What I Read in June 2025

This June was a surprisingly good reading month! I finished five books, all with totally different vibes. Some cozy, some heartwarming, and a couple that got pretty emotional. Honestly, with everything going on in my life, I wasn’t expecting to get much reading done. But I somehow squeezed in quiet moments to just sit down with a book. And with that, I’ve now hit 13 out of 25 books for my 2025 reading goal, and I’m excited to keep the momentum going.

Having a Kindle has definitely helped, too. It’s been a month since I got it, and I’m loving it so far! It’s lightweight, easy to carry around, and perfect for squeezing in a few pages anytime. I might do a review soon because it’s seriously been a game-changer.

Here’s a quick recap of everything I read, along with my thoughts and ratings:

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

This quiet, heartwarming novel follows Yeongju, a woman in her thirties who walks away from her high-pressure corporate life and conventional marriage to finally chase her dream: opening a bookshop in the Hyunam-dong neighborhood

Yeongju’s bookshop quickly becomes a refuge for people burnout by societal expectations. From a barista struggling with family pressure to a writer searching for meaning, each visitor adds a layer to the story as they find healing through books and a sense of community .

The pacing is slow in the best way. It gives you space to breathe and really sit with the characters. It honestly felt like a warm hug. I loved how reflective and comforting it was. It’s one of those books that gently reminds you to slow down and find joy in the small, ordinary parts of life. See some of my annotations here.

I’d recommend this to everyone, especially if you’re in a season of change or thinking about starting something new or different. This book came at the right time for me, and it might for you, too.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s writing always hits the right notes; beautiful, heartfelt, and filled with sharp, honest moments. This one had everything I usually love from her: emotion, clever dialogue, and an undercurrent of healing and hope.

I would have given this a full 5 stars, but I didn’t feel fully connected to the main characters. Their love story felt like it belonged in a different book. I found myself more drawn to Margaret and her emotional journey, and I wished the story focused more deeply on her.

That said, I still really enjoyed the read. Emily Henry knows how to write about love and life in a way that feels real. If you like emotionally layered stories with great writing, this is still worth picking up.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

I had high hopes for this one. It’s set in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s famous book district, filled with secondhand bookstores and literary charm, basically a dream setting if you love books.

The atmosphere was cozy and nostalgic, and I appreciated the quiet, reflective tone of the story. But the plot itself didn’t fully pull me in. I was hoping for a bit more emotional depth or a stronger connection to the main character’s journey.

There’s actually a second book in the series, and I’m still deciding if I want to continue. I’m curious to see if it gives more space for the characters to grow, so maybe I’ll give it a try soon.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster

A rom-com set in New York City, following Elle, a screenwriter with writer’s block, and Parker, her billionaire neighbor-turned-fake-boyfriend. It had all the right elements for a good summer read; city vibes, fake dating, enemies to lovers, a touch of spice. But something about it didn’t fully click for me. The characters weren’t very relatable. I liked the setting and the concept, but I wish there was more emotional depth or character growth, especially from Elle.

This is Alex Aster’s first romance, and I can see the potential in her storytelling. I’m still looking forward to what she writes next in this genre, hopefully with more heart and characters I can really connect with.

Flawless by Elsie Silver (Chestnut Springs Series)

I started this book with my friend, Zally. We had been talking about wanting to read Elsie Silver’s books for a while and finally decided to start with the Chestnut Springs series and Flawless did not disappoint.

It’s a small-town cowboy romance that follows Rhett, a professional bull rider with a reputation problem, and Summer, the PR rep hired to manage the fallout. Their dynamic is pure tension at first, but as they’re forced to spend more time together, it slowly unravels into a heartfelt, chemistry-filled connection.

If you think this is just another spicy romance with no real plot, you’re mistaken. There’s an unexpected twist partway through that adds way more depth than I expected. The emotional payoff, character growth, and even the family moments made this more than just a fun, spicy read.

I’m so excited to continue with the rest of the Chestnut Springs series. If the other books are anything like this, I know I’m in for a treat.

And that wraps up everything I read in June! I also started The Silent Patient, but ended up DNF-ing it for now. I still plan to pick it back up in the next couple of days when I’m in the right mood for some thriller. I’ve also been slowly reading The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom, and it already feels like a favorite. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’ve been taking my time with it.

If you’ve read any of these or have recommendations, feel free to leave a comment or message me. I always love hearing what others are reading.

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