The setting: 1869, just before the Civil War. Junie, a 16-year old slave at the Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, is owned by the McQueen family. Junie, who blames herself for her sister Minnie's death is bereft since her passing and dreams of another life. She often roams the forest at night where she is confronted by her sister's ghost [throw in magic realism and "haunts"]. Junie's great pleasure is reading [many slaves did not know how] with her enslaver's daughter, Violet, who considers her a friend though in reality, she is her servant. Junie's family works in the kitchen and in other positions at the plantation, whose overlord is an overbearing drunk. Wealthy guests Beau Taylor [considered marriage material for Violet], and his sister, Bea upend life on the plantation when they come for a visit. Enter also the Taylors' coachman, Caleb, with whom Junie strikes up a friendship and then...

Junie is headstrong but powerless to control what is thrown her way--she is a slave! A story of family, brutality and the evils of slavery on the plantation, struggle, determination and bad men. Some folk-healing remedies. [there's more, but no spoilers from me].

Some phrases/descriptions I liked:
"...mistress walks in, surveying the roon like a bird of prey"
a portrait--"who looks like a toad that's been stepped on"
"...dance partner...carved from black marble..."

The story kept me engaged as I liked Junie and her story.

3.5 and rounding up but a weak 4.

Be sure to read the Author's Notes.

4 stars.*

I saw this title on a list of upcoming releases that should not be missed and was excited to get a chance to read an ARC.

Junie is the story of a 17 year old slave girl struggling with guilt over the responsibility she feels over the death of her sister as she faces the possibility of having to leave her lifelong home when the plantation owner's daughter whom she serves gets married. She develops a friendship with the slave of her madam's suitor and she begins to see her opportunities and obligations differently.

Much to my surprise there is a fantasy element to this book, but it didn't turn me off.

I loved the rich and vibrant writing even though the story is not for the faint of heart.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Junie is a stunning debut novel from Erin Crosby Eckstine that weaves a haunting tale of sisterly love, friendship, and the struggle for power on the eve of the Civil War. The story follows a young enslaved girl who awakens her sister's ghost, forcing her to navigate a life-altering decision amidst the looming conflict

The novel shines in its portrayal of Junie, the protagonist, who embodies fierce determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Her relationship with her sister's ghost forms the emotional core of the story, exploring themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds between sisters.

Junie is a powerful and haunting debut that marks Eckstine as a talented new voice in historical speculative fiction. Its exploration of sisterly love, friendship, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds makes it a must-read for fans of the genre. While the subject matter is heavy at times, the novel's emotional resonance and immersive storytelling make it a compelling read from start to finish.

*note* If the novel has a weakness, it is the weight of its subject matter. The themes of slavery, loss, and the constant threat of violence make for a heavy read at times. However, Eckstine handles these topics with care and nuance, never shying away from the harsh realities while also finding moments of beauty and hope.

Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Junie is a young salve girl who has encounters with her dead sister’s ghost. Minnie’s vision requires things of Junie when they meet in the “ in-between” in the forest. Junie is not much for careful work and escapes a lot to the woods to explore and be alone.

Otherwise, Junie is the maid and somewhat companion of Violet, the master’s daughter who has taught Junie to read. The rest of Junie’s family have their roles with the McQueens.

Young Violet is of marrying age now and is introduced to Beauregard Taylor, an eligible bachelor whose family would like to make a match with Violet’s. Junie meets Caleb, Beau’s stable boy, and a relationship begins.

The reader begins to understand Minnie ‘s demands of Junie and by the end, it all falls in place. While a kinder slave story than some, meanness is still front and foremost. Junie is constantly “curling to her knees,” a way overused expression used by the author. All in all I rate this story four stars.

This is a well conceived novel based on the history of the author's family. A slightly different look at slavery prior to the Civil War. Beautifully written.

Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine is a poignant and beautifully written historical fiction novel. The blend of historical accuracy with elements of magical realism creates a unique and immersive reading experience. Junie's journey to free her sister's soul is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

I found the book to be deeply moving, especially in how it portrays the relationships between characters and the harsh realities of slavery. The prose is richly detailed, making it easy to visualize the setting and feel the emotions of the characters.

I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, as well as those interested in stories about family, love, and liberation. It's a compelling read that offers both an insightful look into a dark period of history and a powerful tale of courage and hope.

In the realm of historical fiction, few narratives are as stirring and poignant as that of young enslaved individuals striving for freedom against overwhelming odds. Junie, authored by the talented writer Erin Crosby Eckstine, crafts a deeply moving story centered around a 16-year-old slave named Junie, whose indomitable spirit and relentless hope shine brightly even in the darkest circumstances.

Junie’s character is beautifully developed, embodying the resilience and strength that many young individuals must have in times of great adversity. As the story unfolds, we witness her love for her family, which ultimately complicates her desire for freedom. Eckstine skillfully explores the emotional conflict within Junie as she grapples with the agony of leaving her loved ones behind while yearning for a life where she can truly thrive.
This story did have a bit of magical realism as Junie communicates with her sister’s ghost throughout the story. I’m not usually into this kind of thing, but I thought it worked really well in the story and was a nice element.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and thought Eckstine did an excellent job of emotionally connecting us with Junie. I would recommend this book to others. 5/5 stars!

I was able to read an advance copy of this from Net Galley. The writing style is so beautiful, and the lives and development of the characters so rich and multifaceted. This had me crying by the end. Well worth the read.

Junie is a 16-year-old slave living on a plantation in Alabama in 1860, as the United States is on the brink of Civil War. As the book opens, we learn that Junie recently lost her older sister Minnie to a sudden and tragic fever, and is still grieving and coping with the loss, while also coming to terms with her understanding of her own life and her place in the world as a slave. She is also very close to Violet, the daughter of the landowners who own Junie, and with that, she has been given certain privileges that give her a rich inner life and imagination. The plot is primarily driven by the 3 quests Minnie's ghost gives to Junie and adds in the drama of a burgeoning romance for both Junie and Violet.
As the book moves forward, Junie eventually becomes wiser to the world as a slave and grows and develops as a character. The pacing was satisfactory, and as noted in the author's note at the end, the inspiration for this book was her own ancestor, added into the question of what life would have been like for a slave who wasn't horrifically mistreated. I think this book does a good job of presenting the little slights that were still taken in the name of slavery by white people, even when they felt they were "friends".
Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

This book is incredibly moving and impactful! Junie follows the story of a young enslaved girl in Alabama just before the Civil War. Junie serves as a maid to Violet, the daughter of the McQueen family, who own the plantation. Haunted by the recent death of her sister, Junie carries the heavy belief that she is responsible. But when her sister’s ghost appears with a mission for her, Junie is set on a path that will change everything.

Junie’s story is heart-wrenching; she’s a character whose strength and resilience make you root for her to find happiness and peace. This story serves as a poignant reminder of our country’s painful history and the enduring need for freedom and self-determination. It's historical fiction woven with a touch of the supernatural, and the combination brings a magical depth to the narrative. Junie is one of the strongest female characters I’ve ever encountered, and the historical note at the end makes her story even more profound—she’s based on the author’s own ancestor, adding an extra layer of authenticity and emotion.

For anyone who loves historical fiction with powerful characters, I can't recommend this book enough!

Set in Antebellum Alabama, this gripping novel follows 16 year old Junie, an enslaved girl whose life at Bellereine Plantation takes a supernatural turn after her sister's death. When her sister Minnie's spirit becomes tethered to the mortal world, Junie must find a way to set her free while grappling with her own desires for liberation.

Erin Crosby Eckstine blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, using Junie's poetic soul and nighttime forest wanderings to contrast with the harsh realities of plantation life. This thought-provoking story explores grief, family bonds, and the price of freedom, challenging readers to consider what we're willing to sacrifice for love and liberation. I could not put this book down. If you are interested in historical fiction with a supernatural twist read this book when it comes out on February 4th!

Thank you Erin Crosby Eckstine and Random House Publishing Books/Ballantine Books for a chance to read this amazing story.

HIGHLY recommend
5.0 stars

OH, MY! This debut novel by Erin Crosby Eckstine is so, so good! It is the first book that I have read about enslavement with the story of the enslaved people being THE STORY!! I got to learn about the enslaved family bonds, their thoughts and feelings, as well as, and the loss of autonomy by being "property".

This story will live with me for a very long time. There are many twists and turns including some supernatural aspects and mysteries.

Please note: this historical novel is loosely based on Erin's 3rd great-grandmother, Jane. I love that the author has honored her ancestor so beautifully! Additionally, the subject matter was deep and hard, but worth it so it took me a while to finish it!

Published/posted dates with links
• Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6766888543; posted 10/31/2024
• Books by Dorothea - https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2024/10/review-junie-ebook.html; posted 10/31/2024

“Junie” by Erin Crosby Eckstine is a historical fiction book. In the Author’s Note (which I strongly recommend readers read), Ms. Crosby Eckstine explains how this book came to be - and I think the notes give more depth to this book. What I liked about this book was that it didn’t shy away from the horrors of slavery (focusing mainly on those of the house) but it didn’t go into such deep description to turn off the reader. Many topics are touched upon - guilt, love, family bonds, relationships - along with a dash of supernatural. I felt this was an okay book - at times the pacing was very slow and at other times (such as near the end) things seemed to race to a conclusion. I also didn’t feel like any of the characters changed/grew during this book - which was a bit disappointing. I think that the author did justice to her family in writing this story as it’s a good one, but I also feel like an editor needs to remove some of the descriptive sentences.

As a lover of historical fiction, was immediately drawn into Junie's story from the beginning to end. Junie captures a wide range of emotions, which to me, is a sign of a great storyteller. I was initially a little thrown off by the inclusion of the supernatural, however, the author did a great job of weaving the character into the story that felt natural and necessary.
There were some parts and language of the story I felt did not fit the pre Civil War era, but not significant enough to take away from the overall story.
All in all, this was a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre.
The best part of the book to me was the author's note. I normally do not read the author's note but I was intrigued to learn the author's inspiration for writing this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. I would describe it as magical realism with Junie's dead sister coming back to see her in the year after her death and trying to get her to complete 3 tasks. The brutality of slaveowners is no surprise, but it still leaves me feeling upset. Junie's spirit is admirable as she endures and tries to make her own decisions against everyone telling her what to do.

I thought this was a poignantly written historical fiction book with very strong and likable characters. I will definitely keep a lookout for this author's subsequent books.

Junie is a young girl conflicted about the life changing decisions she is facing. She knows there is more to life out there for her than what she is currently living but is not sure which path is the right one. Her ghostly sister is trying to help guide her along the way. I like how Erin Crosby Eckstine blended in a supernatural aspect without it overpowering the rest of the story. There is so much heartache in this book and Junie is a wonderfully strong character. I feel like this could be a series. I would love to know what happens to Junie next. Thanks you @NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC. I am grateful to be chosen to read this book ahead of its release date.

The story of Julie, a dark-skinned maid to the plantation owner’s daughter is fascinating. The view of slavery at the time, laced with magic and spirits, family ties, and the cruelty of slavery are all tied up in this story. Very well done.

Erin Crosby Eckstine’s Junie tells the story of pivotal year in the life of the title character during the two years leading up to the Civil War. We learn that Junie’s sister died after saving Junie from drowning. Then Junie starts seeing a golden aura of Minnie at the edge of the river in the forest. Minnie tells Junie that she is caught at the In Between and needs Junie to help her move on by completing three tasks. These tasks aren’t easy and make Junie question if her carefree self is strong enough to do them.

Eckstine paints a portrait of plantation life in the Deep South, along with the cruelty and abuse that happened to the slaves who knew no other life than what they lived. Junie has a supporting cast of characters (Violet, Caleb, Bess, Muh, and Granddaddy to name a few) that help define Junie for who she was developing into: determined, maturing, loving, family oriented, and forgiving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House- Ballantine Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on February 3, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #Junie #ErinCrosbyEckstine #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks

The book starts out a little slow, and Junie was not the most likeable character despite what she was born into and the hardships of being a slave. Because she was based on a real character from the author's personal history, I wanted to like her more. It just took me such a long time to get into her as a the main character in the book because I feel like she kept making decisions that put others at risk of reprisal. In fact, by the end - no spoilers here - things came full circle because she again made rash decisions that impacted those around her in a negative way. If you love someone, sometimes you make sacrifices; and I just never felt like she understood that. Not to take away from the real character the book is based on and what she had to endure, And not to take away from the slave narrative, because slavery in the South was brutal. Much of the book, I found myself rooting for those around her, including Violet, more than Junie. Even her run ins with her sister made me frustrated, because she kept ignoring Minnie. Now, the ghost could have gone either way - good or bad - and some of the things that the ghost pushed on Junie definitely tended to validate Junie acting for herself and not others. And maybe that's the point: that slavery made people forget about the ones they love in order to get free and get their lives back on their own terms.

Ok, but the book is actually well written and enjoyable. It moves well enough, although maybe a bit of padding especially at the start that I could have done without. I also dove into it when I was perhaps less into historical fiction. I find I got though cycles with my reading tastes, and I have been setting aside historical fictions for other genres and this one landed right when I had gone on a no historical fiction kick. So, I probably needed it to be stronger to really make me say "wow, this was awesome.."

That being said, it's a good read about a young girl coming of age and learning to fight for herself in some pretty awful circumstances. If you like historical fiction set around the Civil War and/or slave narratives, this will appeal.