June Farrow was born into a curse that stretched back through several generations of women in her family. While trying to solve her mother’s disappearance, June uncovers the mystery that will either cure or destroy her.

The Unmaking of June Farrow is the best work of fiction that I have read this year. It’s difficult to even categorize this book because it has a little bit of everything - mystery, magic, romance, and more. Adrienne Young’s writing is the true magic! The emotion and suspense had me burning through the pages while never wanting it to end. The relief and desperation are palpable.

Spells for Forgetting is one of my favorite reads from last year so I had high hopes for this one. The Unmaking of June Farrow blew away all of my expectations. I haven’t felt this emotionally wrung out by a book since The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V.E. Schwab). Adrienne Young deserves all the praise for this masterpiece. I’m excited to see what she has next for her readers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine (Delacorte Press)!

5 ⭐️ — This is for the southern small town girlies who have a love/hate relationships with their towns but also want more from it! I was blown away by the plot, characters, and worldbuilding of the world of Jasper, NC and the Farrow women curse.

I kept saying one more chapter to myself and then before I knew it I had read the last page. This book will not be for everyone but it *was* for me. I think I will be re-read this. Some of the twists I did expect, others I didn’t see, and I just think this is for the book girlies who like to feel a lot of emotions while reading. Want to laugh? Want to cry? Want to pine? It’s for you!

I’ve seriously been having such a good past two months of reading, almost all of the books I’ve read and LOVED. This one squarely fits into the loved category!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital advanced readers copy. This did not affect my review in any way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an arc copy of this book.

The Farrow women are very well known in their small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina because of their flower farm and the curse that has affected them for generations. June Farrow has been raised by her grandmother her whole life after her mother mysteriously disappears. For a year before her grandmother dies, June has been seeing and hearing things that weren't there. She keeps these "hallucinations" a secret from those closest to her so that they don't worry for her as well. As June struggles with this secret she's keeping, she begins investigating her mother's disappearance, which brings more questions than answers. With more truths coming to light, a mysterious red door appears and she crosses through to a journey that may lead her to the answers she seeks.

Spectacular. This book was an amazing journey from start to finish. It is a book that will stick in my mind for many years to come. I loved the determination and love June has for her family and also for discovering the truth. June, along with all the women in her family, are very fierce and independent. The interactions she has with her family are a great blend of comfortable banter and awkward tenseness, which is perfect for the circumstances. There were so so many great characters throughout this story that I cannot explain without ruining some of the best parts. It's best to just be experienced.

This story kept me on my toes the entire time. Every time I thought that I had figured out the mystery, a new obstacle or piece of information was introduced. The little bit of magical realism mixed with a mysterious murder and disappearance added to the twists and turns of the book. This book drew me in so quickly that it was very difficult to put it down. Be sure to add this to your TBR.

A new favorite! This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read ✨ This book is like the warmth of a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day! It’s a beautifully written and touching story full of mystery, magic, and love. I felt so connected with the characters in this story that I couldn’t help but find myself quite emotional several times throughout my reading experience. I absolutely and utterly adored everything about this one and it’s most definitely going to stay with me for awhile 💛 June Farrow, you are officially one of my new favorites!

If you get the chance to read this one, I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to NETGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

5⭐️ WOW this book took me completely by surprise! I did not know what to expect going in, but I was completely invested in the plot and the characters the entire book. This book has so many elements that it cannot be fit into one box. There are elements of romance, fantasy, mystery, and thriller which makes the story extremely unique and interesting.

The story has you on the edge of your seat and on pins and needles the entire book. It had me questioning what was going on and what was real and what was not. The book is filled with unpredictable plot twists that will have your jaw on the floor. The book is also filled with a beautiful romance that brought me to tears as well as beautiful relationships between family members. The books has almost no spice, but it honestly doesn’t even need it because it is THAT good!

If you are feeling that the book is a little slow to start, please push through because at about 30% to 40% you will become completely invested in the story and the characters. This is such a bingeable read. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more of Adrienne Young’s books!

Adrienne Young does it again! Her adult novels have been fantastic and this is no exception! I went it not having read a synopsis and it was just such a magical story with a wonderful romance! Perfect fall read!



I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow has just buried her grandmother. She is trying to keep busy on the flower farm that her family has owned for generations, but she can't help worrying about the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. Every single female has been driven to madness with the curse. Her own mother, Susanna, even abandoned June and disappeared because of it, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. For the past year, June has been seeing and hearing things that weren’t there, and a mysterious door has been appearing out of nowhere. June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own. When June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, it only leaves her with more questions. The next time the door appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

This book was so good. It was mind-blowing, and wonderful and my head is still reeling. I loved the setting of the small town in the 1950's , as well as the current timeline of present day in Jasper, North Carolina. I am not usually a fan of time travel books, but this one was absolutely magical - it had me from the very first page. I will admit the last chapter kind of lost me as she tied up all of the loose ends. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. Regardless, this was an incredible read, and I highly recommend it.

Magical realism and small town mystery, second chance romance story of DREAMS. Atmospheric with the most strong plot and character development, absolutely blown away by this book!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was sitting at a 3.5/4 star rating for me until I hit the 95% mark, when the Big Twist was revealed and everything went down and I burst into tears and finished this book through blurry vision. The story itself was incredibly slow, and at some points felt predictable, but I truly cannot fault Adrienne Young for any of it because it was all masterfully written for a heartwrenchingly beautiful ending.

In true Adrienne Young fashion, the story might have been slow but it was captivating enough that I never wanted to set it down. The characters were lovable, and while I do wish some of the side characters had more page time and development (cough, cough, Eamen, cough) the book had so much heart.

Something I love about Adrienne Young’s writing is that she is unapologetic in the type of writer she is. When I pick up one of her books, I know exactly what I am getting, and at the same time, the story always delivers in the most unexpected of ways. The Unmaking of June Farrow is no exception. If you haven’t picked this up yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC! All views reflected are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for the ARC of The Unmaking of June Farrow!

This book is phenomenal! I loved it sooooo much! Definitely one of my favorites for the year. Although this is not really a "romance" novel, the love story really resonated with me. The characters and their motivations are complex and you can feel the familial bond radiating off the pages. I didn't entirely follow how June was trying to end the curse but the rest of the story was so good I don't want to try to pick apart the book to try to figure it out.

Summary:
In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors. It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own. After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

I really enjoyed The Unmaking of June Farrow it was the perfect read to get in the mood for fall. I liked all the characters and the small mountain town setting. I won’t go too much into the plot because I think it’s best to go into this one blind and giving anything away would ruin the fun of the book. My only complaint would have been a little bit better explanation of the twist at the end and it took me a few chapters to really get into the book but glad I stuck with it. Definitely would recommend this one and would rate it 4 stars. I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Really good, hard to put down. I liked this a lot more than Spells for Forgetting

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley, Delacorte Press, & Adrienne Young for an eARC of The Unmaking of June Farrow!

Adrienne Young has done it again! Her writing is so atmospheric & mesmerizing — I was sucked into June’s story from the start & NEEDED to know what would happen next! you get so much from this story that will keep you invested: magical realism, suspense, a mysterious “curse,” & a bit of romance.

I find it difficult to describe how much I enjoyed this book without spoiling it, so I’ll leave you with this — it’s emotional, mind-bending, & beautiful. June’s determination to understand/end her family’s curse while slowly realizing how complicated things truly are & trusting herself to make decisions that will not only impact herself, but those who mean the most to her, was all so well-written & made me feel ALL the emotions.

if you’re a fan of..

💫magical realism
💫suspense + mystery
💫family curse
💫small town
💫time travel
💫second chance romance
💫dual timeline

..I highly recommend this book!

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young is a captivating fusion of magical realism, mystery, and small-town charm. The story follows June Farrow, the last surviving member of the enigmatic Farrow family in a small mountain town in North Carolina, plagued by a centuries-old curse and a mysterious family history. June's journey begins when she starts experiencing signs of madness, leading her to unravel cryptic clues about her mother's decades-old disappearance. As she touches a mysterious red door that beckons her, she embarks on a journey through time, facing a complex web of revelations, a heart-wrenching romance, and challenging questions about family, identity, and sacrifice. While the final act may feel somewhat contrived, the story's mesmerizing prose, unexpected twists, and powerful themes make it an exceptional and unforgettable read, especially for those who enjoy second-chance romance, rich family history, magical realism, and small-town mysteries.

Thank you so much to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Adrienne Young has quickly become an auto buy, favorite author of mine. Her writing is so beautiful and magical and completely pulls me in. This book was whimsical and romantic and mysterious. And everything I wanted from this story.

This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year after falling head over heels for Spells For Forgetting. And it did not disappoint. This story is definitely not gonna be for everyone. It's slow and unexplained and more about the atmosphere and journey than the destination. But it's exactly what I want in this type of contemporary fantasy.

There is no explanation for the fantastical elements. No one looks too closely. It just is. And I LOVE that. I don't want details, I want to get lost in the fantasy of it all.

And the romance swept me off my feet. I wasn't expecting to get the same heart flutters in here that I do in traditional romances. But was in it. These two were soulmates.

I also really loved the reveals and pacing. I was always given just enough to keep me flipping the page. And the fantasy element itself, blew my mind. How authors can pull off big ideas like this never ceases to amaze me.

I can't wait for more from Adrienne Young. Her stories just fit my reading taste so perfectly. Beautiful writing, loose magic, romance, and slow character driven stories. I can't recommend this enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an ARC of The Unmaking of June Farrow!!

If I could use one word to describe this book it would be longing.

I couldn't exactly put my finger on it, but this book made me deeply emotional. Like I was tearing up for about 70% of this book. I think it was the intricately crafted relationships that made me so teary. Especially with June's relationship with Margaret, Eamon, and Annie. I thought I knew where this book was going plot wise. And then it turned completely on it's head and took me on an emotional journey. I loved every second of the book and June's POV. As soon as I finished, I just started openly weeping. I've always enjoyed Adrienne Young's YA books, but she truly flourishes writing in adult. Her previous book, Spells for Forgetting is one of my all time favorites, so I wasn't sure how this one was gonna stack up. But this completely blew my expectations out of the water.  And I love it even more that Spells For Forgetting.

This book makes me want to stand outside of a Barnes and Noble and tell every person that walks in to read this book. I cannot wait to read it again! The Unmaking of June Farrow is a uniquely spellbinding book that combines the family dynamics of a Alice Hoffman book and the magic/heart of a Makoto Shinkai film. I highly recommending picking this one up.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A big thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse Ballantine for the eARC! This one publishes tomorrow! 🎉

If you’re looking for a book with small-town vibes, atmospheric descriptions, and unforgettable characters, look no further. This untraditional second-chance romance is a perfect fall read.

I adored the descriptions of the setting. I felt like I was there, and I got swept away in it. I loved the characters - learning their motivations kept things interesting.

While I’m not saying too much because I believe this is a book you should go into as blindly as possible, I did struggle with the storyline. I needed more explanation to help me make the leaps that were required. I never could grasp what I needed to make it all make sense. Did this distract from the overall enjoyment for me? Maybe a little. However, I would read this one just for the way Young described the setting alone.

All in all, this is a great fall read to get swept up in.

Stop. I need an extended epilogue, NOW. This book had no business being so incredible!

As a NC native who works in the Blue Ridge mountains I have been a fan of Adrienne Young's writing for years. She is an auto-buy author and her talents range from YA to Adult and include a variety of themes, settings, and plots. However, one thing I can always truly predict is an immersive experience; The Unmaking of June Farrow is no different. Readers are swept away to the small mountain town of Jasper, NC where the Farrow women have built a successful flower farm. Each generation of Farrow women has been haunted by a centuries-old curse ensuring they lose who they love and are slowly driven to madness. When the protagonist, June, is in her mid-thirties she begins to see and hear things that are not quite there. Then right after she buries the grandmother who raised her, she receives a photograph and cryptic clues in the mail. This sets June on a quest for additional information about her mother's disappearance which peaks when June takes a fateful step through the door that randomly keeps appearing in a tobacco field. She lands in a different time and stumbles into a life she built for herself that she always dreamed was impossible. Now June must race to solve the mystery of her family's curse to save future generations of Farrow women from the curse and star-crossed love. This magical portal fantasy book is a journey of romance, mystery, and suspense. They are jaw-dropping twists and dangerous reminders of how communities fear women of magic/power, but there are also tender and aching moments of love, motherhood, friendship, and family. I didn't want the dream-like story to end!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballentine publishing, and PRH Aduio for my advanced digital and listener's copies. I read this book tandemly and the audiobook and narrator Brittany Pressley did a phenomenal job with both the Southern lilt and faint Irish accent for Eamon. Her emotive acting added depth to my reading experience.

5 stars out of 5 stars! I am so surprised to report that I was HOOKED! This book has time travel, something which I usually detest. I didn’t mind it in this book, as I was really intrigued with the storyline/plot. It’s complex but easy enough to follow. It was very unpredictable and I loved how I was constantly trying to guess what was to come. I have been in a reading slump from September and this was the perfect jaw-dropping fantasy/magical realism mystery read! Adrienne Young is now a favorite author, especially during October!

Thank you, NetGalley for the chance to read and review The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young. This is a book I will buy a physical copy for my shelves because I loved it so much!
This multigenerational story follows June Farrow, and the family curse she is determined to overcome. When June starts seeing things, she fears the same fate as her mom and grandmother. When June follows her vision's path, she is transported to an earlier time. where she has built another life. June must choose between staying in the past, or going back to the present.
What a great time-travel tale with romance, family drama and magic.
I loved it and am grateful for the chance to have read it!