Book Review: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
When I first picked up Seven Days in June, I was immediately drawn in by its vibrant cover and the intriguing premise—a second chance at love between two writers, one a best-selling erotica author and the other a reclusive novelist. Tia Williams has a remarkable knack for storytelling, and I was ready to dive into this tale of passion, trauma, and self-discovery. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would resonate with my soul in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
At its heart, Seven Days in June is a story of resilience and the complexities of love, especially when marred by the shadows of the past. Eva Mercy and Shane Hall are not just characters on pages; they are reflections of our shared human experiences—broken yet hopeful. Their passionate, tumultuous romance starts as teenagers, marked by a whirlwind week together that inevitably gets impacted by life’s harsh realities. The narrative beautifully oscillates between their shared past and present, revealing how teenage traumas shape adult choices.
One of the standout themes Williams explores is the impact of creative life and familial responsibilities on personal identity. Eva’s struggles as a single mom and a writer navigating the twists and turns of her career ring true, highlighting the inevitable push and pull between ambition and motherhood. I found myself nodding along as she grapples with the pressure to succeed while raising her daughter, Audre, who is an absolute delight—a tween with wisdom that belies her age.
Williams’ writing style is warm and witty, seamlessly weaving humor into the narrative while never shying away from the more painful aspects of the characters’ lives. Her nuanced portrayal of relationships—whether romantic or familial—feels both intimate and relatable. Lines like “You can’t outrun your past when it’s written all over your heart” lingered with me long after I closed the book, illustrating her talent for encapsulating complex emotions in a few poignant words.
The pacing kept me engaged, with delightful banter between Eva and Shane that felt authentic and electric. Their chemistry is palpable, and their journey back to each other is as messy as it is beautiful, underscoring the reality that love isn’t always a fairy tale.
If you enjoy narratives that blend humor with deep emotional truths, Seven Days in June should be at the top of your reading list. It’s a book for anyone who has ever navigated the painful corridors of love and loss, or who simply enjoys rich, character-driven stories. This book reminded me that second chances do exist, even amidst our most significant struggles.
In the end, Seven Days in June left me with a sense of hope and a lingering curiosity about the ongoing paths of the characters I came to cherish. Tia Williams has crafted a beautifully messy, real, and compelling story—one that’s sure to find a place in the hearts of many. If you’re in search of a read that challenges and delights in equal measure, this book is an absolute must.
You can find Seven Days in June here >>