Special thanks to the author & @ballantinebooks @randomhouse for my gifted copy‼️

This book was so good Junie is a compelling historical fiction novel that follows a 16 year old enslaved girl born on the Bellereine Plantation in Alabama. After the sudden death of her sister Minnie, Junie is burdened with grief and can’t shake the thought of her sister dying or feeling as though it were her fault. When Junie learns that she could be torn from her family one night she does the unthinkable raising Minnie’s spirit from the dead. Doing so would soon reveal dark secrets harboring Bellereine forcing Junie to take matters into her own hands. 

Junie was such a strong character but so stubborn and rebellious at times. If she was told not to do something she had her mind made up to do it anyway. Miscommunication and withholding information was the cause of Junie’s strained relationship with Minnie. I loved Caleb’s character and the wisdom he tried dropping on Junie about her role in Violet’s life. Funny how Violet turned out to be exactly who I thought she was. Junie giving her a taste of her own medicine was priceless and unexpected. And Mrs. McQueen that woman was so slick and evil . . .

Overall, I enjoyed this book‼️ I especially loved how the author incorporated the magical realism elements, it was perfectly executed. It also didn’t take long for me to connect with the characters. The pacing was perfect and the writing was so layered and immersive. If this isn’t on your TBR I highly recommend you add it.