I loved this book! I loved the relationship between Max and Gail over the course of the three days. This was a fun, super easy, quick read! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

The story of a family undergoing separation pain is realistically told, with empathy, compassion and some humor, too. Having your daughter getting married is stressful all by itself, but also unexpectedly losing your job and then having your ex-husband forced on you is almost more than poor Gail can stand. Add a cat who is precocious and mischievous, and you have the making of a good novel that touched my heart and tickled my funny bone. The characters were so realistic that I felt as though I could talk to them and was feeling what they were feeling, ranging from outrage to nostalgia. The plot was moderately paced, with a lot of story to tell in each chapter. The only thing I did not like was the long chapters, but there were pauses built into them, so that made it a little better. The story itself was multi-layered, covering the lives of the main characters Gail and Max as well as their daughter Debbie, the bride who is getting more and more reluctant as the time for the ceremony approaches. This book appealed to me with its realistic details and the sensitive exploration of family drama at a difficult time in their lives. The plot was rich and descriptive and I was thoroughly immersed in the drama of the story. This is an engaging read, with authentic and relatable characters and a storyline that is memorable.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler is a women’s fiction story and the first book I have read from this author. This is Gail’s story and takes place over a three-day period around her daughter’s wedding. Gail has been divorced from her husband for a long time and though not as close to her daughter, she loves her and wants the best for her. So much happens to and around Gail in these three days as we follow her along. She was not always likable, but she was relatable. We get a few surprises along the way as we wonder how everything will turn out.

There were times I was very invested and others I was surprised to see where the story was going. There was one thing that happened in the story I did not agree with, but I could also see that it could happen. Gail was not happy, but I do not think she knew quite how to be happy. It was interesting to get her story over three days with a bit of the past, present and possibly the future.

3.5-stars

Three Days in June was an interesting story that centered around Gail's daughter Debbie marrying Kenneth. The book focused on the day before the wedding, the day of the wedding, and the day after the wedding. In reality it seemed a lot longer than three days.

Poor Gail is at a crossroads and everything seems to go wrong. She has lost her job or she would say she quit her job. Her ex-husband, Max, showed up at her house with a cat because her daughter's fiance is allergic to cats, and she feels left out of her daughter's pre-wedding plans. I liked that there were secrets, revelations, and surprises in the story which made for an interesting story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

I DNFed Tyler's last book (French Braid) because it felt like the characters weren't talking the way real people talk. They felt like people cut out of a JCPenney catalogue from 1959, old-fashioned and stiff and dull.. Right away with Three Days in June, I could see that her characters in this book were going to feel more real. I enjoyed getting into the story of these three days in one woman's life, hearing the history of what happened to her marriage, and seeing how everything ultimately unfolded. It happened quickly in a very slim package, and I was happy for that because just when I was beginning to tire of the mundane reality of their lives, it wrapped up neatly and satisfactorily.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader's copy of this novel.

A short review for a short (but delightful!) book. For a story that takes place in just three days, we get so much out of it. I liked how complex the relationships Tyler crafted were. I liked the funny and relatable writing. And I liked how richly detailed the overall story was, especially considering how short it was. I will definitely be checking out more from her!

Thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for this ARC. Three Days in June is out today!

I’ve regretfully never read an Anne Tyler novel, and Three Days in June was such a wholesome experience.

What struck me the most about this book was the masterful way in which Anne Tyler can craft the mundane into a riveting story. This was a short book, but so much was packed into it. The main character, Gail, is having a busy three days in June, and we alternate between her current day and memories her current events evoke. While reading the last chapter I was incredibly happy things were wrapping up the way they were and I was left with an amazing feel good moment.

I loved this bittersweet story with quirky characters I ended up falling for and think any lover of fiction will thoroughly enjoy.

Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

👉🏻 For my friends who love quirky characters and a short story with heart.

THREE DAYS IN JUNE by Anne Tyler (J. Smith-Cameron, Narrator)

🎧Thanks, @prhaudio, for the #gifted audiobook #PRHAudioPartner #sponsored (Available 11 Feb 25) 4 Hours 24 Minutes

The premise is simple: Gail’s daughter is getting married tomorrow, and her ex-husband Max shows up at her doorstep with a foster cat to stay with her until after the wedding. We follow Gail and Max to the rehearsal supper, suit shopping, the wedding, and out to lunch the next day. All the while, Gail reminisces about their meeting, marriage, and breakup 21 years ago.

It’s only 156 pages (4 hours on audio), yet I felt I knew Gail well. I teared up at the end. How can some writers drop a fully-formed character in your heart with so few words? Sorcery.

I read this soon after TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout and realized, like peanut butter and chocolate, they are two great things even better together. On my 2025 book bingo card, there is a square for “Wine and Cheese,” and here is my defense that these two belong there:

🍷Both are wonderful as audiobooks from PRH Audio
🧀Both authors are well-known, Pulitzer Prize-winning females
🍷Both are intimate character portraits rather than plot-driven
🧀Both feature female MCs in their 60s, prominent ex-husbands, and socially awkward characters (Olive and Gail)
🍷Both are big stories told in a few pages full of sensitivity and humor, joy and heartbreak and to quote @jamie.of.all.trades (re: Anne Tyler), both authors make “mundanity so darn interesting.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was such a wonderful story told with such emotion and humor. I can assure you if my ex showed up with a cat, he would be directed to the nearest hotel without his foster kitty!!
My mother has always loved Ann Tyler and recommended her to me in the past. Now I’ve recommended this one to her.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review on Goodreads. Not her best but still better than most fiction being published nowadays. As a member of the generation the subject of the book, Tyler’s understanding of us and our quirks and weirdnesses is uncanny. A very quick read. Recommended

This novel takes place over, well, three days. On the first day (the day before her daughter Debbie's wedding) Gail is fired from her job of many years and comes home to find her ex-husband Max and his foster cat waiting for her to let him stay with her for the wedding weekend. To make matters worse, Debbie learns something about her fiance that may change all of the plans. Max and Gail, together for the first time in a while now have to navigate their daughter's doubts, new in-laws and a wedding.

I should start by stating that Anne Tyler is a go to author for me; I have loved her since high school and have read many of her novels since. This one was also wonderful and I loved the story of a family within 3 days (3 pivotal days) of their lives. I had both the book and the audiobook and the audiobook really worked for this one and made me whip through it almost too quickly. I read a bit more than a third of this one but the audio was so compelling that I went back to it. The characters are so accessible (even if not fully relatable) and the writing is wonderful. Thankfully I still have some of her backlist titles to read while I wait anxiously for her next novel.

4.5 stars

thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved some of Anne Tyler’s previous work and was really excited for this one. Instead, I found a short book that drags with characters that I struggled to care about. Her style of writing improved it greatly but in the end it just was not a book for me.

Gail discovers that she is losing her job right before her daughter’s wedding. To add insult to injury, her ex-husband shows up to stay with her with a foster cat in tow. She has to navigate these dynamics with a discovery that calls her daughter’s wedding into question.

Thank you to Net Galley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

2.5/5

Thank you, Knopf, for the gift of a new Anne Tyler book. Even in a shorter novel, she has a remarkable ability to draw you into a world, immersing you in the emotions and experiences of her characters. I’m always drawn to character studies—those snapshots in time that somehow capture not just a moment, but the essence of how life can feel.

I've long appreciated Tyler’s writing, and Three Days in June reaffirmed why I will always pick up her books. At its heart is an endearingly drawn mother, slightly awkward and hesitant as she navigates the challenges leading up to her daughter’s wedding—having just lost (or quit) her job, while also dealing with the unexpected return of her ex-husband. Through these moments, Tyler masterfully conveys compassion, crafting family dynamics that feel universally recognizable.

Anne Tyler has a remarkable talent for creating authentic, deeply human characters! While I may not always agree with their decisions, I can see them clearly and can't help but cheer them on. Three Days in June is a brief but impactful book with concise prose that perfectly captures a moment in time. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

Thanks NetGalley

Anne Tyler is a well-known and well-respected author, so I was looking forward to reading Three Days in June. It does take place in three days as the title indicates but the histories of the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, the bride and others are long and bumpy. Gail Baines is an okay person perhaps not an endearing person but an okay person nonetheless. I know how she feels trying so hard to contain herself and her words for these three days.

I wouldn’t call this a dysfunctional family since the divorce happened long ago, but the people involved have different expectations of each other. A story told with honesty and humor, making it more. It takes a skilled writer to do this. Would I want Gail as a friend, maybe I already have one like her. Gail certainly is an interesting personality along with her ex, Max. I liked the cat too.
4.5 Stars

Anne Tyler writes so well. She creates complex characters in everyday life. This book was just that. Gail Baines is a little hard to like but only because she struggles a bit with normal emotions. She loves her daughter, loved her husband and has a successful career in education. Though all those are in flux in the book. Max is likable, loves Gail despite their divorce and is very close to his daughter. He's bounced around jobs but is always employed. He's moved from their Baltimore area home to a teaching job out of state. Debbie loves her husband-to-be but her limits of what she can deal with are tested.

I love that Max is completely comfortable staying at Gail's house since his soon to be son-in-law is allergic to Max's foster cat. Or is that all a set up so he can convince Gail to adopt the cat? Either way, that's soon his hope. Gail has no need for a pet. Her life is ordered the way she likes. The happiness of Gail, Max and Debbie may just pivot around the events of these three days. As Gail and Max go through the steps of the wedding weekend they spend a lot of time together and some quality time with their beloved daughter. Yet again, Gail is on the outs as the groom's mother omits her from their spa day. Debbie lets this happen but makes sure to see her mom too. As Debbie makes her difficult decision mom and dad are so supportive and don't become overbearing.

I liked Max and he was so good to Gail and Debbie. As the story behind their divorce unfolds it's a bit surprising and heartbreaking. Throughout, it's obvious Max would like to reunite with Gail but it seems Gail has no intention.

A very real story of ordinary problems that occur in families, the story was well told and interesting. It also had a satisfying ending. You'll enjoy this read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I like some of Anne Tyler's books and some I don't like. I really liked this one. It is about, as the title says, three days in June. Those three days are centered around the wedding of divorced couple Max and Gail Baine's, daughter, Debbie. I get the impression that since the divorce, Debbie and her family are not that close. The first day is about the rehearsal dinner. Gail has just gotten some heartbreaking news regarding her job as an assistant to the administrator of a school. So, she is down in the dumps and really doesn't even want to go to the dinner. Her x-husband arrives with a cat in tow and is planning on spending the weekend at Gail's house. She is not sure she really likes that arrangement but she agrees with it. The second day is the wedding and the third day is the day after the wedding. I think the day after the wedding is the best chapter since it goes into what actually happened with Max and Gail. You get the feeling that they were very old friends who really liked each other. The book is short but it is packed with loads of emotions. I definitely recommend this read which goes on sale 2/11/2025.
Thanks to #netgalley, #knopf and #annetylerauthor All opinions are my own.

Gail Baines has just lost her job, her daughter is getting married, and her ex-husband turns up on her doorstep with a cat. Three Days in June explores Gail's life in the days surrounding the wedding of her daughter, Debbie. As with the previous Anne Tyler novels I have read this one is character-driven and nuanced story-telling. When Debbie confides a secret, before her wedding, to her parents Gail is forced to confront feelings from her own past and come to terms with both Debbie's choices and her own.

Anne Tyler accomplishes so much in this short book. Gail is the best kind of character, quirky and outspoken with a side of slightly awkward. Women of a certain age will find comradery with her, as did I, and identify with her struggles and choices. 5-Stars.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June is a beautifully crafted story about family and the messy yet tender connections that define us. Set over the course of one pivotal weekend, the novel centers on Gail Baines, a socially awkward mother trying to navigate the chaos of her daughter Debbie’s wedding. But when Gail’s ex-husband, Max, unexpectedly arrives, the reunion stirs up unresolved emotions—especially when Debbie reveals a shocking secret about her fiancé that threatens to derail the wedding.

Gail is a relatable and flawed protagonist, and her interactions with Max are laced with nostalgia, tension, and even humour. The portrayal of family dynamics is spot-on, balancing the heartbreak and hilarity that come with close relationships.

The writing is classic Anne Tyler. She has a way of making ordinary lives feel extraordinary, and Three Days in June is no exception.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**SPOILERS**
What a sweet story! Anne Tyler shows that a great novel can be written from the most mundane of life experiences. Everyone has a back story. I cheered at the end when they got back together. Yes please, more Anne Tyler.