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.

Adrienne Young is a skilled wordsmith who always crafts engaging stories. I enjoyed the different tone in this book, as it shows off her range.

I love Adrienne’s books I have bought and read every single one. I love these small town magical books she’s doing and will continue to read anything she writes

Adrienne Young's The Unmaking of June Farrow is an enchanting and deeply atmospheric novel that takes readers on a journey through mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. If I had to sum it up in three words, I would describe it as atmospheric, shocking, and romantic. Though I had read the book's description beforehand, I couldn’t help but feel as though I went in "blind," which only enhanced my enjoyment of the unfolding story.
From the very first glance, the cover of this book beckons with its magical imagery. Let’s be honest, we all judge books by their covers, and this one immediately sparked my interest. It wasn’t just the cover that captivated me, but also the story inside. My book club, which selected this as our September 2024 read, unanimously rated it an impressive 4.5 stars on average. Personally, I gave it a solid 4 stars—while there were a few moments where the pacing lagged, the overall experience left a lasting impact.
This novel feels timeless, much like Tuck Everlasting or Practical Magic, making it a perfect read for fans of those classics. Young weaves a world that blends mystery, family legacy, and a touch of the supernatural, creating a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Overall, The Unmaking of June Farrow is a hauntingly beautiful story that offers both a sense of wonder and deep emotional resonance. A perfect choice for those who appreciate atmospheric fiction with a romantic and magical twist.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a compelling story and June's character arc was well executed. Loved the magical realism and small town vibes aspects.

A very creative, inventive story with time travel, romance, and a tiny mystery. While the writing was great, I just wish it moved faster.

I feel like the narrator said the same version of the same thing she was feeling which hindered the story's movement. In a lot of the middle, I could tell what was going to happen next from a mile away, and it took somehow 7% more of the book to get there. Could easily have been tightened up, but that said, the premise was very interesting. A little detailed and dare I say at times a little tricky to remember all the details, but very intriguing. This is what kept me reading - had to learn where it all led!

Was definitely surprised by 1 twist which was fun. It was big on atmosphere - this would make a great TV series! Was very invested in the characters by about 65% into the book, but it did kind of take that long. Enjoyable and creative!