Time travel is a book category I hold close to my heart. There’s something in stories that intertwine love and the bending of time that truly tugs at the deepest corners of my nostalgic soul. Its wistful, aching, magical– the kind of longing that makes anything feel possible.
The ache of love that transcends decades and the beauty of moments caught inbetween what was and what will be is so intoxicating. It reminds me that romance is never just about the present; it’s about memories, second chances, and the ways your heart can remember even when years try to erase it all.
Sure, I could have spent June diving back into Outlander in its entirety (and believe me, I seriously considered it). But instead, I let myself wander elsewhere, chasing other stories where both time and souls bend and twist with every impossible, beautiful moment.
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Here’s what I read in June:
The Guest List
by Lucy Foley
Why I Picked It:
Another spontaneous recommendation from my bookish neighbor! I thought May was ending and I could sneak in an off-theme book before June…but no. Perfectly unplanned, and completely unforgettable.
My Thoughts:
I devoured it. From page one to the last, I couldn’t stop turning pages the night I was handed this book. My neighbor warned me she gasped so loudly she woke her husband, and honestly, same. Told in broken time, full of twists you never see coming. Five stars.
Wrong Place Wrong Time
by Gillian McAllister
Why I Picked It:
It fit my May TBR theme, gave me a Goodreads achievement, plus my bestie had already read it and recommended it.
My Thoughts:
A solid four-star read! At times, it dragged, and a slightly shorter version could have delivered the same punch. Still, the tension and suspense kept me invested.
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
Why I Picked It:
A library of alternate lives? Sign me up for that library card.
My Thoughts:
Comforting, hopeful, and quietly heartbreaking all at once. The writing is simple yet the message is so profound. The exploration of regret, choices, and the roads not taken make you think deeply about life. Five stars.
Before The Coffee Gets Cold
by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Why I Picked It:
A cozy, magical story about time travel in a café. TikTok was raving, so I picked it up immediately.
My Thoughts:
I was disappointed, to say the least. I can’t recommend it. Two stars.
The Time Travelers Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger
Why I Picked It:
I wanted to revisit this classic that I hadn’t read in YEARS.
My Thoughts:
Some books hit differently as life changes, and this one certainly did. The love story felt even more heartbreaking and enduring, and the narrative jumps still mesmerized me, even knowing the plot inside and out. There was so much more to this story that I can see now.
One Italian Summer
by Rebecca Serle
Why I Picked It:
I loved Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years, so I had to try another one of her books!
My Thoughts:
This had such a promising premise, but the rushed ending and missed emotional depth left me so disappointed. When I started this book I thought, “I have to buy this for my mom,” and when I finished I was so happy not to have rushed into that purchase. 3 stars.
The Halloween Tree
by Ray Bradbury
Why I Picked It:
A Halloween-themed time travel story? I was sold. Goodreads reviews made me dive in immediately.
My Thoughts:
Such a fun read! The audiobook adds a whole new layer. Quick, thrilling, and perfect for a spooky October mood (even though I read it in June). Five stars!
The In-Between Bookstore
by Edward Underhill
Why I Picked It:
It counted as a Goodreads challenge and finding Goodreads challenge books that fit my monthly theme can sometimes be daunting.
My Thoughts:
I honestly don’t think anything happened in this book. My average rating on Goodreads is a 4.5 stars so I am a very generous reader — as long as I enjoy it I rate it high! This book, 2 stars. Boring, to say the least.
The Unmaking of June Farrow
by Adrienne Young
Why I Picked It:
Romance, mystery, time travel. All my favorite things, YES please.
My Thoughts:
I honestly saved the BEST for last with this one. This is truly a story I will never forget. It was beautiful and left me aching for more anytime I had to close the book. 5 stars. I already want to reread it.
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