Between The Pages | June 2025 Reading Round Up

If June decided to throw everything but the kitchen sink at us weather-wise – think epic storms, endless rain, and heatwaves that made me question what to do? What to do? – then my response was simple: staying indoors in the air conditioning with my dog and some books of books. June (and December) are my blog’s “quiet” months, but clearly, my reading habits didn’t get the memo! I was genuinely surprised when I tallied them up for this post, but I powered through eight incredible reads. Though being the coffee drinker that I am I still had my morning cuppa of coffee (or 3) but I did not have it in me to make a later in the day cuppa of Tea in the heat.

My stack included everything from breezy coastal adventures to a fantastical story with magical blackbirds and even a “riveting short story about an impossible connection across two centuries that could make the difference between peace or war.” These eight beauties were part of my #20BooksofSummer2025 challenge, hosted by Anabel of Anabookbel and Emma from Words And Peace. Honestly, I’m feeling so good about my progress that I’m bumping my goal from 10 to 15!

Ready to see my June haul?

The Guest House by the Sea by Faith Hogan (via Kindle Unlimited)

“The Guest House by the Sea” by Faith Hogan is a heartwarming and uplifting novel set in the charming Irish seaside village of Ballycove. The story revolves around Esme, an elderly woman who has run “The Willows” guest house for as long as anyone can remember.

As the summer season begins, Esme falls and is forced to take a backseat for the first time, her declining eyesight also making it difficult for her to oversee things as she once did. Despite her immobility, Esme, from her chair in the entry hall, keenly observes the new guests arriving, each with their own hopes, secrets, and challenges they’re looking to escape or hold onto.

The novel introduces a cast of diverse characters, including:

• Cora, a wife visiting indefinitely without her husband, grappling with an unhappy marriage.
• Niamh, a city professional, is facing a life-changing personal decision.
• Phyllie, an old friend of Esme’s, visiting with her son and grandson as her beloved husband, Kurt, slowly succumbs to dementia.

As these guests navigate their personal dilemmas amidst the healing power of the Irish sea air, Esme, with her quiet wisdom and well-timed interventions, offers a listening ear and subtle guidance. The book explores themes of love, friendship, second chances, and the courage it takes to make life-altering decisions, all woven together in a hopeful and emotionally resonant narrative.

Midnight at the Blackbird Café by  Heather Webber (via Kindle Unlimited)

“Midnight at the Blackbird Café” by Heather Webber is a charming and magical realism-infused novel set in the small, quirky town of Wicklow, Alabama.

The story begins when Anna Kate Callow returns to Wicklow to bury her beloved grandmother, Zee, who owned the famous Blackbird Café. Anna Kate, a pre-med student, intends for it to be a quick trip to settle the estate and sell the café, as stipulated in Zee’s will, which requires her to run it for two months before selling.

However, Wicklow is no ordinary town, and the Blackbird Café is no ordinary establishment. It’s renowned for its magical pies that are believed to allow those who eat them to receive messages in their dreams from deceased loved ones. Adding to the mystique, rare blackbirds descend on the town, particularly around the mulberry trees behind the café, and are thought to be messengers from the “Other world.”

As Anna Kate reluctantly takes over the café and tries to recreate her grandmother’s legendary recipes, she finds herself drawn into the eccentricities of the town and its residents. She also confronts a long-standing family secret: her mother, Eden, fled Wicklow years ago after a car accident that killed Anna Kate’s father, A.J. Linden, and led to a bitter feud with his family, particularly A.J.’s mother, Seelie. Anna Kate never knew her father or his side of the family, and her arrival stirs up old grudges and revelations.

The novel beautifully weaves together themes of grief, forgiveness, family ties, and finding your true home. Anna Kate must navigate the magical elements of the café, the complex history of her family, and her own identity as she grapples with the decision of whether to stay in Wicklow and embrace the magical legacy of the Blackbird Café or return to her planned life. It’s a heartwarming tale with a touch of Southern charm and a hint of the supernatural.

The Bookshop by the Bay By Pamela M. Kelley

“The Bookshop by the Bay” by Pamela M. Kelley is a heartwarming story about second chances, friendship, and family, set against the charming backdrop of Cape Cod.

The novel follows two lifelong best friends, Jess and Alison, both at pivotal points in their lives.

• Jess, a high-profile lawyer in Charleston, experiences a devastating blow when she discovers her husband has been cheating on her. Seeking refuge and a chance to regroup, she retreats with her thirty-year-old daughter, Caitlin, to her childhood home on Cape Cod. Caitlin herself is at a crossroads, having just lost her job and ended a relationship.
• Alison, who has stayed on Cape Cod, is also facing a career crisis. After twenty years as an editor for a local magazine, her job is becoming obsolete, leaving her searching for a new purpose.

When Alison learns that her beloved local bookstore, a place filled with cherished childhood memories for both friends, is up for sale, a long-held dream begins to take shape. With Jess’s support and a shared vision, they decide to buy and reopen “The Bookshop by the Bay,” along with its adjacent coffee shop.

As Jess and Alison, with the help of their daughters, embark on this new venture, they not only breathe new life into the charming bookstore but also open themselves up to new possibilities in their own lives.

The story explores themes of:

• Second chances: For careers, relationships, and personal happiness.
• Friendship: The enduring power of a lifelong bond between women.
• Mother-daughter relationships: The complexities and strengths of these dynamics as adult women navigate change.
• New beginnings: Finding purpose and joy after setbacks and disappointments.

It’s a comforting and inspiring “beach read” filled with descriptions of delicious food, the calming atmosphere of a seaside town, and the joy of rediscovering what truly matters.

Signal Moon: A Short Story by  Kate Quinn (via Kindle Unlimited)

“Signal Moon” by Kate Quinn is a captivating short story that blends historical fiction with a touch of science fiction, creating a unique and riveting narrative about an impossible connection across time.

The story is set in Yorkshire 1943 amidst the backdrop of World War II. Our protagonist is Lily Baines, a young debutante who has traded her social life for a crucial role as a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Her job involves the tedious but vital task of intercepting enemy naval communications and relaying them to Bletchley Park for decryption.

One night, while meticulously listening to static-filled radio frequencies, Lily picks up a transmission that is unlike anything she’s ever heard. It’s not code but a desperate cry for help. The voice belongs to Matt Jackson, a U.S. naval officer, whose ship is under heavy fire in the North Atlantic. What truly stuns Lily, however, is when Matt reveals the date: it’s 2023.

Thus begins an extraordinary eighty-year connection. Lily and Matt, separated by time, must find a way to help each other. Matt, from his perilous future, tries to convince Lily that the war she’s fighting can be won, offering a sliver of hope in her grim reality. In turn, Lily, with her knowledge of the past, attempts to guide Matt and help him stave off the disaster that awaits his ship in his own time.

As their connection through the airwaves deepens, a unique bond forms between them. They share moments of humor, fear, and a growing understanding, all while knowing that their inexplicable link could vanish at any moment. The story explores themes of fate, free will, the impact of small actions across time, and the enduring power of human connection, even against impossible odds. It’s a quick, emotionally resonant read that will leave you thinking about the possibilities of time and destiny.

Good as Gold (The Salt Sisters Book 4) by Katie Winters (via Kindle Unlimited)

“Good as Gold” by Katie Winters is the fourth book in “The Salt Sisters” series, a women’s fiction drama centered around family relationships, secrets, and new beginnings on Nantucket Island.

This installment focuses on Gale, who finds her life turned upside down when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. Seeking to rebuild and escape her shattered life, Gale decides to move in with her ailing mother, Evelyn, on Nantucket Island. She believes they need each other, as Evelyn’s health is failing.

However, soon after settling in, Gale uncovers a shocking secret: an old photograph of herself as a child, standing next to a mysterious little girl who looks exactly like her. This prompts a cascade of questions: Who is this girl? Is she a lost twin or another sister?

When Gale presses Evelyn for answers, her mother vehemently refuses to discuss it, adding a layer of painful mystery to an already difficult situation. Feeling betrayed and determined to uncover the truth, Gale leaves Evelyn’s home and embarks on a quest to learn the identity of the girl in the photograph, why she was kept a secret, and why Evelyn is so resistant to speaking her name.

Along her journey of self-discovery, Gale not only unearths long-buried family secrets and lies but also learns a great deal about herself, her mother, and her family’s past. She also finds an unexpected connection with a handsome Nantucket historian who helps her piece together the intricate puzzle of her family’s history.

“Good as Gold” explores themes of betrayal, the resilience of the human spirit, the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, and the transformative power of truth and new beginnings, all against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket.

There I Find Rest by Jessie Gussman (via Kindle Unlimited)

“There I Find Rest” by Jessie Gussman is the first book in the “Strawberry Sands Beach Romance” series. This sweet Christian romance follows the journey of Kim Tinsley, a woman seeking a fresh start and healing on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The story opens with Kim, a newly divorced woman in her forties, facing a series of personal crises. Her marriage has ended due to her husband’s infidelity, she’s grappling with the complex and often strained relationship with her adult daughter (who has left her childhood faith), and she’s recently lost her adoptive mother to cancer. To add another layer of complication, Kim discovers she’s pregnant – the result of a one-night stand with her ex-husband’s business partner, Davis.

Seeking refuge and a place to begin anew, Kim heads to the beachside cottage she inherited from her mother in the quiet town of Strawberry Sands. However, upon arrival, she discovers the cottage is already occupied by none other than Davis, who has rented it for the year. This unexpected reunion forces them to confront their shared past and the surprising new reality of their impending co-parenthood.

Davis, who has secretly harbored feelings for Kim and resented how his business partner treated her, is actively working to sever ties with his ex-partner. He sees this unexpected turn of events as a potential second chance with Kim. Despite Kim’s reluctance to trust another man after her painful divorce, especially one connected to her past, Davis is determined to prove his character and devotion.

As they navigate living nearby and the complexities of their unique situation, “There I Find Rest” explores themes of:

• Second chances: Both in life and in love, for individuals who have faced significant setbacks.
• Healing and forgiveness: Kim’s journey of overcoming betrayal and grief and learning to trust again.
• Family dynamics: The complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the search for belonging.
• Faith and redemption: As a Christian romance, faith plays a role in the characters’ personal journeys and decisions.
• New beginnings: Creating a new life and finding unexpected joy in an idyllic small-town setting.

It’s a story of emotional depth, slow-burn romance, and finding peace and purpose amidst life’s challenges.

A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle by  Liz Eeles: A feel good, laugh out loud romantic comedy (The Cosy Kettle series) (via Kindle Unlimited)

“A Summer Escape and Strawberry Cake at the Cosy Kettle” by Liz Eeles is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy and part of her “Cosy Kettle” series (though it can be read as a standalone).

The story centers on Flora, who finds her life in disarray after discovering her husband’s infidelity. Heartbroken and in need of a fresh start, she flees to the charming village of Honeyford, seeking solace in her beloved café, The Cosy Kettle. The café, known for its delectable cream teas and welcoming atmosphere, becomes her sanctuary.

Although she’s a newcomer to Honeyford, the close-knit community warmly welcomes her. She soon finds lodging with Luna, a local eccentric, in her picturesque Starlight Cottage, nestled amidst rolling green hills. It’s there that Flora encounters Luna’s handsome son, Daniel, a widower who lost his wife several years prior.

As Flora and Daniel spend time together, sharing walks through the blossom-scented woods and opening up to each other, a slow-burn romance begins to blossom. Flora finds herself forgetting her past heartbreak and discovering a passionate side to Daniel she hadn’t expected.

As Flora settles into her new life, she decides to host a baking competition for the village’s summer celebration, hoping to fully immerse herself in the community. However, Daniel’s mysterious silence and guarded nature lead Flora to wonder if he’s hiding secrets, making her question whether she can truly trust him. To complicate matters, the baking competition itself stirs up old rivalries among the villagers, leaving Flora feeling like she’s bitten off more than she can chew.

The novel explores themes of healing from heartbreak, finding new beginnings, the power of community, and the courage to open one’s heart to love again, all set against a backdrop of delicious baked goods and small-town charm.

The Enchanted Barn by Grace Livingston Hill

“The Enchanted Barn” by Grace Livingston Hill is a classic Christian romance novel that tells the heartwarming story of the Hollister family, who find themselves facing dire circumstances and a desperate need for a new home.

The family, led by the resourceful eldest daughter, Shirley Hollister, has just lost their father, and their mother is gravely ill. They are also about to be evicted from their current rented house, which is slated for demolition. With limited funds, Shirley is tasked with finding a suitable and affordable place for her ailing mother and four younger siblings.

After a frustrating search, Shirley, almost by chance, discovers a magnificent old stone barn in the countryside. It’s spacious and has a unique charm that captures her imagination. Despite its unconventional nature as a dwelling, Shirley sees its potential and, against all odds, manages to rent it for a surprisingly low price from its owner, Sydney Graham.

The novel then chronicles the Hollisters’ ingenious efforts to transform the dilapidated barn into a comfortable and beautiful home. This transformation isn’t just physical; it also symbolizes the family’s resilience, their strong faith, and their ability to create joy and beauty even in challenging times.

Sydney Graham, the owner of the barn, is a young man of high ideals who is deeply impressed by Shirley’s spirit, determination, and strong moral character. He becomes more than just a landlord, taking an active interest in the family’s well-being and secretly helping them in various ways. As Shirley and Sydney work together and interact, a tender romance slowly blossoms between them.

Adding elements of intrigue, Shirley also finds herself in a position to help Sydney with a business matter, even foiling a potential swindle against him. This strengthens their bond and reveals more of Sydney’s admirable character.

“The Enchanted Barn” is a story of hope, faith, and the power of love to overcome adversity. It highlights themes of family unity, the beauty of simple living, the rewards of hard work, and finding true happiness in unexpected places. Like many of Hill’s novels, it emphasizes strong Christian values and depicts a wholesome, inspiring romance.

So, that wraps up my June Reading Round Up! This month really highlighted how much comfort and escape a good book can offer, especially when life throws a few curveballs (and a lot of rain). Each of these eight stories offered something unique, from the magic of Blackbird Café to the timeless connections in Signal Moon. It was a perfect start to my #20BooksofSummer2025 challenge. I hope you found a title or two that sparks your interest! What’s on your summer reading list?

I’m partying with these Amazing Blog Hop | Link Up party hostesses! & #20BooksofSummer2025 challenge, hosted by Anabel of Anabookbel and Emma from Words And Peace.