Are you looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  Consider giving the gift of a good book!  As Mother’s Day approaches, finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task.  But fear not, for we have compiled a guide of the best 2023 books for Mother’s Day to help make your decision a little easier.  From eye-opening nonfiction to thrilling mysteries or swoon-worthy romances, these books are sure to captivate any reader.  Not only will your mother get lost in the story, but she will also appreciate the thoughtfulness of a carefully chosen book.

So give the gift that keeps on giving this Mother’s Day.  These 2023 books for Mother’s Day will make the perfect gift for the special mother figure in your life.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Best 2023 Books for Mother’s Day

NONFICTION BOOKS

George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy by Sally Bedell Smith

A revelatory account of how King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s loving marriage saved the monarchy during World War II, and how they raised their daughter to become Queen Elizabeth II, based on exclusive access to the Royal Archives—from the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen and Prince Charles.

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Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy by Carl Sferrazza Anthony

An illuminating new biography of the young Jackie Bouvier Kennedy that covers her formative adventures abroad in Paris; her life as a writer and photographer at a Washington, DC, newspaper; and her romance with a dashing, charismatic Massachusetts congressman who shared her intellectual passion.

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Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature by Elizabeth Winkler

An irreverent and charmingly erudite investigation into the Shakespeare authorship question, exploring how doubting that William Shakespeare wrote his plays became an act of blasphemy…and who the Bard might really be.

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MYSTERY & THRILLER BOOKS

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

After posting a negative book review, a woman living in a remote location begins to wonder if the author is a little touchy—or very, very dangerous—in this pulse-pounding novel of psychological suspense and terror from the critically acclaimed author of No Exit and Hairpin Bridge.

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Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

Set in the City of Light and starring Julia Child’s (fictional) best friend, confidant, and fellow American, this magnifique new historical mystery series from the acclaimed author of Murder at Mallowan Hall combines a fresh perspective on the iconic chef’s years in post-WWII Paris with a delicious mystery and a unique culinary twist. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Marie Benedict, Nita Prose, and of course, Julia Child alike!

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The Eden Test by Adam Sternbergh

From Edgar Award-finalist Adam Sternbergh, an electrifying new work of domestic suspense for fans of White Lotus and The Last Thing He Told Me, about a couple who are forced to the ultimate extremes to save their marriage — and themselves.

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LITERARY & WOMEN’S FICTION

Carmen and Grace by Melissa Coss Aquino

An emotionally riveting coming-of-age drama, the story of two cousins lured into the underground drug trade at a young age, and the inextricable ties that bind them, as one woman seeks power and the other seeks a way out—the debut of a vibrant and stunningly original new voice in fiction.

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House of Cotton by Monica Brashears

A stunning, contemporary Black southern gothic novel about what it means to be a poor woman in the God-fearing south in the age of OnlyFans, by a breakout new Affrilachian writer, perfect for readers of The Other Black Girl and Luster.

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I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin

By the award-winning author of Something Wild, a gripping portrait of a tumultuous, consuming relationship between a young woman and a recovering addict.

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HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS

The Lost Wife by Susanna Moore

From one of our most versatile, compelling, and sensual writers comes a searing, immersive novel about a seminal and shameful moment in America’s conquest of the West. Drawing partly from a true story, Susanna Moore brings to life a devastating Native American revolt and the woman caught in the middle of the conflict.

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The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland

The author of Florence Adler Swims Forever returns with a masterful work of historical fiction about an incendiary tragedy that shocked a young nation and tore apart a community in a single night—told from the perspectives of four people whose actions during the inferno changed the course of history.

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The Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble wows with a gripping historical novel about the real-life “Tiffany Girls,” a fascinating and largely unknown group of women artists behind Tiffany’s most legendary glassworks.

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ROMANCE BOOKS

Kismet by Becky Chalsen

A sun-soaked debut rom-com set over Fourth of July on Fire Island, a weekend that happens to be the 30th birthday of Sharp twins Amy and Jo, Jo’s wedding, and the first time since her freshman year that Amy—now married to her childhood sweetheart—has seen the deliciously handsome and charming Emmett, the surprise Best Man.

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Happy Place by Emily Henry

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.

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The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead

When lightning strikes a hotel interrupting a would-be hookup, a shy librarian is thrust into the spotlight when paparazzi catch her in the arms of the hotshot candidate running for governor of Texas—in dishabille. A laugh-out-loud romcom about learning to embrace living outside your comfort zone for fans of Ali Hazelwood.

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COOKBOOKS & ENTERTAINING

I’ll Bring The Cake: Recipes for Every Season and Every Occasion by Mandy Merriman

Baking with Blondie blogger Mandy Merriman takes the guesswork out of delicious and beautiful cakes—starting with boxed mixes and then adding flavorful ingredients and creative decorations—for occasion-worthy cakes any baker can make.

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That Cheese Plate Wants to Party : Festive Boards, Spreads, and Recipes with the Cheese By Numbers Method by Marissa Mullen, Illustrated by Sara Gilanchi

It’s time to party! This how-to guide will turn any gathering into a cheese-filled opportunity for connection and self-care—from the bestselling author of That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life.

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The Dinner Party Project : A No-Stress Guide to Food with Friends by Natasha Feldman

The dinner party is back! Chef and cooking show host Natasha Feldman shares the secrets to throwing fun, no-stress gatherings—spoiler alert: it starts with delicious recipes you’ll have total confidence in! This modern manual offers 80+ recipes with menu ideas, sketches, and practical tips to ensure that everyone enjoys the party, especially the host!

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HOME, GARDEN & TRAVEL

Own Your Space : Attainable Room-by-Room Decorating Tips for Renters and Homeowners by Alexandra Gater

DIY YouTuber Alexandra Gater shows you how to creatively, inexpensively, and beautifully decorate your space in this inviting and accessible definitive guide to décor ideas for renters and new homeowners alike.

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Flowers and Their Meanings : The Secret Language and History of Over 600 Blooms (A Flower Dictionary) by Karen Azoulay

Uncover the secret meanings behind your bouquets and floral arrangements with this stunningly illustrated exploration of the Victorian language of flowers, including the multicultural history, rituals, and mythology behind over 600 flowers, herbs, and trees.

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Joie : A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life by Ajiri Aki

Embrace the joy of Paris wherever you live with American expat Ajiri Aki, founder of the French lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison.

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GAMES, TRIVIA & GUIDES

National Parks Trivia: A Card Game : 390 Questions to Test the Knowledge of Every Enthusiast by Emily Hoff, Maygen Keller

Get to know America’s 63 national parks with 390 wide-ranging trivia questions that cover their iconic geography, ecology, geology, history, wildlife, and botany—from the authors of Scenic Science of the National Parks.

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A Guide to Midwestern Conversation by Taylor Kay Phillips

Learn (and love) the language of the landlocked in this bitingly funny illustrated guide to the common phrases and sentiments of the American Heartland.

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Sibley Birder’s Trivia: A Card Game : 400 Questions to Test Every Birder’s Knowledge by David Allen Sibley

A game for birders to test their knowledge—with 200 cards offering 400 questions of varying difficulty about the birds of North America from the bestselling author and ornithologist David Allen Sibley.

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What books will you be gifting this year for Mother’s Day?

Do you usually gift books for Mother’s Day?  What 2023 books would you gift for Mother’s Day?  Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Looking for more books?

• Check out our best 2023 book lists.