the ensemble cast becomes entangled in a web of secrets and revelations.

Amidst the family's own hidden truths, a mysterious figure named Steph emerges, shedding light on a long-held family mystery and further intensifying the story's intrigue.

Despite its large cast of characters, each is distinct. Brodeeur’s settings and story feel reminiscent of her memoir in all the best ways.

A seasoned writer, this is Yarro's Fantasy Debut.

If you had told me that I would have been stepping into a world of fierce dragon riders, consuming a 21-hour audiobook in just a couple of (what felt like) short sittings, I would not have believed you.

Yarro’s fantasy debut follows the journey of Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old thrust into the cutthroat world of dragon riders against all odds. With her fragile physique and the scarcity of dragons willing to bond, Violet faces imminent danger and the relentless pursuit of power-hungry rivals like Xaden Riorson, the formidable wingleader of the Riders Quadrant.

As the war outside escalates and the kingdom's defenses crumble, Violet uncovers a shocking secret that shakes the very foundation of her world. Amid a web of alliances and betrayals, she must rely on her wit and cunning to survive in a place where graduation or death are the only outcomes.

As someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I have never seen myself represented in literature before, and both the author and her children have this condition. Violet's difficulties in her battles were familiar but allowed me to escape entirely, thanks to the fantastical plot.

I'm not the only one captivated by this novel, as it has taken BookTok by storm, quickly becoming a viral sensation and making it a challenge for bookstores to keep it in stock. The second book in The Empyrean series, Iron Flame, is available for pre-order and will hit store shelves in November 2023.

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

Through their heartbreak, they find ways to cope, making the novel relatable and immersive for readers dealing with life challenges.