firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

i’ve really enjoyed the time-travel concept in books lately, and the in-between bookstore uses time travel to allow our mc to see himself as a young adult.

while i didn’t really enjoy the writing, the narrator did an excellent job!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this ARC.

When Darby loses his job before his thirtieth birthday, he leaves New York and goes back to his hometown to help his mother move. There he revisits his childhood friend and memories and his teenage self while he is trying to figure out what’s next.

It is an engaging story. There are challenges and setbacks that made me read through the whole book.

The audio narrator is good but I am not sure if Darby is always angry and nagging or it’s the audio narration.

For me Darby’s anger and nagging is a let down. I don’t expect someone who has lost his job to be bubbly and happy, but so much self pity and wallowing is not fun to read.

Darby’s immaturity and vagueness of his problems leads to no resolution. With no resolution and no real progress, this is not a self discovery.

Darby is mostly trying to control his teenage self, and nudge them to make decisions the way that suits his current situation.

I didn’t feel love or friendship between Darby and Michael either.

I enjoyed the mother character, she is fun.

I was lucky enough to get both a physical arc and the audio which is literally my most favourite way to read an arc. The flip flopping between audio and physical allows me to get through a lot of books and when Im completely vested, I don't have to stop even if I'm on my many "uber" driving tasks of being a parent too.

The book and narrator have different stars from me. I found the book a bit long which is bizarre since it's actually less than 300 pages. It just felt slow for me. I enjoyed the storyline, the voices and the magical realism but I struggled at times to stay interested.

But this is where the audio helped push me to the end. I enjoyed the narrator so much more. I could speed up the voices and find myself a bit more interested in what Darby was going to discover as he took a braver risk.

A solid like for me for the book
a love for the narrator for a magical realism type book

Thank you to HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for sending me an audio ARC of the In-Between Bookstore in exchange for review.

3 stars

This book felt more like I was watching a movie than any other book I’ve read or listened to. It had the conflict, mystery, while maintaining a very calming slice of life vibe.

We follow our main character who is feeling defeated with their career, life, and location. Which the way it’s written feels relatable to be exhausted by New York even though I’ve never been there.

I love the heavy queer representation within this as well. Everyone’s gay! Just the way I like it lol.
The narrator also made the story feel incredibly genuine.

The ending made me a little sad but it was also very satisfying how realistic it was — I’ll keep this spoiler free but two weeks is too soon and I’m glad someone has a grounded head!

Thank you for this! It was very peaceful and heartwarming

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the ARC. Writing kind of reminded me of TJ Klune. Was a bit lack luster at the end. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

The In-Between Bookstore promises a blend of magical realism and heartfelt self-discovery but falls short in its execution. The premise of Darby returning to his small hometown and encountering a literal reflection of his past self in a mysterious, time-frozen bookstore is intriguing. However, the novel leans heavily into literary fiction territory, with the fantastical elements taking a backseat—a misstep given its misleading categorization as fantasy.

Darby, a trans man grappling with a quarter-life crisis after losing his job just before turning 30, serves as the novel’s focal point. His journey of self-discovery explores meaningful themes like identity, self-acceptance, and the impact of past choices. Unfortunately, Darby’s self-centeredness and his tendency to dismiss or mistreat those who care about him make him a frustrating protagonist. While flawed characters can be compelling, Darby’s inability to think beyond his own struggles undermines the emotional depth of the story.

Though the book offers valuable representation and a poignant message about facing the past to create a better future, it’s hard to root for Darby when his growth comes at the expense of those around him. Fans of reflective literary fiction may find resonance here, but readers expecting a stronger fantasy or magical realism thread might leave disappointed.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

This was a fairly feel good story about feeling like you don’t fit in anywhere at all. I usually enjoy small town stories and stories about book stores and this was no different. I don’t love the misunderstanding trope but this particular instance wasn’t as bad as others have been. I was kind of annoyed with the main character for not understanding at 30 years old that queer people are absolutely everywhere, not just in big cities. I expect better from a queer trans author in that regard. Overall this was a solid read and I enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review

I absolutely loved this. I’m not usually a fan of miscommunication, but it felt right here. Some people may not like the ending but I felt like it was the nice little bow that it needed.

I read some of the other reviews while reading this book. So many people complained about the ending I thought Darby died or something horrific like that. Kind of a spoiler but not really, he does not die. Their frustration with the ending seems overblown.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. Darby and Michael really touched me. Darby's quest to find himself and figure out his place in this world was so relatable. I found the ending very sweet and hopeful. It left me content and satisfied.

As for the narration, I didn't like it at first. It felt like the voices didn't fit the characters. It kept taking me out of the story. But, for whatever reason, the narration clicked about the time Darby reached Illinois and it wasn't an issue after that. This makes me think the issue I had with it at the beginning was more a 'me' problem versus a problem with the actual narrator. I ended up giving the book 4 stars and would read gladly read more books by this author/narrator!

This one overall reminds me a little of The Midnight Library, with the way life branches based on choices.

Darby grew up in a small down and didn't know how to find a space for himself in that smallness as he discovered and explored being trans. Instead he found room to grow and people to surround himself with in New York where he attended college and found a job. However a job loss and his mom's planned move takes him back to his small town and he discovers how much he missed as a teen wrapped up in his own struggles.

Slightly spoilery - I'm not a huge fan of the ending for this, but I think that's the point - life isn't all perfection. Still a pretty fun read and relatable as someone also from a small town (much smaller than Oak Falls) in Illinois.

This book sounded so interesting, but for some reason could not get into it. Something about the main characters didn't speak to me. With that said I think certain people will adore this book.

This was an unexpected gem. In a nutshell: the main character who identifies as trans goes back to his hometown to help his mom move and visits a bookstore that sends him back in time. He is only sent back when he's in the bookstore and he converses with his younger self who has not yet transitioned nor realizes he's queer.

I really liked the time travel in here because it was limited. It wasn't a Groundhog Day time loop and there weren't going to be any repercussions or impacts in the future because Darby was meeting himself and didn't tell his younger self who he was. I also liked that the time travel was used as a lesson of sorts to figure out what happened with Michael in high school and using that to inform the choices he'll make in the future.

This also doesn't end with the neat little bow that you'd expect. I appreciated that both Darby and Michael matured and figured out who they were as individuals, which is evident in the choices they each make about where they want to be and who they want to be with.

This also was a good audiobook to listen to also - engaging narrator with fluid pacing. Enjoyed this one all around.

3.5 ⭐️ The MC in the story, Darby, is a trans man in his late 20s who just lost his job in NYC and decides to move back to his small hometown in Illinois. Once he’s home he walks into the bookstore where he used to work at as a teen and is literally transported back in time. It’s there that he has the unique opportunity to interact with his 17 year old self two weeks before his moves to NYC. Throughout the book Darby is forced to reflect on his past prior to his transition as he tries to find out how he and his former best friend Michael had a falling out.

Overall I enjoyed the LGBTQIA aspect, the time travel and moving back to your hometown. I liked the concept of self discovery and reflecting on choices made with the possibility of second chances with underlining message - be true to yourself. It was a quick read and unique plot although the ending might be hit or miss depending on what you thought was more important in the story, romance or self discovery.

I loved Darbys mom and how accepting she is. My favorite part was when she called Girl Scout cookies, sexless cookies as her way of showing her support for her son. 🤣

*NOTE: I had the opportunity to experience the audiobook as an ARC (advanced reader copy) through NetGallery, and I’m grateful to the publisher for providing it. This review reflects my honest opinion.

So, where do I even begin?

I really wanted to love this book. The premise sounded fantastic, and it seemed incredibly promising. The concept reminded me of some of my favorite "bookish" books (I know that sounds a bit funny) like "The Cat Who Saved Books", "Almond", "Days at the Morisaki Bookshop", "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" (this one is about time travelling), and "Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop". These are the types of stories I gravitate toward, and I thought this one would be right up my alley.

But I was wrong.

So, the plot. The novel follows a trans young adult (he is almost in his 30´s I believe) living in New York City with his queer friends. For various reasons, he decides to temporarily return to his hometown in Illinois and help her mom pack up everything in their house so she can move to a smaller condo. While there, he visits the local bookstore where he once worked as a teenager. Through a strange twist of fate (or maybe the bookstore’s magic), he encounters his teenage self—pre-transition. The two versions of him get to interact, understand one another better and help each other navigate self-acceptance, life choices and personal growth.

On paper, this sounds like a heartwarming, thoughtful story that touches on important issues. It promises great queer representation and positive messages about being true to oneself, and it has the potential to be a deeply moving narrative. But unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark.

Let’s start with the pacing. The rhythm of the book is all over the place. Some scenes rush by while others drag on for far too long. There are entire chapters that feel unnecessary, contributing little to the overall story and could easily be skipped without any impact on the plot. This inconsistent pacing made the reading experience feel disjointed.

Another issue is the characterization. The protagonist, while well-meaning, is unidimensional and annoying. He constantly repeats the same thoughts about himself throughout the book. For example, whenever his mother is mentioned, he says something like, “I didn’t know my mom was working on this project, but I haven’t called her in months” or “I didn’t know my mom was planning to move, but I barely call her once a year.” This kind of repetition happens in almost every chapter, which makes it feel less like a fully realized character and more like a character stuck in a loop.

When it comes to the other characters, the mother is the only one who feels well developed and like a real person. Everyone else is merely a token, filling a specific role in a particular scene before fading into the background to be forgotten. I wish we got to see more of them.

The overall structure of the story felt more like an unpolished draft than a finished product. It seemed as though the book was rushed to publication, perhaps in an attempt to capitalize on the current cultural conversation around queer identity, which, although probably well-intentioned, gave the book a sense of being hurried and incomplete.

Ultimately, I had high hopes for this story, but the execution fell short. The concept is intriguing and the representation of queer identities is commendable, but the storytelling doesn’t do justice to the potential of the idea. If you’re looking for a meaningful, heartwarming tale about self-discovery, there are better options out there.

Sadly, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this one. Great premise, but poor execution.

3.75 stars

As an incoming superfan of Underhill's YA novels, I was very excited to read this adult debut. While I enjoyed the premise and various motifs, it did not knock my socks off with the same power as previous works.

Darby, the m.c., is a NY resident and has recently found himself unemployed. This latter circumstance, along with his mother's impending move, serve as the impetus for him to return to his midwestern hometown and face some potential discomfort.

While Darby finds a great deal of nostalgia and familiarity in his hometown, one of the most surprising connections he discovers is at the location of his teenage employment: the titular bookstore. This place creates a kind of sliding doors opportunity wherein Darby can actually interact with his teenage self and other relics - and relationships - of the period.

I was much more interested in Darby's identity-based interactions with his younger self than on his relationships with others, and I found myself a little too noticeably more or less engaged depending on the focus at the time. Additionally, while I really loved the concept of the bookstore as a sliding doors style portal, I really wanted a different final outcome.

As noted, I was an incoming fan of this author, and I remain that way after finishing this most recent effort. I am looking forward to more Underhill undertakings!

I absolutely loved this book. It was cute and emotional. It really touched on some great topics. I loved the idea of the underlying questions of if you could go back and give advice to your past self would you? What would you say and do differently? This was a celebration of finding yourself and accepting your choices made in life.

I really did struggle with the correct rating for this one, because the first half of this book was SO promising. It's the second half that just fell flat and left me feeling... empty. Which is a serious shame, because Edward Underhill's first two books were some of my favorite releases in recent years! As his first adult releases, I had high hopes for "The In-Between Bookstore" as well! It seemed to have all of the pieces I'd want to create the perfect story, but something was just sadly lacking.

After finding himself unemployed and about to be priced out of his tiny New York City apartment, Darby decides the best course of action is to return home to Oak Falls, Illinois to lick his wounds and figure out his next steps. His mother preparing to move out of the family home is the perfect excuse. But Oak Falls isn't the same as he left it; new shops line the Main Street and there's a small but thriving queer community, including a former friend named Michael who Darby lost touch with after a falling out years ago. Lost and looking for purpose, Darby stumbles into In Between Books, his one-time refuge from the rest of the town and the place where he worked during most of his high school life. Except... In Between Books looks exactly the same as it did back in 2009. And the kid behind the counter looks an awful lot like 2009 Darby. This might just be his chance to fix a mistake from his past, if he can figure out what those mistakes are.

I really did like a lot of this. As a queer person growing up in a tiny rural town, the story of Darby's life in Oak Hill hit me hard - as did his eventual realization that not every rural town stagnates; that they grow and change and can become the pockets of community we make them. The overall plot, of the "wormhole" to 2009 in the bookstore, was also a lot of fun! I would have loved so much more of an explanation for why it was happening, or even some sort of conclusive statement that there was any point to his ability to travel back in time or not.
His friends in New York City were all so fun, which made it frustrating to watch him make the repeated mistake of pulling away from them. And then the whole mystery over his falling out with Michael had a disappointing conclusion. Yes, I absolute believe two teenagers would have a friendship-ending argument over these things, but Darby's continuous lack of communication was just so frustrating. And while I know this book wasn't a romance, the ending was... honestly? A bit of a downer. I think any sort of follow-through on the potential of other timelines would have boosted this up a star or more for me (even a short aside chapter would have been lovely!). Instead, I just leave the book feeling more melancholy than anything else.
And maybe this is more nitpicky than anything, but I don't know why this needed the "adult" labeling except that the characters were in their late-20s/early-30s. It read more like an upper-YA novel, which is absolutely okay, but not what I was expecting going in!

(Which has no bearing on Shaan Dasani as narrator. He was lovely and brought so much warmth and life to these characters, and I always love to see trans stories read by trans narrators!)

The In-Between Library is a heartfelt and bittersweet story about self-discovery and second chances. I especially enjoyed Darby’s opportunity to connect with his younger self and how it created a dynamic where both versions of Darby learn and grow from each other.

The In-Between Library is a sweet story that will continue to stay with you even after you've finished reading. It is a perfect read for those who appreciate emotional storytelling with just a touch of magic.✨️

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperAudio, for the ARC of this audiobook!

Title: The In-Between Bookstore
Author: Edward Underhill
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Shaan Dasani
Publisher: Harper Audio Adult/Harper Audio
Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 272

I love bookstores and I like time travel stories plus this story starts on August 12 – my birthday- I was sure this was going to be a winner.
When Darby, a Trans man loses his job as the company folded, he return to his hometown was he walks into the bookstore where that he worked when he was in high school -he is immediately transported to 2009 and meets his teenage self.

Although a quick read it did slowdown in parts.
Don’t mean for this to be a spoiler – there is mention of making decisions and being curious ‘what if’ you chose the other option. In this case, I would have liked this story if it had also have gone down that route.

Want to thank NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult/Harper Audio for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 14, 2025.

This was a great book that dealt with trans identity, which I don't know much about, and adolescent angst, which I recall vividly. There's that age-old question we like to pontificate, if you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say? Here, our main character has that exact opportunity, so he chooses to help ease his younger self into the idea of being trans, while also trying to find out why his best friend stopped talking to him in an attempt to try to repair that divide. It's really lovely, gave me a lot to think about. This would make a great book club book because I think it would spark a lot of introspection and inspire discussions about the things in our lives we wish we'd done differently, as well as empathy and generosity toward our younger selves.