This book was beautifully written, atmospheric, and kept me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next! Adrienne Young is a fantastic author, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

he Unmaking of June Farrow is a hauntingly beautiful blend of small-town mystery, family legacy, and time-bending romance. Adrienne Young crafts a story that feels both atmospheric and intimate, with prose that flows like folklore whispered by firelight. June herself is a strong yet achingly vulnerable heroine, carrying the weight of secrets that span generations. The weaving of love, fate, and magic is tender and immersive without ever losing its sharp edge. It’s a book that lingers—equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, reminding you that some stories are worth unmaking to truly begin again.

This book nearly broke me to read. I have no idea if this is how Adrienne Young intended it, but it read as a love letter to grandmothers and mothers everywhere and when I read it, I had recently lost my grandmother.

The Farrow women show time and time again what they would do for each other and that was my absolute favorite part of the story. I will admit that one of the twists in the end was a little bit transparent because of the name but it was a welcome twist nonetheless.

I cried several times while reading this. In a lot of ways, this book helped me process my grief. I don’t know if I can read it again any time soon. I would definitely want to someday but for now, it was so emotional and meant so much, I don’t think I can handle all of that again so soon.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read!

When the book initially started I was worried I was going to be bored but that soon changed.

I was not prepared for all of the twists and turns!

I cannot stop thinking about this book.

A lovely but confusing story! I really enjoyed the author's dream-like writing in this one! The whole setup was mesmerizing with how the past and present affected each other but I think I'd have liked a more detailed explanation at the end with some more romance.

Aesthetics are a 10/10 and every twist had me staring at the wall like “what. The. Freak.” You can feel the love Young puts into her work and how deeply she understands her characters. Whether it’s a swashbuckling pirate novel or a time traveling love story, Young creates strong, unique, and even soft female main characters.

Generally enjoyed. I love AY's atmospheric writing so much, but got a little confused with the time travel plot.

I’ll take five more of these, thank you very much.

This book includes:
🚪 time travel
🚪 rural 1950s setting
🚪 murder mystery
🚪 powerful female main characters
🚪 heart warming love story
🚪 matriarchal family
🚪 great audiobook narrator

In a time when we are on the hunt for original storytelling, this was impeccable. I won’t lie, that the first few chapters I didn’t really know what tone/vibe we were going for. But once that plot got going it DID NOT STOP. Sometimes I’m hesitant about time travel books because the explanation goes over my head or I feel like the explanation is too weak. This book gave me everything I needed from the ending. And of course I always love Adrienne Young’s writing.

June Farrow is a modern-day woman who is part of a line of women cursed to lose their memories and themselves. June's mother disappeared when June was a child, and she was raised by her grandmother, who has just passed as the story begins. When a mysterious door begins appearing to June along with sights and sounds of things that aren't there, June fears that the family curse has come for her as well. Except, when she decides finally to open the door, things take a very different turn.

This book was so beautifully and richly written, from the times and places described to the relationships and characters we meet. I felt as immersed in this book as if I had walked through the door and into the town of Jasper myself. The book has a very nostalgic, flowers and fireflies feeling to it that is a joy to read, though I know this is coming from my own perspective as a white woman. Visiting these times in the South would be a nightmare for people of color, not a dreamy experience. I think that's an important caveat to this book.

A huge thank you to Netgalley for letting me be an early reader for this gorgeous book!

Holy cow. I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written with interesting characters and a very unique storyline. There were several plot twists that I did not see coming and the romance was bittersweet and heartwarming. I loved it.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young pulled me in with its mix of time travel and family secrets. June’s journey between now and 1951 is mysterious and atmospheric, but some big moments happen off-page, which left me wanting more. It’s a moody read that’s more about feeling than answers—perfect if you like slow-burn, spooky vibes.

I really enjoyed this contempory novel with a magic twist. It has made me excited to read more from this author.

The Unmaking of June Farrow was easily a 5 star read for me. I was immediately hooked by the magical realism, the idea of parallel lives, and the mystery surrounding a religious zealot in a small town. Adrienne Young is an auto-buy author for me, and I will always recommend her.

The overall of the book was a mind blowing plot. I also love the idea of being able to go back in time to meet your relatives. However, the timing of people was confusing and the explanation of everyone came too late in the book. I wish an explanation of the timing was explained earlier than the last 10-20 pages of the book.

I have one regret after reading this book and that regret is that it took me SO long to pick it up and actually read it! Wow-what an amazing book. I enjoyed all the characters and the plot was phenomenal! My only wish is that the relationship with June and Eamon was a little more flushed out. I would have loved to hear more of their story. This book was a perfect blend of magical realism and mystery.

I did not post a public review of this book because I DNF’d it at 50%. I was honestly bored with it and the story was not compelling. I have enjoyed other works from this author, but this one was not for me.

Favorite quote(s):

“I couldn't stop thinking that where we stood was the center of something, a place that created the kind of gravity that made galaxies.”


Review:

I have loved Adrienne’s writing since I first read Sky in the Deep. This book is no exception. The world and descriptions are vivid and interesting, and give a splendid setting for this story. June’s story of going through the door to fix things for her daughter and returning, and all its mysteries, was incredible. This book was full of mysteries, romance, and unbreakable familial love in the Farrow family. I got annoyed ‌with characters like Caleb and everything with his father. Those were minor and all part of the story, and it still was enjoyable. Overall, I enjoyed this book and the story. I can’t wait to read another book by Adrienne!

I……am not completely sure if I 1000% grasp what I just read

I kinda feel like that It’s Always Sunny meme with Charlie and his wall with strings connecting everything together with a crazed look in my eye

Seriously I needed a map or timeline tracker for this

But I think I liked it????

It kind of gave me Addie LaRue vibes but also kinda Outlander but also kinda something else completely it’s own

Did it make me cry? Also yes. You all know I’m a sucker for generational love between mothers and daughters and granddaughters and just the whole familial matriarchy of it all.

Pretty unique story and I really liked the way it was written. I don't always love time travel books but this was actually very well done. Not confusing but also with a lot of emotion.

The story was pleasantly atmospheric and I found myself wondering what was happening... but in a good way.