Well, this book was a huge win! So huge I don't even know where to begin, frankly. Actually, scratch that, I do: go into it blind. Know nothing. Unravel everything as you go, it's worth it. I can't leave it there, can I? I should. I want to. But since I know some of you like more, I'll oblige, but briefly.

June Farrow had my whole heart from the very beginning. I adored June as a character, and I was immersed in her story from the very first chapter. I could not put this book down, and it was because it had literally everything I love in a book: Amazing characters, a great family connection, an incredibly engaging mystery, and feels, all the feels. For your sake, I will say no more, and I will just tell you that you need this book in your life. I am already over here trying to decide how many people will be getting this as a Christmas gift.

Bottom Line: June Farrow is going to be one of my favorite books of the year, and in basically my entire family's Christmas stockings.

What a beautiful book this is. It’s a story that takes you on a literal loop and has your mind really thinking about what is going on. There are times you can almost feel the emotion from June and her agony of decisions she needs to make (or finding out about decisions she’s already made). I typically don’t like books that are about time travel, but this one was very thought out and wonderfully written that it kept my interest through the whole book. It also had a just enough of a mystery and a unique second chance romance. I really enjoyed this read and will probably pick up a physical copy so I can reread (or just loan it to a friend!)

I did not read the synopsis for this book - I just picked it up becuase I love Young. And I actually think that was the best decision I could have made. This was a book of female empowerment and self and I loved it so much. I don't want to spoil anything but it does give off some Outlander vibes if only a tiny bit.

This is a really interesting book, which weaves several timelines together in a curious way. June is a great protagonist and I found myself rooting for her throughout. I did find the unraveling a bit confusing and hard to understand and times, but ultimately everything ends up coming together in the end. I was a bit sad that there are certain questions I had that were unanswered, but it made sense for the story. A great book for the fall cozy season. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.75⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Fantasy📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
This one hurt my brain at times but I loved its uniqueness

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Magical realism
Small town mysteries
Second chance romance
Strong women
Beautiful and heartwarming reads
Twists and secrets
Complex plots
Bingeable reads

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
I liked that there was a side of mystery and romance

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
It was a little confusing a first

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:
★ "You may have ruined my life, June. But first, you gave me one."
★ “This aching love that I felt breaking ground inside of me didn’t feel selfish. It felt brave.”
★ “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.”

4.5 stars

This is my first book by Adrienne Young and I already want to read the rest of her backlist. The writing hooked me right away and I couldn't read/listen fast enough to find out about June Farrow and the mysterious Farrow curse. This was a beautiful story about love, sacrifice, and the lengths we will go for those we love.

Even as I write this review, I don't fully understand what happened regarding the "curse". The magical/fantasy elements were very intriguing and I loved how the author slowly peeled the layers back to reveal the full story, but I'm not sure things were explained all that well. I could see where things were headed, but there were some truly great (and heartbreaking) twists. I was left with questions at the end and yet I'm still satisfied with how things concluded. I think the why of things is more important than the how in this case.

The narration by Brittany Pressley was fantastic! She captured the emotion and heart of June and was also able to use a variety of voices to make the other characters believable and distinguishable. I really enjoyed this audio and found myself walking my dogs farther and farther so I could keep listening.

Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars

CW (possible spoilers): death of loved ones (past), grief, parental abandonment, murder and attempted murder, concealing/destroying incriminating evidence

*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*

WOW! Speechless! I loved this so much!!!! It was just pure magic! I highly recommend going in blind! It reminded me so much of one of my favorite books (which I won't say what one 😜) but it was just BEAUTIFUL and so enchanting! Plus the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains setting was perfection! I'm obsessed with this area! Can't wait for this one to be into the world next week! Highly recommend! Adrienne crushed it! I didn't love the previous book but this was completely different and AMAZING!👏

Absolutely phenomenal. The Unmaking of June Farrow is complex, unique, and utterly jaw-dropping. Adrienne Young has created another masterpiece.

I could feel the fictional town of Jasper, North Carolina in my soul. The nostalgia in Adrienne's depictions of the setting of this book very nearly brings tears to my eyes, even thinking about it now that I've finished the book. I can close my eyes and feel the mountain breeze tickling my skin as the sun peeks through the clouds. I can hear that breeze rustling between the trees that tower overhead. I can see, with perfect clarity, the smoky haze kissing the mountaintops of the Great Smoky Mountains--a small subset of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I could, in great detail, picture every single scene that June Farrow finds herself in in this book. Every one, without having to work to conjure the imagery. Mountain passes, rolling hills, gravel roads winding off into neverending farms that have been there over a hundred years? Be right back, I need to go book my next vacation right now.

All rambling about the perfect setting in THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW aside, this book's characters and plot utterly captivated me. June is essentially a social outcast, with only a handful of people who actually know and understand her. I absolutely love that in a main character. Somehow, that makes them more realistic, like someone you may actually know. Add to that fact that June lives in a very small town makes it even more hard on her--the rumor mill overflows anywhere, but there's nothing like a Southern small town to truly beat a character down. 

Unfortunately for June, she comes by this isolation honestly. You see, she's next in line for a curse that has plagued the women in her family for generations. The whole town was privy to her mother's descent into madness before she disappeared...reappeared pregnant...then disappeared again. Her baby, June, was found seven months later and given to her grandmother (Gran) to raise. Thirty four years after, June starts having the same visions as the previous women in her lineage, and she knows she's in trouble. Once the visions start, they don't stop until you're driven mad...or dead. Sometimes both. But a mysterious door keeps appearing to June...and she can't be certain that she won't eventually step through it.

There's so much to unpack in this book. It's a story of jumbled timelines, star-crossed lovers, a good-old-fashioned murder, and so much mystery that it will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Adrienne is such a skilled writer that, when June faces an impossible choice, it's equally as impossible for the reader. You can't even have a side. You can't fathom her not choosing both options, even knowing she can't. Each choice is just as painful and wrong, and just as devastatingly beautiful and right, as the other. I'm still reeling, and I don't see the hollow pit in my stomach going away for a while. 

If you're a fan of THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E. Harrow, you will love THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW. It's a totally different story, but with that same atmospheric, warm, homey level of storytelling that only comes from the heart of a mastermind. Bravo, Adrienne. Bravo.

I won't recover from this story for many, many years.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Rating: 5 stars
Pub date: 10/17

I have read and loved a lot of books this year, but none of them have captivated me like this one. There is something truly special about Adrienne Young’s writing, as she can craft mesmerizing tales that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

The story revolves around June Farrow, a young woman from the cursed Farrow lineage, living in the quaint mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina. June is determined to break the centuries-old curse that has plagued her family, even if it means sacrificing her chance at love and a family of her own. When cryptic clues surrounding her mother's disappearance resurface, June embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between past and future, uncovering the town's hidden mysteries and entwining her heart in an epic love story.

This captivating blend of mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, and romance stole my heart. I love June, whose strength and determination shine throughout the novel. The bonds between the women in the Farrow family are portrayed with authenticity, showcasing the complexities of love and sacrifice, and the theme of love, both familial and romantic, is beautifully woven into the story.

Young's ability to introduce fantasy elements into the mundane world gave this story an atmospheric feel perfect for this time of year. The small town of Jasper is enchanting and creates an immersive backdrop for the unfolding mysteries. The elements of mystery are cleverly constructed, with unexpected twists and a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, conclusion.

Brittany Pressley is one of my favorite narrators, and her skill at capturing the essence of the story shined through here. She brought each character to life and gave each one a unique voice.

This might be the most romantic book I’ve ever read. It’s a heartfelt journey through time exploring the enduring bonds of family and the transcendent power of love. If you enjoy stories set in mysterious small towns, strong female characters, and love stories that defy the constraints of time, this book is a must-read.

Thank you so much to Ballantine and Delacorte Press for my digital ARC and PRH for my free audiobook. I also picked this for my Book of the Month because I needed this beautiful cover on my shelf.

Read if you like:
*cold case murder mysteries
*time travel
*magical realism
*family curses
*epic love stories

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is unique and interesting, and it all comes together beautifully in the end.

Some of the twists I saw coming, while others, I didn’t. I loved that this kept me on the edge of my seat almost right away. It took a chapter or two to really grab me, but the chapters aren’t long, so I didn’t find that to be majorly concerning.

There are a lot of moving pieces to this story, and the twisted timeline was a bit complex at times, which had me re-reading some passages to make sure I was understanding exactly what the author was saying. Regardless, I found the story and all its facets intriguing and I was excited to see what would happen next.

The romance piece of this story is heart-achingly beautiful. The tension and yearning between the characters was perfectly written, making me emotional at times. I would’ve liked a little more focus on the romance, simply because I think it would’ve added a lot more of an emotional attachment to the overall story for me, but I still enjoyed it! Definitely not a spicy book, but there is a very mild, closed door scene.

Overall, I definitely recommend for fans of cozy mysteries and magical realism, with a touch of romance!

I had a really hard time getting into this one. It could have been the format and how my brain works but it felt like a chore to read.

I have the audiobook on hold from my library and I am looking forward to rereading the book via audio to see if I have a better experience.

Whew, this one is a Wild Ride. For the most part, I liked it a lot.

One minor complaint/question: this is marketed toward adult audiences. However, at times, it comes across as Young Adult.

Nonetheless, I was immediately captivated by the curse and untangling the mystery of the murder.

The magical parts are wonderful and reminded me of The Thousand Doors of January. The author does a good job of handling the time travel, although the plot does get complex.

The characters really make this novel shine. June is a very relatable and sympathetic young woman who is determined to do the right thing even if it means sacrificing her own chance at true love.

The atmosphere of this book was vividly portrayed. As a native North Carolinian, I especially appreciated the local setting.

While the pacing drags in a couple spots., everything made sense by the end of the book. Everything relates together and even the smallest clues fit like an intricate puzzle.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my complimentary e-galley; all opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

The Unmaking of June Farrow is the magical story of a family’s curse and the way it allows for, and complicates, love. It follows June Farrow who resides in the small town of Jasper, North Carolina. Her family is known for their “madness” and their curse. When June finds herself suffering from the same affliction, she realizes it may not be a curse after all…but a gift.

This storyline is so complicated and lovingly crafted that I couldn’t help but enjoy this read. Did it hurt my brain at times? Yes. Did I love it? Also yes. The romance is swoonworthy. The vibes autumnal and cozy. Overall, an excellent October read.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a homecoming and a farewell wrapped in a beautifully detailed work of art. At times equally gut wrenching and heart warming this is perfect for fans of Spells for Forgetting and The Secret Life of Addie Larue. A truly five star read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Magic Realism/Romance/Mystery
358 pages

🕛time traveling
🕛small town
🕛magic doors
🕛second(ish) chance romance
🕛I’ll always find you
🕛found family
🕛suspense/mystery thriller

“This is real, I told myself.”

So this is what you all felt with Addie LaRue, uh?
I finally understand. I finally understand how you held onto that book so dearly because this is my Addie LaRue… incredibly well written, tugging on all the feels, making me question and see and be… only with a more satisfying ending for a HEA exclusive girl like me.

And let me tell you about that ending. The best way to describe how I felt is to tell you this: it was like I had this bird locked inside of a cage the whole time I was reading and in that last chapter it just broke free. The cage door burst open and the little bird soared towards the sky. And I finally breathed. And sobbed. Because that’s what happens when you emotionally crash and let it all go with a smile in your face… through tears and all.

“All that time, she remembered me. She was just waiting for me to remember her.”

Adrienne Young is one of the few authors who plays my heart like a little fiddle. She twists it and shapes it. She leads me through the vast emotions and brings me back just the same. But different. Because her books always touch me in a way that means I’ll never be exactly the same after 💜

The Farrow women were different.
The Farrow women would all eventually walk through the door.
The Farrow women were cursed.
Until they weren’t.

The Farrow women kept me up because how can one go to sleep with a heart racing like that?!

Quick and Dirty⁣
-multiple timeline magical realism⁣
-intergenerational family drama⁣
-amazing (closed-door) romance⁣
-great for female readers 35+ ⁣

Thoughts⁣
Well folks, meet the Book of the Year. Yup, calling it now. This is the most amazing book I've read in a long time, and I literally cannot wait until more people meet June. Adrienne Young is a freaking genius. This book is masterful. It's elegant, thought-provoking, moving, and compelling. I wanted to live inside this story, to be the characters, and to never, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 leave. This book is my whole personality now. ⁣
⁣
At the heart of this story is the tale of what was, what could have been, and what is to come (now I sound like Galadriel 🤣). The message was so heartfelt that I felt it deep down in my bones. I know this character. I see parts of myself in her. And any woman (or human for that matter) who's ever wondered "what if" will also recognize themselves in June. Beyond the message, the novel is well-written, perfectly paced, and intricately woven. Each of the characters is fully formed and contributes to the story in a meaningful way. And the twists, turns, and surprises will keep you guessing until the beautiful, perfectly written end. Seriously, this is one of my all-time favorite books, and I cannot wait to get my hands on my BOTM copy!!! Please, please read this book!

I was so excited to get this ARC for “The Unmaking of June Farror” from the fabulous Adrienne Younf. I highly recommend this book - I was such a fan!

This was another excellent book from Adrienne Young! She has such an incredible voice and is able to paint such beautiful scenes and settings. I loved the Farrow women and the magic in this book. Time travel can be so confusing and hard to read, and this had a couple of iffy moments, but it never got too complex or overwhelming. It was ultimately a wonderful story of family and love overcoming adversity.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book of Young’s I’ve read and it lived up to everything I’ve heard. While this started a little slow and took awhile for me to really get in to, it finished really strong! 4.5⭐️

This is a truly unique book with a perfect combination of magical realism and mystery. The story has a labyrinth of events and concepts to keep track of so i recommend giving it your full attention so you don’t miss a thing. Even the smallest detail might come into play later in the story. And once it all comes together you brain might break just a little. 😂

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting this review to Goodreads, Instagram, and TikTok within the next week.