Author: Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
Publisher:  Crown Publishing

I've always been intrigued by stories with a family mystery, searching a backstory or how an ancestor lived their lives. And June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore fits that perfectly.  The dual timeline aspect of relaying the story within a story makes it interesting, and it's as much Cassie's story as it is her grandmother, June's. From the very beginning, the lyrical prose of the family home, Two Oaks makes it dreamlike, with many fantasy moments, but it's not that kind of story. It's relaying emotions felt by a "home," not necessarily the actual house. And from there we are introduced to the characters in the novel, beginning with Cassie, then June and Lindie, and eventually those that make their appearance.  Rich in history of the 1950s Hollywood film-driven America versus small town life and throwing in the twists of life in general, June was beautifully written and a welcome read. A steady pace throughout may discourage some readers, but I urge readers to continue you, because the story reads well as a whole, and makes the various twists understandable.  Plus, only by following June and Cassie's story in its entirety will we truly understand the final revelation.  In all, despite the twists and turns, and the complexity of certain characters, the simple message of family, of living, of happiness, and mind as well throw in patience, manifested blatantly as you close on June.  If you like historical romance, Hollywood drama and a mystery of lives past, you'll find all that and more in June.