JUNE FAVORITES

JUNE 2025 FAVORITES

Halfway through the year and I already have around 60 favorites.  I know that seems like a lot, but I know what I like to read and don’t waste my time on the ones that aren’t for me; plus this is only about a third of my overall reads.  Not sure how I will narrow them down at the end of the year.  I suspect I will be ranking favorites by categories this year!

▪️The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King - While this one does have some pacing issues, I really enjoyed this mashup of historical fiction + magical realism.  It’s full of family secrets, Chinese history, coming-of-age, and dealing with a family member with dementia.

*** What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown - This author writes so effortlessly combing literary with mystery.  I enjoyed this coming-of-age mystery in remote MT + 90s Silicon Valley.

*** Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh - Whether it’s her traditionally published or indie published, CW always writes a winner.  Her stories, characters and joy spreading is something we need more of!  I adored Rosie and the curmudgeon Arthur.

*** Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild - Go.in.blind.  And report back!!!

*** King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby - Cosby’s gothic crime fiction is in a league of its own.  This one felt a little darker.

*** Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor - Focuses on Auntie Em and when orphaned Dorothy comes to live with her Aunt & Uncle.  Gaynor did justice to the Yellow Brick Road.

*** The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick - Erlick’s speculative fiction is so thought provoking.  My only quibble is I wanted this to be longer!

***The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau  by Kristin Harmel - Harmel does it again!  While it did take me a moment to settle into this story, I found it enjoyable from start to finish.

*** These Summer Storms by Sarah Maclean - Say hello to your favorite summer read!  If you like family dramas and rich people behaving badly, this one is for you!

***June in the Garden by Eleanor Wilde - June reminded me so much of Molly the Maid or Eleanor Oliphant.  When June looses her mother she must pivot and figure out her life and what’s next.  Excellent neurodivergent story.

▪️Atmosphere by TJR - My cruise sailed to and from the Space Coast so it felt right to read this one in FL.  I wanted more space than romance (I know, right!?) but this was great, especially the ending!

*** Have been reviewed. More to come.

❓What was your favorite book in June?