I really was expecting a completely different book going into this but I wound up being pleasantly surprised which does not happen to me often as unmet expectations often stirs some remnants of dissatisfaction within me, but that was not the case here. As just a sidenote I have to say that I do not like the cover style whatsoever even though it technically is probably aesthetically appealing as it is colorful and bright and these things tend to attract the eye and be pleasing to the eyes, but there’s something about these very blunt bright colors that is offputting to me, there is no nuance in the colors, so in my opinion the cover did the book no favors but I picked this up in spite of that and was very glad that I did because I wound up becoming invested in Junie and enjoying this very much.

It’s in the vein of the reformatory, which was my favorite breed of 2024 and I suspect that Aaron Crosby Eckstine took some inspiration from that book. The idea of ghosts on a plantation of a former slaves is super compelling and I feel that there are so many ways to go with this idea, meaning that it could go simply paranormal, or it could be horror, or it could be a black issue book or a mixture of all those things and that is what this felt like in the end. There is something quite delicious about the prospect of diabolical spirit with the power to exact revenge on their subjugators, I would read 10 more books on this topic. Aaron Crosby Stein pulled this off well, not quite as well as the reformatory but close there was a bit more mystery to this story than in the other in terms of the living characters. The character work was great, I found Junie to be likable and easy to root for as I particularly enjoy reading about strong women. The writing was also well above average and made the reading experience quite effortless and I sped through this in only a couple settings and was pleased with the ending which is a rare thing when it comes to horror and paranormal books for me I find that the author often sticks the landing. For a debut this was impressive it didn’t come with the drawing clunkiness that so many debut books come with, this may have been the gift of a solid editor but the reading experience was seamless and I very much look forward to reading what Aaron writes in the future.

Sixteen years old and enslaved since she was born, Junie has spent her life on Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, cooking and cleaning alongside her family, and tending to the white master's daughter, Violet. Her daydreams are filled with poetry and faraway worlds, while she spends her nights secretly roaming through the forest, consumed with grief over the sudden death of her older sister, Minnie.

You know those books that grab you right from the start? This was definitely one of them. I couldn't help but fall in love with Junie's character - there's something so compelling about her spirit. Despite everything she endures, she still finds escape through poetry and dreams of distant places. That part of her personality really stuck with me long after I finished reading.

And can we talk about the ghost story element? I usually find supernatural additions to historical fiction a bit eye-roll worthy, but not here. When Minnie's spirit returns after Junie's desperate act, it feels like such a natural extension of the story. It's not just spooky for the sake of it - it really captures that feeling of being haunted by grief and family bonds that can't be broken, even in death.

I have to say, I got completely invested in Junie's relationship with Caleb, the coachman who arrives with the guests. Their connection develops so naturally, even with all the danger surrounding them. Those quiet moments between them provided some much-needed tenderness in an otherwise pretty brutal setting. Their scenes together were some of my favorites in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had high hopes for Junie and it didn't disappoint. I've been into female rage/revenge books, and this was similar but Black revenge. I really liked how Minnie's paranormal presence wasn't too over the top or unbelievable and there was a mix of good character development and a clear plotline. It was exceptionally well written and I will be waiting for Eckstine's next book.

Haunting, historical, and robust. Those are the best adjectives to describe this story. Junie is a houseslave just before the Civil War in Alabama. Her sister is dead, and various relatives have been sold or acquired their freedom over the years. The focus of this story is Junies’s life on the plantation serving the McQueens, specifically Violet. When Violet meets and gets a husband, Junie also meets Caleb. At times this story is very emotional. Junie is driven by the ghost of her sister. The story takes many unexpected twists and turns which made this a compelling read for me. The Author’s Note at the end gave me a deeper appreciation for this novel. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

Just a heartbreaking and powerful story. The character development is wonderful, and I was taken by Junies character. It integrated both hope and heartbreak and the writing style just had me turning pages. This was a pleasant surprise and I just love the cover art.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4 star

This is a story of Junie, a slave on a cotton plantation in Alabama on the brink of the Civil War. This is an emotional tale of Junie as a young woman and her family ties and secrets. She is a friend and maid to Violet who she has grown up with and one in which Violet has taught her to read. When does life become what she has read in these books? Junie was always restless and as she gets older starts to dream of a different life. Another influence is when she starts to see and communicate with her dead sister's spirit. When Violet starts to court what will become of Junie? Does she get to stay with her family or would she be expected to follow Violet to a new life.
This is a riveting story and the reader gets to know Junie very well. I highly recommend this book.

Junie, by Erin Crosby Eckstine is a lot. I liked the book, it was not what I expected. I love magical realism and historical fiction, but I found the main protagonist to be frustrating at times.

The characters in this one are strong. The author did an excellent job at writing them all to feel like real people, well rounded and relatable, even the secondary characters. And through the characters, the themes of the work were explored well and historical details were brought to life. I really loved how the characters changed and grew throughout the work as well, especially relating to Junie and Violet.

What didn't work quite as well for me was the supernatural element. I liked its inclusion at first and was excited to see where it would go, but as the book went on it got lost in the background, only popping up to give the plot (and Junie) a push to keep things moving. Junie was also difficult to like at times, as she went back and forth on the same decisions several times, changing her mind and actions regularly. I think this contributed to the work feeling a bit YA in tone.

If you enjoy historical fiction set in the U.S. South during the 1860s, then this is a must read. It is advertised as an adult novel, but I really do think it's more YA in feel. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

✨What an evocative and haunting debut! This is a deeply moving novel that is just truly in a class all its own.

✨The storytelling here is extraordinary, and the author’s craft in painting such vivid beauty in such a dark, troubling time and place is truly exquisite.

✨The narrative is driven by remarkable character development and the author’s masterful blending of the historical fiction genre with magical realism, mystery and romance.

✨This is a @gmabookclub pick, and I’m not at all surprised. In fact, I think this is the perfect book club pick with endless themes and elements to discuss.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Genre benders
✨Pre-civil war settings
✨Historical fiction
✨Magical realism
✨Black American history
✨Coming of age
✨THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due

Recommend with five stars!

I really, really enjoyed this book. Eckstine wrote a captivating story that was loosely based on her own family's history. By the end I was yearning for Junie and Caleb to meet again and that Junie would find freedom despite the grief she felt for her family. The sprinkle of magical realism really added to the story to the point it felt true.

Our past is one of our darkest times in history, but hopefully, we have learned much from this time. Junie is a sixteen-year-old slave in Alabama. Her family says she is carefree, probably due to her relationship with Violet, the owner's daughter. Violet and Junie have as close of a relationship as possible, considering their positions on the estate. Junie grew up with Violet and was taught to read. This gives Junie a broader view of the world than only what she sees on the estate. There is so much more, and she wants it all.

Do not expect to be able to race through this book. It moves at a very slow pace until close to the end. There are many factors at play in this book, including a paranormal/magical realism angle when Junie sees her sister Minnie and is given three tasks to help Minnie move on to the other side. The truths that come out alter Junie's perception of her sister and, perhaps, even her own existence. 

It is easy to see that Junie's outlook on life is very different from that of her cousins and even her grandparents. The education she received alongside Violet contributes to her view of the world. She knows what she knows but is still naive about how the rest of the world operates. Her interactions with the various characters help her grow and learn. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Caleb blossom.

There are characters to despise, just as there are characters to love. The harsh reality of slavery and how some treated the slaves are not surprising, and I felt this added authenticity to the story.

In the end, there are some unanswered questions, at least for me. However, that adds to the novel's mystery, which isn't bound by the written word but by our imaginations.

We give this book 4 paws up.

Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine is a compelling and haunting ghost story set against the brutal backdrop of pre-Civil War America. The novel introduces us to Junie, a sixteen-year-old enslaved girl on the Bellereine Plantation in Alabama. Junie's literacy, taught by the "master's" daughter, fuels her yearning for a life beyond the margins of her enslavement.

The narrative is deeply immersive, drawing readers into Junie's world where the horrors of slavery are depicted with unflinching honesty. The story is not just about physical brutality but also the mental and emotional trauma endured by the enslaved. Junie's relationship with Violet, the daughter of the plantation owner, is complex and fraught with naivety and eventual disillusionment.

Eckstine's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the resilience and quiet strength of Junie as she navigates her harsh reality. The supernatural elements, including the ghost of Junie's sister Minnie, add a layer of depth to the story, though some readers might find this thread distracting.

The novel's atmosphere is thick with tension and dread, seamlessly blending the supernatural with the harsh realities of the time. The romance in the story is endearing and adds to the emotional stakes, making Junie's journey all the more compelling.

Junie is a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. It's a powerful exploration of resilience, love, and the quest for freedom in the face of unimaginable adversity. Erin Crosby Eckstine has crafted a story that is both arresting and deeply affecting, leaving readers with a profound sense of empathy and a heavy heart.

This may be the best book I have read in a long time. A novel I am sad to finish as I was very invested in Junie's story. This is a magnificent novel filled with a captivating plot and characters one can imagine sitting with on the plantation. As a fan of The Kitchen House, this is now my favorite. Junie and her sister's relationship evolves as the truth is revealed. Her sister's ghost was well crafted into each section, giving details as the story of her struggle comes to light. A rich love story in so many ways, family/friends/lovers. A realistic view on what one will do for love and family. I was so involved in the story I felt as if I were there with Junie and felt all the feelings. Junie evolves through the story as she finds forgiveness with those she feels have betrayed her. As all the characters seek freedom and find their peace in their own way. This is a story that haunts me long after the last page. I left hopeful in the ending, although I would love for the story to continue. I will be anticipating more from Erin Crosby Eckstine. I would recommend everyone read Junie for the historical fiction it portrays and the gripping plot.

I loved Junie. She was an incredible, strong character. To hear about the author’s inspiration and familial connection to Junie made the story even better. Books like these are the reason I love historical fiction.

This book has me slightly conflicted. I have a lot of thoughts, but ultimately, nothing that changes my overall stance—it was just okay for me. I won’t go on a rant about the negatives, so let’s keep this short.

I went into this with high hopes, especially since the author had mentioned wanting to approach this kind of story from a fresh perspective. Unfortunately, nothing about Junie felt particularly revolutionary. I also didn’t care much for her relationship with Violet. It felt forced and only further cemented my feelings about the read.

My biggest issue with this book is that it should have been marketed as YA. While it’s written well enough, it reads exactly like a young adult novel—the characters, the dialogue, and even the way modern teen angst is injected into a historical setting. If this had been officially categorized as YA, I think I would have been more forgiving of Junie’s lack of character development.

That said, I’m sure there will be readers who love this book, especially with its paranormal elements used to explore heavy themes. In fact, I wish those elements had been pushed even further. While this wasn’t a favorite for me, I still see potential in the author’s future works outside of this debut. I hope to see them push their narratives further and explore storytelling in the future instead of the past.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this egalley.

Note: Contains some spoilers: This book was really interesting - not what I would have expected when picking it up - between Junie's relationships with her family and Caleb, the evolution/devolution of her relationship with Violet, the truth behind the stories of her family, and more. It definitely kept me on my toes. There were some parts of this that I really loved (Junie and Caleb reading, Junie standing up to Violet, Junie uncovering her family's history), but there were other parts that felt repetitive to me (Junie's guilt over Minnie/deciding whether or not to help her as one example). I like that the ending was left open (something I normally don't) because it allows for the reader to hope for more for Caleb and Junie's family. I also really liked learning from the Author's Notes that this was based on a woman in her family tree. I would definitely recommend this book though - I felt like it isn't like anything I have read before.

I live in Alabama close to Elmore County and I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Loved all the characters and descriptions of this part of Alabama.

Mere words cannot do this amazing read justice. My heart had melted into a puddle on the floor after I finished the last page. I found myself looking over my shoulder hoping not to see a gold mist anywhere nearby. A total surprise …I was not expecting to be so very engaged by Erin Crosby Eckstine’s novel of an amazingly unique brave sixteen year old girl named Junie, living on a cotton plantation in Alabama just before the Civil War. Although the setting and the challenges faced by Junie and her “family” were familiar I found Junie to be one of the most unique characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I loved her carefree personality and her connection to the woods. Her naïveté was very endearing. Her connection with Violet was no surprise until the fallout, which served to harden Junie and help her realize her tenuous relationship with Violet. I did feel sorry for Violet whose book loving romantic wishes from Bronte never came to fruition in her own marriage. Her connection with her sister in law was shocking but not surprising. Still confused how her husband did not seem to pick up on it. Junie’s decisions towards the end of the book had me cheering for her strength and ability to see through others.
My favorite character was actually Minnie who served as the catalyst for so much of Junie’s strength. I love the way Erin Crosby Eckstine included her and the other haunts with their reasons for remaining in that area. Minnie’s actions during the fire made sense after Violet’s mother’s confessions and I so loved the combined efforts of Minnie and her fellow haunts to control the fire saving Junie’s family.
Caleb was truly a heartbreaker and I still find myself wishing “what if”. Although the ending was heartbreaking it served to showcase Junie’s incredible strength and determination.
Reading the author’s notes that she used a relative’s story as the catalyst for this amazing book really was the icing on the cake. Coosada must be a very special place indeed.
My immense thanks to Erin Crosby Eckstine, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this unforgettable story published on February 4th.

This book was beautiful. I absolutely fell in love with Junie. Her carefree and adventurous spirit calling to me. There are also some heartbreaking moments in the story that transport you back to the Civil War era. This book was based loosely on the authors past generations of her life. I fell in love with this and would 10 out of 10 recommend it to anyone.
Thank you NetGalley on the early copy.

I've seen a lot of love for Junie going around social media, but sadly I didn't fall in complete love with it like others. While I liked the ideas surrounding Junie, especially with the haunts, I didn't think it was as well executed as it could be. Junie, the novel itself, seemed to be trying to find its footing in adult fiction, but read like YA lot of the time. Some of it could be the naivete of Junie as a character that kept it feeling like YA a lot of the time. I've read a lot of novels with similar themes and this one hit the mark compared to others. It was nice to know that the author used her own family as inspiration for the story, but I'm sad they had to go through everything they did. When dealing with a story involving slavery, there are of course things that are harder to read, but it is our history and we can't and shouldn't erase it. Although Junie wasn't a total win for me, I'd still try another novel by Erin Crosby Eckestine in the future. I'm excited to see where her writing will go in the future.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.