June: A Novel by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet comes a novel of suspense and passion about a terrible mistake made sixty years ago that threatens to change a modern family forever. 

Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Danvers is holed up in her family’s crumbling mansion in rural St. Jude, Ohio, mourning the loss of the woman who raised her—her grandmother, June. But a knock on the door forces her out of isolation. Cassie has been named the sole heir to legendary matinee idol Jack Montgomery’s vast fortune. How did Jack Montgomery know her name? Could he have crossed paths with her grandmother all those years ago? What other shocking secrets could June’s once-stately mansion hold?

Soon Jack’s famous daughters come knocking, determined to wrestle Cassie away from the inheritance they feel is their due. Together, they all come to discover the true reasons for June’s silence about that long-ago summer, when Hollywood came to town, and June and Jack’s lives were forever altered by murder, blackmail, and betrayal. As this page-turner shifts deftly between the past and present, Cassie and her guests will be forced to reexamine their legacies, their definition of family, and what it truly means to love someone, steadfastly, across the ages.

my thoughts:

Talk about the perfect book to settle down with on a rainy weekend.  I grabbed a cuppa, something sweet, and June.  As the thunder howled and the raindrops poured, I found myself surrounded by the perfect atmosphere for this story that has a bit of a Gothic feel to it.

Set in St. Jude, Ohio, this book takes place in 1955 and 2015. The past introduces us to best friends, June and Lindie, and tells the story of what happened when Hollywood paid their small town a visit.  In 2015, we have Cassie, June's granddaughter, who is now living in the crumbling, old mansion she inherited after learning her grandmother had been battling cancer.  Grief-stricken, she finds herself trying to figure out what to do with her new house and dreaming about her grandmother.  And then, a knock at the door presents itself as the answer to her dreams (or her house's dreams).  Turns out she's the granddaughter of a famous actor (Jack Montgomery) and has just inherited millions of dollars. Say what? Yep, looks like her grandmother and Jack may have had quite a history together all those years ago when he visited St. Jude.  Hmm....except her good fortune comes with one big problem - Jack's daughter Tate is contesting his will.  She wants DNA proof that Cassie is related to her dad.  And that is where the DRAMA begins.  Mysteries unravel, the past is uncovered, and secrets are revealed. Talk about one fascinating book!  I just loved getting to know June and Lindie ( my favorite character ), along with Cassie.  I loved going back and forth between the past and present - especially, the past.  Oh, and the house - lets just say that these walls can talk.

June is a terrific historical fiction novel filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Its truly an unputdownable read. And I would happily recommend it to fans of women's fiction and anyone looking for a great new read - you will LOVE this book!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: June

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!