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Falling for June: A Novel

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A new contemporary romance from Ryan Winfield, the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Jane’s Melody.

Elliot Champ, a charming but solitary bachelor who has sworn off romance, is closer than ever to realizing his childhood dream of moving to Miami—until a chance letter lands on his desk, and changes everything.

The letter takes him to Echo Glen, a secluded retreat outside of Seattle, where he meets David Hadley, an elderly man who needs Elliot’s help fulfilling a promise to his wife, June. But along the way, it is Elliot whose life will be changed, as he’s introduced to a cast of colorful characters who conspire to draw him ever deeper into a whimsical world, where falling in love is all about letting go.

From the green mountains of the great Pacific Northwest to the scarlet poppy fields of northern Spain, this unique and heart-wrenching love story will take you on an emotional journey to that ever-elusive place called true love. Another must-read romance from Ryan Winfield that is guaranteed to draw tears, put a smile on your face, and have you, too, falling for June.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2015

16 people are currently reading
892 people want to read

About the author

Ryan Winfield

14 books1,007 followers
New York Times bestselling author. Recreational pilot and provider of foodstuffs to one very hungry Maine Coon. Cultivator of roses, apparently to feed a mob of blacktail deer.

Find me on Substack.

If your book club or organization would like to arrange an appearance from me, either in person or via Skype, please send me a private message at Facebook with your request.


I've been asked why I write. I write because I remember.

I remember waking up to snow. I remember racing to dress, struggling with my boots – “Here, don't forget your mittens.” I remember the soft thump of that first footstep, the tracks looking back, and everything new and blanketed in quiet white. Foghorns blowing on the mist-covered bay. I feel the canvas newspaper bag on my shoulders, the weight of Sunday's headlines heavy on my mind. I remember rubber bands and ink stained hands. A car spun sideways in a ditch. Always a car. Then barking dogs, a distant chainsaw. I remember snowmen and igloos and icy trails through the white and wondrous woods. And I remember sweet Mrs. Johnson waiting at her door; the smell of Avon powder, her smile as she pressed an envelope into my palm—ten dollars and a peppermint candy cane thank you!

Evening now, running downtown. Everything passes in an excited blur. Salvation Army bells, white lights strung in sidewalk trees, bundled shoppers, hunched and hurrying, kicking up little snowdrifts scattered by the wind. And now I’m here. The heavy door, the warmth, the light, the old wood floors—the bookstore! Smells of paper and leather and ink. Walls of worlds bound and waiting for me.

Nothing has affected me as much as reading has. Dickens, Tolkien, and Lewis raised me. And while I've walked through my own hell, made my own mistakes, and found my own redemption, always there have been books. Books to help me escape, books for courage when I needed to stay and fight. Books that taught without preaching the difference between wrong and right. Books upon books to feed a boy’s feverish dreams; and the boy now grown, it’s still books that kindle the memories of those dreams on these long winter nights.

And so, I remember. And I write.

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5 stars
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18 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Ryan Winfield.
Author 14 books1,007 followers
February 13, 2015
Dear Friend,

I wanted to be the first to tell you about my upcoming release from Atria Books. Falling For June is a stand-alone love story, and possibly my proudest literary accomplishment to date. Researching and writing this novel sent me and my trusty notebook halfway across the globe, including jumping out of airplanes in Spain, only to return home again to find my story's ending waiting for me in a hidden mountain glen. Never before has writing a book moved me more; I hope reading it is just as moving for you.

Sincerely,
Ryan Winfield.

Pre-order Now: http://www.ryanwinfield.com/books/
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,819 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2015
4.5 stars. Lovely romantic story and not only did I fall for June, I fell for David too. Sigh. Can't wait for Mr. Winfield's next book.
Profile Image for Diane Perry.
1,281 reviews37 followers
July 3, 2015
I became a fan of Ryan Winfield with Jane's Melody and since then I have read everything of his. He never disappoints. This book is by far the sweetest, most powerful love story yet. I could not stop reading! Loved David and June's story. The way it was told made it even more heart tugging. Absolutely beautiful!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
Author 1 book8 followers
September 25, 2015
Falling for June by Ryan Winfield was amazing. It made me laugh and cry I felt so many other emotional. I was immersed by the story and I couldn't put it down. The love story was so beautiful and also seemed realistic to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fantastic love story. This book is a book you will want to read again and again.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 11, 2015
I just can't go any further than this and it's taken me 2 days to get this far, 40% in. I'm bored, the old man's story is only slightly interesting, as is Elliot. In the end this one just isn't for me.
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
725 reviews34 followers
January 16, 2018
I'm not sure why it has taken this long for Falling For June to reach the top of my TBR. It's a delightful and emotional novel written eloquently by a favourite author of mine.
Profile Image for Katrina Marie.
Author 45 books729 followers
September 30, 2015
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More Thoughts on Falling for June
This is probably one of the best love stories I've read.  There is definitely romance, but there are other types of love shown in this book as well.

I couldn't help but fall for Mr. Hadley and June's love story.  It's almost magical in the way they met and how they fell in love with each other.  It's a great, once in a lifetime love.  A love that I think everyone deserves.  And I really enjoyed that we don't really see it first hand.  We see their emotions grow through Hadley's storytelling with Elliot.

Elliot is a character that doesn't believe in love.  Well, that's what he claims, but everyone has a soft spot for an epic love story.  He learns a lot about himself through his time spent with Mr. Hadley.  He finds himself wanting to spend more time with Mr. Hadley in order to hear more of the story. Elliot hasn't been on the receiving end of much love in his life, and his dad told him it would bite him in the ass if he fell in love.  That advice has kept him guarded his entire life.

Falling for June is a love story, finding yourself story, and emotional at times.  While it had it's slow moments, I enjoyed the writing and the story it puts in our hearts.



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Profile Image for Jennifer Goins.
248 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2015
SO I JUST GOT DONE READING THE BOOK CALLED FALING FOR JUNE BY RYAN WINFIELD.I WON THIS BOOK FROM GOODREADS FRIST READ. THIS BOOK WAS SO EASY TO READ I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN TO STOP READING IT.IT WAS SO GOOD THAT I WAS CRYING WHILE I WAS READING THIS BOOK.I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS IF YOU LOVE ROMANCE YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS BOOK OUT. I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE THIS A 5+ STAR RATING. WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO GOODREADS FRIST READ AND TO THE AUTHOR RYAN WINFIELD FOR THE BOOK.
Profile Image for Andrea.
10 reviews
July 31, 2015
Another amazing read by a great local author! I would almost say this is my favorite Ryan Winfield book so far, but they have all touched me in different ways. Falling for June has so many love stories wrapped up in one - it is a funny, moving, lighthearted story that will touch and warm your heart as the tears slide down your cheeks. Ryan Winfield is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
Profile Image for Andrea.
10 reviews
July 29, 2015
Ryan Winfield never disappoints!

Another amazing read by a great local author! I would almost say this is my favorite Ryan Winfield book so far, but they have all touched me in different ways. Falling for June has so many love stories wrapped up in one - it is a funny, moving, lighthearted story that will touch and warm your heart as the tears slide down your cheeks. Ryan Winfield is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
Profile Image for Wendy.
831 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2017
This was such a wonderful heart warming story. The love between June and David was something that everyone should experience. The way that David talked about her made you love her and her adventurous personality. I can totally understand why it was called Falling For June.
I would recommend this to all my friends to read. It is just one of those feel good books. It will make you cry but in a good way.
Profile Image for Dick.
434 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2017
Winfield at his best


This is a lovely story of several men and a couple of women who fall in love over the years.
Profile Image for Lori.
394 reviews
May 25, 2020
What a wonderful story!!! Beautifully told. I didn’t want it to end.
Profile Image for Shelly.
344 reviews25 followers
August 22, 2015
This book was such a refreshing read. It's a romance, but more than anything this is a story of how friendship can form in the unlikeliest of situations. In Elliot's case he meets David at a time in his life when he is at a crossroads and his relationship with David is what will determine the course that the rest of his life will take.

Elliot is a man who, from a very early age, was turned against the idea of love. His mother left him with his father when he was only three years old and his father never quite recovered from the heartbreak. He dates, but he's determined that love isn't something he will ever need in his life. He's never seen this modeled in his life so he thinks his life will be just fine without it. Elliot works for a company that buys out mortgages on home properties that are struggling to stay afloat. One day a letter comes across his desk and while it intrigues him, he's passes it on to be picked up by someone else in the office. On his 33rd birthday he can't seem to get the letter out of his head so he digs it out and decides to pay the man a visit. It turns out to be the best decision he ever made.
"I think sometimes life lines up to give you exactly what it is you really need, and on my thirty-third birthday that's exactly what happened to me."

Elliot meets Mr. Hadley and over the course of a couple of days his life changes. David tells him the story of June and how they met and fell in love. His story is compelling and has the power to change how Elliot feels about love. Elliot may have fallen for June, but I definitely fell for David. He's in his early 50's when he initially meets June who becomes the love of his life. She changes his life in such an amazing way and David does the same for Elliot as he's relaying his love story with June to him during their visits.

There is a thread of a love story going on in the present with Elliot and Estrella, but it's not the driving force of the novel and it doesn't really happen until David makes Elliot believe that a true and lasting love is possible.
"Find yourself someone worthy of your love, and love her with all you've got. It's the only thing that's worth a damn in this life."

I have never read The Notebook, but I did see the movie years ago and this reminds me a little of that for some reason. I think it's the dual story that's happening and the fact that the major love story happening is the one that is already coming to an end in the present. I freely admit that there was some sobbing going on even after I had a feeling what the end was going to bring. I was finishing the book on a break at school and I had to put it down a couple of times so I could compose myself.

While I still think that Jane's Melody is my favorite of Ryan's books, this is most definitely a close second. I will say this again and again, but it's always true, there is such a lyrical quality to the writing and there are lines that you just have to highlight because you don't want to forget them. This is a beautiful story with characters that you will absolutely fall in love with. They have grand adventures complete with skydiving in Spain. I also happen to know that Ryan Winfield is a big believer in researching what he writes about, so you can be assured that when he describes the skydiving scenes he is doing so from a point of experience.

This is also a clean romance which was kind of unexpected because there are some very sexy love scenes in the Jane's Melody books. I have to admit, though, that some stories just need to be told in a certain way and I think that adding sex scenes into this particular one would have somehow taken away from David and June's story. This is a book that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who believes in long and lasting love. If you don't believe...read this book, it may just change your mind.
Profile Image for Jenny - Book Sojourner.
1,495 reviews173 followers
July 29, 2015
5+ Stars!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

Sorry, I had to get that out of the way. I can't even describe how much I loved 'Falling for June.' I was expecting a love story, given the title of this book. But what I got from this story went beyond my wildest imagination. 'Falling for June' is a gorgeous, touching, beautifully rendered story demonstrating what a gift it is to fall in love, to be in love, to love beyond fear or sickness or even death. Not only that, it is the inescapable beauty of friendship and kindness, compassion and comradery.

In this gorgeously written book, we follow Elliot Champ, solitary bachelor with big dreams of escape, as he goes about his life to finally gain his childhood dream. But plans often come to unexpected paths, as was the case when Elliot's job brought him to the doorstep of Echo Glen, and into the company of a charming, elderly gentleman named David Hadley. For Elliot, business today is not as-usual as he spends the afternooon with David learning about the charming, breathtaking, unforgettable love story between David and his wife, June. But what Elliot gains through this visit goes beyond a day and a story, and unexpectedly challenges the very depths of Elliot's life.

The beauty of this book was multi-layered, which is my very favorite type of book. Trying to avoid major spoilers, I will narrow down this book in a very small way. But this is only a brief taste of what this story entails. Just the tip of the iceberg.

*First of all, we get Elliot, our main protagonist, whom we learn about not only his present, but the foundation of his past that got him to where he is today and the reasoning behind his life's goals and dreams. Elliot is the perfect conductor of this story, with his combined reservations and vulnerability, and a heart of gold.

*Secondly, we get David and June's beautiful love story, released to us in a captivating tale that I could not get enough of. This tale revealed so much about David and June, about a history of life and love, and I'm still getting misty-eyed just thinking about it. I easily fell in love with them.

*Then, we get this newfound friendship between Elliot and David. Watching these two men from different generations bond and find a kindred spirit in the other was incredible. I'm getting misty-eyed again thinking about these lovely men.

*Lastly, we get Elliot's love story. Or potential love story, I should say. Because Elliot's world is thrown a bit on its head during this story, and we get to see how what he has learned about life and himself affects the choices he makes for his future.

I cannot praise 'Falling for June' enough. It's a new favorite of mine, and I've fallen in love with this beautiful story and its equally beautiful characters. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to follow endearing characters and a captivating storyline, who likes beautiful and engaging writing, who loves to fall in love with characters and wish they were sitting beside you. and who wants to be taken on a very special journey, that will leave you deeply touched and incredibly happy.
Profile Image for Angela.
39 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2015
I received this book as a gift from Atria books in exchange for providing a review. This is the first book I have read by this author. Honestly, I really hated the first five chapters. I found them truly sad, depressing and disheartening. If I had not felt obligated to provide an honest review based on the entire book I might not have made it past those first five dark and bleak chapters. Fortunately, I did continue and things got much better later on.

This author is actually quite talented and has a beautiful way of weaving emotion into the story. This story is in fact almost totally about emotions of different kinds. Its about discovering who you really are, what is really important in life and it shows us how sometimes you have to walk away from everything you imagined you wanted to find what you really needed to make you truly happy. The story is certainly unique and once you get past the first few chapters it is a very intriguing and rewarding read. I don't want to give the story away but I will say that it centers around two very different men who are both profoundly affected by a very unique woman. Her courage and her unstoppable quest to live life on her own terms brings them both out of their shells so to speak and inspires them to live for what really matters in their own lives.

As with so many books these days I felt this story would have benefited from being twice the length it is. My favorite books are those that give me so much detail about the characters that I feel like I can see them standing in front of me. This one does fall short of that in my opinion. I have just finished it and unfortunately I can't tell you much of anything about most of the characters in terms of their appearance. I am certainly very familiar with their emotions and that is a good thing, the author certainly portrays that very well. I would have enjoyed it more and give it five stars if I were able to tell you the color of the characters eyes, or their hair or how tall or short they were or if there was a distinguishing feature about them that I could call to mind when I read their names. Unfortunately, while there were some things that were described, for the most part this author leaves out those details. I feel those details are extremely important to making the story come alive and I just don't fully enjoy a novel the way I want to when those details aren't there. I would love to see this author take more time to really flesh out his characters and breath life into their bodies to go with the emotion that he creates so vividly. I can recommend this book as a really good read but with reservations in regard to the lack of physical descriptions of the characters.

On a separate point, why would the author "review" his own book? I don't think its appropriate for him to give himself five stars. I think he should leave that to his readers to decide.
Profile Image for Lori Horne.
8 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2015
“Just Beyond the Second Star …”

Everyone has a life story and this is a beautiful and poignant story about the truest love in all its purity between David and June. As Elliot enters into David’s domain with a single purpose in mind, he encounters the unexpected and is soon immersed in the echoes of the past. From the “Center of the Universe" tucked away in Washington State to the fields of Spain David takes Elliot on a journey of his

It’s a story about making choices of whether to just exist inside our self-imposed boxes or dare to literally leap into new adventures that will alter our very existence for the rest of our life. It’s an awakening of the spirit to see beyond our imagination and an opening of the heart to a love that may lie dormant. Do we follow a dream made long ago or become disillusioned when it becomes a reality to discover what was already standing before our eyes?

Once again Ryan Winfield has penned a very beautiful and emotional read. I was so drawn to each character and found myself wanting to find that special glen. I actually wanted to BE Jane.

Ryan’s talent shines throughout this book. By the end of the story I found that I also truly fell for June. The emotional attachment I obtained after reading it will stay with me until I revisit Echo Glen again. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to extend beyond the boundaries of their mind and find that place “just beyond the second star”. Bravo Ryan Winfield! This book is a true treasure.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,147 reviews322 followers
August 9, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

This is the first Ryan Winfield book I have read, so I didn’t know quite know what to expect from Falling for June. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this read! Winfield has a wonderful way of transporting the reader to the past. I felt very much a part of David and June’s love story. Readers learn about David and June’s story of love and adventure as David is telling it to Elliot. I did not expect to fall in love with the characters as much as I did. I was as rapt listening to David’s story as Elliot was and was all along hoping that Elliot would find true love as well. This was a very emotional read. I felt the characters’ pain, love, longing, despair—I know that sounds as corny as hell, but it’s the darn truth! I had tears streaming down my face for half of this book! Read this book. It is touching and awesome. I will definitely be looking for more of Winfield’s books to fall into!

Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
Profile Image for DCT.
1,036 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2015
I have fallen for June, David and Elliott. 4.5 beautiful stars!

**Sigh** My heart is so full right now, as I sit back an absorb this beautifully executed story. As an avid reader, I usually chose my next read based on a number of things, i.e. the synopsis, the cover artwork, the reviews, or work by an author that I have previously enjoyed. The later was my reasons for this one, as Ryan got me with the stories of Jane; must be something about the "J" as he has wrapped my emotions around Jane and now June. One of the things I love about this author, is his gift to transport the reader into the essence of the story and its characters. In my minds eye, I felt transported to Echo Glen and its picturesque settings, it's change of seasons, and the love and beauty that it cultivated. This is not a story that you merely read, it's one that you truly experience. Ryan, I've recently loss a loved one, and I am humbled and deeply touched by the love, sensitivity, and dignity surrounding Mr, Hadley. This one will stay with me, as it completely captured my heart. Thank you.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
August 20, 2015
"The Lessons of Love"

Nobody writes a romance story better than Ryan Winfield. But this novel goes further than romance ... it's all about understanding and accepting the binding relationships of love. It is a little slow in the start, but then it moves closer to your heart and a better understanding of true love. It's not only about Elliot Champ and his one goal to Move to Miami, but what he learns from David Hadley about Echo Glen ... the center of the universe. Elliot is a confirmed bachelor who works in housing foreclosing and meets with aged David Hadley to discuss his options before foreclosure on his ranch. After meeting Mr. Hadley, his beliefs and life will change forever. I read about one-half of this remarkable story, and listened to the rest on audio book narrated by Ryan Winfield. Read this story through to the end and your heart and soul will sparkle because of this excellently written story, masterfully created by Ryan Winfield. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lisazj1.
2,072 reviews194 followers
October 15, 2015
4.5 stars. I will confess that this started out a bit slow for me. Had I not previously read Jane's Melody by this author and very much enjoyed it, I might not have finished it. I'm so happy I did.

This was very much a different kind of romance for me. There's no big angst, other than the rather unhappy beginning. No big betrayal or drama. It's mostly the story of an old man at the end of his time reflecting back on a life that was well-lived and well-loved, and about friendships where you least expect them. This was a lovely, romantic read, and I'm genuinely glad I read it.
Profile Image for Hazel.
456 reviews14 followers
July 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Firstreads. Thank you very much!

Wow, this was a wonderful book, I loved every word of it, the story flowed, and sucked you in and made you feel like you were in the Hadley's home listening to David and June's love story. And what a story it was.

What an uplifting, romantic, heart-wrenching emotional journey where you too will fall for June and all the other characters in this book. I highly recommend this book, word of caution make sure you have a box of tissues handy, you will need them. I will definatly be looking for more of Ryan Winfield books in the future.
Profile Image for HeatherP.
1,054 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2015
This is a classic example of a romance story done right. It has everything a romance book needs and it's done right. This was my first book by Ryan and I will be checking out his others.

It did start off a little slow but I think that is just because of the world building Ryan did. After that it kept a great pace and did not slow down anymore.

Overall this book was very enjoyable and I am glad I accepted a review copy from the publisher. Ryan is a fantastic writer and really knows how to pull you into his story and keep you there till the very end.
Profile Image for Juani.
50 reviews
August 15, 2015
A true love story about not giving up on love and happiness. The story teaches you not to give up, how to forgive and moving forward. The realistic events made me laugh and cry. I've read four of Ryan Winfield's books and he never disappoints. This is another amazing story. I'll be looking out for more of his books and the great FB posts.
Profile Image for Deanna Benson.
15 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2015
I loved this book! As always, Ryan writes in a way that makes you fall in love with all of his characters. I laughed and cried as a read about the love and friendship that made life long bonds! An absolutely wonderful read and waiting for his next book! Thank you Ryan for another wonderful book!
Profile Image for Kim.
26 reviews
July 26, 2015
Wow

This book is a true love story! It's about how one person can help change the lives of others. It's an emotional read, it has ups and downs, it made me have tears, smile, and laugh. Isn't that what a good book should do. Thanks Ryan Winfield for this great book!
1 review
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August 16, 2015
Beautiful love story

I have to.give this book a five star plus rating. It was beautifully written and I found myself getting teary eyed on more than one occasion.
Ryan Winfield has written another best seller. A must read if you like a good love story.
I highly recommend.
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