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The House of Now and Then
From the author of The In-Between Bookstore, the sweet, unforgettable story of a trans man in his thirties who books a Cape Cod cottage for one lonely summer—only to have its magic bring him visitors from the past and romance where he least expects it, perfect for fans of TJ Klune and Ashley Poston.
Harlowe could use a break. With his academic future over, just like his relationship with his long-term boyfriend Jackson, a suspiciously cheap summer rental on the Cape feels like just the escape he needs.
But when he arrives at the picturesque seaside cottage, he’s alarmed to find his discouraging former professor in the living room. His father making coffee in the kitchen. And a handsome young repairman fixing things in the bedroom. Worst of all, Jackson is in the bathroom. None of them will leave. No one else can see them. And they won’t leave him alone.
The house isn’t magic only for Harlowe, and as the summer grows hot and thick with tourists, old wounds and fresh secrets—both in and outside its walls—begin to transform him. It’s clear the house is trying to tell him something, and he’s sure it has to do with the mysterious repairman who suddenly seems to be everywhere he looks… But can Harlowe let go of the past long enough to listen?
Evoking all the windswept dunes and Fourth of July fireworks of a perfect Cape Cod day, The House of Now and Then asks who you would find, if all your unfinished business was just behind one door.
Harlowe could use a break. With his academic future over, just like his relationship with his long-term boyfriend Jackson, a suspiciously cheap summer rental on the Cape feels like just the escape he needs.
But when he arrives at the picturesque seaside cottage, he’s alarmed to find his discouraging former professor in the living room. His father making coffee in the kitchen. And a handsome young repairman fixing things in the bedroom. Worst of all, Jackson is in the bathroom. None of them will leave. No one else can see them. And they won’t leave him alone.
The house isn’t magic only for Harlowe, and as the summer grows hot and thick with tourists, old wounds and fresh secrets—both in and outside its walls—begin to transform him. It’s clear the house is trying to tell him something, and he’s sure it has to do with the mysterious repairman who suddenly seems to be everywhere he looks… But can Harlowe let go of the past long enough to listen?
Evoking all the windswept dunes and Fourth of July fireworks of a perfect Cape Cod day, The House of Now and Then asks who you would find, if all your unfinished business was just behind one door.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Edward Underhill
5 books485 followersEdward Underhill grew up in the suburbs of Wisconsin, where he could not walk to anything, so he had to make up his own adventures. He studied music in college, spent several years living in very small apartments in New York, and currently resides in California with his partner and a talkative black cat. He is the author of two books for adults, The In-Between Bookstore and the forthcoming The House of Now and Then, as well the YA novels Always the Almost, This Day Changes Everything, and In Case You Read This. His books have earned starred reviews, been named Indie Next selections and LibraryReads Top 10 picks, and been included on numerous “best of the year” lists, including from YALSA, School Library Journal, and Booklist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
February 21, 2026
Actual rating 4.5 stars, rounded up to five because I felt the tears burning behind my eyes in that last part.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Edward Underhill’s The In-Between Bookstore. I loved his lively writing, but I liked the growth of the main character less. I even said I wished he’d stick to YA stories, because that’s what he’s good at. But I need to take those words back. The House of Now and Then is his best story so far.
“I don’t know.”
Jackson lets his breath out, an annoyed grunt. “There it is.”
I stick my face in the water, pushing my hair back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You never know, Har. It’s your answer for everything.”
Thirty-one-year-old Harlowe has broken up with his boyfriend. He barely sees his dad. He tossed his thesis into the bin after a conversation with his advisor. Now he’s spending the summer on Cape Cod, working an okay remote IT job. Until he starts seeing people in the cottage he rented for the summer: Jackson, his ex. His dad. His thesis advisor. And a guy named Nathan.
Edward Underhill’s vivid, sparkling writing highlights the magical elements beautifully, while the story still feels incredibly real. Because who hasn’t put things off, feelings included, until the inevitable?
Harlowe is a relatable main character, and I loved being in his head, but he’s not the only one who makes this story shine. There are so many fantastic side characters: Dina, her group of diverse friends, the cat Sir Duke (I adore the name), and of course sweet, broken Nathan. I had such a soft spot for him, even though I also wanted to yell at him at times.
So, I was a little sad when I finished reading, mostly because I wanted to spend more time with all of these characters.Edward, please keep writing stories like these. I will gobble them all up, frantically!
Thank you, Avon and NetGalley, for this amazing ARC!
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I wasn’t a huge fan of Edward Underhill’s The In-Between Bookstore. I loved his lively writing, but I liked the growth of the main character less. I even said I wished he’d stick to YA stories, because that’s what he’s good at. But I need to take those words back. The House of Now and Then is his best story so far.
“I don’t know.”
Jackson lets his breath out, an annoyed grunt. “There it is.”
I stick my face in the water, pushing my hair back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You never know, Har. It’s your answer for everything.”
Thirty-one-year-old Harlowe has broken up with his boyfriend. He barely sees his dad. He tossed his thesis into the bin after a conversation with his advisor. Now he’s spending the summer on Cape Cod, working an okay remote IT job. Until he starts seeing people in the cottage he rented for the summer: Jackson, his ex. His dad. His thesis advisor. And a guy named Nathan.
Edward Underhill’s vivid, sparkling writing highlights the magical elements beautifully, while the story still feels incredibly real. Because who hasn’t put things off, feelings included, until the inevitable?
Harlowe is a relatable main character, and I loved being in his head, but he’s not the only one who makes this story shine. There are so many fantastic side characters: Dina, her group of diverse friends, the cat Sir Duke (I adore the name), and of course sweet, broken Nathan. I had such a soft spot for him, even though I also wanted to yell at him at times.
So, I was a little sad when I finished reading, mostly because I wanted to spend more time with all of these characters.Edward, please keep writing stories like these. I will gobble them all up, frantically!
Thank you, Avon and NetGalley, for this amazing ARC!
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Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
4.25/5⭐️ I received The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill through a Goodreads giveaway, and I’m so grateful to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read it!
I’ll be honest—this was unlike anything I’ve read before. It was my first experience with both magical realism and LGBTQ+ themes, and I wasn’t sure what to expect going in.
As a New Englander myself, I was immediately drawn into the magic of the vale. It brought back a sense of nostalgia from my childhood and teenage years. Underhill’s writing is incredibly vivid and descriptive—I felt like I was right there alongside the characters. Speaking of which, I absolutely loved them. Each one had their own quirks and backstories that made them feel real and memorable.
The magical realism was beautifully done, especially in how it highlighted the importance of confronting your past in order to fully embrace the future. That theme really stood out to me. I also loved the sweet romantic storyline woven throughout the book. It added warmth without overpowering the main plot, which I thought was very well balanced.
I’m really glad I got the chance to discover a new author. I enjoyed Underhill’s writing style and storytelling so much that I’m definitely interested in checking out more of his work in the future.
I’ll be honest—this was unlike anything I’ve read before. It was my first experience with both magical realism and LGBTQ+ themes, and I wasn’t sure what to expect going in.
As a New Englander myself, I was immediately drawn into the magic of the vale. It brought back a sense of nostalgia from my childhood and teenage years. Underhill’s writing is incredibly vivid and descriptive—I felt like I was right there alongside the characters. Speaking of which, I absolutely loved them. Each one had their own quirks and backstories that made them feel real and memorable.
The magical realism was beautifully done, especially in how it highlighted the importance of confronting your past in order to fully embrace the future. That theme really stood out to me. I also loved the sweet romantic storyline woven throughout the book. It added warmth without overpowering the main plot, which I thought was very well balanced.
I’m really glad I got the chance to discover a new author. I enjoyed Underhill’s writing style and storytelling so much that I’m definitely interested in checking out more of his work in the future.
May 22, 2026
3.5 stars. A good, solid read, with interesting characters for whom I rooted and some intriguing elements of mystery. Regarding that latter part, Harlowe, our MC, has come to Cape Cod for the summer and the house he's renting comes with some unexpected housemates, whom only he can see - his ex, every time he goes into the bathroom, his former PhD supervisor, in the dining room, and his father, in the kitchen. All of these are people he knows, but he also sees Nathan, the nephew of his landlady, in his bedroom,... before he's actually met Nathan! All very mysterious, indeed.
The summer passes, characters must face their inner demons and and we end up caring about how they resolve their personal issues. Oh, and they eat a lot of Cape Cod potato chips! (There were at least 3-4 mentions of the brand?!)
Recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
The summer passes, characters must face their inner demons and and we end up caring about how they resolve their personal issues. Oh, and they eat a lot of Cape Cod potato chips! (There were at least 3-4 mentions of the brand?!)
Recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 2, 2026
Rating: 1.75/5 ⭐
The entirety of this book had me yelling at the main characters to communicate better.
Nearly every conflict could have been resolved with a single honest conversation, and after a while it became more frustrating than compelling. I spent most of the book waiting for Harlowe and Nathan to say what they actually felt instead of dancing around it and making assumptions.
By the end, I was honestly glad they ended up together because that’s two fewer people in their 30s out on the dating market who still don’t know how to communicate.
The constant miscommunication and lack of emotional maturity made it difficult for me to stay invested. It also lacked originality, and I found the theme redundant. There was nothing particularly special or memorable about it
The entirety of this book had me yelling at the main characters to communicate better.
Nearly every conflict could have been resolved with a single honest conversation, and after a while it became more frustrating than compelling. I spent most of the book waiting for Harlowe and Nathan to say what they actually felt instead of dancing around it and making assumptions.
By the end, I was honestly glad they ended up together because that’s two fewer people in their 30s out on the dating market who still don’t know how to communicate.
The constant miscommunication and lack of emotional maturity made it difficult for me to stay invested. It also lacked originality, and I found the theme redundant. There was nothing particularly special or memorable about it
June 12, 2026
BEAUTIFUL. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.
I read this book in one sitting, because I was absolutely encaptured by the characters, the setting, the premise, everything.
I grew up in Massachusetts, so the portrayal of the Cape added a layer of nostalgia as I read it, and I could truly envision each place they visited, especially P-Town, the spirit of P-Town was captured beautifully.
Harlowe had so much depth and I loved seeing him face the reflections of his past and have the hard conversations to rediscover himself without the weight of his ex, his father, and his advisor weighing on him.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the excellent trans representation in this novel, Harlowe is a proud trans man, and while his transition was not a main focus of the story, it has influence into his life, and that was portrayed so well.
Overall, a must read for a nostalgic, emotional, beautifully written summer story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
I read this book in one sitting, because I was absolutely encaptured by the characters, the setting, the premise, everything.
I grew up in Massachusetts, so the portrayal of the Cape added a layer of nostalgia as I read it, and I could truly envision each place they visited, especially P-Town, the spirit of P-Town was captured beautifully.
Harlowe had so much depth and I loved seeing him face the reflections of his past and have the hard conversations to rediscover himself without the weight of his ex, his father, and his advisor weighing on him.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the excellent trans representation in this novel, Harlowe is a proud trans man, and while his transition was not a main focus of the story, it has influence into his life, and that was portrayed so well.
Overall, a must read for a nostalgic, emotional, beautifully written summer story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
July 4, 2026
The House of Now and Then is a sweet and unforgettable story of Harlow, a trans man in his thirties, who books a Cape Cod cottage after a major breakup with plans to spend the summer there alone… only to have its magic bring him visitors from the past and romance where he least expects it.
This was such a magical, cozy read that handled very serious themes with grace. The description says it is great for fans of Ashley Poston and TJ Klune (two of my favorite authors), and I completely agree! I love the cover art and the title, which both perfectly encapsulate this heartwarming story. Harlow is a relatable, likeable character who is forced to confront parts of his past he has been actively avoiding. It is frustrating at times to see him resist the process, but ultimately rewarding to see him come to terms with these aspects and grow. While the main focus is Harlow’s personal growth, there is also a romance storyline which I thoroughly enjoyed as well! Initially I did not love this character but more comes to light as you read, explaining certain behaviors which greatly improved my understanding and opinion. I do wish there had been a bit more explanation behind the magical realism elements but I adored how this made the story so lovely and whimsical.
I had the pleasure of receiving an ALC as well as an ARC, so I was able to have a more immersive read listening to the audiobook while following along in the e-book. The audiobook is excellent and the narrator, Logan Rozos, perfectly captured and held my attention throughout as the voice of Harlow. I really enjoyed this story overall and I would recommend it to others!
Thank you to Edward Underhill, Avon and Harper Voyager, Harper Audio Adult, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC and ALC! This is a voluntary and honest review.
This was such a magical, cozy read that handled very serious themes with grace. The description says it is great for fans of Ashley Poston and TJ Klune (two of my favorite authors), and I completely agree! I love the cover art and the title, which both perfectly encapsulate this heartwarming story. Harlow is a relatable, likeable character who is forced to confront parts of his past he has been actively avoiding. It is frustrating at times to see him resist the process, but ultimately rewarding to see him come to terms with these aspects and grow. While the main focus is Harlow’s personal growth, there is also a romance storyline which I thoroughly enjoyed as well! Initially I did not love this character but more comes to light as you read, explaining certain behaviors which greatly improved my understanding and opinion. I do wish there had been a bit more explanation behind the magical realism elements but I adored how this made the story so lovely and whimsical.
I had the pleasure of receiving an ALC as well as an ARC, so I was able to have a more immersive read listening to the audiobook while following along in the e-book. The audiobook is excellent and the narrator, Logan Rozos, perfectly captured and held my attention throughout as the voice of Harlow. I really enjoyed this story overall and I would recommend it to others!
Thank you to Edward Underhill, Avon and Harper Voyager, Harper Audio Adult, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC and ALC! This is a voluntary and honest review.
May 19, 2026
3.5 rounded up
Edward Underhill really does heartfelt stories right. There's so much emotion and growth for their characters and I loved following their stories.
This is exactly what you would expect, a simple story with a bit of magic realism - but it was a nice read and an enjoyable one. I did find the book to have a bit of a pacing issue for such a small book, but once Harlowe got back on track the book followed. Overall, a good book for fans of queer lit and those needing a little more magic in their lives.
Edward Underhill really does heartfelt stories right. There's so much emotion and growth for their characters and I loved following their stories.
This is exactly what you would expect, a simple story with a bit of magic realism - but it was a nice read and an enjoyable one. I did find the book to have a bit of a pacing issue for such a small book, but once Harlowe got back on track the book followed. Overall, a good book for fans of queer lit and those needing a little more magic in their lives.
June 26, 2026
They weren’t lying when they said this story was perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and TJ Klune! The House of Now and Then stole my heart just like their stories do.
Harlowe needing a break and escaping to Cape Cod sounds like a dream honestly. He had so much he needed to unpack and deal with while he was there, and the cottage seemed to know exactly what to do to help him. Listening to Harlowe heal parts of himself and his past was very wholesome. And I absolutely loved that he found his own group in Cape Cod to spend time with for the summer.
I really enjoyed Logan Rozos’s narration for the whole story. Harlowe was truly brought to life thanks to him!
Thank you so much Edward Underhill and HarperAudio Adult for the gifted copy of the audiobook.
Harlowe needing a break and escaping to Cape Cod sounds like a dream honestly. He had so much he needed to unpack and deal with while he was there, and the cottage seemed to know exactly what to do to help him. Listening to Harlowe heal parts of himself and his past was very wholesome. And I absolutely loved that he found his own group in Cape Cod to spend time with for the summer.
I really enjoyed Logan Rozos’s narration for the whole story. Harlowe was truly brought to life thanks to him!
Thank you so much Edward Underhill and HarperAudio Adult for the gifted copy of the audiobook.
February 22, 2026
My heart 🥹
Every once In a while I read a book that resonates so deeply, in ways I didn’t think it would. There’s something to be said about starting over. Finding yourself after life has beaten you down and worn you out.
This was written so beautifully, and introduced a magical type of element that reminded me of The Seven Year Slip in some aspects…I wasn’t expecting that going in, but I really enjoyed this take on confronting your past and how we can live in the dread of our choices without even knowing it or facing it. Combining that with the setting of Cape Cod and the cute little cottage, and the wonky group of friends? Love.
Every once In a while I read a book that resonates so deeply, in ways I didn’t think it would. There’s something to be said about starting over. Finding yourself after life has beaten you down and worn you out.
This was written so beautifully, and introduced a magical type of element that reminded me of The Seven Year Slip in some aspects…I wasn’t expecting that going in, but I really enjoyed this take on confronting your past and how we can live in the dread of our choices without even knowing it or facing it. Combining that with the setting of Cape Cod and the cute little cottage, and the wonky group of friends? Love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ☆
After facing an academic setback and recent breakup, Harlowe, a trans man in his 30s, decides to flee Boston and rent a cottage in Cape Cod for the summer. He soon discovers there’s more to the cottage when visitors from his past are mysteriously residing within certain rooms, seemingly stuck within a time loop of a moment in his life.
The magical realism aspect of the cottage is tucked within a story that otherwise feels incredibly real. These “ghosts” of the past force Harlowe to confront the things that he’s long kept buried and avoided. In doing so, he’s finally able to move forward in life, and who can’t relate to that sentiment in some way?
A few minor things detracted me from the story. While it’s easy for the reader to see what’s happening, it takes quite a while for it to click in Harlowe’s head, which started to feel a tad tedious. Harlowe and his friends also felt much younger than 30s to me which is a pet peeve of mine.
But there's also much to adore. The Cape Cod setting is vivid and beautiful, and the side characters add more vibrancy. Harlowe and his struggles are authentic. The burgeoning romance between him and Nathan is nestled in without overpowering the main plot.
Ultimately 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 strikes a nice balance of melancholy and hope. The magical realism and themes explored feel similar in vein to the likes of TJ Klune, and I think plenty of readers will find enjoyment here.
🎙 Logan Rozos does a great job narrating as Harlowe. I enjoyed being able to tandem read this one!
✨ Thank you to Avon, Harper Audio & Net Galley for the ARC & ALC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5•19•2026]
After facing an academic setback and recent breakup, Harlowe, a trans man in his 30s, decides to flee Boston and rent a cottage in Cape Cod for the summer. He soon discovers there’s more to the cottage when visitors from his past are mysteriously residing within certain rooms, seemingly stuck within a time loop of a moment in his life.
The magical realism aspect of the cottage is tucked within a story that otherwise feels incredibly real. These “ghosts” of the past force Harlowe to confront the things that he’s long kept buried and avoided. In doing so, he’s finally able to move forward in life, and who can’t relate to that sentiment in some way?
A few minor things detracted me from the story. While it’s easy for the reader to see what’s happening, it takes quite a while for it to click in Harlowe’s head, which started to feel a tad tedious. Harlowe and his friends also felt much younger than 30s to me which is a pet peeve of mine.
But there's also much to adore. The Cape Cod setting is vivid and beautiful, and the side characters add more vibrancy. Harlowe and his struggles are authentic. The burgeoning romance between him and Nathan is nestled in without overpowering the main plot.
Ultimately 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 strikes a nice balance of melancholy and hope. The magical realism and themes explored feel similar in vein to the likes of TJ Klune, and I think plenty of readers will find enjoyment here.
🎙 Logan Rozos does a great job narrating as Harlowe. I enjoyed being able to tandem read this one!
✨ Thank you to Avon, Harper Audio & Net Galley for the ARC & ALC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5•19•2026]
May 20, 2026
The House of Now and Then follows Harlowe, who moves to a small cottage by the sea after a breakup, needing a change of scenery. In said cottage he finds unexpected visitors - his dad, his ex, his professor - only he can see, who repeat conversations he had with them in the past, and won't leave no matter what he does. But there is one visitor he doesn't know, the owner's nephew, who he then also meets in the village.
This book was a lovely exploration of grief, moving on, and falling in love. It really felt special to read. I liked the slow plot progression, even if sometimes the lack of progress between individual conversations felt frustrating - it also felt very realistic.
I really enjoyed the character dynamics, and the casual queerness of the entire cast. This is not a book about being gay, trans, or queer, but it implicitly deals with queer joy and queer grief, even if it also tacles joy and grief in general.
Super lovely read, I really enjoyed following Harlowe's journey, and encourage you to read it too!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This book was a lovely exploration of grief, moving on, and falling in love. It really felt special to read. I liked the slow plot progression, even if sometimes the lack of progress between individual conversations felt frustrating - it also felt very realistic.
I really enjoyed the character dynamics, and the casual queerness of the entire cast. This is not a book about being gay, trans, or queer, but it implicitly deals with queer joy and queer grief, even if it also tacles joy and grief in general.
Super lovely read, I really enjoyed following Harlowe's journey, and encourage you to read it too!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 15, 2026
Touching touching touching.
I loved this!! This was the second book by Edward Underhill I listened to this year and adored it.
In the beginning, I was worried it might turn out like some books that lean more towards self-help disguised as a novel (I personally despise those), but that wasn't the case at all.
The hint of magic was beautifully done, the atmosphere of the town and Cape Cod was perfect.
I found myself tearing up several times for different reasons. I think coming to terms with things is such an important thing in life. And making decisions yourself, and for yourself. As someone who asked herself similar questions during and after the end of a long relationship as Harlowe, lots of things about the story deeply resonated with me.
I just wish I would have learned a little more about the characters. I don't know what exactly it is I missed, but a little something.
Might bump this up to 5*.
Also, Logan Rozos is such a fantastic narrator. Could listen to him again and again.
I loved this!! This was the second book by Edward Underhill I listened to this year and adored it.
In the beginning, I was worried it might turn out like some books that lean more towards self-help disguised as a novel (I personally despise those), but that wasn't the case at all.
The hint of magic was beautifully done, the atmosphere of the town and Cape Cod was perfect.
I found myself tearing up several times for different reasons. I think coming to terms with things is such an important thing in life. And making decisions yourself, and for yourself. As someone who asked herself similar questions during and after the end of a long relationship as Harlowe, lots of things about the story deeply resonated with me.
I just wish I would have learned a little more about the characters. I don't know what exactly it is I missed, but a little something.
Might bump this up to 5*.
Also, Logan Rozos is such a fantastic narrator. Could listen to him again and again.
May 14, 2026
The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill is about a trans man, Harlowe, who is met by some familiar foes in a summer cottage near P-town. The uninvited roommates include his thesis professor, his father, his ex-boyfriend and his current crush and the magical realism part is only he can see them. Unfortunately this story didn’t vibe with me and I felt frustrated by it. “This is you avoiding something because you don’t want to commit.” Exactly, that. The narrator, Logan Rozos, did a fine job and the audiobook is short. ALC was provided by HarperAudio Adult. I received an audiobook listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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July 1, 2026This book absolutely swallowed my afternoon. The magical house got me in the door, but Harlowe kept me there. Watching him literally deal with the ghosts of his past somehow felt cozy, heartbreaking, funny, and hopeful all at once.
As someone who loves Provincetown, Underhill absolutely nailed the vibe. I could practically smell the ocean and justify an impulsive Cape trip and I really appreciated how Harlowe's experience as a trans man was handled. It's an important part of who he is, but never the only thing that defines him.
As someone who loves Provincetown, Underhill absolutely nailed the vibe. I could practically smell the ocean and justify an impulsive Cape trip and I really appreciated how Harlowe's experience as a trans man was handled. It's an important part of who he is, but never the only thing that defines him.
July 31, 2026
so many weird brand mentions that felt out of place. how many times are you gonna tell me you drive a honda? i get it !!! drive your honda silently!!! and the chips!!! yall dont have lays??? additionally, i think the actual mechanics of the cottage are a little silly. but more mad about the honda. like we can name the honda but we can't pull a single seltzer brand out of our ass? drinking game: how many times did they say seltzer. i get it we are drinking seltzer! but if we are giving cape cod a fucking ad read might as well make it la croix. god.
May 11, 2026
Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for this eARC!
Oh myy I loved this so much! 🥹 In a rental house “haunted” with his negligent Father, his ex, and the Professor that stripped his confidence of his future, Harlowe was forced to confront things he’d rather leave in the past. Each person in their own pivotal moment of time share a space in a costal New England town rental. I’m not sure who healed harder, me or him 😭🖤
Oh myy I loved this so much! 🥹 In a rental house “haunted” with his negligent Father, his ex, and the Professor that stripped his confidence of his future, Harlowe was forced to confront things he’d rather leave in the past. Each person in their own pivotal moment of time share a space in a costal New England town rental. I’m not sure who healed harder, me or him 😭🖤
May 24, 2026
This one wasn't for me ultimately. I did enjoy the paranormal house element that had dead people intreracting with the living but the romance aspect of the story didn't do much for me. It was okay as an audiobook and I would recommend it for fans of authors like Steven Roweley but for the most part this one was a miss and I wouldn't go out of my way to share it with other readers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 21, 2026
I loved this beautiful and magical book
I would rate it 4.5 but I rounded up (I’m an academia girly so the ending was cute but I wanted more for Harlowe and Nathan).
Dina is my hero and my icon btw. That’s it, that’s all I have to say about that
I would rate it 4.5 but I rounded up (I’m an academia girly so the ending was cute but I wanted more for Harlowe and Nathan).
Dina is my hero and my icon btw. That’s it, that’s all I have to say about that
May 30, 2026
a queer book making me cry? real original, underhill, real original.
harlowe was a far too relatable character. his whole mental journey felt so incredibly tangible to me. i also hope im half the woman dina is when i grow up.
underhill: 1
hannah: 0
harlowe was a far too relatable character. his whole mental journey felt so incredibly tangible to me. i also hope im half the woman dina is when i grow up.
underhill: 1
hannah: 0
June 7, 2026
This was delightful. A cozy, heart-felt summer beach read.
July 6, 2026
rounding a 3.5 up because this was a nice and enjoyable queer summer read with a really strong sense of place
Read
July 25, 20261.5⭐️
an entire book of the most passive, whiny, annoying person ever not being able to make a single decision and blaming everyone around him for his inability to form own opinions - personal nightmare
an entire book of the most passive, whiny, annoying person ever not being able to make a single decision and blaming everyone around him for his inability to form own opinions - personal nightmare
March 18, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.
Hm.
Mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I really loved the writing. Harlowe is a really compelling main character going through very relatable things even with all the magic involved. I devoured this book, it was so easy to get through. As someone who very briefly lived in Boston and also escaped to Cape Cod, I was transported back to that area with the way Underhill writes this book. Picking it up each day felt a lot like cuddling into a favorite, familiar blanket.
But even with the relatively small page count, this book drags hard. Harlowe has very little introspection about the very weird circumstances he finds himself in, doesn't really try many things to get out of it, and frankly seems naive at best or dumb at worst most of the time. It takes him way longer than the reader to catch on to things, including basic relationships between the characters he's meeting. I found myself scoffing when he comes to realizations I'd figured out a hundred pages beforehand. Rather than feeling like a carefully constructed character arc, it felt like the author was purposefully punting Harlowe's growth for pages and pages in order to make this book longer. And for such a short book, it should NOT feel that way.
I liked the found family aspect of it all, I'm a sucker for that. But there are also too many characters and too many names to keep track of. Nobody except Harlowe really gets their due because they're sharing page time with a dozen other people. I was often left wondering why we were given two characters in some circumstances when one would have been fine.
I didn't have a BAD time reading this, as I said. But it feels like Underhill had an idea that would have, frankly, made a better novella with half the characters. Its length felt artificially bloated by making Harlowe obtuse, blocked from growth by the author. When you're given a mystery like what's going on in this novel, you expect a steady release of information. But the story remains stagnant for pages and pages before wolloping you with exposition and explanation at the very end.
I might still read from Underhill in the future, because again the writing on a craft level was great. But he's gotta work on his structure & pacing, because they were awful here.
Hm.
Mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I really loved the writing. Harlowe is a really compelling main character going through very relatable things even with all the magic involved. I devoured this book, it was so easy to get through. As someone who very briefly lived in Boston and also escaped to Cape Cod, I was transported back to that area with the way Underhill writes this book. Picking it up each day felt a lot like cuddling into a favorite, familiar blanket.
But even with the relatively small page count, this book drags hard. Harlowe has very little introspection about the very weird circumstances he finds himself in, doesn't really try many things to get out of it, and frankly seems naive at best or dumb at worst most of the time. It takes him way longer than the reader to catch on to things, including basic relationships between the characters he's meeting. I found myself scoffing when he comes to realizations I'd figured out a hundred pages beforehand. Rather than feeling like a carefully constructed character arc, it felt like the author was purposefully punting Harlowe's growth for pages and pages in order to make this book longer. And for such a short book, it should NOT feel that way.
I liked the found family aspect of it all, I'm a sucker for that. But there are also too many characters and too many names to keep track of. Nobody except Harlowe really gets their due because they're sharing page time with a dozen other people. I was often left wondering why we were given two characters in some circumstances when one would have been fine.
I didn't have a BAD time reading this, as I said. But it feels like Underhill had an idea that would have, frankly, made a better novella with half the characters. Its length felt artificially bloated by making Harlowe obtuse, blocked from growth by the author. When you're given a mystery like what's going on in this novel, you expect a steady release of information. But the story remains stagnant for pages and pages before wolloping you with exposition and explanation at the very end.
I might still read from Underhill in the future, because again the writing on a craft level was great. But he's gotta work on his structure & pacing, because they were awful here.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Underhill always delivers! This time, we get a sweet story about a trans man who just broke up with his boyfriend and decides to move to the Cape for the summer to get a little distance. But he's surprised when the cottage he's renting has a few visitors that only he can see, namely his father, his ex, and his thesis advisor. What do they want and how can he make them go away? The House of Now and Then is another hit by Edward Underhill and I, for one, hope he keeps on writing!
July 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Rounded up for Goodreads.
A cottage haunted by people from your past that you must reconcile with to move forward? What a fun concept for a book to explore. I was completely captured from the blurb alone and knew I wouldn’t let this one sit on my shelf for long.
However, the concept shone a bit brighter than the actual execution for me. There were quite a few roadblocks that kept me from really falling in love with this story the way I wanted to. But I do think this is a book many will enjoy!
To start with the positives: this book transported me to my own personal vacation. The imagery and scene setting was magical and vivid. I loved the way the plot was set up and the representation that was laid out and explored throughout the book.
Some of the problems I ran into:
Our main character Harlowe? I wanted so much more from him. He was such a compelling character with an interesting back story that ended up feeling second to everything and everyone else in the book somehow. He felt like an observer with little agency for the majority of the book and that was such a let down for me.
Beyond wanting more from the characters (and the fact that there was too many to keep up with), the plot was slow moving, sometimes stagnant and too repetitive for it to read smoothly in my mind. It didn’t feel fleshed out enough and it didn’t reach the depth I felt like it could have.
Overall, this one just didn’t land for me but I have a feeling there are so many who will appreciate this quiet, charming and unique book!
Rounded up for Goodreads.
A cottage haunted by people from your past that you must reconcile with to move forward? What a fun concept for a book to explore. I was completely captured from the blurb alone and knew I wouldn’t let this one sit on my shelf for long.
However, the concept shone a bit brighter than the actual execution for me. There were quite a few roadblocks that kept me from really falling in love with this story the way I wanted to. But I do think this is a book many will enjoy!
To start with the positives: this book transported me to my own personal vacation. The imagery and scene setting was magical and vivid. I loved the way the plot was set up and the representation that was laid out and explored throughout the book.
Some of the problems I ran into:
Our main character Harlowe? I wanted so much more from him. He was such a compelling character with an interesting back story that ended up feeling second to everything and everyone else in the book somehow. He felt like an observer with little agency for the majority of the book and that was such a let down for me.
Beyond wanting more from the characters (and the fact that there was too many to keep up with), the plot was slow moving, sometimes stagnant and too repetitive for it to read smoothly in my mind. It didn’t feel fleshed out enough and it didn’t reach the depth I felt like it could have.
Overall, this one just didn’t land for me but I have a feeling there are so many who will appreciate this quiet, charming and unique book!
June 4, 2026
This was a 3.5 stars rounded to 4 for me.
I really liked the concepts and story line, however, I don't think was fully invested in the story. I think it would have been harder for me to finish this one had I not listened to the audiobook.
The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill follows Harlowe who post break up with long-term boyfriend Jackson, has moved to a cheap rental cottage on the Cape to get away from the mess he left in Boston. However, after moving in, Harlowe finds his old PHD advisor in his kitchen "needing to talk", his father making coffee in the kitchen, his ex needing to shower in the bathroom, and a young handsome repairman in his bedroom. As the summer progresses, Harlowe learns how to deal with his magical visitors and learns more about himself.
I really liked the concept that centers this story, a magical cottage that puts you face to face with some of the things in life you might be trying to run away from. It was so lovely to read about how Harlowe was able to confront these things and see his growth. I liked the romance also between him and Nathan. It was really lovely to see them both learn to move on.
The audiobook was really great. Logan Rozos did a great job narrating! This audiobook was in a single POV with a single narrator. Logan did a great job voicing and performing all the different characters. It was easy to follow along and enjoy.
Thanks so much to Avon and HarperAudio for the eARC and ALC to review! This review reflects my own opinions.
I really liked the concepts and story line, however, I don't think was fully invested in the story. I think it would have been harder for me to finish this one had I not listened to the audiobook.
The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill follows Harlowe who post break up with long-term boyfriend Jackson, has moved to a cheap rental cottage on the Cape to get away from the mess he left in Boston. However, after moving in, Harlowe finds his old PHD advisor in his kitchen "needing to talk", his father making coffee in the kitchen, his ex needing to shower in the bathroom, and a young handsome repairman in his bedroom. As the summer progresses, Harlowe learns how to deal with his magical visitors and learns more about himself.
I really liked the concept that centers this story, a magical cottage that puts you face to face with some of the things in life you might be trying to run away from. It was so lovely to read about how Harlowe was able to confront these things and see his growth. I liked the romance also between him and Nathan. It was really lovely to see them both learn to move on.
The audiobook was really great. Logan Rozos did a great job narrating! This audiobook was in a single POV with a single narrator. Logan did a great job voicing and performing all the different characters. It was easy to follow along and enjoy.
Thanks so much to Avon and HarperAudio for the eARC and ALC to review! This review reflects my own opinions.
June 10, 2026
The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill was featured in People Magazine and it sounded intriguing. And happily it was one of the choices in the Pride Picks Spring Challenge so I can check that box too. The main character is getting over a breakup and rents a cottage in Provincetown for the summer. But this cottage was more than just lodging. It was filled with people in Harlow’s life with whom he had unfinished business. His old boyfriend was in the bathroom, his father was in the kitchen, his past PHD professor was in the living room and a younger version of a prospective boyfriend was in the bedroom. Harlow had a good summer meeting new friends and healing. But the cottage showed him that he needed to figure out what the cottage dwellers were trying to show him before he could truly heal and be happy. 3 stars for this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 17, 2026
This was such a unique, interesting story. Harlowe rents a cottage on Cape Cod for the summer after breaking up with his long-term boyfriend. Shortly after arriving, he starts to see people from his past, and perhaps future, appearing at the cottage. Each one is stuck in a loop asking the same questions day after day. As Harlowe settles into the community at Cape Cod and makes some new friends, he slowly starts to understand why these people are here and what he needs to do.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Harlowe felt like a real person and his struggles were relatable. I enjoyed getting to know the community of Cape Cod alongside him. Each one unique in their own way. There are some very genuine tear jerker moments, especially toward the end, and I just couldn't put it own. Overall, a great read and definitely recommended.
Thank you for NetGalley, Avon Harper Voyager, Harper Audio Adult for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Harlowe felt like a real person and his struggles were relatable. I enjoyed getting to know the community of Cape Cod alongside him. Each one unique in their own way. There are some very genuine tear jerker moments, especially toward the end, and I just couldn't put it own. Overall, a great read and definitely recommended.
Thank you for NetGalley, Avon Harper Voyager, Harper Audio Adult for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2026
Oh what a lovely book! I love a story where someone tasks a leap, moves somewhere new and finds community and even romance. The magical realism here was really well done, in a realistically frustrating way and brings Harlowe through a huge range of emotions from shock, curiosity, indifference, acceptance, and then all the feels he works out confronting and talking to these ghosts. I love how he gets enfolded into such a lovely group of people and how he realizes that he is afraid of making choices and is able to make some big ones. It was not sad like I was expecting, but more introspective, with some humor and some really heartwarming scenes.
Note: I highly recommend this audiobook which brought all the emotions to the surface and just made me smile.
Thanks to the publisher for the ALC and eARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: I highly recommend this audiobook which brought all the emotions to the surface and just made me smile.
Thanks to the publisher for the ALC and eARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
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